College Application Procedure Night September 25, 2018 Personal stories of frustration

Purpose of College Application Night Minimize Anxiety Offer information Refine “The Process” Finding “The Right Fit” Answer Questions

Senior Schedule & Grades Importance Mid – Year grade reports Consistency of course work Maintain good academic standing

College Search Reminders

Narrowing Your Search Reach Target Safe While considering where to apply, narrow your choices down to about six schools. You want to give yourself a range of choices, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to two “safe” schools: Currently enrolled students at these colleges should have lower average GPA and standardized test scores than you do. You should feel that you have a 75–90 percent chance of getting in. Apply to two “reach” schools: These schools should be difficult for you to get into. Students enrolled should generally have higher GPAs and standardized test scores than you do. Often, these are extraordinarily difficult schools for anyone to get into. Apply to two “good fit” schools: Students should have GPAs and test scores similar to yours. These should be schools that you would be happy to go to and where you have a good chance of getting in.

College Search Checklist Public or Private Admissions Criteria (GPA, SAT, ACT) Location (state, region) Major/ Program of Study Size of School Cost Student Activities, Athletics Social Experience Honors Programs Specialized Programs

When Should I Apply? Be aware of Deadlines Submit Applications at least 2 weeks before deadline Nov. 16 - Guidance Deadline for January 1st Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling Admissions, Regular Look for application deadlines and apply early. Colleges usually begin accepting applications after the first quarter of your senior year. Check with individual colleges. Should be submitted no later than November 24 if you would like them mailed out by the Holiday Break in December. If you definitely know where you would like to go to college, you may apply using early decision or early action. Both of these options involve applying early in your senior year. You will receive notification from the college in December, January, or February. Do keep in mind, however, that early decision is binding. In other words, if the college accepts you and offers you an adequate financial aid package, you must go there. Early action is not binding. You may still apply to other colleges as part of regular admissions; however, many schools won’t allow you to apply to other schools as part of early action.

Application Components Online Application Letters of recommendation Essay Transcripts Test scores Must be sent by student to colleges/universities directly Activity Record Financial aid You can apply online or by mail to most colleges. Some colleges will accept the common form available online, which will save you time (http://app.commonapp.org/). Others will only accept their own form. Many applications require an essay and letters of recommendation from teachers or others who know you well. PITFALLS: Hit send before complete. Print out several times to check copy. All applications have a save function before hitting send. Proofread your application. Then, proofread it again. After that, ask someone else to proofread it for you. A spelling error won’t make a good impression on an admissions officer, and an incomplete form may not get reviewed at all.

The College Essay Check applications for essay topics Possible supplemental essays Content, substance, and depth of insight Creativity and originality Spelling and grammar are critical PROOFREAD! Operation Success Read the essay question carefully and make sure you respond to exactly what the question asks for. The questions are usually very broad, but you should still make sure you don’t respond off-topic. Make your essay a personal, engaging narrative. The essay should be about you and why you should be admitted to that particular college. Remember, admissions officers are people too—they like to read lively pieces of writing rather than dry essays. If you’ve had an obstacle or challenge in your life that you feel affected your high school career, explain it in the essay—but only if it fits the topic. You shouldn’t use this obstacle or challenge as an excuse for subpar grades; instead, just explain how it affected you both personally and academically. Proofread your essay, then have another person proofread it as well. You should also have someone critique the clarity of your essay.

Activity Record Include: clubs, sports, community service, employment, awards, etc. 1 page (or less) Prioritize activities Please give a copy to Counseling Dept.

The Common Application www.commonapp.org One application for multiple schools Some colleges require supplemental forms Must be matched with Naviance Family Connection

Naviance & Common App Match Naviance Family Connection Video on how to establish Common App account and match to Naviance Family Connection on Guidance Page (2 minute video) Establishing this connection allows us to send records electronically via Naviance

Teacher Letter of Recommendation Request in person & electronically via Naviance 2 weeks notice Give teacher form with accomplishments Thank you note Make sure that you can count on a positive letter of recommendation. If you aren’t sure, ask! Don’t wait until the last minute. Give the person writing the letter at least two weeks notice before the mail date. Not only is it rude to ask for a letter of recommendation at the last minute, but most people will write a better letter if you give them more time. Furnish the person writing the letter with a list of accomplishments, or provide them with a resume. [Note to presenter: a form for this purpose is provided.] Send them a thank you note. Save a copy of these recommendations for future use.

Application Processing Forms Pink – Regular Decision Blue – Early Action or Early Decision Used for internal tracking and verification Student folders Check Naviance Family Connection for updates on application status

Student/Athlete Reminder Interested in playing Division I or II collegiate sports? - You need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to be eligible to play. - Apply on-line at www.ncaa.org *Transcript can be sent via Naviance* College Athletics Presentation-October 3rd, 7pm, Auditorium

Upcoming College Events Oct 16th 5:30-8:30 Radisson Hotel, Hauppauge WSCA Oct 17th 5-7:30 pm Riverhead HS EECA Visits from college representatives to the Guidance Office during fall and spring ~ sign up in the Guidance Office for pass

Complete the FAFSA Can start applying 10/1 Attend Financial Aid Night at MPHS - Thursday, October 11 7pm FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.FAFSA.ED.GOV

Questions?