Senior Parent College Information Evening 2013

1. Senior Parent College Information Evening2013 “the where, when and how of applying to college”. defining and coordinating of all application activities All points reviewed tonight have been or will be discussed in our group and individual meetings

2. Warm up with preliminary steps • Set up Common Application account www.commonapp.org • Open pathway for electronic sending of support documents by completing FERPA release and matching Common App with Naviance • Finalize testing schedule – watch SAT/ACT deadlines • Get off to a great start academically – 1stqtr grades can be a factor in early applications/ semester grades for regular apps • “check in” with advisor at Prep to coordinate activities • Review Common Application to size up writing requirements

3. Application Decisions • Refine college lists – continue determining interest level • Schedule campus visits/attend open houses/consider interviewing where available – Oct 14th 15th 16th and Nov 11th • Register to meet with visiting college admissions representatives in Naviance – observe procedures • Interviewers on campus – Fordham, Holy Cross, Marquette, St. Joseph’s, Loyola MD, Scranton, St. Michael’s, St. Louis Univ. – seniors must sign up in the office for interviews

4. Decisions……….Actions • “finalize” college list – apply to create choices • Establish application strategy – ED, EA, regular admission • Request transcripts minimum of one month before first deadline – Transcript Request form available in office • Consider recommender(s) – make requests using Teacher Recommendation Request form – minimum of one month before first deadline – forms available in office • Consider an activities resume – good way to review areas of interest and accomplishment – assists in considering essay topics

5. Write the all important essay • It’s a process – see it as that - give it time • Review Common Application essay topics • Start early and be patient – seek feedback • Supplements may require additional writing • Personal essay – the “who are you” of the application • “show….don’t tell” questions require a story – tell it – be authentic • Essay = opportunity to truly speak for/reveal self • Essay = interview

6. Roles and Responsibilities • Seniors • Complete data sections of the application • Complete essay – use resources, English teacher, advisor • Address supplements to the Common Application • Send SAT/ACT scores through testing agency – meet college application deadlines for Early Action • Submit fee • Initiate sending of ED agreement through Common Application – if appropriate

7. Roles and Responsibilities • Support side - Prep • Teacher recommendations – once requested will be sent electronically to meet student deadlines • Advisor – submit secondary school report, official transcript, Prep profile and counselor recommendation – electronically – be designated date

8. What can parents do? • Submit a parent recommendation – you choose the format and delivery (e mail, mail). All offerings are held in confidence. • Recognize challenges involved and allow the application process to be a process • Change the focus to keep the conversation fresh • Recognize that senior year is a special time for your sons offering many opportunities for growth • Expect success – it happens • Keep in touch as needed – we will as well

9. Be Aware • of Financial Aid requirements and deadlines: • CSS – required by some colleges. Must be submitted as soon as possible beginning October 1st 2013 through College Board site • FAFSA – required by ALL colleges. Must be submitted as soon as possible beginning on January 1, 2014 • Of scholarship opportunities – many avenues through work agencies, local organizations and national agencies. Monitor scholarships tab at Prep site (Guidance and College Advising) • That Prep stands firmly behind every candidate