SENIOR COLLEGE PLANNING EVENING. Presented by Jeff Stahlman, College Counselor

Transcription

1 SENIOR COLLEGE PLANNING EVENING Presented by Jeff Stahlman, College Counselor

2 Jeff Stahlman College Counselor The family Sharon, Andrea, Nick 27 years of experience in education (=old!) 25 years in the college selection process Past 16 at New Albany HS Why St. Charles? Why now?

3 The College Planning Booklet This booklet is the result of many years of research and first-hand experience. Please take some time to review its contents. I hope you will refer to it often as the year progresses. Section 1 - Testing Section 2 - The College List Section 3 - The College Application Section 4 - College Lists and Glossaries

4 The Guidance Office Drop In Mondays New and Updated Guidance Office Website Newsletter Appointments Naviance and weekly/biweekly s You are always welcome! Phone , ext.17

5 Guidance Office Website

6 Guidance Office Calendar

7 NAVIANCE Send your transcripts and recommendations electronically! Track the progress of your transcripts, etc. View college visits to Saint Charles and register for them on-line Receive a weekly update from the Guidance Office scholarships, Info. Sessions, etc. Conduct college research Links to useful websites If you haven t logged in or you have forgotten your password, please stop by the Guidance Office Please check your site and be sure that your is correct!

8 College Visits at St. Charles Usually 100+ college visitors each year Updated calendar available at the Guidance Website and in Naviance Register in Naviance if you d like to This is usually THE representative who makes decisions on your application Visit and make contact with the schools on your list Work with your teachers you will receive 5 College Visit passes Also, SUNDAY, September 20 1:00-4:00 at Otterbein U. Columbus Suburban College Fair

9 Student Responsibilities To research and to be personally knowledgeable about all of the colleges to which you will apply. You must complete all application materials on or before deadlines and be the sole author of your application. Submit Your ACT/SAT scores directly to colleges. You should seek the assistance of your College Counselor often! DROP IN MONDAY! Perform well in college! Take advantage of this experience!

10 A Note to Parents and Students Be Realistic About Your Profile GPA Test results Your special talents and needs Lay all your cards on the table about: College Cost parameters Student Achievement and progress at college Expected student financial contributions Final Choices a family decision

11

12 Senior Timeline September Review, research your college list. Begin your applications. September/October/November- Finish testing. September/October/November- APPLY! Pay close attention to deadlines. October/November- Register for CSS/Profile if needed. Apply for scholarships. January- Apply for Financial Aid through FAFSA, continue applying for scholarships April You should receive your decisions and financial info. MAY 1 ST! You must make YOUR final decision.

13 TESTING Section 1 Testing: ACT SAT Subject Tests

14 Testing Review If you have NOT yet completed an ACT or an SAT, please do so ASAP!!!! To register or to re-register for exams: SAT: October 3; Deadline to register September 3 also offered November 7 and December 5 ACT: October 24; Deadline to register September 18 also offered December 12 ACT with or without Writing? Submit your test scores directly to the college from the test company.

15 To Report Your Test Scores YOU MUST SEND YOUR TEST SCORES DIRECTLY TO THE COLLEGE! Send your scores directly from the test company (on-line): SAT: will send ALL of the scores you select (SCORE CHOICE) for $11.25 per school ACT: will send ONE of your test scores for $12.00 per school If you coded in colleges on your original exam they have already been sent by the testing agency. 4 free test reports to send to colleges when you test. I would suggest that you use them this year, unless you have an unusual circumstance.

16 SAT Subject Tests Three Subject Tests at one sitting, usually one Math, and one or two others of your choice Few schools require, BUT these are generally the more selective schools in the country Often used for class placement Sometimes Called SAT 2 s pp. 11,12 of your booklet

17 BUILDING THE COLLEGE LIST Research Safe/Possible/Reach College Personality FIT Every Choice a first choice

18

19 College Visits and Research RESEARCH YOUR CHOICES! The VISIT is simply the best way to learn about a college and its potential match. Tips: -Schedule visits at least 2 weeks ahead if possible -Arrive early, parking will be difficult -ASK QUESTIONS! -You may ask to meet with a professor or a coach. -Read a student newspaper -Request meetings for any special needs you may have -Send a thank you note -Record your impressions immediately -Do an overnight visit at a couple of schools you are very serious about

20 Cost and Value Complete a Financial Need Estimate by completing the Net Price Calculator on each college s own website. With and without scholarships! IF you are applying to a school that REQUIRES the CSS Profile for financial aid, you should complete the first part of it by October. Some out-of-state, state schools are as affordable as in-state, state schools! (Lists in your booklet) Consider State schools. Ohio has many terrific options. Many Private colleges will give terrific scholarship money to students above their academic profile. The more selective the college, the more the college will rely on aid rather than scholarships MORE at the Next Meeting, November 11th

21 Your Admission Chances SAFE SCHOOL % chance for admission $$$$ Money most likely At least 2 schools! POSSIBLE SCHOOL 60-80% chance for admission Middle of list Usually 2-3 schools REACH SCHOOL 25-50% chance for admission Do not spend all of your time looking at these schools! Pages of your booklet Sample College List 1) Safe School 2) Safe School 3) Safe/Possible School 4) Possible School 5) Possible School 6) Reach School 7) Reach or Possible?

22 Your Final List of Colleges Would you be happy at ALL of these schools? Every Choice a 1 st Choice Do you have at least 2 schools you are sure you will be admitted to? Do you have at least two affordable options? Have you been realistic rather than wishful? Have you covered all of your possibilities? Can you accept a rejection (or more)? Would you actually go to this college if you are admitted? A great list is the key to great results!

23 THE APPLICATION Deadlines! Essays Activities Common App Recommendations Interviews Dem. Interest Early Decision

24 Application Process 2 Parts Part 1: Your Application On Line (99%) Essays Short Answers Data completion Activities YOUR portion of the application Submit electronically Can be submitted electronically up to deadline PLEASE doublecheck everything If you have a paper application, bring to Mr. Stahlman when completed. Part 2: Transcript, etc. Register on Naviance Transcript with Senior Classes Any recommendation letters Any additional enclosures I will send this information (part 2) to colleges electronically Request must be turned in three weeks prior to deadline!!!!! You can complete Part 2 at any time in your application process.

25 Transcript Request Process Step 1: Login to Naviance You may access Naviance from the College Center Website or the College Center Portal You will need your username ( ) and password to access this site.

26 Add Colleges to Naviance Step 2 If Common Application College In Naviance go to: Colleges I m Applying To MATCH your Common Application with Username and Birthdate IF you are applying to a Common Application school If a NON-Common Application College In Naviance go to: Colleges I m Thinking About Simply add your schools You must complete the education section and FERPA waiver in the CA to proceed IF you are requesting a letter of recommendation, you may request it here BUT SPEAK TO YOUR TEACHER FIRST!

27 Turn in College Transcript Request Form Step 3: Turn in Yellow Transcript Request Form to the Guidance Office AT LEAST 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR DEADLINE!

28 Deadlines!!!! College Deadline Turn in to Guidance November 1 October 5 (common ED/EA Deadline) December 1 November 9 (common scholarship Deadline ) January 1 December 7 Transcript requests turned in after 12/7 may be sent out after the new year. (November 1st is a good date to have your application materials submitted, but you can still apply to more after 11/1.)

29 Your Part: The College Application The application may include: On-line application (or paper form) Activities Essay? Teacher recommendation? Counselor Form and Transcript Test Scores (you will need to have these sent) Interview? Audition? Portfolio? Additional Materials?

30 Application Tips BE ACCURATE! Watch out for Deadlines, including and especially scholarship Deadlines. Complete an Inventory of the application START EARLY and make a schedule for completion. Don t add too much extra information, but some may be OK. Send your test scores from ACT/SAT Schedule an interview if given the opportunity. Carefully craft your essay! Register for NCAA Clearinghouse if D1 or D2 athlete Facebook/ address? Follow up with your colleges.

31 Your Activities List Be as specific as is possible in the space provided. On the CA you will have ten spaces for activities You will list them in order of meaning to you. Don t forget: Internships, research, hobbies, interests, service, and leadership.

32

33

34 Types of Essays Common Application: Choose 1 1. Essential Background 2. Time you failed 3. Time you stood up for a belief 4. Problem to solve 5. Event when you became an adult Other types: Why us? Why your field of study? The Unusual U Chicago, etc.

35 Essay Tips Make it your voice. Make it PERSONAL Could anyone else have written it? Avoid cliché topics: confessions, shock topics, vulgarity, girlfriend/boyfriend, the injury Do you have a story to tell? Use wit and humor (if you are funny and not too much). When in doubt, keep it simple. Don t be afraid to be creative, but get a second or third opinion! Show, don t tell. Use an example or story. Proofread and get someone else to look over. Pay close attention the college s own prompt!

36 Recommendation Letters Recommendation letters can help your application. Some general guidelines: Ask someone who will write positively about you! Usually, at least one core academic teacher. Ask someone to write about you who knows you well! Ask at least THREE WEEKS IN ADVANCE for your letter. See your recommender IN PERSON to ask! Then request in Naviance. +1 Rule of rec. letters! IF you d like a rec. letter from Mr. Stahlman, please schedule an appointment for an interview. Recommendation Letters are confidential between the writer and the college

37 Demonstrated Interest What is Demonstrated Interest? How can I demonstrate interest in a college? Visit!! Meet with the college representative at the HS visit or at a local event. Establish and/or voice contact w/ the college admission representative. Form a relationship. (But don t be a stalker!) Ask Thoughtful and Genuine questions Be GENUINE! Don t make Demonstrated Interest if you are truly not interested in the college. Make periodic contact w/ the admission office.

38 A Note About Ultra-Selective Colleges How can you contribute to the college? More than just academics most students applying to these schools will be exceptional students by the numbers. Admissions is more selective now (at these schools) than it has ever been! 5% at Stanford last year! What are your real chances for 5% of anything? Myth applying to many increases your chances Find the connection between you and this school, be able to articulate it. Begin the application process early! Apply ED if given the opportunity if it is a top choice

39

40 Early Decision (ED) Binding Contract only one ED college 1) Have you visited? 2) Is it your top, #1 choice? Also, is it a possible or reach school? 3) Can you afford it? complete a NET PRICE CALCULATOR on the school s website to see if you qualify for any financial aid. DO NOT count on scholarship money for this decision. If you want to attend a very selective college, you will want to at least consider an Early Decision option.

41 Early Action (EA) Similar to Early Decision, but not binding. Deadlines tend to be from Oct. 15th to December 1 st. You should find your admission status between December 1 st and February 1 st. Less of an admission advantage than ED, though at larger state schools like U Michigan, U Cincinnati, and even OSU it can make a difference. Single Choice EA? Restricted EA?

42 Rolling Admissions When you apply, your application is reviewed soon and you will generally be notified of the admission decision in 4-12 weeks. Apply early! October/November some state schools have VERY early Deadlines for scholarship consideration Your chances are typically improved early in the admission cycle year with Rolling Admissions. Most (but not ALL) state schools use Rolling Admissions.

43 Winning the Heart of the College Admission Representative Visit! Discover what interests you about the school and articulate it Write an essay that shows who you are and why the school fits Meet the Admission Counselor and develop a relationship Interview if given the opportunity If a particular school is one of your top choices, tell them! If it is a very selective school: How can you contribute to the school other than being a good student. Consider applying Early Decision Demonstrate Interest in your top colleges! Ask questions and be the person who reaches out to the college, NOT parents.

44 A Final Word about DEADLINES! Requests for Transcripts must be turned in at least three weeks prior to any deadline. Work backwards from the due date to determine your timeline. Plan to complete and turn in all applications one month before deadline and definitely by Thanksgiving. 95% of all deadlines are absolute! Colleges and definitely scholarships will not modify their deadline for you no matter how good your reason.

45 A Final Word about Cost Please discuss cost as a family now, not later. If cost is a major factor, design your list to maximize your financial options. Please attend the next meeting: November 11th at 7PM At Walter Commons Financial Aid/Scholarships

46 Final Thoughts Register now for ACT/SAT AND SEND scores Finalize your list: good list = good year Complete Applications Establish a concrete timeline! Example: Register for tests 9/1 Final List complete 9/15 Inventory Applications 9/22 See teachers for Recs. 9/29 Bring TRF to Mr. Stahlman 9/29 Essay Rough Drafts 10/6 Finish essays 10/13 Submit applications 10/20 BEWARE OF DEADLINES!!

47