1. STEPS TO COLLEGE APPLICATIONS 04.22.15

2. Exploration You Still Have Time To Research Options! You Still Have Time To Research Options! – College Representatives at Regina (Fall 2015) – College Fairs (www.macrao.org) – College Visits (more on that later…) Retake the ACT and SAT Retake the ACT and SAT  ACT – September 12 (register by August 7)  ACT – October 24 (register by September 18)  ACT – December 12 (for merit $ not admissions)  SAT – October 3 and November 7 Practice Over Summer Practice Over Summerhttp://www.collegequestmi.comhttp://www.actstudent.org/testprep/book.html

3. Exploration Discuss realistic options Discuss realistic options – Financial considerations 15 Public Universities in Michigan 15 Public Universities in Michigan Private Colleges and Universities Private Colleges and Universities Out-of-State Colleges and Universities Out-of-State Colleges and Universities (public and private) – Public in-state tuition is much less – Private colleges have endowments

4. Application Process Apply to 3+ schools Apply to 3+ schools  Safety school  Match school  Reach school Check schools’ deadlines Check schools’ deadlines Rolling Admissions Regular Admissions Early Action - Early Notification Financial Aid Apply before October 31 Apply before October 31 (if possible)

5. Application Process Check schools’ deadlines Check schools’ deadlines MSU – Rolling Admission Early Action – October 15 (approx) Scholarships – November 1 UM – Regular Admission Early Action – November 1 Final Deadline – February 1 Oakland University – Rolling Admission Accepts applications up until August 1

6. Application Process UM vs. MSU UM vs. MSU Both require official ACT and SAT scores with writing Both require official ACT and SAT scores with writing UM – Common AppMSU – MSU Application UM – Common AppMSU – MSU Application UM – Multiple EssaysMSU – Personal Statement UM – Multiple EssaysMSU – Personal Statement UM – One rec. letter MSU – none UM – One rec. letter MSU – none

7. Application Process Common App – www.commonapp.org Common App – www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org “member colleges – more than 500” Your transcript will be automatically included Non-Common App - go to the College’s Website Non-Common App - go to the College’s Website “prospective students” Order your transcript through Parchment PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS ARE USUALLY AVAILABLE ON COLLEGE WEBSITES AFTER AUGUST 1 st.

8. Application Process Complete college application online Complete college application online (required) Submit payment by credit card Submit payment by credit card (application fees vary) Order transcript via Parchment Order transcript via Parchment (non-Common App Schools only – a small fee may be required for some colleges) – 90% of MI colleges utilize Parchment – 10% utilize Common App

9. Application Process Parchment August – Seniors create Parchment Accounts in School Parchment September 1 – First Day Transcripts sent via Parchment Common App Mid-September – Seniors attend Common App Workshops

10. Application Components Online Application (Common App or College Website) Application fee (credit card or check directly mailed to admissions of college) Electronic transcript (Parchment or Common App) Letter(s) of recommendation if needed Essay(s) if needed Personal resume/activity sheet

11. Application Components Transcript Classes you took Grades you received Cumulative GPA (career gpa) Class rank ACT or SAT scores (unofficial - not accepted by all colleges) Classes you are taking senior year

12. Application Components Resume or Activity Sheet Leadership Roles Volunteer Work Work Experience Extra-Curricular Activities Honors or Awards Special Talents Start with your Career Cruising resume. See your counselor for user name and password.

13. Application Components Letter of Recommendation Ask teachers in Math, Science, English, Social Studies or Foreign Language Ask the teacher in person – do not send the request in an e-mail Give the teacher your resume Allow up to three weeks before the deadline Send the teacher a thank-you note USUALLY ONLY ONE LETTER IS REQUIRED. PLEASE DO NOT ASK MULTIPLE TEACHERS TO WRITE LETTERS IF ONLY ONE IS BEING ACCEPTED BY THE COLLEGE.

14. Application Components Essays or personal statement Check the application to see if an essay or personal statement is required Sign up with WOW Essay Writing website http://goo.gl/eZbs91 Essays that worked: https://www.apstudynotes.org/essays/https://www.apstudynotes.org/essays/ Ask a teacher or parent to help edit (but not too much!)

15. Class of 2016 – Calendar August 2015: August 2015: – Review Senior class schedule – Purchase class books/materials – Continue preparing for ACT re-takes, if desired – Visit colleges: take the tours, attend a class… – Create Parchment Account September 2015: September 2015: – Visit the RHS website – www.reginahs.com www.reginahs.com GUIDANCE tab has scholarship info, testing info, career info, and many important links GUIDANCE tab has scholarship info, testing info, career info, and many important links – Begin requesting transcripts through Parchment – Attend Common App workshops at Regina – Request recommendation letters as needed October/November 2015: October/November 2015: – Continue applying to colleges online – Attend College Visits at RHS – Maintain your GPA Winter 2016: Winter 2016: – Apply for financial aid: www.fafsa.gov www.fafsa.gov – Maintain a record of acceptance letters and award notices

16. GUIDANCE RHS Website – GUIDANCE tab

17. College Fairs College Searches

18. GUIDANCE RHS Website – GUIDANCE tab transcripts Common App Where can I request my transcripts? My college is a Common App School – how can I apply?

19. College Visits Ask questions! Ask questions! – Bring a list – Create your own pro/con list – Talk with students who are studying something of interest to you Take an “official” tour Take an “official” tour – Guides know the “shortcuts” around campus – Pay attention to social/sports life – Find the library, the dorms, the department buildings… Visit a class! Visit a class!  What are the class sizes?  What format is the class? (lecture/book, etc.)  Who is teaching the class? (professor/TA, etc.) How does the campus feel to you? How does the campus feel to you?

20. College Application Quiz

21. You can take the ACT next fall. What months can you take it for college admission?

22. College Application Quiz When is the last time you can take the ACT for scholarship purposes?

23. College Application Quiz Name three items that go on your transcript.

24. College Application Quiz What is the name of the on- line transcript ordering service used by Regina and the Michigan colleges?

25. College Application Quiz What is the recommended deadline for completing your college applications?

26. College Application Quiz How many public universities are there in the State of Michigan?

27. College Application Quiz What is the name of the universal application used by U of M and many other schools?

28. College Application Quiz How many colleges use the Common App?

29. College Application Quiz Which two Michigan public universities REQUIRE official ACT scores with writing ?

30. College Application Quiz What is the first day Regina will mail out your transcripts via Parchment?

31. Financial Aid FAFSA explanation FAFSA explanation