Parent academy:
College 101
December 4, 2013
Amy Kennedy, Counselor
Amy.kennedy@ashland.k12.or.us
Jennifer Marsden, ASPIRE Coordinator
Jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us
Michelle Zundel, Principal
Michelle.zundel@ashland.k12.or.us
Introductions
• What are you curious about?
• What would make this evening
worthwhile?
Self-discovery
• Service
• Work
• Leadership
• Activities
• Athletics
• Hobbies and interests
College search
collegeboard.org
• Cost
• Geographic Location
• Majors
• Extra Curriculars
• Size
• Housing
• Greek Life
AHS Resources
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Counseling Office
Website
ASPIRE Mentors
Advisory Personal Education Plan (PEP)
Class Meetings
College Rep Visits
Private College
Counselors:
Eric Danson
Jan Lippen Holz
Sarah Silverman
Parent’s role
• Remember, you are support staff.
It’s your child’s life.
• Ask questions & LISTEN LOTS
• Clerical Support
(Deadline management)
• Emotional Support/Reassurance
• Research Finances
• Be knowledgeable; Gather
Resources
College admissions
Elements
Element 1:
Course selection
• Challenge Yourself
• Balance Rigor with Life
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• Honors
• Early College Credits
Element 2:
engagement/leadership
• Do things. Join activities.
• Community Service
• Clubs
• Activities
• Athletics
• Work
• Internships
• 10th & 12th Grade Projects
• Activities Resumé
Element 3:
letters of recommendation
• Get to know teachers well
• Two ACADEMIC teachers
• Letter request form
• Thank you notes
Element 4:
applications & essays
• Gather experiences to write
personal narratives
• Summer Essay Writing
Workshop
• Common Application
• Early decision (binding)
• Early action
• Regular decision
Element 5:
standardized tests
• 10th Grade = PSAT for practice
• 11th Grade = PSAT Nat’l Merit
• ACT = Achievement Test
Measures what you learned in
school. Scores: English, Math,
Reading, Science, optional writing
• SAT = Aptitude Test Measures
reasoning & verbal skills. Scores:
Critical Reasoning, Math, Writing
• SAT Subject Matter Tests
• Test optional colleges
• Test Prep Classes
WWW.FAIRTEST.ORG
Element 6:
campus visits & interviews
• Grades 9 & 10 on family
vacations, visit campuses
• Take virtual online tours
• Grades 11 & 12 visit schools
Request interviews
• Sit in on classes
• Alumni Interviews in
Ashland
• Scholarship Interviews
Element 7:
financial aid/scholarships
• Talk early and often about
finances.
• Research Expected Family
Contribution (EFC)
• FAFSA
• OSAC
• Local Scholarships
• College Financial Packages
• Student Loans
Specialty areas
Athletics
The Arts
• Practice & Play Well
• Practice & Perform/Produce
• Meet with Counselor
• Develop a portfolio
• Register online: NCAA
Eligibility Center
• Prepare supplemental
applications
• Highlight films
• Audition
• Talk with Coaches
• Talk with Professors
Questions?