ACTACTWhatWhat: National college admission achievement test that consists of : National college admission achievement test that consists of Writing, Reading, Mathematics & Science Reasoning.Writing, Reading, Mathematics & Science Reasoning.

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2012 ELHS test dates Registration DeadlineJune 9, 2012 May 4, 2012September 15, 2012 TBACost: $48. (with writing) Late Fee: $21.Students must register at www.act.org

SAT I SAT I What:What: Measures developed Verbal & Mathematical reasoning abilities as they relate to Measures developed Verbal & Mathematical reasoning abilities as they relate to success in college.success in college.

Spring 2012 Test Dates Registrations DeadlineMarch 10th, 2012 Feb. 10th, 2012 (late: 2/24)May 5th, 2012 April 6th, 2012June 2nd, 2012 May 8th, 2012Cost: $49. Late Fee: $26Students must register at www.collegeboard.com

Junior College & Career Junior College & Career Night:Night:

College Admissions InfoCollege Admissions InfoCareers and MajorsCareers and MajorsThe College VisitThe College VisitPreparing to ApplyPreparing to ApplyStandardized TestsStandardized TestsNavianceNaviance

Counselors: Michelle Dean, Allison Kosswig, Nadine Barnes

Visit: www.eastlymeschools.orgconnection.naviance.com/eastlymehs

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Most popular colleges Most popular colleges attended by the class of 2011attended by the class of 2011

Three Rivers

40

UCONN

32

Avery Point

16

Eastern CT

7

University of Rhode Island

7

University of Vermont

7

Northeastern

6

Southern, Central, &

Western CT

6

UMASS Amherst

5

Lincoln Tech

5

Mitchell College

5

Fairfield University, Gettysburg

College

& University of New England

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Approx 36% of graduates are attending CT State institutions

What information are the What information are the colleges asking for?colleges asking for?

• Strength in Subjects (4-5 Core Courses/Year)

• Grade Point Average (GPA)/ Rank in class

• SAT I /SAT II/ACT Scores• Admissions Essay/Interview• RecommendationsThe Application • Caliber of H.S.

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More Competitive More Competitive CollegesColleges

What makes student stand-out?Is the student well-rounded?Leadership QualitiesCharacter: #1 Non-academic Quality Did student “take advantage of what

the H.S. has to offer?” APs, Honors, Leadership opp’s.etc.

What can student bring to them (Athletics, Music/Art Talents)

Remember: Selecting a Class rather than Just an Individual.

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Exploring Careers & Exploring Careers & MajorsMajors•While some students know exactly what they will choose as a major, most do not.•Those who aren’t sure about their plans should research possible majors by completing the Personality Inventory or Career Interest Inventory on Naviance•Read about careers & majors at mymajors.com, collegeboard.com and princetonreview.com•Relax – many students apply “undeclared” and most students change their major at least once in four years of college.

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Generating a List of Colleges Generating a List of Colleges Using Naviance: Questions to Using Naviance: Questions to ConsiderConsider

1. Type: 2-yr/4-yr? Public/Private? Urban/Rural? Coed? Religious?

2. Location: Miles from EL? Geographic area?

3. Students: 2,000, 5000 or 11,000 students? Diversity? Commuter/Resident? Male/Female ratio?

4. Admission: What % accepted?5. Athletics: NCAA? What Division?6. Majors: explore options7. Cost: Tuition rate ~ in-state/out-of-state8. Special Programs: ROTC, clubs,

organizations7

Narrowing the focus:Narrowing the focus:What else should be What else should be

considered?considered?How do your SAT/GPA compare to the students at

that college?What % of students graduate in 4 years? and what

% of freshman return for their sophomore year?Student/professor ratio? Is housing guaranteed?What % of graduates are placed in jobs related to

major?Safety?Opportunities for employment, study abroad,

internships?Opportunities for study at other schools?

Consortium?• Athletics, activities, clubs

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Narrowing the Focus:Narrowing the Focus:The College VisitThe College Visit

• Call for appointment about 2 weeks before visit.• What to Wear: Look neat & clean. Slacks,

button-down shirt. Slacks, skirt, classic top. No jeans. No hats. OK to show your own style.

• Introduce Yourself. Shake hands, eye contact.• See a Real Dorm Room. Have lunch in cafeteria.

Sit with students. Stop students and ask “what do you think…” Ask directions.

• Visit Library, Classroom Buildings & Student Center

• Keep a Journal. Write down experiences, pros/cons ASAP after trip.

• Ask about Overnights

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What to Ask on the What to Ask on the TourTour

• What do you like/not like about the college?

• How large are the classes?

• Do professors or T.A.s teach intro courses?

• How accessible are the professors?

• Are the dorms overcrowded?

• What do students do off-campus?What is it like on the weekend?

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Questions for the Questions for the InterviewInterview• What % of students graduate in 4

years?• What % of freshman return as

sophomores?• What are the most popular majors?• When do you have to declare a major?• Employment opportunities on

campus?• What support services are available?

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To How Many Colleges To How Many Colleges should you Apply?should you Apply?

Two or Three “Reaches”Just meet the SAT & GPA

RangesTwo or Three “Probables”

Right in the Middle or BetterTwo or Three “Safeties”

At the Far End or Beyond

A lot of Interests? Then Consider some Universities

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Preparing to ApplyPreparing to ApplyPrepare for and take standardized

testsExtracurriculars: Create a “resume” of

accomplishmentsComplete Senior Questionnaire on

NavianceComplete Parent Questionnaire on

NavianceLook at application essay questions

and begin to brainstorm ideasMake sure you have an appropriate e-

mail address

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SAT IIsSAT IIsWhat: One hour Subject Tests designed to show knowledge in

subject area & ability to apply that knowledge. Admission requirement for some schools.

Subjects: English: Literature; U.S. History; World History; Math Level 1 & 2; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Chinese; French; German; Italian; Modern Hebrew; Japanese; Korean; Latin & Spanish

Used for: To better understand information about the applicant, such as

grades and courses taken Include scores to determine basic qualifications in specific

subjects Identify at-risk students who might benefit from special

programs Recruit students who have scores similar to those accepted

and enrolled Conduct research on SAT scores as predictor of success Include information about scores of all applicants, accepted

students, or enrolled freshmen in promotional materials

(Go to www.collegeboard.com for more info)14

FREE SAT PREP ON FREE SAT PREP ON NAVIANCENAVIANCE

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Click on the College Tab

Click on test preparation

SAT  vs. ACT  General Reasoning

/Problem solving test - reflects content used in all strong college preparatory courses

Test Time-3 hours, 45 minutes, including an unscored 25 minute experimental section.

Ten Sections:◦ 3 Critical Reading◦ 3 Math ◦ 3 Writing◦ 1 Experimental (masked

to look like a regular section)

Curriculum-based Test that measure achievement in core content areas

Test Time-2 hours, 55 minutes, including an optional 30-minute Writing Section

Five Sections:◦ English◦ Math◦ Reading◦ Science ◦ Optional: Writing (required

by most)◦ 1 Experimental section

(only added to certain test dates)

All colleges will accept either test. The ACT with writing is often accepted by schools who require SAT I & II. Hundreds of colleges require neither.

Military AcademiesMilitary AcademiesStart the process by June of your

Junior year. Preliminary application info for juniors already available.

Websites outline application processContact your congressman/SenatorPhysical testChecklists by teachersSpecial requirements from each

academyROTC

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NCAA ClearinghouseNCAA ClearinghouseAll Division I & II athletesMust have minimum GPA, SAT

scores, and courses to meet eligibility requirements

Should register with ELHS Registrar at end of your Junior year

Division III athletes don’t need to register

www.eligibiltycenter.org

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Early Decision, Early Action & Early Decision, Early Action & Regular AdmissionsRegular Admissions

Early Decision:Students apply to one college 1st semester senior year. Acceptance is binding.

Early Action:Students may apply early and will be notified early but decision is not binding.

Regular Admission:Single deadline – spring notification.

Rolling Admissions:Application reviewed and notification upon receipt of complete application.

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Recommendations?Recommendations?• Most Colleges Require 0-3 Letters –

some have specific requirements

• Choose teachers/counselor who know you well and who can provide examples of your personality

• Think about it now; ask now! Ask again in Sept.

• Provide teachers/counselor at least 4 weeks to write your letter.

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What Can Parents Do to What Can Parents Do to Help?Help?

Listen“So, How Can I Help?”Encourage the best fit for your child.• Discuss Strengths, Needs, Wants,

etc.• Be realistic about Money• Hands-Off the Application (Proofing

is OK)• Stay Involved• Be a Voice of Reason

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And now for….An Optional And now for….An Optional Live Naviance OverviewLive Naviance Overview

College Search and College Super Match

Career InventoryMethod Test Prep and other SAT/ACT

Prep. Info.Other useful resources: NCAA, Military

Academy information, financial aid information.

*lost your password or need to sign up…leave your name and email address on the sign up sheet and your student’s counselor will forward you the information*