SENIOR PARENT NIGHT: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Lisa van Ravenswaay Bridgett Marshall Scott Jefferies WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

TIME MANAGEMENT

 This night is for you. Ask questions as we go along. SENIOR PARENT NIGHT

 Last year Students researched colleges.  The college selection, application, and financial choice is a family affair  If your child is still struggling with this – please advise them to see me and I can help them with this search. SENIOR PARENT NIGHT

 As Parents you have many roles in the college admissions process:  Listener  Advocate  Advisor of deadlines  College trip organizer  Researcher  Cheerleader SENIOR PARENT NIGHT

 Read the Guidance Newsletter  Read the College and Career Weekly Updates  Upcoming events  Scholarships  College Rep visits  College open house dates  Employment opportunities  College Day – 9/26 in RCHS gym (12-2pm) KEEP INFORMED!

 College visits are important – like test driving a new car  Help them set up an overnight visit  Take your own notes on visits – compare your thoughts and views with those of your child KEEP INFORMED!

 Students feel a sense of urgency to get into the school they have chosen – but get frustrated and stymied with all the work that is expected.  Listen, be the asker of questions instead of provider of answers.  This process begins the year of “Letting Go” for both you and your son or daughter. KEEP COMPOSED.

 Have your child take OWNERSHIP of this process.  Even for the best time managers – this is an overwhelming endeavor.  This process requires team effort.  Help child stay organized – calendars, checklists, etc.  Post this on fridge, common area  This is the beginning of their independence… they are the ones going off to college. KEEPING AFTER.

 There is a place for every student after high school.  Need to look for “Best Fit” not “Best School” – a place where your child can be successful both academically and socially.  Admissions committees have your child’s interests at heart…  College admissions can be unpredictable – situations and needs change yearly. KEEP THE FAITH.

 School Profile  Parenting the College Applicant  Tips for Parents  The College Application Process  SAT and ACT testing  College Planning Calendar for Seniors  How to Give Your Counselor a College Application  Senior Transcript Mailing Form  17 Point Checklist  Information about Virginia Community College System SENIOR PARENT PACKET

 A copy of this will be sent to each school your child applies to for admission.  Gives general overview of the school so college admissions counselors have a better idea of what type of academic environment the student is coming from. SCHOOL PROFILE

 Open, honest communication between you and your child is critical to the success of the process.  Tips on how to help your child through this process. SOME ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT

 The Do’s and Do Not’s of the College Admissions Process for Parents  For example:  DO – learn about the process  DON’T – limit choices based on fees STEPS TO COLLEGE

 We will offer the SAT at RCHS in October, November, December, January and March.  We will offer the ACT at RCHS in October, December, February, April and June.  Registration deadlines generally are a month prior to test date.  Registration is online at collegeboard.org or act.org. SAT/ACT SCHEDULES

 These tests are not the determining factor of admissions – just part of a package.  Do not measure creativity, motivation, imagination, intellectual curiosity.  Grades in hard classes are better predictors of success in college than SATs… but together they improve that prediction.  Online prep tools are available on the SAT and ACT websites. SAT/ACT

 NCAA Clearinghouse  If your child plans on participating in NCAA athletics at the Division I (VT, UVA, Radford, VMI, Liberty, etc.) or Division II (VUU, VSU, UVA – Wise) level – they must be cleared as eligible by the NCAA.  If your child plans on participating in NCAA athletics at the Division III (WLU, BC, E&H, RMC, Ferrum, etc.) level – this is not necessary.  Go to NCAA clearinghouse website and register. NCAA

 This was given to each Senior during a Senior Meeting on the 1 st Friday of the school year.  If students follow this timeline and accomplish all goals on the checklist for each month – they will be in great shape for college admissions. SENIOR YEAR CALENDAR

 Breakdown of what to do and when to do it.  Collection of tips and insight on the lingo of the application process. THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

 Components of a College Application  Basic information, transcripts (courses and grades), test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and possibly interviews  Tips for Undertaking the Application Process  Application Timelines  Different Types of Applications  The Parent’s Role in the College-Choice Process THE COLLEGE APPLICATION

 Early Decision – binding. If deferred to regular admissions – you are released from contract to attend.  Early Action – Not binding – typically have until May 1 st to decide.  Rolling Admissions – will be informed of admission status 4-6 weeks after materials received.  Regular Admissions – wait until April. TYPES OF APPLICATIONS

 Colleges prefer students file applications online.  Some applications have a Part I and II. Part I needs to go in as soon as possible.  Deadlines: BE EARLY! Try to finish process before winter holiday. If there is a March deadline – finish over break and turn in early January.  IF – January 1 st DEADLINE – I must have ALL application materials by DECEMBER 1 st. I will not work over holidays. PAPERWORK

 Ms. van Ravenswaay needs this information no less than TWO WEEKS prior to the application due date.  A student’s procrastination will not lead to a Guidance Office crisis. HOW TO GIVE YOUR COUNSELOR A COLLEGE APPLICATION

 This is to be filled out with Ms. van Ravenswaay…  This helps us stay organized and know when our responsibilities have been completed. THE BLUE FORM

 Be perfect.  Colleges may ask for essays, teacher recommendations, transcripts, application fee.  ESSAYS – breathe life into the statistics and numbers  Lunch Bunch – opportunity.  Recommendations – 3 weeks notification is ideal.  For me the deadline is Sept. 21 st for Early applications, Sept. 28 th for Regular. PREPARING THE APPLICATION

THE FIVE P’s: Program – How challenging is the coursework? Performance – How well has the student done? Potential – Indicated by standardized test scores. Participation – What commitments outside the classroom? Job? Activities? Community service? Personality – Essay and teacher/counselor recommendations. Interviews. Can explain a bad year. WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR?

 17 things to think about when completing your application. CHECKLIST

 Great resource to use if your child is considering going to a community college.  What majors, certifications are offered at each community college in the Commonwealth of Virginia. COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 Students go to community college for a variety of reasons:  Reduced cost for the first two years  Not being able to get into the college of their choice so they work to transfer to that college after two years of community college work  The career they want requires only two years of community college work  Not sure what he or she wants to study  Not ready to leave home COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 These are available each week in the Guidance Office and are posted on our bulletin board and Guidance website.  Important Dates  Special Opportunities (College Day – 9/26)  Job opportunities  College Rep visits (sign up in guidance office)  Open Houses for popular schools  Additional Resources COLLEGE-CAREER WEEKLY UPDATE

 Good Match Schools – apply to 2-3 of these  Compatibility between student grades and academic quality of the school’s freshman profile.  Reach Schools – apply to 1-2 of these  If you’re thinking “it won’t hurt to try” then it is more than likely a reach school.  Safety Schools – apply to 1-2 of these  More than likely will not turn you away. Your child must be happy and willing to attend this school. WHAT ARE MY CHANCES?

 Great quick resource…  Deadlines  Federal School Codes  General information about each school QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO COLLEGES IN VIRGINIA

 Quick Guide to College Open Houses in Virginia VISITING COLLEGES?

 The remaining pages are just quick resources for you to thumb through and provide additional information about the college admissions process. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 Financial Aid Meeting in January  Financial Aid is based on MERIT and NEED.  What can you do now?  Get tax information together as soon as possible.  Can use 2011 tax return info – but will need to re-file.  Get FAFSA pin number – apply at  Look at College Cost Calculators online at each school’s website. This will give you a rough estimate of what it will cost to attend this school. FINANCIAL AID

QUESTIONS?