2.  Figure out who you are and then look for colleges that interest you  The most selective college may not always be the best fit

3.  Senior Self-Evaluation  Activity Sheet  Parent Questionnaire  Informal Recommendations (At least one of each)  Teacher  Non-Teacher

4. Naviance A comprehensive tool that can be used to help students and parents through college and career planning. Take surveys on learning style and career interests Conduct a college search Compare colleges Track deadlines Schedule visits with college representatives at GHS Search for scholarships Receive communications from Guidance Department Complete senior packet

5.  Conduct college searches  Research specific schools  Create “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list  Fill out Senior Packet  Check to see if supporting documents can be sent electronically or if they need to be mailed  Electronically invite teachers to write formal recommendations  View which college representatives are visiting GHS  STUDENTS CANNOT submit college applications through NAVIANCE!  Students will use the COMMON APPLICATION or the college’s specific application to apply to colleges

6.  View student activity including student’s “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list  Add colleges to “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list for students  When student submits transcript request form, counselor will convert “Colleges I’m Thinking About” to “Colleges I’m Applying To” list  OFFICIALLY send transcript, letter of recommendation, secondary school report and school profile  TEACHERS have option to send their recommendation through NAVIANCE  Check status of supporting document’s arrival at college  Email students/parents important information

7.  Ms. Green – College and Career Counselor  Individual student appointments available after initial college planning meeting with counselor  College representative visits at GHS  Senior year workshops (College Essay, Interview, College Visit, Resume)  Standardized testing prep books  College guide books  Summer programs  Gap year information  College and Career Update  Information on scholarships, college visits, regional information sessions, open houses, dates to remember  Information File – Specific college information

10.  Location  Size of school  Level of academic rigor  Areas of interest/major  Campus surroundings  Greek life

11.  Family discussions  Frequent contact with counselor  Gather information from colleges and current students  Visit colleges (demonstrated interest)  Keep an open mind  Recognize admissions standards and campus culture varies year to year  Use good judgment when listening to the opinions of others

12.  Call Admissions Office ahead of time  Do your “homework”  Ask good questions of students, professors and admissions representatives  Check out the dining hall  Sit in on a class  Hang out in town  Take notes  Write thank-you notes  Listen to your gut

13.  Make sure every school on your list is a “first choice” school  Know why you are applying to each school  Be realistic about the academic requirements for admission FAR REACH REACH POSSIBLE LIKELY SAFETY

14.  Data  Transcript: ▪ Course selection and level of rigor ▪ Course grades ▪ Three-year GPA  First quarter senior grades (Often required, but not automatically sent)  Mid-Year senior grades (Automatically sent)  SAT/ACT scores  Subject Tests (If required)

15.  Possible subjective information  College essay  Demographics  Demonstrated interest  Extracurricular activities  Interview  Legacy  Recommendations  Supplements  Special talents (athletics, art, music, theater)

16.  Take ownership of college process  Complete and submit applications, forms, essays, etc.  Provide teachers with recommendation forms several weeks in advance of application deadline  Proofread your college essays and have them edited by counselor and then an English teacher  Meet ALL deadlines  Arrange to have official test scores sent directly to college

17.  Support and encourage your child, offering advice and guidance where appropriate  Avoid pushing your preferences or biases regarding college choices  Be open to new ideas and suggestions on colleges to consider  Support an ethical approach to the admissions process  Your children are expected to complete their own applications

18.  Offer students suggestions and guidance about colleges based on the information they provide and preferences they express  Help students create a balanced and realistic list of colleges they would be happy to attend  Write a counselor recommendation  Meet all deadlines (as long as students have met ours)

19.  Online only-no more paper version available  Additional information section will be text only- no more uploads (no more resumes)  ESSAY  Length remains the same: 250-500 words (WORD LIMIT ENFORCED)  Text-entry only - no uploads of Microsoft Word documents  New essay prompts announced every year in March (Topic of choice eliminated)  Supplements will be streamlined so they are accessible online earlier  Complete application will not be available until AUGUST 1, 2013. Do not register until the application is released

20. Spring of Junior Year  Select a strong senior year schedule  Junior college conference with your counselor  College researching/visits  SAT/ACT preparation/registration  Identify two teachers for formal recommendations  Identify at least two people for informal recommendations (one teacher/one non-teacher)  Stay involved with extracurricular activities  Work on activity log/resume  Become familiar with Naviance  Make a family plan about your college process Fall/Winter of Senior Year  Attend Senior Morning Meeting  Set up individual counselor meeting(s)  Attend workshops in the College/Career Center (Resume, College Essay, Interview)  SAT/ACT (if necessary)  Finalize your college list  Keep track of deadlines  Communicate with teacher recommenders  Begin to submit applications  Hand in required forms to GHS Guidance  Fill out financial aid forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile) Summer (June-August)  Senior Packet completed and submitted  Possible SAT/ACT preparation for October exam  Continue researching and visiting schools  Start looking up your essay topics and create a rough draft  Obtain a job, do community service, or something of personal interest  Visit schools Spring of Senior Year  Continue to fill out applications if necessary  Watch your mail for notifications from colleges  Compare financial aid packages  Make your college decision by May 1 st.  Complete enrollment paperwork for the college you will attend

21. BEST OF LUCK WITH THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS!