CONVERSATIONS WITH COUNSELORS: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR FIRST TIMERS Sarah Mazak, Guidance Counselor May 8, 2014

Objectives: Understanding the time-line associated with the college admissions process How to find a “good-fit” college Understanding the college application Understanding admissions terminology

Objectives Continued… Understanding standardized testing Understanding basics of financial aid How admissions decisions are made Expectations (of us and you) Open discussion

Opening Thought The college admissions process is different for every student and at every college.

Time line 9 th & 10 TH grade Challenging courses Good grades PSAT, Subject tests “Soft” conversations about college, invited to attend College Rep sessions, college visits

Time line 11 th and 12 th grade 11 th grade – fall/winter – PSAT, strong grades, challenging courses, SAT/ACT Prep class, SAT registration, college fair, start researching colleges 11 th Grade – Spring – maintain strong grades, start compiling a list, junior conference, college visits, take SAT/ACT Summer between 11 th & 12 th grade – further SAT study (if needed), fine tune college list

Time line – 12 th grade 12 th Grade – fall – maintain strong grades, senior conference, additional SAT/ACT (if needed), college visits, apply 12 th Grade – winter – FAFSA, college responses 12 th Grade – spring – DECIDE and DEPOSIT (May 1), inform other colleges, make decisions about “waitlist”

How to find/research colleges: What are the important factors (price, size, location, academic programs, culture of the school, other factors – athletics) Discussed at Jr. Conference College database search on Family Connections. College representatives visit MHS College fairs (CCM, NACAC -employee only- Edison in spring) College regional receptions

Resources for the College Process Family Connections Internet – Comprehensive college websites Bulletin board outside of the Guidance office for college rep. visits Catalogues - Left by college reps Books – Complete section at Barnes and Noble - Princeton Review, etc. Constant reminders from Mr. Levine

Campus Visits Sign up online Open houses – one stop shopping Making the most of college visits (tour guide, visit cafeteria, go “off track”) Combine schools by region

Understanding the college application (components) On-line (paper is not recommended) Common application, own application Application fee Teacher recommendation(s) – (done via Family Connections) Counselor recommendation College essay Supplemental information (portfolio, supplement, etc.)

Admissions Terminology Early decision (I and II) Early action Priority Rolling decision Regular decision Accept, decline, defer, waitlist

Admissions Testing SAT –(changing in March 2016 – affects current freshmen) SAT – subject exams ACT AP’s SAT optional schools (hundreds of 4- year schools- Test Prep classes

Financial Aid FAFSA v. CSS Profile Grants Loans Scholarships (merit, athletic, etc) Local & national scholarship list on FC

Factors in Admissions Decisions High School grades and strength of curriculum, test scores Recommendation(s), essay, extracurricular activities What does this person bring to the community? Interview Demonstrated interest (ED)

What Should Your Expectations be of Us? An individual Junior Conference meeting An open invitation for your child to stop by with questions/concerns Open Communication – we will usually call/ back within 24 hours Assistance throughout the process Various Programming

What are our Expectations of You? That you will have ongoing dialogue with your child about college. Junior Parent Brag Sheet That you will assist your child throughout the process (Keep ‘em on track) That you will be in contact with us about issues of concern for your family.

Open Discussion