Dartmouth High School

COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHTCLASS OF 2012

September 27, 2011

“Procrastination makes easy things hard, and hard things

harder.”

-Mason Cooley Professor of English

Columbia University

College Planning Night

Review of Junior Parent Night Senior Year Checklist Elements of College Applications Making a Final Decision Financial Aid Basics

Review of JuniorParent Night

Standardized Tests–SAT Reasoning Test–SAT Subject Tests–ACT–Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Review of JuniorParent Night

College Search Process– Academic Program/Major– Location– Size– Environment– Cost/Financial Aid– Athletics/Extracurricular Activities– Internships/Job Placement

Review of Junior Parent Night

Developing Your College List–Reach–Realistic–Safety (Academic and Financial)

Review of JuniorParent Night

Researching Colleges– Internet searches

www.collegeboard.com, www.petersons.com

–Talk with friends, family and teachers–College representative visits to DHS

September 28th, October 5th and 12th

- Campus tours

A moment of reflection…

So…Now What???

Senior Year Checklist College Planning Night Register and prepare for standardized tests

www.collegeboard.orgwww.actstudent.org

Complete college search process Narrow down list of potential schools Develop activities list/resume

**Registration Deadline for the November 5th

SAT is October 7th

Senior Year Checklist

Take tours of colleges that are on your list Continue preparing for standardized tests Proofread/finish personal statement

**Registration Deadline for the December 3rd

SAT is November 8th

Senior Year Checklist

Finalize list of schools (Reach/Realistic/Safety)

Finalize activities list Confirm letters of recommendation Develop chart with deadlines and

requirements

Senior Year Checklist

Write final version of personal statement Complete applications/supplements Request transcripts and counselor

recommendations ten days before

application deadline Submit applications

What Are the Pieces to the Application Puzzle??

Required Elements of College Applications

Application forms – Common Application– Institutional applications

Transcript and high school profile Standardized test scores

Add score recipients online Application fee or fee waiver

Supplemental Elements of College Applications

Personal statement Letters of recommendation Supplements Supporting documents

– Mid Year Report– Secondary School Form– Portfolios/Auditions

A Fieldtrip to the Common Application…

The Common Application for Undergraduate Admission

I’m In!!

Now What???

Decision Making Framework

Follow-up visit to look at finer points– Research your department/professors– Check availability of special programs– Find out availability of dorm options

Accepted student events Spend the night Financial aid comparison

May 1 is National Candidates’ Reply Date

How Can We Afford This??

Financial Aid FREE Scholarship Search Engines

- www.fastweb.com

- www.collegeboard.com

FAFSA- www.fafsa.ed.gov

CSS Profile- www.collegeboard.com

DHS Scholarship Bulletin- www.dartmouthps.dhs.schoolfusion.us

FAFSA4Caster- www.fafsa.ed.gov

DHS Awards Night

Financial Aid Night

Thursday, December 1, 20116:30 PM

Dartmouth High School Auditorium

Guest Presenter: Stephanie Wells

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority

DHS Guidance Phone: (508) 961-2730

Mr. Christopher Boyle, Dean of Students

Mr. Eric Silva, Ext. 436

Last Names A – D

Mr. David White, Ext. 433

Last Names M – P

Ms. Nicole Heath, Ext. 432

Ms. Leanne Squeglia, Ext. 435Last Names E – L

Ms. Jodi Newbury, Ext. 434

Last Names R – S

Mr. William Ventura, Ext.431 Last Names T – Z