1. The College Application Process September 30, 2009
Welcome to College Night!
You are here because you have questions about getting into college, and you may want to know what you have to do in high school to prepare. You may wonder about standardized tests. You probably have questions about the applications process. Finally, you probably want information about financial aid. You probably feel overwhelmed by all this, but let’s take things one step at a time.

2. GPA &Transcript Academic growth, strength of program, grades
-Senior course selection
- Mid-year Grades, 1st and 3rd marking periods
GPA is computed for all high school courses through the Junior year
LVHS does not rank
Generally speaking, two of the most important considerations for college admissions and academic scholarships are grade point averages and ACT/SAT scores.
If you already have a high GPA, congratulations! You’ve made things a lot easier for yourself.
If you take AP or honors courses, many colleges will weight them—thus, getting a B+ in a difficult course will count for more than getting an A- in an easier course.
If you didn’t do as well in your freshman and sophomore years as you believe you could have, turning your GPA around in your junior and senior years will have an impact on your admission. Also, if you have a learning disability or something else in your life that has hurt your academics, you should mention it in your personal essay or have a counselor or other adult describe it in your letters of recommendation. Admissions officers don’t just look for someone who has a perfect GPA and perfect test scores. They want well-rounded individuals or people who have overcome some difficulties.
After you’ve won acceptance to a college, don’t slack off for the rest of your senior year! Many college acceptance letters are contingent on you maintaining your current GPA.

3. SAT Dates Test Date: Registration Deadline:
October 10, Passed (late 9/23)
November 7, October 1, 2009
December 5, October 30, 2009
Check SAT Schedule to verify SAT Subject Test dates
LVHS is a testing site for all SAT dates
Scores via web are available about 3 weeks after test date

4. SAT Score Choice
Students will be able to select which scores they send by test date for the SAT and by individual test for the Subject Tests
Available to students participating in the March 2009 test and after
-Beginning with the class of 2010, Score Choice is retroactive to all SAT/Subject Tests taken prior to this date.
Score Choice is optional but must be selected when sending scores to colleges
Most colleges will still look at a combination of your highest scores across several tests
Students can send any or all scores to a college on a single report
Some colleges may require that all scores be submitted. Check individual college websites for specific policies regarding score choice.

5. ACT dates Test Date: Registration Deadline:
October 24, 2009* September 18, 2009
Late Registration: October 2, 2009
December 12, November 6, 2009
*test offered at LVHS

6. School Codes High School CEEB Code: 332 882 Test Center Codes:
SAT Code:
ACT Code: 20006

7. Testing for Students with Accommodations
By now you should have applied for and received a response from Collegeboard regarding testing accommodations for the SAT, AP and Subject Tests.
Please be aware that there are separate forms for the SAT’s and ACT’s to be filled out for accommodations. Please contact Lori Saland, Assistant Director of Individual Needs for ACT accommodations.

8. FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT THESE WEB SITES: WWW.COLLEGEBOARD.COM
For more information on the ACT, visit The SAT/PSAT Web site is These Web sites offer detailed information about the tests, including suggestions on how best to prepare.

9. BEFORE YOU APPLY…

10. Letters of Recommendation
Two teacher letters
Make sure students follow up with any teachers you asked last year
Have your child check with Mrs. Morley in Guidance to see if their letters have been received
Teacher Recommendation Forms
Teachers who know you well (preferably Junior teachers)
Supplementary letters
(ie. Science Research, Athletics, Art, Music)
Counselor Recommendation (NACAC Form)
Thank you note
Make sure that you can count on a positive letter of recommendation. If you aren’t sure, ask!
Give the person writing the letter at least two weeks notice before the mail date. Not only is it rude to ask for a letter of recommendation at the last minute, but most people will write a better letter if you give them more time.
Furnish the person writing the letter with a list of accomplishments, or provide them with a resume. [Note to presenter: a form for this purpose is provided.]
Send them a thank you note.
Save a copy of these recommendations for future use.

11. College Essay Represents student Answers question Engaging
Presentation counts
Be original
Be yourself
Revise and proofread
Seek feedback
Read the essay question carefully and make sure you respond to exactly what the question asks for. The questions are usually very broad, but you should still make sure you don’t respond off-topic.
Make your essay a personal, engaging narrative. The essay should be about you and why you should be admitted to that particular college. Remember, admissions officers are people too—they like to read lively pieces of writing rather than dry essays.
If you’ve had an obstacle or challenge in your life that you feel affected your high school career, explain it in the essay—but only if it fits the topic. You shouldn’t use this obstacle or challenge as an excuse for subpar grades; instead, just explain how it affected you both personally and academically.
Proofread your essay, then have another person proofread it as well. You should also have someone critique the clarity of your essay.
This is the only part of the application that the student has total control over. This is the opportunity for the student to really shine, and give Colleges the insight to who they really are.

12. Activity Record Accomplishments Honors and Awards
Extracurricular activities (including leadership roles)
Clubs, Sports
Community Service
Out of school activities
Summer programs & Internships
Work experience
***Activities should be written on the application itself if asked to do so.
***Your child should have submitted their completed Activity Record to their Guidance Counselor already!

13. College Visits THERE IS STILL TIME TO VISIT:
Speak with the students on campus
Visit the campus activities office
Eat in the dining hall – taste the food!
Check-out the community
(can you live here for 4 years?)
Read the course catalog
Pick up the school newspaper
Call Admissions to set up an
appointment for a tour and
info session!
Deciding on a college can be tough; however, it can also be a lot of fun. Consider what each college has to offer. You might want to look at aspects such as:
Size: Do you want a larger university with a large, diverse population and mostly lecture-style classes? Or do you want a smaller school with more contact with professors?
Public or private: Private colleges and universities are generally more expensive than public schools and usually have a smaller student population as well.
Location: Is the school close to home? Is it in a large city or a small town?
Cost: How much is tuition? What about housing?
Majors: Do they have a program in your line of study?
Student Life: What’s the atmosphere like on campus? Is it a student-friendly and fun environment? What do students have to say about their school?

14. Interviews - Ask questions May be required Alumni interviews
Informational
Relax and be yourself
Be prepared
- Ask questions
- Bring Activity Record
- Dress appropriately
- Arrive on time
*Be aware of deadlines
for interview sign-up.
Most colleges do not require interviews. Those that do often have alumni conduct the interviews. Other colleges may ask you for an interview only if they think it is necessary.
In the interview, just relax and be yourself. Don’t treat it like a job interview; rather than focusing on your strengths and achievements, try to give the interviewer a sense of who you are as a person. Most applicants will have solid test scores and academic achievements—what makes you stand out from the crowd?
You can also use the interview to ask the alum questions about the school: What was it like when they were an undergraduate? What advice do they have to give?

15. FALL COLLEGE FAIRS
Locust Valley High School will be hosting mini-college fairs right in front of the Guidance Office beginning September 21st. List is posted on our Eboard and the Guidance webpage
Locust Valley hosts individual college fairs in the Guidance Suite. List is posted on our Eboard and the Guidance webpage
NACAC- National College Fair
-October 4th, Time: 11am-4pm
Nassau Coliseum

16. Narrow It Down “target” schools “reach” schools “likely” schools
Your goal is to find a good match for you!
Your Guidance Counselor will be meeting with you individually to go over what would be your target schools, but from year to year the applicant pool can change therefore there is no guarantee on this process. Your counselor will help you choose schools that will be a good match.
Discuss Finding a good match.
While considering where to apply, narrow your choices down to about six schools. You want to give yourself a range of choices, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Apply to two “safe” schools: Currently enrolled students at these colleges should have lower average GPA and standardized test scores than you do. You should feel that you have a 75–90 percent chance of getting in.
Apply to two “reach” schools: These schools should be difficult for you to get into. Students enrolled should generally have higher GPAs and standardized test scores than you do. Often, these are extraordinarily difficult schools for anyone to get into.
Apply to two “good fit” schools: Students should have GPAs and test scores similar to yours. These should be schools that you would be happy to go to and where you have a good chance of getting in.

17. Start Applying!
Once you have narrowed down your list down to about six schools, begin applying. Most applications can be found on the college Web sites.

18. When Should I Apply? First quarter of senior year
Early Decision/ Early Action
Regular Admission
Rolling Admission
Priority Applications
Look for application deadlines and apply early. Colleges usually begin accepting applications after the first quarter of your senior year. Check with individual colleges.
If you definitely know where you would like to go to college, you may apply using early decision or early action. Both of these options involve applying early in your senior year. You will receive notification from the college in December, January, or February. Do keep in mind, however, that early decision is binding. In other words, if the college accepts you and offers you an adequate financial aid package, you must go there.
Early action is not binding. You may still apply to other colleges as part of regular admissions; however, many schools won’t allow you to apply to other schools as part of early action.

19. Application Process Be aware of deadlines!!
You are responsible for obtaining applications online or from each college
Common, SUNY, CUNY, Individual
BE GREEN…APPLY ONLINE!
NCAA Clearinghouse
Financial aid
You can apply online or by mail to most colleges. Some colleges will accept the common form available online, which will save you time ( Others will only accept their own form. Many applications require an essay and letters of recommendation from teachers or others who know you well.
Proofread your application. Then, proofread it again. After that, ask someone else to proofread it for you. A spelling error won’t make a good impression on an admissions officer, and an incomplete form may not get reviewed at all.
Be aware of deadlines!!

20. Common Application -Supplemental Applications
-School Report/Mid-Year Report (LV is now using the NACAC report form)
-Teacher Evaluation Forms must be handed directly to teachers who will return them to Guidance. These forms only need to be filled out once. Guidance will duplicate.
For each school applied to, students must complete entirely & submit an Application Processing Form, with a parent signature, available in the Guidance Office.

21. SUNY/CUNY Application
Supplemental Applications: Only some schools/programs require a supplemental. Check the SUNY website to find out if they require one.
All CUNY applicants must apply online.
For each school applied to, students must complete entirely & submit an Application Processing Form, with a parent signature, available in the Guidance Office.

22. A Completed Application Packet should have the following…
The electronic application receipt or the application itself signed and dated
Electronic Supplemental Application receipt or Supplemental application itself
Application Processing Form completed & signed by a parent/guardian
Application fee (if not using a credit card)
Required essay (if not submitted online), including name & date of birth (include supplemental essays if required)
Copy of activity record (if not submitted online)
Set of completed postcards (one should be self-addressed and stamped)
Additional materials (i.e. outside letters of recommendation, writing samples/graded papers, photos, news articles, cd’s)

23. Counselor Will Add… Official Transcripts
Teacher Letters of Recommendation with Teacher Recommendation Forms. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure these forms have been turned in.
Counselor Recommendation with the NACAC/School Report Form
School Profile

24. Deadline Dates
All completed applications or online receipts are due to your Guidance Counselor at least 2 weeks prior to their due date (make appointments early on)
You must have an appointment with your counselor to hand in your application packets
Be aware of deadlines for portfolios/auditions
Application deadlines are the same for online or paper
All components of the application MUST be submitted together…We will NOT accept incomplete applications
All application materials that are due by January 15th must be submitted to Guidance by December 4th!

25. Student Responsibilities
Obtain & complete applications
Submit complete application packets to your Guidance Counselor at least 2 weeks prior to due date
Know & meet application deadlines
Have SAT/ACT scores sent directly from testing service
Scores will not be listed on student transcripts
Contact schools about interviews, auditions and portfolios
Essay, Activity Record, Autobiography*
Make sure that your letters of recommendation are on file in the Guidance Office
*Due to your counselor no later than October 2nd

26. Parent Responsibilities
Let your child make calls to colleges
Go with them to visit campuses
Fill out FAFSA forms/CSS Profile
Help with scholarship search
Parent “Brag Sheets” for Guidance*
Support your child in this process!
*Due ASAP!!!

27. GUIDANCE FORMS: Student Autobiography (Due no later than October 2nd)
Parent Brag Sheet (Due no later than October 2nd)
Application Processing Form (one per application)
Post Cards (one set per application & postage must be provided)

29. National Collegiate Athletic Association
Division I & II college-bound athletes should register with NCAA -
Submit forms online, and give receipt to Guidance Office
Be in touch with HS & college coaches

30. Financing your education
Financial Aid Workshop on December 2, 2009 at LVHS at 7:30 PM - FAFSA: File after January 1st of Senior year - CSS Profile: Some colleges require - New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.”
APPLY ONLINE AT

31. Academic Departmental Private
SCHOLARSHIPS
Academic Departmental Private
Make time to apply for scholarships. Keep your eyes open for scholarship opportunities for which you might be a good candidate. There are three types of scholarships: Academic, Departmental, and Private.
Colleges commonly award money to students based on grades and test scores. Schools also frequently consider community service and extracurricular involvement. They like to see that you have the potential to contribute both academically and socially. Look for ways to get involved in school and in your community that will show colleges you are a well-rounded individual.
If you have a particular talent or know exactly what you want to study in college, contact people in those departments in the schools which you apply. Once again, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Let them know who you are and how you can contribute to their department.
Many large companies offer help to children of their employees. Ask your parents to find out if their employers have any programs for which you may be eligible. These programs are usually not need-based or merit-based.
Local businesses may offer scholarships to high school students in the area. If a company has supported the school through ads in the student newspaper or yearbook, they may have scholarships available.
Philanthropists, charitable organizations, religious groups, and other groups also offer scholarships. Look into local opportunities, and if you’re not sure if a particular organization offers a scholarship, don’t be afraid to ask.

32. Scholarship Websites www.fastweb.com www.collegeboard.com
Scholarship Newsletter will be coming out in October and every month thereafter. Updated scholarship information will be posted on our webpage.

33. Make the most of this journey!
Let your child take ownership of this exciting process
We are here to help you
Visit your school counselor. Talk to teachers. Research on the Internet. Take things one step at a time and ask questions. Visit the counseling office if you have any questions.
LVHS