Norton School Committee Guides Students Through College Application Maze
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
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Recording Published:
05/06/2024
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Duration:
106 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Norton
- Meeting Overview:
The Norton School Committee recently convened to discuss a comprehensive approach to the college application process, providing guidance to students and parents on navigating through various aspects, from selecting potential schools to understanding financial aid. The meeting, which involved input from academic counselors and representatives from higher education, put a spotlight on the intricate details essential for juniors at Norton High School as they prepare to take the next step in their academic journey.
One of the primary focuses of the meeting was the use of the Naviance platform to track college applications, an essential tool to manage the numerous requirements and deadlines involved in applying to four-year colleges. The platform is designed to streamline the process, allowing students to create and monitor a list of prospective colleges. The committee emphasized the role of students in staying informed on the application process through resources like the guidance Google Classroom, monthly newsletters, and the guidance department’s Instagram account.
The intricacies of the application procedure were dissected, including the differences between regular decision, early action, and early decision applications. The binding nature of early decision was a key point, with the meeting highlighting the importance of students understanding the commitment they are making and the financial implications involved. The guidance included practical suggestions such as creating a college-specific email address for communications and linking the Common App with Naviance to streamline submissions.
Recommendations were made for juniors to begin their college application process early and approach it incrementally. This included researching colleges and careers, visiting campuses, and engaging with schools to demonstrate interest. The meeting also expanded on the significance of factors such as campus environment, professor engagement, and social media presence in evaluating schools. A representative from Bridgewater State University shared personal insights as a parent of college-bound students.
The committee provided detailed advice on the process of requesting letters of recommendation, stressing the importance of face-to-face conversations and giving teachers at least two weeks’ notice. It was noted that students are responsible for choosing which schools to send their SAT and ACT scores to. Additionally, the meeting touched on the transition to digital SAT testing, the trend of fewer colleges remaining test-optional, and the importance of understanding specific program requirements within schools.
For student-athletes interested in playing sports at the collegiate level, the importance of creating accounts with the NCAA eligibility center was mentioned. The committee also acknowledged that college is not the only post-secondary option, mentioning connections to unions, trades, and the military.
The meeting moved on to discuss the college search process. Students were advised to consider the “Goldilocks College search criteria,” which goes beyond just focusing on a major. The speaker encouraged considering factors such as the size and location of schools, being undecided about a major for flexibility, and utilizing electronic resources for searches.
In navigating college fairs, students were advised to make efficient use of their time, make genuine connections with admissions representatives, and engage in meaningful conversations. The meeting offered tips on how to stand out during these interactions, such as making eye contact and expressing authentic interest. The importance of campus visits was likened to test-driving a car, with students urged to explore beyond the facts and figures to get a feel for the campus atmosphere and culture. Key areas of focus during visits were identified, including dining halls, academic support centers, health and counseling services, and the surrounding community.
The committee concluded with detailed advice on making the most out of campus visits. This included engaging with campus media, talking to various individuals on campus, and using phone recordings and photos to capture impressions. The importance of interviews with admissions staff and professors as a means to connect with potential application reviewers was also highlighted.
School Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
-
Recording Published:
05/06/2024
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Duration:
106 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Norton
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