College Coffeehouse October 11, 2018

Welcome Presenters:

Mrs. Sternemann Ms. McKenzie

Graduation Requirements

• 4 years of English, Social Studies and PE

• 3 years of Math, Science

• 1 year of Art/Music, Health, Language

• Electives

• Minimum 22 credits

• Regents (5 exams) vs. Advanced Regents (8 exams plus 3 years foreign language & checkpoint B exam or CTE)

First steps • Review transcript and graduation requirements (senior

meeting) – on track for graduation is the 1st step • GPA/Rank/Extracurricular activities – well rounded • Common application (www.commonapp.org) • SUNY application (www.suny.edu) • Review College websites – GPA, SAT/ACT scores, majors • Scholarships – amounts vary $250 (a book!) to thousands • Accommodations are not automatic – must request • Fee Waivers (if Free or Reduced lunch) College Bd acct. • SAT/ACT college admissions exams and subject tests • NCAA info (www.eligibilitycenter.org)

How to begin the process • Search for colleges on Naviance:

http://connection.naviance.com/chestermshs using filters (major, location, etc.). Username – student email, password ch and student ID #

• Create a short list of safety, match, reach colleges

• Review admissions requirements on college website (undergraduate, FAQ pages) re: GPA/SAT, etc.

• Visit college campuses (virtual tour last resort)

• Hand in senior packet asap

• Ask 2 teachers for recommendation letters (for 4 year colleges)

• Draft college application essay

• Submit transcript request form for each college to Guidance at least 2 weeks prior to application deadline

• Call College Admissions Counselors with specific questions (GPA, majors, etc.)

Community College vs. 4 year colleges

• Community college placement tests

• Recommendation letters usually not required

• Typically no college essay

• However! Taking the SAT or ACT exam allows you to apply to 4 year colleges if you change your mind

• Providing essay/SAT scores/recommendation letters to Community Colleges could help for competitive programs

Types of College Admissions • Early Decision – students can apply early decision to only 1 college. It is legally binding - if accepted they are required to attend and pull back all other college applications, decision by January

• Early Action – can apply to any number of colleges, benefit is decision usually by January

• Regular – deadline varies by college – December to February (check websites)

• Rolling – no specific deadline

Financial Aid, Scholarships

• Seniors/parents – attend Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, October 23, 2018

• FAFSA Workshop at Chester Academy 11/7

• FAFSA (must apply for federal student loans, grants, scholarships) – create FSA ID to sign

• Can apply for financial aid after 10/1

• Research scholarships: www.fastweb.com; www.fatomei.com; Guidance website; parent/student employers

Important Information • Essay–proofread, personalize, min/max length

• Enjoy senior year but avoid senioritis

• Be aware of supplemental applications

• Stay organized (ex. one folder for each college to stay on top of deadlines, use phone alerts)

• Be aware of deadlines

• May 1st deadline (typically universal deadline)

College isn’t the only option

• ASVAB 2/25/19 (Military career assessment) –

need high school diploma for military

• Workforce - Job applications/create resumes (use info from senior packet)

• Attendance counts – school may be the only reference you have

Work Based Learning Program (see Mrs. Blaine – Rm. 202)

Internships, short term job shadowing, and part time job opportunities during Senior year

• Placed in County businesses/gov’t agencies

• Student provides own transportation

• Credit is awarded: 75 hrs = 1/2 credit;

150 hours = 1 credit

• Can be paid or unpaid

Benefits of Work Based Learning • Provides opportunities to apply classroom learning to workplace experiences

•Establishes clear connections between education and the business world

•Creates opportunities for career exploration

•Promotes practice of positive work habits

•Establishes professional networking contacts

ACCES-VR

• Community agency that offers additional lifetime support to students with 504 or IEP

• Services include: vocational and housing info

• See Mrs. Morganstein for the application

• ACCES-VR Info night Tuesday, 10/30 at CA

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, 10/23: Financial Aid Night (overview of Financial Aid process with Marist College Financial Aid officers)

10/30: ACCES-VR Parent Night

Monday, 11/7: FAFSA Workshop in computer lab with SUNY Orange Fin Aid Officers (sign up)

11/27- SUNY Rockland Instant Decision Day

12/4- SUNY Orange Instant Decision Day

(application fees waived only for these 2 days)

Questions