1. Redwood High School College Application Night

2. Finalize Your College List Organize application requirements and due dates Identify your “reach”, “match”, and “comfort” schools Remember: a “comfort school” is a place you would be happy to attend and pay for! Private & Out-of-State Colleges

3. Private and Out of State Colleges Show your Interest Meet with College reps at Redwood or in the Bay area When possible, make “official” campus visit Interviews and auditions – schedule early

4. Private & Out-of-State Colleges Filling Out Your Applications Most applications are on-line Many private colleges use The Common Application, but some do still use their own form Set up an e-mail account, with an appropriate e-mail name, just for your applications and check it regularly

5. Application Deadlines Early vs. Regular Admission Early Decision (Binding) Early Action (Non-Binding) Regular Decision Rolling Admissions

6. www.commonapp.org

7. FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act)WAIVER

8. Teacher Recommendations Read requirements carefully for each college Speak with teachers at least one month prior to first deadline: * Ask if they are willing to write a recommendation * Ask if they will complete the Common App online * Ask if they need any additional info from you NEVER submit an online request until you have gotten the OK from your teacher or counselor, you must also assign teachers to each college to which you are applying Always write a thank-you note to each teacher after he/she has submitted your recommendation The Common Application

9. Students must complete the education section before the site will allow invitations to recommenders.

10. Requesting Recommendations Online- Located Under My Colleges Tab

11. Secondary School Report A Counselor Recommendation is required for all Common App schools In order for your counselor to write a thorough Counselor Recommendation: * You must submit a completed Counselor Questionnaire to your counselor at least one month prior to deadline * Last date to request recommendations for deadlines any time in January is November 15 th. Counselor Recommendation

12. Filling out the Common App General Application Tips Read each application carefully, and follow all instructions. There are often subtle differences in applications Class Rank is reported by decile – email your counselor for your rank. There are 400 seniors in this years’ class It is a good idea to look at all essays before writing them to see where you might have overlap

13. College Essays Writing Essays/Personal Statements Write in your own “voice” The purpose of an essay is to complete your application and help them get to know you better Address any questions that may be raised by your application in the essay or additional information section Have an adult read a draft, preferably in the context of your application Remember your main Common App essay will go to all Common App schools and should not be school- specific

14. Common App Essay Prompts  Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.  The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?  Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?  Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma- anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.  Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

15. Essay Prompts

16. Common Application Supplements Not all schools require a supplement, so check the Requirements grid carefully Supplements are school specific and will only go to that school Supplements are your chance to show why you are a good fit for that particular school The Common Application

17. Example of Supplemental Essays

18. Non-Common App Schools Applying To Private and Out of State Schools who Do NOT Use The Common App Requirements vary from school to school; check and follow instructions very carefully If teacher and/or counselor recommendations are to be mailed you must provide a stamped/addressed envelope for each letter

19. Non Common Application School

20. Non Common App Public Sch ools

21. Ordering Official Transcripts Common App (and most private/out-of-state) schools require an official transcript at time of application To obtain transcripts: * See Records Secretary, Suzanne Ledbetter (Room 103) to fill out Transcript Request Form. * Remember to bring stamped, addressed envelopes for each any school that does not use an electronic application.

22. Completing the Application Test Reporting Students are responsible for submitting all SAT/ACT scores directly to colleges via the testing organization’s website Most colleges ask that students send ALL test scores, as opposed to waiting for December scores and then choosing the highest score Be sure to check SAT Subject Test requirements for each school: http://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements- and-recommendations/

23. Completing the Application Mid-Year Reports Most private and out of state colleges will require a mid-year report, with first semester transcripts Fill out a Mid-Year transcript request form after you have reviewed your transcript in January – there is no additional fee for Common App schools If you have paper forms, hold them until you have reviewed your transcript and then bring to your counselor with stamped, addressed envelopes for each college.

24. Notification & Decision College Decision Timeline You should hear from all colleges by about April 1st If waitlisted, you must express interest to remain under consideration. All waitlists will be closed by July 1st May 1 st is deadline to commit to “your” college, and to notify those you will not attend Remember, colleges will receive your final transcript in July and they DO rescind admissions for a significant drop in grades or incomplete files

25. Helpful Websites  Naviance – Go to Redwood Website- Resource Tab, click on Naviance Link  Western Undergraduate Exchange – www.wiche.edu/wue www.wiche.edu/wue  Financial Aid – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov CSS Profile – Financial Aid for 150 Private www.collegeboard.com www.collegeboard.com

26. Final Tips Stay Organized Prioritize and take it one step at a time Relax and try to enjoy senior year Ask for help – Mrs. Vantrease (Room 111) and your counselor are here to help you Questions?