Senior Admissions Planning Night Class of 2012 Mrs. Rae Ann Paolozzi Seniors: Ki - N

Contact Information Rae Ann Paolozzi School Counselor Potomac Falls HS Algonkian Parkway Potomac Falls, VA Office: Fax:

Post Secondary Plan Immediately enter Work Force Apprenticeship Military College Combination Define your goals: What does my Post Secondary Plan look like for me?

Application Process The Application Transcript Request Recommendations Resume/ Activities SAT/ACT Scores The Essay Interview Scholarships/ Financial Aid Summary

The Application Student contact information: / Cell Phone How many to apply? Early Decision/ Early Action/ Regular Decision/ Rolling Colleges prefer on-line submissions BUT there are some exceptions when they offer on-site admission opportunities Common Application ( Specific College, for example James Madison University and George Mason University are not on Common App Print out the application checklist for each college to ensure you are completing requirements by the deadline Print a copy of the completed application for your records

Transcript Release Form Copy in your packet MUST have this signed in order to release to colleges Fee: $3 per college transcript (No additional charge for sending mid-year transcript/ final transcript or scholarships) Critical to have correct admissions address, especially for out of state submissions School Profile is included with the transcript Transcript GPA/Class Rank are updated at the Semester End of Year Transcript: Student informs counselor of attending college

Recommendation Letters Refer to Letter of Recommendation form in your packet (not a requirement but a resource) Consult specific college for requirements Inform Teacher/ Counselor where/ deadline to submit the letter Provide any college specific forms, such as a Secondary School Report Form or Teacher/Counselor Evaluation Form Please ask well in advance of your deadline as there are often many students making similar requests.

Resume A quick reference for you as you fill out your college application regarding activities Useful for counselor/teacher writing your recommendation letter or applying for a job or internship Remember that colleges want depth in experience over a long list of activities where you were rarely present. Format: Sample available in the Senior Planning Portfolio (aka The Purple Packet) or Microsoft Office Template or other on line standard student resume template

Standardized Test Scores MUST be sent to colleges directly from testing agencies!

The Essay Be sure you address the prompt Adhere to word limit restrictions as stated Be accurate! Have someone review or read aloud to find any errors Be creative! Remember that admissions counselors read A LOT of essays. Avoid Clichés!

Interview Varies depending on the college If it is recommended, take advantage of the opportunity Prepare responses ahead of time: Tell me about yourself: What do you hope to gain from your education?: What makes you want to attend (insert college name)?: What do you know about our college? Dress professionally Interviews are often conducted by area alumnus Procedures are found on the specific college admissions website

Items for Mrs. Paolozzi Completed and signed Transcript Release Form Any necessary Secondary School Report Forms Inform of intended application submission ( EA, ED, RA, Rolling, or Priority ) Let me know if a counselor recommendation is required If applying to a college that requires teacher recommendations to be submitted with transcript, the name of the teacher. Please continue to communicate with me and be mindful of deadlines as I work with many other students with the same deadlines.

Scholarships/ Financial Aid Check the Career Center web site for updated information Various web sites have scholarship search engines Check with places of employment and professional affiliations for available scholarships Financial Aid Night: Wednesday, Dec 6:30 PM in the PFHS Auditorium Official FAFSA site: Check with specific colleges for their financial aid deadline

Summary of Student Responsibilities Student completes application Ensure accuracy Refer to Mrs. Paolozzi’s checklist (in packet) to help keep you on track Print copy for your records Communicate with parents/counselor/ teacher about what you are working on and any needed assistance Remember your deadlines!! Colleges do not need to accept your late application. Continue to work on any scholarship/ financial aid materials

Additional Resources Career Center: Link off the PFHS home page or contact Mrs. Thomas College Web Sites Family Connections:

Questions?