1. The College Application Process
What parents need to know
DSF Counseling Department

2. Where is your Senior applying?
Decide on the schools to which to apply
Research their application process
Plan ahead

3. New this year: Parchment
Parchment is the online provider for our new e- transcript request system
Freeman will be using Parchment to send senior student transcripts to colleges/universities this year

4. Benefits to Students
A simple online order form that lets students order transcripts to be sent to any destination worldwide while also collecting their payment electronically
Students can track their transcript request from beginning to end online and ensure transcripts are received
The school counselor receives student requests, sends transcripts and adds any needed supplemental documents such as recommendations or school profile, and can track the process along the way
Students/parents save both time and money
Transcripts are secure and FERPA compliant (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
Over 2,500 colleges and universities are current Members of Parchment nationwide

5. Our Parchment Process
Yesterday counselors held Senior Meetings to discuss College Application Process/Senior Year/Transcript Ordering
We distributed Permission To Send Electronic Transcript Forms to students
Form covers release of your child’s educational records requiring signed consent under FERPA AND Letter of recommendation waiver
Discusses payment – First 2 transcripts are FREE; each additional transcript request is $5.00 per transcript (paid online thru Parchment)
ONLY students that have returned the signed parent permission form may receive their registration code to register for Parchment and order transcripts

6. Our Parchment Process
Student MUST turn in permission form to Mrs. Noe in Counseling office
Student will then receive their Senior folder which includes a form with their individual registration code inside (generated from the Parchment system)
Student uses code to create a Parchment account connected directly to DSF
Once account is setup, the student will log in to order/pay for transcripts

7. What is a Senior folder?
Each senior is given a folder that keeps all forms together
Outside of folder indicates schools student has applied to and transcripts requested through Parchment (for counselor notification purposes)
This is how we keep track of what we have sent to colleges on student’s behalf
If college does not accept transcripts via Parchment, student will indicate a separate transcript request on folder (few and far between)
Inside folder are directions for the application process, senior counseling questionnaire/resume, and parental questionnaire

8. Best Practices Help your student “own” the application process
Get organized: may want a spread sheet to list schools and deadline dates
Schedule time to work on applications/essay
Setting up an that they use and will check often
Make sure they review all applications for completeness as it is their responsibility to get all supplemental materials to the appropriate person i.e. counseling reports, essays, teacher recommendations, etc.
Help them review all parts of the application for errors such as spelling, especially the essay

9. Different Types of Applications
Common Application
School specific

10. The Process for Common Application
Many schools accept the common application
Follow the tutorials for filling out the information

11. School Specific Applications
Fill out all necessary information
Invite teachers to write letter of recommendation, if needed
Download Secondary School Form (if applicable) and to counselor or look for it on DSF School Counseling website
Counseling office DOESN’T handle teacher letters except for Virginia Tech (student must ensure the recommendation letter is sent to their counselor)

12. What if we are thinking about starting at a Community College?
Many Virginia Colleges/Universities have articulation agreements with the Virginia Community College System
Visit the website for J. Sargeant or John Tyler to view the step by step application process

13. Difference in Terms
Early Decision: A binding agreement with the college/university
Early Action: College notifies student of decision before the regular decision date but student still has an option of not accepting

14. How are mid-year grades and final grades sent?
At the semester, we will announce for seniors to request their transcript with mid-year grades included through Parchment
Make sure students us the appropriate forms (mid-year and final)
At end of year, students will be able to request their final transcript be sent through Parchment

15. My Senior is planning to play sports in college
Don’t forget to register with the NCAA clearing house.
A transcript of grades must be sent.
Need to request transcript in the counseling office

16. We are still looking at colleges?
HCPS College & Career Night
At Freeman High School this school year
6:00 to 8:00 pm

17. How do we pay for this? Scholarships Freeman website Rebel Hub
Financial Aid
Mrs. Janet Andrews, GRASP Advisor
Here on Thursdays and some Fridays to meet with students and parents

18. Enjoy Senior Year

19. Questions