 A Few Thoughts About The College Search and College Admissions  The College Application Process  Upcoming Events and Resources  Question and Answer Session

 Explore/Research Options – Focus on Finding the Right Fit  It’s About You – Not the College  Narrow Your List Before Applying  6-8 Colleges  “Reach, Range and Safety” – Focus on Range Schools  Demonstrate Interest in Your Top Choices  Plan College Visits  Contact Admissions Personnel

 Factors to consider:  Academic programs - Majors offered  Location  Size and Environment  Extra-curricular activities/Student life  Career planning/Internships/Study Abroad  Admissions Requirements  Cost  Financial Aid/Scholarships/Work-Study  Visit, Visit, VISIT!! John Iacovelli, Dean of Enrollment Management Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

 High School Transcript  Standardized test scores (SAT’s, ACT’s)  Letter of Recommendation  School/Community Activities  College Essay John Iacovelli, Dean of Enrollment Management Richard Stockton College of New Jersey How Do Admissions Officers Review a Candidate Quality over Quantity

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The Common Application

Remember that you cannot use both a school application and the CA to apply to the same school. For example, you cannot use the school application but use the recommendation forms from the CA. It is highly recommended that you carefully read all of the directions before beginning the application process. We also STRONGLY recommend that you show your counselor your completed application before submitting the applications. You can a copy of it to your counselor, print a copy, or come in and access it online to have your counselor review it. You only have 1 chance to make it perfect, so have it reviewed before sending! About the CA

 Vary Widely  Read Directions Carefully  If the college does not accept electronic submission of school documents, you will need to provide all forms to your counselor (Recommendations, Transcript Requests, etc…)  When in Doubt – Ask Your Counselor

RutgersMontclair StatePenn State MarylandJames MadisonGeorgetown Virginia TechSouth CarolinaPitt NC StateFloridaGeorge Mason PA State System (Ex: West Chester)

About Naviance

You should have colleges listed under the “Colleges I’m Thinking About” tab. This chart gives an overview of the type of applications accepted and the application deadlines. If you have decided that you are no longer interested in a college, check the box beside the college and click “Remove from List” or “Move to Application List” if applying.

Admission Plans REGULAR DECISION -students make application to a college by a specific deadline EARLY DECISION -students make application in early fall of the senior year and notification is sent by mid-December; if accepted, a commitment-to-attend is required along with withdrawal of other college applications. A student may apply to only one college under Early Decision EARLY ACTION -similar to Early Decision except that if accepted, the applicant is not committed to attend the institution and other applications may be made ROLLING ADMISSION -Admission deadlines are made as soon as applications are received. Notification is usually within 3-4 weeks after receipt of all application materials. It is very important to apply early with rolling admissions as programs fill up and it may become more difficult to gain admission

Requesting letters of recommendation from teachers should be done early! Some teachers will ask you for your resume first, so be prepared to provide one right away so your letters are not delayed. Letters of Recommendation Ask in person first, then follow up with your request on Naviance under the “Teacher Recommendations” heading. Click the add/cancel requests link.

You will find a drop down menu with all of the teachers listed. Select the teachers you are requesting, and write a note in the space provided. It is optional to write a note, but providing your deadlines will help teachers to know when it must be done. Remember that you MUST ask teachers in person first before using Naviance Letters of Recommendation

Below the Common Application waiver form, you will see the list of colleges where you have decided to apply. Under the heading “Applying via Common App?”, if “unknown” appears, you must click on it to indicate if you are using the Common Application or not. If it is a college that is a first choice for you and you have the choice of their application or the Common Application, I would recommend that you use the school application.

Under “Submissions” you will see a screen with CA indicating the school accepts the Common Application, an empty computer screen indicating the school does not accept the Common Application, but will accept our electronic submissions, and finally a postage stamp which means that we must send all of your school documents by mail. You need to be very careful with the deadline that is listed. If a school utilizes rolling admissions, applications are processed in the order received. If you wait until the deadline to apply, the school may have already filled their programs.

It is also very important to remember that certain programs and scholarship opportunities within a college have earlier deadlines. When researching your schools, you need to be very aware of their deadlines. YOU MUST ALSO REMEMBER THAT TO ENSURE THAT YOUR SCHOOL DOCUMENTS REACH THE COLLEGE ON TIME THAT YOU MUST APPLY AT LEAST 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE POSTED DEADLINE.

Remember that we are handling hundreds of applications and must submit documents in the order received. You must also allow for emergencies in Guidance, computer shut downs etc. Under “transcript” you can see that there is currently no request for a transcript. If you click on the request transcripts link above, you will have the opportunity to request your transcripts. Be sure that you have also clicked on the “have you applied?” link and checked yes immediately AFTER you submit your application. When you receive your admissions decision, click on the pencil after “unknown” and indicated the college admission decision.

Immediately after requesting your transcript, you must see your counselor, in person, to finish the application process!

After you have clicked on the “request transcript” link, this page will appear. Simply check the box beside the college where you would like your transcript sent

At the bottom of the page, be sure to click the box that says “Request Transcripts”. Do NOT do this until you have submitted your application. Remember that you must see your counselor immediately after requesting a transcript. They will need to know how many letters of recommendation you need to be submitted with your transcript and if there are any additional documents required. You must also remember to have your SAT/ACT scores sent directly from the testing agencies. Schools do not accept scores unless they are sent directly from SAT or ACT

This screen lists all of the colleges to which you have applied and all of the information that you should have completed.

Note that important information has been checked and completed.

When you look back on the “colleges I am applying to” screen, you can see now that American University is completed. The transcript was requested and initial materials were submitted by the office.

 Watch Application Deadlines - Submit Applications at least 2 Weeks Before the Posted Deadline  Test Scores Can Only Be Sent through College Board or ACT  Check Status of Submitted Applications  Students Need to Drive the Process  Communicate with Your Counselor  Visit Campuses – Find the Right Fit  Enjoy the Journey!!

 Due to the high level of academic success, class rank does not always reflect the achievements and potential of all our students. Therefore, Mainland Regional High School is providing students with the option of reporting class rank. Class rank will not appear on transcripts unless requested by the student.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!! OCTOBER 3 rd DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR NOV. 2 nd SAT OCTOBER 9 th (7:00 PM – Stockton College Performing Arts Center) NAVIGATING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, FINANCIAL AID & NCAA ATHLETICS NOVEMBER 14 th COLLEGE FAIR – A.C. CONVENTION CENTER JANUARY 29 th (6:00 PM-MRHS Library) FINANCIAL AID PRESENTATION / FAFSA WORKSHOP

 Guidance Website Guidance Website  Naviance Family Connection  MRHS Guidance Twitter  MRHS Guidance Office  College Visits to MRHS

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 WWW. HESAA.ORG (Financial Aid Hotline – ) WWW. HESAA.ORG (Financial Aid Hotline – )      