Welcome Class of 2012 Corinth High School

1. Welcome Class of 2012 Corinth High School Junior Planning Night March 29, 2011

2. The College Choice is… Difficult Important Normally the prime responsibility of the student Time Consuming Frustrating Apt to have long term consequences Important to others beside the student Something requiring help from others Reached through coming to grips with personal priorities & goals Based on facts and feelings

3. College Choice is Not… Final Irreversible A guarantee for future success A matter of luck Unchanging The most difficult decision you’ll make inyour life For others to make for you The same for any two people To be made in isolation

4. Influences on the College Choice Dreams Ego Parents Relationships You Peer Pressure Special Interests Status Career Goals Other People’s Expectations Admissions Standards Aptitudes Finances Change Limitations Willingness to Take Risks Location

5. The College Planning Process… Tonight’s information has been put together to help you begin the college selection process. If at any time you have questions regarding this process PLEASE do not hesitate to contact our office. We look forward to working with your families during this exciting and at times challenging process!

6. Resources in the Guidance Office • Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Rust, and Mrs. Bills • College Catalogs, View Books, and DVD’s • Internet Searches www.corinthcsd.com • Guidance Direct (may also be accessed from your home computer) • Scholarship Information • Financial Aid Information • Visits from College Reps • Pick up copies of tests, forms, applications, etc. • Practice SAT, SAT ll, and ACT tests • SAT and ACT Registration Forms • FAFSA • CSS PROFILE • College Applications

7. SAT/ACT • Why take both? • How do we register? • Where will I take the test? • Do I need to take the Writing Section? • How do colleges use these scores? • Other questions…….?

8. Choosing the Right College There is no sure-fire way to select the right college, and usually you won’t know for sure if you have succeeded until you have been on campus studying for at least a semester. But there are some things you can do to find the best possible match for you!

9. What can you do to tryand find the best match? • Think about your priorities: What do you want to study? What campus characteristics interest you? • Use Guidance Direct or other internet resources to locate a list of colleges/ universities matching your priorities. • Check the internet for a “virtual campus tour,” pick up college catalogs, and read all about the colleges/universities.

10. More tips for choosingthe right college… 4. Ask your parents/guardians, teachers, counselors, employers, friends, and college alumni about your selections. 5. Whenever possible visit the colleges/ universities, either at an Open House or arrange for a tour and/or interview. 6. Apply to colleges/universities that you decide are a good match for you. Be sure to apply to a “safety school.”

11. The College Visit • Schedule a campus tour (call ahead) • Visit when classes are in session • Have a list of questions ready for your guide • Set up interviews in advance • Bring a journal to jot down notes about different campuses • Talk to students who are currently enrolled • Sit in on a class • Ask students about what they do on the weekends

12. The College Interview • Practice, Practice, Practice • Conduct a mock interview with a parent or teacher • Relax  • Engage in conversation with the interviewer • Ask Questions, you are interviewing the school, as well!

13. Questions you may be asked…. • Why do you want to attend our University/College? • What is your strongest/weakest point? • What have you done to prepare for college? • What has been your greatest experience in high school? • What do you want to do in the future? • Tell me about your extracurricular activities? • Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? • What is your favorite book? Who is your favorite author? • If you could meet any important figure in the past or present, who would it be and what would you talk about?

14. Question you may wish to ask… • What is your average class size? • Student to faculty ratio? • Campus meal plans? • What is the social scene like? • What is the student body make-up, how diverse is your campus? • How many students are commuters or residents? • How is housing assigned? • Campus safety?

15. How to file your college applications • Choose the colleges you will apply to. • Secure applications either from the Guidance Office or on-line. If you choose to apply on-line, please be sure to print out the school report form and bring it to the Guidance Office. • Be sure to include one “safety school.” • Complete the Student Information Sections and bring them to the Guidance Office with your application fee and we will mail it in with your transcript. If you choose to turn in your completed application at this time, we will copy and mail your entire application. We will not be responsible for mailing your portions of the application after the school report has been sent in. • If you do not have a School Report Form, you must complete a transcript request form. Transcripts will not be sent if this form is not on file. • Fee Waivers are available if the application fee would be a hardship. Please see your counselor with any questions. • Secure recommendations from your teachers, employers, and others if required. Be sure to request recommendations early and have them sent to the Guidance Office.

16. Your college applications… • Double check to see what admissions tests are required for each college you have selected. Remember some of the more competitive colleges and programs require the SAT II, see your counselor if you are not sure which tests you need. • Check with Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Rust for information you don’t have. • If you need to write an essay, ask a teacher to read and critique it before you submit the final draft. • All applications should be typed or printed neatly and legibly. • Please do not wait until the deadline to bring information to the Guidance Office.Do it as early as you can, preferably by Thanksgiving break. (You are responsible for knowing the deadlines for the schools you have applied to.)

17. Information Needed for Applications • Full Name • Social Security Number • GPA/Rank • SAT and/or ACT scores and dates taken • School Code or CEEB code: 331485 • School Address: 105 Oak St. • Counselor’s Name: Mrs. Sarah Rust (A-L) Mrs. Lynne Jenkins (M-Z)

18. Other Topics • NCAA Clearing House • College Course Credit Received in High School- check with the colleges you plan to apply to, each institution has their own policy on treatment of credit earned. • Graduation Requirements • Senior Letters • Financial Aid • FAFSA • Applying for a PIN • Profile • Scholarships • EOP/HEOP

19. Dates to Remember … • College Night – May 3rd • SAT –May 7th and June 4th • ACT- June 11th (at CHS) • For additional test dates & information visit: www.corinthcsd.com • Financial Aid Night – January 2012- Date TBD

20. Questions?

21. Contact Information • Sarah Rust, School Counselor (A-L) rusts@corinthcsd.com (518) 654-9005 ext. 3440 • Lynne Jenkins, Guidance Director (M-Z) jenkinsl@corinthcsd.com (518) 654-9005 ext. 3441 • Chandice Bills, Guidance Secretary billsch@corinthcsd.com (518) 654-9005 ext. 3442