That is their true power. Senior Parents’ Night Our children may not control where they go to college, but they control how. That is their true power. Remembering this fact can lower everyone’s stress --- and hopefully bring some excitement into the process Daniel R. Porterfield Franklin & Marshall President Class of 2018

College Trends Increased competition Earlier deadlines Self-reported grades Fewer recommendations Increased use of Waitlist and “creative” acceptances More colleges are Need Aware Increased number of Test Optional Schools Increased College Marketing Colleges concerned about “yield”

Getting Started Resume uploaded Letters of Recommendation requested Begin online applications Write essay(s) Take SAT/ACT and/or send scores (allow three weeks for processing) Transcript Request Form submitted to Counseling office 15 school days prior to the application deadline

Naviance http://connection.naviance.com/simsbury Scattergrams SHS College Data College Visits students must sign up for visits in Naviance Career Exploration Search for Scholarships Document Library

Strive for more acceptances than rejections! Scattergrams Reach Realistic Likely Financial Safety Strive for more acceptances than rejections!

The Common Application Online Application (700+ Colleges) Takes about an hour to complete the basic application Info Personal Essay Supplemental Questions for some schools Application Fees Teacher Reports and School Reports all sent through Naviance Check for accuracy before sending appsupport@commonapp.net –help with issues/questions.

SAT https://collegeboard.org https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org Registering Sending Scores Super-Scoring

Transcript Request Form YOUR COLLEGE School Counselor Sends Transcript Recommendation(s) School Profile/Secondary School Report 1st Quarter Grades (if requested) Mid Year Grades College Board/ACT Test Scores (students must request, pay and send scores through testing service) Allow 3 weeks for processing Student Sends Completed Application Application Fee Essay(s) SAT/ACT Scores (from testing service)

Life Cycle of a College Application Student Submits Application Arrives Supporting Materials Admissions Committee Review Admissions Decision Student Receives Decision Student Enrolls in School Life Cycle of a College Application

Factors in Admission Decisions Academic Record Test Scores Essay(s) Letters of Recommendation Activities and Employment Other Focus on the areas where the student has control!

Financial Aid FAFSA (October 1, 2017) – for the 2018/19 School Year Use tax return submitted in Jan-April 2017/2016 income CSS Profile (for specific colleges - Available in October 2017) College Financial Aid Application (if applicable) Scholarships Local Scholarships (application available in January) Other Scholarships (employment, religious affiliations, etc.) “How to Pay for College” Program September 28th, 2017 7:00PM Simsbury High School

The Student’s Responsibility Get Organized! Research & Comply with admissions requirements Submit everything on time – know and adhere to deadlines Follow up with colleges - check emails regularly Be the sole author of all college application submissions Clean up social media sites Continue to work hard and finish senior year in a positive way

School Counseling Website Important Dates Scholarship Information Forms for Students & Parents Links to NCAA, Naviance, College Board, etc.

Final Thoughts…..How Can Parents Help? Remember, this is a process Most kids are apprehensive Keep perspective Guide, but don’t do all the work - Encourage independence Never apply to a college that your child wouldn’t gladly attend if accepted! Keep college rejections in perspective Find time to enjoy this special time in your child’s life!