1. Nuts and Bolts of the College Process
Coffee with Counselors…
Nuts and Bolts of the College Process
Presented by: The Wayne Hills Counseling Department
April 28, 2017

2. Planning for College Organize yourself... The process
takes time and effort.

3. We must tell our story and not allow others to write our story.

4. 6800+ Colleges in the U.S. Community Colleges (Associates Degree)
Two Year Private Colleges (Associates Degree)
NJ State Colleges/Universities
Other State Colleges/Universities
PA, DE, MD, NC, VA, etc
Historically Black C/U
Liberal Arts Schools
Prestige Colleges/ Universities & Ivy League Schools
Specialized Institutions (art, music, culinary arts, technology, etc.)

5. Letters of recommendation Extracurricular activities Honors/Awards
Create the SOUNDBITE
Transcript
Test scores
Letters of recommendation
Extracurricular activities
Honors/Awards
Essay

6. Decision Factors Size of school Location Distance from home
Activities/Athletics
Public/Private
Coed/Single sex
Admission requirements
Facilities
Entrance difficulty
Reputation of School
Faculty/Class Size
Majors available
Commitment to major by school
Services
Cost
Campus personality

7. Your search should include:
Internet searches
College Fairs
School visits
Campus Tour
Open House
Interview
Overnight stays/class visits
Counselor conferences
References from parents, friends, etc.
College brochures & viewbooks
Videos
Guidebooks

8. Campus tours, class visits and overnight stays
are very important!

9. How Colleges Evaluate Candidates:
TRANSCRIPT: Course selection (level of difficulty, extended languages, extended math & science, Honors & AP courses)
Grades (GPA) and maybe Rank in Class
TEST SCORES: SAT and/or ACT
Take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of your junior year and the fall of your senior year.
Review for the SAT /ACT or take a prep course. Scores will improve with practice.
Check for SAT Subject Test requirements.

10. Evaluation, con’t. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
ask for letters of recommendations from two teachers late spring (grade 11) or early fall (grade 12)
remember to thank them and let them know where you have been accepted
Interview – if this option is available

11. Evaluation, con’t. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HONORS/AWARDS
Leadership positions
Activities
sports
clubs & high school
community/church
volunteer community service
part-time jobs

12. Evaluation, con’t. ESSAY - You are the storyteller!
Who you are?…Intentional
Live in the moment…Mindful
Share some aspect of yourself that cannot be gleaned from other parts of the application
Why is the school and/or program right for you?
What will you contribute to the school/program?

13. Hearing from the colleges:
Regular Decision (April 1)
Rolling Admission (reviewed as received)
Early Decision (early application & commitment)
Early Action (early application & no commitment)

14. What are the three most important actions before choosing a school???
Visit
Remember…
If you have questions…Visit with your School Counselor.

15. Some Internet Websites to visit
SAT WEBSITE
  ACT WEBSITE
  NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER
  COMMON APPLICATION
   COLLEGE SEARCH
  SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH

16. 3 THINGS TO DO… (NOW –SPRING)
Complete “Game Plan” on Naviance (under ABOUT ME tab)
Complete “College Search” on Naviance
Prepare/Take SAT and/or ACT (2 times in grade 11)

17. Welcome to the world of…
Explore – It is a powerful tool for you to use.

18. Coffee with Counselors
Thank You
for attending:
Coffee with Counselors
Are there any questions?