1. What you need to know September 14, 2017
The College Application Process
What you need to know September 14, 2017

2. Today, you will..
Learn more about the QO procedures for the college application process
Learn how to request your transcripts
Create a Common App account
Match Naviance with Common App
Learn how to send recommendation letters
Learn more about the Coalition Application

3. Finalize List of Colleges
Safety vs. Target vs. Reach
SAFETY
TARGET
REACH
Little chance of rejection
but would be happy to
attend
Pick 1 or 2
Likely accepted based
on matching qualifications
Pick 3 or 4
Less likely acceptance
based on matching some,
but not all criteria
Pick 1 or 2

4. When Should I Apply? Early Decision Early Action Early Notification
Students apply in October/November and learn of the decision in December or January. The acceptance is binding – if you are accepted, you are expected to attend the school.
Early Action
Similar to Early Decision except the admission offer is not binding. Scholarship consideration.
Early Notification
Students must file their application by December 1st in order to receive an admissions decision by February 1st.
Rolling Admission
Applications are evaluated upon receipt and applicants are quickly notified of the decision. Applications are considered until spaces are filled. Submitting application early is strongly encouraged.
Regular Admission
Admission deadlines are typically in January or February and students are notified in April.

5. What Factors are important for the Admissions Process?
SAT/ACT/SAT II
Interview
Rigorous Schedule
(12th grade counts!)
Extracurricular
activities
Grade Point Average
Essay
Letters of
Recommendation
Colleges look at the WHOLE person!

6. SAT/SAT II/ACT You should have taken an SAT/ACT by now
If not, you still have time to register for an October test:
SAT – Late Registration Deadline is September 27th
ACT – Registration Deadline is September 22nd
FARMS students receive two fee waivers for each test
Scores must be sent directly to the college from SAT/ACT website. QO does not send them.
Check with your schools if they require SAT Subject Test
Some institutions are now test optional

7. What are you responsible for?
Teacher Letter of
Recommendation
Talk to the teacher first!
Then request through Naviance
College Application
Figure out which application you need to use (Common App, Coalition App, or school’s online application)
Complete all essays and supplemental questions
Pay application fees (FARMS receive waiver)
Transcript Request
Pick up form at registrar’s office and submit three weeks before first deadline
QO sends your transcript, school profile and all recommendations through Naviance
What are you responsible for?
SAT/ACT Scores
Your responsible to send
SAT/ACT scores three weeks before deadline via:
Collegeboard.org
ACT.org
Resume
Some colleges require a
resume. If so, make sure to attach one to your
application

8. Using Family Connections/Naviance: College Search and Application Program
Web based: access from home or school!
Scattergrams: students compare performance vs. acceptance rate based on QOHS graduates
Seniors have received a password. Go to the Career Center for password help.
Naviance used by MCPS for electronic submission of transcripts, school profiles, and LOR’s

10. Registering for College Visits

13. College list changes everyday.
Check Naviance daily.

14. Meet with the Registrar at least three weeks prior to the college deadline
Bring the yellow “Transcript Request /Authorization to Release Pupil Records Form” to Ms. Gregg in the registrar’s office
List each school you will apply to on the form
No transcript fees

15. Transcript Request Form Fill out completely, including signatures.
Something to keep in mind…
Each institution listed on this form must also be added to “colleges I’m applying to” in Naviance
For each school that doesn’t accept electronic documents, you must provide…
An 8x11 postage paid envelope addressed to the institution for the registrar
A postage paid envelope addressed to the institution given to each recommender

16. DEADLINE TO RETURN TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORMS
QO Deadlines
DEADLINE TO RETURN TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORMS
To ensure that your applications are sent by the institutional deadline, follow the schedule below (there will be no exception to the dates listed)
Application Deadline
Registrar Deadline
October 15
September 22
November 1
October 11
November 15
October 25
December 1
November 3
December 15
November 17
January 1
December 4
January 15
December 18
February 1
January 11
February 15
January 25
March 1
February 8

17. Submit applications online by the institutional deadline
It is the student’s responsibility to get the application in on time!
(electronically, or by mail)

18. IMPORTANT

19. Matching Common App with Naviance: Step 1
Go ahead and Login or Create an account

20. Matching Common App with Naviance: Step 2
Next we are going to add a Common App School to your application

21. Matching Common App with Naviance: Step 3
Go ahead and add a Common App school (etc. UMBC)

22. Matching Common App with Naviance: Step 4
Next we are going to fill out the education section

23. Matching Common App with Naviance: Step 4
Make sure you answer every question in this section

24. School Counselor Information
Ms. Amy Elza -
Ms. Nancy Jimenez -
Ms. Nancy Rossini -
Mr. John Favazzo -
Mr. Mullaney -
Ms. Jennifer Gaston -
Ms. Victoria Lyon -
Mr. Doug Rivera -

25. Now we are going to sign the FERPA agreement
Under the “My Colleges Tab”, click on Recommenders and FERPA

26. Signing FERPA Agreement
Read… and select that you have read the statement

27. Signing FERPA Agreement
It is highly encouraged that you WAIVE YOUR RIGHT. You cannot undo this later.

28. Matching your Naviance with Common App
Log on to your Naviance Account. Then, click on “colleges I’m applying to” under the Colleges tab.

29. Matching your Naviance with Common App
You must add the same Common App school to this list.
The that you used to create your Naviance account should be the same with your Common App.

30. Matching your Naviance with Common App
Once you have completed everything, press Match. Your page should look like this..

31. Requesting Teacher Recommendations
First you are going to go to Letter of Recommendations under the Colleges Tab

32. Requesting Teacher Recommendations
Click on Add a Request and select your teacher on the next page

33. Requesting Teacher Recommendations
Be specific if you would like for your teacher to send your recommendations to all your schools or to specific ones

34. Requesting Teacher Recommendations
Always Thank your recommenders! And also remind them of your earliest deadline. 
When your finished, hit submit and your teachers will receive a notification shortly

35. Request recommendations from teachers minimum 3 weeks prior to the deadline
Students should speak to their teachers prior to submitting an electronic request for a recommendation
For colleges that do not use Naviance, students must give their teachers stamped, addressed envelopes

36. Coalition App
Similar to Common App, you will create an account through their website:

37. Coalition APP Complete all the sections listed.
You will need a copy of your transcript to fill out the 9th-12th grade Coursework

38. Coalition
Once you finish your profile, you can start your application after you add them to your list

39. Important note about Letter of Recommendations through Coalition
There will be a section that will ask for you to fill out your Recommenders information. You can skip this part.

40. Important note about Letter of Recommendations through Coalition
Just make sure you Check off this box when you get to the “Official Documents” section in your College Applications process

41. Common App vs Coalition App
If your school offers the option for you to choose between Common Application and Coalition, please choose COMMON APP for electronic documents to be sent without delay.

42. Montgomery College A few thoughts on MC..
MC is an open enrollment school, students only need to submit an application
Application is free between October 1st-March 1st
Accuplacer is often required
If you’re interested in learning more about the MC Scholars programs, please contact Ms. Johnston at the Career Center.
To be eligible, students should have a 3.0 or better gpa
SAT/ACT scores, essays, and recommendations are required for this process
Deadline:
Transfer Agreements:
MC has articulation agreements with all of the Maryland Public colleges/universities as well as a variety of other schools

43. THANK YOU!