College Application Process PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE Gaithersburg High School School Counseling Department College and Career Center March 2016

Agenda We will cover the following topics:  Researching Colleges / Making Your List  Tools and strategies to get you started  Application Process  Key components of the application  What makes a good, solid packet  Paperwork and Deadlines  Significance and why they are important

College/University Search: “Research and Make your list” Steps 1 through 3

 Attend school near home or move away?  In Maryland or out-of-state?  State college or private?  State = less expensive, fewer scholarships  Private = more expensive, more financial aid  College Admission Type of campus?  City, suburban, rural  Size of Campus  Small = <3000 students  Medium = between 3000 and 15,000 students  Large = >15,000 students  Other preferences / interests?  Climate, shopping, entertainment, spiritual, community, athletics  College admission requirements: Let’s take a look at some examples on the next 2 slides. Research: Questions to Ask

Search colleges on-line: using search tools located under Family Connection “Colleges” Tab Will They Be Visiting the Area? Are They Visiting GHS: check Family Connection/Naviance Home Page Talk with your Counselor, College/Career Coordinator, Teachers, Parents about recommendations College Fair – April 19 – AT THE Montgomery County FAIRGROUNDS Research: tools and resources

 Community College  2-year associate degrees available  Flexible, save money, transfer credits  Apply EARLY to Montgomery College  Montgomery Scholars  Macklin Business Program  Nursing Program  US Service Academies  SAT/ACT in Spring Junior Year (average score)  Must complete Pre-candidate Questionnaire  Application Packets from Congressional Reps & Senators  Get to know who your local representative is  Athletes: what you need to know about college sports eligibility  NCAA Clearinghouse  Research: special note

Make your list: use Family Connection/Naviance:

 Pick 6-8 Schools  Target Schools  Reach Schools no more than 2 Make your list: use Family Connections:

Register for Spring and Fall standardized tests (SAT/ACT/Subject Tests/TOEL) Steps 4 and 13

SAT Highest score 1600 Highest score 1600 Math: Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus Math: Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus Reading -evidence based Reading -evidence based Multiple Choice and Analysis Questions Multiple Choice and Analysis Questions No penalty for wrong answers No penalty for wrong answers Essay is Optional Essay is Optional Fee - $43.00 and $54.50 w/ writing Fee - $43.00 and $54.50 w/ writing The Tests Are Not Created Equal… Important note: Gaithersburg High School does not send out your official test scores. Contact the test companies and arrange to have your scores sent to the colleges to which you are applying!

ACT Highest Score 36 Math: Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus Science Reading English Multiple Choice Only $39.50 With Optional Writing Exam $56.50 No Penalty for Wrong Answers The Tests Are Not Created Equal… Important note: Gaithersburg High School does not send out your official test scores. Contact the test companies and arrange to have your scores sent to the colleges to which you are applying!

The Tests Are Not Created Equal… Accuplacer TOEFL - TOEFL - If you are applying to a 4-yr college, you may have to take the TOEFL if you have been in the US for less than 5-8 yrs. depending on the school. Important note: Gaithersburg High School does not send out your official test scores. Contact the test companies and arrange to have your scores sent to the colleges to which you are applying!

Steps 5-10 Important documents we need from you! Senior Packet Forms Now ONLINE at the College Career Web Page!!!! Copies are also available in Counseling Office!

Senior Packet Material Steps 5-10  Student Brag Sheet and Activities page –Include: - great DETAIL: the more information you provide, the more information we have to share to colleges on your behalf! - Include important characteristics of school - if possible should demonstrate leadership  Parent Brag Sheet  Authorization to Release Records –bring to Spring junior counselor conference  3 Teacher Feedback Forms (not letters of recommendation) Very, Very Important: Required Forms – due by 2 nd Semester Exam Week – June 13 th through June 17th!!! Counselors rely heavily on this information for Letters of Recommendation!

Steps It’s Time to Apply: Completing the College Application!!!

Do The Applications  Begin completing the applications online  Double check applications for:  Accuracy  Completeness  Print/Copy all pages prior to submitting for your records Steps 11 and 15 It’s Time to Apply: Completing the College Application!!!

Setting up the Applications   Identify schools who participate  Access applications for non-participating schools directly  Register online (write down login info, requirements and deadlines!!)  Set up login and password for each  Verify what documents are needed Step 11 - It’s Time to Apply: Completing the College Application!!!

Application Reminders  Accurate address that you check!  in CommonApp and Naviance need to be the same!  Update Your Counselor  Check for errors!!  Spel checque iz knot enuf  Proofread  Sign and date forms in blue or black ink (best handwriting!) No pencil!  Express Your Voice, Not Someone Else’s Step 15 - It’s Time to Apply: Completing the College Application!!!

Essays Personal Essays: - Choose Topic Wisely - English Teacher Feedback Special note: Even though some colleges do not require you to complete an essay, we would encourage you to do so! Reason to compete an essay: it demonstrates a greater interest and gives colleges more information about you that could be helpful in their evaluation of your application. It’s Time to Apply: Completing the College Application!!! Step 16 - Teacher Recommendations Seek recommendation from academic teachers Provide teachers with written information about your experience in the classroom or other information requested by them. Your resume could also be helpful. Ask teachers if they would like the information before the summer break.

Transcript Requests Turn in At Least 3 weeks in Advance of Turn in At Least 3 weeks in Advance of Application Deadline. Application Deadline. Separate request for each school you Separate request for each school you are applying to including Montgomery are applying to including Montgomery College. College. Complete all questions Complete all questions Forms are online Forms are online Step 17 - It’s Time to Apply: Almost Done!!! - College Institute Transcript Request Step 18 - College Institute Transcript Request  Go to your MyMC account  Select Transcripts  Print out an unofficial CREDIT Transcript  Give 1 copy to Counseling Office

Time to Get Busy!  Start Now  Meet your counselor  Schedule Tests SAT/ACT  Look at Schools  Finish Brag Sheets  Summer Fun  Visit Schools  Make Your List  Start Applications  Chart Deadlines and Requirements Conclusion

It’s your future….make sure you are ready!