The College Application Process What parents need to know DSF Counseling Department

Where is your Senior applying? Decide on the schools to which to apply Research their application process Plan ahead

New this year: Parchment Parchment is the online provider for our new e- transcript request system Freeman will be using Parchment to send senior student transcripts to colleges/universities this year

Benefits to Students A simple online order form that lets students order transcripts to be sent to any destination worldwide while also collecting their payment electronically Students can track their transcript request from beginning to end online and ensure transcripts are received The school counselor receives student requests, sends transcripts and adds any needed supplemental documents such as recommendations or school profile, and can track the process along the way Students/parents save both time and money Transcripts are secure and FERPA compliant (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Over 2,500 colleges and universities are current Members of Parchment nationwide

Our Parchment Process Yesterday counselors held Senior Meetings to discuss College Application Process/Senior Year/Transcript Ordering We distributed Permission To Send Electronic Transcript Forms to students Form covers release of your child’s educational records requiring signed consent under FERPA AND Letter of recommendation waiver Discusses payment – First 2 transcripts are FREE; each additional transcript request is $5.00 per transcript (paid online thru Parchment) ONLY students that have returned the signed parent permission form may receive their registration code to register for Parchment and order transcripts

Our Parchment Process Student MUST turn in permission form to Mrs. Noe in Counseling office Student will then receive their Senior folder which includes a form with their individual registration code inside (generated from the Parchment system) Student uses code to create a Parchment account connected directly to DSF Once account is setup, the student will log in to order/pay for transcripts

What is a Senior folder? Each senior is given a folder that keeps all forms together Outside of folder indicates schools student has applied to and transcripts requested through Parchment (for counselor notification purposes) This is how we keep track of what we have sent to colleges on student’s behalf If college does not accept transcripts via Parchment, student will indicate a separate transcript request on folder (few and far between) Inside folder are directions for the application process, senior counseling questionnaire/resume, and parental questionnaire

Best Practices Help your student “own” the application process Get organized: may want a spread sheet to list schools and deadline dates Schedule time to work on applications/essay Setting up an email that they use and will check often Make sure they review all applications for completeness as it is their responsibility to get all supplemental materials to the appropriate person i.e. counseling reports, essays, teacher recommendations, etc. Help them review all parts of the application for errors such as spelling, especially the essay

Different Types of Applications Common Application School specific

The Process for Common Application Many schools accept the common application Follow the tutorials for filling out the information https://www.commonapp.org/

School Specific Applications Fill out all necessary information Invite teachers to write letter of recommendation, if needed Download Secondary School Form (if applicable) and email to counselor or look for it on DSF School Counseling website Counseling office DOESN’T handle teacher letters except for Virginia Tech (student must ensure the recommendation letter is sent to their counselor)

What if we are thinking about starting at a Community College? Many Virginia Colleges/Universities have articulation agreements with the Virginia Community College System Visit the website for J. Sargeant or John Tyler to view the step by step application process

Difference in Terms Early Decision: A binding agreement with the college/university Early Action: College notifies student of decision before the regular decision date but student still has an option of not accepting

How are mid-year grades and final grades sent? At the semester, we will announce for seniors to request their transcript with mid-year grades included through Parchment Make sure students email us the appropriate forms (mid-year and final) At end of year, students will be able to request their final transcript be sent through Parchment

My Senior is planning to play sports in college Don’t forget to register with the NCAA clearing house. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net A transcript of grades must be sent. Need to request transcript in the counseling office

We are still looking at colleges? HCPS College & Career Night At Freeman High School this school year 6:00 to 8:00 pm

How do we pay for this? Scholarships Freeman website Rebel Hub Financial Aid Mrs. Janet Andrews, GRASP Advisor freeman@grasp4virginia.com Here on Thursdays and some Fridays to meet with students and parents

Enjoy Senior Year

Questions