College Information Night

Northview High SchoolFall, 2014

COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE - SENIORS!

COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE - SENIORS!

12TH GRADE - Deadlines are Critical! Retake ACT/SAT Early Four Year College Application Begins

Attend College Application Workshop at NHS (Parents welcome!)

Wednesday, 10/29/14 Room B-4

UC/CSU Deadline: Must apply before November 30Private and out of state university deadlines vary - check websites!Community College Applications: February - AprilPlacement Exams required for all colleges by April

Financial Aid FAFSA/Cal Grant Applications: January 1 - March 2nd (deadline)Attend FAFSA Application Workshops at NHS (tbd)

12TH GRADE - Deadlines are Critical! Retake ACT/SAT Early Four Year College Application Begins

Attend College Application Workshop at NHS (Parents welcome!)

Wednesday, 10/29/14 Room B-4

UC/CSU Deadline: Must apply before November 30Private and out of state university deadlines vary - check websites!Community College Applications: February - AprilPlacement Exams required for all colleges by April

Financial Aid FAFSA/Cal Grant Applications: January 1 - March 2nd (deadline)Attend FAFSA Application Workshops at NHS (tbd)

Choosing Your College Priorities

What is important to you?

Area of Study/Academics

Location

Size

Campus Appeal

Social Life

Total Cost – Including aid

Comfortable Match for YOU!

CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITIES….

Going away to college may be a great idea!

The majority of students attend college in their home state although many find the perfect college in other regions.

Words of WisdomRelax…

You have a good chance of getting in - if you apply broadly!

There are over 4600 colleges in the U.S.

Many of the colleges have a 70% acceptance rate.

California State Universities23 campus locations

CSU admit rates may vary from30% to 80% for eligible students

UC Admit ratesmay vary from22% - 75% for students whomeet eligibility

University of California10 campus locations

Still Exploring Majors?

If you don’t have a major, it’s OK.

More than half of new college students say a very important reason for going to college is “to

find my purpose in life.”

How to Decide?

You Can Go! YCG.org

Naviance

Bigfuture.org

Four Year Colleges and Universities

Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements

Four year Degrees offered: Bachelors and graduate degrees

Provides: A well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study.

State - CSUTypically under $7,000/year

State - UCTypically under $13,000/year

Private: Typically more than $20,000/year

•Completion of “a-g” course requirements

•SAT or ACT•GPA•Essay•Extracurricular activities•Letters of recommendation•Transcripts

Two Year/Community Colleges

Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements

Two year Degrees offered: AssociatesCertificate Programs

Provides: A way to transition to college/ take general ed or lower division classes for college credit.

Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits.

Offers: Certificate programs for entry into specific careers

Typically around $2,000/year

Open-door admission policy

Placement Exams in Math and English

CosmetologyAutomotiveTechnologyMedical Technicians

NAVIANCE

Northview Naviance Website:User Name: Student ID#

Password: Naviance

College and Career Planning ToolsCareer Interest SurveysPersonality Types

Match with career samples and skillsCreate a Success Plan

Set Goals for YourselfAssign TasksBuild a Resume, Create a Portfolio

College and Career MatchResearch and Compare Colleges/ScholarshipsInput Test Scores

What information do college admission officers review?

•Grades in “a-g” requirements•Strength of high school course selections

•SAT/ACT Test scores

•Personal Statement and/or Essay (if applicable)

•Teacher and counselor recommendations

•Student’s demonstrated interest

•Personal accomplishments•Senior year courses and grades

• For a list of 850 test optional colleges and universities: FAIRTEST.ORG

Course Requirements

Course Requirements

Northview High School Courses Meeting“a-g” Requirements

A. History - 2 YearsWorld HistoryAP World HistoryUS HistoryAP American History

B. English - 4 YearsComp/Lit I, or Comp/Lit I HonorsComp/Lit II, or Comp/Lit II HonorsComp Lit III, or AP English LanguageComp/Lit IV, ERWC, or AP English Lit

C. Mathematics - 3 Years Minimum, Recommend 4

Algebra IGeometryAlgebra II or Algebra II HonorsTrig/Pre-Calc, or Trig/Pre-Calc HonorsStatistics, Probability, and Finite MathAP Calculus ABAP Calculus BCAP Statistics

D. Lab Science - 2 Years Minimum, Recommend 4

Biology or Biology HonorsChemistry, or Chemistry HonorsConceptual Physics or PhysicsROP Environmental ScienceAP Biology or AP Environmental Science

E. Foreign Language - 2 Years Minimum, Recommend 3 (Level, not seat time)

Spanish I, II, IIISpanish for Spanish Speakers I or IIAP Spanish LanguageAP Spanish LiteratureFrench I, II, or III

F. Visual and Performing Arts - 1 YearArt Appreciation, Adv. Art, AP Studio ArtDigital Photography I, II, AP Art 2DDigital FilmIntro to Theatre Arts, Play ProductionChorus, Concert ChoirMusic History and AppreciationAdvanced Band

G. College Prep Electives - 1 YearAmerican Government/EconomicsPsychology/SociologyAP Human GeographyHuman BiologyAVID Sr. SeminarAdditional Courses from the “a-f” listChicano Latin American LiteratureEarth Science

NOTE: ALL “a-g” COURSES MUST HAVE A GRADE OF “C” OR BETTER!!

College Admission TestsCollege Admission Tests

ACT/ACT with WritingConsists of four sections: English, Math,

Reading, Science Essay Writing optional (according to college)Top composite score is 36

SAT Reasoning TestConsists of three sections: Verbal, Math, WritingEach test is scored on a scale of 200-800 (total

600 - 2400)Essay Writing is required

ACT/ACT with WritingConsists of four sections: English, Math,

Reading, Science Essay Writing optional (according to college)Top composite score is 36

SAT Reasoning TestConsists of three sections: Verbal, Math, WritingEach test is scored on a scale of 200-800 (total

600 - 2400)Essay Writing is required

Freshman Admission Information

Calculating Your Grade Point Average (GPA)

All grades earned in the “a–g” approved courses taken in 10th–12th grades are used to calculate your grade point average.

Additional grade points for “A,” “B” and “C” grades will be awarded for a maximum of eight semester courses taken in 10th and 11th grades, for AP and designated honors courses.

Review eligibility index for colleges of interest.

Freshman Admission Process

Fall admission is based on self-reported information and the major to which students apply.

Students cannot change their major during the application process.

Students applying to Special Programs may be required to complete an audition, and their admission decisions will be contingent upon successfully passing that audition.

Admission is provisional pending verification of the self-reported information on the application from official transcripts.

Admission may be rescinded if the GPA, test scores or course grades are lower than what is reported on the application.

Students must meet senior year requirements stated in letters of acceptance from colleges or their admission will be rescinded.

Common Mistakes that may cost you your acceptance

Not meeting deadlinesStatement of Intent (SIR)

Sending Official Transcripts

Sending Official Test Scores (direct from Test Agency)

Housing ApplicationsFailing to check email or campus portals daily

Senioritis

Light course load during senior year

Drop in GPA

Scholarships

Merit Scholarship Tips

Merit scholarships are where the money is. More than $11 billion in merit scholarships available to

students from colleges Not just for “A” students Nearly all colleges offer merit aid scholarships Many awards emphasize leadership, school involvement,

or community service Multiple campus/community scholarships available through

NVHS Career Center Many awards can be renewed year after year

Scholarship Resources

NHS VIKINGS.ORG - Career Center

Fastweb.com - Private scholarships

fafsa.ed.gov - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Studentaid.ed.gov - The federal government’s website about paying for college

MeritAid.com - $11 billion in merit scholarships

Cappex.com - Scholarship matching

finaid.org - Free student resource for learning about all types of financial aid

Tips for Positive Parent Support1. Help your student understand the college search process

2. Be realistic and non-judgmental

3. Be in the "back seat" - and not the driver - of the college search process

4. Be open to dialogue and responsive to questions

5. Don’t let the price tag scare you away

6. Be aware of deadlines and fees due

7. Know that things have changed since your college days

8. Don’t overemphasize your own alma maters

9. Don’t compare your student with others

10. Don’t dwell on disappointments, like a rejection letter

11. Celebrate successes!