1. The College Application Process: An Overview for Parents/Guardians MERHS Guidance & College Counseling September 15, 2015

2. Hello! Beverly Low = lowb@mersd.orglowb@mersd.org Karen D’Amour = damourk@mersd.orgdamourk@mersd.org Gillian Polk = polkg@mersd.orgpolkg@mersd.org We’ve been talking with seniors. College application “boot camp” in August Senior class meeting Individual appointments

3. Developing a List of Colleges Attend college fairs and open houses. Road trip! There’s no substitute for being on a college campus. Dare to compare – look at a large university and a small college – explore each end of the spectrum. Meet with college admission reps. Read blogs by college admission staff.

4. Useful Resources MERHS College Search Guidebook The NACAC web site has a ton of current, relevant info about the college search and application processes. The College Planning Blog on the Best College Fit web site provides honest insight into the various stages of the college application and acceptance process.

5. Naviance One stop shopping for college planning “Family Connection” menu Lots of college exploration tools and data – national scholarship listing Electronic documents/materials Linked to The Common Application Growing roster of college rep visits

6. Registering for college admission rep visits... Sign up via Naviance 48 hours in advance. Pick up a green “college rep visit” slip from Guidance office. Take green slip to teacher (for signature) at least three days prior to missing class.

7. Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter @MEGuidance @MEGuidance

8. The application... Know each college’s process and timeline. Create a folder for each college, listing requirements and deadlines on the front. Over 300 institutions accept the Common Application, accessible via Naviance. Confirm which colleges require supplemental information (essays, etc.). Keep track of user names and passwords!

9. Timelines and Decisions  Early Decision = binding A clear commitment to one college. Absolute first choice.  Early Action = non-binding The benefit of an early response, with time to weigh options.  Regular and rolling admission

10. Components of the application process at MERHS... Game plan. Counselor recommendation form. “Parent Brag Sheet.” Resume. Individual contact/meetings. Transcript Release Form completed and submitted.

11. Sending test scores to colleges A college asking for “Official Scores” must receive the score report directly from The College Board or ACT. When registering for tests via The College Board (SAT) or ACT web site, the student may indicate the colleges to receive score reports.

12. Deadlines for 2015 – 2016  October 2015  November 2015  December 2015  January 2016  February 2016  March 2016  September 15, 2015  October 15, 2015  November 15, 2015  December 7, 2015 *  January 15, 2016  February 15, 2016 College ApplicationTranscript Request

13. Who? What? Where? MERHS sends the student’s transcript, teacher recommendations and counselor recommendation to colleges. Each individual student sends his/her application, application fee, and SAT/ACT scores to colleges. If you have ANY questions regarding a particular college or university’s application process, we are happy to help clarify.

14. Financial aid, financing college, and FAFSA... Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the one form required to determine eligibility for ANY type of financial aid. The FAFSA may not be submitted until after January 1, 2016. Register and obtain a PIN via the web site.

15. MEFA College Financing Seminar Wednesday, October 14, 2015 6:30pm MERHS Auditorium The MEFA.org web sight is very user friendly and provides useful tools and information regarding college financial aid.

16. Action Items...  Arrange a time to sit with your student and look at his/her Naviance account together.  Sign the Transcript Release Form.  Review the preliminary list of colleges.  Review the college admission rep visit schedule.  Set up a FAFSA account and obtain your PIN.  Attend the MEFA College Financing Seminar.  Schedule a time to come in for a chat.

17. Questions?

18. Thank you. The MERHS guidance and college counseling mission is to assist all students in achieving academic, social, emotional, and career success. All students will have the skills necessary to successfully participate as productive citizens in an ever- changing multicultural world.