©2007 Cranston (RI) Public Schools 1 The College Planning Process Information for Juniors

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©2007 Cranston (RI) Public Schools

The College Planning Process

Information for Juniors

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The College Process Is...

A Commitment Takes Time Can Be Confusing At Times Hard Work Research Project A Process That Requires Thought

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Our Agenda

Student Profile Testing Choosing The Right School Applying To That School Financial Aid NCAA Clearing House Questions and Answers

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Student Profile

What Does A School Look For In Its Applicants?

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Just The Facts

GPA (Grade Point Average) Class Rank Courses SAT/ACT Scores

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The Real Person

Student Leader Athlete Science Olympiad Math Team Actor Artist Musician

Volunteer Employee Scout Church Group

Member Contempora Staff Newspaper Peer Tutor

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To Help With The:

Resume "My Road" availableonline to allstudents.

Essay English teacherscan help.

Recommendations GuidanceCounselors,Teachers,Employers.

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SAT Reasoning Test &SAT Subject Tests

www.collegeboard.com

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SAT Tests

Critical Reading Math Writing Scores range from 200 - 800 Subject Tests - Math, Science, History

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Improve SAT Scores

Preview PSAT results Read If in SAT review course - take

advantage of practice time Private tutorial programs (Princeton

Review, Kaplan, CCRI, etc.) Use SAT review books and software

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SAT Registration

Paper Registration - Booklets are available in the CHSW Guidance Office

Online - www.collegeboard.com One can send scores to 4 colleges All official scores must be sent to the

colleges from the Collegeboard Colleges will see all scores but will

usually use the highest combination

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Reminders

Research in order to plan ahead Know when to take the SAT’s Know if SAT Subject Tests are required

by admissions SAT scores must be sent to the

colleges by the Collegeboard

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Where to Start?

Cost - Housing - Setting - Sports

Activities - Support Services

On Campus Facilities

Educational Resources

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Resources

College Catalogs View Books Web Sites like MyRoad.com &

Collegeboard.com College Reps College Fairs College Tours

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Counselor Requirements

Student Questionnaire Activity Sheet

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Deadlines

Early Decision Early Action Standard Rolling Admission

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Applications

Where do you get them?

When do you get them?

How do you get them?

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Application Forms

Common Application Online Application Paper Application

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Completing the Application:

Make a copy of the application at home Practice on the copy Complete your actual application

including essay if required Make a copy of the application to be

submitted Bring it to the guidance department

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If you want guidance to mail the application: Completed &

checked application Essay Activities sheet Teacher

recommendations Application fee Response post card

4 First class stamps Signed transcript

card Large manila

envelope addressed to the college

Name and due date on the inside flap

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If you prefer to mail the application: Transcript card required Counselor Letter of Recommendation

included Any other supplemental material

required by the school Sealed envelope given back to the

student

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Cranston West Timeline

The guidance department requires 15 school days to process a completed application

The guidance department reviews the application, includes an official transcript, school profile, and required/requested recommendations

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Essays

Brainstorm on the topics Select a topic Complete a rough draft Have someone review it Revise Edit

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Recommendations

Try for Two but check each school’s requirements

Teacher Coach Employer Community Person Counselor

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And more...

Interview Visit Tour Art, Theater, Music

– may require video tape, audition, portfolio

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Decisions

Acceptance Deferral Wait List Denial

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The Treasure Hunt

Financing College

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Financial Aid

The primary responsibility for paying for college is that of the parents and the student. Students may receive financial aid if they qualify.– According to need– Academic merit– Special interests

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What is Financial Aid?Money for College The total cost of college attendance

includes:– Tuition and Fees– Books and Supplies– Room and Board– Transportation– Miscellaneous Expenses

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What are the types of Financial Aid?

Grants/Scholarships Loans Work Study

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How does one apply for Financial Aid?

FAFSA– Pin Number– Deadlines

Profile College Forms

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Financial Aid Resources

College Planning Center of Rhode Island– Collegeplanningcenter.org– (401) 736 - 3170

College Financial Aid Office Community Financial Aid Workshops Senior Notes

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Helpful Websites

FAFSA on the web www.fafsa.ed.gov Financial Aid Information page

www.finaid.org Free Scholarship Search

www.fastweb.com www.rischolarships.com

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Student Athletes The National Collegiate Athletic Accociation

(NCAA) Provides a central location for certification

of academic elligibility for participation in intercollegiate sports

Students must register with the clearinghouse after their junior year in high school if they are considering a Division I or II School– www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

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Questions & Answers

Documents

©2007 Cranston (RI) Public Schools 1 The College Planning Process Information for Juniors