1. The College Admissions Process

2. overview Keeping the Process in Perspective Nature of the Marketplace Factors Impacting College Admission Decisions Research Developing a Balanced List of Schools – Applying Strategically! Application Options & Managing the Process Presenting the Person Behind the Numbers

3. an initiation: Is a process and not only an event Is genuinely hard Always has an element of fear/anxiety Forces self-examination Calls upon all skills previously learned Can only be done by the initiate only

4. your role in their initiation Make home a safe refuge Keep them calm Keep your eye on the ball - it’s about growing up, not about getting into a certain college Teach doing one’s best, not perfection Be the shoreline

5. Optimistic Excited Elated Concerned Alarmed Relieved Ups and downs

6. factors impacting college admission decisions

7. nature of the marketplace We can’t rely on the college admissions landscape that we were familiar with… Good News/Bad News: W hile the odds for admission into a four year school are excellent, the competition for very selective colleges, especially those in the northeast, is more intense than ever.

8. from Northeastern University… “Our Undergraduate Admissions team has been actively reading more than 50,000 applications for 2,800 freshmen seats available this fall…..”

9. The Silver Lining: Students who do their research and are realistic about the process, often end up very happy with the outcome.

10. It’s a great school but it wasn’t my first choice.

11. factors impacting college admissions decisions TOP TWO from NACAC’s 2014 State of College Admission report: Grades Strength of Curriculum

12. the IB and college admissions Most schools view the IB as a very rigorous curriculum and wonderful preparation for college. How the IB is factored in varies by school: Some recalculate GPA Others consider it a factor in a holistic review

13. Other factors include Admissions Test Scores Class Standing Demonstrated Interest Essay Counselor Recommendation Teacher Recommendation(s) Activities, Work, Hobbies, Talents Interview Weight varies by school

14. College Admissions Testing SAT and/or the ACT+Writing Later this spring (May/June) and once again in the fall (October/November). Student can register now. Differences in format and content, therefore we have encouraged juniors to explore both. https://www.khanacademy.org/college-admissions/making-high- school-count/standardized-tests/v/overview-of-sat College Board (SAT) and ACT web sites: offer a free “question of the day” prep option, a practice test and on- line test registration. “Test Optional” Schools – FairTest.org SAT Subject Tests

15. research Student Driven Process FIT - Thoughtful Process of Introspection The questions is not “Which is the best college?” The question is “Which is the best college for me?”

16. Wide Array of Internet Tools Begin with objective sites utilizing facts/statistics Collegeboard.org, petersons.org Colleges That Change Lives Ctcl.org Association of Universities & Colleges of Canada www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities

17. campus visits/interviews Best Way to Assess Fit Formal and Informal Visits Ideal Time to Visit Interview

18. fit http://collegespecific.com/toolkits/junior_vid4/

19. developing a balanced list of schools

20. creating a balanced list http://collegespecific.com/toolkits/junior_vid3/

21. apply strategically Solid Schools Financially Feasible Schools Probable Schools Possible Schools The Statistical Reach

22. example: New England College Betty’s SAT Scores: 540 CR 520 Math 560 Writing

23. example: New England College Betty 3.1 GPA Q: Is Betty in the mix? Q: Is Betty at the top, bottom, or middle of the mix?

24. example: Umass Amherst

25. Financial considerations It is important to have a financially feasible option: It too should be a good fit Out of state publics/some private schools Research schools’ Financial & Merit Aid policies: Keep in mind most colleges can’t fully meet a student’s demonstrated need Net Price Calculator – provides rough cost estimate netpricecalculator.collegeboard.org Not all schools offer merit awards

26. Have a conversation about finances: This allows parents and students to plan accordingly

27. what is financial aid? * Merit Based Aid vs. Need Based Aid. *Types of Aid GrantsWork Study ScholarshipsLoans Federal State Institutional

28. Comparing financial aid awards EFC remains constant, but Cost of Attendance changes from school to school

29. managing the process

30. the college application Electronic Apps the norm The Common Application School Specific Applications Wait until early fall Counselor support: High school transcript School profile Counselor recommendation Student responsibilities: Application forms & fees Essay(s) List of activities, offices held, honors/recognitions Direct College Board or ACT to send OFFICIAL test scores Request/follow-up on teacher recommendations Request high school transcripts

31. managing the application process Use form hand-out Create a separate e-mail account Know application requirements Monitor application deadlines Track financial aid forms & deadlines Routinely check application status

32. admissions policies Non-Restrictive Application Plans Restrictive Application Plans

33. the person behind the process

34. college admissions is an art not a science It’s human beings making decisions about human beings, and cannot be reduced to a single formula Colleges are admitting individuals and shaping a freshman class Essay and recommendations add depth and dimension

35. essay Individualizes the applicant Narrate a slice of life – attempting to cover too much territory diminishes the story Students will be given time and direction in English classes this spring

36. the essay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDRqjDYbwi8

37. letters of recommendation

38. A well written essay and strong recommendation letters can sway an admission decision – careful attention can positively impact the outcome.

39. learn more…

40. looking to the future College Admissions Overview with juniors/parents Individual meetings Application workshops in early fall College Financing Seminars Making an Informed Decision Seminar May 1 st Universal Reply Date

41. be the shoreline.