The College Application Process Presented by: The Scituate High School School Counseling Department September 2016

The Process This CAN be an anxiety-ridden time, tendency to avoid or procrastinate. Put everything on the table ($, location, expectations). Communication among student, parent and counselor is essential! Organization is key!

High School Senior To-Do List From the Student’s perspective

Your student could be at any one of these steps… Meeting with their counselor Narrowing down or finalizing their list Visiting schools/interviewing Requesting teacher recommendations Writing their essay Completing their resume Taking the SAT or ACT Filling out applications Returning completed counselor questionnaire Requesting transcripts Submitting applications It’s OK to be at different stages. Each student’s plan is unique.

Narrowing Their List Small, large, or in between? City or suburban? Public or Private? Close to home? Far away? Does it have what they want?

Range of Schools Students should apply to a range of schools based on admissions criteria. 3-4 “Reach” schools 3-4 “Target” schools 4-5 “Safety” schools (approx. 10 total)

College Visits Tour the campus and attend an Open House. Talk to current students. Attend a college class. Observe the student body (“Would I fit in here?”). If they can’t decide – do an overnight visit. Meet College Reps at SHS – sign up through Naviance.

Show a genuine interest in the school! Interviews Go prepared! Have questions ready Bring your transcript Make a good impression! Body language Dress appropriately Show a genuine interest in the school! Know something about the school Test Optional Schools! They want students to set up interviews.

When to Apply? Early Decision –binding Early Action - non-binding Rolling Admission - first come/first serve Open Admission

Making the Puzzle Pieces Fit

Student’s Role in the Process Complete and Submit the College Applications. Secure Teacher Recommendations. Secure Counselor Recommendation. Release Transcript. Send Test Scores.

School’s Role in the Process Submit student’s transcript & SHS profile. Write and submit counselor recommendation letter. Complete Secondary School Report Forms. Submit Teacher Recommendations and Teacher Evaluation Forms.

Naviance’s Role in the Process All of these materials are sent electronically through our Naviance/Family Connection portal. Students have been instructed how to: Set up a Common Application account Match their Common Application e-mail with their Naviance/Family Connection account. How to release their transcripts. How to secure teacher recommendations in person and through Naviance/Family Connection. How to secure their counselor recommendation. How to send their SAT/SAT Subject Tests/ACT scores.

The Common Application The Common Application is used by over 500 colleges and universities. It enables students to complete one application online and submit it to multiple colleges. www.commonapp.org

The Make Up of the Application Profile Family Education Testing Activities Writing Supplemental Application Questions Application Fee $$

The Resume – Personal Brag Sheet! Use template as a guide Showcase special talents & qualities Include: Awards and Honors Community Service Extra Curricular Activities Work Experience Special Interests

The Essay What makes them unique Be creative – open with an attention grabber Write about something they know well Have it proofread How well they can write & communicate

SATs, Subject Tests, & ACT Students send SAT and SAT Subject Test scores directly from CollegeBoard @ collegeboard.org. Students send ACT scores directly from ACT @ actstudent.org Students may utilize score choice Allow 3-4 weeks - watch deadlines! www.fairtest.org Don’t forget to send to the NCAA clearinghouse (if Div 1 or 2!)

Teacher Recommendations Choose 1-2 teachers who know them well After asking them in person, students should give teachers: Teacher recommendation questionnaire & resume Application deadlines Request recommendations through Naviance Don’t forget a thank you note. Submitted directly from School Counseling office

Counselor Recommendation Counselor Recommendation Questionnaire & resume Each student receives a recommendation Whole person, through the years, extenuating circumstances, etc. Secondary school report forms Submitted directly through Naviance

Requesting Transcripts Transcript Release Consent form - 3 weeks to process!!!!! Class rank is OPTIONAL. Mid-year grades & final grades are automatically sent. First quarter grades require separate form Discipline disclosure If asked, explain any major disciplinary issues What did they learn? How did they make things “right” again? Tell counselor about their disclosure Show integrity!

Transcript Guidelines 1. Complete “Transcript Consent Form” and submit with one time $10 fee. 2. Student must add list of schools in Naviance via “Colleges I’m Applying to” (located in Family Connection under the “Colleges” tab) 3. Click “Request Transcripts” in the Colleges tab in Naviance. Common App Username & Password must match the Naviance Username & Password!!!! https://vimeo.com/102639828

Transcript release form

Transcript Release Form Deadlines Seniors – We must have at least THREE weeks to process your request for transcripts, counselor recommendation letters and supporting documents to colleges and universities. There is no guarantee that school documents received after the deadline will arrive to your college/university on time. College Application Deadline Transcript Release Form Due October 15 September 23 (FRI) November 1 October 11 (TUES) November 15 October 25 (TUES) December 1 November 03 (THURS) December 15 November 23 (FRI) January 1 December 05 (MON) January 15 December 16 (FRI) February 1 January 11 (WED) March 1 February 8 (MON)

Just a few more things… Students are encouraged to follow up with colleges to ensure they have received the application. Be open to schools you haven’t heard of. Students must fill out separate first term grade release form if they want first term report card sent to colleges. Drop in grades or course load? Watch out! Give student a December 1st deadline to complete applications. No guarantees - have a back-up plan. Students must enter the decisions into Naviance (and tell their counselor! )

Financial Aid Night Thursday, September 29, 2016 6:30 pm SHS Library Presented by MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority)

College Essay Writing Drop-Ins Join the SHS English Department College Essay Writing Drop-in Sessions Saturday, September 24th (8:00-12:00) SHS Library Saturday, October 29th (8:00-12:00) SHS Library Students should bring copies of their essay and a device!