Junior Parent Night
Thursday, January 19th 2017
MAHWAH HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
Counselors: Mrs. Jo Ann Barnard
Mrs. Dianna Farquharson Mr. Rayhan Jalil
Mrs. Stacy Mandel
Mrs. Joan Stewart, Student Assistance Counselor Mrs. Nancy Mariani, Administrative Assistant Mrs. Denise Wright, Administrative Assistant
Mr. Dominick J. Gliatta, Director of Guidance
Junior Year Timeline SPRING
Focus on your grades Register for SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests (if necessary) Visit colleges during spring vacation Attend Junior Conference Request letters of recommendation from teachers
SUMMER Visit colleges Brainstorm college essay topics Complete junior questionnaire in Naviance Narrow down your list of schools
What Colleges Look At: Main components to an application: Grades Rigor of courses Test scores Recommendations Essay Extra-curriculars
Your essay and the teacher/counselor recommendations shine a light on all components!
College Admission Testing
SAT
SAT II SUBJECT
The ACT
Test of English as a Foreign Language
March 11 (No Subject Tests)
May 6 June 3
February 11 April 8 June 10
Weekly test dates
NONNATIVE English speakers at the 11th-grade level or above should take the TOEFL test to provide evidence of their English
proficiency before beginning academic work.
SAT VS. ACT • The best way to decide which test is right for you is to take a
timed full-length practice test in each. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. For example, the pace of the SAT gives you a tad more time to think through problems, while the ACT can be more of a time crunch. Some students really thrive under the pressure of the clock, while others prefer the extra time to ponder a question.
• See handout on differences in your packet. • Review concordance table in your packet.
Teacher Recommendations Procedure for Students:
Two teachers who know you well and preferably from 2 different disciplines
Courteously ask the teacher in the Spring
Request Recommendation in Naviance: Colleges Colleges I Am Applying To Scroll to bottom of screen
Send a handwritten “Thank You”
Essay! Essay! Essay! This is the part of the
application that should demonstrate your personality, talents and creativity.
It is a reflection about who
you are—be honest and interesting!
Show a scene or share a story
that tells something unique about yourself. Show a side of yourself that your application doesn’t reveal.
Regular Decision Rolling Admissions Early Decision (Binding) Early Action (Non Binding) Priority
Application & Response Programs
WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? Academics Location Housing Research
Study abroad Internships/co-ops
Reputation Name recognition
Athletics Size
Selectivity Honors programs
Type of school Fit of school
Major Public? Private?
$$$$
Syracuse Penn State Delaware Rutgers Montclair NYU Rowan Lehigh Marist TCNJ Lafayette Miami Muhlenberg
Fairfield WVU UVA UCONN Temple URI BU Tufts Michigan Ramapo UCLA Arizona Bucknell
Boston College Clemson Notre Dame Villanova Rutgers Northeastern Univ. of Tampa Stockton Quinnipiac Bentley Roger Williams Monmouth Rider
Naviance: Your Best Friend
Naviance puts it all in perspective!
Find information about colleges and deadlines Compare colleges & find “Like” schools Sign up for college rep visits Check due dates Request & track transcripts Request teacher recommendations Complete Junior Questionnaire Complete Parent Questionnaire Naviance Test Prep: SAT/ACT Test Prep
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
SAMPLE STUDENT
ACCEPTED
X = DENIED
NCAA Clearinghouse For anyone interested in participating in athletics at the
Division I or Division II level. Register online with the NCAA (www.eligibilitycenter.org) Complete a minimum core curriculum:
16 academic courses for Division I & Division II
Campus Visits
Juniors are permitted 2 Excused absences – Must submit paperwork 2 days prior.
Remember: Too much school missed = Bad grades = Poor admission chances
Make arrangements (call or on-line) Making the most of college visits (eat in cafeteria,
go “off track”) Combine schools to maximize time Follow-up with e-mails and thank you notes
COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Associate’s degree Transition to a four year college Relatively less expensive Certificate programs NJ STARS Program for qualified students
GAP YEAR TRADE SCHOOL MILITARY/EMPLOYMENT
Other Viable Options
Suggestions for Parents Understand how your child responds to this process of
change & watch for signs of emotional overload Discuss you and your child’s priorities
Be flexible & willing to compromise
Visit colleges; go beyond the packaged tour
Use caution when listening to college advice from people who
do not know your child
Your child should “own” the application process
How We Will Help… Individual Junior College Conference with Counselor Junior College Guide on MHS Guidance website Monthly newsletters with information to help you
through the process An open invitation for your child to stop by with
questions/concerns Chip away at that mountain!
By September, students should have completed: 1. A list of 8-12 schools to apply; students should
meet with counselors to finalize list in September 2. Completed resume 3. Solid rough draft of the essay 4. Junior Questionnaire
Mahwah High School Guidance Page (Guidance Corner): Important links: Naviance, NCAA, School Profile, Financial Aid Info Important documents: Monthly Newsletter, College Application Checklist,
College Visitation Form Sample resumes SAT/ACT conversion chart and side-by-side comparison of tests Athletic information for the college bound student Information for students with learning differences Junior Guide Monthly newsletter
Naviance https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=mahwah SAT/ACT prep materials List of upcoming college visits Frequently Asked Questions Scholarship match & listing
Resources