Applying to Universities: Before, During & After Danielle Yamada School Counselor March 31, 2016

Counseling Staff Mr. Hirsch: A-D Ms. Lamb: E-K Ms. Krochmalny: L-Re Ms. Yamada: Rh-Z Ms. Boi: College & Career Specialist Ms. Porter: Counseling Office Manager

Tonight We’ll Cover… Finding the Right Fit SAT/ACT 4-yr College Applications Next steps for 10 th & 11 th Graders Resources Questions

Before….Choose Your “Best Fit” Majors/programs Admission requirements Size & public or private Location - urban or rural Campus climate/values Available activities- sports, intramurals, Greek system Study Abroad opportunities

What do colleges look for in a student’s application? GPA in college preparatory courses SAT/ACT scores Grade trends Rigor of coursework Initiative/motivation Self-discipline Ability to overcome hardship Intellectual curiosity Leadership activities Community service Talent/creativity Extra academic courses-beyond the minimum Other factors: geographic area, socioeconomic status and multicultural awareness

Naviance Research Colleges & Careers Build Resume Request Official Transcripts Invite Teachers and Counselors to write Letters of Recommendation All students have an accountaccount

4 Year University Application Process Public Apply online Personal statement Order transcripts via Naviance Send SAT/ACT scores Check requirements if applying to Honors Colleges Private Apply online (Common App) Personal statement Order transcripts via Naviance Send SAT/ACT scores Letters of rec from teachers/counselor - submit 3 weeks before deadline Early Action/Early Decision

Common Application (for Private Schools) Used for over 400 schools across the country Fill out one application online and submit supplements when necessary Match Common App with Naviance Account

SAT and ACT Exams Take tests spring of junior year and early fall of senior year. We recommend taking both tests Register online (see counselor for fee waiver if free or reduced lunch) SAT $ Register for optional writing essay SAT II Subject Tests are required for some schools $ check individual school’s websites ACT $52.50 Register for optional writing essay

Next Steps… Register for SAT or ACT (spring of Jr year) Research colleges on Naviance Schedule college visits for spring, summer, fall Attend college fairs in spring & fall Start your personal statement in English class Discuss ideas with your family, teachers, counselor Community service, leadership, activities Finish strong (grades, transcript)

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Students from WA may be admitted to other schools in western states (2 year & 4 year colleges) with the opportunity through WUE to pay less than the out of state tuition rates. Depends upon GPA, Major area of study, etc. Website: wue.wiche.edu Participating states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WY

Resources Naviance College WHS (register via Naviance) College Tours Utilize Ms. Boi & School Counselors College & Career Center Website Teachers/School Staff/ People in your life Upcoming College Fairs

Upcoming College Fairs (free) PNACAC College Fair at Seattle University, April 23 rd College Planning Day (WA State Univ’s represented) UW Bothell, March 22 nd “Colleges that Change Lives” Lynnwood Convention Center, August 3 rd Every fall – National College Fair (NACAC) in Seattle at the WA Convention & Trade Center Every fall - National Performing Arts College Fair (NACAC) in Seattle Other occasional fairs for Christian Colleges, Historically Black Colleges

Questions & Answers