Westwood Guidance Department Senior College Program Monday September 23, 2013

Stressed about college applications?

Important Reminders  Make certain that your academic preparation is adequate for admission  Establish a range of schools in which to apply  Keep up with your studies  Attend meetings with college representatives  Consult college references for information  Plan for campus visits  Register for standardized testing, if appropriate  Review applications  Become familiar with college admissions terms

“Demonstration of Interest” An important factor!  Interview if available  Visit college campuses  Visit college websites  Attend college rep visits

 Reach Schools  Match Schools  Safety Schools How many applications?

 Traditional  Rolling  Early Decision  Early Action  Please check for Individual College Deadlines Types of Admissions Patterns

Early Admits  Applying early shows that you really want that school. Therefore the college may dip deeper into the early admit pool. Colleges want to lock up quality applicants.  Important – You must be in the required range for your match or safety school

 Start / plan early  Follow directions  Watch deadlines  Allow enough time for writing and revising (Last minute submissions do not show your best side) Four “musts” in filling out an application

 Complete application(s)  Organize the applications by deadline dates (financial aid deadline may be different)  Type or print a clear, neat, clean final form  Check for errors!  Ask your parents to review the application  Provide ample time for processing the application Simple but Crucial…

We now use Edocs through Naviance Family Connection for transcripts and recommendation letters. This ensures that materials arrive in the college admissions offices in the timeliest manner possible. odrhs odrhs Guidance has Gone Green!

 Check in with teachers about their letters of recommendation after asking for them in person and through Naviance  Return the Student Information Sheet to your counselor  Return Parent Brag Sheet to your counselor  Return the “Authorization to Release Educational Records” form to your counselor STUDENT CHECK LIST…

Continued:  Send official SAT and/or ACT scores directly to colleges via or  Official scores can only be sent this way.

 SAT (register at October 5 th November 2 nd December 7 th (offered at Westwood) January 25 th, 2014  ACT (register at October 26 th (offered at Westwood) December 14 th Upcoming Test Dates

Everyone MUST register for a Common Application account at – this is essential as a link to our Naviance system To Do List…

Complete college applications online through Common Application

Use “Westwood Guidance Department College Application Process” checklist form to ensure that all steps have been taken and deadlines followed for application process. Guidance Senior Checklist

Who’s responsible for what? The STUDENT is responsible for:  Submitting applications  Requesting SAT or ACT to forward the test scores  Requesting letters of recommendation from teachers both in person and in Naviance  Completing transcript request in Naviance and on paper

WHS is responsible for:  Transcript  School counselor letter  Teacher Recommendations  School Profile

ABC’s of College Planning

Financial Aid Program December 16 th at 7 pm

 Chance to meet college counselors at Fairleigh Dickinson University  Thursday September 26 th, 2013 at the Rothman center.  The college fair will be from 6-9pm.  Introduce yourself and find out some valuable information. College Fair at FDU!

 An interactive college information program.  Monday October 21, in Campbell Auditorium The Admissions Game

Don’t Double Deposit!! Prevents other students from being taken off a wait list and prevents colleges from predicting accurate enrollment VS. Need to wait for other possible acceptances and continue negotiating financial aid with several colleges.

Guidance DeadlineCollege Application Deadline  September 30 October 15  October 1November 1  November 1November 15  November 11December 1  November 29December 15  December 6January 1  January 10February 1 *** Student checklist must be completed by guidance deadline in order to meet corresponding college application deadline. DEADLINES!

 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter  Go to the Guidance Department Website for links!

Please feel free to ask questions now or contact your school counselor…  Ms. Debrody or  Mrs. or x2055  Mrs. Gadaleta or  Mr. Aiello or Questions?

We hope you feel less stressed!