COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS Understanding The College Application Process Mrs. Kim Kelly A-GL Mr. Nicholas Torno GO-O Mrs. Agnes Lobley P-Z Mr. Anthony Ferrante, Counseling Director Mrs. Rosemarie Hill, Counseling Secretary

Agenda for Tonight Understand student, parent, and counselor roles in the college application process. Gain a better understanding of the college application process. Understand the application process timeline. Learn about RCBC Spring Ahead at MSHS. Get answers to any questions you may have. Counselors will soon begin to meet with each student individually.

Utilize our website! www.mapleshade.org College & Career Links Financial Aid links SAT dates Scholarship Newsletter List of colleges that are visiting MSHS More!

Junior Year Review Research Colleges and narrow the field Take the SAT and/or ACT Begin Visiting Schools Start to finalize list of schools you will apply to Register with NCAA (D1 and D2 sports) Complete “Request for Recommendation” sheet and ask teachers to write letters of recommendation

Senior Year September/October Finalize list of schools Take the SAT/ACT again if needed Finalize teacher letters of recommendations and request additional ones if necessary Attend MSHS College Visits and Visit College Campuses Begin to complete applications

Senior Year November All college applications COMPLETED by Thanksgiving at the latest. January/February Attend Financial Aid Night at MSHS Complete FAFSA and college specific financial aid forms.

On-Going/March/April/May Senior Year On-Going/March/April/May Receive offers of acceptance and financial aid awards Send in deposit and forms to secure your spot at the college Continuous Apply for scholarships (Scholarship Newsletter, fastweb.com, other local scholarships Keep your grades up!!!!

More about Searches **College Admissions Counselors visit MSHS** NACAC College Fair: http://www.nacacnet.org/ Philadelphia: Sunday 11/8 11:00-3:00 Atlantic City: Tuesday 11/10 9 AM- Noon; 6:00- 9:00 Performing Arts Fair: http://www.nacacnet.org/ Philadelphia: Thursday 10/29 7:00-9:00 HBCU College Fair: http://www.hbcu-cfnj.com Camden: Tuesday 11/17 9:00- 1:00

Making the Decision Considerations Location Program/major Academic profile Activities/athletics Career placement Graduate opportunities Affordability NJSTARS www.collegeboard.com has a college match maker tool

BE REALISTIC Be aware of the “profile” of the type of student the school accepts (average SAT score, GPA, etc.) 1 Dream/Reach School 1-3 Realistic Schools 1 Safe School Include a NJ School

PARENT/STUDENT/ COUNSELOR ROLES

PARENTS/GUARDIANS WILL Understand that this can be an overwhelming experience Keep lines of communication open Resist the urge to do the work for your child Assist, guide, and encourage instead. Remind child of importance of DEADLINES

STUDENT WILL Take SAT and/or ACT and make sure scores are sent to the colleges directly Complete “Request for Recommendation” to assist teachers/advisors in writing recommendations (2-3 letters) Write essay (with help of English teacher, parent, etc.)

STUDENT WILL Pay close attention to DEADLINES Complete application with assistance from parent and counselor Watch for test requirements (SAT Subject Tests for highly competitive schools

COMPLETING APPLICATIONS Online (Many schools do not accept paper applications) Application fee submitted online or by check with the application Use Parchment to request a transcript be sent MUST meet with counselor to complete the process/send additional materials

More on APPLICATIONS Early Decision vs. Early Action Regular vs. Rolling Admissions Apply EARLY regardless of deadline All applications should be completed by THANKSGIVING if not sooner. Pay close attention to all deadlines Communicate with counselor

COUNSELOR WILL Proofread applications Assist student with corrections/modifications Attach/upload transcript, letters of recommendation, school profile, etc. Send/mail the completed application

ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPTS Transcripts processed electronically through Parchment Counselor will give student their login information. Request all transcripts through www.parchment.com Track transcript requests and delivery FREE to most all colleges & schools

Rowan at Burlington County Spring Ahead @ MSHS RCBC information session: October 29 Complete an application online SAT is NOT required (specialized programs only) 540 CR and 530 Math- exempted from Accuplacer Test Placement testing @ MSHS: January 14 BCC Visit for Scheduling: April 26

NCAA www.ncaa.org Students planning on playing sports should register with NCAA now Visit www.mapleshade.org for additional information Mr. Torno can assist with NCAA questions

How do colleges decide? GPA/ Class Rank * Course Selection/Challenging Schedule * Standardized Test Scores * Activities, Letters of Recommendation, Essay College look to match students to specific programs or that they feel will be a good “fit” Be wary of Social Media and Online web pages * MOST Important Factors

Facebook, Twitter, & Personal Webpages Colleges and employers are checking Check your website pictures to be sure they send the right messages about who you are Information about you should match the information on your application

FINANCIAL MATTERS Thoughts of paying weighing you down?: Visit www.pin.ed.gov apply for 2 PINs so you are prepared to complete the FAFSA after January 1. Make early tax appointment Financial Aid Night is Thursday January 7 @ 7 pm

COUNSELOR CONTACTS 856-779-2880 Mrs. Aggie Lobley x1274 alobley@mapleshade.org Mr. Anthony Ferrante x1216 aferrante@mapleshade.org Mrs. Kim Kelly x 1217 sbudesa@mapleshade.org Mr. Nick Torno x 1287 ntorno@mapleshade.org