SENIOR A DVISEMENT

1. SENIOR ADVISEMENT Information for Seniors and Their Parents

2. Topics for Discussion • Counselors • College Application Process • Transcript Request Procedure • Letters of Recommendations • - Credits and Honor Points • Numeric Average GPA vs NGA - College Admission Standards - GPA - Researching colleges - Honor Code - SAT/ACT - Scholarships/Financial Aid - HOPE - NCAA

3. Northview High School – Counselors Students are assigned to counselors according to their last name: Counselor Student Caseload Samiah Garcia (A – De) Jamie D. Brown (Dh – Ka) Renee Ferrerio, Dept Chair (Ke – Mc) Allison Leja (Me- Sc) Steve Creel (Se – Z)

4. Parent’s Role Guiding and supporting your child through the college process Discuss College Finances with your child The Positive…you will not have to check the mail for a few weeks Some ideas for you and keeping your child organized through the process College Application Process

5. Student’s Role Coordinator between high school and what the college requires Completing the research & college application Understanding there are high school deadlines and college deadlines for admissions, scholarships, NCAA, HOPE, FAFSA Submitting any and all requests to complete the application by the high school deadline College Application Process

6. High School Deadlines There will be a strict minimum two week high school deadline prior to the college deadline for students submitting any requests for Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, or HS Counselor Section for a college application or for a scholarship to the Counseling Office. This excludes holidays whether paper or electronic request College Application Process

7. Due to the number of seniors… students who fail to turn in their applications prior to the two week deadline will NOT receive a letter of recommendation from their counselor. In order to ensure a letter of recommendation, completed forms, and on time delivery, ALL STUDENTS must meet their deadlines. This excludes holidays and breaks. College Application Process

8. In order to have an honest, fair, and complete evaluation of the application between high school and college…the student must waive their rights to view the application when and if colleges ask. All Senior Students need to give their Counselor a SENIOR INFO SHEET on Sept. 8th. Parent Response Form is optional. Available electronically or on paper. College Application Process

9. Two types of transcript request Paper Transcript Request (salmon) Electronic Transcript Request (blue) DO NOT ASSUME A COLLEGE TAKES ONE OR THE OTHER. The college will be specific as to how they want the transcript sent. Follow the specific college’s instructions. Transcript Request

10. Will begin September 8th Transcript request forms are in the College/Career Center Processing Cost is $5.00 Transcript Request

11. Transcript Request will be accepted on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday only. If a Paper Transcript is requested by the college, the student must bring a 9X11 SASE with NHS return address. Sticky labels are in the College/Career Center for the NHS return address. See Cathy Boatwright in the Counseling Office to submit request. Transcript Request

12. Could be Paper or Electronic Requires a Senior Info Sheet filled out & SASE and given to the teacher Teacher will mail if paper or send electronically (Student will communicate the deadline) If paper, student will provide the standard size SASE with the college address & high school return address. Letters of Recommendation-Teacher

13. Some schools want Letters of Recommendation and some do not. Check the application if required. Do not assume every college needs or even wants a Letter of Recommendation. Be considerate and mindful of your recommender when requesting a Letter of Recommendation. Two week notice required excluding holidays and breaks. Letters of Recommendation-Counselor

14. College Admission Standards GPA – Typically average in academic core on a 4.0 scale (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language) Course Selection (rigor; difficulty level) – Selective colleges are looking at the strength or rigor of your courses throughout high school, including your senior year. We highly recommend seniors take a minimum of 4 academics each semester. (For highly selective colleges, a minimum of 5 each semester) Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT) Class Rank – Based on overall numeric weighted average Extracurricular Activities – Leadership and participation in clubs, service and sports can be particularly important to competitive colleges

15. College Application Essays – Required essays on the college application are important because they demonstrate your writing ability and give the college more information about you. Please seek advice when writing an essay and make sure to proofread for errors Letters of Recommendation – Request teacher recommendation two weeks before needed and counselor recommendation at least two weeks prior to the college’s deadline Resume – Contains academic info., honors & awards, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experience, etc. Interviews College Admission Standards

16. GPA High School GPA is calculated by the postsecondary institution not the high school (Fulton County does not calculate) College GPA is different than the Fulton County Numeric Average • Student should contact college to find how they calculate GPA • Most colleges use this scale: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0 • Most colleges only consider academic courses (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language) • Some colleges may give additional points for Honors, AP, and College courses • Some colleges may take off the additional 7 points added for Honors, AP and college courses

17. Research Colleges • Use the Internet • GAcollege411 www.gacollege411.org • Georgia Career Information Service (GCIS) www.gcic.peachnet.edu • User ID: nviewhs Password: gcis1890 • www.collegeboard.com • - Visit college websites and note deadlines

18. Visit with College Representatives at Northview High School Pre-register in the Counseling Office by signing a list and receiving a permission slip Visit College Campuses Request up to 6 days of pre approved absences each year to visit colleges Start visits junior year and complete them by early fall of your senior year Meet with representatives from admissions, financial aid and from your area of interest and ask questions during your visit. Research College

19. Research Colleges Use the College Career Room to research colleges and scholarships Trained parent volunteers provide assistance to students and parents during lunch Attend College Fairs PROBE College FairWednesday, September 29, 2010 6pm (North Point Mall) For a complete PROBE tour schedule, please visithttp://www.gaprobe.org/tour-calendar.htm

20. Research Colleges Narrow your list to somewhere around 4-8 colleges – List should be balanced View the school profiles, and compare the admissions data to your own academic record and test scores. - Dream/Reach school (less than 30% chance of admission) - Your Academic Record/Test scores are at or below average - For highly selective schools, your scores should meet or be above average - Good Fit/Target school (30%-60% chance of admission) - Your Academic Record/Test Scores are in line with average - Safety school (greater than 60% chance of admission) - Your Academic Record/Test Scores are above average - You need one at least one safety school - Highly selective school should never be considered safety - Close to home (more affordable) - Consider location and the cost of traveling home Apply to schools that are a good match for your personality, interests, and career goals

21. Types of Admissions Decisions Regular Decision Early Action - Invite early applications; Receives notice of admission. If accepted, student is not obligated to attend. Early Decision - Receives notice of admission early; If accepted, student is obligated to attend; If accepted, student must withdraw all other applications. If accepted, student is obligated to attend. Research College

22. Visit the college or college’s website Make sure you find out and meet minimum high school courses for admissions, particularly if OUT-OF-STATE. Check GPA, SAT/ACT, etc and anything else that is required for admissions. Research College

23. If a college or scholarship program inquires about honor code violations or discipline, we are obligated to report this information. Also, inquiries on a student's integrity may also be affected if the student has a documented out of school suspension or honor code violation. Acceptance to college is provisional and the colleges hold all of the rights. Colleges reserve the right to rescind admission or put you on immediate probation. Honor Code/Discipline

24. SAT vs ACT College Entrance Exams SAT I Scores 600-2400 College admission test that measures students’ mathematical ability, critical reading knowledge, and writing skill. SAT Subject Tests Scores 200-800 One-hour tests offered in subjects such as English, foreign language, science, history, and mathematics. Some colleges require the SAT II test(s) & students should check with each college to determine whether it is necessary to take the SAT II(s).

25. American College Testing Program (ACT) Scores0-36 College admission test which measures aptitude and skill in English, math, reading, natural sciences, and writing. Test Registration SAT www.collegeboard.com ACT www.act.org High School Code 111148 SAT vs ACT College Entrance Exams

26. SAT vs ACT

27. Scholarships/Financial Aid • Senior newsletters will be posted at www.northviewhigh.com and emailed to seniors and parents throughout the year alerting seniors to scholarship opportunities that are available • - Research scholarships on the internet • www.scholarships.com • www.fastweb.com • www.gacollege411.org • www.gsfc.com • - Contact colleges directly about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Colleges award many renewable scholarships. Ask about criteria, procedures and deadlines • Financial Aid Night at Northview High hosted by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. A representative will be at Northview on December 2nd, 2010 at 7:00pm in the NHS Auditorium to outline the FAFSA form and review HOPE scholarship information

28. Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship • Eligible students receive financial assistance covering tuition, HOPE- approved mandatory fees, and a book allowance • Qualifications • - U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen • - Legal resident of Georgia • - Graduate of an eligible GA high school • 3.0 GPA in core-curriculum subjects • Valid Social Security # • Financial Aid Meeting (December 2nd ) Selective Service Males must register with the Selective Service no later than 30 days before their 18th birthday. HOPE eligibility will be delayed until this requirement is met www.sss.gov

29. HOPE GPA A 3.0 GPA is required by averaging core coursework, including failing grades, on a 4.0 scale Core CoursesConversion English Math Science Social Science World Language Honors points are removed and a 0.50 weighting is added back in for AP courses only, not to exceed 4.0 Middle school credit is not calculated in the HOPE GPA All calculations are done by the Georgia Student FinanceCommission Counselors are not responsible for calculating the HOPE GPA A 2.99 GPA does NOT qualify you for HOPE

30. Apply for HOPE • Apply for the HOPE: • By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form in January of senior year and • By completing the Georgia Student Financial Aid Application System • Complete both at www.gacollege411.org • For Additional Information on HOPE • Contact Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) • 770-724-9000 or www.gsfc.org • This is reviewed at the Financial Aid Meeting December 2nd.

31. NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse If you are planning on participating in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or II institution you must register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse Access the registration materials by visiting the NCAA website www.ncaaclearinghouse.net When taking the SAT/ACT, enter 9999 for scores to be sent to NCAA Students and parents are responsible for determining NCAA eligibility to Division I and Division II schools Counselor’s are neither responsible nor allowed to determine eligibility

32. You should have received email alerts for this meeting. If you did not receive any email communication, make certain we have your updated email address. You may send your updated email to ferrerio@fultonschools.org COMMUNICATION

33. Q&A • It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity or service.