College Admissions Process Cathie Banks April 28, 2005

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND !!! Do your research –Choose 2 Georgia Colleges and 7 out of state colleges –Do the MATH.... TUITION BOOKS FOOD AND LODGING INCIDENTALS

Do a REALISTIC Review of Family Finances ! Start with the WORST case scenario ( job loss or financial crisis) –Analyze how this situation would impact family and your college plans Review CURRENT financial state –Analyze how this would impact family and your college plans

Study the TOTAL college ! What matters most to you the student –Distance from home Consider additional travel costs –Prefer small or large classes –Liberal Arts, Engineering, Combination Georgia State vs Georgia Tech vs University of Georgia –Sports, clubs, extracurricular

NARROW YOUR CHOICES! Plan a “touring” trip to the colleges –Go on Internet and obtain information about “campus tours” Set up a planned tour BUT after tour leave enough time to walk around campus and talk to students Get the “feel” for the school...just like you did for our magnet! –Select the colleges you SERIOUSLY would like to attend

How to choose the “right” teacher to ask for your recommendation. Teacher who knows you well. Taught you in a class in which you were actively involved Knows your attributes: collaborative skills, analytical skills, higher thinking skills Willing to take the time necessary to write the best possible letter.....

Obtain Applications...most are online. You ONLY get one try to make a FIRST impression ! Always fill out forms neatly in Black Ink ! If you can’t print/write neatly, use a computer! Even the envelope you will be mailing must be neatly done! –Mrs. Banks returns anything not meeting the HIGHEST standards!

All forms labeled Counselor go to Mrs. Banks Fill out your portion completely and be sure to sign and date form (s). You should “ask” the teacher or Mrs. Banks to fill out your forms in a face to face meeting.... Always include a brief letter explaining the purpose of the forms. Explain what the recommendation should highlight ( academic, service, athletics, volunteer work) #1 Place envelope in black tray #2 Sign in “Tracker Book” –List ALL college applications you need completed and the DATE it is due.

ALWAYS include completed Information for Counselor Recommendation form or your resume. Place all of the forms in a clearly marked closed envelope and bring to Mrs. Banks’ office You MUST allow 10 school days to receive completed forms !!!! –This is true for Mrs. Banks and ALL teachers

Process continued... #1 Place envelope in black tray #2 Sign in “Tracker Book” –List ALL college applications contained in your envelope and the DATE due. #3 Wait 10 days. #4 Come to my office, check your file and take your completed form (s).

A picture is worth a 1000 words #1 #2 Fill in sheet

WAIT 10 DAYS AND LOOK IN YOUR FILE.... Completed recommendation

Once you have your completed application.... Take it to the Guidance Department and sign for an “official” transcript –Only Guidance can notarize your transcript Guidance will mail your transcript to colleges you designate –Remember $2 for EACH transcript –You can give them your completed forms and your check if you want to mail everything together.

What if I lose my forms... Go to the following website and download the file....it is in Word so that you can type on it. –

Packet here!

Finally Write a “short” but sincere note to each person who helped you with your applications. –This should be done shortly after you have sent your forms in. Your teachers have taken on an additional time commitment to help you so they deserve your gratitude!

We must work together... It is vitally important that WE work together to attain the highest possible level of success! –You have worked diligently for 4 years and deserve the best possible recommendation.

Scholarships Go to various websites

Let’s review the information in your packet...