Welcome to College Planning Night 2013. Guest Speaker Matthew Clark Senior Assistant Director of...

Welcome to Welcome to College Planning College Planning

NightNight

20132013

Guest SpeakerGuest Speaker

Matthew Clark◦Senior Assistant Director of

Admission, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Student PresentersStudent Presenters

Asmani AdhavEric Burgess

Tips to Success in the College Tips to Success in the College Search ProcessSearch Process

Be open-mindedBe organizedBe preparedBe informed

Help is hereHelp is hereAlthough the application process and

wealth of information can seem overwhelming, there are many resources in place to assist you◦ Guidance Counselor

Parent & student meeting

Take the process step by stepBe realistic

◦ The goal is to find the best fit

ResourcesResources

Junior-Senior Planning GuideCollege GuidebooksCollege WebsitesCollege Fairs

◦ March 20th, TEC Fair at WHS Junior Workshop MaterialsGuidance-Parent TalksGuidance Website

◦ Guidance CalendarWeb-based search programs

◦ Naviance

NavianceNavianceGuidance tracks and sends

application materials for each student

Student features include:◦Career search◦College search

Maintain a list of colleges

◦Graphs to assist in developing well balanced list

Sample Student SearchSample Student SearchAmanda

◦3.1GPA◦1610 projected SAT

First Steps:First Steps:Preliminary “Paperwork”Preliminary “Paperwork”

Student Descriptive Questionnaire (SDQ)

Activity ResumeParent Information Form

All forms due March 1st ◦ all available online (Guidance Website, Naviance,

Google Drive)

Next Steps:Next Steps:Now and through the SpringNow and through the Spring

Register for SATs and ACTsResearch schools

◦Know individual college requirementsVisit schools

◦February & April vacations, Saturdays, short Wednesdays

Request teacher letter of recommendation◦Confirm by June 1st

Standardized TestsStandardized TestsTest PreparationSAT

◦Register on www.collegeboard.orgACT with Writing

◦Register on www.actstudent.orgSAT Subject Tests

◦Check individual college requirements Most colleges do not require Subject

Tests

Application Process:Application Process:On-line method is preferredOn-line method is preferred

Applications◦ Common Application

Accepted at almost 500 colleges Will be available in August

Standardized Test Scores◦ Students must send online

Documents Sent From Guidance◦ Transcript◦ GPA Profile Chart◦ School Profile◦ Counselor letter of recommendation

Admission PlansAdmission PlansEarly Decision

◦ Early notification◦ Binding agreement, must withdraw all

other applications if acceptedEarly Action

◦ Early notification◦ Non-binding, can consider other colleges

Regular Admission◦ Deadline

Rolling

College Selectivity & TrendsCollege Selectivity & Trends

Barron’s Guide College Admissions Selector

Naviance ScattergramsEligibility Rating Form

◦List Reach, Realistic, Safety schoolsIncreased competition

◦Demographics◦Internet

Communication is KeyCommunication is KeyCheck in with your child

throughout the process, making sure you are in agreement about the direction he or she is headed

Have a conversation with your child early on about what is affordable for your family

Financial Aid InformationFinancial Aid Information

Forms◦FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA on the Web: fafsa.ed.gov

◦CSS PROFILE collegeboard.com

ScholarshipsScholarships

Guidance WebsiteScholarship Search Programs

Westwood Community Scholarships

Students with Learning Students with Learning DisabilitiesDisabilities

Up to Date DocumentationExtended Time Testing

◦ Stricter guidelines for accommodations◦ Must apply for both SAT and ACT extended

time

Consider College Programs◦ Programs versus support

Student AthletesStudent Athletes

Division I and II Athletes◦NCAA Clearinghouse ncaaclearinghouse.com

◦Eligibility Guidelines

Some Final Tips for Some Final Tips for ParentsParentsStay Calm

◦ Important in what can be a stressful experience Your child will take cues from you

Be Understanding◦ Be sensitive to your child’s emotions, anxiety,

insecurity, and uncertaintyBe Supportive

◦ Many ways in which you can help your child stay organized

Enjoy◦ This can be a wonderful opportunity to bond with

your child

Guidance Office, 781-326-Guidance Office, 781-326-75007500Mrs. Goodwin, x3312

◦ wgoodwin@westwood.k12.ma.usMrs. Medsker, x3138

◦ lmedsker@westwood.k12.ma.usMrs. Bowe, x3135

◦ mbowe@westwood.k12.ma.usMr. Fredrickson, x3120

◦ dfredrickson@westwood.k12.ma.usMrs. Higgins, x3134

◦ chiggins@westwood.k12.ma.us