College Kickoff Night for Juniors and Families

Staples High SchoolGuidance Department

January 2, 2020

Welcome and Overview

Presentation regarding components of the college search and post-high school planning process

Firsthand perspective from current seniors

Q & A with school counselors

Text a question to: 205-546-1405

Post-High School Options

Apprenticeship Training Programs

Community Colleges/Two-Year Colleges

Employment

Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Gap Year

Military

Post-Graduate Year

Technical/Vocational Schools

SHS Class of 2019 Statistics

88% of students were satisfied or highly satisfied with their admissions results

Most popular colleges by attendance:

(1) U of Connecticut (2) U of Wisconsin (3) Tulane (4) U of Michigan/Norwalk Community College/Syracuse (5) Cornell

Students applied to 408 different colleges and attending 172 different colleges

Initial College List Selection Criteria

A Balanced List

Reach Colleges: Students who are typically admitted have coursework, grades, and test scores stronger than yours.

Target Colleges: Students who are typically admitted have similar coursework, grades, and test scores to yours. The majority of the schools on your list should fit in the “target” section.  

Likely Colleges: Your academic profile is stronger than the majority of admitted students.

• On average, Staples students apply to approximately 8 colleges. Your initial college list may be longer.

College Visits

Call ahead or check college websites to schedule an appointment for a campus tour/information sessionStudents should ask questions of the tour guide or other students on campusStudents are allowed 2 pre-planned excused college visit days per year School breaks are good times to visitInterviews offered at some colleges

Naviance Student

student.naviance.com/Staples

Web-based program for college and career planning:• Perform college search and create college list• Access college profiles and websites• Compare GPA and standardized test scores to historical Staples data• Review results from Do What You Are and Career Interest Profiler• View college representative visits• View scholarship information• Used to send transcripts and recommendations to colleges

College and Career Center

Adjacent to the Guidance Office and open during the school dayComputers available for college/career research and schoolworkGuidance Library books available in school and for checkoutJob Bank and working papersScholarship applications and financial aid informationCollege representative visits Exploring post-high school options

College and Career Center Coordinator: Ms. Sandra Zeigler, szeigler@westportps.org, 203-341-1886

What Colleges Consider

• Grades for all four years

• Strength of curriculum

• Standardized test scores

• Personal essay

• Work/co-curricular activities

• Counselor recommendation

• Teacher recommendations

• Demonstrated interest

• Interview

• Diversity

• Financial need

• Special talent (art/music/athletics)

• Institutional priorities

Transcript and GPAs

Staples transcript lists two GPAs: Academic and Overall

Academic GPA: Weighted and includes English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language, and Honors/AP Art/Music

Overall GPA: Unweighted and includes all courses

Many colleges recalculate GPA

Report cards reflect a quarterly Overall GPA

Naviance includes both GPAs

Senior Year Course Selection & Scheduling

Program of Studies to be posted online at SHS website

Teachers making course recommendations through end of January

February course pre-registration and individual meeting with school counselor

Course requests must be finalized by end of March

Course changes after the deadline not permitted

Teacher and Counselor Recommendations

Teacher letter is specific to the student in their course1-2 letters of recommendation may be requiredTypically junior year teachersRequested by spring of junior year

Counselor letter talks about the student over four yearsCounselors write for each of their students applying to collegeStudent/parent questionnaires required in fall of senior yearReference Forms are optional but very helpful

College Admission Tests

SATEvidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math(optional essay)Score range of 200-800 per section; Essay is scored 2-8.

ACTEnglish, Reading, Math, Science Reasoning (optional writing)Score range of 1-36 per section and 36 is the highest possible composite score

SAT Subject TestsOne-hour tests in Literature, Math, US History, World History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World LanguagesOnly required at some of the most selective collegesStudent should consult with counselor and teacher before registering

2020 Test Dates

SAT/SAT Subject Tests ACTMarch 14, 2020 (NO Subject Tests) February 8, 2020May 2, 2020 April 4, 2020June 6, 2020 June 13, 2020August 29, 2020 July 18, 2020October 3, 2020 September 12, 2020November 7, 2020 October 24, 2020December 5, 2020 December 12, 2020

Staples is a test site for the May, June, Nov., and Dec. SAT only. Staples is not a test site for the ACT.The statewide SAT administration will be March 25, 2020 during the school day.

Visual and Performing Arts

Review individual school websites for specific application requirements and

program information

National Portfolio Day: www.portfolioday.net

Performing & Visual Arts (PVA) College fairs: www.nacacnet.org/pva

College Night for the Visual and Performing Arts: Thursday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

Athletics

Students should speak with their coach and school counselor

Div. I or II athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

For more specific information, including NCAA-approved Staples courses, view Athletics in the College Admission Process on the SHS Guidance website.

Students with Learning Differences

Students seeking academic accommodations at the college level should be aware of the following:

• Family decision whether or not to disclose • Documentation requirements, eligibility criteria, and accommodations provided,

may differ from college to college

For more specific information, please view Learning Differences in the Post-High School Planning Process on SHS Guidance website.

Myths, Truths, & Recommendations for College-Bound Students with IEPS or 504s: Monday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

Levels of Support

Comprehensive – extensive support; separate application may be required;

disability may be considered during the admission process

Moderate– less structured support; documentation reviewed for admitted

students only

Minimal– least comprehensive of the three categories and typically offered to all

students (tutoring, writing center, etc.)

Financial Aid

College Financial Aid Night - Application Workshop: September 2020

FAFSA required by all colleges (avail. Oct. 1); Class of 2021 to use 2019 tax returns

CSS/Profile required by some private colleges (available early October)

Family conversation about finances considering full, four-year cost of college

Ensure admission and financial safeties included on the college list

Most scholarship applications available senior year; check Naviance

If the fees for submitting college applications, taking standardized tests and sending scores, or transcript requests presents a true financial hardship for your family, please have your child see his/her counselor.

What Should Students Do Second Semester?

Work hard in school

Generate initial college list

Research options and visit campuses

Determine standardized test schedule

Develop personal resume

Consider teacher recommendations

How Parents Can Support Their Child

Keep information including test scores, GPA, and college list private

Encourage a realistic range of schools and keep an open mind about choices

Take the opportunity to visit colleges with your child

Help your child stay organized with tasks and using a calendar

Communicate family values and support an ethical approach

Upcoming Programs

January 23 - Individual Family Meetings starting

➢ Contact Mrs. Fran Geraci, 203-341-1225, to schedule an appointment

March 23 - Myths, Truths, & Recommendations for College-Bound Students with IEPs or 504s

March 26 - College Night for the Visual and Performing Arts

April 23 - College Admission Testing Presentation

May 11 - College Admission Panel

Spring 2020 - Junior Connections and Classroom Lessons

What questions do you have for our counselors?

Text your question to:

205-546-1405