College Selection Process

How to navigate the often confusing world of college admissions

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

You are looking for the right fit Where a student is happy socially and

academically Where they feel they belong

COLLEGE ADMISSION TRENDS

Competition is increasing 80% - 20% Rule Hot Schools More Early Decision/Early Action/Waitlist Greater use of technology Tuition increases Financial Aid packages at expensive schools are improving Percentage of financial need met varies from school to school Federally funded Financial Aid Programs are intact The SAT has changed—More students are taking ACTs Colleges are looking for diversity and talent Increased enrollment in Community Colleges International students/Global brands

Admission Requirements

Strength of Transcript G.P.A. Class Rank Extra Curricular Activities SAT/ACT Scores

Academic Requirements for College

4 years of English Three to Four years of

Social Studies Three years of Math

Algebra I Geometry Algebra II

Two years of a lab science

Two years of a World Language

16 Carnegie Units SAT and/or ACT Test

Types of Admissions

Rolling Admissions Early Admissions Early Action Early Decision Regular

Admission Policy

Open Less Competitive Competitive Very Competitive Highly Competitive Most Competitive

The Self Assessment Where am I & where am I headed? What do I need to do? What changes do I need to make?

Sense of Direction Undecided is OK

Achievement-where am I at academically Goals-short term, long term Values-what is important to me Interests-what do I like Abilities-what am I good at Career-what are the possibilities Use Naviance

Career Assessment (Career Interest Profiler) Learning Style Inventory (My Learning Style) Personality Type Survey (Do What You Are)

Decisions/Decisions

Major Geographic Location Setting

Urban Suburban Rural

Size Cost

Developing a list – A Research Project

Use a search engine to develop a preliminary

list

Gather information: programs, facilities, dorms, services, security

Identify schools that are a good match

Safety - Target - Reach

The College Visit

College website Off-site information sessions Open house programs Official/informal tours Online virtual tours Online chats College fairs Interviews Overnight stays

Discover Your ResourcesGet to Know YourselfFind Colleges that MatchCommunicate with your Counselor

NAVIANCE SUCCEED

What can students do using Family Connection?

View Guidance News/ Bulletins Complete Learning Styles Inventory Complete Personality Assessment Complete a Career Search Complete a College Search Compare Colleges Develop a Prospective College List Develop a Resume Access Scholarship Search Engines (Local & National)

Select Links to Third Party Sites (Collegeboard, NCAA, FAFSA)

For Your Reference…

Resume

Career Search

College Match

College Look Up

Overlaps

College Compare

Prospective Colleges

College Testing Schedules

PSAT

SAT

ACT

PSAT

Excellent tool for SAT preparation Gives each student a comprehensive report

outlining strengths and weaknesses Junior year PSAT scores enter students for

the National Merit Scholarship program Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at MHS Every MHS 10th and 11th grade student will

take the PSAT during the school day. The cost is FREE.

www.collegeboard.com

TEST DATES October 11, 2014 November 8, 2014 December 6, 2014 January 24, 2015 March 14, 2015 May 2, 2015 June 6, 2015

Registration deadline September 12 October 9 November 6 December 29 February 13 April 6 May 8

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

SAT

ACT testing dateswww.actstudent.org TEST DATES October 25, 2014 December 13, 2014 February 7, 2015 April 18, 2015 June 13, 2015

Registration deadline September 19 November 7 January 9 March 13 May 8

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

www.fairtest.org

REQUIRE TEST SCORES FOR ADMISSION CONSIDERATION

SCHOOLS THAT DO NOT

OVER 800 schools now accepting “test optional” applications….

WHO WANTS FREE MONEY?

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! www.manasquanschools.org

Go to “HIGH SCHOOL” Go to “Students & Services”

Go to “GUIDANCE” Click on “SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES”

OUTSIDE SITES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS:

NAVIANCE National Database

www.fastweb.com

www.meritaid.com

www.cappex.com

Thursday, December 4, 2014

7pm in the Auditorium

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT

COLLEGE NIGHT

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 6:30pm – 8:30pm MHS Gymnasium Over 100 Colleges and Universities Trade Schools Military/Service Academies

GOOD ADVICE College Admissions is a Process - A series of events over

time Begin your planning NOW Self Assessment is a good place to start Do a Search Make a List-Reach, Target, Safe and Financially Safe Get out on the road and Visit Talk to the kids on the campus Revise your List Prepare for and take PSAT’s, SAT’s/ACT’s Keep your grades up Use Naviance to help you through the process Rely on your Guidance Counselor for help Relax, Don’t Panic, Stay Sane