1. College Applications and Decisions

2. The Application Process

3. Application Strategy Apply Broadly Reach: Your dream college (1) Match: You meet the minimum requirements (1) Safety: You exceed the minimum requirements (1)

4. Elements of An Application High School Transcript (Parchment) Curriculum Testing Extracurricular Activities Essay(s) and short answer responses High School & Teacher Recommendation

5. Teacher and Counselor Recommendations Most college applications DO NOT require a letter of recommendation. IF you are completing the Common Application and/or a scholarship form, you will need letters of recommendation. Make school appropriate email address when applying to college, completing scholarship applications, etc. Provide an updated resume

6. Teacher & Counselor Recommendations Ask for recommendations at least a month before you need it Ask teachers in classes where you’ve been most active/interested Get to your know your counselor-Their input is critical Get recommendations from employers, organizations, etc  H.S. Counselors provide information about the educational environment: Strength of curriculum (inc. availability of AP, IB, honors) Average SAT I and/or ACT scores Percentage attending 4-year colleges Competitive grading system in high school Competitiveness of class

7. Common Application https://www.commonapp.org Use to apply to multiple schools with only one application List of schools is on website (i.e. U of M, Albion, Hillsdale, Notre Dame, Harvard)

8. When to Apply for college By November 1 You are responsible for sending your transcript (Parchment.com) and your ACT scores (actstudent.org). See handout for further details.

9. Examples of University Scholarships CMU Centralis Competition Scholarship 3.5 GPA and over are invited to compete University of Michigan- Dearborn Sliding Scale Scholarship Amounts awarded based on recalculated GPA/ACT

10. Examples of University Scholarships Grand Valley State University Award Scholarship Based on many factors including GPA/ACT, others Schoolcraft Different scholarships Competition/Award Scholarships Trustees, Ambassador

11. CIC Scholarship wall Visit the CIC on a weekly basis to obtain scholarship information. The Scholarship wall is updated on a regular basis. Websites to review for scholarships, career info.,etc. fastweb.com, Scholarships.com, knowhow2go.org, careeronestop.org

12. Things to Remember Take your time Ask for help when you need it Do it correctly the first time Get things in on time Have realistic expectations Parchment.com Actstudent.org

13. The Finish If it looks too good to be true, it probably is Can you really earn a legitimate degree in your pajamas? Never pay anyone to help you find a scholarship or file a FAFSA Do the homework, some ‘colleges’ over-promise This is now your job!!!! Work hard.