SENIOR PARENT BREAKFAST THE JOURNEY OF APPLYING TO COLLEGE BEGINS

What is the goal? To apply and be admitted to a number of schools, all of which your child would be happy to attend. Talk about our philosophy….lots of wonderful colleges/universities…your task…enjoyable…to explore and now why you are interested in each school on the list…never have a school on your list that is on there to please somebody else…we will suggest universities throughout the process, but it is your job to know why you are applying

What are the colleges looking for Academically rigorous program Grade Point Average (GPA) SAT/ACT scores Extra Curricular Activities Essays Counselor Recommendation Secondary School Report Teacher Recommendations School Profile This list is in no particular order Jo Talk about their relative importance to the different university systems

APPLICATION PROCESS NUTS AND BOLTS

NAVIANCE https://connection.naviance.com Creating a resume/activity sheet (Due September 15) Creating a Student Brag Sheet (Due September 15) Creating a Parent Brag Sheet (Due September 15) Waiving your right (given under FERPA) to read/have access to your counselor and teacher recommendations Authorizing Glen Ridge HS to release your transcript to all colleges to which you are applying Verify your Common Application Account Request your HS Transcripts to be sent to colleges Determine whether a school requires Electronic Submission or Mailed Submission (for transcripts, school and counselor/teacher recommendations) Indicate whether using the common application for each application Request Teacher Recommendations Track Application Submission Status 5

What Glen Ridge High School Sends.. Transcript with GPA and the senior year schedule. Any change in schedule, an updated transcript will be sent. High School profile Letters of recommendation Transcript requests are due 15 school days prior to the deadline.

NEW THIS YEAR!! Application fee: $3.00 - For Mailed applications only Instead of collecting stamps and envelopes No longer have to hold up applications

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES… Submitting Brag Sheets & the Student Questionnaire Requesting Transcript/Recommendation (online) Sending in the application and fee Sending in the essay Sending Official SAT/ACT test scores Signing up with the NCAA clearinghouse if applicable

Sending and Releasing SAT/ACT Scores: Important! It is YOUR responsibility to release and send your scores! Remember: SAT and ACT scores can be released per sitting (you choose).

You must release your scores! You can do this by going online (Go to www.act.org or www.collegeboard.com ) Our code: 310435 Be sure to save the confirmation for your records Keep all records and copies of reports in one place

NCAA Clearinghouse REMEMBER: Register online with the NCAA (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net ) Bring transcript release forms to Guidance --these can be printed

ESSAY ESSAY ESSAY This is the part of the application that should demonstrate your personality, talents and creativity. It is a reflection about who you are—be honest and interesting! Share a story that tells something unique about yourself. Show a side of yourself that your application doesn’t reveal.

Write…Write...and Rewrite. Give your essay to the School Counselors--exchange ideas and get feedback Run these by the English teachers or other respected personnel for suggestions

Be Aware of Deadlines Rolling Admissions Early Action Early Decision Regular Decision Priority Applications

Contact with the Colleges: Make yourself known! Show your interest! Campus Visits (be certain to take an official tour through the Admissions’ Offices) Follow-up with e-mails and thank you notes (simple courtesies can’t hurt) See and talk to the college reps at: The Glen Ridge HS Fair Evening Sessions held at Hotels Fairs sponsored by groups of schools Check online for dates

Parent Responsibilities Fill out Parent Brag Sheet Continue to visit colleges with your child Accompany your child on college interviews Discuss financial resources Assist in exploring scholarship opportunities Support your child’s interests and concerns

Success is Where Preparation and Opportunity Meet!!! The better preparation, attention and organization, the better the outcome. We know it seems overwhelming, but the Guidance Department is here to help. 17

DATES TO REMEMBER October 14---- Admissions Game 8:30am Ridgewood Ave. Auditorium October 26---- GRHS College Fair 11:15am GRHS Main Gymnasium December 6 ---- Financial Aid Night 7:00 PM, GRHS Media Center December 22 ---- Alumni Student Panel 2:05 (Block 8), LGI

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR COLLEGE JOURNEY Please Contact Your Child's Counselor Thanks for Coming Mrs. Carvell Mr. Ward Ms. Landgraber