Copy of A Road Map to College

What are my College Options?

Beginning the

Application Process

Early College Planning Tips

Accuplacer

Admissions

Tests

2 Year & Community Colleges

SAT

• Placement test for Montgomery College
• Students have the opportunity to take a practice test at QO, and will receive online support before taking the official version

Vocational & Career Schools

4 year College or University

Fall

Spring

Students are taught skills needed to perform a particular job

Broad base of courses

and majors to earn a Bachelor's Degree

• 3 sections + optional essay
• Reading (65 minutes)
• Writing and Language (35 minutes)
• Math (80 minutes)
• Optional Essay (50 minutes)
• No penalty for incorrect answers
• Cost $47.50 (with essay $64.50)
• Math up to pre-calculus

• Maintain good grades
• Join a club
• Build your resume
• Maintain excellent relationships with staff
• Visit the College and Career Center and College Tracks

• What is the PSAT?
• SAT vs. ACT
• Accuplacer

• Offer technical/certificate programs for job market entry
• Can transfer to four year school
• MD Transfer Advantage Program

• Meet with college admission representatives through College/Career Center
• Plan when you will take the SAT or ACT or Accuplacer
• One Required by June
• One is free at QO

• Attend College Fairs
• Take SAT/ACT/Accuplacer/SAT Subject tests
• Start identifying appropriate colleges using Naviance and other resources
• Visit colleges
• Teacher Recommendation letter
• Submit resume and junior questionnaire to counselor

ACT

• 4 sections + optional essay
• English (45 minutes)
• Math (60 minutes)
• Reading (35 minutes)
• Science (35 minutes)
• Optional Writing (40 minutes)
• No penalty for incorrect answers
• Costs $50.50 (with essay $67)
• Math up to trigonometry

Resources for the College Process

College Visits

College & Career Center

Attend the

College Fair

College Applications

Reach Schools

• Assists in researching colleges and careers
• Provide scholarship and financial aid information
• Hosts college representatives
• Naviance!

• Tour the campus
• Sit in on a class
• Talk with students
• Ask about financial aid
• Ask questions about campus life
• Demonstrated interest
• Sample the food!

• Start with a wish list
• Cast a wide net
• Do your research
• Narrow the field...

Foundation Schools

A Road Map to College

(Safety School)

• April 1 - 2 2019 at Montgomery County Agricultural Center
• Listen for announcements in the spring
• Permission slips will be distributed by the counseling department

Less likely acceptance;

student may not

meet all admission

criteria

Little chance

of rejection, high probability of acceptance

Target Schools

College Guides

& Websites

Family, Friends,

Teachers, & Alumni

Likely acceptance; GPA & Test Scores Match

Juniors Fall 2018

• Naviance

https://student.naviance.com/qohs

• www.myRoad.com
• www.usnews.com
• CollegeXpress.com
• www.wisechoice.com
• eCampusTours.com
• Princeton Review
• Fiske Guide to Colleges

• Talk to your friends and family about their college experience.
• Do you know anyone who attended the schools you're considering?

Debunking The Myths

What Should Students Look For?

"I can visit a college

after I am accepted"

"The most expensive and prestigious colleges

are the best."

Admissions Options

TRUE.

However...

Some schools rate students on "demonstrated interest". Visits show strong interest and likelihood in attending.

FALSE!

Small and public colleges can have comparable or better programs for you.

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

TRUE

What do Colleges Look for?

Early Decision

Rolling Admission

Early Action

"Get into the toughest college you can."

"SAT or ACT scores are the only basis for college selection."

• Location
• Program
• Size
• School Personality or "fit"
• Cost
• Special Programs
• Admissions selectivity

• Binding agreement and you must attend if accepted
• Apply early (October or November) and admission decision is made early (usually by January)

• Applications are evaluated when received
• Decision letters are sent as decisions are made
• Though there might not be a deadline, usually applying earlier is better

(also known as Priority)

TRUE

FALSE

FALSE

Find the right fit for you at a college where you can be successful.

FALSE!

TRUE

FALSE!

Many criteria are used including:

• Course rigor
• Grades
• Test scores
• Essay
• Extracurricular Activities
• Recommendations

Apply early (similar deadlines as ED) and find out if you are accepted early, but you are not committed to attend

For example... Nov. 1 for UMD College

Park is a Priority deadline.

• Quality of academic program
• GPA
• SAT / ACT scores
• Personal statements and essays
• Extracurricular Activities
• Special talents or skills
• Community Service
• Demonstrated interest
• Interview

"Average to above average income families should not apply for financial aid."

"Senior year grades

don't count."

Regular Decision

Open Admission

TRUE

FALSE!

FALSE

Filing a FAFSA allows access to all types of financial aid including grants and federal loans, and is sometimes required

for scholarships.

Stay tuned for information on Financial Aid this December!

TRUE

FALSE

FALSE!

Many colleges will request transcripts with first semester

grades. Poor grades can result in a rescinded admissions offer!

• School deadline typically in January or February.
• Students notified in early April.

Students admitted regardless of academic qualifications