juniors and parents night ii mike squarcia director of guidance voorhees high school
TRANSCRIPT
Juniors and Parents Night IIMike Squarcia
Director of Guidance
Voorhees High School
This presentation is posted on the VHS guidance webpage: http://www.nhvweb.net/VHS/Guidance/
Preview: Application Process
Fall Junior Year Start developing college list Take PSAT Attend College Fairs Check college requirements Develop a testing plan: SAT or
ACT
Preview: Application Process Spring Junior Year
Spring Break College Visits Plan and Complete the Junior Packet
Strong Junior Packet = Strong Recommendation
SAT or ACT tests Continue researching colleges and plan
summer activities Summer College Open House Summer Enrichment Programs
Preview: Application Process
Change to Naviance Electronic Documents Request Teacher Recommendations
1st request in person (before the end of this year) 2nd request with Naviance (fall)
Transcript Requests Documents will be sent electronically
Transcripts Recommendation Letters Confirmation
Students Take Charge It is essential that the student take
charge of the college process Parents should offer support but not do
it for the student Colleges want to hear from the student Students should spend some time on
the junior questionnaire Parents should complete the Brag
Sheet
Searching for CollegeMike SquarciaDirector of GuidanceVoorhees High School
Naviance
https://succeed.naviance.com/signin.php What is Naviance?
A powerful interactive link between home and school, opening avenues of communication
An individualized, customized and secure website that supports academic planning for Voorhees and beyond
A resource that helps students and parents make better decisions about college opportunities and careers
Naviance What can you do on Naviance?
Build a resume, complete on-line surveys, and manage deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers
Research colleges Compare GPA and standardized test scores
to actual historical data from our school for students who have applied in the past
Senior Survey Must complete this before graduation! Check off where you have been
accepted/denied and your final choice for attendance.
Voorhees
Student’s Homelogic Username and Password
College Tools
College Search
Graph
Getting the Most Out of Your College Visits
Mike SquarciaDirector of GuidanceVoorhees High School
Before Planning a Visit
Assess YourselfAcademic Areas of Interest
(Possible Majors)PSAT Interest InventoriesTalent and Skills Assessments
Before Planning a Visit
Develop a Profile of YOUR CollegeLarge or SmallUrban, Suburban or RuralWhat part of the country?Price Range
Before Planning a Visit
Gather Information Talk to your family and friends College Web Search Request Viewbooks and Materials
from colleges of interest Register for SAT or ACT
Before Planning a Visit
Get Organized! Put together a college resume Get transcripts together Develop a college portfolio or
chart (checklist) Look at possible interview
questions
Start Planning
What schools should I visit?Schools that offer your major of interest
Schools that fit your profileSchools where you can be
Successful AcademicallyStimulated IntellectuallyHappy Socially
Start Planning
When should I visit?Best when classes are in session
Spring Recess: April 18-22Late Summer if classes start early
Summer Orientations
Start Planning
Typical scheduled visits last 2 to 3 hours
Try not to do more than 2 per day
Overnight visits can give you a much better perspective
Before the Visit
Call to schedule a visit at least 2 weeks ahead of time
Make sure you get clear directions so you get there on time (first impression)
Before the Visit Hand in the COLLEGE VISITATION
FORM 3 day before your visit.
Before the Visit
Make arrangements to see specific people or areas you want to see
Ask about Open House If you need to cancel, call
ASAP
During Your Visit
Be a Good DetectiveAsk people questionsListen in on conversationsTake notesVisit your area of interest
Labs, classrooms, facilities
During Your Visit
Sit in on a class Look at the housing Look at bulletin board postings Read the school newspaper Look at the athletic facilities
During Your Visit
Show you are INVESTEDArrange for an interviewPlan a second visit (possibly overnight)
Ask specific questionsTell them what you like about the school
Be Ready If You Have an Interview
Purpose:To gather information about you
To evaluate how you and the school match up
To recruit you by showing off the school
Prepare some possible answers to questions
Don’t be afraid to show your weakness, it makes you more interesting and believable
Show how you will be good for the institution
Be Ready If You Have an Interview
Before You Leave
Say Thank You Drive or walk around the entire
campus Beyond the tour route
Check out the surrounding town/ city Social Life Safety
After Your Visit
Write a note of appreciation to admissions staff
Make sure you have contact information
Stay in contact with the school Share your visit with your
teachers and counselor
Open House: What to Expect
Large Group meeting with all prospective students
Small group guided tours highlighting specific features
Return to the large group for follow up information
Take time to fill out the forms or cards
Good Luck School Shopping!
If you can’t get there in person, take a virtual tour