JUNIOR PARENT WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 2013
1.
COURSE SELECTION PROCESS/ACADEMIC SCHEDULE FOR SENIOR
YEAR
2.
LHS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
3.
FACTORS IN THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
4.
DEVELOPING A LIST
5.
POST-SECONDARY PLANNING RESOURCES
6.
DIFFERENT ADMISSIONS PLANS
7.
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
8.
STUDENT ATHLETE PROCEDURES
9.
ROLE OF PARENTS
Handouts:
Topic Outline
Junior Seminar Outline
Junior Year Timeline
LHS Profile
Sample Transcript
College Application Terminology
Helpful Websites
SAT vs. ACT
Making the Most of a College Fair
College Visit
Activity Resume
Notetaking Sheet
Lexington High School
Junior Guidance Seminar 2012-2013
LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
DEPARTMENT OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
JUNIOR GUIDANCE SEMINAR CURRICULUM
Session Outline
SESSION I
INTRODUCTION AND POST SECONDARY PLANNING –
Transcript Review/Graduation Requirements/Course
Selection/Gap Year Programs/Alternatives to College/Post
Secondary Plans
SESSION II
THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS – Part 1
Factors In The Admissions Decision/What Colleges Are Looking
For
SESSION III
THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS - Part 2
Factors In Developing Your College List/What Are You Looking
For
SESSION IV
THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS – Part 3
Developing A Working List Of Colleges/Reaches, Matches,
Safeties
Lexington High School
Junior Guidance Seminar 2012-2013
Junior Year Timeline
January
- Organize a file of college brochures and information. Before you know it, they’ll start pouring in.
February
- ATTEND ALL SCHEDULED JUNIOR SEMINARS WITH YOUR COUNSELOR.
- Plan to visit colleges while they’re in session. Start to explore your college options.
- Think about which college characteristics are important to you.
- Have an interview with admissions officers when you visit campuses.
- Don’t spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that grades and extra-curricular
involvement suffer. Strive to find a balance and maintain it.
- When selecting senior year courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically, but realistically.
- Begin developing a list of colleges utilizing SuperMatch or College Search in Naviance/Family Connection.
- Fill out and have parent/guardian sign and return the LHS Records Release Form to your counselor or the
Registrar’s office.
March
- ATTEND ALL SCHEDULED JUNIOR SEMINARS WITH YOUR COUNSELOR.
- Write, telephone, or email colleges on your list to request admissions and financial aid information. There is
no charge and no obligation to obtain general information about admissions and financial aid.
- Discuss with your counselor which standardized tests are appropriate for you (SAT, SAT Subject Test, ACT).
- Talk to two teachers about writing letters of recommendation for you.
- Athletes should register with the NCAA if they are considering playing college athletics.
Throughout the spring, continue to utilize Naviance to update your list of schools. Stay in touch with your
counselor to discuss course selection and your future plans, whether they include post-secondary education,
the military, work or a gap year. Visit schools in the area just to get a sense of what a college campus is like.
Take advantage of your location. There are 2 and 4 year, public and private, liberal arts and specialty colleges
a mere T ride away.
April
- Register for the May/June SAT or ACT and/or the May/June SAT Subject Tests.
- Look into summer jobs or apply for special academic or enrichment programs.
- Attend local college fairs.
May
- Take the AP, ACT, SAT, and/or SAT Subject tests if appropriate.
June
- Take the ACT, SAT and SAT Subject Tests exams if appropriate.
- Finalize your summer plans.
July & August
- Start thinking about college majors related to your interests and career goals
- Request applications, brochures, and financial aid information from your colleges.
- Visit colleges, take tours, and have interviews (refer to seminar handouts)
- Continue to refine your list of schools.
- Contact athletic coaches if applicable.
- Begin preparing for the actual application process. (Ex. start a draft of a college essay and open up a
Common Application account)
Lexington High School
Junior Guidance Seminar 2012-2013
COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS TERMINOLOGY
Advanced Placement Test (AP) - a subject specific test taken by some high school students after they have
completed certain AP or Honors courses. Some colleges give advanced standing and/or credit for these
College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) sponsored tests if students earn a score of 3, 4, or 5 on them.
ACT – a curriculum based achievement test, which measures skills in English, writing, mathematics, reading
and natural science, as well as Reasoning abilities. Composite scores range from 1 to 36.
Associates Degree - a degree granted by a college or university for a program that requires two years of
full-time study.
Baccalaureate Degree - the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or any other bachelor's degree granted
by a college or university for a program that typically requires four years of full-time study.
CEEB Code Number - The LHS CEEB code number is 221190. It is commonly asked for on college
applications and standardized test registration forms.
The Common Application – a college application form developed and widely accepted by many colleges and
universities.
Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Program - a program integrating classroom study with work experience,
offering both credit and salary.
Deferring Acceptance - an accepted student can delay entrance by a year (or a semester).
Early Action - permits you to apply to a college or university and receive a decision early in your senior year,
well in advance of the normal spring response dates. Though you will hear early regarding your admission,
you are NOT committed to attend, and you MAY apply to other colleges. If you are applying for financial aid,
you will follow the financial aid application deadline set by the institution. You are not required to make a
commitment before May 1, but you are encouraged to do so as soon as your final choice is made. Some
schools are now designating themselves as “single choice” or “restricted” early action, meaning your
application is still non-binding, but you can’t apply anywhere else early. Under early action programs,
applicants are accepted, denied, or deferred where they will be re-evaluated with the regular admission pool.
Early Decision - the same as Early Action, except it requires you to commit to that college or university at
the time of application - if admitted, you MUST enroll. You should apply under an Early Decision plan only if
you know that you can make a well reasoned, first choice decision. Upon admission, the school will require a
nonrefundable deposit well before May 1. You may apply to other colleges but are permitted to have only one
Early Decision application pending at any given time. The school will respond to your request for financial aid
at or near the time admission is offered. If admitted, you must enroll unless the financial aid award is
inadequate. Under early decision programs, applicants are accepted, denied, or deferred where they will be
re-evaluated with the regular admission pool.
Grade Point Average (GPA) - a calculated number used to evaluate a student's academic performance.
While LHS GPA calculations are listed in the Student/Parent Handbook, some colleges and universities may
recalculate your LHS GPA using their own system.
International Baccalaureate (IB) – a challenging, specialized two-year curriculum of international
education offered at some high schools. It may lead to a diploma that some colleges/universities will
recognize. LHS does not offer IB courses.
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) - an athletic governing body to which
approximately 500 small four-year colleges and universities belong. The NAIA governs athletic recruitment
and scholarship awarding policies.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - an athletic governing body to which approximately 800
colleges and universities belong. Each school chooses a general division 1, 2, or 3, and is required to follow
the policies regarding recruitment and scholarship awards that have been established for that division.
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) – The National Merit Scholarship program is
offered to students based on their junior year PSAT scores. Students will be contacted in September of their
senior year, informing them if they are commended or semi-finalists. Semi-finalists will have the opportunity
to continue the application process. The application will include an essay, an activity sheet and counselor
statement. Finalists will be notified in February.
Open Admissions - an admissions policy whereby the college admits all applicants.
Rank in Class – an individual high school’s method of ranking students by GPA to compare one student's
academic performance with the performance of all other students at the same grade level. LHS does not
rank students, nor do we estimate percentiles.
Regular Decision - most colleges have an early winter application deadline (January 1 or 15 or February 1).
They generally notify candidates of their acceptance between March 1 and April 12. Students then have until
May 1 (the common reply date) to respond to the colleges. Regular decision applicants are either accepted,
denied, or waitlisted (the college may initially delay offering or denying admission, but rather extend the
possibility of admission in the future. Colleges offer admission to waitlist candidates if insufficient numbers of
regularly admitted candidates accept their offers of admission).
Rolling Admission - a term used to describe the application process in which an institution reviews
applications as they are received and offers decisions to students soon after they are made (on a "rolling"
basis). If you are applying for financial aid you will follow the financial aid application deadline set by the
school. You may apply to other colleges and you will not be required to make a decision regarding enrolling
before May 1.
SAT - this test, graded on a scale from 200 to 800 (per section), measures a student’s mathematical, writing
and reading skills (used to be called SAT Reasoning Test).
SAT Subject Tests - one hour tests offered in subjects such as world language, science, history, and
mathematics. These tests, graded on a scale from 200 to 800, measure a student's knowledge of particular
subject areas.
School Profile - essentially a summary of LHS - it includes a description of Lexington, our average SAT/AP
scores, our grading and course level systems, the fact that we don't rank our students, etc. It is included in
the packet that our registrar sends to colleges with student’s transcript and counselor statement.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - a test used to evaluate the English proficiency of those
students whose first language is not English.
The Universal College Application – A new “common application,” currently accepted by 44 schools. It
claims to be “more accessible, faster and easier [and] inclusive.”
Lexington High School
Junior Guidance Seminar 2012-2013
HELPFUL WEBSITES
LHS RESOURCES
LHS Department of Guidance and Counseling
LHS Community Service Information
http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/1363
http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/1383
STANDARDIZED TESTS
The College Board (PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject, AP, and helpful advice)
ACT
CAREER INFORMATION
Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
COLLEGE SEARCH
Naviance
Virtual College Tours
www.bls.gov/oco
https://connection.naviance.com/lexington
www.campustours.com
COLLEGE APPLICATION
The Common Application
The Universal College Application
POST-GRADUATE SCHOOLS
www.collegeboard.org
www.actstudent.org
www.commonapp.org
www.universalcollegeapp.com
http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/pg_boarding_schools.php
GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Fastweb
www.usagapyearfairs.org/programs
http://www.doleta.gov/oa/
www.fastweb.com
FINANCIAL AID
MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority)
http://www.mefa.org/
Federal Student Aid (where you apply using the FAFSA)
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
New England Board of Higher Education Regional Student Program
www.nebhe.org
CSS Financial Aid Profile
http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile
Finaid
http://www.finaid.org/
FIRST GENERATION & UNDERREPRESENTED APPLICANTS
Center for Student Opportunity
You Can Go
ATHLETICS
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
PARENTS
College Parents of America
ALL ENCOMPASSING COLLEGE PLANNING
In Like Me
www.csopportunity.org
http://youcango.collegeboard.org/
http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp
www.collegeparents.org
http://www.inlikeme.com/
Lexington High School
Junior Guidance Seminar 2012-2013
SAT VS. ACT
Length
Sections
Subjects
Reading
Science
Math
Essay
Score Composition
Scoring
SAT
3 hours, 45 minutes
ACT
3 hours, 25 minutes (includes optional 30-minute Writing
Test)
10 Sections: 3 Critical 4 Sections (plus optional Writing Test): English, Math,
Reading, 3 Math, 3
Reading, Science, Writing
Writing (including
Essay), 1 Experimental
(not scored)
Critical Reading
English
Math
Math
Writing
Reading
Science
Writing (optional)
Reading passages with 4 passages, 10 questions per passage
questions pertaining to
comprehension and
sentence completion
N/A
Science (analysis, knowledge, problem solving)
Arithmetic, geometry, Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
algebra, statistics and
probability
Required
Optional (final section)
1
/3 Math
¼ English
1
/3 Reading
¼ Math
1
/3 Writing
¼ Reading
¼ Science
Aggregate score 600 - Composite score 1-36 based on average of 4 sections
2400 based on total of (English Math, Reading Science)
3 scores 200- 800
(Reading, Math,
Score 0-12 for Optional Essay
Writing)
Score of 0-12 for
Essay
Penalties
Penalties (¼ point
No penalties for incorrect answers
deducted) for wrong
answers
Sending Scores to Colleges Students can select
Student decides which scores are sent
(“score choice”) which
scores, by date, are
sent – cannot mix and
match across different
dates
Additional Information
www.collegeboard.org www.actstudent.org
Lexington High School
Junior Guidance Seminar 2012-2013
MAKING THE MOST OF A COLLEGE FAIR
A college fair is a great opportunity to get more information about colleges that interest you
and to ask questions of college representatives. Walking into a room filled with hundreds of colleges
without having an idea of how or where to proceed may be an overwhelming experience. Getting
the most from a college fair takes some advanced planning, and these helpful hints will assist you in
making the best use of your time. While some of these suggestions may seem basic or obvious, they
are designed make life easier for all involved.
1.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Find out which colleges will be at the fair, and target the schools you know you want to hit. When
you’re done with those, then you can “wander around” and look at some other schools. Most college
fairs arrange the schools in alphabetical order, so you’ll know where to find Abilene Christian
University vs. Youngstown State. If it’s crowded (it will be crowded), you may want to approach in
reverse alphabetical order. Those schools at the end of the alphabet may not be as busy, especially
early in the evening. Prepare a list of questions that are important to you as an individual (cars on
campus, a radio station, meal plans, internship opportunities, etc.).
2.
BRING SUPPLIES
Carry an empty knapsack. You’ll acquire catalogs, view books, videos, applications, pennants, etc.,
and you’ll want something to comfortably carry them all home in. Also, bring a notebook and a
working pen to jot down notes, names, addresses, web sites, phone numbers, and answers to your
specific questions. You may also write down some of your general impressions of the school and/or
the representative that you spoke with.
3.
ASK QUESTIONS
Ask those questions that you prepared earlier. They shouldn’t be questions that are easily answered
in the college’s literature. You have a live person to speak with - ask them the tough questions.
4.
BRING YOUR PARENTS
No, you don’t have to hang out with them all night. Split up, but make sure you hit the same
schools. Then you can compare notes afterwards.
5.
MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION
The college representatives are going to see hundreds of students and parents that night, so they
may not remember all of them. However, if you plan on meeting with a rep at a school that you are
sincerely interested in, and you plan on asking them a lot of questions, make an impression on them.
They could be the person who reviews your application and/or the one who conducts your
admissions interview. Formal attire isn’t necessary, but look good. If the representative has a
business card, ask for one. You can send them a nice note afterwards thanking them for their time.
6.
HAVE FUN!
Get the job done, and then go look at some schools that you’ve never heard of. You may find
yourself interested in a school you never considered.
Lexington High School
Junior Guidance Seminar 2012-2013
THE COLLEGE VISIT
No publication, no matter how thorough, can give you a complete picture of a college or university.
If you can manage it, a campus visit is the best way to find out what a college is like. Junior year is
not too early to begin these visits. High school vacation periods or the summer between junior and
senior year can be used effectively for this purpose, although a visit while their school is in session is
ideal. Try to avoid missing too many classes when visiting schools.
When you have decided you’d like to visit a campus, write or call the admissions office to tell them
the date(s) you’d like to come and the approximate time you expect to arrive. If it is possible to stay
overnight in a dormitory, and you would like to do so, let the admissions office know. If you are an
athlete who is being recruited by a college, you should check the NCAA recruiting guidelines.
Some suggestions:
1. Set up an interview with an admissions officer if that is appropriate.
a. Arrive early so that you can compose and prepare yourself
b. Take an unofficial copy of your transcript and your activities resume with you.
c. Follow up with a thank you note to the interviewer.
2. Arrange for a campus tour.
a. Arrive early before the appointed time. This will give you time to see a little of the campus
on your own.
b. Make sure you see what’s important to you (Chemistry lab, radio station, freshman dorms,
career center) if they’re not on the tour.
3. You should be well groomed and neatly attired.
4. Be yourself at all times - honest, sincere, interested.
5. Soon after the visit jot down some notes on what impressed you about the school. Also note any
particular likes or dislikes you had about the school. Include any questions that the visit provoked call the admissions office when you get home to follow up.
6. If you visit when the school is not in session, and you are impressed, you may want to set up a
return visit when students are on campus.
7. Pick up a copy of the school newspaper and other publications.
8. Read the bulletin boards.
9. Eat a meal on campus (check out the cafeteria and the snack bar). Find out what meals are
available – kosher, vegan/vegetarian, nut/dairy-free, etc.
10. Attend an extra-curricular event.
If you attend a class, ask yourself. . .
1. Are students interested in the material?
2. Do students participate readily in discussion?
3. Are students prepared for class?
4. Were you intellectually challenged by what took place?
5. Do you feel the students learned - either new facts or new ways of thinking about a subject?
6. Is there a good rapport between professors and students?
7. Would you feel comfortable in this setting?
Academic questions to ask
1. How much flexibility will I have in my curriculum? Can I change majors? Can I double major?
Can I cross-register with other colleges? Is there a “core curriculum”?
2. What is the average class size?
3. What is the faculty-student ratio?
4. Can I get an internship in my major field?
5. Can I study abroad? Where?
6. How many credits do students usually take?
7. How often does each class meet per week?
8. How many hours does a typical student study per week?
Faculty
1. What percentage of the faculty teach freshmen/sophomores? Are they full professors? Will I be
taught by graduate students?
2. How accessible are the faculty? Do they have office hours? Do they act as faculty advisors? Are
they available outside the classroom?
3. Are the faculty encouraged to publish research?
4. Do the faculty have contact with the professional world?
Student life
1. What kinds of students are here? Are they diverse? Are they all from the local area? Are they
tolerant of different kinds of students?
2. What kinds of student organizations are there on campus?
3. Are there fraternities and sororities?
4. Is there school spirit?
5. What kinds of athletic teams/programs are there? Are there intramural or club leagues?
6. Is there an effective student government?
7. What happens on campus on weekends? Do most students leave?
8. How politically active are the students?
Miscellaneous questions
1. How are the various academic departments? How are the athletic facilities? music? theater?
2. Is housing guaranteed for four years? What types of housing are available? What would be best
for a freshman? Can I change dormitories? How is the food? Are there laundry facilities? Is it
possible to study in your dorm room?
3. Does this school have a safe campus?
4. How active are the alumni?
5. What kinds of student support services are available? What kind of religious/spiritual programs
exist on campus or nearby?
6. Do I need a computer? What is the computer situation on campus?
7. How much does this school cost? Does this include room, board, and expenses? How can I
apply for financial aid? Does this school offer athletic, scholastic, merit or performance scholarships?
8. Can I get a job on campus?
9. Can I have a car on campus?
10. What is the town or city like?
Lexington High School
Junior Guidance Seminar 2012-2013
Extracurricular Activities Resume
Colleges, employers, and other institutions like to know about a student’s activities. The first step in
preparing an activities record or resume is listing the things you have done - whether in or out of
school, paid or volunteer, short-term or long-term. Any productive use of time applies. Use the
categories below to help you organize your list of activities and experiences and include the academic
year you participated.
A. Academic Honors
Department awards - department, academic year
Other - title, description, year
B. Athletics
Sports - position, leadership (if any), year
Honors and awards - title, description, year
C. Extracurricular Activities in School
(list in order of significance, either in terms of time commitment or achievement)
Position, activity, year
Special honors or awards
D. Extracurricular Activities out of School
Lessons – type, year
Religious involvement - activity, year
E. Community Service/Volunteer Work
Organization, task - year
F. Work Experience
Job title (list most recent first) - duration, position, responsibilities, year
G. Summer Experience
Summer school, camp, etc. - experience, description, duration, year
H. Travel
Location, duration
I. Interests and Hobbies
Special skills, things you do with your free time
**While there are many ways to format your activities resume, it is important to be clear and
concise.
 Do not list the same activity twice (under different headings)
 There is no need to use paragraphs to describe everything you’ve participated in
The format on the back is recommended and preferred by colleges. And don’t worry. The
example on the back is to illustrate formatting your resume, not to exemplify a “typical
student”**
Jill R. Lopes
Class of 2014
Lexington High School
Lexington, MA 02421
Home Address
10 Main Street
Lexington, MA 02420
Telephone: (781) 862-1234
Email: jrlopes@gmail.com
Date of Birth
April 10, 1995
Academic Honors
National Honor Society (nominated)
National Honor Society (inducted)
Smith College Book Award
Most Improved Biology Student
Grade
11
12
11
10
Athletics
Freshman Basketball
Best Defensive Player
JV Basketball
Captain
Varsity Basketball
Team MVP
Middlesex League All Star
Tri-Captain
Varsity Tennis
Middlesex League #2 Doubles
Middlesex League #1 Doubles
Massachusetts State Tournament Doubles Runner Up
Captain
9
9
10
10
11,12
12
12
12
9-12
9
10
12
12
In School Extracurriculars
Class Treasurer
Matzoh
Drama Club
9-12
11,12
9
Out of School Extracurriculars
Piano Lessons
Temple Youth Group
Vice President
9,10
9-12
11,12
Community Service/Volunteer Work
The Walk For Life (AIDS Fundraiser)
Rosie’s Place (Homeless shelter) – served meals on weekends
Helped out in guidance office
10-12
9,10
11
Work Experience
Camp Counselor
Rancatore’s (ice cream shop) – scooper
Rancatore’s – manager
summers before 11,12
11
12
Summer Activities
Basketball Camp, Brandeis University
Summer School, Belmont Hill, Biology Lab
summers before 10,11,12
summer before 10
Travel
Greater New England, Atlantic Coast, trips with family
Exchange Program to Israel
9-12
summer before 9
Interests and Hobbies
Mountain biking, snowboarding, music, reading
NOTES
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