OCSI College Prep Information

Proverbs 16:9

“A man’s heart plans his way,

But the LORD directs his steps.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.”

Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

College Counseling Team

Resources and assistance with the college search and application process for schools outside of Japan,

& career guidance

Mr. Claxton

Resources and assistance with the college search and application process for schools within Japan,

& testing coordinator

Mrs. Jess Sartore

Schedule an Appointment:

Mrs. Jess Sartore

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Email:

jessicasartore@ocsi.org

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Calendly:

https://calendly.com/�ocsicollegecounseling/30min

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Mr. Daniel Claxton

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Email:

danielclaxton@ocsi.org

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OCSI is a college preparatory school accredited in the United States by WASC and ACSI.

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You have two basic options after high school:

Enter the workforce

Career

Pursue further education

College

What you choose to do with your life after high school is up to you and your family.

Pray for wisdom to rightly discern how the Lord is leading you.

While college may not be the best choice for every student immediately after high school, we want you to be aware of your options �and prepared to go to college

should you choose to do so.

Keep in mind:

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Even if you’re not totally sure what you want to do with your life, having a college degree significantly increases your options.

Also keep in mind:

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A recent(ish) survey of OCSI staff & faculty members revealed that only 8% of those surveyed are in the job/career they thought they wanted when they were in high school.

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49% reported that what they’re doing now is completely different from what they thought they would be doing when they were in high school.

With that in mind:

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It’s ok if you don’t know exactly what you want to do with your life. People pivot and change majors/careers frequently.*

�Life happens, priorities change, and you adapt accordingly.� �You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.

Why consider college?

It is estimated that over 65% of jobs in the US will require at least some level of college education.

Why consider college?

Research consistently indicates that higher education attainment positively correlates to higher earnings and a decrease in unemployment rates.

Let’s Break it Down

Simplifying the College Planning Process

College opportunities exist for everyone. These four steps can help break down the process:

Learn about standardized tests (SAT/ACT)

Explore college options

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Develop a financial plan

Understand admission factors

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Admission Factors

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What Matters to Colleges

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Admission Factors

Additional Factors:

• Extracurricular activities
• Essay(s)
• Letters of recommendation
• Demonstrated interest

Primary Factors:

• Quality/rigor of your courses
• (which classes you took)
• Academic performance/GPA
• (how well you did in those classes)
• Your test scores (SAT/ACT/AP, etc…)

When looking at your application, colleges consider the following as most important*:

*Some differences among countries/programs

Admission Factors:

Primary Factors

Course Selection:

Did you choose classes that challenged you, including Honors/AP courses?

Grades:

How well did you do in those courses? Every year counts, even Freshman year.

GPA Trends:

Did you continue to improve each year?

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Admission Factors:

Additional Factors

Extracurricular Activities:

Did you take advantage of the opportunities offered to you as a student? Did you make a positive contribution to your school campus/community?

Essay(s) & Personal Statement:

Demonstrates your writing skills and gives a sense of who you are as a person

Letters of Recommendation:

How do others who know you well view you? Treat your teachers well.

Demonstrated Interest:

How much do you really want to attend this particular school?

Standardized Tests

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SAT, ACT, AP

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Standardized Tests

PSAT/NMSQT

• Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
• Administered by the College Board
• Monitors your academic progress
• Gives you a chance to practice for the SAT
• Taken in October of 9 & 10th grade at OCSI
• Determines your qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program

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Standardized Tests

NMSQT

• National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
• 11th graders with US citizenship are eligible
• Scholarship is roughly $2,500 USD
• Some schools offer additional financial rewards for National Merit Scholarship recipients

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Standardized Tests

About the SAT

• Measures what you know and how well you apply that knowledge
• Tests the same things taught in your classes (reading, writing, math)
• Most widely used college entrance exam
• SAT scores combined with High School GPA is the best indicator of a student’s success in college*
• Highly recommended for all Juniors and Seniors

Standardized Tests

About the SAT

• A CollegeBoard account is required to register for the PSAT & SAT, as well as for the AP Exams
• OCSI has no access to a student’s CollegeBoard account and cannot reset passwords or correct information
• Any changes needed typically must be made via phone call to the US
• It is highly recommended that you have your parents create the CollegeBoard account with you to ensure all data are entered correctly

Standardized Tests

When to take the SAT

• 5 testing dates offered each year
• Fall or Spring of Junior year is a good time to take the SAT
• You can consider retaking it in the fall of your Senior year based on your score and growth goals
• March: won’t be right before AP exams
• May: more time to prepare

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Standardized Tests

When to take the SAT

• Last chance: October or December of Senior year
• US schools begin closing applications Nov~Jan
• JP schools’ last application period is Jan/Feb
• Taking the SAT in October of Senior year will get your results to prospective schools in time for Early Action/Early Decision applications

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Standardized Tests

When to take the SAT

• Ultimately, the “best” time to test depends on:
• How much time you need to prepare well
• Available test dates in your area
• Your college application deadlines
• Opportunities for re-testing
• Good scores > many scores
• Register asap (OCSI cannot guarantee you a spot)
• Talk to Mr. Claxton for more information

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Standardized Tests

About the ACT

• Tests English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing based on HS curriculum
• Focus is more on math/science than reading/writing compared to the SAT
• Gives a STEM score to assess preparedness for STEM related majors
• Offered at OCSI in October and February

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Standardized Tests

About the ACT

• SAT vs. ACT: Choose the test that plays to your strengths and/or is required/recommended by your college
• Pro tip: When in doubt, make your best guess. You don’t get negative points for incorrect answers (SAT too)
• Register asap (OCSI cannot guarantee you a spot)
• Talk to Mr. Claxton for more information

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Standardized Tests

How to Prepare

• Take challenging courses
• Push yourself to grow as a reader and writer
• Familiarize yourself with the test formats
• Take advantage of free test prep resources from College Board and ACT
• Working hard in school > short term test-prep cramming
• Practice, practice, practice

Explore College Options

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Which colleges are right for you?

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Explore College Options

Factors to Consider

• Degree programs offered
• Do they have the major you want?
• What internship opportunities do they offer?
• Size & diversity of student body
• Pros & Cons to smaller and bigger schools - consider what matters to you
• Location
• Big city? Small town? Somewhere in between?
• Near friends/family?
• Is the campus beautiful? Meh? Do you care?

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Explore College Options

Factors to Consider

• Campus life
• Athletics, activities, housing, campus culture
• Retention and graduation rates
• Do students stay here or transfer out?
• Do they complete their degrees?
• Can they find employment after graduation?
• Financial aid & scholarships offered
• Can you afford to go? ← As much as possible, aim to graduate debt-free!

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Explore College Options

Factors to Consider

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Can you see yourself thriving at this school?

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Will you be enjoy being a student at this school?

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Will this school help you successfully accomplish your goals?

Explore College Options

Getting to Know a College

• Campus visit
• In-person (ideally) or virtual*
• Sit in on a class of interest
• Speak with an Admission Counselor
• What makes this school special?
• What kind of students are they looking for?
• Ask about financial aid opportunities
• Cost is often a major deciding factor for which school is the best fit

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Explore College Options

Getting to Know a College

• Explore student services and resources
• School’s social media, student newspaper, campus reel, etc…
• Get a sense of the campus values & vibe
• Speak with students and faculty
• What makes this department/program special?
• What do you like/dislike about being a student here?
• If given the chance, would you choose this school again?

Explore College Options

Build Your List*

• Reach schools (1~2)
• Your dream schools, they check all the boxes for you
• Average acceptance GPA & test scores are above yours (or they’re highly selective/rejective)
• Match schools (2~4)
• Meet your criteria, you’d be happy as a student there
• Average GPA & test scores are similar to yours

Explore College Options

Build Your List*

• Likely schools (1~2)
• You’d be happy going there
• Your GPA & test scores are above their average

Explore College Options

Apply!

• Confirm deadlines
• Schedule for yourself an appropriate amount of time to focus on applications
• Review scholarship & financial aid requirements
• Revise application essays and share your drafts with a trusted teacher, advisor, or family member
• Ask for Letters of Recommendation
• Request 1 month in advance, communicate a set deadline
• Complete transcript requests for each university you’re applying to
• Have your test scores sent to each university you’re applying to

Explore College Options

Application Tracker Tool

Explore College Options

Apply!

• Schedule an interview if needed
• Double-check that everything has been properly submitted
• CommonApp
• Cialfo
• the university admissions office
• Aim to complete all applications before Christmas break so you can relax
• Print a copy of your application for your own records, just in case

Explore College Options

Types of Applications/Admissions

Regular Decision/Traditional

• Application deadline usually early January
• When you’re notified varies by the school, typically by May 1
• How most students apply to college
• Nonbinding: If you’re accepted, you can decide if you want to go or not

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Explore College Options

Types of Applications/Admissions

Early Decision

• Binding: If you’re accepted, you must go there *if you can afford it
• Make sure you LOVE the school
• Deadline: usually in November
• You can only apply to one school under Early Decision
• You can apply Regular Decision to other schools, but you must withdraw your application from those schools if accepted to your Early Decision school
• Acceptance notification sent out usually by December

Explore College Options

Types of Applications/Admissions

Early Action

• Nonbinding
• Deadlines: most schools November/December
• Admissions decisions typically come out January/February
• Apply to other schools via Regular Decision

Explore College Options

Types of Applications/Admissions

Rolling

• Nonbinding
• Only an option at some schools
• Deadlines: no set deadline
• Colleges review and decide on applications as they come in

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Explore College Options

Applying Early Action/Early Decision

Pros:

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Cons:

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Develop a Financial Plan

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Do the math

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Develop a Financial Plan

Add it All Up

• Determine the total cost of attendance, not just tuition
• Calculate your college savings and see if you’re on track
• Estimate your family’s expected contribution
• Search and apply for scholarships
• Talk with the your college’s admissions/financial aid office or even your major department about financial aid opportunities

Develop a Financial Plan

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Paying for College Guide
• Scholarship Search Engine
• Scholarships.com
• Fastweb
• Appily
• Niche

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• Unigo
• Scholly
• Weird Scholarships
• QuestBridge
• Big Future
• Peterson’s
• Test Ninja

Develop a Financial Plan

Scholarships & Financial Aid �for International Students

• Edupass
• International Student
• Scholarships for Development
• UK Scholarships

• Scholarships for International Students
• International Scholarships Search
• Step-by-Step Financial Aid Guide for International Students

Develop a Financial Plan

Apply & Compare

• Research your options:
• Grants, loans, work-study, etc…
• Complete the FAFSA as early as possible (check deadlines)
• Compare Financial Aid Awards and factor in other considerations:
• Family contribution
• Savings
• Scholarships

Finally

When it’s all said and done

Make a Decision

• Celebrate your acceptances
• Visit the schools to which you’ve been accepted, if possible
• Compare total costs of attendance
• Prayerfully decide
• Submit your deposit (check deadlines!)
• Coast the rest of your Senior year!
• jk. Time to focus on Capstone…
• Colleges have the right to rescind their admission offer if you start to slack off Senior year

Distribution of Responsibilities

Prepare & send transcripts

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Write Letter of Recommendation, �if requested

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Complete counselor forms

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Connect students with resources

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Support & encourage you

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Take you on college visits, if possible

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Research colleges and financial aid with you

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Support & encourage you

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Build your college list

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Complete college &

scholarship applications

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Have test scores sent to colleges

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Write essay/personal statement

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Prepare resume

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Request transcripts

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Request Letters of Recommendation

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Parent/

Guardian

Counselor

Student

“New SAT”

More Information:

• SAT format changed in March 2023
• You will use your own device and need wifi (OCSI Chromebooks are equipped)
• Multistage adaptive test (difficulty will change based on your answers)
• Average testing time is 2 hours (instead of former 3+)

• What's a Digital SAT?
• What to Expect for the Digital SAT

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Grade Point Average

(GPA)

OCSI’s 4-Year Educational Plan

Recommended graduation requirements for a college preparatory diploma.

Students must also complete 1 credit of Bible each year in attendance at OCSI.

College Prep courses are graded on a 4.0 scale.

Honors and AP courses are graded on a 4.5 and 5.0 scale, respectively.

Multiply the class grade numerical value by the number of credits that class is worth to get the GPA value for that class.

Add up all GPA values for your classes.

Divide the total by the number of total credit hours to receive your quarter or semester GPA.

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Confused?

See the next slide for an example. :)

How to

Calculate GPA

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GPA Calculation Example

39.5 ÷ 12 = 3.29 GPA

Do grades really matter all 4 years?

Student A

Student B

What’s a good GPA for you?

Two different students might both have a 4.0 GPA but colleges will view the student who took more rigorous courses as the more qualified applicant.

A 3.7 GPA can be viewed as more qualified than a 4.0 GPA at a school with grade inflation.

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Colleges want to see your potential.

Are you challenging yourself?

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Colleges take into account your school profile when assessing your GPA.

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Different Types of Classes

• More rigorous than prep-level courses
• No college credit given but they prepare you for college-level courses
• Greater impact on your GPA

• On-level classes for your grade

• College-level courses offered in high school
• Students may take AP exam upon completion of the course
• A passing test score may count as college credit
• There is an additional fee to register for the AP exam

College Prep

Honors

AP

OCSI Advanced Courses

• AP Art History
• AP Biology
• AP Calculus AB
• AP English Language and Literature
• AP English Language & Composition
• AP Comparative Government
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP US History

• Honors Geometry
• Honors Algebra II
• Honors English 10

Students also have the option to enroll in online college prep, AP or dual credit courses through Sevenstar® (a preapproved accredited organization) at their own expense.

Transcripts

What’s in a transcript?

• Record of academic accomplishments in high school

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• Grades/GPA

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• Whether or not you are meeting graduation requirements

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• What courses you have taken and when you took them

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• Difficulty of your classes

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• Subjects you took the most classes in

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• Credits attempted vs credits earned

What’s in a transcript?

Honors & AP Courses are weighted higher.

What’s in a transcript?

The “weighted” GPA includes the higher calculation.

Colleges sometimes want the unweighted GPA.

How to Request a Transcript

Current students can fill out a request at the front office.

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Alumni can receive transcripts through Parchment via the OCSI website.

SOFA Benefits

Students with SOFA Status have access to:

Modernstates.org

• Free online courses
• AP exam prep
• CLEP exam prep

Military.tutor.com

• SAT/ACT prep including practice tests, video lessons, & practice drills
• Feedback on college essays
• 24/7 access to virtual tutoring
• Parent coaching for student success

Students with SOFA Status have access to:

Military OneSource

• Education consulting
• Financial counseling
• Scholarships for military children
• Alternatives to traditional degree programs
• …and more!

Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement/assistance for US military service members, veterans and/or their dependents

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On-Base Resources:

• Education Centers
• Libraries
• Personal Financial Management Programs

Next Steps

What to focus on now

Build your Resume

Keep track of the activities you’re involved in (sports, clubs, volunteer work, paid work), skills you possess, and any notable achievements so that you have something to work with when putting together a resume.

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Cialfo has a resume builder!

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Make a Plan

Consider which classes are required for graduation, which classes you would like to take, what OCSI has to offer, and plan accordingly

Consider Future Goals

What do you hope to achieve in life? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20+ years? How will you get there? Do some self-assessment and research.

What to focus on now

Get Involved with Extracurriculars

• Research shows that students who demonstrate some level of extracurricular involvement tend to be more successful both in college and after graduation, compared to those who are not involved in extracurriculars. Specifically, students rated as highly-involved were 3x more likely to be considered for a job than students who were not involved, and highly-involved students were deemed 18% more career-ready than the uninvolved students - very likely a result of the “soft skills” that extracurricular involvement helps develop.
• Choose activities that you enjoy (not just what you think colleges want to see)
• Consistency in a few activities is better than dabbling in a ton of random things
• Consistency shows mastery and perseverance
• Don’t spread yourself too thin

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What to focus on now

Enjoy your time in high school!

Have fun, spend time with family and friends (not just via social media), and maintain a healthy balance.

Excel in Academics.

Really apply yourself and do your best.

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Grow as a Learner.

Challenge yourself! Try new things!

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Be Equipped to Serve those around you.

Don’t wait for opportunities to drop into your lap. Actively seek to serve.

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Walk with Jesus and impact the world for Him.

Go Eagles!

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Resources & Links

• OCSI College Counseling
• What Are AP Classes? Why Should You Take Them?
• What Are Good SAT scores for College?
• Testing Guide for Ivy League Schools
• When is the Best Time to Take the SAT?
• Khan Academy SAT Prep

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For more information,

please visit:

• What You Need to Know About College Tuition costs
• How Parents Can Help (and Hurt) the College Application Process
• 17 Tuition-Free Colleges (USA)
• 78 US Universities That Offer Full Needs-Based Aid

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For Additional Resources, �check out:

Unsure what to do after high school?

Take this quiz and discover your next move!

Contact Mrs. Sartore with your results for a piece of chocolate. :)

Cialfo: an online platform FREE for OCSI students

Record Keeping

Students can record information such as test scores, academic history, extracurricular involvement all in one accessible place.

College Search

Students can apply filters to help narrow down a list of schools that might be a good fit for them.

Parent Access

Parents/guardians can create a guardian account to help their child navigate the college search and application process.

Webinars

Students can explore a variety of informative videos for students covering different universities, various career fields, finances, life skills, �…and more!

Students: Complete your Cialfo Profile (until it is “Strong,” and then contact Mrs. Sartore for a piece of chocolate!

We’re here to help!

Jess Sartore

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College & Career Counseling�

jessicasartore@ocsi.org

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Daniel Claxton

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Domestic (Japanese) College Counseling, Testing Coordinator�

danielclaxton@ocsi.org

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Norah Lopez

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Social & Emotional Counseling,

Student Care�

norahlopez@ocsi.org

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Andy Roe

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Pastoral Counseling,

Student Care

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andyroe@ocsi.org

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Parents: You’re here to help!

You are your child’s biggest cheerleader and advocate. Here’s how you can help them walk through the process of figuring out what’s next:

Freshman Year:

• Encourage their involvement in extracurricular activities
• Engage in discussions with them about potential careers
• Review their high school courses with them
• Help them to practice money management

Sophomore Year:

• Research college majors with them
• Review their high school courses with them
• Encourage extracurricular and volunteer activities
• Research the area surrounding colleges they’re interested in
• Keep documentation of extracurricular activities

Parents: You’re here to help!

You are your child’s biggest cheerleader and advocate. Here’s how you can help them walk through the process of figuring out what’s next:

Junior Year:

• Help narrow down the college list
• Begin essay preparation
• Facilitate college visits, if possible
• Help them register for AP courses and tests, as well as SAT/ACT tests
• Be involved with their schoolwork

Senior Year:

• Help them register for AP courses and tests, as well as SAT/ACT tests
• Help keep track of college application and scholarship deadlines
• Help them complete FAFSA and other financial aid applications
• Help them to choose a major
• Enjoy their final year of high school with them!

Thanks!

Do you have any questions?

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Contact:

jessicasartore@ocsi.org�(098) 958-3000�ocsi.org

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