Junior Parent Night

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Presented by:

The Bow High School

School Counseling Department

January 2023

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We will be starting shortly

Welcome!

School Counseling Department

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Colleen DesRuisseaux- Director, Last Names A

Dan Attorri - Last Names B-G

Beth Corkum- Last Names H-M

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Kate Kulacz- Last Names N-Z

Martha Rae- Registrar

Things We Will Cover

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• Options
• Trends in College Admissions & Social Media
• Timeline
• Tips for College searching and finding the "right" school
• Special programs and options to consider when choosing a school - Naviance
• Advice for college touring
• Ways to stand out to a college.
• Athletics
• To Do List

Options After High School

Tonight’s discussion is mainly on:

4 Year College or University

2 Year College

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But there are other options:

Gap Year

Post Graduate (PG) Year

Military

Trade Schools - Apprenticeships

Workforce

Review of Class of 2022

Processed approx 728 applications

Most applications processed for (at least 5 apps per school)

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Students on average applied to 5 schools. (some to 1 others to 20).

Total Acceptance rate of approx 70 %.

Review of Class of 2022

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Where did they go?

• 40% of Class of 2022 stayed in NH
• 25% in other New England States (70% total in New England)
• 35% went outside of New England

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Trends in College Admissions

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• Early Financial Aid (year prior/prior- 2021)
• Academic grades (Strength of Schedule) most important
• Finding the Fit
• Colleges are pushing to find better ways to identify top candidates for their school as their applicant pools grow.
• Students finding the right fit for their needs/wants.
• Demonstrated Interest
• Some institutions care about tracking prospective student visits to the college: taking tours, info sessions, interviews, attending open houses, and meeting with college counselors at high school and college fairs. Therefore, universities want to accept avidly interested students.

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Buzzwords in College Admissions

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• Authenticity -you're true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you're under to act otherwise
• Finding the Right Fit
• Size of school, size of classes
• Location - city, rural, suburb
• Distance from home - 2 hour rule -70%
• Available majors and classes
• Housing options - guaranteed?
• Makeup of the student body - diversity, M/F, international
• Available extracurricular activities
• Campus atmosphere
• Internships
• undergrad research
• Balance of Lists
• Likely, Target, Reach
• 4-8

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Conversations in College Admissions

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• Does It Matter Where You Go to College?

Must consider fundamental questions:

• Does the value of a college education reside in the name on the diploma or the experience one has in college?
• What’s more important, going to college or going to a particular college? Avg. selectivity 66% acceptance
• Is college selection objective or personal?
• top 100 schools have had a 50% or higher admissions application rate over the last 10 years
• Testing Guidelines:
• only 5.5% of colleges require SAT’s: Georgetown, UNC-CH, Georgia Tech, Florida State.
• 40% of top 200 schools have said they will remain test blind for 2024.

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Social Media & Technology

in College Admissions

Social Media as a Tool- As more colleges look for ways to reach out to prospective students, social media continues to become a crucial tool in the admission process.

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Technology in Admissions-

• Email Etiquette - formal email
• Let your child be the communicator to schools.

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Choosing a Major

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How to decide on a Major or Program?

• What problems do you want to solve?
• What is your goal? A Dream Job? Following a Passion? Making Money? (Interest, Talent, Values)
• Utilize Naviance assessment tools
• Loyola College Quiz
• Best Colleges Guide
• Paths to Choosing a Major (NHHEAF)

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Undecided About a Major?

• Almost 20-50% of college freshmen are “undecided”, upwards of 75% change their major while in school.
• Look for schools that offer a few majors that you are interested in.

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What do you plan to major in?

What we need to be asking our children is:

What problems do you want to solve? Who are you? What are your strengths?

Most high school seniors have no idea what they want to “be” when they grow up. But it’s easy to get them to talk passionately about what they want to fix in the world, what they are good at and what they like doing. Solving a strategic problem engages them.

Imagine what it would be like if students talked about solving problems instead of completing majors:

• “I’m learning human biology so we can eliminate hunger.”
• “I’m learning geography and engineering to get clean water to Africa.”
• “I’m learning computer science to enable developing nations to connect.”
• “I’m learning political science to help people engage with their local and federal governments.”

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We have tools to help! Use Naviance to access personality assessments/career aptitude tests/strengths explorer!

ppt on choosing a major on our website

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How to narrow a list

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Have an interest area, but need a school to “rise to the top” of the list?

Compare Curriculum

• Which school has more courses you are interested in?
• What are “Gen Ed” requirements at each school?
• At what point do you start major classes?

Compare Opportunities

• Can undergrads do research?
• Newer facilities?
• Find out internships & job placements

Remember- each college has their own wording for majors/programs. Be broad first, then specific.

The School Search- What to Consider

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• What are your priorities?
• What is most important to you?
• What are you looking to get out of your college experience?
• What type of learner are you? In-person vs online?
• What type of school- University, Liberal Arts, Engineering, Research, Technical, Business, etc.
• Size, location/part of country, distance from home, majors, urban/ suburban/rural, diversity, religious affiliation, four-year, two-year, public/private, etc.
• Activities on campus, internship opportunities, study abroad, academic support, class size, athletics, etc.
• Cost - Financial Aid/Scholarship Availability

Naviance- About Me- Game Plan Survey

Naviance

Naviance:

• Database of statistics, personal & career exploration and college searches
• All documents (transcripts/letters) will be submitted in Naviance.
• Scattergrams
• Resume, Career/College Searches, Personality Assessments

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Naviance- College Search

SCOIR- College Search

Creating A College List - Go into Naviance “colleges that I’m thinking about”

• Balanced Approach / Diversify
• Public v. Private
• Consider the Type of Financial Aid Offered:
• Need-based only
• Need and Merit based
• Consider the Major - Competitive Majors (Nursing/Engineering)
• 2-2-2 Approach (Compare Me)
• Probable / Target / Reach

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Finalizing College List

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2-2-2 Approach

A student’s “Academic Profile” is their:

• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Rigor & meeting course requirements
• SAT and/or ACT scores

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2- Safety/Probable:

Your academic profile is slightly above the average acceptance at that school.

2- Target/Match:

Your academic profile is right at the average acceptance at that school.

2- Reach:

Your academic profile is slightly below the average acceptance at that school.

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Safety/Probable

Match/Target

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Reach

College’s I’m Thinking About List

College Compare

College Visits

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• A campus visit is the best way to determine if a school is a “fit.”
• Types of visits ( both in person and virtual):
• Scheduled tours & info sessions
• Open House Events
• Accepted Student or Prospective Student Days
• Athletic and/or academic focused events
• Tips for a good college visit

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• To schedule a visit, register online
• Best times to visit- when students are there! Feb & April

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College Fairs

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• College fairs are a great way to meet many of the reps that will be reading your applications
• Find the schools attending, and make a list to visit.
• Dress business casual, bring a pen and notebook for notes
• Plan out some questions to ask:
• What type(s) of students succeed at that school?
• Location (urban, rural, suburbs)? How many students live on campus?
• Class size? Student teacher ratio? TA’s vs. professors teaching classes?
• How diverse is the campus? Student organizations? Crime rate?
• Admission requirements? GPA? Test scores? Portfolios?
• How selective is admissions? Male to female ratio?
• Deadlines for applications? Honors Programs? Scholarships?
• Visitation/orientation programs? Year-abroad programs?
• Will they guarantee to meet 100% of student’s financial need?
• What percentage of students graduate in four years?
• What’s the retention rate—how many students return after freshman year?

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College Fairs, continued

• Get on mailing lists
• Leave time for browsing
• Things to remember:
• Introduce yourself using eye contact and a hand- shake. Tell the rep you’re from “X” High School. First impressions count! Make a good one.
• Conduct yourself as an adult. This is your chance to show you’re mature and prepared for college.
• Take your time—don’t rush through exhibits. There will be a lot of colleges represented. Make sure you see everything you want to see.
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• BHS College Fair- April 12th -9:30-11:30 - in person!
• St. Paul’s College Fair April 18th 7- 8:30 - Hockey Center

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Example of Campus Tour Sign up

When to Apply- Deadlines

• Early Action (Non-Binding)
• Usually November/December
• CSS Profile may be due early
• Early Decision (Binding)
• Usually November/December
• CSS Profile may be due early
• Round I and Round II
• Regular Decision
• January/February
• Rolling Admission
• The earlier the better, first come first serve for money and program space.

** Admissions Trend- More “Early” applications!**

Deadlines are designated by each college, they all offer different options when applying.

Note: some majors (Nursing) deadlines are often earlier than regular student admission.

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Standardized Testing

• PSAT was taken in October
• Results are in Naviance & College Board- Now What?
• Analyze Test Results (Khan Academy/Tutoring)
• PSAT scale is 160-760 each section, max 1520.
• National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test
• Approx for NH is 207 ( NMSC Selection Index score is double the sum of the Reading Test,Writing and Language Test, and Math Test scores.)
• Upcoming Standardized Test Dates
• SAT in school is March 22nd
• Determine Individual Testing Plan
• ACT/SAT
• Schools that do not require standardized test scores for admission
• Submit test scores directly to colleges from the testing agencies (safety schools)
• we suggest you only submit scores to schools where you are above their average if it is a reach school

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Application Procedure Overview

The Student will…

• Fill out applications - they can make an account now on Common App
• Request letters of recommendation in April/May/June
• Ask counselor to send transcripts & letters
• Send official test score reports to college (fee)
• Complete necessary writing & supplemental forms
• Pay application fee & submit applications

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The School Counselor will…

• Assist students in finding colleges
• answer questions about/help with application process,
• Complete Counselor reports and/or letters of recommendation
• Submit transcripts & letters of recommendation to colleges (after 8/15)

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The Transcript

College admissions officers report that high school grades & strength of schedule are the top 2 factors in the college admissions decision.

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What is on a transcript?

• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Colleges may recalculate high school GPA based on core classes
• List of all classes and final grade from grades 9-11
• colleges are looking for strength of schedule
• Admissions counselors look for patterns/trends
• Total number of Community Service & Career Exploration Hours

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School Profile

• Colleges receive a school profile to determine available curriculum
• Provides background information about high school and curriculum.

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Counselors will be evaluating:

Junior Year Matters

Transcript Trends!

Strength of Schedule!

The Transcript

The College Essay

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• Types of Essays
• Common App Essay:
• 1-2 Pages (650 word max)
• 7 prompts available
• Students work on this essay in BTW or College Comp

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• Supplemental Essays:
• School specific, varied in length (100-650 words)
• Why us? More about you? totally random?
• Impact of COVID
• Additional Information

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**Proofread often and have at least one to two teachers read through for content and grammar.

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Letters of Recommendation

2 Academic Letters of Recommendation

• Ask for 2 academic letters max, ask early and in person, add in Naviance, follow up with thank you!
• Should be 2 recent core teachers from junior year or upcoming senior year who have had in an academic core setting.
• Other Recommendations- Allowed through Common App

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Financial Aid Basics

• NHHEAF Financial Aid Night in September

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• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Required in order to be eligible for state/federal grants or loans
• Available October 1^st
• CSS Profile required for some Private Schools
• through College Board
• Available October 1st
• Net Price Calculators on school websites
• Will show what aid may be available at a school, it is an estimate, not a guarantee.
• Usually on admissions homepage
• Not all calculators are created equal

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Scholarships

Check Naviance Regularly for Scholarships

• College Tab to Scholarship and Money Scholarship List contains list of local and national scholarships.

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Merit Scholarships are typically awarded upon admission from schools directly. Additional school specific paperwork sometimes required.

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New Hampshire Charitable Foundation www.nhcf.org

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Raise Me https://www.raise.me/

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Fast Web www.fastweb.org

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Athletics

• Division I or II athletes must be cleared through www.eligibilitycenter.org for NCAA requirements

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Military Academies

There are five military academies: Application process begins now in junior year

• United States Military Academy — Army
• United States Naval Academy — Navy and Marine Corps
• United States Coast Guard Academy
• United States Merchant Marine Academy
• United States Air Force Academy

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ROTC

• ROTC is offered for Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force
• https://todaysmilitary.com/training/rotc
• See your counselor for the school specific programs

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Community College (2 & 2)

Dual Enrollment

Pathway to a degree- NH Dual Enrollment

• Pay one application fee and take advantage of a new educational pathway allows you to enroll at one of the seven NH Community Colleges and be admitted into the University System.
• Transfer all credits after 2 year program to earn bachelor's degree.
• Between 11-20% of BHS students a year attend a community college.

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• Courses offered for 22/33-23/24
• Great way to get a “jump start”
• Transferable to 2 or 4 year programs

Timeline

JUNIOR YEAR WINTER/SPRING

• Attend Junior College Night January 26th
• Individual student meeting with counselor
• Understand/learn to filter Emails/Advertisements
• Flex Time Workshops
• Parent/Family meetings upon appointment
• Course Selection for Senior Year
• Standardized Testing - School Day SAT March 22nd
• Military academies- pre-admission paperwork portal
• College/Program Visits - February and April vacations
• Attend BHS College Fair- Wednesday, April 12th
• Up to date “Colleges I’m Thinking About” List in Naviance
• Search Colleges
• Teacher recommendation; no more than 2 are required.

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Timeline continued..

SUMMER FOLLOWING JUNIOR YEAR - A Critical Time!

• Be Productive, Get Involved!
• Work, volunteer or do a summer program
• Continue visiting colleges/programs, interviews
• Begin filling out Common Application
• Work on supplements, essay, resume
• Continue Test Prep if needed (Khan Academy)
• Start narrowing down/finalizing list of colleges
• Continue to search colleges on Naviance

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Timeline continued..

SENIOR YEAR FALL

• Senior Night (parent and student evening program in September)
• Individual meetings with counselor
• Common App Boot Camps
• Finalize College List
• Finalize applications, supplements, essays, resumes
• Determine strategy- applying early action/decision, or regular
• Touch base with teachers about recommendations- let them know your earliest deadline
• Take standardized tests again, if needed
• College Interviews
• Remaining college visits
• Submit Early Decision and Early Action Applications (Oct., Nov., Dec.)

To Do List - things to do now

• Develop “Colleges I’m Thinking About” List in Naviance
• Visit College Campuses (www.youvisit.com)
• Develop Standardized Testing Plan
• Think about Letters of Recommendation
• Brainstorm Essays
• Begin Applications (Summer 2023)
• Attend Common App Bootcamp (Aug/Sept/Oct)
• Attend Senior Night (September)
• Attend Financial Aid Night (September)
• Meet with School Counselor -ongoing!

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Reminders of Events at BHS

Pay attention to Falcon Announcements weekly!

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BHS College Fair is Wednesday April 12th 9:30-11:30am

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BHS VIRTUAL Career Fair is Wednesday May 10th - all day

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Destination College

@ PSU March 25th, 2023

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www.nhheaf.org/destination-college.asp

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Contact Information:

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Colleen DesRuisseaux

Last Names: A

CDesRuisseaux@bownet.org

603 (228-2210) x 308

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Dan Attorri

Last Names: B-G

dattorri@bownet.org

603 (228-2210) x 309

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Beth Corkum

Last Names: H-M

BCorkum@bownet.org

603 (228-2210) x 307

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Kate Kulacz

Last Names: N-Z

KKulacz@bownet.org

603 (228-2210) x 306

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