1. COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS
Understanding The College Application Process
Mrs. Kim Kelly A-GL
Mr. Nicholas Torno GO-O
Mrs. Agnes Lobley P-Z
Mr. Anthony Ferrante, Counseling Director
Mrs. Rosemarie Hill, Counseling Secretary

2. Agenda for Tonight
Understand student, parent, and counselor roles in the college application process.
Gain a better understanding of the college application process.
Understand the application process timeline.
Learn about RCBC Spring Ahead at MSHS.
Get answers to any questions you may have.
Counselors will soon begin to meet with each student individually.

3. Utilize our website! www.mapleshade.org College & Career Links
Financial Aid links
SAT dates
Scholarship Newsletter
List of colleges that are visiting MSHS
More!

4. Junior Year Review Research Colleges and narrow the field
Take the SAT and/or ACT
Begin Visiting Schools
Start to finalize list of schools you will apply to
Register with NCAA (D1 and D2 sports)
Complete “Request for Recommendation” sheet and ask teachers to write letters of recommendation

5. Senior Year September/October Finalize list of schools
Take the SAT/ACT again if needed
Finalize teacher letters of recommendations and request additional ones if necessary
Attend MSHS College Visits and Visit College Campuses
Begin to complete applications

6. Senior Year
November
All college applications COMPLETED by Thanksgiving at the latest.
January/February
Attend Financial Aid Night at MSHS
Complete FAFSA and college specific financial aid forms.

7. On-Going/March/April/May
Senior Year
On-Going/March/April/May
Receive offers of acceptance and financial aid awards
Send in deposit and forms to secure your spot at the college
Continuous
Apply for scholarships (Scholarship Newsletter, fastweb.com, other local scholarships
Keep your grades up!!!!

8. More about Searches **College Admissions Counselors visit MSHS**
NACAC College Fair:
Philadelphia: Sunday 11/8 11:00-3:00
Atlantic City: Tuesday 11/10 9 AM- Noon; 6:00- 9:00
Performing Arts Fair: Philadelphia: Thursday 10/29 7:00-9:00
HBCU College Fair: Camden: Tuesday 11/17 9:00- 1:00

9. Making the Decision Considerations Location Program/major
Academic profile
Activities/athletics
Career placement
Graduate opportunities
Affordability
NJSTARS
has a college match maker tool

10. BE REALISTIC
Be aware of the “profile” of the type of student the school accepts (average SAT score, GPA, etc.)
1 Dream/Reach School
1-3 Realistic Schools
1 Safe School
Include a NJ School

11. PARENT/STUDENT/ COUNSELOR ROLES

12. PARENTS/GUARDIANS WILL
Understand that this can be an overwhelming experience
Keep lines of communication open
Resist the urge to do the work for your child
Assist, guide, and encourage instead.
Remind child of importance of DEADLINES

13. STUDENT WILL
Take SAT and/or ACT and make sure scores are sent to the colleges directly
Complete “Request for Recommendation” to assist teachers/advisors in writing recommendations (2-3 letters)
Write essay (with help of English teacher, parent, etc.)

14. STUDENT WILL Pay close attention to DEADLINES
Complete application with assistance from parent and counselor
Watch for test requirements (SAT Subject Tests for highly competitive schools

15. COMPLETING APPLICATIONS
Online (Many schools do not accept paper applications)
Application fee submitted online or by check with the application
Use Parchment to request a transcript be sent
MUST meet with counselor to complete the process/send additional materials

16. More on APPLICATIONS Early Decision vs. Early Action
Regular vs. Rolling Admissions
Apply EARLY regardless of deadline
All applications should be completed by THANKSGIVING if not sooner.
Pay close attention to all deadlines
Communicate with counselor

17. COUNSELOR WILL Proofread applications
Assist student with corrections/modifications
Attach/upload transcript, letters of recommendation, school profile, etc.
Send/mail the completed application

18. ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPTS
Transcripts processed electronically through Parchment
Counselor will give student their login information.
Request all transcripts through
Track transcript requests and delivery
FREE to most all colleges & schools

19. Rowan at Burlington County Spring Ahead @ MSHS
RCBC information session: October 29
Complete an application online
SAT is NOT required (specialized programs only) 540 CR and 530 Math- exempted from Accuplacer Test
Placement MSHS: January 14
BCC Visit for Scheduling: April 26

20. NCAA
Students planning on playing sports should register with NCAA now
Visit for additional information
Mr. Torno can assist with NCAA questions

21. How do colleges decide? GPA/ Class Rank *
Course Selection/Challenging Schedule *
Standardized Test Scores *
Activities, Letters of Recommendation, Essay
College look to match students to specific programs or that they feel will be a good “fit”
Be wary of Social Media and Online web pages
* MOST Important Factors

22. Facebook, Twitter, & Personal Webpages
Colleges and employers are checking
Check your website pictures to be sure they send the right messages about who you are
Information about you should match the information on your application

23. FINANCIAL MATTERS Thoughts of paying weighing you down?:
Visit apply for 2 PINs so you are prepared to complete the FAFSA after January 1.
Make early tax appointment
Financial Aid Night is
Thursday January 7 pm

24. COUNSELOR CONTACTS
Mrs. Aggie Lobley x1274 Mr. Anthony Ferrante x1216
Mrs. Kim Kelly x 1217 Mr. Nick Torno x 1287