1. The College Application Process

2. Selecting a College Involves Many Things
Self – Assessment
Information Gathering
Selection Process
Filing Applications
The Wait
The Final Choice

3. Self-Evaluation The first step in finding the right match
Goals and values
Academic interests, abilities and learning style
Activities and outside interests
Your personality and relationships
Career awareness and interests

4. Information Gathering
Sending for Course Catalogues
Using Computer Software and Internet
Using Print Resources at School, Home and Library
College Fairs
College Visits

5. Minimum Requirements of Many 4-Year Colleges
Years
English
Science (2)
Social Studies
Mathematics 3
Foreign
Language 3
Electives

6. Relative Importance to College Admissions Decision

7. Selecting a College
Reach
Selection Process
Possible
Likely

8. Ways to Apply Early Action Early Decision (binding) Regular Admission
Rolling Admission

9. Admission Criteria Intended major Activities outside the classroom
Athletic talents
Special talents, skills and interests
Legacy sometimes a factor

10. Transcript GPA (weighted and unweighted)
Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)
Courses taken and level of difficulty (Advanced, Honors, or AP)
School activities (CSF, sports, clubs, organizations, employment, volunteer activities, community service, etc…)

11. SAT I and SAT II ACT
Tests commonly taken in spring of junior year and fall of senior year
Sat II required only for some private schools
ACT sometimes replaces SAT I and SAT II at some schools

12. Recommendations Give your teachers plenty of notice
(two weeks minimum)
Supply the teacher with an informal resume of activities, interests, goals.

13. Ethnicity Alumni relationship Geographic location
Other Admission Criteria
Ethnicity
Alumni relationship
Geographic location

14. Essay…a few pointers for parents
Should be
Don’t lose sleep over it!
edited for mechanics, spelling, grammar, punctuation and typos. Don’t rely on spell-check
Proofread
Average words

15. Essay Student should Write in student’s own voice
Not try to sound impressive
Be genuine
Take time to concentrate on content, insights
Write several drafts
Take a close look at organization, structure and transitions
Not digress from topic
Essay should give honest insight into who student really is and how student views the world

16. Selective Colleges High school record Admission tests Recommendations
Application/essay
Other factors

17. Final Notes: Students should: Visit the counselor often
Use resources in Guidance Office
Visit schools
Talk to friends, family, teachers
Start early