2. 7:00-7:30: Theresa Yerger and Bill Baillie 7:30-8:30: College Admissions Panel Drexel University Fairfield University University of Pennsylvania West Chester University

3.  9/24 Fordham Regional Info Session at MMA  9/25JET tour at MMA 8:00am – 9:00am  9/26Delaware County Regional College Fair 6:30 – 8:00 PM  10/7Faculty In-service: GREAT COLLEGE VISIT DAY  10/8 Financial Aid Night at MMA 7:00 PM  10/9 Montgomery County Regional College Fair 6:30-8:30 PM  10/17 PSAT: Application Writing Day

4.  As parents you have many roles in the college admissions process:  Listener  Advocate  Advisor of deadlines  College trip organizer  Researcher  Cheerleader

5. Let your daughter take OWNERSHIP!

6.  Read the College Counseling webpages  What’s New in College Counseling  E-mails and MMA e-newsletter  Check Naviance  Upcoming college events/open houses  Scholarships  College Rep visits (over 50 to date)

7.  Students feel a sense of urgency to gain college acceptances, but often get frustrated and stymied with all the work that is expected.  Listen, be the asker of questions instead of provider of answers.  This process begins the year of “Letting Go” for both you and your daughter.

8.  There is a place for every student after high school.  Need to look for “Best Fit” not “Best School” (with room to grow.) Find a place where your daughter can be successful both academically and socially.

9. The BLUE form Essay and Interview Tips Common App Teacher Recommendations Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

10.  September and October test dates for most EA/ED dates.  Results need to be sent DIRECTLY to colleges (done through testing agency)  Registration dates on our website  FAIRTEST.ORG – test optional (over 800 schools)

11.  Early Decision – binding. Must attend and withdraw other applications  Early Action – Not binding have until May 1 st to decide.  Rolling Admissions – generally informed of admission status 4-6 weeks after materials received.  Regular Admissions – wait until April.  Except for ED, you have until May 1 st to decide and send ONE tuition deposit

12.  Good Match Schools – apply to 2-3 of these  Compatibility between student grades and academic quality of the school’s freshman profile. (use Naviance for this)  Reach Schools – apply to 1-2 of these  If you’re thinking “it won’t hurt to try” then it is more than likely a reach school.  Likely to Accept– apply to 1-2 of these  More than likely will not turn you away. Your child must be happy and willing to attend this school.

13.  Proofread!  Colleges may ask for essays, teacher recommendations, transcripts, application fee.  Check college websites for requirements  Apply early to minimize stress  Nov. 30 for Penn State  Nov. 1 for rolling admissions or “specialty” programs (nursing, PT, PA, engineering, etc.)

14.  Common Application – Brand new version this year. Everything is sent electronically to over 500 member schools.  Individual online college application  Student Portion - including supplements, essay(s)and fee if applicable  File/save any confirmation e-mails  “Incomplete application” e-mails

15.  Official Transcript  School Profile (available on web)  Counselor Letter of Recommendation  School Report  Mid-year grades to EVERY college  For the Class of 2013, we sent out over 900 sets of these school components

16.  This is to be filled out and handed directly to your daughter’s counselor.  This helps us stay organized and know when our responsibilities have been completed.  Start accepting after individual appointment  Hand in 2-3 weeks in advance of deadline

17.  College visits are important – like test driving a new car  Overnight visit if college permits or sit in on a class  2 college visit days (excused absences)  Go off the beaten path  Attend local receptions  Visit with reps at MMA

18.  Financial Aid Meeting – October 8 th  What can you do this fall?  Check each colleges financial aid webpage for deadlines and FAFSA/CSS Profile.  Get tax information together as soon as possible.

19.  Stay Informed  Apply Early  Demonstrate Interest  Blue Form