1. SENIOR PRESENTATION
PVHS
September 19, 2018

2. AGENDA The Application Process Student v. Counselor Responsibilities
Naviance
The Common Application
The Essay
Transcript Requests
Letters of Recommendation
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Presenter- Melissa Zolla, William Paterson University
Questions and Announcements

3. Applying to college is a team effort
Students
Parents
Counselors
Teachers

4. The application process
Application & Payment
SAT or ACT scores (CollegeBoard or ACTstudent)
Teacher and Counselor Recommendations (Naviance)
Transcript/ Secondary School Report & Profile

5. STUDENt responsibilities
Student Meetings with Counselor:
Discussion- Where are we at in the process
Fill out Self-Profile
Review Naviance Student and Ensure Common Application and Naviance are linked
Turn in Transcript Approval Form
Teacher Recommendations
Speak with teacher in person (give adequate notice- ie: at least 3 weeks)
Fill out Teacher Recommendation form
Add teacher on Naviance
Application
Fill out appropriate application (School Application, Common Application, Coalition Application)
Be mindful of supplemental materials that may be required (Essays, Forms)
Send all required applications, materials, and payment prior to the school deadline

6. STUDENt responsibilities
Send Standardized Test Scores
SAT’s
ACT’s
Fill out a Transcript Request Form and submit to guidance at least 2 weeks before the deadline
Update Naviance Student indicating school you’ve applied to, which application was sent, and which deadline you were meeting (ie: Early Action, Early Decision, Priority, Rolling or Regular)
Complete FAFSA with help from parent/guardian
Update Naviance Student with Admissions Decisions (ie: Accepted, Denied, Deferred, Waitlisted)

7. Counselor responsibilities
Meet with students to answer questions and keep the process moving
Provide Student and Parent Workshops and Presentations
Provide Students with a Counselor Letter of Recommendation
Send the following documents:
Official Transcript
Copy of Secondary School Report and School Profile
Teacher Recommendations
Administer Senior Outcome Survey after May 1st

8. What is Naviance? Students can research colleges in depth
Students can save research and a list of college that are of interest
Students can keep a record of applications sent and decisions received
Passaic Valley uses Naviance eDocs to send transcripts and student records electronically to over 8000 colleges in 100 countries

9. UPDATING NAVIANCE

10. TYPES OF APPLICATIONS and deadlines

11. the common application
Over 740 colleges and universities, both private and public
One application sent to multiple schools
Must be linked to Naviance account to send transcripts electronically (Directions in Senior Packet)
Completion of a FERPA waiver allowing Common App to communicate with Naviance
Create account, fill out application and file online at

12. The essay Purpose: Things to keep in mind
A sample of a student’s writing ability
A sample of how well a student presents his/her topic
A window into the student’s personality
Things to keep in mind
Stay within the word limit
Should breathe life into the application
Clearly present your position
Be honest; write about what you know, believe and support
Proofread!
MAY NOT ALWAYS BE DIRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION

13. Transcript requests
Located in the senior packet and additional copies in guidance
Last step of the application process
One per application
Must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the school’s deadline
Must have a transcript approval form on file before any transcripts can be sent out

14. TEST OPTIONAL and Self reporting
Students often “self report” their high school courses and grades on their application
Many schools still request a high school transcript be sent, but others use an entirely self-reported system
Examples of schools that require a Self-Reported Academic Record as a separate portion of the application process: Rutgers, University of Florida, University of Pittsburgh, University of California
Test Optional
Many school are now allowing students to omit Standardized Test Scores from their applications. Please read each school’s testing policy carefully as some will require additional materials if choosing this option.

15. Scholarships and financial aid
Where Do I find them?
Naviance
Monthly newsletter
Colleges & Universities
The Internet
www. fastweb.com
Financial Aid
FAFSA opens October 1st
For More Information attend our PVHS Financial Aid Night Wednesday, October 3rd

16. Final reminders
Apply early and give your teachers and counselors adequate time to prepare and send your records
Call the colleges and speak to admissions representatives BEFORE contacting your counselor to check if materials have been received (allow at least 2 weeks of processing time once PV has sent your materials)
Don’t Panic!