October 9, 2012

Tracey Pirozzolo (Grades 10-12)
 tpirozzolo@pbcschools.org
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776-6100 ext 1140
Kevin Barber (Grades 7-9)
 kbarber@pbcschools.org
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776-6100 ext 1142

 Standardized tests are not required at every school.
 Not required for admission to most community colleges but may be required to be considered for scholarships at that college
 Some four year schools are test optional
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Ithaca, SUNY Potsdam, Nazareth…

 SAT 1: Reasoning Test
 SAT 2: Subject Tests
 ACT
 Typically taken in Spring of Junior Year, and/or Fall of Senior Year
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Next SAT: December 1 (register by Nov. 1)
Next ACT December 8 (register by Nov 2)
 Verify requirements with admissions at each school you are considering

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Traditional College Entrance Exam
Register at www.collegeboard.com
3 hours, 35 minutes
3 Sections: Critical Reading, Math, Writing
Each section is worth 800 points
Most schools look at Reading and Math only
Cost: $48.00
Next test: Dec 1, register by Nov 1st or late register by November 16
January 26th exam, register by December 28

 Go back and review your PSAT scores and the suggestions that were given to you on how to improve.
 If anyone needs an additional copy of your scores- I have them in the guidance office
 Remember to review MyCollegeQuickStart
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College and Career Planning Kit- customized based on your interests

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Required at Highly Selective Colleges
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Check with the Admissions Office if you are unsure
Tests are offered in the areas of: Math, English,
US History, World History, French, Spanish,
Chemistry, and Biology.
Best to take these immediately following the class
Cannot be taken on the same day as the SAT 1
One hour long each, can take up to 3 in one day
Register at www.collegeboard.com

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Gives you the option to choose which scores (by test date) you would like to send.
Sign up for when you are registering.
Can select 4 schools to send your scores to for free.
If you do not sign up for score choice you will have to request your scores are sent for a fee of $9.00 per school.
We also put whichever scores you would like on your transcript when we send it to the colleges you apply to.
Most colleges are fine with this method, however some may require that the scores come directly from collegeboard

ACT
 Register at www.actstudent.org
 Cost: $35.00
 Next test: December 8, register by Nov 2
 Measure achievement in: Math, English,
Reading and Science
 Score- ranges from 1-36
 ACT Composite- average score of all four subtest areas.

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Photos will now be required to register for the SAT and
ACT
SAT- Beginning with the March test administration
ACT- Requires photos now
Can be uploaded from the web, an IPhone, IPod touch, any Android mobile device
We will have the capability once we get school photos back
Done to ensure the integrity of the test
If someone does not have access they can mail a photo to ACT

 Are available for SAT, ACT and College
Applications
 Please see me if you are interested
 There are many ways to qualify including…
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Free or reduced lunch
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Visit schools when they are here at PB
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Going on a campus visit

 www.commonapp.org
 www.suny.edu
 At the website of the prospective college
 Often colleges will give out applications with the fee waived if you visit in person or visit when they come to the guidance office

 How are applicants evaluated?
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Strength of high school academics
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GPA/ Class Rank
SAT/ACT scores
Extra curricular Activities
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Letters of Recommendation
Essay
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Appearance of Application
 Did it arrive on time?

 Early Action: Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the regular date. Non binding
 Early Decision: Students make a commitment to a 1 st choice institution. If they are admitted they will definitely enroll. Deadline usually Nov. 15th
 Regular Decision: submit application by a specified date (usually Jan 1 or 15)
 Rolling Admissions: Application accepted and reviewed as they are received.

 Try to narrow it down to 5-6 Schools
 Have one “Reach” School
 Three – Four “Likely” Schools that are a good match academically and otherwise)
 One – Two “Safety” Schools

 Begin by comparing 6 main points:
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Academic Programs: do they have what you are interested in? Strength of program?
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Location
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School Size
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Setting (Rural, Suburban or Urban)
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Living Conditions (dorms, apartments)
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Athletic Programs, Other Facilities (Pool,
Performing Arts Center, etc)

 Do not make cost a factor in your initial search. Wait and see what they offer you in terms of a financial package.

 Call Admissions Office- set up a visit in advance
 Bring copy of your transcript
 Sit in on a class
 Eat in the Dining Hall
 Have a list of questions ready to ask
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(see list in packet)
Be prepared for questions they may ask you

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Talk with students on campus
Send a Thank you to the Admissions counselor that you met with.
You may not want to interview at your top choice first. Go somewhere else first to get experience interviewing first
Some colleges may waive your application fee if you go on an interview
Attend Fall or Spring Open Houses
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Usually require advance registration
More formalized program

 Typically Evaluated on 3 Main Parts:
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Ability to use written English correctly including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
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Content, substance and depth of insight
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Creativity and Originality

 Adapted from Peterson’s Best College
Admission Essays:
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Be interesting but more importantly, be yourself
Strive for quality not quantity. Be concise and stay positive
Stick to your topic
Write about something you feel strongly about, a life changing event or a significant person who has influenced you.

 Make sure you have the correct college name on your essay.
 Edit and revise several times.
 Have a parent, teacher or counselor proofread
 Keep a copy for your records

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Apply for a PIN # to complete your FAFSA online at www.pin.ed.gov
Starting January 1, complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online www.fafsa.ed.gov
Usually FAFSA is due by February 15 th each college you are applying to but check with
Link now when doing income taxes that will submit info to the FAFSA if you choose.
Do not pay to file the FAFSA
CSS Profile
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Used by private institutions
Check deadlines
Can apply at www.collegeboard.com

 Every college is now required to post this on their website
 Provides an estimate of what aid you might qualify for
 Planning tool only, not an application for financial aid

 Attend Financial Aid Seminar –
October/November at the College Fair
 Attend Financial Aid Night- December at
PB High School
 Attend Financial Aid Days –
January/February at area colleges
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These are open to anyone regardless of where you plan on applying or attending

 www.fafsa.gov
 www.zinch.com
 www.cappex.com
 www.meritaid.com
 www.finaid.org
 www.hesc.org
 www.studentaid2.gov

 www.fastweb.com
 www.zinch.com
 www.scholarships.com
 www.nationalmerit.com
 www.collegenet.com
 www.scholarshipworkshop.com
 www.collegeanswer.com
 www.collegescholarship.com

 www.connection.naviance.com/pbshs
 Helps manage, prepare and send recommendations electronically
 Families are able to view when materials have been submitted to colleges
 Teachers submit and store letters electronically

 September/October/November
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take SAT/ACT’s
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Attend Open Houses
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Begin to organize activities, create common app account
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Apply Early Action if doing so

 December
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Aim to have college applications in by
Christmas break
Attend Financial Aid night
January
• Apply for PIN #
• Fill out Financial Aid
• Attend Financial Aid day (at CCC) if neccesary

 February…some schools require housing deposit (OCC, MCC)
 March.. Begin receiving replies.
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Do last round of visits
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April.. Will have received financial award letters
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May- submit deposit by May 1 st usually
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June- request final transcripts be sent

 www.suny.edu
 www.Commonapp.org
 www.collegenet.com
 www.nymentor.edu
 www.nycolleges.org
 www.petersons.com
 www.nacacnet.org

 Register at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
if interested in playing at a Division 1 or Division 2 college
 Typically done in Spring of Junior year
 Have your coach send a letter to the coach of the college you are interested in.
 Fill out an online athletic questionnaire at the website of the school you are interested in.
 Prepare a DVD of your highlights
 Prepare an athletic resume

 Colleges will usually ask you to provide at least two letters of recommendation.
 Ask your teachers early
 Cover sheet in guidance office.
 Turn in to us when completed.
 Give teachers a copy of your activity sheet.