Exploring Your Child’s Future
Welcome Parents of Class of
2016/2017
Self Reflection
The best college choices are made when
students know themselves well…their
strengths, goals, and personality type.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/getstarted/know-yourself
Go to Naviance/Family Connection to
complete Personality and Career Profiles
Students should consider
• My strengths &
weaknesses
• Classes I’ve enjoyed
• My interests
• Career goals
• Activities I enjoy
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.
org/get-started/videotranscription/do-colleges-wantquality-or-a-quantity-ofactivities
College Characteristics to Consider
• Location –
Urban/Rural
• Far from home?
• Campus/Class sizes
• Admission
requirements
College Characteristics to Consider
(Cont’d)
• Academic strengths
• Retention rates
• Degree Requirements
• Core
• Curriculum/flexibility
• Diversity
• Costs
Visit College Campuses
• Visit a variety of campus types
and sizes
• Go when college is in session
• Take a campus tour
• Talk to students
• Be aware of each campus’
personality
• Stay overnight
• Talk to a faculty member in
your area of interest
• Schedule an interview, if
possible
Narrow Your List of Schools
• Reach Schools
(1 or 2)
• Target Schools
(2-4)
• Likely Schools
(1 or 2)
Keep Things in Perspective
This is not a competition
to get into the “best
college”…
This is a process to find
the college that is the
“best fit.”
How Do Colleges Select Students
• High school grades/rigor of
courses
• SAT/ACT scores
• Recommendations
• Essays
• College needs
• Special talents
• Extracurricular activities
• Interview
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/getstarted/video-transcription/what-kindof-student-do-colleges-want
Different Kinds of Admissions
• Priority Deadline:
• Univ. of MD, College
Park - Nov. 1st
•
•
•
•
Regular Admissions BE AWARE
OF
Early Decision
DEADLINES
Early Action
Rolling Admissions
What's Next?
March
• College Information
Meeting for students
April
• Visit colleges (spring
break)
• College Admissions
Night - 4/21
• Montgomery Co.
College Fair - 4/21
What's Next?
May/June
• SAT/ACT/SAT subject tests
• Schedule a College Meeting
with Counselor
• Complete self reflection
worksheet/resume’
• Think about what teachers
to select to write your
recommendation letter
June/July/August
• B-CC Summer Workshops
for seniors
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Think about and start researching Financial
Aid/Scholarship Info.
*If you qualify for Free/Reduced lunch, sign up!
This will give you reduced and free application fees,
and SAT/ACT, AP/IB test fees.
Where/How to Get Information at B-CC
• B-CC Counselor
• Family Connection
• College and Career Center
• Mrs. Parmelee, CCIC at B-CC
• College Tracks – Ms. Jenni
Adams, Ms. Patty Olszewski
• College Reps when they visit BCC
• Scholarship searches
• B-CC Guide to College and
Career Planning (link found on
B-CC Counseling site)
• Counseling Dept: 240-497-6320
• Counseling/Career Ctr: 240497-6327
Enjoy this College Process
Journey!
College Application Quiz - Questions
1. A high GPA and strong test scores are the only thing that really matter in a college
application. (True/False)
2. It’s important to participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible during high
school. (True/False)
3. You may be eligible for in-state tuition at a public school outside of your state.
(True/False)
4. College admissions staff prefer that students get recommendations from a principal or
other well know staff member. (True/False)
5. It’s normal for students to transfer colleges during their freshman year. (True/False)
6. Since it’s a preliminary test, your score on the PSAT doesn’t matter. (True/False)
7. Applying Early Action/or Early Decision increases your chances of admission. (True/False)
8. Students should delete social media accounts to avoid making a bad impression when
applying to college. (True/False)
9. Applying to colleges takes a lot of time so it’s ok to have a family member contact a
college for you. (True/False)
10. Colleges appreciate students who are proactive and follow up about their application
after submission. (True/False)
College Application Quiz - Answers
False – well rounded w/ diverse experiences
False – Focus on a couple of important activities for four years
True – Academic Common Market
False – prefer recs from teacher who knows student well
True – 13% of students finish at a college different from where
they started
6. False – scores used to determine Nat’l Merit Scholarships
7. True – eager to accept students who are enthusiastic about
attending and applying early
8. False – social media can be used to reach out to students and
staff at prospective colleges
9. False – proofreading essays, etc., but not contacting colleges
10. True – always follow up to make sure colleges have your
materials.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How Did YOU Do?