Freshman/Sophomore Timeline - What Should I Be Doing Now?

Ninth and Tenth Grade College Counseling

It's early, but not too early. . . .

While college may seem a bit far off for you at this point, there are some things that you can do or at least think about so that when the time comes, you are better prepared. To use a time-appropriate metaphor, college or thoughts of what a college may be should not drive decisions you make now, but it is a good idea to at least let college in the car with you. Keep it in the back seat as something to consider, something to remember or pay at least some attention to, but it should not be what tells you which direction to go. The following is a list of ideas or suggestions appropriate for students and/or parents in either grade level. (They are not in any particular order.) Some are college-specific while others have as much to do with having the most successful transition to the upper school possible.
· Turn off the TV and computer and READ, READ, READ!!!!
· Stress wherever and whenever possible the ideas of ownership, taking charge, becoming more independent and a more effective advocate for yourself.
· Explore and strengthen interests and skills in all areas.
· Explore and strengthen identity.
· Find and develop passions - in and out of school, academic and non-academic.
· Sit down with parents and Mr. D'Antonio to develop a four-year plan for both academic and extracurricular activities. Update this plan regularly.
· Realize that grades DO count and colleges DO care about your preparation at this level.
· (For Sophomores) Read the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin available in the College Counseling office. This brochure includes information about the test as well as sample questions. While specific preparation is not necessary, having greater familiarity with the test format and the types of questions you are likely to see is a good idea.
· Read not only the scores from your PSAT test but also the entire report and learn from what the results tell you.
· Endeavor to find a successful balance between outside school commitments and schoolwork and extracurricular pursuits.
· Develop strong study habits and habits of mind.
· Build positive relationships with adults other than parents - find a mentor.
· Make wise use of summer. Work, internships, academic enrichment, athletic camps or leagues are all worth considering.
· Pay attention to what you hear juniors and seniors talking about that relates to college. Ask your older brothers and sisters, cousins or family friends about their college process.
· Become familiar with the resources in the college office and our website. Consult the website on a regular basis as it will be updated and improved regularly.
· Visit colleges whenever you have the chance. Start getting a feel for what kinds of places might be best for you. Focus on size, type of programs, distance from a city or home, etc.
· Read articles you see in the newspaper or magazines about the college process. Become familiar with the lingo and the overall process.

Junior Timeline - What Should I Be Doing Now?

COLLEGE COUNSELING OVERVIEW FOR JUNIORS

September


· This is it! Definitely…"A Critical Year Academically," as colleges will closely consider your transition from sophomore status to junior status as the time to demonstrate academic maturity. Make sure your schedule is appropriately solid and that you have discussed your requirements with the Academic Dean for the Upper School. Focus your attention on your grades, use study halls wisely, go to extra instruction and get off to the strongest start possible!!!!
· Make a practice of walking by the college counseling office on a regular basis and paying attention to the bulletin board. Attend college meetings held at WPS.
· Continue to explore your values, needs and strengths. Continue to develop your passions and skills to the fullest.
· Continue your involvement with in-school and out-of-school activities. Look for leadership opportunities; show initiative and genuine commitment rather than token participation. Remember, quality participation in activities will be easily detected by Admissions Committees. Don't try to fool these people. They have too much experience!
· Make an individual appointment with Mr. D'Antonio to review your academic goals and plans for the year.
· If you have had educational testing that recommends extended time for exams, talk with the college counseling office and the Academic Dean for the Upper School to make sure your testing is up-to-date and all your paperwork is in order.
· Athletes who hope to participate in college athletics who play spring sports should consult with their WPS coaches and begin to make contacts with coaches at the college level.
· Plan to take the SAT I at least once during your junior year. We suggest you take it twice.

October & November


· PSAT October at WPS: All sophomores and juniors are pre-registered by WPS for the PSAT because we require that all sophomores and juniors take the test. This is a national test date and cannot be changed. This PSAT will be an opportunity to practice the SAT, and for juniors, to achieve National Merit Scholar status. Read the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin which will be distributed by the College Counseling office. These materials include information about the test as well as sample questions. Reading this information and knowing what to expect should lower your anxiety and help you perform to the best of your ability. It is important to remember that colleges DO NOT see your PSAT test results. Your scores are mailed to Worcester Preparatory School, and we will turn them over to you. About five percent of the entire nationwide testing body will qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition because of high scores.
· Study and do your best on your exams!
· Talk to relatives and friends who are home from college for break about their experiences so far.

December


· Review your PSAT results with your parents. Please make sure to read the entire report.
· Make plans for standardized testing. Talk with parents and the college counselor about best time to take SAT I, ACT and SAT II's. We recommend that every student take the SAT and or ACT at least once during the spring and the SAT IIs where appropriate.
· Register to take the SAT and ACT tests.
· Parents are invited to a Financial Aid Workshop. This is the time to start thinking about finances whether that means financial aid, merit scholarships or payment options. Speak to a financial consultant; check on-line resources such as www.fastweb.com.

January - March


· Make arrangements to meet with Mr. D'Antonio if you haven't already done so.
· Begin to identify the characteristics you would like in a college.
· Take January SAT exam.
· Talk with your parents and make appointment for them to meet with your college counselor.
· Register for March, May or June SAT I or II exams. (Make sure to talk with Mr. D'Antonio and your teachers about which SAT II's you should take.)
· Make an appointment for a follow-up meeting with your college counselor. Talk about the characteristics you are looking for in a college and begin to develop a list.
· Write or e-mail the schools on your preliminary list requesting information.
· Study and do your best on your exams!
· Take March SAT exam. (optional)
· Take advantage of Spring Break and visit colleges. If at all possible, try to see schools while they are in session.
· Research the schools on your list in a variety of ways (objective and subjective guidebooks, discussion with alums and present students as well as computer resources).
· Talk with your parents, your advisor and your college counselor about your senior schedule. You should be thinking about the strongest possible schedule that is appropriate for you. Think about breadth across the curriculum as well as advanced courses.
· Talk with your parents, advisor, coaches and college counselor about ways to use your upcoming summer effectively. Include some planning on when you will make college visits.
· Meet with your college counselor to talk about the schools you visited over spring break or those you have been researching. Narrow down your list with a goal of 10-15 by the end of the year.

April - June


· Take April ACT exam. (optional)
· Initiate service academy and ROTC scholarship applications, if applicable.
· Attend Independent Schools College Fair at Villa Julie College in April.
· Take the May SAT I exam. Some people may want to use this date for SAT II's especially those who have just reviewed for AP exams in subject areas applicable to the SAT II's. (optional)
· Ask for a teacher recommendation. You should have two recommendations confirmed before the end of spring term.
· Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you plan to participate in any sport at the Division I or II level.
· Meet with your college counselor to finalize your initial list.
· Take June SAT exam. (optional) Many people use this date for SAT II exams. You should talk with your teachers and college counselor about which tests are appropriate for you.
· Study and do your best on your spring final exams! Summer
· If you don't have a summer job, try volunteering in an area of interest to you. Read books, newspapers, magazines, college guides and anything else you can get your hands on.
· Travel to as many colleges as possible. Be sure to call ahead to find out about interviews, tour times or group information sessions. Meet coaches, department chairs and anyone else you can while on campus.
· Fall and winter sports athletes who plan to play in college should try to make contact with college coaches.
· Reserve some time every week or so to work on essays, study vocabulary or brush up on math skills.

Senior Timeline - What Should I Be Doing Now?

COLLEGE COUNSELING OVERVIEW FOR SENIORS

NOTE: Use this information as a guide and to answer your questions. You are required to do some, but not all, of these activities. Please consider each carefully, and with the help of Mr. D'Antonio, your teachers and parents, decide what you need to do. You would not, for example, take every SAT and ACT test listed, but you should take these tests enough times to get the practice and scores you want and need. This timeline is designed to provide you with specific information on what is available to you.

September


· Make an appointment to meet with your college counselor ASAP to discuss your plans.
· Update Student Profile Sheet and Student Self-Evaluations
· Register for October SAT testing.
· Register for the October ACT.
· Check College Counseling Office announcements (e-mail and website) for upcoming college representative meetings at WPS.
· Attend college representative meetings.
· Write or call for any applications that you do not have yet.
· Work toward your final list of colleges. Discuss with parents and college counselor.
· Once a college application is received, give it to Mrs. Tull for copying.
· Revise and polish required essays.
· Register with NCAA Clearinghouse for Division I and II if you have not already done so. College Counseling Office has the forms.
· Talk with Mr. D'Antonio about whether to apply ED, Early Decision, or EA, Early Action, to any college. Begin completing these applications.
· Check on dates for scholarship, grant, and prize applications. See Mr. D'Antonio about completing these forms. We will provide you with information regarding scholarships as it is received. Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities. In addition, if you come across other scholarship and award opportunities, please let Mr. D'Antonio know of these so that we can add them to our list.

October


· Early Decision, Early Action and Rolling Admission applications should be a priority. Pay attention to deadlines!!
· Attend college representative meetings.
· Continue to work on essays. Ask your teachers for advice.
· Select the final list of 5to 8 colleges to which you will apply
· Register for the December SAT I or SAT II if necessary.
· Register for the December ACT if necessary.
· Submit applications for any schools you are applying to with "rolling admissions".
· Pick up the CSS Profile Registration Forms from the College Counseling Office (if needed).

November


· Take the November SAT I.
· Request official score reports be sent to all schools that request them.
· Make sure that Mr. D'Antonio has a complete list of where you are applying and where your transcript needs to be sent.
· Applications with January 1-5 deadline must be given to Mrs. Tull by November 14.
· Continue to work on your essay. Share your efforts with several people, asking them key questions: "Does this sound like me? Did my point come across?"
· Attend Regional College Fair at Chesapeake College, if necessary.
· Attend National College Fair in Baltimore, if necessary.
· Pick up the FAFSA Form (Application for Federal Student Aid) in the College Counseling Office, when available.
· When you receive your SAT (October or November) score report in the mail, pay close attention to previous testing. Scores should accumulate each time you retake the test. Make sure you have released all subject test scores you want sent to colleges.
· See your counselor about University of California application process if you are applying to any UCAL schools.
· Submit any remaining rolling applications. You will enhance your opportunity for admission to the college of your choice by filing your application early.

December


· Make sure the College Counseling Office has your final list of colleges.
· Finalize your essay.
· Take December SAT I or SAT II, if necessary. Take December ACT, if necessary.
· Talk with friends (first year and upper-class students) who are home from college; get their impressions, try to understand their likes and dislikes.
· If you are applying for financial aid, complete the CSS Profile registration form to receive the Profile application, if you haven't already. Also, begin to gather financial/tax information so you can file tax return as soon after January 1 as possible.
· Register for January SAT I or SAT II test if necessary. Your scores will arrive at schools with January or February deadlines in plenty of time.

January


· File FAFSA forms.
· Check with Mrs. Tull to verify the completion of all your transcripts and applications. This is your responsibility.

January/February/March


· Share all correspondence from colleges with Mr. D'Antonio. He will be able to interpret what might be confusing or misunderstood.
· Be sure to notify Mr. DAntonio as soon as you receive a definite decision on your appication to college.
· Let Mr. D'Antonio and Dr. Tull know of all scholarship offers you receive from all colleges and organizations.

April


· Let Mr. D'Antonio know if there are any problems regarding your college acceptances, wait lists, etc.
· Let Mr. D'Antonio and Dr. Tull know of all scholarship offers you receive from all colleges and organizations.

May

College Board examinations are administered early in May. Advanced Placement examination are given at WPS during the 2nd and 3rd week of May.

Be sure to let Mr. D'Antonio and Dr. Tull know of your final decision about your choice of college.

Let Mr. D'Antonio and Dr. Tull know of all scholarship offers you receive from all colleges and organizations.

June


· Final senior year grades will be sent to the one college you have selected to attend.
· Be sure to provide Mrs. Tull with any additional forms you have received that require her attention.
· Continue to let Mr. D'Antonio and Dr. Tull know of any scholarship offers and prizes you receive.