Kendall Counseling Office Presents: What you need to know about College…
What Colleges Recommend English – 4 units ( 9-12) Math – 4 units ( college algebra, calc recommended) Social Science – 4 units (global, history, govt.& econ) Science – 4 units recommended Foreign Language – 3-4 units recommended Fine Arts – 1-2 units Other – keyboarding, computer applications, health, phys ed.
Who can help you? Build a relationship with your school counselor, they will be important throughout High School and the college search process Think about who might be a good person to write your letters of recommendation: Counselor 1. Teacher 2. Coach 3. Advisor 4. 4-H leader 5. Pastor/Minister 6.
What’s next? Research potential schools early in order to find the best fit for you, the Internet is a great resource Start asking questions early about admissions procedures Visit College Fairs, we will attend the NCF in Rochester in March
Where do I start? Type of School University 4 -Yr College 2-Yr College Vocational/trade School Affiliation Public Private independent Private, church affiliated
Where is the best Location? National surveys state that most students enroll at a college within 1-3 hours from home. Suburban Rural City What is near the College? – stores, banks, restaurants, nightlife How is the weather? – Warm, Cold, Snow, Rain
How Big? Very small ( < 1,000 students) - Hilbert College Small( 1,000 – 3,999 students)* – St. John Fisher College, Nazareth Large ( 9,000 – 19,999 students) – Rochester Institute of Technology Very large ( 20,000 + students) – State University of New York at Buffalo
What do Admissions Committees look for? Academic record- Transcript or SOAR Grades- current report card Class rank Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) Out of class activities Recommendations College Interview Portfolio/ Auditions
Standardized Tests SAT VS. ACT- reality!! Take both. When should you take these tests? – There is no perfect time, however we will advise you to take the SAT in May or June of your junior year and again in the beginning of your senior year. The ACT could be taken in April of your junior year or in September of your senior year. Please note that this may change due to changes in the world of financial aid. – Please note the increased security measures- uploading of your picture. Make sure you follow directions!
ACT SAT Cost The basic cost is $35 which includes sending scores The SAT Reasoning test costs $46, which to four colleges. The basic registration fee for the includes sending scores to four colleges. ACT with the writing section is $62.50. Without Taken with writing the cost is $60.00 writing is $46.00 Type of Test An achievement test based largely on what A reasoning test assessing general ability. students learn in their classes. Sections Four sections: SAT consists of three major sections: Critical One English Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Each One math section receives a score on the scale of 200 – One reading 800. All scores are multiples of 10. Total One science reasoning scores are calculated by adding up scores of One optional writing section the three sections. One experimental section Length The 75-question English section is of 45 minutes. Three hours and an additional 50 minutes if The 60-question Mathematics section is of 60 you take the writing test. minutes. The 40-question Reading section is of 35 minutes. The 40-question Science Reasoning section is also of 35 minutes. Penalty for Wrong Answers No. no Scoring Method 1-36 for each subject, which is averaged for 200-800 per section with 2400 the highest the highest possible score of 36. possible score. Test Dates Five national test dates and one additional test Seven test dates between August and June. date in selected states. Required to Submit No. Students can choose which schools will Yes. If a student requests a score report to receive their scores and which scores the be sent to the colleges of their choice, the Scores to Colleges? schools will see. report will automatically be sent and will include scores for every SAT the student has taken.
The new SAT is a fair and straightforward test. It looks a lot like what you’re learning in class, and focuses on what you’ll actually use in college. The new SAT focuses on vocabulary you’ll come across often in college classes. They always appear as part of a text passage, so you can put your problem-solving skills to work figuring out what they mean. The new SAT only tests essential areas of math, like data analysis and algebra. It’s the math you’ll need no matter what major or career you choose. The new SAT asks you to interpret, synthesize, and use evidence in real-world sources from history, social sciences, and science. You’ll apply your reading, writing, and math skills to solve problems you won’t just find in college, but in everyday life. The new SAT Essay is optional. It's a great way to show off your writing skills on an assignment similar to what you’ll get in your first year of college. You’ll read a passage and explain how the author builds an argument to persuade an audience. OPTIONAL ESSAY The new SAT has no guessing penalty, encouraging students who have worked hard to try their best on every question.
Are Campus Visits Important? #1 reason for selecting a school Should visit in spring of junior year or fall of senior year Take tour while school is in full-swing, can speak with students, faculty, and coaches Attend open house programs Overnights and sit in on a class The final goal of this visit is to study the school’s personality and decide if it matches yours – * Parents should be involved with the campus visit
Extracurricular Activities Be involved……High School and College – Clubs – Sports – Community Service – Student gov’t. – Part-time job * Keep a running list of the activities you are involved in from 9 th – 12 th grade
The Interview • Not all colleges require or offer an interview • If they do, take advantage of it • It gives you one-on-one time to evaluate the college and ask questions • It is an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the admissions counselor
How to write a good College Essay General suggestions -Follow guidelines/instructions -Be yourself -Sample questions -Put your best foot forward -Proofread CAREFULLY -Presentation counts
How much does it cost? Don’t automatically pass over a school that seems too expensive When estimating costs include: – tuition – room and board – personal expenses – books – transportation costs
Show me the Money! Academic Scholarships Service and Unique Scholarships College Grants Athletic Scholarships Private Grants and Scholarships Federal and State Financial Aid
Financial Aid Night! - Make sure that you attend financial aid night in December of next year. - Consider attending another workshop, many are offered through the different colleges. - Become familiar with Excelsior Scholarship
Thank You Thank you for listening today! Good luck in your college search and if you have any other questions make sure that you come to the counseling office. Remember no question is a stupid question!!
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