APPLYING TO YOUR COLLEGES Prior to filling out applications 1. Log on to Naviance Visit the NHS website - Click on the Naviance link (right hand side, second box down) If you have forgotten your username and/or password, please see your counselor Tip: With your counselor, make your Username the first initial of your first name and full last name and your Password your first initial and NHS Student ID for easy memory ex. Nancy Newington Username = nnewington, Password = n12345 Username______________ Password ______________ 2. Through Naviance, complete your Senior Personal Data Sheet so that your counselor can write your letter of recommendation If parents would like to contribute their thoughts, they can fill out the Parent Brag Sheet found in the same location on your Naviance account The Senior Personal Sheet and Parent Brag Sheet can be found by clicking the “About Me” tab, and is listed under “Surveys to take” (left hand column) 3. Update your RESUME on Naviance so teachers and counselors can write your recommendation 4. Ask a teacher for a recommendation face to face!

5. Register with the Common Application ( This will allow all of your application materials to be transmitted electronically Tip: Keep this password the same as your Naviance password above! Username_______________ Password________________ 6. Sign up to meet with College Representatives at NHS Check out if any of your prospective colleges are visiting NHS through your Naviance account Click the “Colleges” tab, and view Upcoming college visits Click on a school to sign up to attend the visit Print your confirmation page as your pass to attend the visit Now you can begin! FILL OUT YOUR APPLICATIONS  If your colleges are part of the Common Application apply on (  If your colleges are not a part of the Common Application, apply online on your college’s website  If your college does not accept online applications, please complete a paper copy (available on the college website) and neatly write or type

COMPLETE YOUR ESSAY  Essay topics should be found on or your individual school websiteswww.commonapp.org  If your colleges provide you options for your essay, make sure to pick a topic that you can utilize for all/most applications  Upload your essay to your application  Be sure to save your essay in a Word document! VISIT NAVIANCE  Request the submission of all other materials (transcript, quarter grades, school profile and recommendations) by clicking on the “Colleges I’m Applying to” link  Fill out the Blue “Important Privacy Notice for Common Application “form, including your common app information (username and password)It is best to click “Yes” to waiving your right to see your recommendation  Indicate the schools you are applying to and application type (Early Action, Early Decision, Rolling, etc.)  Add the name(s) of the teacher you asked for a recommendation  Remember, you must ask a teacher to write your recommendation in person prior to this step! In the personal note section, please write a note to your teacher reminding them of your application deadlines (see example next page)

 Example: “Mr. Newington, thank you for taking the time to write a letter or recommendation for me. It is greatly appreciated. This is a reminder that my applications are due 10/15.” Thank you!  If the name of the desired teacher does not appear in the drop down box, please notify your counselor  If you are applying through a Fast Track Application, you must still apply through the Common Application  In order to waive your fee for this, please choose “Other” under the application fee drop down box on your Common Application Account. FILL OUT SENIOR TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM  Submit this pink form to Ms. DeLude and Mrs. Kardok in the Main School Counseling office at least ten school days prior to your application due date  If you planning to apply to other schools in the future, another transcript request form must be submitted with additional schools listed  The application type (Early Action, Early Decision, Rolling, etc.) must be accurate here in order for your materials to be sent appropriately and on time  A parent and/or guardian signature is required for students under 18. Your materials cannot be sent without a signature!

 Log on to Naviance and check your “Colleges I’m Applying To” page  Here you can check if your materials and/or teacher recommendation are pending or have been submitted to your colleges  Be sure to check prior to your college deadlines to ensure timely delivery of materials Counselor Information: Mrs. Laura Charamut(860) x Mrs. Nancy Decoteau(860) x Dr. Nicole DeRonck(860) x Mr. Lukas Kailimang(860) x Mrs. Colleen Love(860) x Mrs. Lauren Mannes(860) x Mrs. Beth Mantell(860) x Ms. Kate Pelow(860) x School Information: Newington High School 605 Willard Avenue Newington, CT High School CEEB Code: CHECK YOUR APPLICATION STATUS via NAVIANCE

Financial Aid Information: FAFSA–Free Application for Federal Student Aid (for ALL SCHOOLS) To get your Pin #:  Do this before January 1 stwww.pin.ed.gov To fill out the FAFSA:  Cannot do this until January 1 stwww.fafsa.ed.gov CSS/Profile (Only for certain colleges, check the list to see if you need it.) To fill out the Profile go to:  Can do this as of Oct. 1 stwww.collegeboard.com Scholarships: Newington: Keep an eye out in Homeroom for the Local Scholarship Booklet available in early spring. General scholarship search: ****YOU MUST HAVE YOUR SAT/ACT SCORES SENT DIRECTLY TO THE COLLEGE FROM THE TESTING WEBSITE********YOU MUST HAVE YOUR SAT/ACT SCORES SENT DIRECTLY TO THE COLLEGE FROM THE TESTING WEBSITE**** Key Points:Key Points: Letters of Recommendation:  Ask 1-2 teachers to write a letter on your behalf. This must take place in person and prior to requesting them on Naviance!  Make sure you give teachers enough time to write your recommendation  Lastly, remind teachers to write your recommendations by requesting them through your Naviance account WRITE THEM A THANK YOU CARD!

Senior Personal Data Sheet:  Must be filled out on your Naviance account in order for your counselor to write a letter of recommendation for you (10 school days BEFORE you want the recommendation sent!!)  Your Senior Personal Data Sheet is only viewed by your counselor Applications:  Many college applications are online- this is the preferred method to submit applications  Make folders for each college to keep materials organized  Remember- you are responsible for having your SAT/ACT scores sent to the college electronically KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES Essay:  Pay attention to spelling and grammar  Have a teacher review your essay  The essay can only boost a candidate’s chance for admissions Athletes:  Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse – REMEMBER: Your grades matter your senior year!