1. College Planning Workshop Counseling Department
Whippany Park
High School’s
College Planning Workshop
The Guidance &
Counseling Department
Presented by

2. Whippany Park High School College Planning Workshop
January 10, 2019
Introduction
College Search Factors, Lists and Visits,
Student/Counselor Responsibilities, College Admission Tests
Deadlines, Recommendations, Common Application, Coalition Application
College Essay, Factors in Admissions, Calendar,
Scholarships, RaiseMe
Financial Aid Information (FAFSA & CSS Profile),
NCAA Eligibility, Naviance
Q & A

3. As you begin… Use WP’s timeline to guide you through the process
Not every student will be at the same point in the process at the same time
Concentrate on yourself, and do not get caught up in what others are saying and doing
Research information and utilize reliable sources
When in doubt, ask your counselor

4. Factors to Consider in Selecting a School:
Size
Location
Cost
Available Majors
Activities
Student Life
“Fit”

5. Developing a List Be OPEN MINDED to schools
Start with a larger list then narrow when it is time to apply
Ideally apply to 7-10 schools
2-3 Reach Schools
3-4 Target Schools
2-3 Safety Schools
Consider academics and finances when developing your list

6. Hit the Road
Research colleges using Naviance, College Board, or visiting individual college websites. You will gain access to:
General Information
Requirements
Deadlines
Attend open houses and tours!
Speak to current students

7. Student & Counselor Responsibilities
Submitting the application/essay
Requesting transcripts
Self-reporting grades (if required)
Requesting official score reports through College Board or ACT
Some colleges allow students to self-report scores; students must confirm with prospective colleges about reporting requirements
COUNSELOR:
Submitting the transcript and secondary school report
Submitting counselor and teacher recommendations

8. Testing SAT & Subject Tests ACT March 9*, May 4, June 1, & August 24
WPHS School Code:
SAT & Subject Tests
March 9*, May 4, June 1, & August 24
*No Subject Tests are given in March
ACT
February 9, April 13, June 8, & July 13
Please Note:
It is advised that students complete at least two tests by the end of junior year.

9. SAT vs. ACT
Differences
in SAT
Differences in ACT

10. Testing Continued
Essay/Writing Test – optional but strongly recommended
Registration information is available on the testing websites
Some colleges request that official scores be sent directly to them from the testing agency – students are responsible for requesting official scores
Some colleges allow students to self-report scores
Students must confirm with colleges about specific reporting requirements

11. Application Types Early Decision Early Action Regular Admission
Binding through a contractual agreement between the student and the college
If the student is accepted, the student MUST attend and withdraw all other applications
Early Action
Non-binding and non-contractual
The student can apply to multiple colleges through early action
If the student is accepted, the student has the OPTION to attend
Regular Admission
Specific deadlines are set by the college/university

12. Application Types Continued
Rolling Admission
As soon as your application and supporting documents are received, schools will typically make a decision on your acceptance within 8-12 weeks.
Priority Admission
Some colleges may have “priority” deadlines within rolling admissions that allow students to be considered for scholarships and other opportunities.
*Not every college offers
each type of admission.

13. Recommendation Letters
TEACHER LETTERS
Student asks two academic teachers and then completes the student request for teacher recommendations on Naviance
Student should request letters by the end of junior year
COUNSELOR LETTER
Student turns in the senior profile, activities sheet, and parent/guardian brag sheet (available in the spring)
Once completed, all forms are due to the student’s counselor no later than June 14th

14.
Provides an online admission application that students may submit to multiple colleges
Some colleges exclusively work with the Common Application
Typically available starting AUGUST 1st

15.
An online application used by more than 140 colleges and universities
Similar to the Common Application, some colleges exclusively work with the Coalition Application

16. Not Common or Coalition?
If the college or university does not use the Common or Coalition Application, go to the school’s website to apply online
Create an account in order to start your application

17. College Essay What are typical essay questions?
What are college admissions counselors looking for in the essay?

18. Factors in Admissions Decisions: How Students are Evaluated
Strength of Program
Standardized Testing
GPA
Essays
Recommendations
Activities

19. Junior Year Visit, Visit, Visit! January: Research Begins
Late Winter/Spring: SAT/ACT prep & testing; visit schools
March-April: Student/parent may schedule a college conference with counselor; information will be forthcoming via SignUpGenius.com
April-June: Research; submit senior forms and request teacher recommendations; SAT/ACT testing continues
Visit, Visit, Visit!

20. Create a Common App. account (after August 1st)
Summer:
Create a Common App. account (after August 1st)
Begin rough draft of essay
Take the SAT/ACT, if needed
September-November:
Student meets with counselor prior to submitting applications
Attend Senior College Program - presented on Back to School Night
Narrow down college list
Be aware of deadlines
Attend District College Fair – October 2, 2019
*Remember to maintain your academic performance, as colleges can rescind acceptances due to declining grades.

21. Scholarships LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Offered to WP students by local businesses, organizations, and individuals
Applications will be distributed in the spring of 2020
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship bulletin can be found online via the guidance website and Naviance
Research additional scholarships on sites like or

22.
RaiseMe enables students to earn scholarships throughout high school for doing all the things that best prepare them to succeed
Potential scholarships can increase with strong grades, volunteering in the community, or joining extracurricular activities
There are over 250 RaiseMe college partners
Create your account prior to the start of senior year

23. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

24. CSS Profile
css.collegeboard.org

25.
If you intend to play Division I or II sports, you must register with the
NCAA Eligibility Center to check eligibility.

26. Naviance
Web-based resource used for college and career research and planning
Gives access to statistics and graphs of Whippany Park’s college acceptance history

27. Naviance CAREERS Features informative inventories including…
Personality Type
Cluster Finder
Career Interest Profiler
Learning Styles

28. Naviance COLLEGES College search features available
Look up information about colleges
Save a college to a college list
Link to resources for the college-bound student
Teacher recommendation letters will be requested through Naviance
Counselors use eDocs feature in Naviance to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation

29. https://student.naviance.com/whippanypark
Naviance
REMEMBER…
Information on Naviance is just a GUIDE
Acceptance into a specific college varies from year to year, taking into account your qualifications and the applicants you are competing against

30. Questions? Thank you for attending this evening’s presentation!
The Whippany Park High School
Guidance Department

31. CONTACT INFORMATION
Please reach out to us at any time with questions! Department Phone Number: Scott Maciag, District Supervisor of Guidance Sibila Dubac, Dept. Coordinator, Counselor & SAC Vanessa Cordeiro, Counselor Eric Shore, Counselor Jennifer Weber, Counselor Pamela Antoniello, Secretary

32. Wildcats, good luck on your future endeavors!