RISING SENIOR COLLEGE NIGHT:

GETTING AHEAD IN THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

JFK High School

Tonight’s Focus

Application Process Timeline: What should I be doing now through the end of summer?

Researching CollegesStandardized TestingComponents of the College Application JFK Application Process

What Should I Be Doing Now ?

Timeline

February - June Schedule Individual Junior Planning Meeting with

your counselor (Starting in Jan.) Register / Prepare for AP exams

Register / Prepare for SAT, Subject Tests and ACT

Schedule College Visits

Mr. Wilson (8) Schools over Spring Break: U/Louisville, U/Kentucky, U/ Tennessee, U/Alabama, U/Auburn, U/Florida State, U/South Florida, U/Central Florida

A Good Decision Requires Information

Gather information about yourself strengths, weaknesses, abilities, interests

Gather information about colleges Admission statistics Location Size

Majors/ Programs Financial Aid Retention & Graduation Rate

What Resources Are Available?

College Guidebooks

Campus Visits

Visits at JFK

GOOGLEGuidance CounselorCollege Fairs: 500 colleges in ONE SPOT! Wednesday, April 20, 2016 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2016 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

????????

How should you choose colleges to apply to?

-Major-Location and Size-$$$$$$

Prospective College List

-Make a list of colleges with the DEADLINES!-You are responsible for ALL DEADLINES.-Have the family discussion, be honest.-Research the college profiles

-Avg. GPA, Rank, and SAT/ACT scores-Find the match

-Distance from home??????

Standardized Testing

SAT

SAT II: Subject Tests

ACT

All students should set a goal to have all of their standardized testing completed by the end of the school year.

Fact or Myth #1

My test score is the most important factor in a college's

admission decision.

#1: Myth

Admission test scores are just one factor colleges consider, along with

grades and classes. While most four-year colleges require tests, the emphasis on the test scores varies

by college.

Fact or Myth: #2

I don't need to take an expensive test-prep course to prepare for an

admission test.

#2: Fact

Free and low-cost preparation works as well as, and maybe even better than, expensive test prep. Try these ideas: •Use practice tests on the test maker's website.

•Take the PSAT/NMSQT or PLAN. These tests cover the same subjects as the SAT and ACT.•Make it a habit to read and write frequently

in and outside of class.

Fact or Myth: #3

I need to take an admission test multiple times to get the best

possible score.

#3: Myth

Studies show that taking tests multiple times won't significantly improve your score. But if you feel you didn't do your

best, you have the option of learning from your score and taking the test a second

time. Taking it in the spring of junior year gives you that flexibility and can help you

start on your college list and visits.

Fact or Myth: #4

If I get a really high score on an admission test, I can get in

anywhere.

#4: Myth

High test scores won't automatically get you in any college. For example, you may have high scores, but your school record shows that you haven't worked hard in

your classes. Colleges want well-rounded students who have shown good character,

motivation and accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom.

Fact or Myth: #5

I can choose which colleges see my scores, and I can choose which

scores to send.

#5: Fact

Both the SAT and the ACT allow you to send scores to colleges you choose. And if

you've taken either of these tests more than once, in many cases, you can choose

to share only your best scores. Visit a college's official website to check its

score-use policy, or use College Search to find colleges' SAT score-use policies.

Remaining SAT and Subject Test Dates

Test Date Test Offered Registration Late Fee DeadlineMarch 5th SAT Only Feb 5th Feb. 23thMay 7th SAT & Subject Tests April 8th April

26st

June 4st SAT & Subject Tests May 5th May 25th

It is the student’s responsibility to know which tests are required by each college

***The remaining tests are available at JFK!!!

Remaining ACT Dates

Test Date Registration Late Fee

DeadlineApril 9th March 4th March 18th

June 11th May 6th May 20th

WHS will offer the June 11th test!

Resume – Things to Include

• STUDENT GOVERNMENT• PERFORMING ARTS ACTIVITIES • YEARBOOK• SPORTS: Varsity and any out-of-school clubs or

experiences• COMMUNITY SERVICE• OUTSIDE of SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCES• OTHER ACTIVITES (i.e. religious activities, hobbies,

clubs, etc.)• SUMMER or SPECIAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES• EMPLOYMENT • HONORS and AWARDS

Timeline . . . continued

May/June Return all necessary processing forms to your

guidance counselor in Guidance Student Brag Sheet

Resume

Begin Journaling Essay Ideas Continue to Research and Visit Colleges Ask 2 teachers to write a letter of recommendation

for you in the fall that pertain to your MAJOR!!!!

Teacher Recommendations

Two Teacher Recommendations Should pertain to your MAJORAsk your teachers, in person, prior to

leaving in June.Follow-up, Thank you notes

Getting Started on the Essay

Brainstorm essay ideas with parents, teachers and friends.

Read the six essay prompt on the Common Application. www.commonapp.org (*new prompts will be released in March)

Think of an interesting story to tell that answers one of the prompt and reveals something about you not already shared in your application.

Work on your story over the summer. Good essays evolve and take many edits.

Check supplemental writing questions for each individual college – do not short change these!

JFK College Application Process

• Expectations• When to Apply• How to Apply• Components of the Application

When to Apply

• Early Action

• Early Decision I & II

• Priority

• Regular Decision

• Rolling Admission

How to Apply

Apply Online Use the Common Application (

www.commonapp.org) whenever possible. Check if supplement is required.

Components of the Student Application

Student and Demographic DataAcademic InformationExtracurricular ActivitiesEssay(s)Signature – electronicallyPayment (if required)

Sending SAT and ACT Score

Students must contact the testing agency to request scores to be sent to each college.

JFK does not report SAT or ACT scores on the transcript.

SAT - www.collegeboard.org ACT – www.ACT.org*SAT will allow you to send scores after the test

date (10 days). ACT, do it before you register!!

What Will the Counselor Send?

Transcript School Profile Secondary School Report Form Counselor Recommendation Teacher Recommendations

Completed Application

Application submitted online by studentSAT or ACT scores requested, by student, to be

sent from testing agencySchool package sent from College Guidance Office

which includes: Teacher recommendation letter(s) Counselor Recommendation School Report Form Transcript School Profile

Follow-Up

Follow-up with each school to be sure everything has arrived and your application is complete.

Timeline . . . continued

Over the Summer… Continue to research and visit colleges

Make all necessary revisions to your main essay

Register on the commonapp website

Begin filling out college applications

Fine tune the list of schools you will be applying to in the Fall.

Lastly…….

• Keep the process in perspective• Work together as a family• Students must take ownership• Discuss finances openly• Start early and meet all deadlines