I. Timeline II. Choosing Your Colleges III. Creating a Strong Application

Timeline: May – June 2016 Request References At least two teachers, at least 1 English Languages, art, theatre can be supplementary Subjects you plan pursue, excel in or where you have a rapport with the teacher (TPE supervisor, someone who accompanied you on home exchange) Extra-curricular s (music, sport, community service) Bring in copies of all bulletins since 3eme Take SAT/ACT plus, possibly, subject tests Attend Common AP essay workshop in May See if you qualify for need-based financial aid

Timeline: July - August 2016 Sign up on Common Application after August 1st; ‘invite’ me and your English teachers to submit docs Visit schools, meet alumni if you’re in the States Plan and prepare rough draft of your personal essay Research requirements for your schools Pick a set of possible majors and what interests you most in those fields Study if needed to re-take ACT/SAT, or for SAT IIs

Timeline: Sept-Oct Confirm your Early Action/Early Decision choices Meet with counselor to review your application Review your financial aid needs, options (merit, need, public universitites with lower tuition, non-US) Revise Common App essay, write supplements. Sept. 30: deadline for all materials to me for EA/ED Re—take SAT/ACT if needed Prepare list of 8 choices (global – Quebec, France) Nov 1/15: deadlines for EA/ED schools

Timeline: Nov – Dec Dec 1st: Deadline for all materials for regular decision (supplement drafts, application, etc …) Bring in first trimester bulletin for midyear report Finalize list of schools, review requirements carefully Final chance to take SAT/ACT or subject tests. Discuss ED II, other EA options Jan. 1/15: Deadline for most Regular Decision Relax and try to have a good second trimester! These results can help if you are waitlisted.

Location (rural, suburban, urban campus) Size (liberal arts college, research univesrity) Types of programs offered (majors, sports) Selectivity (3 reach, 3 target, 2 safety) Affordability (need-based aid, merit aid, tuition) The right ‘fit’ (ambiance, student personalities) Diversity (ethnic, international, political) Look at past destinations, alumni surveys

Creating a Strong Application Grades are top criteria Test scores come second Strong sense of who you are and what you will contribute to campus Documented support (references, prizes, programs) to back it up. A compelling essay Demonstrated interest What helps: ‘Hooks’: Athletes/musicians, etc. Ethnic/national groups Relatives of alumni, faculty, staff Wealth Early Decision Undersubscribed majors