PRESENTED BY

THE SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

COUNSELING & COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER

Naviance/College Planning Workshop for Juniors

Welcome!

Naviance/Family Connection Goals for Juniors:

� To begin researching colleges and adding to your list. Use Scattergrams, Super Match, & College Compare!

� By the end of the school year list 5 colleges that you are considering in the COLLEGE section under “Colleges I am Thinking About” .

� Junior Survey in Naviance to start planning career options -- Do What You Are!

Planning for College and Your Future Using Naviance/Family Connection!

� Go to: www.srvhs.net

� On lower left side, click on the link called “Naviance”.

� Enter your email and the password you set up (in 9th

or 10th grade).

� Forgotten your password? Use the password retrieval tool on the Naviance page. Check your email to retrieve your password.

� Still doesn’t work? Raise your hand to have your account access reset.

Enjoy the process of finding YOUR post high school “FIT”!

Logging on to Naviance- Family Connection

� If you changed your email address since you set up your account, or you do not remember what email address you used to create your account, please raise your hand so we can assist you.

In Naviance, click on the “Colleges” tab, then under “College Research” Click on “Scattergrams”

� Check out the Naviance Scattergram feature:

Green squares indicated admitted students from SRVHS. Red circle is “YOU”!

On the left click on Naviance – Super Match

� Add screen shot

One of the many college exploration websites available!

Click on the back button (top left). Then click on “College Compare” under the Colleges tab.

� Compare Colleges (using Naviance). Find the right fit for you!

Colleges that are your reach/target/safety schools based on SRVHS admissions history. Red=above your GPA/test scores; Green=below your GPA/test scores

Click on the back button. Under “My Colleges” click on “Colleges I am Thinking About”

� Add screen shot

You can list colleges here to help you manage your college exploration process! We will try to

invite colleges on your lists to visit our College & Career Center next fall!

Naviance – Colleges I am Applying to…

� Add screen shot

As Seniors you will list all of the colleges you are applying to here!

SRVHS Junior Naviance Worksheet

� To introduce you to the college search features in your Family Connection-Naviance account

� We’ll Explore:

� “College”s Tab

� College search

� Compare me

� Colleges I am thinking about…

� Colleges I am applying to…

� “Careers” tab

Where Did SRVHS 2013 Grads Go?

96% of SRVHS 2013 Grads went on to college

� 2 Year Community College: 23%

� University of California: 14%

� California State University: 20%

� 4 year CA Private College: 7%

� Out of State/International Public and Private Universities: 32 %

� Military/Trade/Work: 4%

What is Considered in the 4 year College Admissions Process?

What Counts Most with Admissions Directors at 4 year schools?*

� Grades in College Prep Courses

� College Admissions Test Scores

� Essay/Personal Statement / Writing Sample

� Counselor Recommendations

� Teacher Recommendations

� Interview (very limited)

� Work / Extra Curricular Activities

(*from a survey given by the National Association of College Admissions

Counselors. Each college might prioritize differently)

UC/CSU “A – G” Requirements

University of California California State University

a. History/Social Science (2 years required)

a. History/Social Science (2 years required)

b. English (4 years required)

b. English (4 years required)

c. Mathematics(3 years required; 4 recommended)

c. Mathematics(3 years required)

d. Laboratory Science(2 years required)

d. Laboratory Science(2 years required)

e. Language other than English (2 years required; 3 recommended)

e. Language other than English (2 years required)

f. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)

f. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)

g. Electives (1 year required)

g. Electives (1 year required)

For detailed information regarding each A-G requirement, please refer to the SRVHS Online Course Catalogue.

Transcripts

� Weighted 10-12 A-G GPA: Used by UC & CSU

� Cumulative GPA (Weighted): Used by most private & out of state public schools (includes 9-12)

� Are freshman grades considered?

� Do senior grades matter?

� Other schools’ transcripts (Community college, online courses) (note: SRVHS does not put these grades on the

SRVHS transcript-district policy)

**Remember: SAVE the transcript you receive this spring to use for college research and planning.**

SAT & ACT www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org

� Tests can be taken more than once.

� Students typically begin taking SAT’s or ACT’s during the second semester of their junior year. Register online.

� SAT dates: January, March, May, June, October, November.

� ACT dates: February, April, June, October, December.

� UC’s and CSU’s will use the best scores from either the ACT (UC/CSU composite score) or SAT (UC’s by sitting; CSU’s by section, Math & Critical Reading only). Private and out of state schools vary.

SAT & ACT www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org

� SAT & ACT scores uploaded by district office to Naviance portal. SRVHS does not put test scores on the transcript.

� Need to send scores from testing agency to schools-this is not automatic. Additional fee.

� Ways to prepare for SAT/ACT: PSAT – My College Quick Start, practice tests, resource book (C&Career Center), online prep, prep classes strategies, Academic Boosters sponsored prep, etc.

� Schools who do not require SAT or ACT, visit www.fairtest.org.

What’s the Difference?

SAT ACTHow often is it administered? 7 times per year 6 times per year

What is the test structure? 9 - section exam: 3 Critical

Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing

4-5 – test exam: English, Math,

Reading, Science Reasoning,

and Writing (optional but

recommended)

What is the test content? Math: up to basic geometry and

algebra II

Science: none

Reading: sentence completion;

short and long critical reading

passages; reading comprehension

Writing: an essay; questions

testing grammar, usage, and word

choice

Math: up to trigonometry

Science: charts; experiments

Reading: four passages, one

each of prose fiction, social

sciences, humanities, and

natural sciences

English: stresses grammar

Writing: an essay (optional)

Is there a penalty for wrong

answers?

Yes No

How is the test scored? 200-800 for each subject, added

together for a combined score –

2400 is the highest possible

combined score

1-36 for each test, averaged

together for a composite score

– 36 is the highest possible

composite score.

Are there other uses for the exam? Scholarship purposes Scholarship purposes

What is the best time to register? At least 6 weeks before the test

date

At least 4 weeks before the test

date

Subject Tests

� Besides the SAT or the ACT, the UC’s and many private schools also recommend (or require) one or more Subject Tests.

� The UC’s no longer require Subject Tests as part of the admissions process, but for certain majors, Subject tests are strongly recommended, but cannot not negatively impact the student’s admissions status. (see UC website for specific campus recommendations)

� Students who plan to take Subject Tests, typically take them in May or June when they have almost completed a year of the subject.

� Check specific college websites to see if the SAT Subject Tests are part of the admissions requirements.

� SAT Subject Tests

� Reported on a scale from 200-800, with Subject Test sub-scores being reported on a scale from 20 to 80.

� Your scores tell college admissions staff how you did compared with other students who took the test and indicate strength of knowledge in a subject.

SAT Reasoning Test

� SAT Reasoning Test

� SAT scores are reported on a scale from 200-800, with additional sub-scores reported for the essay (ranging from 2-12) and for multiple-choice writing questions (on a 20-80 scale).

� Scores tell college admissions staff how you did compared with other students who took the test.

� The mean is approximately 500 on SAT critical reading and 500 on SAT mathematics.

Score Choice

� An option on the SAT’s where students can choose which scores they would like sent to colleges for an additional fee.

� See College Board website for a list of colleges and their preferences regarding score choice. UC and CSU campuses say they prefer that students NOT use score choice. � CSU combines best critical reading and math scores from multiple

sittings of SAT; for ACT, the optional writing portion is not required.� UC uses the highest combined score from a single sitting of the ACT

Assessment plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test.

� Some selective colleges have said they want all of the scores from the SAT and ACT, so be sure you know the college’s score policy.

Letters of Recommendation

� Many private and out of state colleges require letters of recommendation from your counselor and one or more teacher(s). � CSU’s and UC’s do NOT ACCEPT them. � See college websites for requirements.

� Counselor recommendations provide a broader view of a student within the context of the school and convey the student’s character, activities, and any personal qualities that test scores and grades alone don't reveal.

� Teacher recommendations convey the teacher's classroom experience with the student, and give colleges an idea of how the student is likely to perform academically.

Letters of Recommendation

� Ask your teacher in person if he/she could write a recommendation for you and ask what information he/she would need from you to do so. (Some want a copy of what you put together for your counselor, some have their own forms, some need nothing.) Then, officially request the teacher recommendation via Naviance. (You will do this senior year.)

� For all teachers and counselors, you will need to provide the due date form listing the schools and the recommendation deadlines. For colleges that only accept forms/recommendations via US mail, be sure to provide addressed, stamped envelopes for the teacher(s) and your counselor to send their recommendation(s). Also provide any hard copies of teacher or counselor evaluation forms (required by some colleges) that must be submitted.

Letters of Recommendation

�At least 3 weeks in advance you must provide your counselor with:

• A completed Due Date Form

• The Student Self Evaluation Form

• The Parent Questionnaire

All of these forms can be downloaded from the “Document Library” in Naviance

* You must also order your transcripts and pay for them with Ms. Murray in the counseling office before you see your counselor.

Writing College Essays

• Going beyond the grades and test scores…

• Your college essay should give college admissions officers a sense of who you are.

• College admission officers read these essays to learn about you – it should be YOUR voice, YOUR language!

• Show your personality, ideas, intellect, insight, creativity, curiosity, vision, spirit, interests, accomplishments, resilience, background, character, values, and dreams.

• Your essay can showcase your writing skills, your ability to follow directions (read/pay attention to the prompts), and can reveal a lot about you.

Essay Prompts

Most college essay prompts fall into one of three categories:

1. “Tell Us About You”

2. “Why Us?”

3. “Creative/Philosophical”

Often, as is typical of the Common Application, students can choose which prompt and/or topic to write about.

UC Personal Statement Prompts

� #1: Describe the world you come from—for example, your family, community, your school – and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

� #2: Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience, that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

� 1000 word total (divide between statements)

� http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-statement/

Getting Started…

To get started with essays/statements…begin to brainstorm:

• Your personal qualities, talents, strengths, background, accomplishments, and personal growth during high school.

• Consider significant choices you may have made or challenges you may have overcome.

• Think about what you are most proud of.

• What is “your passion”?

• Have you gone outside your comfort zone and accomplished something impressive?

• What would you like to accomplish in your life?

• Have you created/built something or turned an idea into a reality?

• What makes you special?

Keep in mind that your essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions officer with a favorable impression of you.

Top Ten Tips for Writing The College Essay

1. Choose something to write that you care about. Choose the topic with the most “charge’ for you: the one that allows you to write from your heart. Answer the prompt and write honestly (don’t embellish your achievements, titles, etc.).

2. Be concise. Every admissions officer has a huge stack of letters to read every day. Eliminate unnecessary words and keep your focus narrow and personal. Your reader must be able to find your main idea and follow it from beginning to end . Capture the reader with your opening sentence; leave the reader knowing who you are at your conclusion.

3. Remember to use your OWN voice in writing your essay. Your words, tone, and delivery communicate your personality. Communicate to the reader in a friendly, informal voice. Be you. Use your own vocabulary and phrasing. Try not to use the thesaurus too often. Admissions officers can often pick up when an adult voice comes through on the page. Be authentic. Trust your own words to convey your message.

4. Don’t let your voice be superficial. Press yourself after each statement you write to go more deeply by asking yourself, “So? Why was that compelling for me? What hopes or fears did that evoke within me? What images come up for me when I think of that event or experience?” Write about these things. This will showcase your voice.

5. Prove it. Develop your main idea with vivid and specific facts, events, quotations, examples, and reasons. Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing by using vivid and specific details. A good essay is often compared to a story. Provide details to help the reader see the setting. Use the names ( or invent them) for the people in the story. Make the story come alive for the reader.

Top Ten Tips for Writing The College Essay

6. Be likable. Colleges see themselves as communities, where people have to get along with others, in dorms, classes, etc. Are you someone they would like to have dinner with, hang out with, have in a discussion section? Think, “How can I communicate this without directly saying it.” Again, let your personality come through on the page.

7. Don’t mistake a list of accomplishments for an essay. A list repeats information found elsewhere in the application.

8. Be cautious in your use of humor. Humor is in the eye of the beholder.

9. There is no “bad” first draft. Ask a friend, parent, teacher, counselor to read it. Does it sound like you? How does it sound: funny, serious, upbeat, depressing, flowery, etc.? Did the sentences flow well? Was it interesting? Does it distinguish you from all others applying to college X? Did your friend learn something new about you? Ask: “If you didn’t know me, would my essay tell you enough about me? Is it clear and understandable?”

10. Don’t forget to proofread. Typos and spelling or grammatical errors can be interpreted as carelessness or just bad writing.

“College is a Match to be Made, not a Prize to be Won*”

� Consider options (many types/sizes/locales, etc)

� Cost (in state/out of state/scholarship/Fin. Aid)

� Growth and Learning (new location, new culture, make

new friends, discover who you are, academics)

� Risk & Reward (jumping in “deep end”, get involved, time

management, mentorship, friendship)

� Top 5 reasons students choose a college

� 5-location; 4-# of students; 3-cost; 2-I got accepted; 1-It just felt right! Enjoy the process of self discovery!

� Parent/student surveys (copies in C/Career Center)* Colleges That Change Lives/RACC

Beginning Your College Search

� STEP 1: Identify Priorities

� Location, size, majors and programs, cost, selectivity, sports, etc.

� STEP 2: Narrow School Choices-Research your options!

� Research and compare pros and cons (Naviance, College Board & more…)

� Group schools by chance of being admitted (reach, probable, safety)

� Prepare final list by fall of senior year

Beginning Your College Search

� STEP 3: Visit Schools

� Take campus tours, attend classes, meet w/ admissions counselors, stay in dorms, eat cafeteria food, talk to students and professors. Book ahead!

� STEP 4: Get Organized

� Compile list of required forms, recommendations, and deadlines

� In the Fall of your senior year, note application deadlines/procedures and begin writing personal statements

� Add colleges to “Colleges I am thinking about” in Naviance

Some Tools to use in the College Search Process

� Naviance (Family Connection)

� Parents and students have separate log in access

� College scattergrams/college compare/super match

� College Board’s “Big Future”

� www.collegeboard.org

� College Guides, Book of Majors, Career )

� Fiske, College Handbook, Insiders Guide, Book of Majors…..

� College Websites – Each college and/or…

� CSU Mentor (www.csumentor.edu); UC: www.universityofcalifornia.edu; www.californiacolleges.edu; (Websites to Use and Peruse – handout available in Career and College Center)

Navigating College Websites

Sample College Search Engine:College Board’s Big Future

� https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org

Additional Resources

� SRVHS College and Career Center

� School Loop postings & e-mails/eBulletin; posterboards around campus

� College Visits to Career Center; College Info files; Admissions stats.

� Naviance Family Connecton--Counseling/College & Career Planning software)

� Students are introduced to Naviance as freshmen. Junior parents should have access to view.

� See College and Career Center for log in assistance.

� College Fairs/Regional Receptions

� Black College Expo: was Jan. 25 this year

� NACAC College Fair in SF: May 3, 2014

� St. Mary’s College (WACAC Fair): May 10, 2014

� SRVUSD: Oct. 29, 2014 @ California High School

� Inside College Admissions-Case Studies : April 2 @ 6 to 8:30 p.m. (RSVP req’d)

Types of Schools & Applications

� Community Colleges (112 in CA)

� California State Universities (23)

� University of California (9)

� Private/Independent CA Colleges (77+)

� Total colleges in US (3400+)

� International Schools

� Applications: UC, CSU, Community College, Common Application, Institutional Application

Community College

Facts: �Certain Community Colleges offer on-campus housing

� In 2012-13

� 251 DVC students transferred to UC Berkeley

� 721 DVC students transferred to a UC

� 856 DVC students transferred to a CSU

�For more information, visit:� www.assist.org

� http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/transfer

� Admissions Requirements, Major Preparation Paths, Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

Community College

Step Recommended Time Line

Complete the application for admission. See link from community college website.

February – March 2015

Take English and Math Assessments at college campus.

February – April 2015

Complete orientation and other counseling /advising requirements as per campus instructions.

Register March – April 2015Complete – Summer 2015

Register for fall 2015 classes Registration date is assigned by college

*Priority class registration for DVC and Las Positas campuses for SRVHS grads

who meet early admission criteria. See college websites for details.

Applying to 4 Year Colleges Important Facts to Know

� Deadlines vary.

� CSU: October 1 – November 30

� Apply online at www.csumentor.edu

� UC : Website opens in October. Filing period is November 1 -November 30. (this may change for the fall 2014 filing period)

� Apply online and find campus information at www.universityofcalifornia.edu

� Private Schools: The application process and enrollment timelines vary per school. Contact the school directly to obtain specific information. Many private school applications are available through the Common Application.

� Apply online at www.commonapp.org

� Application fees vary, typically $60 to $90 each.

When to apply? Consider Regular Decision/Early Decision/Early Action/Rolling Admission

� What is Regular Decision?

� What is Rolling Admission?

� What is Early Action, Restrictive Early Action and Single Choice Early Action?

� What is Early Decision?

� When is it appropriate to apply Early Decision? When is it not appropriate?

� What does it mean if I get accepted as an “Early Decision” applicant?

� Can I apply to more than one college “Early Decision”?

Timelines

� Community College

� 4 year college or university

� Military (Enlist/Academy/ROTC)

� Career Technical/Vocational College

� College Athletes

� Check individual college websites to determine application deadlines.

College Visits/Tours

Consider the following steps in organizing your visit to a college campus:

� Select four or five colleges that interest you.

� Do your homework about a college before you visit the campus. You should know some basic factual information before you visit, so you can ask more important questions during your visit. Naviance is a great tool for this.

� Plan to visit only one or two campuses each day.

� Visit a local college first.

� Find someone to share your college visiting experiences with.

College Visits/Tours

� Try to visit while college students are on campus.

� Book tours/info sessions ahead of time online

� Often admissions officers, who present info sessions, also read applications. They are a great resource as are student tour guides!

�As you walk around campus, try to imagine what it would be like to be a student at this college.

�Be sure to ask questions to get the information YOU need.

�Think about having a few similar questions for each campus visit to help you compare.

What Questions should you Ask?

� Ask questions that :

� interest you and will assist you to compare different college campuses & experiences.

� are not readily available in school publications.

� regarding financial aid policies and availability of funds. Merit aid? Need based aid? Cost of attendance?

� involve opinions, impressions, and information that is important to you.

After Your College Visit

� Take time to make some notes. Write down:

� your own impressions

� answers to your questions

� reflections on what you liked and didn’t like about the campus

� When you get home, organize all of your information in a college planning folder or file. (Parents can help here!)

� Sign up on the college’s website to receive future correspondence. Use your “college application” e-mail. Get in the habit of checking it often!

Goal: Find “The Right Fit for You (Student)”

� Be Realistic:� What might be a good fit for one student, may not be for another student.

� What college is best for you?

� Is it a liberal arts college or a research university?

� Is it a big school or a small school?

� Is it nearby or far away? In CA or out of state?

� Urban, suburban or rural setting…..

� Remember: It depends on YOUR personality, learning style, and academic interests and goals.

Apply Broadly and Choose Wisely

In addition, you may want to consider the following:

� Academic Program - does it have your major? Can you change majors?

� Quality of Programs. Remember… choose a school that fits yourinterests.

� Admissions Requirements and Selectivity

� Location, Location, Location

� School Size

� Living Conditions

� Graduation Rates, Retention Rates

� Tuition

Student Athletes

� NCAA (www.ncaa.org)

� The NCAA has three divisions

� Division I and II offer scholarships

� Division III is non-scholarship

� NCAA Eligibility Center-formally known as the Clearing House

� Only for NCAA Divisions I and II

� Student registers directly, preferably at start of junior year

� High school files class information directly

� SAT is based on combined score of verbal & math only (not writing)

� Determines if you can practice, play, or receive athletic scholarship and determines amateur status

� NAIA (www.naia.org)

� The NAIA has two divisions

� Club Sports/Intramurals

2013-14 Per Year Estimated College Costs

2013-2014 Community College

CSU UC Private/ Independent

Registration Fees and Tuition*

$ 1114-1448 $ 5963- $ 8742 $ 13398 -$15666

$ 27010 - $ 56814

Books & Supplies $ 1788 $ 1788 $ 1788 $ 1788

Room & Board $ 4400-$11268 $ 8902 - $12816on campus housing

$ 11978–$14718on campus housing

$ 8755- $ 15950on campus housing

Transportation $ 1496 $ 1496 $ 1496 $ 1496

Personal Expenses

$ 3288 $ 3288 $ 3288 $ 3288

Total Expenses

$ 12086 -$ 19288

$ 21437 -$28130

$ 31948 –$ 36956

$ 42357 –$ 79336

*Registration fees and tuition are based on full-time enrollment. Fees and tuition are subject to change without advanced notice.

Financial Aid

� There will be a financial aid FAFSA on the Web for seniors and their parents in Jan. 2015 .

� Students AND parents should attend.

� FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

� www.fafsa.ed.gov

� Filing window is January 1st – March 2nd of your senior year.

� Cal Grant (district to upload GPA Verification info)

� www.calgrants.org

� Must meet eligibility requirements of income and GPA.

� CSS / Financial Aid Profile

� Required by some independent colleges and scholarships organizations

� WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) Scholarship

� More financial aid information on the SRVHS website under “Guidance”

Financial Aid Programs for Undergraduates

Pell $650 - $5,645

SEOG $100 - $4,000

Cal Grant A $5,472 - $12,192

Cal Grant B $6,945 - $13,665

Cal Grant C Vocational programs only

EOP Grant $100 - $1,000

University Grant Varies by school

Perkins $3,000 per year maximum

Stafford/Federal $5,500 - $7,500 perDirect Loan year

Federal $1,000 to $4,500Work Study

Work StudyFinancial assistance earned by a student through employment

GrantsFinancial aid that does not have to be repaid

LoansMoney loaned to students. Repayment begins after student has left college

In order to be considered for all types of financial aid, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the GPA verification form by March 2nd of their senior year in high school. To continue to receive student aid, students must re-apply every year. Contact the financial aid office at the college where you want to attend for complete information.

Scholarships – SEEK THEM OUT!

� Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria.

� Scholarship criteria varies and may be awarded for such things as academic performance (merit), response to an essay prompt, financial need (need based), art prowess, major interest, and/or a combination of reasons.

� Announcements of scholarship opportunities and availability are posted on Naviance (“Colleges” tab) . Also, look to local community organizations, parent employers, search engines (such as www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org ) and on college websites! .

� Check with the College & Career Center throughout the year for more information on various scholarship opportunities.

Questions

Your academic Counselors and the College and Career Center are great

resources for you. We look forward to supporting your college and

career exploration process! Enjoy the journey!