Montgomery Township School District
MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
609-466-7602
SUPERVISOR OF GUIDANCE
Cory Delgado, Vice Principal ………Ext. 61582
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING STAFF
Ms. Kelly DeBow………..Ext. 6168 Mrs. Heather Pino-Beattie…… Ext. 6167
Mr. Keith Glock………... Ext. 6164 Mrs. Jessica Ritson……….…. Ext. 6172
Ms. Carla Hampton……...Ext. 6165 Ms. Cheryl Watson………….. Ext. 6163
Ms. Patricia Musial……...Ext. 6166
STUDENT ASSISTANCE COUNSELOR
Ms. Ann DeGennaro…….. Ext. 6171
SECRETARIES & CLERKS
Mrs. Diane Talarick…….. Ext. 6198 Mrs. Laura Fredrickson……… Ext. 6178
Mrs. Paula Gebhart………….. Ext. 6181
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Visit us on the web @
mtsd.k12.nj.us
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GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
TIMELINE FOR COLLEGE/POST HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
JUNIOR YEAR
MARCH-JUNE
- SAT I, SAT II, and ACT test administrations
- Log on to to register for SAT and/or for the ACT
- Students and parents proceed with college search and begin college visits
- Students make appointments to meet with their counselor to begin individual Junior Conferences/Post-High School Planning
- Log on to Naviance to begin “Brag Sheets,” “Parents’ Point of View,” and “Activities Resume”; this is an ongoing process in junior and senior years.
- Students should check the Guidance Website for college related information
- Continue scholarship search
MAY
- Students generate a preliminary list of colleges and record information in Naviance
- Counselors continue individual conferences
- SAT I / SAT II testing; AP Exams for some students
JUNE
- Students and parents narrow down a “working list” of colleges
- Investigate potential for college scholarships
- Complete SAT I / SAT II or ACT testing for Early Decision applicants
- Division I and II athletes register with the NCAA Clearinghouse
JULY/AUGUST
- Register for September ACT
- Register on for scholarship information and updates
- Visit the college websites for information/applications
- Visit schools; set up interviews for the fall
- Volunteer/travel/attend summer pre-college experiences (See the Guidance website for suggestions)
- Work on your Brag Sheet, Parent’s Point of View and Activities Resume in Naviance
- Check out application essay questions and begin to work on essays
SENIOR YEAR
SEPTEMBER
- Register at the beginning of the month for October SATs or ACTs.
- Counselors will hold a College Application Process information/review session
- Develop your list of colleges
- Finalize your Activities Resume, Brag Sheet, and Parents Point of View in Naviance.
- Check daily bulletins, TV announcements, Guidance Bulletin Board, Naviance, and the MHS website for college/scholarship information and for visits from college representatives.
- Meet with college representatives; check Naviance for visitation schedule and pick up a pass in the Guidance Office to attend
- Begin working on college applications.
- Arrange for teacher recommendations
OCTOBER
- Early Decision/Early Action candidates meet with their counselor
- Seniors take SAT I, SAT II or ACT
- Students meet with counselors to finalize the application list
- Attend local/regional college fairs
- Continue working on/submitting applications
- Submit Early Decision/Early Action Transcript Request cards
NOVEMBER
- Meet deadlines for Early Decision/Early Action applications
- Counselors continue to meet with students individually
- Take ACT, SAT I / SAT II’s, as necessary
- Continue working on submitting applications
DECEMBER
- Continue to check Guidance website and Naviance for announcements.
- Continue working on/submitting applications
- Students receive Early Decision/Early Action responses; share the information with your guidance counselor (**students accepting Early Decision must withdraw any additional applications)
- Take SAT I / SAT II or ACT, as necessary.
- FAFSA and CSS Profile financial aid applications available online
- Parents and students attend Financial Aid Night at MHS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
- Submit request card/envelopes for mid-year grades if required by the college/university
- Continue working on/submitting applications
- File Financial Aid applications
- Complete testing, if necessary
MARCH/APRIL
- Montgomery Scholarship applications available
- Notify Guidance of college acceptances
- Notify colleges of your decision
MAY/JUNE
- Montgomery Scholarship Committee meets
- Submit a stamped, addressed envelope for final transcript
- Pay any outstanding Transcript Request money due
Note: Research and apply for Scholarships (see Guidance Website) and continue to check Naviance throughout the year.
MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
Guidance Department
Post Secondary Education
Colleges and universities are generally categorized on a scale from “non-competitive” to “most competitive” based on the percentage of accepted applicants. The most selective schools reject many well-qualified students. For admission at such a high level of competition, an applicant should be a distinguished student with a rigorous program of study, SAT’s in the high 600’s, and have a significant extra curricular profile. Many of these colleges require SAT II’s.
In order to be qualified for admission to many state colleges/universities and selective private colleges, a student must have at a minimum completed 16 academic courses with a B+ average. SAT requirements will vary by institution. Co-curricular and community service involvement are also beneficial.
There are many fine, less selective colleges and universities. Criteria for admission to these institutions vary. However, the student’s academic record should reflect the best work possible in a college prep program.
Other post-secondary opportunities for continuing education include two-year private or community colleges, business, trade, or technical schools. A high school diploma or G.E.D. is usually required for admission to these institutions.
HOW COLLEGES EVALUATE APPLICANTS
In approximate order of priority
• School record
Rigor of curriculum
GPA (grades 9-11) plus 1st semester of 12)
First quarter grades in the senior year
• Standardized test scores (SAT I/II or ACT)
• Special talents
• Essays (where required)
• School recommendations (counselors/teachers)
• Extracurricular activities (including community service)
• Work experience and references
• Interview/Campus visits
• Financial situation (not all colleges)
• Cultural diversity
• Geographic distribution
• Alumni legacy
MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
Guidance Department
KNOW YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU WANT FROM A COLLEGE
FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
How do I learn best? (e.g. lectures, note-taking, group discussion, visual, auditory, etc.)
What were my favorite classes? Why? How do I respond to different teaching styles? Does competition encourage me to try my best?
Am I interested in liberal arts institutions, or do I want to specialize in a career or major such as business, art, or pre-med? Do I want a two-or four-year institution?
Do I want to stay near home, or am I prepared to visit my family only a few times a year? Am I interested in a certain locale: urban, small town or rural?
Do I want to attend a small or large institution? Am I interested in a diverse student body? Do I like to be with a more homogeneous group?
Have my grades been good enough to be considered by a very selective school? What is my current GPA? Do I want a demanding academic environment? Do I plan to go to graduate school? Am I comfortable with a curriculum that offers a great deal of independent study? Do my study needs, require more specialized facilities?
Do I prefer on-campus or off-campus housing? Am I interested in fraternities or sororities? How important are intramural or intercollegiate sports? Do I want a campus that offers many cultural events, on and off campus?
How important will costs be in my final choice? What kind of financial assistance will I need? Are opportunities for part-time jobs important? What qualifications do I have for scholarships?
Am I interested in internships or in studying abroad?
You will not be able to answer all of these questions by yourself or all at one time. But the college representatives, your counselor, and your family can help you to find honest answers and guide your thinking.
SUGGESTED REFERENCE MATERIALS
Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges
Barron’s Guide to the Best, Most Popular and Most Exciting Colleges
Barron’s Educational Services, Inc., Woodbury, New York
College Admission Data Handbook
Louis Mazzani, Orchard House, Inc., Concord, Massachusetts
The College Board College Handbook
The College Board, New York
The College Handbook Index of Majors
College Entrance Examination Board, New York, NY
The Fiske Guide to Colleges
Edward B. Fiske, Times Books, New York, NY
The Insiders Guide to Colleges
Yale Daily News Staff, St. Martin’s Press, New York, NY
The Internet Guide for Collegebound Students
Ken Hartman, College Board, New York, NY
The K&W Guide to Colleges for the Learning Disabled
Marybeth Kravets and Imy F. Wax, Harper Perennial, New York, NY
Lovejoy’s College Guide
Charles T. Straughn II and Barbara Sue Lovejoy Straughnm, Monarch Press, New York, NY
Lovejoy’s College Guide for the Learning Disabled
Charles T. Straughn, Monarch Press, New York, NY
Peterson’s Annual Guide to Undergraduate Study
Guide to Four Year College/Guide to Two Year Colleges
Andrea E. Lehman, Peterson’s Guides, Princeton, NJ
Peterson’s Guide to Colleges with Programs for Learning Disabled Students (2nd Edition)
Charles T. Mangrum II and Stephen S. Strichart, Peterson’s Guide, Princeton, NJ
Rugg’s Recommendations on the Colleges
Frederick E. Rugg, Atascadero, California
Thomson Peterson’s Competitive Colleges
Peterson’s, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
College-Related Websites/MHS Websites
To access the websites of most of the colleges and universities in the United States, enter the web address as: nameofcollege.edu
College Search
Official site of the ACT, which includes college search, online applications, advice and timelines, financial aid information and estimator, and information on the ACT.
Comprehensive site sponsored by the college board; links to many other sites.
Official site of the common application where you can download the application, view the list of participating colleges, and get application information.
Site includes a college search, online applications, test prep,
financial aid and scholarship information, advice and information about the company’s courses and publications.
Sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, a free program designed to help students and parents navigate the college search, admission, and financial aid processes
Site of the company that publishes the guidebooks; includes a college search, information on financial aid, test prep information, online applications, and college information.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
fafsa. Online application and information for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
Comprehensive, free scholarship search service
mtsd.k12.nj.us Guidance page of MHS website, which provides scholarship information and an extensive list of websites
Miscellaneous
Government statistics of crimes on college campuses as reported to the Department of Education
INTERNET SITES
EXPLORING COLLEGE
100 Hot Higher Ed. Sites college
ACT
Campus Security Statistics ope.security/index.asp
Careers and
College Board
College Comparisons ir.tcu.edu/college%20comparisons.htm
College Confidential
College Edge
College Guides
College Navigator nces.collegenavigator
College Net
College Newspapers campusnews.html
College Plan
College Preview college-
College Rankings library.uiuc.edu
College Source
College Town
College View
College Zine
Dept. of Ed. Home Page
Education Info
Foundation for Independent higher Ed
Go College
Hillel
Historically Black Colleges
Initiative/Historically Black Colleges
International Education Service ies-
Jesuit Colleges ajcunet.edu
NACAC
Net Tips bride-
Peterson’s
Princeton Review
U.S. 2-year Colleges
UCan ucan-
U.S. News College & Careers Center
Virtual Campus Tours
Xap
ON-LINE APPLICATIONS
Apply!
Applying to College Online
College Link
College Edge Web Apps
Common Application
Higher Ed Info Center
Peterson’s
FINANCIAL AID
Adventures in Education
CSS Profile
Dept. Ed. Financial Aid
FAFSA fafsa.
FA Resource Center
Fastaid
Fastweb
Finaid Info Page
First Gov
Funds Net
Sallie Mae FA Info
Saving for College
SCHOLARSHIPS
4 Scholarships 4scholarships.
College Express
College Net
Fast Aid
FastWeb
Scholarship Tree
The Ron Brown Scholar Program
United Negro College Fund
LOAN INFORMATION
American Student Asst.
College Solutions Network
Student Loan
Kaploan
Next Student
Sallie Mae
ATHLETICS
NAIA
NCAA
NJCAA
Nat’l Recruiting Network
The Athletes Advisor
Varsity Edge
TEST PREP
5000 Free SAT Words
College Board
College Power Prep
ETS
Kaplan
Princeton Review
Revolution Prep
Take SAT
Test Prep
CAREERS
America’s Job Bank AJB.dnj.us
Best Jobs USA
Black Collegian Online
Bureau of Labor Statistics stats.
Career Key
Career Magazine
Career Paths Online
Career Resource Center
Career Web
Future Scan
Occupational Handbook stats.
Online Career Tests
Planning a Career adventuresineducation
US Department of Labor
Technology Careers
STUDY SKILLS
Homework Helper
How to Study
Math Power
Study Web
The Math Forum
NOTE: Due to the ever changing nature of web-based resources, sites listed at time of
publication may no longer be available.
MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
Guidance Department
HOW TO VISIT/INTERVIEW AT A COLLEGE
There is no better way to learn about the educational program, facilities, spirit, and atmosphere of a college than to visit the campus, particularly when the college is in session.
Your college visit should help you do the following:
- Learn first hand what college admissions people expect of you
- Experience the academic atmosphere of the college
- See where you are going to eat, sleep, study, attend classes, worship, and take part in recreation
- Talk with other students
- Observe first hand the kind of community where the college is located
- Evaluate your college needs-what students wear, how they furnish their rooms, and what the bookstore offers.
When to Visit
The spring of the junior year and the fall of the senior year are the most appropriate times to make your visits.
Plan your visits when colleges are in session so you will get an idea of day-to-day college life. A Homecoming Weekend may give you a glamorized picture.
If you want an on-campus interview, telephone or go on-line to the Office of Admissions to request an appointment. It may be necessary to schedule your interview well in advance for the highly selective colleges.
How to Prepare for a College Visit
Call the college or visit the college website to sign up for a guided tour and information session.
Research the college so that you will have the basic information in mind and will be able to ask intelligent questions.
Talk to at least two or three college students while on campus; get their points of view about academic and social life.
Note: All students may have three (3) days per academic year of excused absences for college visits. Students must provide the attendance office with documentation of visit.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TRY TO LEARN ABOUT EACH COLLEGE
As you tour each campus, some questions you might keep in mind are listed below:
Instructional Program and Facilities
1. What courses are required of all entering freshmen?
2. How adequate are the instructional facilities for the department or major area of study in which you are interested?
3. Are the laboratory facilities adequate?
4. Do freshmen have an opportunity to take at least some courses with the major professors?
5. What is the typical class size for freshmen? For upperclassmen?
6. What are the library facilities?
7. Is there a cooperative work experience program in the department in which you are interested?
8. May qualified upperclassmen transfer at the end of two or three years to a specialized program such as engineering, law, dentistry, art, forestry, etc?
9. What is the geographic composition of the student body? Is it more or less difficult for students from your area to gain admission?
Campus and Buildings
1. Does the campus appeal to you? Is it relatively easy or difficult to get around?
2. Is it near the local community? Is there access to stores and other facilities? If not, are the campus facilities adequate?
3. Do the students of the college apparently take pride in a clean and well-ordered campus?
Housing and Dining Facilities
1. Where do freshmen live?
2. What furnishings will you need to bring?
3. Are the study facilities satisfactory to you?
4. What are the dining room arrangements? How many meals a week are included?
5. Can special diets be arranged for students who need them?
6. Is there a good snack bar or other “eating and meeting” place on or near the campus?
Advisement and Health Services
1. What members of the college staff are available to discuss personal problems, vocational plans, academic adjustments, and choice of courses?
2. What health services are provided on campus? In hospitals?
3. What part-time job opportunities are available?
Religious Facilities
1. Is there a house of worship of your denomination accessible?
2. Are there religious social organizations available on campus?
Social and Recreational Facilities
1. Will the social centers or student union meet your needs?
2. Are there fraternities and sororities on campus? What percentage of students belong to these groups?
3. What are the major school-sponsored activities?
INTERVIEW TIPS
1. For your first interview, do not go to your first-choice college. Try to visit your first-choice college after you have had the experience of being interviewed and feel more confident.
2. When you go for your interview be respectably dressed but not overdressed. Dress in good taste, as if you were going for a job interview.
3. Be certain to get the name of the person who interviews you; as soon as you get home, write a thank you note.
4. Know the names and authors of books you have read recently in English and/or history. Be prepared to make intelligent comments about these books. Be informed of current events and major issues in the world.
5. Be honest and sincere with your interviewer. The interviewer really does want to get to know you.
6. Be sure to have questions for the interviewer.
7. Be prepared to respond to, “Tell me about yourself”.
MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
Guidance Department
School Codes: CEEB Code - 311359 TEST CENTER - 31759
Student State ID # located on transcript
COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTING
SAT I ()
The SAT is a three-hour and forty-five-minute test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful academically.
The essay will always be the first section of the SAT, and the 10-minute multiple-choice writing section will always be the final section. The remaining eight 25-minute sections can appear in any order, as can the two 20-minute sections. Test takers sitting next to each other in the same testing session may have test books with entirely different sections.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section will contain two sub scores. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.
SAT II ()
The SAT II is a one hour examination which measures the student’s level of achievement in certain subject areas. Some colleges require or recommend up to three SAT II’s for admission and/or placement.
ACT ()
(American College Testing)
The ACT is a four part, two hour and forty minute test of the skills needed to succeed in college work. It deals more with skills rather than specific subject matter. It tests in the following four areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning.
COLLEGE APPLICATION RESPONSIBILITIES
The college application process is a collaborative effort among the students, parents, and guidance personnel. The list below is a guideline to the general responsibilities of this process.
Guidance Office Responsibilities
High School Supporting Documentation:
- Secondary School Report (provided by MHS)
- Counselor Recommendation
- Transcript
- Report Card for the Senior Year
- MHS Profile
The Guidance Department will mail or electronically send (depending on college) the supporting documentation listed above.
Student/Parent Responsibilities
- Secure and complete applications
- Arrange for teacher recommendations
- Arrange for SAT scores to be sent directly from College Board
- Submit the application electronically or through the post office
- Complete and mail financial aid forms
- Complete on Naviance:
- Student Brag Street
- Parents’ Point of View
- Activities Resume
- FERPA Consent
- For each college to which you are applying, complete a Transcript Request card and return to your counselor (the appropriate material will be discussed in the fall at the senior college presentation). Allow at least 15 school days before the college’s application deadline (10 days for counselor completion, 5 days for clerical processing).
SAT DATES 2011 – 2012
|DATE |TEST |REGULAR |LATE |
|October 9 |SAT and Subject |September 10 |September 24 |
|November 6 |SAT and Subject |October 8 |October 22 |
|December 4 |SAT and Subject |November 5 |November 19 |
|January 22 |SAT and Subject |December 23 |January 2 |
|March 12 |SAT |February 11 |February 25 |
|May 7 |SAT and Subject |April 8 |April 22 |
|June 4 |SAT and Subject |May 6 |May 20 |
ACT DATES 2011 – 2012
|DATE |REGULAR |LATE |
|September 11 |August 6 |August 20 |
|October 23 |September 17 |September 1 |
|December 11 |November 5 |November 19 |
|February 12 |January 7 |January 21 |
|April 9 |March 4 |March 18 |
|June 11 |May 6 |May 20 |
Subject Tests…
World History - December and June ONLY
Languages - Reading and Listening Reading
Chinese, French, Korean French and Spanish all dates except
German, Japanese, Spanish November
in NOVEMBER ONLY Italian in December
Hebrew in June
Latin in December and June
Math - I: includes Alg. I, II, Geometry II: includes Pre-calc/Trig
Naviance Information
Family Connection is on the Web
Getting Started:
* Log into Naviance using your access code.
* Change your access code to something user-friendly (follow the prompts provided to you when you log in)
* Under the left heading “About Me” please begin to do the Game Plan Survey.
* Get your parents to add their email address in the “My Profile” section so that they can receive communication from the guidance department.
* Take a look at the two surveys in Naviance Succeed: Parent Point of View & Student Brag Sheet. You will be asked to complete these for September.
* Begin to add prospective colleges in the My Colleges section.
GLOSSARY OF COMMONLY USED TERMS
COLLEGIATE DEGREES
Associate Degree The degree awarded after the successful completion of a
two-year program, usually at a junior or community college.
Bachelor’s Degree The degree awarded after the successful completion of a four-year program of study at a college or university.
Master’s Degree The degree awarded at the completion of the first post-
graduate program.
Doctoral Degree The degree awarded after intensive study in a particular field such as philosophy (Ph.D), Medicine (M.D.), Education (Ed.D) or Law (J.D.)
COLLEGIATE CALENDARS
Semester System The most common calendar, where the academic year is divided into two relatively equal periods of approximately 16 weeks.
Trimester System A calendar which divides the academic year into three equal periods.
Quarter System Similar to the Trimester System, but usually includes a fourth, summer session.
4-1-4 System A system where students carry four courses during the fall session, one course during the “January Term” (sometimes in an off-campus situation), and four courses in the spring session.
Three-Two Program A combined degree program at two cooperating institutions, the first three years at an undergraduate school and the final two years at an institution providing specialized study; degrees are awarded from both.
ADMISSION PLANS
Matriculation Admission to a college as a degree candidate.
Early Admission Admission to a college following completion of the junior year of secondary school.
Early Decision A plan where students apply in the early fall of their senior year and notification is sent by mid December; if accepted, a “commitment to attend” form is usually required along with withdrawal of all other college applications. A student may apply to only one college under Early Decision.
Early Action Similar to Early Decision except that if accepted, the applicant is not committed to attend the institution and other applications may still be submitted.
Wait-Listed A response to applicant indicating that his/her application is acceptable, but the school has reached its limit of accepted students. Wait listed students may be admitted after May 1st, if space becomes available.
Deferred Admission An admissions plan whereby a student applies to a college and is notified of acceptance but chooses to take a year off before beginning school. Such a decision requires the approval of the college.
APPLICATION TERMS
Official Transcript An official transcript is one that bears the high school seal and is sent directly from the high school to the college.
Common Application A generic application form that can be completed and used for many different colleges.
Secondary School Report A form required by colleges to be filled out by the counselor. This form is included in the “package” that is sent by the Guidance Office to colleges or universities. The “package” also includes an official transcript, counselor letter of recommendation, grading scale and a school profile. Standardized test scores are not included.
eDocs Electronic Submission of counselor materials. Naviance eDocs sends all of your school forms, recommendations, and transcripts electronically to 1,000 colleges – including all Common Application members.
TESTING TERMINOLOGY
Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test Test is usually taken in the fall of junior year in preparation for the
(PSAT) SAT I or ACT tests. The PSAT score serves as the basis for selection of National Merit Scholars who receive public recognition and financial awards.
Scholastic Assessment tests (SAT Reasoning) Test given on specific dates throughout the year at specified locations and required by most colleges for admission. The scoring has three components: 1) Critical Reading- which indicates an understanding of words, skill in dealing with word and thought relationships, the ability to read with understanding and discrimination. 2) Math- which measures ability to handle numbers and do quantitative reasoning. 3) Writing- which measures the ability to construct an essay passage. Scores on each section range from 200-800.
SAT Subject Tests Tests given in specific high school subjects and scored from 200-800 to demonstrate level of accomplishment. A number of colleges may require these tests in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test.
American College Test (ACT) A four-part test consisting of English, Mathematics, Reading and Science, and an optional writing test Individual and composite scores range from 1 to 36.
Advanced Placement Examination (AP) Subject-oriented college level tests given in May, and usually taken by high school students completing advanced placement courses; college credit usually granted based on scores (1 is low and 5 is high), enabling students to pursue further study in a field or shorten their college career.
Test of English as a Foreign Language An exam used in conjunction with or as a substitute for the SAT or
(TOEFL) ACT for students whose native language is not English.
College Entrance Examination Board More commonly called the “College Board” this organization
(CEEB) regulates the Admission Testing Program which includes the Scholastic Assessment Tests and the Advanced Placement Tests.
CEEB Code or School Code The code number by which a college can identify each high school. Montgomery High School’s code is 311-359 and its test center number is 31-759.
Educational Testing Service (ETS) Educational Testing Service is the operational phase of many College Board programs, including development and administration of all testing programs. ETS is a separate, independently governed non-profit organization.
FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid -Federal student aid is financial assistance that’s available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid
-----------------------
The College Admissions Process
You are now entering a very exciting period of your life. The transition from high school to college is a time filled with challenge and opportunity. However, it can also be a difficult time, but will have its rewards – if you work at it.
Remember, college planning is a process with a beginning, middle, and end. Approaching college selection with this perspective will lead to better decision making.
Because the process of selecting a college is very personal, it must begin with self-reflection. You must consider many things about yourself: your goals, your values, your strengths, weaknesses, and reasons for going to college. Then, consider the many criteria you will use in choosing which colleges to explore.
Throughout the process of making a college decision, one of your best resources is your school counselor. Your counselor knows the various steps in the admission process and can help you establish a logical approach. Just as important, your counselor can help you better understand yourself, your abilities, interests, and your needs.
Even before you speak with your counselor, begin to draw up a list of questions that will affect your plans.
Here are some of the questions that you and your counselor may wish to address:
Am I interested in a liberal arts institution or a technical institute with more specialized training? Do I want a two or four year institution?
Do I want to stay near home, or am I prepared to visit my family only a few times each year? Am I interested in a certain locale: urban, small town or rural?
Do I want to attend a small or large institution? Am I interested in a diverse student body?
Have my grades been good enough to be considered by a very selective school? Do I want a demanding academic environment? Do I plan to go to graduate school? Am I comfortable with a curriculum that offers a great deal of independent study? Do my learning needs require more specialized facilities?
Do I prefer on or off-campus housing? Am I interested in fraternities or sororities? How important are intramural or intercollegiate sports? Do I want a campus that offers many social/cultural events?
How important will costs be in my final choice? What kind of financial assistance will I need? Are opportunities for part-time jobs important? What qualifications do I have for scholarships?
Discuss the answers to these questions with your school counselor in relation to your academic “profile” (courses, grades, test scores, and activities). Using the information from these discussions, you and your counselor can begin to develop a list of colleges which meet your criteria.
Remember, the guidance staff at Montgomery High School is dedicated to helping you fulfill your college and career plans. Your counselor can assist you with personal assessment, academic enhancement, career identification and college admission. Our office houses college guide and information books, financial aid information and computers to help assist you in your college or career search. In addition all students will receive a user ID for Naviance, an internet based college/career guidance program. All of these resources are designed to make your college search easy, efficient and effective.
Finally, should you need more detailed information on any of the topics discussed in this guide; we invite you and your parents to schedule an appointment with your counselor to get the information that you need.
The road to college lies before you; it’s time to begin your journey!
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