Each month juniors have been and will continue to receive via mail a copy of the College Counseling Junior Bulletin. Please make sure that both you and your parents read the Junior Bulletin each month. The publication—along with the College Counseling website—contains timely information and serves as Mrs. Bickley’s main tool for mass communication.

 

1. On January 14 and 15, Hammond juniors and their parents had an opportunity to participate in the official kick-off event for the 2008-2009 college admissions process, Hammond’s fourth annual Junior Symposium. We hope that the three break-out sessions you and your parents attended will give you food for thought as you begin your college search. Our thanks to:

   • Scott Verzyl from the University of South Carolina
   • Demisha Lee from the Amherst College
   • Kortni Campbell from Davidson College
   • Nelson Davis from Roanoke College
   • Sarah Ott from Samford University
   • Bob Patterson from the University of North Carolina

   2. Please be reminded that it is now time to set up your Junior Family Conference with Mrs. Bickley. Parents should call Ms. Sylvia Easler in the College Counseling Office to schedule appointments. Appointments are best scheduled during student free periods and should be attended by the student and at least one parent. Conference dates will be available in February, March, and April.

   3. Don’t forget to register for the Vocare’ Workshop led by Coach Larry Moshell on February 23, 9:00-12:00, in the Lecture Hall. Registration information was mailed January 23. Registration forms and checks should be submitted to Ms. Easler no later than February 15.

   4. The R&R (research and reflection) phase of the college search process began during the in-state and out-of-state college trips in November. As the process continues, juniors should make a habit of visiting the Hammond School College Counseling website at least once a week.

   • Log on www.hammondschool.org .
   • Follow the College Counseling link to the College Counseling homepage.
   • Then explore the From the Director’s Desk link under Resources on the College Counseling homepage.
   • Spend time exploring College/Program Highlights as well as College/Career Search on the Director’s Desk page.

5. If you haven’t already done so, visit www.collegeboard.com. This website is a great source for information as juniors move through the research and reflection phase. Make use of the My College QuickStart feature Mrs. Bickley shared with you during your PSAT Score Report Seminar.

6. As a result of the research and reflection process, juniors should be actively developing preliminary college lists. Mrs. Bickley will need your preliminary list of 4-8 schools by April 25.

7. All juniors should plan to take the SAT on March 1 (Late registration deadline: February 7) and again on May 3 (Registration deadline April 1). Register online at the College Board website www.collegeboard.com . Be sure to enter the Hammond School code 410533 when you register. If you do not, Hammond will not receive your scores.

8. Juniors enrolled in AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition,
PreCalculus, AP US History should consider taking SAT II’s in those subject
areas in May or June if you are considering a college/university that requires or
recommends SAT II Subject Tests. For more information on SAT II Subject
Area Tests, go to www.collegeboard.com.

9. Make good use of your PSAT Score Report by evaluating your strengths and
weaknesses and tailoring your SAT review to meet your individual needs.
The best preparation for the SAT is taking advantage of a rigorous curriculum
throughout your high school career. However, as the test date draws closer, it is
also important to become familiar with the test format and to spend some time
on focused review. SAT prep is critical. There are several excellent options. All
options require effort and commitment on your part. You might want to
consider one of the following:

• Purchasing an SAT Prep book and working through the practice problems on your own.
• Completing the online SAT prep course offered by College Board. Details available at www.collegeboard.com.
• Taking an SAT prep class from a reputable test prep company or from an individual test prep coach.
• Securing the help of an SAT tutor.

10. Juniors should be especially mindful of doing well in classes this semester. Many colleges heavily consider junior year coursework in the admissions process. Make no mistake: Your junior year is an important one.

11. Use the next few months to make college visits. Call each school in advance to inquire about tours and information sessions.

12. It’s not too early to begin researching scholarships. Two excellent websites are
www.fastweb.org and www.finaid.org.

13. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is sponsoring a National College Fair in Charlotte at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart on Sunday, March 30 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The event is a great venue for soliciting information from a number of colleges in a short amount of time.