1. That is their true power.
Senior Parents’ Night
Our children may not control where they go to college, but they control how.
That is their true power.
Remembering this fact can lower everyone’s stress --- and hopefully bring some excitement into the process
Daniel R. Porterfield
Franklin & Marshall President
Class of 2018

2. College Trends Increased competition Earlier deadlines
Self-reported grades
Fewer recommendations
Increased use of Waitlist and “creative” acceptances
More colleges are Need Aware
Increased number of Test Optional Schools
Increased College Marketing
Colleges concerned about “yield”

3. Getting Started Resume uploaded Letters of Recommendation requested
Begin online applications
Write essay(s)
Take SAT/ACT and/or send scores (allow three weeks for processing)
Transcript Request Form submitted to Counseling office 15 school days prior to the application deadline

4. Naviance http://connection.naviance.com/simsbury
Scattergrams
SHS College Data
College Visits
students must sign up for visits in Naviance
Career Exploration
Search for Scholarships
Document Library

5. Strive for more acceptances than rejections!
Scattergrams
Reach
Realistic
Likely
Financial Safety
Strive for more acceptances than rejections!

6. The Common Application
Online Application (700+ Colleges)
Takes about an hour to complete the basic application Info
Personal Essay
Supplemental Questions for some schools
Application Fees
Teacher Reports and School Reports all sent through Naviance
Check for accuracy before sending
–help with issues/questions.

7. SAT https://collegeboard.org https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org
Registering
Sending Scores
Super-Scoring

8. Transcript Request Form
YOUR COLLEGE
School Counselor Sends
Transcript
Recommendation(s)
School Profile/Secondary School Report
1st Quarter Grades (if requested)
Mid Year Grades
College Board/ACT
Test Scores
(students must request, pay and send scores through testing service)
Allow 3 weeks for processing
Student Sends
Completed Application
Application Fee
Essay(s)
SAT/ACT Scores
(from testing service)

9. Life Cycle of a College Application
Student Submits
Application Arrives
Supporting Materials
Admissions Committee Review
Admissions Decision
Student Receives Decision
Student Enrolls in School
Life Cycle of a College Application

10. Factors in Admission Decisions
Academic Record
Test Scores
Essay(s)
Letters of Recommendation
Activities and Employment
Other
Focus on the areas where the student has control!

11. Financial Aid
FAFSA (October 1, 2017) – for the 2018/19 School Year Use tax return submitted in Jan-April 2017/2016 income
CSS Profile (for specific colleges - Available in October 2017)
College Financial Aid Application (if applicable)
Scholarships
Local Scholarships (application available in January)
Other Scholarships (employment, religious affiliations, etc.) “How to Pay for College” Program September 28th, 2017
7:00PM
Simsbury High School

12. The Student’s Responsibility
Get Organized!
Research & Comply with admissions requirements
Submit everything on time – know and adhere to deadlines
Follow up with colleges - check s regularly
Be the sole author of all college application submissions
Clean up social media sites
Continue to work hard and finish senior year in a positive way

13. School Counseling Website
Important Dates
Scholarship Information
Forms for Students & Parents
Links to NCAA, Naviance, College Board, etc.

14. Final Thoughts…..How Can Parents Help?
Remember, this is a process
Most kids are apprehensive
Keep perspective
Guide, but don’t do all the work - Encourage independence
Never apply to a college that your child wouldn’t gladly attend if accepted!
Keep college rejections in perspective
Find time to enjoy this special time in your child’s life!