COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS Understanding The College Application Process

Parental Roles: Understand that this can be an overwhelming experience Keep lines of communication open Resist the urge to do the work for your child Help, guide and encourage

There is NO PERFECT College or University! 1.Snowflake – year colleges 2.Marketing – Not perfect fit for everyone – Syracuse 118/0 3.Quilt – Not the same stitch or pattern – crafting individual classes 4.Jeff Gordon – Driver is more important than the vehicle.

The Process…First: Search for colleges –Internet –Catalogs –Counselors –College fairs October 25 th Collingswood -Open Houses - check b-board Considerations: –Location –Program/major –Academic profile –Activities/athletics –Career placement –Graduate opportunities –Affordability

NEXT: Visit the campuses—soon! Schedule interviews (if appropriate) Complete the application Essay: No such thing as optional –Don’t use “Sports as a metaphor for life” –Write about what you know –Select 3 types of schools A safe school (Only if you would go - a county college) College for A Day at CCC 1-3 realistic schools 1 dream school One should be a NJ school

STUDENT WILL: Take SAT (Oct 6 (late 21 st $77) or Nov 3 (Oct 4) and/or ACT (Oct 27 (Sept 21st) Write a resume or activity report as a basis for teachers to use for writing recommendations (get at least 3) Write essay (with help of English teacher)

Pay close attention to DEADLINES Watch for test requirements Consider admissions options Apply to NCAA Clearinghouse (if necessary)

Bring completed application (neatly and completely done in black ink) to counselor along with: –Check for application fee –Stamps (4 per application, or book) –Transcript Request Form If application submitted on-line, bring verification page in to be sent with supporting documents Keep in touch with counselor Get scholarship updates –CHS Scholarship Bulletin –Internet sites, esp. FASTweb.com

COUNSELOR WILL: Proofread applications Assist student with corrections/modifications Attach transcript, letters of recommendation, essay, and resume Every Wednesday from 2:50-4:30 in LMC for help with the process

FINANCIAL MATTERS Thoughts of paying weighing you down?:  Get a FAFSA worksheet ( )  Apply for two pin #s, one for parent, one for student at  Be HONEST! Spell it OUT!  Financial Aid Night January  College Goal Sunday –February for low income families  Make early tax appointment  Assist with scholarship search  Help organize financial aid packages when they arrive  Negotiate with colleges

COUNSELING OFFICE CONTACTS: Office #: Ms. Fischer A – Gh Mrs. Schieb Gi – O Mr. Gaughan P – Z Mrs. Wister Supervisor Mrs. Devereaux Secretary -6006

Thank you! Have a pleasant evening. It is my pleasure to work with you, your children, and the community of Collingswood. Go Phils!