College Planning Workshop March 7, 2012 Glenelg High School Student Services.
-
Upload
moris-mills -
Category
Documents
-
view
221 -
download
1
Transcript of College Planning Workshop March 7, 2012 Glenelg High School Student Services.
College Planning Workshop
March 7, 2012
Glenelg High School Student Services
School Counselors
Mrs. Allie McDonald, A – De Mrs. Mindy Hirsch, Df – I Mr. Rodney Williams, J – Mc Mr. Kareef Overton, Me – R Ms. Moira Baylog, S – Z
Agenda Introduction 7:00 – 7:25
Notes on preparing for the College Search and Application Process
Choice of 3 Breakout Sessions: 7:30 – 7:55 8:00 – 8:25 8:30 – 8:55
Feedback Forms
Simple Ways to Prepare for College
Take challenging courses Achieve the strongest possible grades Sample courses to help decide on
academic major and careers Involve yourself in activities you enjoy Take the SAT & ACT Research colleges and visit schools
Why vs. Where?
Ask WHY go to college? Don’t forget the why is more important than where…Emphasize education!
Not a competition…
Resist attempts to turnthe process into a statuscompetition.
Concerned about price?
Don’t allow the cost of a college education to cut
shorteducational pursuits.
Who is in charge?
Resist doing for your students
what they are capable of doing
themselves.
Where to start?The student should “know themselves” Values Ambitions Achievements Academic Strengths Interests Standout Talents Areas for Growth
What is Important? Size Setting Geographic Location Academic/Career Focus Learning Environment Cost – Including aid Reputation Family Considerations Other, i.e. Athletics, Study Abroad, Religious,
etc.
Colleges Consider… Grades / Overall GPA Strength of high school course selections SAT/ACT Test Score Essay* Teacher and counselor recommendations Class rank Student’s demonstrated interest Extracurricular Activities/Personal Accomplishments Personality characteristics Courses in progress Junior and Senior year
High School Transcript Final Grades in Courses taken grades 9 – 11
Unweighted/Weighted GPA
Unweighted/Weighted Rank
Calculated October 1
Senior Courses
Does NOT include SAT or ACT scores
High School Curriculum Curriculum should increase in level of challenge
from 9th to 12th grade 4 years of English 4 years of mathematics 3 years of Social Studies 3 years of science 2 years of a foreign language Exceed the minimum requirements with
Honors/AP courses A fourth year of mathematics and science is
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Extracurricular Activities
Less is more Focus on doing what you love Find a healthy balance Race to Nowhere
Leadership Volunteer opportunities Summer programs Athletics
College Admissions Testing Take at least one SAT and one ACT before senior year
Usually in the spring Can retake tests fall of senior year
Send all scores to colleges of interest – HCPSS policy prohibits GHS from sending scores on transcript
Additional cost to send scores later
Colleges take the Higher score
Investigate the need to take SAT II Tests
SAT II Subject Tests Some colleges require – see list on
Website Take in June after completion of related
course See Course Registration Booklet p. 18 – 19
One hour multiple choice tests Take up to 3 on a test day
When & How to take SAT/ACT?
SATRegister at
www.collegeboard.com
March 10, 2012May 5, 2012June 2, 2012*
*Testing is available at Glenelg High School.
Typically offered each: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, March, May & June
ACTRegister at
www.actstudent.org
April 14, 2012June 9, 2012*
Also offered next Sept, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr,
June
Preparation for SAT/ACT
ACT and College Board Website: http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/
Familiarization with test – practice, practice, practice
Use of PSAT My College Quick Start
Counselors Can Help
11th Grade English Classes Individual Student/Parent Conferences
Schedule March through Summer Junior Folders Resources
Website College Lists College Navigator
September Evening Program College Application Process and Requesting
Transcripts
College Counseling Website
Link available at www.glenelghigh.com Under Student Services link
College Research Resources
College Navigator Website College Board Book of Majors, Fiske’s Guide,
Ruggs College Visits/College Fairs/Preview Days Individual College/University Websites College admissions Blogs Academic Common Market Schools
http://www.mhec.state.md.us/highered/acadaff/academiccommonmarket/commonmarket.asp
College representatives that visit Glenelg each fall Professional Organization websites
Example – American Association of Physical Therapists
College Visits Students are allowed 3 excused days
Discretionary absence form available on Website
– must be approved by Mr. Schindler Contact University Admissions Office to
arrange Ask to meet with professors and attend a class Go when academic term is in session Ask students (other than your tour guide) how they feel about the school
Questions to ask on campus
What are the three most popular majors? What do you consider when deciding to admit
an applicant? Do most students graduate in 4 years? What is your retention rate? Do you offer assistance in securing
internships? What percentage of your students receive
employment after graduation?
Complete list of questions available on website
Next Steps for Juniors Stay focused on academics Choose challenging senior schedule Meet with your school counselor Stay involved in school activities Get a verbal commitment from teacher
for letter of recommendation Take the ACT / SAT tests Register for AP tests as appropriate
Next Steps for Juniors Research & Visit Colleges Attend college fairs Review college applications and
requirements Research schools, visit, visit, visit. Compile a list of 6 – 10 schools that
you can SERIOUSLY see yourself attending
Get a head start on the essay
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Merit scholarships awarded with initial application in fall of Senior year
EVERY family should apply for FAFSA Jan. 1 of Senior Year www.fafsa.ed.gov
Investigate on website what scholarships are available HCPSS Search Database www.MeritAid.com
GHS Timeline March
College Search Classroom Lessons Junior InterviewsApril – Summer Conferences with juniors and counselor Summer hours
June Review transcript process in classrooms Students get verbal commitment from
teachers for letter of recommendation
Next Steps for Parents Read up on College Admissions Help your student get organized Take a road trip – visit colleges! Know the right questions to ask Schedule conference with school
counselor
Closing RemarksCollege is not about where you go, but
rather what the student makes of the experience.
Spend the time, and your child WILL find a school that “fits”
Don’t hesitate to seek our help!
Questions?
Counselors will be in hallways to answer any
questions.
Move to Breakout Sessions