WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING TO COLLEGE Workshop Presenter: Terrence Hinson, District Chairperson of Guidance – Northport High School

Workshop Agenda  The Application Process Overview  Family Connection overview  The Common Application  SAT vs. ACT  NCAA Clearinghouse  Q&A

The Process of Applying: Counseling Center forms  Turn in forms for counselor letter of recommendation (green packet) – end of 11 th grade  Request teacher letter(s) of recommendation – end of 11 th grade  Meet with your counselor AT LEAST TWO WEEKS before your first deadline. Bring a signed “transcript request form” – Fall of 12 th grade

The Process of Applying: College Applications – Fall of 12 th grade  Fill out and submit college applications according to each school’s instructions and deadlines.  Pay careful attention to required supplemental materials.  If using the Common Application, each application must be submitted individually.  Submit standardized test scores (SATs or ACTs) directly to the colleges from the testing company.  Apply for financial aid (November for the CSS profile, February for the FAFSA).

Special Terms to Know  Early Decision – apply early, get accepted early. This decision is usually binding.  Early Action – apply early, get accepted early. Compare financial aid packages before deciding where to attend. This decision is not binding.  Rolling Admission – applications are reviewed as they are received; applicants who apply early are notified early.

Family Connection Web-based resource that supports career and college planning Specific to our school Some functions of the program include the ability to: Share plans Complete surveys Compare colleges Link to third party resources Track deadlines Use ‘scattergrams’ to determine target, reach and safe schools Sign up for colleges visits to the counseling center Each student receives a code (parents may request their own accounts)

SCATTERGRAMS  SCATTERGRAMS provides you with a chart comparing your gpa and board scores to those who have applied and been both accepted and rejected.

The Common Application

Testing  SATs are not the only game in town.  ACTs  “test optional” policies 

NCAA Eligibility Requirements  Complete the NCAA-approved core courses and graduate from high school  Earn a minimum required core-course grade-point average (Division 1 or 2)  Earn a required SAT or ACT sum score(Division 1 or 2)  Register online at (send transcript and SAT scores)  Make sure the courses you are taking match your school’s approved core courses.

FAFSA What is Financial Aid  Financial aid is money to help you pay educational costs, such as:  Tuition  Fees  Books  Room and board  Transportation  Personal expenses  It can come in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study

How Do I Apply?  Free Application for Federal Student Aid  The FAFSA is your first step  Used to apply for most types of federal and state aid.  Online – Visit FAFSA.gov  Attend Financial Aid Night at Northport High School in December

Helpful websites  Family Connection –  College Board –  ACT –  Fastweb –  Fafsa –