Exploring Your Child’s Future
Welcome Parents of Class of 2017/2018
Self Reflection
The best college choices are made when students know themselves well…their strengths, goals, and personality type.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get‐
started/video‐transcription/how‐should‐
you‐start‐a‐college‐search
*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.collegebo
ard.org/get‐started/video‐
transcription/do‐colleges‐
want‐quality‐or‐a‐quantity‐
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
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•
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•
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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
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get‐
started/video‐transcription/experts‐give‐tips‐
on‐what‐to‐do‐during‐campus‐visits
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
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•
•
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Regular Admissions BE AWARE
OF
Early Decision
DEADLINES
Early Action
Rolling Admissions
What's Next?
December
• College Information meeting for students
• Receive PSAT scores
• Register for Khan Academy
January/February
• Students should make thoughtful course selections for senior year
March
• Visit colleges over Spring Break
April
• Montgomery Co. College Fair
• College Admissions Panel
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
• Work on College applications
• Register for Common App
(www.Commonapp.org)
Components of a College Application
• Current Transcript‐ sent from B‐CC
• SAT/ACT scores – sent directly from testing company
• Recommendation letters (two teacher recs)
• College Application, including essay
• B‐CC School Profile
Copy of Senior Transcript
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. Aja Simpson, Ms. Patty Olszewski
• College Reps when they visit B‐CC
• Scholarship searches
• B‐CC Guide to College and Career Planning (link found on B‐CC Counseling site)
• Counseling Dept: 240‐497‐6320
• College/Career Ctr: 240‐497‐6327
http://college.usatoday.com/2015/11
/19/campus‐sherpa‐college‐tours/
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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.
How Did YOU Do?