College Application Process

Transcription

1 College Application Process SARAH DIATTA ACADEMIC COUNSELOR

2 Academic Counseling Department Mrs. Brenda Stone Mrs. Sarah Diatta Mrs. Lisa Castillo Academic Counselor Academic Counselor Academic Counselor 10 th & 12 th 9 th & 11 th Credit Recovery Mr. Brad Craycroft Ms. Teryn Kogura Mrs. Joan Albers Junior Advisor College Advisor Career Technician AP of Instruction UC Berkeley DCAC College & Career Center

3 Academic Counseling Website

4 New Outside Course Approval Form Any course taken outside of Leland that students wish to add to their Leland transcript must be pre-approved by an academic counselor using the SJUSD High School Outside Credit Approval Form. Beginning in the 2015/16 school year, on-line PE, on-line visual performing arts classes, and on-line science classes will no longer be approved for SJUSD transfer credit.

5 Objective To gain an understanding of the different college systems and their application processes. To explain the Letter of Recommendation process

6 The Answer to Admissions: I have a 3.7 gpa and an 2400 on the SAT, I ll get in, right? What s a good list of activities to participate in so I ll be admitted? Is it true that every student with a 4.3 get in? I heard that if a student only meets the minimum requirements, no campus will accept him. Is that true?

7 It s a Myth: There is no Golden Ticket! No single factor is the reason why a particular student is selected or not selected for admission A denial of admission is not a reflection on an applicant s worth, rather a reflection on a lack of space available to accommodate every student who seeks admission.

8 The Admissions Process Understand the requirements Meet the requirements Apply for admission Compete for a space

9 How Many Should I Apply To? 6-10 colleges is the recommended number Apply to a wide range of schools Use Naviance Supermatch to find new colleges. Strategize: 2-3 reach 3-4 match 1-2 likely

10 Reach A reach school is one where your academic credentials fall below the school's range for the average freshman. Reach schools are long shots, but they should still be possible.

11 Match A match school is one where your academic credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the school's range for the average freshman. There are no guarantees, but it's not unreasonable to be accepted to several of your match schools.

12 Likely A likely school is one where your academic credentials fall above the school's range for the average freshman. You can be reasonably certain that you will be admitted to your likely schools. Should be colleges that the student would be happy to attend.

13 Narrow Your List Some things to consider: Size Location Distance from home Available majors and classes Impaction Housing options Available extracurricular activities Campus Atmosphere Weather

14 Major & College Match Tools Naviance Supermatch college search Assist.org bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search ources.htm secure.californiacolleges.edu/college_planning/ _default.aspx

15 Keep in Mind There is no such thing as a perfect college. Stay open to all possibilities. Picking a college is a personal choice. Help and guide your students through the process, but do not pick for them.

16 Video Raising independent students

17 Apply early Early Decision Usually receive admission decision by December Agree to attend the college if admitted May apply to only one college early decision Apply to other colleges under regular admission Must withdraw all other applications if accepted by the early decision school

18 Early Action Apply early Receive decision early (Jan or Feb) Consider acceptance offer, but not committed to it Apply to other colleges under regular admission

19 Who Should Apply Early? A student who: Has researched colleges extensively Is absolutely sure that the college is his/her first choice. Has found the college to be a strong match academically, socially and geographically. Meets or exceeds the admission profile for the college.

20 Applying Early is NOT Appropriate for Students Who have not thoroughly researched colleges Is applying early just to avoid stress and paperwork Is not fully committed to attending the college Is applying early only because friends are Needs a strong senior fall semester to bring grades up

21 Benefits of Applying Early Reduce stress by cutting the time spent waiting for a decision. Save time and expense of submitting multiple applications. Gain more time, once accepted, to look for housing and otherwise prepare for college. Reassess options and apply elsewhere if not accepted.

22 Drawbacks of Applying Early Pressure to decide Reduced financial aid opportunities Time crunch for other applications

23 Application Ethics Students may not apply to more than one early decision program. Students must withdraw all other applications after they have been accepted to a binding early decision school Students may not double deposit (accepting admission to more than one school)

24 Different College Systems Community College California State University (CSU) University of California (UC) Private/Independent Schools

25 Community College Admission Requirements Student must be either: 18 years of age Have a High School Diploma

26 Community College Application Process Apply in the spring of senior year: Students will receive a student ID via with 48 hours Register for a placement Register for orientation or counseling Register for classes AA-T & AA-S Degrees: Guarantee transfer to CSU

27 San Jose Unified Graduation Requirements

28 California State University Admission Requirements Complete a-g coursework with a C or better Minimum GPA is 2.0 SAT or ACT Meet minimum eligibility index of 2900

29 California State University Factors they Consider Grades in a-g courses Rigor of coursework Test scores

30 California State University Application Process Apply at October 1 - November 30 Asks for basic student information, courses, grades, and test scores. No essays, no letters of recommendation Do not need to submit a transcript unless the university requests it Typically send acceptance letters in March May 1: deadline to submit Statement of Intent to Register to chosen campus July 1 : Submit final transcript

31 University of California Admission Requirements Complete a-g coursework with C or better Minimum GPA is 3.0 SAT or ACT SAT Subject Test (Recommended for certain majors)

32 University of California Factors they Consider GPA Academic Improvement Test Scores Special Talents, Courses Achievements & Awards AP & Honors Courses Participation in Eligibility in the Educational Preparation Local Context Programs Quality of Senior- Academic Year Accomplishment within Life Experiences Achievements in Special Projects Academic Opportunities in High School

33 University of California Application Process Application opens August 1, submit November 1-30 Asks for basic student information, courses, grades, test scores, activities and awards Personal Statement Do not send a transcript until the university requests it Typically send acceptance letters in March May 1: deadline to submit Statement of Intent to Register to their chosen campus July 1 : Submit final transcript

34 Requirements vary Private/Independent Schools Admission Requirements Students must research admission requirements online Some accept students with a 2.0, others are very selective, accepting as little as the top 6% of applicants If a student meets the a-g course requirements, they will likely meet the course requirements for many universities Most require SAT or ACT tests Some require SAT Subject Tests

35 Private/Independent Schools Factors they Consider

36 Other Factors Quality of Senior-Year Academic Opportunities in High School Achievements in Special Projects Academic Improvement Special Talents, Achievements, and Awards Participation in Educational Preparation Programs Academic Accomplishment within Life Experiences Geographic Location

37 Tips for Students Demonstrating Interest Voluntarily join mailing list/newsletter. Fill out inquiry card at college fairs. Visit campus (if possible) or request interview from the local admissions rep or alumni Attend overnight programs. Send thank you notes. Apply to fewer colleges so there is time to show interest. Treat every college on list as if is #1 Take your time with the supplemental essay questions!

38 Private/Independent Schools Application Process Application process varies Common Application- Online Application Paper Application Application deadlines vary Ask for basic student information, courses, grades, test scores, activities and awards Many require essays and letters of recommendation

39 Letter of Recommendation Packet (Online) Private/independent colleges may require letters of recommendation from 1-3 teachers and 1 counselor. Check college websites (admissions) to find out the letter of rec requirements. The Letter of Recommendation Packet can be found in the Naviance in the Document Library Student should be thorough with their answers! Check with your teachers regarding extra information they might need.

40 Letter of Recommendation Packet (Paper) If a college requires a paper recommendation, you will also need: Official transcript (order in the office) A stamped envelope addressed to college where the letter is to be sent Any additional forms to be filled out

41 Assembling the Packet Make three copies of the completed Letter of Rec. forms. Copy unofficial transcript. You will need three copies total. Staple completed packet with cover sheet on top.

42 Other Letter of Recommendation Info Student should request letter of rec. from academic teachers this spring. Be aware of recommendation packet deadlines. Must be typed. Packets must be complete. Students may ask a specific counselor or administrator to write their letter or may be randomly assigned a counselor or administrator.

43 Advice Do not eliminate a college based on cost until you have received all financial aid offers. Many colleges are willing to work with the students that they have chosen for admission to ensure that those students can afford to attend. Consider the total cost of attendance. Visit as many colleges as possible.

44 Advice Review admit rates and freshman profiles as a guideline, not an absolute. Apply broadly. Use transcripts. Don t guess grades. Avoid abbreviations/acronyms. Answer every question on the application.

45 Advice Identify key messages you want to convey in your application: What do you have to offer? Serving in student government- shows that you have leadership skills. Playing a basketball throughout high school- shows that you are able to handle a long term commitment. Working a part-time job while keeping your grades upshows that you are responsible and can manage your time.

46 Finally It s not about the number of activities. Admissions officers want to know what students have learned and how they have grown from participating in these activities. Extracurricular activities, letters of rec, and the essays reveal what applicants are passionate about and also give clues to an applicant s character.

47 Character Counts! Counselor recommender must report any discipline record. Has the applicant ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at your school, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct that resulted in the applicant's probation, suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion from your institution. To your knowledge, has the applicant ever been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime? Colleges sometimes call the counselor recommender to check in on students behavior.

48 WACAC College Fair Date: Thursday, May 7 Time: 10am to 12pm & 6-8pm Location: Mission College in Santa Clara Over 160 colleges and university reps

49 Thank you! Have a great evening.