WELCOME TO MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR NIGHT

1. WELCOME TOMARIAN HIGH SCHOOLJUNIOR NIGHT

2. JUNIOR YEAR • A year of student confidence and maturity • A time of greater student independence • A time for parental guidance regarding post high school planning.

3. TONIGHT’S AGENDA • Steps to take to be prepared for Senior Year. • Testing • Post secondary Educational Options • College Selection Process • College Applications Introduction to the Naviance /Family Connection in the college search.

4. PSAT/NMSQT • Simulates actual SAT testing conditions • Three Sections • Critical Reading • Math • Writing • Students are given a percentile score to show their performance compared to their peers nationally • Juniors can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test through their Selection Index Score

5. What is the SAT? • Required entrance exam for most 4 year Indiana schools • Given 7 times a year • Typically taken more than once. • Spring of Junior Year and Fall of Senior Year • Each Section score ranges from 200-800 • (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) • For more information and to register visit www.collegeboard.com

6. What is the ACT? • Required by some out of state colleges. • Section score ranges from 1-36 • For more information and to register visit www.act.org

7. Comparison of SAT & ACT • SAT is a predicator of future academic potential. • SAT = Aptitude Test • Critical Reading, Math, and Writing/Essay • ACT is a tool to measure knowledge. • ACT = Achievement Test • Based on high school curriculum • Reading, Writing, Math, Science, optional Essay

8. SAT Subject Test (formerly SAT II) Approximately one hour, individualized subject tests given in 15 subjects Required for many highly selective institutions for admissions Check with colleges for requirements

9. TEST PREP RESOURCES • College Board • PSAT • SAT Study • Local Resources - Handout

10. College Options • Universities -4 year degree, grad and MD/ Phd programs. Colleges within the University • Colleges - 2 associates and 4 year bachelor degrees Liberal Arts, Colleges of Engineering or Health Sciences • Community Colleges- more affordable tuition, • Certificate programs, two year associate, credits transfer to 4 year college. • Apprenticeships – Opportunity to work while learning a skilled trade. (1- 6 years)

11. Community Colleges Ivy Tech – Southwestern Michigan College Affordable options –low tuition Courses do transfer to major state colleges or universities for credit. When registering courses that transfer are identified as to where they are accepted. Core Transfer Library Pathway to IU, Purdue and Ball State if a part of the requirements have not yet been met. (GPA, Scores)

12. Military ENLISTMENT ROTC option: Reserved Officer Training student is involved while attending college contact the college of choice’s ROTC options Marian’s Jr. ROTC Reggie Glon moderator at Marian High School. MILITARY ACADEMIES Hand out with contacts If you are interested in any of the US Military Academies beginthe pre-application process Check their websites for this information.

13. NCAA Topics Contact NCAA through the website. Sign Up as an interested athlete by the end of Junior year. Any official college visit done after signing on NCAA. Student begins contacting college coaches, coaches can not return contact until Summer after Junior year.

14. How Do I Begin to Narrow MY College Options? • Choose ten schools between now and the end May. • Research through Naviance,College Board –Big Future Colleges, (collegeboard.com) and the Library Resources. • Identify characteristics of college with your personal preferences (size, location, private/public)…. • Make College Visits

15. College Selection Process Rank the colleges in categories of • 1. Sure Thing • 2. Stretch • 3. Dream School • List 3-5 colleges you will be applying to in the Fall of your Senior year. • Plan out the Application Dates, Required Documents, application types, reference letters required, essays and fees.

16. College Visits • Plan to visit colleges during Spring Break or Summer. • Call Admissions Office to schedule a time for a campus tour, observe a class, meet with students and faculty as well as admissions staff. • Take notes on each visit. • Marian School Policy regarding College Visits- Handbook • Notify attendance, bring signed document from admissions.

17. Components of the College Application • 1. The Application (on-line; mail in; common application • 2. Test Scores (SAT or ACT) • 3. Essay - common application generic • 4. Transcript - sent electronically by School Counseling • 5. Recommendations - School Counselor; Teacher • 6. High School Profile – School Counseling sends • 7. Supplemental Information – specific schools or student request

18. Teacher References Choose 1-2 teachers that can talk of your taking on challenges in their classes. Make request of teacher personally before the end of this school year. Teachers will need students to have a survey and resume completed and submitted on Naviance before they are able to complete the reference letter.

19. “The Essay” • Show the essay to parent, friend, teacher. Does this represent who I am? • Make sure the letter is your voice and not that of another…. • Proof Read and have someone edit your essay for mechanics of a great essay. • Work on essay Drafts during the summer.

20. What Are Colleges Looking For? • Transcript • GPA • Challenge himself or herself? • Course Load? • Was the Student Successful? • SAT / ACT Scores • Student’s Character • Did the Student get Involved? • Community Service/Clubs/Sports • How do teachers and the school community view this student?

21. Naviance • All students have an account • Features of Naviance • General college search • Free SAT & ACT test preparation • Resume Builder • Scholarship Search • Career Information • Summer Programs • Links to Colleges • Acceptance History of MHS Students’

22. Naviance for Students • Students were introduced to web based program Sophomore Year. • A survey of personality and career interests has been completed on Naviance. • You will be writing a Resume in Junior English Class. • Students be active and do your own research.

23. Naviance for Parents • Naviance has a survey for parents to complete about their student (old brag sheet) • Log in with password provided tonight. • Please complete before school resumes in August.

24. How do I Access Navince • Log onto the Marian website at www.marianhs.org • Click on the School Counseling Tab and locate the Naviance link on the right hand side • Go to the Naviance Log In page

25. How do I Register?

26. Enter the code on your registration card

27. click on my profile under the About Me tab

28. Update Profile Please provide an email address that you use regularly

30. click on the parent brag sheet survey under the About Me tab

32. Answer questions and submit

33. Things To Do Now! • KEEP YOUR GRADES UP!!!!!!!! • Senior Course Selections will be based on teacher recommendations. Keep Senior Year Rigorous • Develop an activities resume from 9th-11th grade • Highlight leadership • Awards • Community service • BEGIN YOUR COLLEGE Research!!!

34. AdditionalTasks • Check colleges of interest and learn about their summer enrichment programs. • Finalize plans. Be ready to send out college applications in August. • Have plans regarding applications and scholarship deadlines.

35. SENIOR NIGHT AUGUST Complete Details on the college application process at Marian High School. Discussion of Financial Aid and Scholarships

36. Questions for School Counselors