WELCOME TO PARENTS OF SENIORS NIGHT GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

WELCOME TO PARENTS OF SENIORS NIGHT

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS Dr. Kristen Lazzaro Ms Karen Christian Mrs. Meghan Ober Dr. Erik Champy Mrs. Diane Shealy klazzaro@trsd. net kchristian@trsd. net mober@trsd. net echampy@trsd. net dshealy@trsd. net

SENIOR CLASS ADVISORS Ms. Erin Dempsey Mr. James Allen

GRADVENTURE

VIKING VOYAGER

Selecting the Right College

Selecting a College Involves Many Things Self – Assessment Information Gathering Selection Process Filing Applications The Wait The Final Choice

Self Assessment The first step in finding the right match Goals and values Academic interests, abilities and learning style Activities and outside interests Your personality and relationships Career awareness and interests

Information Gathering Using Naviance Software and Individual College Web sites ◦ Naviance website: www. connection. naviance. com/tritonhsma Using Print Resources at School, Home and Library College Visits

Selecting a College Reach Selection Process Possible Likely

Admission Criteria Intended major Activities outside the classroom Special talents, skills and interests Geographic location Personal Interview

The College Application

Ways to Apply Early Admission Early Decision (binding) Regular Admission ◦ Rolling Admission

2009 State of College Admission – National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) On-Line Application Increase ◦ Four Year Colleges and Universities received an average of 72% of their applications on-line, up from 64% in fall 2007, and 58% in fall 2006.

2009 State of College Admission – NACAC Growth in Both ED and EA Applications Stalls ◦ In both 2008 and 2007, just under half (49%) of institutions reported increases from the previous year in ED applications compared to 63% in 2006 and 58% in 2005. ◦ EA application growth appears to have slowed, though about two-thirds of institutions reported increases in these applications for fall 2008. From 2005 through 2007, between 70% and 80% of institutions had reported increases.

2009 State of College Admission – NACAC Colleges Accept 67% of applicants ◦ The average selectivity rate, percentage of applicants that are offered admission, at four-year colleges and universities was 67%. The average institutional yield rate, percentage of admitted students that enroll, was 45%.

Factors in the Admissions Decision Transcript Rigor of Schedule Standardized Testing Essay, Recommendations, Rank, Co-Curricular Activities, Demonstrated Interest

Transcript GPA Rank Courses taken and level of difficulty School activities

2009 State of College Admission – NACAC Why Colleges Revoke Admission Offers ◦ During the fall 2008 admission cycle, 21% of colleges reported that they have revoked an admission offer, compared to 35% in 2007. The most common reasons for rescinding an admission offer were: final grades – 65% disciplinary issues – 35%, and falsification of application information – 29%.

The Triton High School Process

Recommendations • Students should give teachers plenty of notice (two weeks minimum) • Supply the teacher with the teacher Recommendation Information Form

Naviance Use • Students need to apply online to colleges (preferred method) • Students will need to update their college applications on the Naviance system • Students need to meet with their counselor to send supporting documents • All documents will be sent on line through the Naviance Edudocs program • Transcript • Teacher/Counselor recommendations • Benefits: • Immediate submission of documents • Tracking via web of documents

GUIDANCE SEMINAR Seniors are meeting with a team of counselors 1 X every other 7 day cycle during quarters 1 -3. Topics include: • Transcript review • College Essay writing • Do What You Are Inventory • College Search/Application Process • Resume writing • Financial literacy • Healthy decisions

Important Information

Financial Aid mefa. org (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) ◦ Information on planning for college ◦ Information on loans and paying for college Triton will be hosting a financial aid night with a speaker from MEFA. Date TBA, stay tuned! What you can do now: ◦ Fafsa. gov (Free application for Federal Student Aid) Information on Federal Student Aid Apply for Parent and Student PIN

SAT I, SAT II, and ACT § § § Tests commonly taken in spring of junior year and fall of senior year SAT II required only for some private schools Upcoming Registration deadlines: § SAT: October 8, deadline for the November 6 th exam § ACT: November 6, deadline for December 11 th exam

COLLEGE MINI FAIRS The Guidance Department is hosting college mini fairs throughout the month of October. Last year over 100 college representative visited Triton High School.

NEACAC COLLEGE FAIR OCTOBER 3, 2010 1: 00 -3: 00 NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Final Notes: Students should: Visit their guidance counselor often Use resources in Guidance Visit schools Talk to friends, family, teachers