CLASS OF 2015PLANNING FOR

COLLEGE

YOU SHOULD BEGIN THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS THE SPRING OF YOUR JUNIOR YEAR

THERE IS A LOT TO DO!

SENIOR YEAR COURSESAND GRADES COUNT!!

-When you plan your schedule, choose courses wisely. Colleges look at the amount and types of classes you are taking.

-Consider taking a CAP course or AP course which are college courses where you can earn college credit. -Did you know most four year colleges require you to take foreign language in college? Consider taking the 4th and or 5th level of foreign language for college credit. -Colleges request your senior mid year and final grades, so make sure you are continuing to work hard.

-Early dismissals are only placed in your schedule if it fits. Not everyone will get an early dismissal, even if you request it.

Courses where you can Earn College CreditListed below are classes offered here at N-W where students can earn college credit from NCCC. Credits are transferrable to

most 2 and 4 year colleges.Course Credits GradeCalculus 4 Credits – NCCC 12Precalculus 4 Credits – NCCC 11,12College Composition I 3Credits – NCCC 12College Composition II 3 Credits – NCCC 12Intro/Adv. Marketing 3 Credits – NCCC (for Business Majors only) 10, 11, 12French 4 3 Credits –NCCC 11,12French 5 3 Credits – NCCC 12Spanish 4 3 Credits – NCCC 11,12Spanish 5 3 Credits –NCCC 12Topics in Leadership 3 Credits – NCCC 10,11,12 NCCC Approx. $59/Credit HourAdvanced Placement (AP) CoursesCollege Level Classes at NWStudents may earn college credits in AP courses based on their scores on the AP exam. Scores range from 1-5. Credits

earned vary by individual colleges. AP English (12th) AP Studio Art (11th,12th)AP World History (10th) AP Physics (11th,12th)AP US History (11th) AP Biology (11th,12th)AP Macroeconomics (12th) AP Chemistry (11th,12th)AP Government and Politics (12th)AP Stats (11th,12th)AP Calculus (12th) NCCC/Niagara University Seniors who are approved for Early Dismissals, may take courses at Niagara University or NCCC. Students will take regular

college courses with college students. The cost to take courses at NU is $60 per credit hour which is significantly reduced from the regular tuition rate. The cost for NCCC courses is at the regular NCCC tuition rate which is approximately $130/credit hour. Students should talk with their school counselor if they are interested in taking a course at a college campus.

IMPORTANT JUNIOR YEAR TESTS

A Quick Review:PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP

Standardized College Admission ExamsSAT – Reasoning Test – This SAT is a three-hour, primarily

multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that develop over time. Most colleges require SAT scores for admission.

Subject Tests – Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests that measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply that knowledge. Check the requirements of the colleges you are considering. More selective colleges may require or recommend one or more Subject Tests for admission or placement.

ACT – Assessment Test – A group of tests administered by ACT and required or recommended by many colleges. The tests measure educational development in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning and are given at specified test centers throughout the year.

When do I take the exams and how often?

“Rule of thumb”

SAT Reasoning: Spring of junior year AND Fall of senior year

ACT: Spring of junior year OR Fall of senior year

SAT Subject Tests: Spring of junior year AND/OR

Fall of senior year IF REQUIRED7

Why take both SAT and ACT?Colleges accept SAT and ACT scores equally.

They accept the higher of the two

Colleges will take the highest COMBINED SAT score if a student takes them more than once

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How to register?Online

www.ACTSTUDENT.org (ACT) www.collegeboard.org/mysat. (SAT)

You can choose to have your scores sent to four colleges at no additional charge

If planning on playing DI or DII sports makes sure to have your SAT’s sent directly to NCAA by writing the code 9999 in the score report section.

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Important Codes Niagara Wheatfield CEEB Code

335-028*Niagara Wheatfield Test Center Code

ACT Exam – 193630 SAT Exams – 33-834

* You must put the CEEB Code on SAT/ACT registration forms or Niagara Wheatfield will NOT receive your scores!

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WHAT WILL I DO AFTER GRADUATION?-College?

-Trade school?-Military?

-Military Academy?-ROTC?-Work?

HOW DO I DECIDE?

In order to be well informed, stress free and able to make the right

decision for you, you need to see your School Counselor and visit the Career Center

NOW!!!!!!

SELECTING A COLLEGEWHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU?

7 KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER:   1. PROGRAMS: Does the college you are considering have your major? If applicable does it have my choice of sport? Extracurriculars?

Study abroad? Good job placement?   2. COST: Can I afford it? Do they offer scholarships?   3. CHANCES: Can I get in? Do I have the grades?   4. LOCATION: Do I want a big city school or a small town school?   5. SIZE: Will I be able to learn in a class with 300 students? Will I do better in a small class? 6. 2 or 4 year: What type of degree do you need? If you are going to transfer to a four year school be careful

about which courses you take, so that the credits transfer.

  7. Public/Private: Which is the best choice for you?  

COLLEGE VISITTour classrooms and dorm roomsTalk with students, facultyInvestigate your academic programMeet with an admissions counselorVerify admissions requirementsInquire about a class visitDiscuss your chances of success: admission,

graduation, placement, etcBring a copy of your transcript (request from

Counseling Center 5 days prior to visit)Ask thoughtful, mindful, active questions!

Top Factors in College Admissions Decisions (National Association of College Admissions Counseling, 2008)

FactorsPercentage

Factors PercentageGrades in College Prep Courses 80%Strength of Curriculum 64%Standardized Tests 58%Grades in All Courses 52%Essay/Writing Sample 26%Demonstrated Interest 22%Counselor Recommendation 21%Teacher Recommendation 20%Interview 11%Student Activities 7%Subject Tests (AP, etc) 7%

Helpful Hints for College Bound StudentsWhen applying to college choose a safe

school, a realistic school and a reach SchoolGroup by decision policy

Early actionEarly decisionRollingRegular admissionsOpen admissionsAsk for Letters of Recommendation earlyPAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES!

How Does My Child Apply to College?. www.commonapp.orgwww.suny.edu/studentIndividual College Application

What Information is Required?Required Documentation Varies by School

ApplicationSupplemental Application

Application FeeLetters of recommendation

Mid-Year ReportsFinal Reports

SENIOR YEARSEPTEMBER -Visit Career Center to finalize College Choices -Begin working on college applications or trade school applications

which are due to the Counseling Center by October 31st. -Register for the October ACT and/or November or December SAT’s. -Register for the SAT subject test if required by your college of

choice. -Request Letters of Recommendation from teachersOCTOBER - College Applications into the Counseling Center by Oct. 31st

-Complete Trade School Applications -If you are going into the military contact a recruiter - If you are going into the work force immediately after graduation begin making a plan. Visit the Career Center for Assistance. Check out the Counseling Website for information on Agencies that

can assist you in finding employment

SENIOR YEARNOVEMBER -Contact schools to make sure your application is

completeDECEMBER -Attend Financial Aid Workshop for seniors at NWJANUARY -Complete FAFSA application at fafsa.ed.gov -Check with prospective colleges about any additional

financial aid forms that may need to be completed.FEBRUARY -If you submitted FAFSA in January then you should be

receiving your SAR reportMARCH/APRIL -Acceptance letters and Financial Aid packages arrive - Most schools ask for final decision and payments by

May 1st.

SENIOR YEARMAY -After you made your final decision, notify

the other colleges to tell them that you will not be attending.

-Double check deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc.

JUNE -Have final transcripts sent to college GRADUATION!!!

NCAA Initial Eligibility ClearinghouseDivision 1 & 2 must meet eligibilityNCAA: www.eligibilitycenter.org

Fee Request your transcript

When do I register? You can register anytime after you compete 6 semesters of high school.

Most students will register at the beginning of their senior yearHow do I qualify to participate in sports at a D I or II school?

Complete minimum of 16 core courses Take your SAT or ACT Eligibility is determined by sliding scale You MUST have your SAT or ACT scores sent to NCAA directly from

Collegeboard or ACT. Scores on a high school transcript will NOT be accepted

NCAA code is 9999

MILITARY OPTIONSROTC-Start the process NOW -Offered at over 1,000 colleges-Very competitive-In exchange for paid college tuition and a post college career

you agree to serve in the military after graduation.Military Academies-Start the process NOW-VERY competitive-Once you graduate you become an officer in the militaryEnter the Military after graduation-You should contact a recruiterSchool Counseling Website has more information and website

addresses

How Do We Pay for College?Fill out the FAFSA AFTER January 1 2015 –

www.fafsa.ed.govThe FAFSA calculates Expected Family

Contribution (EFC) based on family income, # of people in household, # of people in college,etc.

It qualifies you for:LoansFederal Grants (PELL)State Grants (TAP)College Work Study

EFCCollege #1

Cost of College: $50,000EFC: -$15,000Financial Aid Eligible for: 35,000

College #2Cost of College: $15,000EFC -$15,000Financial Aid Eligible for: $0

Scholarships Merit Based Scholarships- given by

individual colleges based on AcademicsSpecial talent scholarships- given by

colleges based on athletic, musical, or other special talents

Local Scholarships- given by local organizations designated for local high school students based on certain criteria (community service, intended college major, etc). These are posted in on Counseling Center webpage.