1. College Information Evening 2015 For Senior Parents “the where, when and how of applying to college”. All points reviewed tonight have been or will be discussed in our group and individual meetings with your sons

2. 6 Things to Know as you get started 1.Set up Common Application account www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org 2.Complete FERPA agreement in the Common App: Add 1 College and Sign the Agreement 3.Finalize standardized testing schedule – watch SAT/ACT deadlines – arrange to send scores 4.First Quarter grades count! Do your best! 5.Schedule a meeting with your Prep College Advisor 6.Begin/Continue Writing the Essay for the Common App

3. Application Decisions Refine college lists – continue determining interest level Schedule campus visits/attend open houses/consider interviewing where available – Oct 12 th and 14 th Schedule College Visits—use Naviance Interviewers on campus – Fordham, Holy Cross, St. Joseph’s, Loyola MD, Scranton, St. Louis Univ. – seniors must sign up in the office for interviews

4. Discussion…Decision … Action “finalize” college list – apply to create choices Establish application strategy – ED, EA, regular admission Request transcripts minimum of one month before first deadline – Transcript Request form available in Naviance Consider recommender(s) – make requests using Teacher Recommendation Request form – minimum of one month before first deadline – forms available in Naviance Create an activities resume – good way to review areas of interest and accomplishment – assists in considering essay topics – great conversation prompt in interview

5. The Essay It’s a process – see it as that - give it time Review Common Application essay topics Start early and be patient – seek feedback Additional writing may be required Personal essay – the “who are you” of the application “show….don’t tell” questions require a story – tell it – be authentic Essay = opportunity to truly speak for/reveal self Essay = interview

6. Responsibilities Seniors Request transcripts and teacher recommendation(s) – 1 month prior to first deadline Complete applications Complete essay – use resources, English teacher, college advisor Complete additional writing pieces Send SAT/ACT scores through testing agency to meet college application deadlines for Early Action/Regular decision submissions (test scores are not listed on transcripts nor can they be submitted by counselor) Submit fee Initiate sending of ED agreement through Common Application – if appropriate

7. Roles and Responsibilities Teacher/Counselor Teacher – recommendations, once requested, will be sent electronically to meet student deadlines College Advisor – once transcript is requested – counselor submits secondary school report if required, official transcript, Prep profile and counselor recommendation – electronically – by designated date

8. What can parents do? Submit a parent brag sheet – found in Naviance in document library under “Junior College Planning docs”. All offerings are held in confidence. Recognize challenges involved and allow the application process to be a process Change the focus to keep the conversation fresh Recognize that senior year is a special time for your sons - offering many and varied opportunities for growth Expect success – it happens Keep in touch as needed – we will as well

9. Be Aware of Financial Aid requirements and deadlines: CSS – required by some colleges. Must be submitted as soon as possible beginning October 1 st 2015 through College Board site FAFSA – required by ALL colleges. Must be submitted as soon as possible beginning on January 1, 2016 Of scholarship opportunities – many avenues - through work agencies, local organizations and national agencies. Monitor scholarships tab at Prep site (Guidance and College Advising) That Prep stands firmly behind every candidate

10. Questions? Contacts: Rick Hutchinson rhutchinson@fairfieldprep.org ext 2502rhutchinson@fairfieldprep.org Suzanne Gorab sgorab@fairfieldprep.org ext 2133sgorab@fairfieldprep.org John Hanrahan jhanrahan@fairfieldprep.org ext 2238jhanrahan@fairfieldprep.org