Sophomore Evening Program: Preparing for Junior Year and Beyond

Princeton High School Counseling Department Patti Lieberman College Advisor Enjoy this road to college! Where your future is in your hands www.mcts.edu Why Attend MCTS?

 Early exposure to careers

 Earn high school credit, industry certifications or college credit

 Participate in student competitions

 Internship /employment under guidance of Structured Learning Experience Coordinator How it Works

 School day is “shared” between your home district and Mercer County Technical Schools

 Bus takes students to and from the home school

 1st Year students attend from 8:00am -10:30 am  2nd Year students attend from 11:45am-2:30pm  Participate in home school clubs and activities MCTS College Acceptances O Arcadia University O Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and O Stockton University O University Health Sciences O Syracuse University O Bradley University O Massachusetts Institute of Technology O Temple University O Capital Technology University O Mercer County Community College O The College of New Jersey O Carnegie Mellon University O Monmouth University O The George Washington University O Case Western University O Montclair State University O University of Bridgeport O Centenary College O New College O University of Delaware O Cheney University of Pennsylvania O New Jersey Institute of Technology O University of Illinois O Coastal Carolina University O New York Institute of Technology O University of Maryland College Park O Coppin State University O New York University O University of Massachusetts Amherst O Cornell University O Northeastern University O University of Pittsburgh O Dixie State College O Pace University O University of Rochester O Drew University O Pennsylvania State University O University of the Sciences O Drexel University O Philadelphia University O University of Virginia O Duke University O Princeton University O University of Washington O Duquesne University O Purdue University O Ursinus College O Emory University O O Villanova University O Fairleigh Dickinson University O Ramapo College O O Florida Southern College O Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute O Western Washington University O Georgian Court University O Richard Stockton College of New Jersey O William Paterson University O Hollins University O Rider University O Virginia Commonwealth University O Howard University O Roanoke College O Washington College O Johns Hopkins University O Rowan University O West Virginia State University O Juniata College O Rutgers University, New Brunswick O Westminster College O Kean University O Saint Bonaventure University O Widener University O Keiser University O Saint Peter’s University O William Patterson University O Lehigh University O Seton Hall University O York College of Pennsylvania O Lemoyne College O Smith College O Louisiana State University O Stevens Institute of Technology Arthur R. SypekShared-Center time AssunpinkPrograms Center

• Architectural/Engineering Design • Aviation (1-Year) • Automotive Collision Technology • Business Technology • Automotive Technology • Carpentry • Automotive Technology Fundamentals • Cosmetology • Baking and Dining Services • Diesel Technology • Building Maintenance Trades • Electrical Construction • Cosmetology • Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning • Criminalistics and Criminal Science and Refrigeration Technology • • Culinary Arts Health Occupations (1-Year) • Graphic Arts Technology • Horticulture and Turf Care Health Careers Center Management • Medical Assistant (1-Year) • Pre-Nursing Career Prep Programs Seniors earn up to 13 college credits at MCCC.

 O Advertising and Design Fashion Merchandising  O Business Studies Fire Science Technology  O Communication Gaming  O Criminal Justice Hospitality Management  O Culinary and Pastry Arts Information Technology  O Dance New Media and Journalism  O Entertainment Technology: Music Photography Technology  Pre-engineering O Entertainment Technology:  Radio and Television Production Technical Theater  Theatre O Exercise Science  Visual Arts O Fashion/Apparel Design Next Steps

 Students should meet with your Guidance Counselor  Visit the program when class is in session.  APPLY ONLINE TODAY! @ www.mcts.edu Any Questions? Why college? Starts with self-reflection O What are my goals? O What are my values? O What are the things I do well? O What challenges me? O What do I like to do for fun? O What type of academic environment do I function best in? O What accomplishments make me most proud? O What are my favorite classes? O What do I want to learn? Character Strengths Be Mindful of Daily Choices

O Make mindful, deliberate choices. O Even though you are a tenth grader, the choices you make now can impact college admissions O Make choices that give college admissions evidence you are suited for their campus life. Remember, they are building a community and want students that will contribute in a positive and active way. O On the other hand, do not let one bad moment define you. Be deliberate in creating what you want. Transcript/Academic Load O A transcript tells a story O 5 core academic courses O Develop your interests through course selection O Stay in core academic subjects as long as possible O Challenge yourself appropriately O Junior and Senior Year – continue APPROPRIATE strength O The upward vs. downward trend O GPA: Weighted/Unweighted Course Selection considerations for certain majors O If interested in engineering: strength in physics and math courses O If interested in nursing: strength in math and science courses O Some colleges recommend a 4th year of a world language and social science Extra-curricular Activities O Anything done outside the classroom – this includes clubs, work, internships, volunteering, Scouts, sports, caring for siblings, developing your special interests… O What are you passionate about? Figure out your interests/abilities O Avoid the laundry list O Depth vs. Breadth O Are your activities enjoyable, can you keep balance? What about summer? O Do what is enjoyable to you O Important to have downtime, rest, exercise O It’s a time to explore interests and passions O Try or learn something new O Enjoy a summer job & make time to read your favorite books O Consider volunteering & giving back to your community O For medical – research and medical work O Summer can be a time to expand your leadership experience College Planning Timeline O Create your Naviance account (community service is required here as well) O Visit Colleges (when you have the opportunity) O Take required Standardized Testing: SAT and/or ACT, SAT II (if required). O Complete the Junior Information Sheet and set up appointments in junior and senior years with PHS College Counselor. Create list of colleges. O Junior year, ask two academic teachers for recommendations O Before senior year develop list of colleges that match you interests, needs, and credentials. O Start your applications the summer of senior year. O Apply to schools in the fall of senior year Test Calendar

O Start planning out your testing calendar now O Try not to take more than one exam per month…. O October: PSATs O SAT and/or ACT recommended to take January – June of junior year O May: APs O June: SAT IIs O Retake if needed SAT/ACT in senior year - available in August, October, and/or November SAT or ACT? O Test Optional Schools O Fee Waivers for testing SAT versus ACT

SAT ACT

English Reading Math Writing and Language Reading Math Science Reasoning Essay (Optional) Essay (optional) No guessing penalty No guessing penalty 3 hours without essay 2 hours 55 minutes (w/o essay) 3 hours 50 minutes with essay 3 hours 40 minutes (with essay 4 reading passages and 1 science section 5 reading passages (testing critical thinking skills) Math: Arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Math: Arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry Trigonometry and Data Analysis and Trigonometry One math section not allowed to use Calculator allowed on all math questions calculator Scored on 400-1600 scale Scored on a 1 - 36 scale SAT II and AP exams

O SAT IIs are subject based tests. One hour content based exams. O Requirements vary by school and program. Generally more selective schools and programs. O SAT IIs typically taken when the course is completed, and fresh in your mind O We suggest June! O For Sophomores: Perhaps history and chemistry or math depending on current placement. O For example: AP United States History or Chemistry Accelerated O AP examinations may receive college credits for scores of 3 or better. Score Choice and Test Optional O Many schools allow you to only send your best scores. O Some colleges will want you to send all of testing O Score choice gives you the option to choose which scores to send to colleges. O For SAT I and/or ACT – You send by test date O For SAT II – You send by individual test O Test Optional Schools: Fairtest.org Where does test prep fit in?

O PSAT resources - access code gives you test prep questions and strategies. O Read books and articles (improves test performance) O If decide on test prep, consider options that suit your schedule and learning style O Summer can be a time for test preparation O Some colleges put more emphasis on testing and some colleges are test optional Self- Awareness and Self-Care Skills Areas Activities to Foster Resiliency O Exercise regularly O Practice self-compassion O Pause O Journaling/ Self-reflection O Gratitude Journal/ Gratitude Letter O Yoga/ Tai chi/ Qi Gong/Tai Kwon do O Sitting Meditation/Walking Meditation O Play/ Have fun O Say positive affirmations out loud O Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep each night O Eat well O Attend to physical and mental health in a preventive way

Cornell University, Gannett Health Services, Resilience Consortium Naviance

O Naviance: O Naviance’s college and career readiness software allows students to search for colleges, careers, and even look at their own personal scores versus acceptances. O Start by completing the “about me” section, and take personality and career profile assessment to help you narrow down “fit”. O Register by going to our website. Use your student ID for your password. Naviance “About Me” Naviance “Personality Type” Naviance “Careers” Naviance “Career Interest” Naviance “My Colleges” Naviance Scattergram College Visits O Within one hour drive of Princeton you can experience a variety of colleges: O Rutgers is a great example of a large state research institute O Stevens Institute of Technology - STEM O University of Pennsylvania or Drexel for two types of city colleges O TCNJ for a closed suburban college feel O Swarthmore, Haverford, Ursinus for a small O Mercer County Community College O Culinary Institute or Arts Academy (both available in NY and Philadelphia) College Visits O Campus visit highly recommended when possible, and visit when students are in session O Visit the college website to register for tour, information session O Tailor the visit based on any needs (athletics, arts, special needs, special programs) O Things to do on a campus visit: O Guided Tour, Info. Session, sit in on class, visit classrooms, talk with current students, eat in dining hall, talk to a professor in your area of interest, check out the residence halls, read school’s newspaper, walk around community surrounding campus O Keep notes and after the visit highlight those things that stood out for you BlueCapVisit app O PHS College Fair for juniors in April. O College visits at PHS in fall for juniors and seniors O (Check Naviance for dates) Factors to consider O Size O Location (if far, is it important to have family nearby?) O Academic programs O Type of college O Campus life O Cost and/or financial aid/merit scholarship opportunities O Honor Colleges/Programs O Extra-curriculars O Graduation/retention rates. O Selectivity O Diversity, LGBTQ friendly O Athletics/School Spirit More factors to consider O Collaborative/Competitive O Undergraduate Focused O Internships/Co-Ops O Research Opportunities O Academic Support and Counseling Services O Financial Fit: loans, merit scholarships, financial aid package, ”value, ”EOF/EOP eligibility O What environment will support your happiness and success? Cost and Financial Aid O Tuition, Room & Board, commuting costs, books, fees (Sticker Price) O In-State Public. Out-of-State Public O Private colleges – institutional money O Merit Based Aid may be based on: GPA, Test Scores, Special Talents, Community Service O Need Based Aid – based on the information from financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile, School-specific applications. Includes grants, work study, loans. Different schools classify “need” differently O Scholarships – nominations, school specific, other Upcoming Junior Programs and support O Mock Admissions for juniors and parents O 11th grade College Planning seminars O Individual appointments with PHS College Counselor O PHS College Fairs Important Notes

O Enjoy and savor your high school experiences O Keep balance and get enough sleep! O Start this college exploration journey early O Discover and pursue your passions O Know the counseling department is here to support you! Q & A