BERGENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Senior Packet Class of 2015
The Do s and Don ts of the College Application Process How to avoid the most common mistakes Read, Read, Read all application instructions carefully. Check official school websites for the most accurate information. All colleges and universities use.edu for their official site. Make sure to give your counselor all forms necessary to prepare your transcript and recommendation. Give your counselor at least 2 weeks notice for your applications (applications due to guidance by December 1st). Give your teachers plenty of notice (minimum of 3 weeks) to write your letter of recommendation. Pay close attention to Early Action/Decision and Regular Decision Deadlines. Many things can happen if you wait until the last minute; snowstorms, illness, holiday closures. Use your legal name on all documents. It s important to be consistent. Colleges need to match your test scores and recommendations with your application. Whether applying on line or on paper, keep a copy of all materials submitted. Make sure you sign your application. If applying on line, make sure you submit the electronic signature page. If financial circumstances make it difficult to afford application and/or test fees, see your counselor about eligibility for fee waivers available through The College Board. If you are not a US citizen, make sure you have all appropriate papers and documents. If using the Common Application, remember you can duplicate the paper version or apply online to more than one school. Make sure you check to see what schools have supplement forms. Often the supplement form must be submitted at the same time as your on line application. Remember, Common Application Forms can only be used for schools who are participating members. See website for a full list of member colleges. Make sure you request SAT, SAT II and ACT scores to be sent directly from the College Board or ACT. This information is NOT on your transcript.
If you are looking to play sports at the college level you must apply to the NCAA. The eligibility center will review application to determine eligibility. Visit http://web1.ncaa.org/ Keep track of filing and mailing dates. Most schools will notify you if materials are missing. If you get a notice from a school, call the college first to verify the missing information and request duplicates only if necessary. It often takes colleges many weeks to process materials they receive in the mail. When applying on line, keep track of all PIN numbers, e mail addresses and passwords used. Make sure your answer all essay and short answer questions and proofread what you write. Don t forget to hit the SUBMIT button for your on line applications. Most colleges will use e mail to communicate with you, especially for on line applicants. Some schools will send two confirmations to their on line applicants; one confirming submission of your application and one for receipt of application. If accepted under an Early Decision program, please notify all other schools and withdraw your applications. If mid year grades are requested by your schools, you must notify your guidance counselor and provide a legal sized stamped envelope. Visit the campuses of those schools to which you are applying and accepted. Have a Plan B if you are Waitlisted from your first choice school. Make sure you return housing deposits as soon as possible to secure on campus housing. Make sure you send in your deposit by May 1 st. Remember, you should deposit at only one school. Double depositing takes a spot away from another student and is frowned upon by colleges. Please update all information in Naviance and let your counselor know when you have been accepted.
The Process Applying to college requires a team effort that you coordinate. Bergenfield High School will be submitting application materials electronically unless otherwise noted by the student. You must notify your counselor you have applied by filling out a transcript request form. Please make sure you complete one form for each school you apply. Once you apply and pay for your college applications your counselor will send: Your transcript A copy of the BHS profile A counselor recommendation Two teacher recommendations To help your counselor write a strong recommendation you must provide: Your senior survey/questionnaire The parent brag sheet located in your senior survey A list of activities, honors and work experience If the school you are applying to does not accept electronic materials, keep in mind you must provide to your counselor: A large manila envelope (10 X 13) addressed to the college with four stamps Any supplemental school report or counselor forms that are part of your application *You must submit your scores (SAT/ACT) directly to your colleges at YOUR REQUEST which should be done as soon as you complete your applications. Reminders: All materials must be turned in to Guidance at least three weeks before your first due date. Our CEEB code number is 310090 If any of the colleges you apply to requests a mid year report, you must notify your guidance counselor. A final transcript will be forwarded to the school you plan to attend at your request. Please notify guidance if the school requests a final transcript.
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