Summer is Here!

The end of the school year is here!  Congratulations on completing another school year at Middletown High School.

Although summertime is for relaxation and sunshine, it is also a good time to cross off some items on your college to-do list.  Here are some ideas of what you can accomplish this summer:

• Begin or continue preparing for the SAT or ACT exam.  For the SAT, there are a lot of free resources online to help you prepare.  Learn more at the Khan Academy.

• Draft your college essay.  Unsure of where to start?  Check out the Common Application Essay topics here.

• Continue working on your resume.  Did you participate in a lot of volunteer opportunities during the school year?  Get a new job?  Make sure to add everything you are involved in to your resume (before you forget)!

• Speaking of volunteering and employment, summer is a great time to begin community service or obtain a part-time job.  Colleges want to see students who are not only involved in their academics at school, but are also well-rounded contributors to their communities.

• If you are able to, schedule college tours/visits.  Although campuses tend to be quieter in the summer (college kids get summer break, too), it is often a great time to squeeze campus tours into your busy schedule.

• Lastly, and this one is easy, don't forget to explore college websites online.  You can do a lot research in just 10 minutes without leaving your home. 

Don't forget to check back here in the fall for more helpful tips, college visit information, and more.

Have a great summer, everyone!

SAT

Attention Juniors!

There is still time to register for the June SAT!

As juniors, now is the time to begin taking the SAT exam.  We recommend all students take the SAT at least twice: once towards the end of their junior year and again at the beginning of their senior year.

Why?  Two reasons:

1. "Practice makes perfect."  The more familiar and comfortable you are with the SAT exam, the more confident you will feel.  Most students improve their score the second time they take it.
2. Most colleges superscore: this means colleges will take your highest section score across all of the dates in which you took the SAT and recombine it to give you the best possible chance of becoming admitted.  

The late deadline to register for the SAT is May 25th.  Visit College Board for more information.

If you receive free or reduced lunch here at MHS, you should qualify for an SAT fee waiver.  Speak to your counselor for more information.

Lastly, don't forget about the ACT!  Although the ACT is not offered again at MHS until next year, you can either register now or travel to a local high school to sit for the exam

Freshman Orientation

In our previous post, we mentioned registering for freshman orientation is something college-bound seniors should do ASAP.  But what is freshman orientation?  What happens at freshman orientation?

Every school handles freshman orientation a bit differently.  It is incredibly important that you read through all of the paperwork your school gave you on orientation and what it entails.

Here is a glimpse of some tasks you may complete at freshman orientation this summer:

• Getting acquainted with your new campus.  Orientation is a great time to help new students familiarize themselves with the campus.  You can get an idea of where various important buildings are located such as your classrooms, dining hall, library, dorm, gym, etc.
• Create your schedule. You will often meet with an adviser during orientation to pick out the classes you want to take for your first semester.
• Pick your roommates.  If you are living on-campus, you may have to pick out your residence hall room and roommate.  Every school does this a bit differently.  Some schools may pick your roommate for you or match you up according to a survey.
• Obtain your student ID.  For many colleges, your student ID is your key to everything: getting into certain buildings, taking out library books, eating in the dining hall, and more.
• Learn about clubs and activities.  Get a sense of what types of extra-curricular activities are available on campus.  This could include clubs you can join or events happening on-campus.
• Getting to know other freshman students.  In addition to everything else, orientation is a great time to meet new friends.  You will most likely be placed into large groups with other students who will also be starting in the fall.

You've chosen your college...

Hey seniors!

You've chosen your college...now what?

After months of intensive research and deliberation, you have finally made one of the most important decisions of your life: where you will attend college this fall.  What's left to do?

• Pay your deposit!  If you haven't committed to your school, do this ASAP.  For many schools, it requires you to pay a deposit.  For others, you may have to fill out a form or register online.  Check with your school for more information.
• Register for orientation.  Many schools, especially four-year schools, require new freshman to attend orientation.  Typically orientation occurs over the summer after high school ends, but each institution is different. 
• Start shopping for dorm room essentials.  If you plan on living on-campus, chances are you will need to buy some items for your dorm room that you may not have already at home.  For instance, many colleges will have beds that are size Twin XL.  Besides sheets, some other items to consider are shower caddies, toiletries, pillows, towels, and any decorative items you may want (small area rugs, photos of loved ones, etc).
• Check out your financial aid package.  Depending on the type of aid you have recieved, action may be required on your behalf.  Although this too varies from school to school, you may have to accept or decline certain financial awards.  Make sure you are familiar with your financial aid package and how much it will cost you out of pocket each year.
• Notify your other colleges. Notify the other colleges you were accepted to that you will not be attending.  Only do this when you are absolutely certain you will be attending the college of your choice.

SUNY Orange Admission Day

SUNY Orange Admission day THIS WEEK!  Stop by the College and Career Center ASAP to sign up.

Slots are filling up quickly!

May 1st

Happy May 1st, seniors!

May 1st is National Decision Day!  May 1st is when pre-enrollment deposits are due for many four year schools.  For many students, it's the last possible day to make a decision on where they want to go to school.

Not all schools adhere to this deadline.  There are many schools (SUNY Orange, for instance) that will accept pre-enrollment deposits throughout the summer.  Make sure to look into the deadlines of all your accepted schools.

Here are some factors to consider when making your college decision:

• Academics: Does the school offer the major(s) you have in mind?  How strong are their programs?  Do they have a wide variety of majors in case you change your mind?  How selective is the school?  Are there a lot internship opportunities? 
• Financial: How much does the school cost after your financial aid packages?  Are scholarships renewable for all 4 years?
• Campus Location: How far away is the school?  If  the college is across the county, can you afford transportation for college breaks?  What kind of area is surrounding the campus?  Big city?  Quaint college town?
• Campus Size: Are you considering a large school with over 10,000 students?  Maybe something smaller than Middletown High School with less than 2,000 students?  Either way, do you want to be a big fish in a little pond or little fish in a big pond?
• Extra-Curriculars: What types of clubs and extra-curricular activities does the school offer?  Greek life?  Sports?  Are there are a lot of events happening during the week and weekends?
• Other Important Factors: Study abroad programs, housing options, diversity, food, and anything else that is important to you.

Still haven't made up your mind on where you are attending next fall?  Make an appointment with the College and Career Center.  We can help you out!

College Fair

The College and Career Center's annual College Fair is tomorrow! The fair will take place right here in our gymnasium.

Over 100 colleges will be represented!

Click here to see the list of colleges attending.

What to Ask a College Rep

With our college fair coming up (on April 27th, don't forget!), it's important that you know what types of questions you can be asking the college representatives.  Your time with the college reps will be brief; try to make the most of it.

20 Questions to Ask a College Representative

General Information:

1. What is the average GPA and SAT/ACT scores of a typical accepted freshman?

2. How many students attend your institution?  How many live on-campus?

3. Where is this institution located?  How many hours away is it?

4. What is the average class size?

Admissions:

1. Is an individual interview required in the application process?

2. What are the application deadlines for admission and financial aid?

3. Which financial aid forms do you require?

4. Do you accept college courses taken at the high school level?

Academics:

1. Can you tell me about advisors or any other support services offered to all students?

2. How often are professors available to me outside of class?

3. Are most students able to schedule the classes they want each semester?

4. What is the average time for a student to complete their degree at your institution?  Graduation rates?

5. When do I have to declare a major area of study?

6. What types of internships or co-op programs does your institution offer?

Student Life:

1. What types of extracurricular activities are available on your campus?

2. What types of study abroad opportunities does your institution offer?

3. How are roommates selected?

4. What is your policy on students having a car on campus?  

5. Can you tell me more about meal plans and food on campus?

6. How safe is your campus?  What precautions do you provide for student safety?

College Fair Booklet

Our annual College Fair is coming up on April 27th.  We will have over 100 colleges attending this year!

Want to see which ones?  Click on the image below for a list of colleges attending and their majors.

Door of Acceptance: Update

We have had a ton of new additions to our "Door of Acceptance" this month!  Congratulations to those seniors who have received college acceptances!

Don't see your name on our door?  Stop by the College and Career Center to fill out a graduation cap.

Reminder: Field Trips

Attention Juniors!  The College and Career Center will be taking two field trips this month.  Please see the College and Career Center for more information or for a permission slip. 

 Space is limited!

Here is the list of colleges we will be visiting:

• Thursday, April 21st to Marywood University in Scranton, PA.

• Friday, April 29th, to Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

As a reminder, these field trips are for JUNIORS only.

You've been accepted!

You've been accepted to college!  Now what?  Applying to colleges was hard work, but making a college decision can be even more stressful.

Narrowing down which college you will attend is a challenge.  Don't worry; you don't have to make this decision overnight.  You do, however, need to be mindful of response deadlines.  For many colleges this is May 1st, but each college differs.

Here are some pointers on how to make your decision:

• Compare financial aid packages: At this point you, should have already completed your FAFSA and submitted most of your scholarship applications.  As your financial aid packages begin to roll in, start comparing.  How much will it cost out of pocket to attend each year?  How much money in student loans will each college require you to take out?  These decisions should certainly be discussed with your family, if possible.
• Gather information: Create a list of questions that are important to you and ask each college.   For example, if studying abroad has always been a dream of yours, make sure to ask the colleges about their study abroad options.  Don't be afraid to call or e-mail admission reps; that is what they are there for!
• Visit colleges:  If you are able to, try to schedule a campus tour or attend an Open House.  Seeing the campus with your own eyes is often the best way to figure out whether or not a college is a good fit for you.  Can't make it to your campus?  Many colleges have virtual tours online.  Visit their websites for more information.

Want more tips?  Check out this article from College Board!

College Ambassador Trip

Here are some photos from our College Ambassador Field Trip to Kean University!

Career Day!

Career Day is coming up on Thursday, April 7th.  Career representatives will be available during all lunch periods outside of the cafeteria.  Students can talk to the representatives after they finish their lunches.  

There will be a raffle!  Stop by on April 7th for more info!

Field Trips!

Attention Juniors!  The College and Career Center will be taking two field trips this month.  Please see the College and Career Center for more information or for a permission slip. 

 Space is limited!

Here is the list of colleges we will be visiting:

• Thursday, April 21st to Marywood University in Scranton, PA.

• Friday, April 29th, to Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

As a reminder, these field trips are for JUNIORS only.

College Ambassador Trip

As a reminder to all College Ambassadors, permission slips are due TODAY for the field trip to Kean University.  Please see the College and Career Center to hand your permission slip in.

Interested in joining College Ambassadors?  We meet Wednesdays right after school in the College and Career Center.  We accept newcomers all year long!

Lastly, the College Ambassador Club will be sponsoring a PIZZA SALE Wednesday after school in the main lobby.  Pizza is 2 dollars per slice.  Buy a slice and support your College Ambassadors!

Spring Break

Spring break is almost here!  I know spring break is for rest and relaxation (and hopefully some studying, too!)  Spring break is also a great time to tackle many tasks on your college to-do list.  Here are some helpful hints on what you can be doing over spring break:

Seniors:

• If you haven't yet already, fill out your financial aid paperwork at fafsa.ed.gov
• Visit your top colleges (be sure to register for campus tours well in advance)
• Check out our scholarship guide and apply for scholarships
• Browse college websites to help narrow down your options

Juniors:

• Register for the SAT (talk to your counselor first if you get free/reduced lunch)
• Register for the ACT (talk to your counselor first if you get free/reduced lunch)
• Continue researching potential college choices
• Figure out which colleges you want to speak with at the College Fair on April 27th
• Make an appointment with College and Career Center to begin preparing for next year

Freshman and Sophomores:

• Begin browsing colleges (hint: check out the College and Career Center's collection of brochures)
• Figure out which colleges you want to speak with at the College Fair on April 27th
• Stop by and make an appointment at the College and Career Center