This document provides guidance on the college search and application process for juniors and seniors. It outlines the various types of colleges and factors to consider in choosing a college. The timeline and requirements for standardized tests, applications, financial aid, and scholarships are discussed. Students are encouraged to utilize guidance counselors and resources to navigate the process.

1. Gateway Guidance The College Search and Application Process

2. We are EVERYWHERE!! Good communication between home and school will be crucial! Join our email groups Join us on Facebook View our website at www.gatewayhs.com , click on the Guidance link

3. It is important for students to know themselves! Values Ambitions Achievements Academic Strengths Interests Standout Talents Your college choice needs to match your needs! - MY ROADS

4. Did you know there are 3700 colleges in the US? Community Colleges (Associates Degree) Two Year Private Colleges (Associates Degree) NJ State Colleges/Universities Other State Colleges/Universities PA, DE, MD, NC, VA, etc HBCU Liberal Arts Schools Major Prestige College and Universities & Ivy League Schools Progressive Colleges Specialized Institutions (art, music, culinary arts, technology, etc.)

5. How does the junior year process begin? In September students were asked to take their interest inventory results from 10th grade and explore careers and majors using MY ROADS Attend GCPCA College Fair in October 12, 2011 at GCC and various college visitations at Gateway. In December students were asked to start thinking about athletics, standardized testing, and PSAT results. In February students were asked to plan senior year courses based on potential college major.

6. Springtime now what? Now is when juniors should be taking the ACT/SAT at least one time before June Visit colleges - let us know you get the days Further discussion with counselor on intentions occurs during scheduling Attend college fairs (Riverwinds trip 3/24) Upon return to school in senior year we would like students to have a reach school, a safety school, and 2 good fit schools where minimum requirements can be met

7. Decision Factors ???? Size of school Location Distance from home Activities/Athletics Public/Private Coed/Single sex Entrance requirements Facilities Entrance difficulty Reputation of school Faculty/Class size Majors available Commitment to major by school Services Cost Campus personality

8. Collegeboard Go to Collegeboard website http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/adv_typeofschool.jsp College Matchmaker Parent and Student sections

9. Papers to begin to gather in junior year….. Sign transcript release form Register for SAT/ACT Secure letters of recommendation (send thank you notes) Update personal activities/athletics/ employment resume Utilize CollegeBoard’s website to explore colleges…take the college matchmaker Contact your counselor with questions

10. What do colleges look for in applicants? Primary factors (according to Collegeboard) are: rigor of high school courses, academic performance, test scores Additional factors include: extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, demonstrated interest

11. Standardized Testing

12. SAT vs. ACT SAT 3 sections (Critical Reading, Math, Writing) 3 hr. 45 min Scores 200-800 Penalty wrong answers Essay graded as whole ACT 4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) - writing optional section 3 to 3.5 hr. Scores 1-36 Essay graded by rubric May be option if SAT scores are lower than desired

13. SAT and ACT Accommodations Any student needing accommodations (extended time, computer, etc.) to testing must apply to the testing company for approval. Formal documentation will need to be submitted - (doctor information, CST testing) Applications must be completed and submitted prior to the deadlines. Requests can take 7-8 weeks during busier testing times. Testing accommodations for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT must be approved prior to the test or else there will not be any modifications given within the testing centers.

14. 2 Year Colleges Paper application preferred (GCC) SAT/ACT not required for admission but may be used for placement. Will have placement testing before scheduling classes. Selective programs have different applications/processes No recommendations needed, unless stated Gloucester County College—On-site in January Accuplacer testing prep available at collegeboard

15. GCC On-Site Through a partnership with GCC, Gateway offers this service to our students who plan to enroll at GCC the following fall 2 sessions with GCC: Informational meeting for seniors. On-Site applications distributed. Questions answered. Major group appointments with GCC representative. Applications must be turned in prior to this date. Placement testing discussed.

16. 4 Year College and University Applications Paper applications still possible for some schools On-line application (most frequently used) Common Application (also on the rise) Be aware of “supplements” to the Common Application May be able to utilize fee waivers for application fee. Know the tricks…fee waivers or not

17. Know the requirements of your school….. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO RESEARCH THEIR SCHOOLS’ REQUIREMENTS! EXAMPLE: Rutgers - On-line only (no paper applications available) December 1 st is the preferred deadline for scholarship consideration and housing No transcripts or recommendation letters required. SRAR –Student Reported Academic Record Request “unofficial copy” of transcript from your counselor.

18. Using the Common Application www.commonapp.org - ONE form for multiple schools. Transcripts submitted electronically. Remember to “invite” guidance counselor and teachers to submit necessary information. Use correct & professional e-mail addresses Forms needed: Teacher Evaluation Secondary School Report Mid-Year Report

19. Applying EARLY ??? EARLY DECISION- Binding agreement school and student. Upon notification of acceptance, student is required to withdraw pending applications. EARLY ACTION -Early notification of admission’s decision. This action is non-binding for both parties.

20. Processing the college application Contact CollegeBoard to send official scores to the college. Review, complete, and proof read the application and essay. Organize appropriate supporting materials such as resumes, essays, recommendations,and check/money order. Submit a request to the guidance counselor to send supporting documents to the college AFTER application submitted. Contact the college to track the application and documents!

21. DUAL CREDIT If a student is enrolled in the following courses, then they are eligible to receive college credits for those courses IF they adhere to the rules set forth by the community college sponsoring their class. If the student does this, they will be considered a dual student of both Gateway and the community college. AP BIOLOGY AP CALCULUS AP CHEMISTRY AP ENGLISH IV AP US I AND II AP ART FRENCH III-V GERMAN III-V SPANISH III-V CCC courses include: all level 3 and 4 of world languages Fill out application in October and pay the small fee. Receive a “B” or better in that class. After he/she has graduated, ask for a transcript from the sponsoring college (GCC or CCC). The OTHER way to receive Dual Credit is to take an AP class and then the appropriate AP test in May. They must have a certain score to receive college credit - dependent upon the college.

22. SCHOLARSHIPS 101 College-based Scholarships - check with the institution’s financial aid office. ** You should direct all questions and concerns to the financial aid office of a specific college. ** Community-based Scholarships - Investigate employers, churches, local businesses and organizations. Scholarship Newsletter —senior bulletin lists information.

23. Scholarships….cont. Web Searches: Fastweb.com - Private scholarships fafsa.ed.gov - Free Application for Federal Student Aid Studentaid.ed.gov - The federal government’s website about paying for college MeritAid.com - $11 billion in merit scholarships Cappex.com - Scholarship matching finaid.org - Free student resource for learning about all types of financial aid

24. Financial Aid Financial Aid Night held in January of each year at Gateway. Information will be discussed on the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and timelines, among others. If a student receives free/reduced lunch, he/she should research EOF/EOP programs within NJ SAT/ACT fee waivers for testing and application fees may also be an option

25. NCAA Eligibility Center Student athletes may want to complete the Clearinghouse Form during summer between Junior and Senior year. (Required for Division I and II) $60 application http://eligibilitycenter.org Notify Guidance so transcripts can be forwarded.

26. Use the Gator staff to your advantage! At the start of your senior year be aware! The Guidance Office has a bulletin board of all staff and their alumni institutions There are several staff members who are more than interested in assisting with college essays . . . . Just ask the guidance staff for direction

27. Senior Year Make a plan….. Applications SAT/ACT/SATII College Visits- 2 nd round Scholarships Financial Aid Websites Resources Keep grades up all year (colleges can rescind acceptances)

28. Gateway’s Application Process Make sure recommendation letters are sent to counselor to be kept on file FULLY COMPLETE applications including the fees AND the essays Fill out the request on your guidance counselor’s door to send all your supporting documentation We HIGHLY recommend Thanksgiving as a deadline to submit applications

29. Sent By Guidance After Receiving Written Request (Remember to give 2 weeks notice) Transcripts Letters of Recommendation Activities Current Schedule School Profile

30. Hearing from Colleges….. Regular Decision (April 1) Rolling Admission (reviewed as received) Early Decision (early application & commitment) Early Action (early application & no commitment)

31. AND REMEMBER…. The Guidance Department is here to answer any questions or concerns. Best Advice = Assist your student(s) and don’t do it yourself! Just keep in mind who is going to college and who needs to be there for support and guidance. THANK YOU! QUESTIONS?