Senior Seminar Part 1 CLASS OF 2014

1. Senior Seminar Part 1 CLASS OF 2014 Beyond ODY: Applying to Collegeadapted from Baker HS

2. Senior Seminar • Review of the process, terminology, and timelines necessary for post-high school planning. • Expectations: • 1. Attendance / Complete Worksheet • 2. Internet Resources (Complete Survey / Guidance Direct) • 3. Application Procedures • Senior Interviews-Questionnaire/Parent Brag Sheets (due 10/1) • College Essay or Career Cover Letter 1st Draft (due 10/15) • Resume (due 10/7) • Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation • Individual Meetings (10/15 to 10/30) • SAT vs. ACT and Deadlines • 4. Post Secondary Research / Application Information • 5. Words of Caution

3. The Internet as Resource • Mr. Busch’s website • www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/jbusch • Senior Seminar Docs – Interview, Transcript Request Form, Timeline, Important Dates, etc. • Scholarship opportunities, College Visits, etc. • Complete Post Secondary Planning Survey • www.guidancedirect.com • School ID – 3836779 – Password – o60L6606 • Create User ID – 13LastName/ Password • Take Interest Inventory – should have completed Jr. Year • Update your college choices – due 10/15

4. Individual Student-Parent Meetings (Oct 15 – 31st) • Transcript / Diploma Types • Graduation Requirements • Senior Checklist - Graduation Progress Review • Post Secondary Planning Progress Review • Guidance Direct Colleges • Interest Inventory Results • Application Process Review / Progress / Transcript Requests • Guidance secretary will contacting your families

5. Application Procedures • Senior Interviews – due Oct. 1st • Transcript Requests • Use form provided in packet / available online • See Timeline in handout / available online • Letter of Recommendation • Suggest only asking one teacher, unless your college specifically requires more. Think about a back-up though, it never hurts to have one. • if you use Common App you still need to note the teachers you plan to use on the Guidance Form • give 2-3 weeks notice • send a “THANK YOU” card!!!!!

6. Auditions/ Interviews/ Portfolios • Art majors and music majors be sure to check requirement for portfolios/ auditions and DUE DATES! Make your appointments for portfolio reviews and auditions NOW! • See me if this interests you. • Work with art teachers and music teachers to get materials prepared

7. SAT / ACT • Why one vs. the other? • SAT – www.collegeboard.org • Deadlines are generally over five weeks before test • Waivers can not be used for late registration • SAT now requires Photo ID • You must bring your ticket • No stand-by registration • ACT – www.actstudent.org • Deadlines are generally over five weeks before test • Waivers can not be used for late registration

8. Post Secondary Research • SUNY Admissions Summary (See Print Out) • SUNY Open House dates (check suny.edu) • Investigate prospective colleges • Narrow to 12 that “FIT” your criteria • Visit Campus’ of your top 8 schools if possible • Regional College Nights • @Hudson Valley – Late September • @ MVCC 10/8 6:30 to 8:30 (Financial and Disabilities Sessions) • @ Rome Free Academy 44th Annual – 10/9 6:30-8:30 HS Gym • Meet with College Reps in Counseling Office • List on bulletin board outside counseling office of upcoming visits. Can also be found online

9. Application Information • 4 Year Colleges • Early Decision: • A binding agreement between the student and college. If the student is admitted ED, they must attend. Students can only apply ED to one college and must withdraw all other applications if they are accepted under ED. • Early Action: • Non – binding. Students apply early to get an admissions decision (typically before January). Students can use this option for multiple schools.

10. Words of Caution • TEST SCORES • SAT/ACT/SAT II/AP • YOU are responsible for making sure your test scores are sent from the testing agency to the schools you are applying to • do not wait to see SAT retake scores before applying

11. Words of Caution • Essays – highly recommend completing if optional • one chance to personalize your application • read the question/understand the instructions • proofread, edit, revise, proofread again! • don’t send Nazareth essay to LeMoyne!! • Senior Year Grades • many colleges will request mid year and end of year grades and reports • don’t slack off just because you are a senior! • Class Rank – will be officially calculated in Spring. In the meantime, feel free to ask at anytime

12. SENIOR SEMINAR • Senior Seminar II: Common App, College Essay, Career Cover Letter • Will be before October 15th • Senior Seminar III: Financial Scholarship, Ferpa • Will be before December 1st • Review (Wksht) • 1. Attendance / Complete Worksheet • 2. Internet Resources (Complete Survey / Guidance Direct) • 3. Application Procedures • Senior Interviews-Questionnaire/GD Interest (due 10/15) • Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation • Individual Meetings (10/15 to 10/30) • SAT vs. ACT and Deadlines • 4. Post Secondary Research / Application Information • 5. Words of Caution

13. Future Seminar Ideas • Give time to complete questionnaire / inventory / select and update colleges • CFES Fee Waivers (http://www.collegefes.org/about-us/list-of-colleges/#.Ujx9mcakpu0) • Common Application • Senior Mailbox • Complete FERPA waiver and FAFSA Explanation • Scholarships Information • Local awards, Scholarship for Excellence Nomination Criteria Used, Last years list • Current Rankings? • Types of Diploma’s • Other information gleaned from survey • College Knowledge / Exploration? • Session 4 – going to college, what to expect, prepare for, resources, etc.