Medfield High School Guidance Department 

 88R South Street, Medfield, MA 02052 

508-359-2482 www.medfieldguidance.weebly.com 

Twitter: @guidance02052 Blog: www.medfieldguidance.blogspot.com 

   

MEDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Guidance Department School Information Address: 88R South Street, Medfield, MA 02052 Guidance Phone: 508-359-2482 Guidance Fax: 508-242-8516 Website: www.medfieldguidance.weebly.com Twitter: @guidance02052 Blog: www.medfieldguidance.blogspot.com CEEB Code: 221360 Naviance Information http://connection.naviance.com/medfield Counselor’s Contact Information (Students with a last name beginning with…) A - B Mrs. Stephanie Worthley sworthley@email.medfield.net x1017 C - F Mrs. Kathy Mahoney kathymahoney@email.medfield.net x1085 G - Ma Mrs. Anne Lodge alodge@email.medfield.net x1052 Mc - R Ms. Amanda Padden apadden@email.medfield.net x1004 S - Z Mr. Erik Ormberg eormberg@email.medfield.net x1028

    

 Amanda Padden Guidance Counselor

SUGGESTED TIMELINE

Winter of Junior Year

● College Search ● Standardized

Testing ● College Visits ● Select Senior Yr

Courses Spring of Junior Year

● College Fairs & Visits

● Letters of Recommendations

● Meet with Guidance Counselor

Summer before Senior Year

● Refine College List ● Write Essays ● Register for fall

SAT/ACT ● Work on ● Applications

TERMS TO KNOW

Regular Decision: Jan. or Feb. application deadline with notification by April. Early Decision: Can be an Oct. or Nov. application deadline with notification in Dec. If admitted students are obligated to attend & must withdraw applications to other schools. Early Action: Can be an Oct. or Nov. application deadline with notification in mid-Dec. Admitted students have until May 1st to decide which college to attend. Rolling Admission: No set deadline. Applications are accepted until all spots are filled. Application decisions are often provided between 2-6 weeks.

FINDING THE

BALANCE

Reach A school where your academic credentials fall below the school’s range for the average freshman. A long shot, but still a possibility. Fit (Match) A school where your academic credentials fall well within (or above) the school’s range for the average freshman Likely (Safety) A school where your academic credentials fall above the school’s range for the average freshman.

Suggested Junior Year Timeline

Winter (December, January, February)

❑ Plan when you are going to take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT. Register early in order to have the best chance of getting a testing location close to home.

❑ Do a college search. You can utilize the following websites: Naviance, Big

Future by CollegeBoard, Princeton Review.

❑ Make plans for visiting colleges during the spring while colleges are in session.

❑ Sign up for strong college preparatory courses for your senior year. Remember to continue to challenge yourself academically, but be realistic.

Spring (March, April, May, June)

❑ Go to college fairs in your area.

❑ Visit colleges over vacation while students are still in session.

❑ If applicable, prepare portfolios, audition tapes and other material for fall applications.

❑ Athletes: Look into registering for the NCAA Clearinghouse and review

eligibility guidelines.

❑ Make a résumé of your accomplishments, activities, and work experience.

❑ Talk with teachers about writing letters of recommendation for you. Choose at least one teacher and give them the teacher recommendation form.

Summer (July, August)

❑ Register for fall SATs (SAT is now offered in August).

❑ Continue to refine your list of schools.

❑ Begin filling out the common application or school’s individual applications.

❑ Prepare your college essays and supplemental essays.

❑ Visit colleges, take tours, and have interviews.

Suggested Senior Year Timeline

Fall (September, October, November)

❑ Register for the October, November or December SAT Reasoning and/or SAT Subject Tests and/or ACT.

❑ Touch base with the teachers that you asked to write you a letter of

recommendation.

❑ Finalize your list of colleges to which you want to apply. WATCH DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS AND FINANCIAL AID!

❑ Check in with your Guidance Counselor to keep them up-to-date with your plans.

❑ If you are applying as an Early Decision candidate, sign the Early Decision

Agreement Form for the college (student and parent).

❑ Attend the Financial Aid Information Night with your parents.

❑ Fill out the FAFSA for financial aid, starting October 1st.

Winter (December, January, February)

❑ Complete applications for any schools with December, January, or February deadlines.

❑ Fill out a CSS Profile for financial aid if needed. *

Winter/Spring

❑ Review acceptances/financial aid packages, visit and choose a college to attend.

❑ Send in deposits & paperwork. Notify other colleges of your decision.

❑ Obtain local scholarship applications. Be aware of scholarship requirements

and deadlines. ❑ Final decision HAS to be made and deposit sent by May 1st. Be sure to keep

grades up so there is no rejection letter after the final transcript is received. * Because the financial aid process differs from college to college, you should check with each of your colleges to understand their specific requirements. (Students needing financial aid who are applying early decision to a college that requires the CSS Profile, must register for the Profile in the fall.)

Anne Lodge Guidance Counselor

Notes:

What is Naviance? How do I use it?

● College Search ● College Match ● College Compare ● Scattergrams ● Application History

The College Search

Finding schools that match your needs Criteria to investigate

● Location & Size ● Admissions Requirements ● Academic Offerings ● Athletics & Organizations ● Housing & Facilities

Fit and Balance ● Academic ● Financial

College Visits

When to go? Setting up tours and appointments

College Fairs

NACAC College Fair Field Trip - April 12th, 2018 TEC College Fair Westwood HS - March 28th, 2018 Sample Questions & Tips

College Fair Tips & Sample Questions A college fair presents students with an excellent opportunity to interact with a representative from a particular college or university. It can help in the beginning stages of the search process or it can help in narrowing down college options. Either way, it is important to make the most of the fair and to leave the colleges with a favorable impression of you. Here are some helpful tips & questions to get you started: Before you head off to the fair:

● Dress in appropriate clothing. First impressions do count! ● Consider changing your email address or setting up an email address specifically for

college applications. You will be asked to fill out inquiry cards by the colleges which will add your information to the school’s mailing list and let the school know that you are interested in them. Since this information will follow you through the application process (should you choose to apply), it is important that the email address is appropriate. A good suggestion is to pick something with a combination of your first name or initial and last name or initial.

● Consider making self-stick labels that contain your legal name, mailing address, email address, year of graduation, and intended area of study. This will speed up the process of filling out inquiry cards, allowing you more time to talk to the college representative.

● Plan ahead! Look over the list of colleges and universities that are participating in the fair and make a list of which schools you definitely want to visit at the fair.

● Bring a small notebook and pen to jot down information about schools you want to remember.

At the Fair:

● When you approach a representative, introduce yourself. ● Ask questions! (See below for a sample list of questions.) ● Get the contact information of the representative at the fair if you are very

interested in attending their school. Follow up with them after the fair with an email.

● Speak up. College fairs can be loud and you want the representative to be able to hear you.

After the Fair:

● Go through the materials you received from the schools and any notes you may have taken.

● Get rid of the materials on schools that will not be a good fit for you. ● Research the colleges that interested you to learn more!

Sample Questions to Ask at a College Fair

● What are your admission requirements? ● What is your enrollment? Undergraduate and graduate? ● What are your application deadlines? ● What is the total cost of attendance for 1 year? (tuition, room & board, fees, books, misc.) ● How is financial aid eligibility determined? ● What percentage of financial need do you meet for families? ● Are there any merit scholarships available? Is a separate application required for these? ● What is the makeup of your student body? (male/female ratio, racial/ethnic makeup,

geographic diversity) ● When must I choose a major? ● Are their specific application requirements for my major? ● Will I have a faculty advisor? ● Are there any special placement tests that entering freshman can/must take to place into

or out of certain courses? ● Do you have an honors program? What are the requirements? ● Is housing guaranteed for all four years? ● Are freshman required to live on campus? ● How are roommates selected? ● Is your school a “suitcase” school? ● What is there to do on the weekends? ● What is your campus safety like? ● What is the biggest complaint of students? ● What do students say is the best thing about your school? ● What is the political climate of campus? ● Do students get involved in intramural athletics? Clubs and student organizations? ● Do the students support the athletes? ● What type of academic support is available on campus? Is this available to everyone free

of charge? (Tutoring, Writing Centers, etc.) ● If I am a varsity athlete, what is the balance between athletics and academics? ● What are the dining options? How late are the dining facilities open? ● Do many students hold jobs in addition to attending school? ● Are students permitted to have a car on campus? ● Is a car necessary to get around? ● Is there public transportation close to your school? ● Do you have study abroad options? ● Do students have the opportunity to do research or obtain internships? ● What is your retention rate? ● What is your graduation rate? ● What percentage of students who graduate go directly on to graduate school? ● What does your job placement look like? ● Is there a Career Office that supports students in their internship and job search? ● Are your alumni well connected to the school?

Erik Ormberg Guidance Counselor

Standardized Testing Map

Fall Winter Spring

Freshman Year MCAS Testing

Sophomore Year MCAS Testing

Junior Year PSAT - October Recommended for all juniors

SAT Reasoning - March ACT - February

SAT Reasoning & Subject Tests - May, June ACT - April, June AP Exams (when applicable)

Senior Year SAT Reasoning & Subject Tests - August, October, November

SAT Reasoning & Subject Tests - December ACT - February

AP Exams (when applicable)

Notes:

2018 SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Score Release

Mar 10, 2018** Feb 9, 2018 Feb 28, 2018 Mar 23-29, 2018

May 5, 2018 Apr 6, 2018 Apr 25, 2018 May 18-24, 2018

Jun 2, 2018 May 3, 2018 May 23, 2018 July 11, 2018

2018-2019 PROJECTED SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Score Release

Aug 25, 2018 Jul 27, 2018 Aug 10, 2018 Sept 13, 2018

Oct 6, 2018** Sep 7, 2018 Sep 21, 2018 Oct 28, 2018

Nov 3, 2018 Oct 5, 2018 Oct 19, 2018 Nov 22, 2018

Dec 1, 2018 Nov 2, 2018 Nov 16, 2018 Dec 20, 2018

Mar 9, 2019** Feb 8, 2019 Feb 22, 2019 Mar 28, 2019

May 4, 2019 Apr 5, 2019 Apr 19, 2019 May 23, 2019

Jun 1, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 17, 2019 Jun 20, 2019

** The March and October SAT’s are offered at Medfield High School

SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. In 2016, students took the newly designed SAT, which focuses on the essential skills that research shows matter most for college readiness. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.

SAT Question Types: There are four parts of the new SAT including Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and an optional essay. Although the essay is optional, some colleges will require it.

Scoring: Each section (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math) is scored on a scale of 200-800 for a total score of 400-1600. The essay is scored separately. Detailed score reports will provide an in-depth view about student achievement in specific skills.

Khan Academy has partnered with CollegeBoard to provide free personalized SAT practice. By linking your CollegeBoard account to Khan Academy, students’ PSAT scores will help to generate specific skills practice for each individual.

Register online at www.collegeboard.org or mail a completed paper application.

2018 Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Score Release

Feb 10, 2018** Jan 12, 2018 Jan 19, 2018 Feb 20, 2018

Apr 14, 2018 Mar 9, 2018 Mar 23, 2018 Apr 24, 2018

Jun 9, 2018 May 4, 2018 May 18, 2018 Jun 19, 2018

2018-2019 PROJECTED Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Score Release

Sept 8, 2018 Aug 3, 2018 Aug 17, 2018 Oct 2, 2018

Oct 27, 2018 Sept 21, 2018 Oct 5, 2018 Nov 20, 2018

Dec 8, 2018 Nov 2, 2018 Nov 16, 2018 Jan 1, 2019

Feb 9, 2019** Jan 11, 2019 Jan 18, 2019 Mar 5, 2019

Apr 13, 2019 Mar 8, 2019 Mar 22, 2019 May 7, 2019

Jun 8, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 17, 2019 Jul 2, 2019

Jul 13, 2019 Jun 14, 2019 Jun 21, 2019 Aug 6, 2019

** The February ACT’s are offered at Medfield High School**

The ACT assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.

● The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. ● The writing test, which is optional, measures skills in planning and writing a short essay.

Scoring: Each section of the ACT (English, mathematics, reading, and science) is scored on a scale of 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite Score is the average of your four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Register online at www.actstudent.org or mail a completed paper application.

** Students are responsible for sending their SAT and/or ACT scores from CollegeBoard and/or ACT to the colleges to which they are applying. **

Future Planning Options There are many options to explore as you start planning your life after high school. While many students choose to follow a path to college directly after high school, others choose to pursue an alternate route to the career or life they desire. Listed below are a number of options that you might want to explore. Regardless of what direction you choose to go in, we strongly recommend that you discuss your plans with your Guidance Counselor so that together, you can explore the best route for you.

Prep School / Post Graduate Year Students may choose to pursue a post graduate (PG year), an additional year of academic study in a boarding school environment, to ease the transition to college, strengthen social or academic skills, or increase proficiency in an area such as athletics, music, or art.

If you are interested in a PG year, explore: The National Association of Independent Schools – www.nais.org The Association of Boarding Schools – www.boardingschools.com TeenLife Boston – www.teenlife.com

Suggested Timeline: Spring of Junior Year – Winter of Senior Year

Military Enlisting in one of the five branches of the military can offer job training skills in a variety of vocational areas. MHS offers the ASVAB(Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) on April 6, 2017.

If you are interested in serving in the military, explore: Army – www.goarmy.com Navy – www.navy.com Air Force – www.airforce.com Marines – www.usmc.mil Coast Guard – www.uscg.mil

Suggested Timeline: Spring of Junior Year – Spring of Senior Year

Employment / Internships Some students choose to work for a period of time after high school. This can be an excellent way of gaining experience and learning vocational skills while earning money.

If you are interested in exploring job or internship opportunities, explore: The Dynamy Interim Programs – www.dynamy.org Center for Interim Programs – http://interimprograms.com TeenLife Boston – www.teenlife.com

Suggested Timeline: Throughout Senior Year

Travel Studying abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in another culture.

If you are interested in studying abroad, explore these programs: Study Abroad – www.studyabroad.com Friends World Program – www.brooklyn.liu.edu/fw International Student Exchange Programs – www.asse.com AFS Intercultural Program – www.afs.org Education First (EF) - http://www.ef.edu/

Suggested Timeline: Spring of Junior Year – Spring of Senior Year

Volunteer or Service Programs There are many organizations that offer opportunities to give back to the community. With large variations across settings, it’s important to fully research all opportunities.

If you are interested in a volunteer or service program, explore these options: Peace Corps – www.peacecorps.gov City Year – www.cityyear.org Americorps – www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps Habitat for Humanity – www.habitat.org TeenLife Boston – www.teenlife.com

Dynamy -- www.dynamy.org

Suggested Timeline: Spring of Junior Year – Spring of Senior Year

Outdoor Adventure Classrooms These programs allow students to explore different parts of the country and the world. Some offer academic credit, but it is important to fully research each opportunity to see all of the details.

If you are interested in exploring outdoor adventure or non-traditional classrooms, explore: Outward Bound – www.outwardbound.org National Outdoor Leadership School – www.nols.edu Semester at Sea – www.semesteratsea.org

Suggested Timeline: Spring of Junior Year – Spring of Senior Year

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

STANDARDIZED TESTS ■ ACT – a national college admission examination that consists of subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, Science. www.actstudent.org

■ College Board—an organization that oversees the SAT, SAT Subject tests, and Advanced Placement program. www.collegeboard.org.

■ PSAT – the Preliminary SAT taken fall of junior year which serves as a measure for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for juniors.

■ SAT – a national college admission examination that consists of subject area tests in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Mathematics, and an optional essay. www.collegeboard.org.

■ SAT Subject Test— a content-based test offered by the College Board that allows students to showcase

achievement in specific subject areas. Subject tests may may be required by some colleges. www.collegeboard.org.

■ TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) — a web-based test designed to measure English proficiency of non-English speakers used to evaluate a student’s readiness to study at an English speaking college or university. APPLICATION DEADLINES ■ Early Action— an application policy that allows students to apply to college in the fall of senior year and receive a decision by December. The decision is not binding.

■ Early Decision— an application policy that allows students to apply to one college in the fall of senior year and receive a decision by December. If accepted, the student must attend the college.

■ Regular Decision— the normal process by which students apply to college by published deadlines, with the promise of receiving an admissions decision no later than April 1 of their senior year.

■ Rolling Admission— an application policy that allows students to apply to college anytime within a large window of time. A decision is issued shortly after receiving the application on a first come, first served basis. ADMISSIONS TERMS ■ Conditional Acceptance— notification that a student receives offering admission to a college or university based on the completion of specific conditions.

■ Deferral—notification that a student has not initially been accepted but may be considered with a later pool of students.

■ Denial—notification that a student has not been accepted at a college or university.

■ Waitlist—A list of students not initially accepted by a college but may be considered after the enrollment deadline if class size is lower than expected.

FINANCIAL AID ■ CSS Profile—an application distributed by the College Board that allows students to apply for nonfederal financial aid from some colleges. www.collegeboard.org.

■ FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)— a form used to determine the amount of money families are expected to contribute to college. Applications may be filed beginning January 1 of the student’s senior year. www.fafsa.ed.gov.

■ Financial Aid— a resource for students who need assistance meeting college expenses.

■ Grants — money issued to a student that does not need to be repaid.

■ Loans— money issued to a student that must be repaid.

■ MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority)— an organization that assists families with the financial aspects of college.

■ Scholarships –money issued to a student based on merit and/or need that does not need to be repaid.

■ Work Study— a need-based financial aid award that provides part-time jobs to students, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. OTHER ■ ACT Profile - a web-based program that provides free self-assessments of interests, values, and skills that link to specific college and career paths.

■ Common Application—an application that allows students to apply to over 500 colleges and universities. www.commonapp.org.

■ Credit – a unit that gives weight to the value, level, or time requirements of an academic course.

■ Gap Year— a plan or experience that traditionally happens in the year between high school graduation and freshman year of college. Some examples may include volunteer work or travel.

■ GPA – grade point average. An indicator of a student’s overall academic achievement. ■ Naviance – a web-based program that aids students in college and career preparation during high school. www.naviance.com.

■ Resume – a written summary of achievements used to supplement college applications. A sample is available on Naviance.

■ School Profile—a document that highlights Medfield High School and summarizes data for interested parties. The document may be viewed on the high school’s website.

■ Transcript – a permanent record of high school courses and grades, generally required as part of the college application.

■ Unweighted GPA - a calculated grade point average from all subjects that does not take course level into account.

■ Weighted GPA - a calculated grade point average that provides students with an additional 0.8 for all classes taken at the honors or Advanced Placement (AP) level.

Parents: Helping with the College Process - and Maintaining Your Sanity

This expert dishes on how parents helping with the college process are maintaining their sanity.

By Dr. Kat Cohen

Not to oversimplify the matter, but PEACE is the process during which your child starts the college search and application process. While one may take this aptly-named acronym literally, we have a few more tips that should serve as a guide while navigating your son or daughter through today’s tricky college admissions process.

P for Participate: Be involved in your child’s college admission process, but remind yourself to take the passenger seat. Allow your child to take responsibility. In other words, they should decide which schools they will apply to; encourage them to take initiative in contacting schools and speaking with admissions representatives; and give them the responsibility of filling out their own applications. Of course, you should continue to offer advice and support. But make sure that you’re not forcing your own goals onto them (or, for that matter, completing their applications outright).

E for Educate: Familiarize yourself with the college admissions process. By learning about the general timeline and basic requirements, you will be in better shape to help your child stay organized.

A for Agree: Talk with your child about what you can do to help, and mutually agree on 2-3 tasks that you will take on to assist them. Some helpful ways in which parents have gotten involved include: planning college visits, visiting schools, marking the family calendar with important dates (registration dates for standardized test, deadlines, notification etc.), proofreading applications and essays, and conducting mock interviews.

C for Communicate: As your child begins his or her college search, explain the financial realities of your household and discuss their implications. Also, discuss geographic distinctions, the reality of living away from home, and any restrictions you might have. Share your reasons and concerns, but also listen to what your daughter or son has to say. Instead of speaking on their behalf, encourage your children to take a more active role in communicating with the adults around them. Not only must students learn to fend for themselves as they get ready to move on to college, but it is also important for them to nurture relationships with their teachers and counselor.

E for Enjoy: There are some real perks to working together on the admissions process, mainly the added opportunity to share valuable time with your child. There is so much to look forward to—college road trips, the mutual brainstorming of essay topics, and newfound academic responsibility. Look for positive moments and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how big or small, throughout this process.