1. the basics of the college application and admission process

2. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid )
Get to Know the Lingo
Admission Counselor
Financial Aid Counselor
Priority Application Date
FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid )
NPC – Net Price Calculator
Prior Prior Year (PPY)
New Student Orientation
Academic/Faculty Advisor
Enrollment Deposit

3. Determine the Right POA (Plan of Action)
Restrictive
Non-Restrictive
Early Decision:
BINDING Contract
Early Action Single Choice
Non-Binding, HOWEVER you can only apply to one school using this notification plan
Early Action Non Restrictive
NON BINDING
Regular Decision
Later Notification
Rolling
Continuous Review/Notification
Ok – so the first thing you need to do is select the appropriate notification plan (a.k.a. what type of application you’re going to file)
Early Decision – this is MARRIAGE, kids. I DO NOW AND ALWAYS AND FOREVER, there’s no going back. And if there is, due to finances, then expect a pretty significant fall out as you’re VOIDING A CONTRACT. It will be MESSY!!!!!!!
Early Action Single Choice – we’re dating; lavalied, pinned, going together and NOT seeing other people. Yes, we may break up, but for now, I only have eyes for you.
Early Action Non Restrictive – basically, we’re going out and you’re my first choice on a Friday night; however, if someone else comes along on a Saturday night, I can go out with them too, and you CAN’T GET MAD.
Regular Decision – think of this as the last minute date; I’ve looked at all my options and FINALLY decided on you; I like you, but I know you’re been and will continue to see other people, including someone from the Early Action non binding crowd
Rolling – let’s see ANYONE AND EVERYONE; you’re a great back up and you might actually be my first choice, but we’re not committed to each other and can see ANYONE WE WANT TO.

4. Components of the Application:
Common/Institutional/Universal/Coalition Application
Personal Statement/Essay/Graded Composition*
Transcripts/Secondary School Report
Test Scores*
Resume; Letters of Recommendation
Additional materials if needed (additional application, audition)
Determine which type of application is accepted by the institution you’re choosing; the common app is long, but it’s used by over 650 schools – a mix of public, private, highly and non selective;
The coalition application is NEW; it’s a common app on steroids, and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated need;

5. The Evaluation Pt. 1 = ACADEMICS
Minimum Course Requirements
Strength of High School/Curriculum
Grades in CORE Academic Courses/Related to Major
Grade Point Average
Grade Trends
Test Scores (ACT or SAT)

6. Pt. 2 = Enhancement Factors
Letters of Recommendation
Co-Curricular Activities a.k.a. RESUME
Alumni Affiliation
Portfolio
Major

7. Understand the Outcome
Admit
Defer
Waitlist
Deny