FLUSHING HIGH SCHOOLPARENT TEACHER

ASSOCIATION

Preparing for senior year

and post-secondary planning

A WELL-BALANCED SENIOR YEAR

Student responsibilities are split between planning their futures

and working on high school demands:

Help your student plan for senior year’s commitments now

Understand that social connections are more important than

ever

Anticipate conflicting emotions with upcoming change

Reassure students that parents, advisors, counselors, and

teachers are there to help provide support

STEPS TO GOOD COLLEGE PLANNING

The following steps will help your student:

Begin the college search process with parent

support

Plan for deadlines in the post-secondary

planning process

Survive and thrive throughout the senior year

STEP 1MATCH APTITUDES AND CAREER

GOALS WITH SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS

Use Career Cruising - www.careercruising.com

Explore college search websites like CareerZone Write a resume Look for schools with a good range

of programs in an area of interest

STEP 2REGISTER FOR A RIGOROUS AND

BALANCED SENIOR COURSE SCHEDULE

Core academic courses

Coursework beyond minimum college entrance

requirements

Advanced classes/course studies

Elective classes in areas of interest

FHS FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE ENTRANCE

REQUIREMENTS

Subject Years of Study

English 4 years

Social Studies 4 years ( 2 yrs. Global, 1 yr. US, ½ yr. Eco, ½ Gov.)

Mathematics 4 years (3 yrs. for graduation)

Science 4 years (3 yrs. for graduation)

Foreign Language 3 years (1 yr. for graduation)

Art/Music 1 year

PE 3.5 years

Health ½ year

STEP 3SIGN UP FOR COLLEGE ENTRANCE

EXAMS

SAT Reasoning Test - www.collegeboard.com

ACT with optional writing test - www.act.org

Both are tests of college readiness

Recommended Spring of Junior year

Last testing opportunity Dec. of Senior year

ACT25% English25% Mathematics25% Reading25% Science Optional Writing Test

Subtests range from 1-36Composite of 4 test scores

(1-36)No penalty for guessing

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

SAT 33% Critical Reading33% Mathematics33% Writing

Subtest range from 300-800Sum of 3 test scores

(600-2400)Score adjusted for wrong answers

STEP 4 BUILD A L IST OF

SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS TO RESEARCH

Gather information about:

Location

Size

Admissions Requirements – typical test scores/GPA

Academic Offerings – majors/programs

Expenses – tuition, travel to/from school

Financial Aid

Housing

Campus Visits

STEP 5 PLAN SCHOOL VISITS

Walk around campus

Attend a class

Interview admissions officers

Spend a night in the dorm

Talk with other university students

Use campus comparison form as a tool

STEP 6 BUILD A LIST OF SCHOOLS TO

APPLY

Discuss the college comparison data and get

feedback from others

Students should talk with parents, counselors,

advisors, teachers, and friends

Help your son or daughter examine their goals,

thoughts and feelings so that they may choose

schools for application

Build a well-considered, reasonable list of schools

for application

STEP 7 SUBMIT APPLICATIONS

Application elements:Demographic Information/EssaysAcademic recordTest scores (SAT or ACT)School/counselor report Teacher recommendation

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

To receive letters that add depth and excitement to an application

students should:

Ask someone who knows them well

Choose teachers of classes where they were most engaged intellectually,

showed creativity, or completed a special project or independent work

Tell the writer how their experience in the classroom or learning style

relates to the college of application

Talk to the writer about their dreams for college and a career

Remember to write thank you notes to letter writers including exciting

news of acceptance

COLLEGE ADMISSION FACTORS

COLLEGE ADMISSION DECISIONS

Match between college needs and student

characteristics

Colleges provide admissions statistics range of GPA

and test scores

Holistic review process

Academic Index less frequently used as a sole

determinant in admissions decisions

STEP 8 FINANCIAL AID AND

SCHOLARSHIP

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Factors that determine a families financial strengthSchools determine distribution of funds as financial aid packagesResearch independent sources of scholarship fundingAthletes should register with the NCAAFHS Financial Aid Presentation

STEP 9 PLAN SENIOR YEAR

SAT/ACT

College Fairs

Application deadlines

Finals, AP tests

Sports, activities, community service, social events

Graduation

TIPS FOR PARENTS: DOS AND DON’TS FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Do discuss restrictions up front

Don’t limit choices based on fees

Do remind your child of deadlines

Do listen and offer advice when asked

Don’t make decisions for your son or daughter

Do encourage and celebrate

FHS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Check pupilpath accounts for upcoming events in the college office.

Attend information session with College Admissions Officers

CUNY Application deadline is fast approaching. Need a copy of tax

forms to complete the CUNY forms.

Financial Aid Night will be December 22 with Michael J. Turner. AAFE

staff will set up appointments with students needing assistance

completing financial aid forms.

Lunch forms must be submitted in order for fee waivers to be

processes accurately.

EDUCATION MATTERS

ALWAYSKeep your grades up

Be involved

Network

Ask questions

Try your best!