Junior College Information Night

Junior College Information Night Class of 2015 January 21nd, 2014

Introductions Robin Lary Senior Placement Counselor rlary@scarborough.k12.me.us 730-5031 Susan Leighton Placement Office Assistant sleighton@scarborough.k12.me.us 730-5030

Goals for the Evening Trends/Concerns The College Process & Our Philosophy Resources What’s Next Roles & Responsibilities Questions & Answers

Trends CommonApplication 4 Mobility amongst applicants Increased EA/ED selectivity Numbers of Applications Standardized testing Demonstrated Interest Athletics

Parent Concerns How, when & where to start the process Parents want the best for their child Concern that their child can’t get into the college of his/her choice Financial assistance is needed but unfamiliar with process

Student Concerns Can I really go to college? Where can I get in? Can I get into a “good” school, one my friends will recognize? I have no idea what I want to do or study I want to be totally on my own…I think? I want to go far away from home…or do I? If I can get into college can I make it?

Team Approach Student Family Placement Office College*

Key Components of Process Research Options (college, military academies, PG, GAP, etc.) Apply Compare Decide

Remember this a process. At times it may feel more like a strange dance or a roller coaster ride. Be encouraging and supportive, keep an open mind, ask for help, and remember it’s the student who is going to college.

Student Research Online & Printed: Naviance, CollegeBoard, college websites, admissions blogs (narrative versus newsletter¹, printed resources, and many more Campus Visits Meet with admissions reps @ SHS Special events (small groups of admission reps) College fairs (USM spring & fall, Boston, art-related, private colleges, CTCL) Generate questions for Mrs. Lary ¹ Jeannine Lalonde – University of Virginia

How can we help you research? Small groups in classes & computer labs (spring/fall) Individual meetings with Mrs. Lary after completing Junior Questionnaire College Admissions Panel @ SHS – March 12th “Case Studies” event in April Athletics in Admissions night in late spring Admissions for students with special learning needs

What to look for in my research? Research the college profile (what are my credentials?) Preferred high school courses, i.e. how many years of foreign language, lab sciences GPA & rank of accepted students, if available Standardized tests – are they required, what ranges? Size, location, specialties School culture Internship/CoOp Opportunities Research opporunities Graduation rates

The Campus Visit How does this get arranged? What should be expected? When? What is the student role? Parents? The student tour guide… Takes pictures/keep a log or journal.

Applying to College When do I apply? How do I apply? (online, Common App, Naviance…) Application Options (ED I & II, EA, REA, Reg, Priority, Rolling, VIP etc.) What does it cost? ($$$, free, waivers) How many? Where do I apply? (a balanced list)

The Application Online (almost exclusively) www.commonapp.org available after August 1 – we will walk students through this. How do they review a transcript? Do they look at course level, grades, etc.? What if I didn’t do well in a class or a semester? Are grades or test scores more important? What about senior year? How do I request a transcript? – Naviance.

Essays Students will work on essays this spring in collaboration with their English classes. Admissions reps from colleges will meet with students to address essay-writing. Number of essays required will vary amongst colleges. (supplemental essays) Student voice / information not shared elsewhere in application / ordinary “events” make best topics.

Activities Colleges are seeking a diverse student community. Include clubs, activities, sports, volunteer work, paid employment, church involvement, etc. Highlight any leadership responsibilities Make Mrs. Lary aware of circumstances impacting your ability to participate. Depth versus breadth

Interviews Who arranges this? What if it’s “recommended?” On-campus or off-campus? What is an alumni interview? How is it valued? How do I prepare?

Recommendations How many recommendations are required? Who should write them? Can I see them? How do I request them?

Paying for College How do we know what this will cost? (website, Net Price Calculator, Estimated Family Contribution) How can we possibly afford college? Financial Aid (you must apply to be considered: CSS Profile, FAFSA) Financial Aid Night in October of senior year Merit-based & other scholarships Local scholarship program organized by Sue Leighton FAME/Fastweb/employers/organizations

Decision Time Admitted Deferred – What does that mean? Denied Waitlisted – Now what? Deposit elsewhere/still pursue. Compare financial packages May 1

Naviance SHS now uses the Naviance program to coordinate all of our college and scholarship documents, application materials, notifications and more. Students and parents will receive information through and access Naviance regularly throughout the junior and senior years. Students will be assigned a username & password to access their accounts. Parents will also receive these to review their student’s progress. www.connection.naviance.com/scarborough

Junior College Information Night