1. Irondequoit High School College Application Night Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Stacy A. Ledermann Director of Freshman Admissions St. John Fisher College

2. Key Factors in College Admissions: Academic performance in high school Standardized test results Extracurricular Involvement Personal Interview Letters of Recommendation Personal Statement/College Essay

3. Academic Performance in High School Best indicator of success in college GPA – grade point average Recalculation – academic core Strength of curriculum Senior year coursework Preparation for chosen major High school profile

4. Standardized Test Results Second factor at many colleges SAT ACT Combined scores from multiple test dates Relationship to academic performance

5. Extracurricular Involvement Quality, not quantity Commitment over time Specific involvements Leadership Roles Service/Volunteerism Employment in place of activities Activity resumes enhance application

6. The Personal Interview Important, even if not required Opportunity for the college to know you Way for you to learn about the college Parent vs. student roles Practice interviewing – it’s a skill

7. Letters of Recommendation Submit 1 – 3 even if not required Most valuable from those who know you Help to present you in a different light Be considerate of those you ask

8. Personal Statement/College Essay Opportunity for you to share personal values Choose your topic carefully Follow the directions Proofread, edit, and rewrite Don’t do it last

9. The Application Process Be neat, thorough, and punctual Present yourself honestly Promote yourself and your accomplishments Do more, not less Be mindful of deadlines Develop an organizational process

10. Closing tips: Read everything you receive. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll feel. Do your best on all admission and scholarship applications. Proofread carefully. Remember, neatness and accuracy count! Review NACAC’s Students’ Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admission Process brochure.

11. Closing tips, continued: Meet all stated deadlines, especially when filing the FAFSA. This is critical to your success. Make sure to visit several campuses. It’s the best way to know if the college is a good “fit.” Have fun. This should be a great time for your family! Good luck!