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College Jump Start

Ardsley High School Counseling Department

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Where are we now?

Remember our Student Spring To Do List?

Realistic assessment of academic records and personal interests and learning style

Individual and Family meeting with guidance counselor upon completion of brag sheets

Research colleges using available resources

Visit college campuses or do virtual tours/information sessions

Register for the ACT and/or SAT

Plan summer activities

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Where you should be as Parents

Reassure

Reassure your child that you will be proud, regardless of the outcome

The List

Make sure your child applies to a range of schools

Autonomy

Do not take control of the process

Brag Away

Fill out Parent Brag Sheet before Junior Family Meeting with Counselor

FAFSA

Be cognizant that 2020 tax forms are used in the financial aid process--file early because FAFSA opens 10/1

Net Price

Utilize Net Price Calculator on College Sites

Think about

Think about your child's readiness factor

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Take a Breath

If you haven’t completed all of the items on the check list...it is ok!

We still have plenty of time to schedule Family Meetings

Begin working on the Brag Sheet and share whatever information you can with us

There are still ACT/SAT dates in the summer!

The weather is perfect for a college tour!

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Touring Tips!

Interview

Interview if possible

Visit

Visit the library, Career Center, Student Center and the Bookstore

Explore

Explore the Freshmen Dorms

Question

Question current students

Arrange

Arrange to meet a professor in a subject that interests you

Sit in

Sit in on a class if possible

Eat in

Eat in the dining hall

Tour

Tour the campus

Reserve

Reserve a visitation time with Admissions

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Test Dates

SAT

  • Upcoming testing dates:
    • August 27, 2022**
    • October 1, 2022
    • November 5, 2022
    • December 3, 2022

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ACT

  • Upcoming testing dates:
    • July 16, 2022
    • September 10, 2022
    • October 22, 2022
    • December 10, 2022

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Important things to keep in mind

  • Have you had an honest reflection of your child's academic record?
    • What do their senior year courses say about them?
    • Are the schools they are interested matching their current GPA and scores at this point?
    • Are the colleges and universities they researched or visited a realistic fit for them academically, socially, and financially?

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Research

  • College websites are frequently updated with new information. Go to college websites directly to sign up for virtual tours and info sessions and interviews.
  • Check out social media accounts for specific clubs and groups on college campuses to get a student perspective. Consider reaching out to an Ardsley High School alum. 
  • Check out websites that provide specific college information in different contexts. A list will be posted in the Guidance Google Classroom.�

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TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Who knows you best?

Things to Consider

  • Ask well in advance
  • Request in person
  • Provide requested information
  • Waive right to view

recommendation

  • Quality over quantity
  • Write a thank you note

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The Common Application 

  • The Common Application is one of the most popular platforms to easily submit applications for Colleges and Universities
  • There are general parts of the application that students can complete now without knowing where they would like to apply
  • We will pair our students Naviance and Common Application together at the beginning of their senior year
  • Most schools participate in the Common Application and make it easy to submit applications and supplemental information directly through the website
  • August 1st will open the 2022-2023 Application Window

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Common App Essay Prompts

  1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design

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What's next?

Encourage your child to do their best to finish out the school year strong

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Honestly look at their GPA and SAT/ACT scores to continue making a balanced college list

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Complete the brag sheets and share them with our offices

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Take a tour

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Meet with us!

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