Know How to Go: The College Application Process 11/15/2018 Know How to Go: The College Application Process Southern Alamance High School

A Few Tips Before You Apply: During your senior year take the most challenging classes available and do well in them. Your senior year is still very important. Take the SAT or ACT in the fall of your senior year. Many schools “super score.” Even test optional schools may want to see test scores for scholarship consideration or for class placement. Remember : Extracurricular activities look great on an application . Many schools want to see depth of experience in extracurricular activities. Keep track of what you’ve done and include everything. 11/15/2018

Types of Admission Open Admission Proof of high school graduation or equivalent No specific GPA or SAT score is required No specific high school courses or GPA is required Rolling Admissions Admissions decisions are made in the order applications become complete Generally takes about 6 weeks to receive a decision 11/15/2018

Types of Admission Deadline Admissions 11/15/2018 Types of Admission Deadline Admissions Admissions decisions are made by looking at the entire pool of applicants. Everyone in the pool gets their admission decision on the same date. Application Pools: Early Decision (Binding) Early Action (Non-Binding) Regular Decision/Final Deadline (Non- Binding) 11/15/2018

Types of Applications College Foundation of NC- www.CFNC.org Common Application – www.commonapp.org Paper/Download & Print Be sure you type or print clearly Easier to have someone proof read Online You can do them in one sitting or save them and come back to finish. Most colleges will prefer an online application Faster to process More sustainable Easier to read 11/15/2018

How to send your information Many schools can receive transcripts or recommendations electronically. Your guidance counselor should be able to tell you how information will be sent from your school. Keep records of everything you send. Give the admissions office at least 2 weeks from the time you mail your information to get it processed, it will not show up online immediately. 11/15/2018

Sending additional informaiton Additional recommendation letters Résumé CD’s, Portfolios, Films, Slides, etc. Avoid gimmicks. Example: Sending one shoe 11/15/2018

Types of Admissions Decisions Admitted/Accepted Declined/Denied Deferred/Hold Wait List 11/15/2018

Good Questions to Ask Admissions: 11/15/2018 Good Questions to Ask Admissions: How will you calculate my GPA for admission? How do you use SAT/ACT scores? Highest total score, combined best score, an average of all scores, etc. How much are extracurricular activities considered? How do you consider demonstrated interest? If I choose to send additional information will it be considered? Are specific courses required in high school to be eligible for admission? 11/15/2018

General Admissions Information Fill out admissions applications completely. Do not skip boxes or questions. If there is an optional essay- write it! If you need someone to write a letter of recommendation, give them at least two weeks notice before it is due and be sure to thank the person writing the recommendation. If you are planning to apply for scholarships, look for applications and deadlines before winter break. This will give you extra time to work on them over the your break Many are due in late January/early February. 11/15/2018

General Admissions Information Take time to visit the schools you are seriously considering. Think- Would you buy a car without test driving it first? Never hesitate to contact the Admissions Office if you have questions or concerns. Apply as early as possible in your senior year. Good rule of thumb- shortly after Labor Day. Keep track of usernames and passwords for each school. FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act  11/15/2018

My best advice…… Apply as early as possible. As spaces fill, admission often becomes increasingly competitive, especially at schools with rolling admission. Colleges are like people, we have different personalities and can come across differently online (or in print) than we are in person….Take the time to get to know a school well before you make a commitment. You are about to make a significant investment of your time and money. It’s important that YOU take the lead in choosing the right college. 11/15/2018

Useful Resources North Carolina Community College System The College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) www.cfnc.org The University of North Carolina General Administration Homepage www.northcarolina.edu The North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Homepage www.ncicu.org North Carolina Community College System www.nccommunitycolleges.edu 11/15/2018

Contact Information zmccoy@elon.edu 336-278-7661 11/15/2018