Preparing for the College Application Process Thank you for coming! Please take a feedback form and answer the first question. Thank you!

Is this your life?

Cats and Teens….

Stress!! Timeline Worry… Process Dates Letters of Rec Naviance Tension Goals for Tonight Timeline Worry… Process Acknowledge Affirm Equip Stress!! Dates Letters of Rec Naviance Tension College Lists

Enjoy Celebrate Relax Timeline Process Dates Letters of Rec Naviance Goals for Tonight Timeline Process Acknowledge Affirm Equip Listen Support Dates Letters of Rec Naviance College Lists Enjoy Celebrate Relax

Timeline Spring Take SAT and ACT tests (and subject tests for highly selective private schools) June Ask junior teachers for letters of rec (private colleges and common application schools only) Summer Explore college options, visit campuses, draft essays, update resume, study for SAT or ACT retakes Sept/Oct Retake SAT/ACT tests if needed Mid Sept College applications “live” Oct 1 FAFSA online Mid Oct Some art portfolios due Nov 1 Early decision and early action applications due Nov-Jan Regular applications due Apr 1 Colleges notify students of decision May 1 Tuition and housing deposits due July Final transcript sent to one college Summer: Math/writing placement exams and register for classes

Post-secondary plans Two year community college Four year public or private college Other post-secondary training or “gap” year program

2 Year College Enrollment There are 34 CC in our state. Research options and find the right match at www.checkoutacollege.com Enroll in early spring. Priority application deadlines in the spring. SAT/ACT tests not required. Register for Math and English placement exam. Make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor. Register for classes.

Overview of 4 year College Application Process Public Private/Common App Schools Check app deadlines Apply online Essays in application Order official transcripts Send ACT/SAT scores Check additional requirements for honors programs Check app deadlines + ED/EA Complete background info for counselor letter of rec 3 weeks before 1st application deadline Request teacher letters of rec Apply online Essays in application Order official transcripts Send ACT/SAT scores Set up college interviews

Overview of 4 year College Application Process Public Private/Common App Schools Check app deadlines Apply online Essays in application Order official transcripts Send ACT/SAT scores Check additional requirements for honors programs Check app deadlines + ED/EA Complete background info for counselor letter of rec 3 weeks before 1st application deadline Request teacher letters of rec Apply online Essays in application Order official transcripts Send ACT/SAT scores Set up college interviews

Naviance for College Planning

A “Good” College Is in the location/environment you want Offers academics in your area of interest Offers the internships/research/co- ops/study abroad/career placement you need Offers activities of interest to you Is affordable for you and your family Is a place that will both challenge and support you

A Good College List….. Is in the single digits (less than 10) Has at least 2-3 ‘Likely’ schools Every school meets student’s priorities Every school will make the student happy Accounts for family financial situation Represents collaboration between students and parents and others involved.

Creating Your College List Academic Fit – Student = College Ave GPA and Tests Reach Target Safety (you know you are getting in) Career Fit Major or broad base to choose later Placement in jobs, internships, grad school Personality Fit Size, Urban/Rural, Religious/Political, student body Dorm, food, activities, overall “feel”, etc. Take a campus tour or visit similar local schools Research using Naviance Attend college fairs and Admissions rep visits

Apply Early Decision or Early Action? Typically, apply to one school. If accepted, you must enroll pending acceptable financial aid package Can’t compare financial aid packages and scholarships May increase the chance of admission for strong students and legacy students Early Action Can apply to more than one school. Acceptance is non-binding Easier to compare different financial aid and scholarship packages May increase chances and admission decisions are made easier. Nov 1 or 15

Sending ACT/SAT scores Typically required – (there are always exceptions) BOTH SAT and ACT accepted by all colleges. Scores sent directly from test agency (for a fee). Order official score reports from ACT and SAT websites. Score choice may be an option – some require all scores. Students who have not yet taken either exam should register now. Students can retake in the fall if desired. Allow 3 – 4 weeks for scores to be sent. UW will take the December exam (require all scores). Fee waivers for the exam – possibly for the scores to be sent.

Letters of Recommendation Required for Common App, private schools, special programs (always a few exceptions) No state colleges in WA require letters Counselor and 1-2 Teachers Different process for requesting Packet on Counselor website Submit packet 4 weeks prior to app deadline Teachers – ask each one personally Gracious and grateful attitude 

What are colleges looking for? Rigorous classes, GPA, ACT/SAT test scores Strength of senior year classes Grade Trends Initiative, motivation, self-discipline, persistence, ability to overcome hardships, strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, creativity, special talents … Leadership, activities, other “resume” items. Nice, well-rounded, collaborative kids. 

Counselor Guidance for Seniors Senior classroom presentations (Sept) College application process, Naviance and timelines Counselor meetings with each senior (Sept) Transcript review (credits, grades, etc) Finalize post high school plans (2 or 4 year college, “gap” year) Super Wed (Oct) Essay editing and college application workshop As requested – always available to answer questions and help with next step Additional help through Summer College App Workshop and College Corp volunteers On-site visits by college admission reps

Financial Aid FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Submit beginning October 2016 (new start date) http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Parent night in October - TBD CSS Profile (College Board) WUE Western Undergraduate Exchange http://wue.wiche.edu/ Research different types of aid available at http://studentaid.ed.gov- understand the differences between loans, grants, work-study etc.

A few tips Non-anxious presence – think of the cats Nothing is due in the summer Counseling office will start submissions in October – not September We are not able to submit earlier due to many factors. When the student follows the process, the counselor is on time. A complete submission is better than an early submission.

Timeline Review Summer – (Optional) – Essays, Resume September – Start Applications, Letter of Rec packet for counselor, Reg for SAT/ACT if needed October – Continue with apps and essays November – Early deadlines, UC system December – More early deadlines and UW. All students should plan for submitting in December. Winter – finish apps, start scholarships Spring – Scholarships and Decision time

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