College Planning Workshop

March 7, 2012

Glenelg High School Student Services

School Counselors

Mrs. Allie McDonald, A – De Mrs. Mindy Hirsch, Df – I Mr. Rodney Williams, J – Mc Mr. Kareef Overton, Me – R Ms. Moira Baylog, S – Z

Agenda Introduction 7:00 – 7:25

Notes on preparing for the College Search and Application Process

Choice of 3 Breakout Sessions: 7:30 – 7:55 8:00 – 8:25 8:30 – 8:55

Feedback Forms

Simple Ways to Prepare for College

Take challenging courses Achieve the strongest possible grades Sample courses to help decide on

academic major and careers Involve yourself in activities you enjoy Take the SAT & ACT Research colleges and visit schools

Why vs. Where?

Ask WHY go to college? Don’t forget the why is more important than where…Emphasize education!

Not a competition…

Resist attempts to turnthe process into a statuscompetition.

Concerned about price?

Don’t allow the cost of a college education to cut

shorteducational pursuits.

Who is in charge?

Resist doing for your students

what they are capable of doing

themselves.

Where to start?The student should “know themselves” Values Ambitions Achievements Academic Strengths Interests Standout Talents Areas for Growth

What is Important? Size Setting Geographic Location Academic/Career Focus Learning Environment Cost – Including aid Reputation Family Considerations Other, i.e. Athletics, Study Abroad, Religious,

etc.

Colleges Consider… Grades / Overall GPA Strength of high school course selections SAT/ACT Test Score Essay* Teacher and counselor recommendations Class rank Student’s demonstrated interest Extracurricular Activities/Personal Accomplishments Personality characteristics Courses in progress Junior and Senior year

High School Transcript Final Grades in Courses taken grades 9 – 11

Unweighted/Weighted GPA

Unweighted/Weighted Rank

Calculated October 1

Senior Courses

Does NOT include SAT or ACT scores

High School Curriculum Curriculum should increase in level of challenge

from 9th to 12th grade 4 years of English 4 years of mathematics 3 years of Social Studies 3 years of science 2 years of a foreign language Exceed the minimum requirements with

Honors/AP courses A fourth year of mathematics and science is

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Extracurricular Activities

Less is more Focus on doing what you love Find a healthy balance Race to Nowhere

Leadership Volunteer opportunities Summer programs Athletics

College Admissions Testing Take at least one SAT and one ACT before senior year

Usually in the spring Can retake tests fall of senior year

Send all scores to colleges of interest – HCPSS policy prohibits GHS from sending scores on transcript

Additional cost to send scores later

Colleges take the Higher score

Investigate the need to take SAT II Tests

SAT II Subject Tests Some colleges require – see list on

Website Take in June after completion of related

course See Course Registration Booklet p. 18 – 19

One hour multiple choice tests Take up to 3 on a test day

When & How to take SAT/ACT?

SATRegister at

www.collegeboard.com

March 10, 2012May 5, 2012June 2, 2012*

*Testing is available at Glenelg High School.

Typically offered each: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, March, May & June

ACTRegister at

www.actstudent.org

April 14, 2012June 9, 2012*

Also offered next Sept, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr,

June

Preparation for SAT/ACT

ACT and College Board Website: http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/

Familiarization with test – practice, practice, practice

Use of PSAT My College Quick Start

Counselors Can Help

11th Grade English Classes Individual Student/Parent Conferences

Schedule March through Summer Junior Folders Resources

Website College Lists College Navigator

September Evening Program College Application Process and Requesting

Transcripts

College Counseling Website

Link available at www.glenelghigh.com Under Student Services link

College Research Resources

College Navigator Website College Board Book of Majors, Fiske’s Guide,

Ruggs College Visits/College Fairs/Preview Days Individual College/University Websites College admissions Blogs Academic Common Market Schools

http://www.mhec.state.md.us/highered/acadaff/academiccommonmarket/commonmarket.asp

College representatives that visit Glenelg each fall Professional Organization websites

Example – American Association of Physical Therapists

College Visits Students are allowed 3 excused days

Discretionary absence form available on Website

– must be approved by Mr. Schindler Contact University Admissions Office to

arrange Ask to meet with professors and attend a class Go when academic term is in session Ask students (other than your tour guide) how they feel about the school

Questions to ask on campus

What are the three most popular majors? What do you consider when deciding to admit

an applicant? Do most students graduate in 4 years? What is your retention rate? Do you offer assistance in securing

internships? What percentage of your students receive

employment after graduation?

Complete list of questions available on website

Next Steps for Juniors Stay focused on academics Choose challenging senior schedule Meet with your school counselor Stay involved in school activities Get a verbal commitment from teacher

for letter of recommendation Take the ACT / SAT tests Register for AP tests as appropriate

Next Steps for Juniors Research & Visit Colleges Attend college fairs Review college applications and

requirements Research schools, visit, visit, visit. Compile a list of 6 – 10 schools that

you can SERIOUSLY see yourself attending

Get a head start on the essay

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Merit scholarships awarded with initial application in fall of Senior year

EVERY family should apply for FAFSA Jan. 1 of Senior Year www.fafsa.ed.gov

Investigate on website what scholarships are available HCPSS Search Database www.MeritAid.com

GHS Timeline March

College Search Classroom Lessons Junior InterviewsApril – Summer Conferences with juniors and counselor Summer hours

June Review transcript process in classrooms Students get verbal commitment from

teachers for letter of recommendation

Next Steps for Parents Read up on College Admissions Help your student get organized Take a road trip – visit colleges! Know the right questions to ask Schedule conference with school

counselor

Closing RemarksCollege is not about where you go, but

rather what the student makes of the experience.

Spend the time, and your child WILL find a school that “fits”

Don’t hesitate to seek our help!

Questions?

Counselors will be in hallways to answer any

questions.

Move to Breakout Sessions