KICK-OFF TO COLLEGE APPLICATIONS Class of 2013
Student s Responsibilities in the Application Process Deciding on final list of colleges Getting the applications Completing the applications Procuring other pertinent information
Parents, Counselors and College Counselors Responsibilities in the Application Process Provide support Provide guidance Provide assistance
Deciding: Where to apply An on-going sorting and selecting process The best Final List must include combination of: reach school possible schools probable/likely admits financial safety ALL OF WHICH YOU WILL BE HAPPY TO ATTEND!
REACH Terms for Prediction dream schools where admission chances are thought to be unlikely based on transcript and test scores toss up schools that are a reach for anyone (usually have admit rates between 7%-20%) POSSIBLE Closely meet the academic expectations, but the college/university receives more qualified applicants than they can admit.
Terms for Prediction PROBABLE/LIKELY ADMIT Chances for admissions are very strong A safety is so much harder to call today! FINANCIAL SAFETY (typically an IL state university but not always) A place that parents can afford if, financial package is weak at all other schools if, family financial situation changes: economy, unemployment
Deciding: How many should I It depends! apply to? Finding a reasonable number is much harder these days If you are happy with the schools where you stand the strongest chances of admission, then the final list can be a lower number
Admission Options Rolling Admission - apply in the fall/early winter and receive decision 2-8 weeks after application submitted Priority apply in fall (occasionally early winter) and receive a decision in winter. Applying by a priority deadline can often give a student an advantage when space is limited. Regular Admission - apply in fall/early winter and receive decision on a specific date in the spring
Admission Options Early Action - apply in fall, receive decision in early winter, student has until May 1 to deposit Early Decision I - apply in fall, receive decision in winter, binding commitment to attend if admitted Early Decision II apply in winter, receive decision in winter, binding commitment to attend if admitted Restrictive Early Action - apply in fall, receive decision in early winter, if admitted student has until May 1 to deposit
Early Decision (ED) and Restrictive Early Action (REA) Students may only submit 1 application Early Decision or Restrictive Early Action ED and REA policies are taken very seriously by colleges. Be sure you know the ins/outs of each school s policies. It is permissible to apply Priority Notification to UIUC if submitting an ED or REA application elsewhere. If unsure, PLEASE talk with a college counselor.
What is needed for a complete application? Application - on-line (preferred) or paper - Essays (usually) Activities and honors information Arts Supplement (if applicable) Application fee (credit card, check or fee waiver request) Student Signature (electronic or handwritten) Parent Signature (usually only for Early Decision)
What else is needed for a complete application? Official Transcript Official Test Score Report Teacher Letter of Recommendation (usually) Counselor Letter of Recommendation and/or Secondary School Report Form (usually) Interview (optional) Audition/Portfolio (if applicable)
Applications Applications available on college websites Common Application used by 488 colleges and universities; create an account at www.commonapp.org Large FAQ section website and video tutorials Most schools have a supplement which must also be submitted Common Application Workshop September 19 & 20 during lunch periods
Important tidbits for Common Application Class rank reporting = None Graduating class size = 507 Counselor s fax number = 224/765-2700 Each class per semester = 1 credit Graduation Date = May 28, 2013 GPA scale = 4.0 We strongly recommended that students waive their right to access any letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf
Test Scores ACT/SAT and SAT Subject Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.com In some cases it is advisable to send more than one test score. A very small number of colleges, typically those with highly selective admissions, require that students submit scores from all tests taken. Check each college s website.
Test Scores It is strongly encouraged that students request test scores now. It can often take 3-6 weeks for scores to be received. Do not RUSH scores. If taking an ACT this fall, consider sending one score now if your current score falls within their published range. In some cases applications will not be considered complete until a score is received.
Teacher Recommendations How many? 0,1,2 Who? The one(s) who know you best as a learner in their class Best if junior year Okay to have one sophomore year Cannot use senior year if applying early Visual and Performing Arts are usually supplemental recommendations Language teachers are sometimes not permitted. This is VERY rare!
Counselor Recommendations Student and Parent Questionnaires are the first step in the process Questionnaires may be completed on-line through Naviance. Parents sign on to Naviance with parent account information. Students sign on to Naviance with student account information Questionnaire is found under ABOUT ME. Parents may also complete the Parent Questionnaire in paper form, available in the CRC or on the Counseling Department website.
Essays Essay Writing Workshop in English classes on Friday, September August 31 Sample essays available in books in the CRC Mr. Morrison, Ms. Gilbert and Mr. Becker are happy to review essays for content Utilize English teachers!
Application Fee Waivers Students on the free and reduced book/lunch program are eligible for fee waivers. Families for whom the application fees are a hardship may be eligible for fee waivers. Forms are available from your counselor. Students should talk with counselors to discuss eligibility.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Visiting HPHS on Wednesday, Sept 12 at 10:30 A.M. in the CRC Application available September 1 Postmarked priority deadline of November 1 No recommendations will be considered with the application Most students will receive a decision on Friday, December 14 Applying during this period may give a student an advantage when space is limited
UIUC and Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) Students will complete a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) in lieu of sending an official transcript Students should have a current transcript on hand when completing the record. Transcripts are currently available through the parent portal on Infinite Campus Students needing assistance logging into Infinite Campus, should contact their counselor.
Naviance/Family Connection Students and parents should have a separate account. It is very important to both student and parent with accurate email addresses. Forgot password? Go to tcci.naviance.com/hphs to request new password. Forgot username? Never registered? Email Mr. Becker for assistance. Parents with multiple HPHS students can link accounts. Contact Mr. Becker for assistance.
Naviance/Family Connection Add colleges of interest to My Colleges. Great way for students to determine chances for admission by examining stats from previous 3 years. Provides date and time of college visits Allows students to sign up for college visits Has a great tool for helping students create a resume
PARCHMENT SECURE TRANSCRIPT www.parchment.com
Make sure to choose the correct Highland Park High School!
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Request a Transcript to a non-common App school Important: Search for your college using the proper name (Univ. of Wisconsin, not Madison ) Current Transcript vs. Next Grading Period Save & add more schools or Save & Continue to finish
Parchment Secure Transcript E-mails upon order, upload, and download Utilize! Colleges will have different processes for inputting transcripts into their systems Cost: free for electronic transcripts to IL schools and some others in Midwest; $2.55-$4.70 for others in U.S. depending on electronic vs. paper See Mr. Becker if you are having troubles or do not have a credit card and need to pay with cash
Common App Schools There is no need to request a transcript for a Common App School Counselors will upload transcripts into student accounts once they have received an invite from the student The Common App process will be covered in detail with students tomorrow during their meeting
Students with Special Needs and the College Application Process It is crucial that students have an understanding of the type of documentation is required and where it should be sent. In most cases documentation should be sent to the office that handles disability services NOT to admissions.
Students with Special Needs and the College Application Process Some colleges may require specific types of testing for evaluation but all want it to be recent (w/in 3 years). Students must make arrangements with the Department of Special Education for this information to be released, it will not automatically be sent.
CONSENT FORM 1. Obtain a white Consent Form from the Special Education Department. This form authorizes HPHS to send documentation to third parties for educational and college planning. 2. If the student is 18 years of age he/she may sign, if not, a parent signature is required. 3. The completed form should be returned to A102. 4. Students need only complete one Consent Form.
RELEASE FORM 5. Students fill out a separate green Release Form for EACH of the colleges requiring documentation. 6. Forms are available in the Special Ed Dept. and the CRC 7. Completed forms are submitted to A102
DOCUMENTATION Once all of the proper paperwork has been submitted, the Special Ed Dept sends the documentation to the appropriate place. Documentation includes: cover letter, current testing, copy of the student s IEP and case studies, psych and educational evaluations, social development study if appropriate.
Financial Aid Information All schools require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available on-line in December. File the FAFSA between January 1 and February 15. www.fafsa.ed.gov Families can complete an estimator now to determine eligibility for federal aid www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
Financial Aid Information In addition to the FAFSA many private universities require the CSS Profile www.collegeboard.com Most early decision candidates who are applying for financial aid will be required to complete a CSS Profile BY the early decision deadline Financial Aid Night January 15 at 7:00 p.m. at HPHS HPHS will host a FAFSA Completion Workshop in January
Net price calculators All colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website. Uses student s academic and family financial information to determine what price a family is likely to pay. Keep in mind the figure is an estimate. Concept is still new there will be glitches!
COLLEGE REP VISITS Date and time of college visits is listed in Naviance. Must sign up in advance through Naviance Clear with teacher prior to visit exercise good judgment when missing class.
Appointments with College Counselors College Counselors have walk-in hours only August 22, 23 and 24. Scheduled appointments with College Counselors begin August 27. Students must meet with the same counselor they met with last Spring.
Welcome Mr. Becker! With a background in Admissions there are many things he can help with: Mock interviews Essay review Utilizing Naviance Application completion FAFSA completion Scholarship searches
SENIORITIS Senior year courses and grades matter! Many schools defer decisions until the end of 7 th semester. All offers of admissions are conditional upon successful completion of coursework. Offers of admissions can and will be revoked for a decline in grades.
Mandatory Senior Meeting with Counselors Thursday, August 23 rd - 3 rd period Locations: Alvarez Library (Glass Classroom) Fleischer A343 Cannon CRC Eder E113 (Band Room) Ginopolis (Gilbert) Auditorium McCord - Auditorium Siegel - Commons
Calendar of Upcoming HPHS College Programs Senior Meetings with Counselor Thursday, August 23 3 rd period Essay Writing Workshop Friday, September August 31 during English classes Common Application Workshops Wednesday, September 19-2A,2B,2C Tech Labs A & C Thursday, September 20-3A,3B,3C Tech Labs A & C Financial Aid: FAFSA, Forms & Financial Need Tuesday, January 15 at 7 pm, HPHS Auditorium
Important numbers and email addresses Mr. Bill Morrison, College Counselor 224/765-2056 - wmorrison@dist113.org Ms. Aliza Gilbert, College Counselor 224/765-2055 - agilbert@dist113.org Mr. Becker, College Counseling Assistant/CRC Coordinator (224) 765-2057 rbecker@dist113.org Mrs. Pam Helke, Secretary, Special Ed Department (224) 765-2333 phelke@dist113.org