The College Application Process North Carroll High School Counselors Lacey Headley (A-G) Mary Susan Cunningham (H-O) Mary Jo Kraft (P-Z) Search Application Process Financial Aid & Scholarships Resources

The College Search Finding the Right Fit Location – Distance from home/ accessibility – Urban vs. Rural Size – Small, Mid-Size, Large – Average Class Size Relationships with professors Cost – In State vs. Out of State Tuition – Scholarship Opportunities – Financial Aid Two Year or Four Year – Community College vs. University

The College Search Finding the Right Fit Private or Public Cost Affiliations Prestige Academics Major Options Academic match Student Life Athletics, Greek Life, Travel Abroad Opportunities, Dining hall, Housing Amenities, etc.

The College Search Finding the Right Fit Review your high school transcript – Weighted & Unweighted GPA – Standard, Honors, & AP level courses Tests – ACT or SAT – Placement/ Accuplacer Test  Match your performance with average test scores and GPA of current freshman class using college websites

Tests SAT (Aptitude) ACT (Achievement ) Accuplacer/ Placement Test Writing ( ) Math ( ) Critical Reading ( )  Total Score Range (including Critical Reading) Subject Tests Required by some colleges English (1-36) Math (1-36) Reading (1-36) Science (1-36) Optional Writing Test (factored in to English portion)  Total Score 4-36 Reading Writing Math  Student performance determines placement into remedial or college level courses.  SAT Scores may exempt students from having to take the placement exam.  For optimal results students should take the test after completing English 11 and Algebra II (By the Fall Semester of Senior Year)  Register through or The NCHS School Code is  A photo ID is required when registering.

Identifying Resources School Counseling Department – Teachers Career & College Center – Print Resources – SET Information Sessions Online Resources College Websites Admissions Offices – Schedule a Tour – Open House Opportunities

Narrow It Down 2 “Safe” Schools Pros Cons 2 “Reach” Schools Pros Cons 2 “Good Fit” Schools Pros Cons

The Application Process WHEN should students apply? Students typically apply during the Fall Semester of their Senior Year. Identify the deadline for each school or if the school has rolling admission. Mark important dates on your calendar(s) and set reminders. Consider applying for early action if possible. Most of these deadlines are between October and December  Colleges accept ~70-80% of the freshman class from this deadline

The Application Process Early ACTIONEarly DECISION Apply with the first wave of applicants Selecting to find out acceptance offer early Binding decision Committing to going to that school if accepted

The Application Process HOW do students apply? Apply online or by mail  Some schools use the Common Application. Visit for a list of participating members. All forms are submitted electronically.  Some schools use their own applications (paper & online) versions. NCHS is NOT permitted to submit electronic forms through these sites. Paper copies of Counselor Forms and/or Teacher Forms must be printed and turned in to your counselor at least 2 weeks prior to the deadline.

The Application Process HOW do students apply? Letter of Recommendation Determine how many LORs are required. Identify appropriate staff members. Students should request a LOR in person or writing  giving at least 2-3 weeks notice. Complete a Student Brag Information Sheet (available in the Counseling Office) to help the person write a thorough letter.Student Brag Information Sheet Transcripts Complete a Transcript Request Form (available in the Counseling Office). Be sure to fill in ALL information. The first 3 transcripts are free and additional requests are $1.00 each.Transcript Request Form Please allow at least 2-3 weeks for processing.

The Application Process HOW do students apply? Test Scores Students can have their SAT/ACT test scores sent to colleges by indicating each school’s code through Test scores can also be included on your transcript if indicated on Transcript Request Form. Essay Be sure to answer the question. Consider having your English teacher review Proofread Interview Some schools have an interview portion of the application process, this is handled by each Admissions Office. Relax and be yourself!

The Application Process  Stay organized! – Keep track of deadlines – Be proactive in securing Letters of Recommendation and submitting paperwork  Be sure ALL components of each application are submitted.ALL

Financial Aid Need Based Merit Based Two Broad Categories of Aid $

Financial Aid Sources of Aid The Federal Government- offers grants and low interest loans to students and/or parents The State Government- offers grants based on need and/or merit for in- state schools Institutional Funds (from College or University)- aid may be based on need and/or merit Foundations, Community, Businesses, etcFoundations, Community, Businesses, etc. Bonds, Savings and Loans, Credit Unions- Parent & Student Loans

Financial Aid Loans & Grants Federal Loans PLUS Loans- for parents and not need-based Stafford Loans- for students Perkins Loans Subsidized Loans- Federal government pays the interest while the student is in school Work Study- federally funded student jobs Need-based Grants Pell FSEOG SMART Academic Competitiveness

Financial Aid Begin the process by researching what your eligibility may be – College Board- Big Future College Board- Big Future NCHS will be hosting a Financial Aid Meeting December 12 at 6:30pm. Parents & Students Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in January of their Senior year.FAFSA – Determines what a family is expected to contribute

Application Timeline Narrow Search  attend Open Houses Take the SAT/ACT test Begin Application Process Fill out application Secure Letters of Recommendation Submit necessary paperwork Fall Research estimated family contribution January  complete FAFSA Start researching & applying for scholarship opportunities Winter Continue researching & applying for scholarship opportunities May 1 st  Deadline to send Statement of Intent to Register Register to take Accuplacer Placement test if you are interested in attending a 2 year school Spring

Questions? North Carroll Counseling Department Lacey Headley (A-G) Mary Susan Cunningham (H-O) Mary Jo Kraft (P-Z) 1400 Panther Dr. Hampstead, MD (410) Fax (410)