Parent academy: College 101

December 4, 2013Amy Kennedy, Counselor

Amy.kennedy@ashland.k12.or.usJennifer Marsden, ASPIRE Coordinator

Jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.usMichelle Zundel, Principal

Michelle.zundel@ashland.k12.or.us

Introductions

•What are you curious about?

•What would make this evening worthwhile?

Self-discovery• Service• Work• Leadership• Activities• Athletics• Hobbies and

interests

College searchcollegeboard.org

• Cost

• Geographic Location

• Majors

• Extra Curriculars

• Size

• Housing

• Greek Life

AHS Resources• Counseling Office• Website• ASPIRE Mentors• Advisory Personal Education Plan (PEP)• Class Meetings• College Rep Visits

Private College Counselors:Eric DansonJan Lippen HolzSarah Silverman

Parent’s role• Remember, you are support

staff. It’s your child’s life.

• Ask questions & LISTEN LOTS

• Clerical Support

(Deadline management)

• Emotional Support/Reassurance

• Research Finances

• Be knowledgeable; Gather Resources

College admissions Elements

Element 1: Course selection

• Challenge Yourself

• Balance Rigor with Life

• Grade Point Average (GPA)

• Advanced Placement (AP)

• Honors

• Early College Credits

Element 2:engagement/leadership

• Do things. Join activities.

• Community Service

• Clubs

• Activities

• Athletics

• Work

• Internships

• 10th & 12th Grade Projects

• Activities Resumé

Element 3:letters of recommendation

• Get to know teachers well

• Two ACADEMIC teachers

• Letter request form

• Thank you notes

Element 4:applications & essays

• Gather experiences to write personal narratives

• Summer Essay Writing Workshop

• Common Application

• Early decision (binding)

• Early action

• Regular decision

Element 5:standardized tests

• 10th Grade = PSAT for practice

• 11th Grade = PSAT Nat’l Merit

• ACT = Achievement Test Measures what you learned in school. Scores: English, Math, Reading, Science, optional writing

• SAT = Aptitude Test Measures reasoning & verbal skills. Scores: Critical Reasoning, Math, Writing

• SAT Subject Matter Tests

• Test optional colleges

• Test Prep Classes WWW.FAIRTEST.ORG

Element 6:campus visits & interviews

• Grades 9 & 10 on family vacations, visit campuses

• Take virtual online tours

• Grades 11 & 12 visit schools Request interviews

• Sit in on classes

• Alumni Interviews in Ashland

• Scholarship Interviews

Element 7:financial aid/scholarships

• Talk early and often about finances.

• Research Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

• FAFSA

• OSAC

• Local Scholarships

• College Financial Packages

• Student Loans

Specialty areasAthletics

• Practice & Play Well

• Meet with Counselor

• Register online: NCAA Eligibility Center

• Highlight films

• Talk with Coaches

The Arts• Practice &

Perform/Produce

• Develop a portfolio

• Prepare supplemental applications

• Audition

• Talk with Professors

Questions?