Social Media-Does It Help You or Hurt You for College Admissions

Is your on-line presence questionable? Are you easy to find? Is your presence clean and polished? While you are searching out a college on facebook/twitter, the college admission's office is checking on you! They are looking to see how your projected image fits in at their institution. Here are some stats from IVYwise.com

27% of admissions officers surveyed said they Google prospective students.

26% said they look up applicants on Facebook.

35% said that when checking up on a student's online presence, they found something that negatively impacted an applicant's chances of getting in,nearly tripling from 12% last year.

HOW to HELP yourself?

"De-tag" yourself from any questionable photos or content. Be careful of posting too many party photos. We tell students, "We don't want to a picture of you with a cup in your hand." Always use the "Grandparent Test." If you wouldn't want your grandparents to see it, don't put it online.

Post content that underscores your interests. Share interesting and relevant articles, upload your music and artwork, and share photos or videos from your sporting events or performances

Follow the schools you are applying to in order to stay informed about campus events and any other important news that may be relevant to your application or admission decision

College Admissions-Are They Really Looking for the Well-Rounded Student

We have all heard it before...colleges just want a good well-rounded student; a student involved in a variety of activities-the "complete package". However, college admissions does not want a person that is involved in everything but not deeply involved in any one thing.  This type of personality can come across as unfocused, uncommitted-not a goal achiever.   Colleges real goal is to build a WELL ROUNDED INCOMING CLASS!!
Colleges have needs: they want students who will contribute and make the campus a better place. Colleges have different majors, minors and they need students who will be successful in each of those fields. For instance, if there is a shortage of economics majors at the school for a particular year--then they will admit more economic students.  When one develops an area of interest deeply then it hows the ocllege the student has clear, defined goals and a plan to achieve them.  This shows maturity and that one can handle the rigor of college.
To develop a strong special area for yourself-search what you are interested in-what are your passions?strengths? Music? Fashion? Learn all you can about it by outside reading and spending time with others that have a similar passion. It's okay to test the waters your freshman and sophomore year but by junior year choose and develop one or two chosen areas-by senior year develop your leadership in this area.
Remember, it's all a learning experience. So, there is really no room for a mistake. By taking time to be diligent and truly explore yourself and interests you will love life and make a strong impact on your world.

Where to Go To College

You’ve probably heard the answer to the question, “What are the three most important considerations when dealing with real estate?” — Location, location, location.

Sometimes the same goes for college choices In that situation, the question might be, “What is your most important criterion for picking a college in which to enroll?” Again, the answer might be, “Location, location, location.”

In dealing with many high school seniors over the years, I have always been surprised about the power of home. Maybe it’s because of Mom’s influence and her reluctance to see her bird fly from the nest. On the other hand, there are also money consideration. It’s not good form to generalize, but there seem to be two polarized mindsets when it comes to high school seniors (and sometimes their families) making their college  decisions. First, for lack of a better phrase, there is the “I can’t wait to get away from home!” crowd. These tend to be the teens who have, for whatever reason, pretty much had it with the strictures of a “disciplined” home life and the associated parental oversight. I’ve actually had high schoolers tell me that “too far” isn’t far enough away from home.

The flip side of that group is what I call the “wanna be as close to home as possible.” These are the young people who give only a nod to considering any school more than a 20-minute car ride from their home. In fact, some of these  are heavily enabled by Mom and or Dad who reinforce staying home decision with the lure of a high school graduation package that includes a car. In other words, a bribe that begs “Stay close to home!” The negative side effect of this, in my view, is missing out on the chance for developing a sense of independent living. Sooner or later, Mom and Dad won’t be around to tend certain needs, such as laundry, meals, and money. Of course, like most situations, the bulk of high schoolers considering where to go to college are somewhat open to multiple choices, depending on their ability to get into a wider variety of schools. This group comprises most college applicants.  Plus, many in out-of-the-way places go begging for enrollments.

Bottom objective to this post is to not limit yourself.  There are over 4200 college/universities to choose from.  If we get out of our comfort zone and really search....we will find the right fit at the perfect price. 

Questions to Ask Financial Aid Office and Scholarship

1. Is there additional aid available?
Just like any other business, colleges will overbook their seats knowing that students that are accepted don't all come.  If they have received financial aid, then their money goes back into the pot.  Ask...and it may become yours?
2. What happens if my financial circumstances changes during the time my child is in school? You need ot know if this occurs are there forms for you to fill out or a certain person to contact.
3. Do my taxes need to be contacted to be submitted  before I complete the FAFSA? No, you may guestimate your taxes to get the FAFSA in.  You may complete your FAFSA as of Jan. 1.
4. How may years is my child's program of study and what will it take to graduate in 4 years? Remember if the program takes longer..it shouldn't. The goal should be 48 months unless there is and unforeseen circumstance.  The longer it takes to finish the degree the more money you must pay..
5. What happens to my child's financial aid after the first year? You need to know will it increase if tuition increases.  Is it a percentage?
6. Will scholarship amount increase as the tuition increases? Important questions to help you plan.

I try to stress planning and follow-through.  I hope this list of questions is helpful to you.

Financial Planning

It is important to focus on what the family can afford for college, as well.  If you are wondering your EFC ( estimated financial contribution) you can have a great estimate by going to wwww.college guide.com.  Then, under free resources hit the tab "find your EFC".  This will give you the confidence of how your FAFSA will come back. That way as you are researching colleges you have a great "feel" for what you can really afford.
The college process doesn't need to be difficult,but it does affect so many areas of our lives and so many emotions.  The more prepared we are the less our emotions have to be affected.  Therefore, it doesn't have to be stressful.

Wondering What To Do When...

Freshman Year

As a freshman, you may not have any idea what you want to do after high school, but the last thing you want is to look back at your senior year and have regrets. The following is a list of things you can do NOW to help plan for the future.

• Make a four-year upper school plan.
• Get to know your teachers. You may need recommendations for college.
• Research colleges and admission requirements.
• Look for ways to get involved to help build a good resumé.
• Begin keeping a log or portfolio of activities you are involved in or awards you receive.
• Look into summer programs that are of interest to you.
• Take ACT at the end of your freshman year.
• Most of all - REMEMBER - GRADES COUNT!!!

Sophomore Year

• Challenge yourself and focus on your GPA. Understand the difference between core and overall GPA.
• Continue to be involved, but begin to narrow down your areas of interest. Become more than just a member; begin to serve on committees.
• Continue with your log or portfolio of activities and awards.
• Take either the PLAN (a practice for the ACT) or the PSAT (a practice for the SAT).
• Take an interest inventory to help determine possible majors you can research. Several of these are on-line and one is part of the PLAN.
• Take the ACT at the end of your sophomore year.
• Begin making lists of colleges that you may consider, especially colleges that offer majors in your area of interest.
• During the summer of your sophomore and junior years, visit colleges to start narrowing your search.

Junior Year Calendar

Fall
* Concentrate on doing well in your classes.
* Continue to take leadership roles within your activities .
* Make a list of the types of colleges and the criteria that will best meet your needs and interests and begin to research the schools that meet your criteria.
* Meet with college admissions officers who visit Rogers.  These visits are usually scheduled during Lunch Period.
* Attend the College Fair that is held annually at the Allen Thorton in the fall.
* Make a college file/folder to manage your college search, testing records, and application information.
* Register for the ACT.  Rogers high school code (often referred to as the CEEB code)  .  You can visit the ACT website at http://www.actstudent.org/ to find testing dates, registration deadlines, and to register.
* Prepare for the PSAT.  Some Juniors take this test on the national testing date in October during the school day.  The Junior year scores may qualify you for National Merit Semi-Finalist status and make you eligible for possible National Merit scholarships

Winter
* Find out about college firsthand from friends who are home from college for the holidays.
* Sign up to take the SAT and/or ACT at least once in the spring and again next fall.  Register online.  To prepare, download practice booklets from http://www.collegeboard.com/ (for the SAT) or from http://www.actstudent.org/ (for the ACT).
* Review you PSAT scores that you should receive through your English classes in January.
* Plan to visit college campuses over Spring Break – Schedule campus tours and interviews with admissions officers.
* If applicable, begin to prepare writing samples, portfolios, audition tapes and other materials for the fall college application process.
* As you plan your senior schedule, be aware of and plan for the academic requirements at the colleges that most interest you.

Spring
* Take an ACT/SAT workshop.
* Plan to take the SAT II subject tests when you have successfully completed the corresponding high school course (B+ average or better) if you’re interested in a school that requires them.
* If you are considering military academies or ROTC scholarships, contact the Guidance Office and begin the process the summer before your senior year.
* Now is a great time to look for a summer job, internship, or volunteer opportunity.

Summer
* Visit prospective college campuses
.* Call, write, or email prospective colleges and request that you be added to their mailing list.  Download applications (or request paper copies) from colleges to which you’ll apply.  Check application deadlines – many may have early dates, rolling admissions, or early housing opportunities.
* If you plan to take the ACT or SAT in the fall, register online now.
* If you are an athlete planning to continue playing a sport in college and want to be eligible to be recruited by colleges, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse (http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/).
* By the end of the summer, you should have narrowed your prospective college list. The list should include “safe” schools as well as “likely” and “reach” schools.
* Mark a calendar with important application, financial aid, and scholarship due dates and deadlines for the senior year.
* Explore a passion – this could be a job, an internship, summer academic coursework, an outdoor adventure, athletic camp or travel.

Senior Year Calendar

Fall
* Continue to narrow your list of prospective colleges.  If you have not yet done so, download college applications and financial aid and scholarship forms. 
* Use your College Days (2) wisely.  If you are unsure of the  College Day policy, ask the counselor.
* Pay close attention to the daily announcements and the blogspot.  Both will announce visits by college admission representatives, evening programs in the area, application and scholarship deadlines, and other important information.
* Register to take the ACT, SAT I and SAT II if needed.  Remember that colleges will always take the highest score, regardless of how many times you take the test.  Be sure to have your scores sent to the schools to which you are applying.
* Begin working on college application essays.
* Decide who you want to write your teacher recommendation(s).
* Create a master list or calendar that includes:
    > tests that you will take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines
    > college application due dates
    > financial aid and scholarship application forms required and their deadlines
    > other materials you will need (recommendations, transcripts, etc.)
    > Roger’s application process deadlines
* Request your transcripts, as needed, from the Guidance Office.

Winter
* Finish your applications. Keep copies of everything that you send to colleges.
* If applying for financial aid, complete the FAFSA form online and any other forms required by the institutions.  Some schools have their own forms that come with the applications and many private schools require the Financial Aid Profile.
* Relax and enjoy your senior year as you wait for responses from the colleges.

Spring
* Bring to the Guidance Office your letters of acceptance and awarded scholarships.
* Respond to college offers of admission and/or scholarships.  Notify the college you are planning to attend, as well as those to which you were accepted but will not attend. 
* If you have been placed on the waiting list at a college that is a top choice for you, be sure to let the Guidance Office know and write a letter letting them know that their institution is your first choice.  Stay in contact with the college and the  Guidance Office through the month of April.
* Take AP exams in May.
* There are no College Days after Spring Break.  But, you may want to plan an excused absence during the month of April to take advantage of special visitation days for accepted students or to make another visit to those schools where you have been accepted if that would help in your decision process.

After  Graduation…
* The Guidance Office will send your final transcript to the college you are now attending.

ACT Preparation

Just an improvement of 1 point on this test can be an award of several thousand dollars.  So let's be smart and prepare.  The best way to do so is only 5 minutes each night.  Reward yourself with twitter, snapchat, instagram after the 5 minutes.  One night do 1 English passage; next night do 5 math problems; next  do 1 reading passage; finally, the last night do 1 science passage.  On the weekend, make time to do one complete subject test with a timer.  Set the timer for the amount of time given for that specific section from ACT. The weekend before the test take a complete ACT starting at 8 am and finishing in the allotted time.  There are several places to find expired ACT tests: www.badtesttakers.com under resource tab, 4tests.com, number2.com.
YOU can do this.

Research

I can not tell you how important this stage is.  It is the hardest because it takes time and it isn't always fun.
Find out about the strengths and weaknesses of your personality at www.keirsey.com.  Then you can find careers that best fit that personality.  As you begin to research a college you would like- you have several questions to ask yourself.   Do you want to be in a large city? small city? rural area? Do you want a school with a huge athletic team to support? What type of organizations do you want on the campus? How far do you want to be from home? Several options to choose from for sure in the US.  There are over 4200 colleges universities--there are several that will be a great fit for you.  As you are traveling, make efforts to drive on college campuses.  This will begin your process for what you desire in a school.  You can start making official visits by your sophomore year.  Time is fleeting so take the time to invest in your future.  Who are you and who will  you be.  Choose wisely.

Welcome

Welcome Rogers High School Parents and Students

We hope you find this guidance site resourceful and helpful to meet your needs.  Please give feedback and we will make changes to meet those needs.  Know that we are here to help with your family's plans for your child's education.  Once they enter their freshman year with us, there are only 48 months before they leave your home.  Much will change over those 48 months from not driving to driving, more activities, new friendships and so many more time pressures.  It is important to have a plan and to be chatting with your student about his/her goals.  We want them to extend further and achieve higher than they ever thought they could.  We are here for you; so, don't be a stranger.