12 th Grade Parent Night

Tonight’s Agenda College Admissions Review The Dreaded Application! Timeline

College Admissions Review Different criteria for each college (the “formulas”) Application deadlines Early Decision – can only apply to one ED school Early Action – can apply to several (non-binding) Restricted Early Action – can only apply to one REA or ED school (not both). But REA is non-binding Scholarship deadlines – these are typically the early action deadlines, or similar timeframe Making a Decision Don’t panic! Nothing is set until May! (unless you do an ED school)

The Application The 4.0 scaled GPA is Unweighted – critical! Colleges use 9 th -11 th grades – but they will see all classes on the transcript GSMST classes are all listed as Honors, Advanced, or AP – this is big! Community service, volunteer work, jobs – they all matter We do not rank. Entire districts do not rank. This is not something the colleges will worry about

College Timeline for 12 th Grade NOW – students ask teachers for recommendations NOW – college list finalized, Common App account created if needed NOW – Essay work is being done in 12 th grade language arts By October 15 th, apply to at least one school Safety school Scholarship deadline schools November – Financial Aid Night, CSS Profile opens Winter Break – finish regular deadline applications January - FAFSA opens, Jan 5 is usually the last admissions deadline March – start to hear from schools; financial aid packages May 1 – must notify school of attendance

New This Year Two College Fair Days (mini-fairs) Consolidated all visit requests to same day September 11, 12:00 September 24, 11:00 All other visits are during 7 th period

FAFSA Opens in January Can use the tax forms from prior year, but you will have to update it with new tax information Can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (in the FAFSA) if you use prior tax information Financial Aid can be first-come, first served. So fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible. Some schools have Financial Aid deadlines of February 15 th, sometimes earlier. Know these deadlines and use prior year tax forms if needed

Final Thoughts… Try not to worry! me at any time with questions – Your students get a lot of information at school – if they seem to be lost, me! Our alumni have been very successful, your students will be, too! Tons of fun events planned… watch the calendar