Jr./ Sr. Timelines And The College Admissions Process

TIMELINE JUNIOR YEAR - SPRING –Take SAT and/or ACT –Senior year course registration –Research colleges, note individual admissions requirements –Conduct campus visits

TIMELINE SENIOR YEAR - FALL –Narrow down list of colleges –Make any final campus visits –Meet college reps at GB or Higher Ed Night –Make an appointment with your Guidance Counselor to complete a Senior Interview –SAT again and/or SAT II –Obtain and complete applications by November 26th (except early decision) –Look for Scholarship Booklet before Christmas break

TIMELINE SENIOR YEAR – SPRING Scholarship Booklet DUE MARCH 2, 2014 Financial aid application-FASFA Make final college selection and pay deposit Complete all required materials for college, e.g. housing, financial aid Continue to apply for scholarships

ADMISSIONS PROCESS Research Standardized Tests Campus Visits Admissions Terms Financial Aid

RESEARCH Peterson’s Guides of 2 and 4-Year Colleges College catalogues and videos Directories

RESEARCH Computer Research *Mynextmove.org *Internet Web Sites College Home Pages (

STANDARDIZED TESTS SAT I (Reasoning Tests) SAT II (Subject Tests) ACT (English, Math, Reading, Science) *optional writing test

STANDARDIZED TESTS SAT I, SAT II Nov.8 Registration deadline of Oct. 9 Dec.7 Registration deadline of Nov. 6 Jan.24 Registration deadline of Dec. 29 March 14 Registration deadline of Feb. 13 May 2 Registration Deadline of April 6 June 6 Registration Deadline of May 8 Online collegeboard.com

STANDARDIZED TESTS ACT and ACT Plus Writing Oct. 25 Registration Deadline of Sept.19 Dec. 13 Registration Deadline of Nov. 7 April 18 Registration Deadline of March 13 June 13 Registration Deadline of May 8 Online actstudent.org

CAMPUS VISITS Purpose Scheduling visits Interview Questions to ask After the visit

PURPOSE OF VISIT See facilities first hand Conduct an interview Visit surrounding community Speak with students

SCHEDULING THE VISIT Spring/summer of junior year When college is in session Schedule campus tour and interview

INTERVIEW Schedule ahead of visit Only opportunity in process to present yourself in person Information session Be prepared with questions Mock interview for practice Present yourself well

QUESTIONS TO ASK What is distinctive about the college? Academic programs available? Class Size? Teacher - Student Ratio? Professors versus Graduate Assistants? Support services? Career development? Extra-curricular activities? Greek life? Residence life? Computer accessibility? Campus employment?

AFTER THE VISIT Write down your impressions. Can you picture yourself there for 4 years? Do you need more information? Examine pros and cons.

TYPES OF APPLICATIONS SUNY Application SUNY Supplemental Application Private School Application Common Application Online Applications

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS Student essay Recommendations Transcripts- release form Mid-year and final grade reports

ADMISSIONS TERMS Open Admissions Regular Admissions Rolling Admissions Early Decision Articulation and “2-plus” programs Early Admissions

OPEN ADMISSIONS College accepts all students with a high school diploma, GED, or qualifying entrance exam

REGULAR ADMISSIONS Applications accepted by specific deadline Entire application pool is reviewed at one time Applicants are notified after April 1st Wait list

ROLLING ADMISSIONS A first-come, first-served policy with no set application deadline Applicants notified within 4 weeks of receipt of application, beginning in Jan.

EARLY DECISION Earlier application deadline than regular pool Student is notified in December or January If accepted, required to withdraw all other applications Pros and cons

EARLY ADMISSIONS Dually enrolled in GB and freshman year of college

ARTICULATION PROGRAMS Community College transfer programs Early Admission program (SUNY Upstate) SUNY ESF program

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS Types of Financial Aid Financial Aid Forms Financial Aid Night Scholarship Resources

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID Grants/Scholarships Loans (student or parent) College work study

SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES Scholarship Bulletin Board College Specific Scholarships Organization or Employer Sponsored Internet Resources Scholarship Booklet-available mid-Dec. Local Scholarship Applications Newsletters and Announcements

FINANCIAL AID FORMS FAFSA TAP CSS Profile College specific forms Application deadlines

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT College Financial Aid Professional Assistance with Financial Aid Forms December 4, 2014

STUDENT ATHLETES NCAA guidelines NCAA Clearinghouse applications Online ncaaclearinghouse.net