Post-Secondary Planning

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Post-Secondary Planning

Valley Regional High SchoolSchool Counseling Department

February 2, 2010VRHS Auditorium 7:00pm

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The School Counselors

Current grade 11 counselor distribution by student last name:

Ms. Sarah McKinney: A-Filippides Mr. Yves Noiset: Finkledey-McMahon

Ms. Lorraine Duffy: Mitchel-Z

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The College Search

Junior U.S. History classroom presentations.

Online college search programs

1. www.bridges.com (Choices Planner)

ID: 0100076

PW: warrior

2. www.collegeboard.com

click on “Find Your Match” College Fair: Hartford Expo Center (April 8th: 6:30-8:30

pm) Post-Secondary EXPO (March 26th at Valley)

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College Admission Requirements

Four Year College/University High School transcript Rigor of courses Test scores (SAT/ACT/SAT II) Letters of Recommendation College Essay Portfolio/Auditions if applying to a fine arts program

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College Admission Requirements

2 year Community College SAT/ACT not required. Placement test will be given at the community college. Less expensive option. Associates Degree or Certificate programs. Transfer options/agreements.

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College Admission Requirements

Technical School/Career Trade programs/Certificate programs. Valley Post-Secondary EXPO (March 26). School-to-Career (Mrs. Hambor) can help

students with job shadowing and career internship opportunities.

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Testing Requirements

The SAT Comprised of 3 sections (Critical Reading,

Math and Writing). A student can score a possible score of 800

on each section. 2400 is the highest SAT score possible. Spring of junior year and fall of senior year.

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Testing Requirements

The SAT II Subject Tests: SAT II’s are offered in a variety of subjects.

Colleges and universities that are more competitive may want to see 2-3 subject tests.

Plan testing dates in advance.

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Testing Requirements

All registration info and testing dates for both the SAT I and SAT II can be found on the College Board website www.collegeboard.com.

Registration packets also available in School Counseling Dept.

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Testing Requirements

The ACT Alternative test to the SAT. Has a Math, Reading, Science and optional

Writing section. Registration and testing dates can be found at:

www.actstudent.org.

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The Application Process

How do I get an application? Apply online. Request an application from a college

admissions office. Common application. Counseling Dept. Resource Room

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The Application Process

What is the Common Application?

The Common Application allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application form.

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The Application Process

Different ways to apply:

Early Decision Early Action Regular Admissions Rolling Admissions

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The Application Process

When it comes to sending the application, who sends what?

Students send: Application fee Application College essay Portfolio/Auditions (if necessary for program)

**Will also need to turn in Transcript Request Form to Counseling Dept**

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The Application Process

Counseling Department sends: High School Transcript School Report Form Counselor Letter of Recommendation School Profile

Students MUST fill out the Transcript Request Form to have these materials sent.

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The Application Process

Teachers send: Teacher Letter of Recommendation.

Student should provide teachers with stamped and addressed envelopes.

Ask Teachers EARLY!!!

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Athletics

NCAA Eligibility Centerwww.eligibilitycenter.org

Click on Fall 2010 or after

• Need to register if interested in Division I & II athletic programs.

• Do not need to register for Division III.

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Visiting Colleges

School vacation weeks During the summer Talk to college admissions office

to schedule a tour, interview, overnight, etc.

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Summer Mailing

Summer Mailings are sent before senior year to each student. Packets contain important information on the college application process.

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Financial Aid

Financial Aid Night at Valley. For Parents of SeniorsHeld each December

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Scholarships

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Financial Aid

Helpful Financial Aid websites:

http://www.cslf.com/ (CT Student Loan Foundation)

www.fafsa.ed.gov

www.collegeboard.com

www.fastweb.com

www.finaid.org

www.salliemae.com

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Additional Resources

www.commonapp.org (Common Application)

www.rotc.com (ROTC programs)

www.petersons.com (college search)

www.embark.com (college search)

www.ctmentor.org (college search/financial aid)

www.kaplan.com (test prep)

www.careerplanner.com (career search)

www.careers.org (career search and info)

www.gap-year.com (year between h.s./college programs)

www.commnet.edu (CT Community Colleges)

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School Counseling Website

• www.reg4.k12.ct.us

• Click on “Valley Regional H.S.”

• Click on “Student Resources”

• Click on “Counseling” link.

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Q&A

Remember: organization and following timelines are key—keep deadlines in mind!

We’re here to help as you embark on the post secondary planning process!

Thank you for attending!