Class of 2012 College Application Process

Today’s Agenda Creating Your College List The College Application  Student’s Responsibilities  School’s Responsibilities Process for Requesting Letters of Recommendation & Transcripts Why use Naviance?

Your College List: Research College & university websites College Fair – Sept 24 Stone Bridge HS College visits to the Career Center College Open Houses scheduled in local area Visit the college campus Discuss college options & costs with your parents

Your College List: Finding the Right “Fit” Location Size Career goals Academic majors Financial aid H.S. course requirements and recommendations Academic profile of admitted students Student life Diversity of student body Appearance of facilities Athletic programs Extracurricular interests Study abroad programs ROTC Dorms/residence halls Available support services The “feel” of campus Cost (don’t rule out private or out-of-state colleges)

Life After High School: Why Plan? Post-secondary education opens doors Post-secondary education gives you options Post-secondary education can help you make a difference Post-secondary education creates earning power

Life After High School: Why Plan? Median Earnings by Level of Education (2007): ◦High School Dropout: $25,000/year ◦High School Diploma: $33,00/year ◦Associate Degree (2-Year/Community College): $41,000/year ◦Bachelor’s Degree (4-Year): $56,000/year ◦Advanced Degree (masters, professional, doctoral): $75,000/year

Options for Life After High School Trade-schools/Apprenticeships ◦Many “trades” have more earning potential than careers that require a 4-year degree Military ◦Enlisting in the military and earning a college degree are not mutually exclusive ◦Enlisting in the military can help pay for college ◦Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is available at many colleges ◦Recruiters can provide more information

Options for Life After High School College ◦Associates Degree: 2-year degree (typically earned at a community college or a junior college) ◦Bachelor’s Degree: 4-year degree ◦Master’s Degree: Typically 2 additional years after earning a bachelors ◦Doctoral Degrees & Professional Degrees: PHD, JD, MD, DC

Options for Life After High School Community College ◦Students can earn an Associates Degree, or, students can complete the first year or two of a Bachelors Degree ◦Make sure the community college knows what your goals are! ◦If you plan to transfer after a year or two, do your homework!

Options for Life After High School Benefits of community college ◦NOVA is one of the best community colleges in the country ◦Relatively inexpensive ◦Close to home ◦A “small step” into higher education ◦Usually “open” admissions

NOVA Pathways Program While you are in high school, the Pathway Program provides… ◦Early placement testing and priority fall registration ◦Participation in selected social, athletic and cultural events at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University (Mason) ◦Individual meetings with Pathway counselors to prepare for college transition, including major and career selection and financial planning ◦Workshops on college transition issues, including the application process, placement test preparation and applying for financial aid and scholarships

Pathways Cont. While you are at NOVA, the Pathway Program provides… ◦Designated program counselors to guide you through your college career, including course, major and career planning and financial aid ◦Assistance with transferring to a four-year college or university ◦Academic and personal enrichment workshops conducted by NOVA counselors ◦Continued participation in designated Mason social, athletic and cultural events ◦Opportunity in your second year to enroll in classes at Mason while completing your NOVA degree ◦Opportunity, if qualified, to apply early for junior year admission to Mason

How many colleges should I apply to? We encourage you to apply to 5-7 colleges to allow yourself several options.

Your College List Reach Schools: Reach School = colleges & universities whose admitted students may have a higher average GPA and SAT score Don’t be afraid to apply to schools that may be a stretch. You never know what they are looking for when they select their freshman class. Consider applying to 1-2 reach schools. You will not know if they will accept you unless you apply!

Your College List Target Schools: Target School= colleges & universities whose admitted students’ average GPA & SAT are comparable to yours You should feel comfortable with these, knowing that you have a good chance of getting accepted Consider applying to at least 2 target schools

Your College List Safety/Backup Schools: Safety Schools = colleges & universities whose admitted students’ average GPA & SAT score are significantly lower than yours Great confidence that you will be accepted – almost guaranteed acceptance Ask yourself – Would you go here if it was the only college you were accepted to? Consider applying to at least 1 safety school

You have your college list… now what?

Components of a College Application Student’s Responsibilities: Complete application (on college website) Sending Test Scores: SAT and/or ACT tests Requesting Letters of Recommendation & Transcripts Submitting Supplemental Information to Colleges Guidance’s Responsibilities: Transcript Secondary School Report Counselor Letter of Recommendation

College Application Apply Online!!! ◦Visit each college’s website for specific instructions on how to access the application ◦Remember your log-in information – keep it in a safe place for future reference ◦Make sure your address is appropriate ◦ Encouraged to develop a for all college/scholarship info ◦Be sure to complete supplemental information for each college (see application requirements) ◦Common Application – ◦CHECKLIST – review form

College Application Follow Instructions & Proofread!  Complete all required sections  Carefully follow all instructions  Proofread before you submit Application Fee  Must be paid before the deadline or it’s considered incomplete  See us if you need an application fee waiver

College Application Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! ◦Best to check individual college admission websites for the deadline ◦Must submit college applications before the deadline ◦Highly recommended to submit applications early, so that you have time to verify that the college has received all components of the application ◦Deadline for scholarships may be earlier than the admissions deadline– Check each school for this information!!!

CollegeRegular DecisionEarly DecisionEarly ActionPriorityRolling Notification Averett University1-Sep--1-MayYes Bridgewater College1-Jul---Yes Christendom College1-Mar-1-Dec1-Mar- Christopher Newport University1-Feb15-Nov1-Dec-- Eastern Mennonite University1-Aug--1-Feb- Emory & Henry College-1-Nov-15-FebYes Ferrum College---1-MarYes George Mason University15-Jan-1-Nov-- Hampden-Sydney College1-Mar15-Nov15-Jan-- Hampton University1-Mar-1-Nov-- Hollins University1-Aug1-Dec-15-Feb- James Madison University15-Jan-1-Nov - Jefferson College of Health Sciences31-Jul15-Oct--- Liberty University30-Jun-- Yes Longwood University15-Jul-1-Dec1-Mar- Lynchburg College-15-Nov15-Oct-Yes Mary Baldwin College-15-Nov--Yes University of Mary Washington1-Feb-15-Nov-- Marymount University---1-AprYes Norfolk State University31-May---Yes Old Dominion University1-Feb-1-Dec-- VA College/University Deadlines

CollegeRegular DecisionEarly DecisionEarly ActionPriorityRolling Notification Piedmont Virginia Community College23-Aug---- Radford University1-Feb-1-Dec-- Randolph College1-Mar-1-Dec - Randolph-Macon College1-Mar15-Nov 1-Feb- Richard Bland College15-Aug---- University of Richmond15-Jan15-Nov--- Roanoke College15-Aug1-Dec--Yes Shenandoah University---1-MarYes Southern Virginia University31-Jul---- Stratford University30-Jul29-Apr--- Sweet Briar College1-Feb---- Valley Forge Christian College Woodbridge Campus1-Aug---- Virginia Commonwealth University15-Jan---- Virginia Military Institute1-Feb15-Nov--Yes Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University15-Jan1-Nov--- Virginia State University1-May--31-Mar- Virginia Wesleyan College--10-Dec1-JanYes University of Virginia1-Jan-1-Nov-- University of Virginia's College at Wise1-Aug-1-Feb1-Apr- Washington and Lee University2-Jan15-Nov--- College of William and Mary1-Jan1-Nov--- VA College/University Deadlines

Standardized Tests SAT and/or ACT required for admission to most 4-year colleges & universities Encouraged to take by November SAT Subject Tests: ◦Why take the tests ◦Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests. In addition, you can enhance your application, demonstrate knowledge you’ve gained outside the classroom, and potentially place out of introductory courses. Upcoming test dates: SAT: Register at October 1st – late registration (fee applies) by September 21 st November 5 th – register by October 7 th ACT: Register at October 22 nd – register by September 16th December 10 th – register by November 4 th

Standardized Tests You must send your official score reports to each colleges directly from College Board or ACT Select score report recipients when you register online (4 free) Must pay a fee per score report if you request to send to college after you take the test Send to NCAA (9999) if you want to play NCAA sports in college

College Essays & Personal Statements Your chance to “speak” to the admissions committee Lets them know you’re more than a number It’s worth your time, thought, & energy See it as an opportunity! Be sure to address the specific question/prompt if a college provides one

Teacher Letters of Recommendation Check with each college to see if teacher letters are required or recommended Think carefully about who you ask: ◦Try to select a core academic teacher who knows you well and who can write a strong letter of recommendation ◦Consider asking a coach, sponsor, or another teacher who may know you in a different context Ask early – at least 2-3 week prior notice Write a thank you note to the teacher once the letter is sent & inform them of whether you were accepted

What should I give to teachers? List of colleges to which you’re applying & the deadlines Any school-specific or Common App forms that the teacher needs to complete along with his/her letter Any documents the teacher requests, such as your resume and/or personal statement Envelopes (addressed & stamped if appropriate) Instructions on how each letter needs to be submitted to the college….

LOR Cover Sheet

College Name Office of Undergraduate Admission Street Address and/or Box City, State Zip Student Name Street Address City, State Zip Option 1: Teacher Mails Letter Directly to College

Option 2: Teacher Submits Letter Online Many colleges ask students to list the teacher’s name and address when the student completes the online application Inform teacher how to submit letter online ◦Will they receive an from the college or Common App with specific instructions?

Option 3: Teacher’s Letter Mailed with Transcript from Guidance Office Provide teacher with an envelope for each college with the name of the college & your name printed on the front Ask teacher to seal envelope & sign across the seal Collect sealed letters from teacher Attach letter to each pink transcript request form when you give it to Guidance Office Teacher letters of recommendation must be attached to pink transcript release form if you want it mailed with your transcript

Official Transcript Guidance sends your official transcript to each college: ◦At the time you apply (to all colleges you request) ◦Mid-year sent with 1 st semester grades (to all colleges – no need to submit another transcript request – we automatically send) ◦At the end of the year – final transcript is sent to the college you plan to attend

PINKFORMPINKFORMPINKFORMPINKFORM PINKFORMPINKFORM

PINK Transcript Request Form Print legibly Be specific! ◦Do not use abbreviations for the college name ◦List the city/state in which the college is located ◦List the specific deadline (ASAP and “Rolling” are NOT acceptable deadlines – exact dates please!) ◦Check off which documents you want us to send Attach teacher letter(s) of recommendation if you want the letter(s) sent with your transcript Student & parent must sign each request form Pay $3 for each transcript request (cash or check made payable to Woodgrove High School)

PINK Transcript Request Form Must be submitted to Guidance for each college to which you would like your transcript sent at least 3 weeks prior to the college application deadline. COLLEGE DEADLINEREQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT & COUNSELOR LETTER DUE TO GUIDANCE November 1October 11 November 15October 25 December 1November 3 (to account for Thanksgiving Break) December 15November 17 (to account for Thanksgiving Break) January 1December 1 (to account for Winter Break) January 15December 15 (to account for Winter Break) February 1January 11 February 15January 25 March 1February 8 March 15February 22

Counselor Letter of Recommendation Minimum of 3 weeks notice Students will submit a Student/Parent Insight Sheet Counselor letter will be mailed with your Transcript and Secondary School Report (SSR) Be sure to check off that you would like a Counselor Letter of Recommendation on your pink transcript request form. If you don’t check that you want a counselor letter sent, we will not send it.

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College Application Process Student Applies to College Student Submits Pink Form to Guidance Counselor Completes SSR & LOR Ms. Holland Mails Transcript & Updates Naviance Student Requests Letters of Recommendation Provide Teacher With Deadlines, Instructions, Cover Letter Resume, & Envelopes Teacher Mails To College, Submits Online, or Gives to Student to Submit with Pink Form Student Submits Supplemental Information Student Sends SAT and/or ACT Scores to Colleges Student Submits Required Financial & Residency Information Student Completes & Submits Essays, Portfolios, Auditions, etc. Ms. Holland Prints Transcript

Update your address so that you receive important college & scholarship info Create a resume/Activity Profile – template provided to students Sign up for college visits during open lunch (print out confirmation as your pass) Scholarship searches Check status of transcript requests

Check Your Frequently! Why? Updates on colleges visiting WHS Information on scholarships, honors, recognitions, special programs (some with short notice) COLLEGES USE AS THEIR PRIMARY FORM OF COMMUNICATION WITH YOU RE: YOUR APPLICATION!

Overwhelmed? Still confused? Breathe! Develop an action plan & timeline to meet your goals and the deadlines Don’t procrastinate! Seek assistance and be proactive. We are here to help!

Some Advice Complete applications one at a time ◦One by Halloween ◦One by Thanksgiving ◦The rest by Winter Break Use the checklist provided! Pay attention to deadlines! HAVE FUN!

Questions