Juniors and Parents Night IIMike Squarcia

Director of Guidance

Voorhees High School

This presentation is posted on the VHS guidance webpage: http://www.nhvweb.net/VHS/Guidance/

Preview: Application Process

Fall Junior Year Start developing college list Take PSAT Attend College Fairs Check college requirements Develop a testing plan: SAT or

ACT

Preview: Application Process Spring Junior Year

Spring Break College Visits Plan and Complete the Junior Packet

Strong Junior Packet = Strong Recommendation

SAT or ACT tests Continue researching colleges and plan

summer activities Summer College Open House Summer Enrichment Programs

Preview: Application Process

Change to Naviance Electronic Documents Request Teacher Recommendations

1st request in person (before the end of this year) 2nd request with Naviance (fall)

Transcript Requests Documents will be sent electronically

Transcripts Recommendation Letters Confirmation

Students Take Charge It is essential that the student take

charge of the college process Parents should offer support but not do

it for the student Colleges want to hear from the student Students should spend some time on

the junior questionnaire Parents should complete the Brag

Sheet

Searching for CollegeMike SquarciaDirector of GuidanceVoorhees High School

Naviance

https://succeed.naviance.com/signin.php What is Naviance?

A powerful interactive link between home and school, opening avenues of communication

An individualized, customized and secure website that supports academic planning for Voorhees and beyond

A resource that helps students and parents make better decisions about college opportunities and careers

Naviance What can you do on Naviance?

Build a resume, complete on-line surveys, and manage deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers

Research colleges Compare GPA and standardized test scores

to actual historical data from our school for students who have applied in the past

Senior Survey Must complete this before graduation! Check off where you have been

accepted/denied and your final choice for attendance.

Voorhees

Student’s Homelogic Username and Password

College Tools

College Search

Graph

Getting the Most Out of Your College Visits

Mike SquarciaDirector of GuidanceVoorhees High School

Before Planning a Visit

Assess YourselfAcademic Areas of Interest

(Possible Majors)PSAT Interest InventoriesTalent and Skills Assessments

Before Planning a Visit

Develop a Profile of YOUR CollegeLarge or SmallUrban, Suburban or RuralWhat part of the country?Price Range

Before Planning a Visit

Gather Information Talk to your family and friends College Web Search Request Viewbooks and Materials

from colleges of interest Register for SAT or ACT

Before Planning a Visit

Get Organized! Put together a college resume Get transcripts together Develop a college portfolio or

chart (checklist) Look at possible interview

questions

Start Planning

What schools should I visit?Schools that offer your major of interest

Schools that fit your profileSchools where you can be

Successful AcademicallyStimulated IntellectuallyHappy Socially

Start Planning

When should I visit?Best when classes are in session

Spring Recess: April 18-22Late Summer if classes start early

Summer Orientations

Start Planning

Typical scheduled visits last 2 to 3 hours

Try not to do more than 2 per day

Overnight visits can give you a much better perspective

Before the Visit

Call to schedule a visit at least 2 weeks ahead of time

Make sure you get clear directions so you get there on time (first impression)

Before the Visit Hand in the COLLEGE VISITATION

FORM 3 day before your visit.

Before the Visit

Make arrangements to see specific people or areas you want to see

Ask about Open House If you need to cancel, call

ASAP

During Your Visit

Be a Good DetectiveAsk people questionsListen in on conversationsTake notesVisit your area of interest

Labs, classrooms, facilities

During Your Visit

Sit in on a class Look at the housing Look at bulletin board postings Read the school newspaper Look at the athletic facilities

During Your Visit

Show you are INVESTEDArrange for an interviewPlan a second visit (possibly overnight)

Ask specific questionsTell them what you like about the school

Be Ready If You Have an Interview

Purpose:To gather information about you

To evaluate how you and the school match up

To recruit you by showing off the school

Prepare some possible answers to questions

Don’t be afraid to show your weakness, it makes you more interesting and believable

Show how you will be good for the institution

Be Ready If You Have an Interview

Before You Leave

Say Thank You Drive or walk around the entire

campus Beyond the tour route

Check out the surrounding town/ city Social Life Safety

After Your Visit

Write a note of appreciation to admissions staff

Make sure you have contact information

Stay in contact with the school Share your visit with your

teachers and counselor

Open House: What to Expect

Large Group meeting with all prospective students

Small group guided tours highlighting specific features

Return to the large group for follow up information

Take time to fill out the forms or cards

Good Luck School Shopping!

If you can’t get there in person, take a virtual tour