College Applications

1. College Applications Time lines and Procedures

2. “Applying to College is like Buying a House (or new car)” You wouldn’t buy a house without finding out what the inside looks like, would you? Would you buy a car without taking it for a test drive?

3. How to take a College Day visit • Call college to schedule an appointment for a visit • Bring note from parent to Mrs. Brown at least one day before visit • Note must say three things: name of student, date and time of visit, name of college and office(s) scheduled to visit • Pick up “yellow signature sheet” and list of possible questions to take with you • Have “yellow sheet” signed by college official (with college seal) • Return “yellow sheet” to Mrs. Brown

4. Where to apply • Obtain information from several colleges • Visit the colleges you are most interested in • Choose at least 3 colleges to apply to • Obtain the applications from the RHS Counseling Center, the college, or apply on-line • Make a copy of the form to use for a “draft” • Read over all requirements to apply • Begin a plan to apply • Ask for help if needed

5. Time Line for Applying • Best time to apply: October / November • Good time to apply: December • Okay time to apply: January / February • Late time to apply: March / April • Apply to “rolling admissions”: May Remember: “The Early Bird gets the worm.” If you procrastinate you start shutting doors. Keep your options open, apply now!

6. What Student needs to do: Identifying information Personal information Parent’s signature Student sign & date it Application fee check made out to college Bring all to School Counselor Counselor attaches necessary items and sends all together in RHS envelope What School Counselor needs to add before sending: Transcript: includes grades for 9-12, ACT/SAT, Prof. test, attendance, GPA, class rank, “official” signature & seal, etc. Counselor’s Evaluation form; includes number of College Prep classes in each area, GPA, class rank, CEEB # Additional information requested by student for a particular major or program What is needed on for a STATE UNIVERSITY application

7. What student needs to do: Everything from “State University application” Ask for Letters of Recommendation from teachers, coach, employer, etc. if requested Ask for Letter of Recommend. from School Counselor at least 2 weeks in advance Write Essays if required Include Resume if required Gather Portfolio if needed Picture of yourself, if requested Bring all to Counselor to send together What School Counselor needs to add before sending: Transcript: includes grades for 9-12, ACT/SAT, Prof. test, attendance, GPA, class rank, “official” signature & seal, etc. Counselor’s Evaluation form; includes number of College Prep classes in each area, current courses, GPA, class rank, CEEB # Counselor’s Letter of Recommendation, if requested Additional information requested by student for a particular major or program What is needed on for a PRIVATE COLL./UNIV. application

8. Frequently Asked Questions I haven’t taken the ACT test yet. Should I wait to apply after I take it? I don’t think I will be able to afford college. Should I wait to work for a year? My parents didn’t go to college, so I don’t know how to go about applying. This is all new to my family. Where can I get help? I’m not sure about what I want to major in. So what should I put on my application?

9. Guidance Office Procedures • Letters of Recommendation require prior notice • Transcripts sent to a college must be sent in Counseling Center envelope to be official • All college applications should go thru the Counseling Center • If you apply on-line; print out a copy before you hit the “submit” button and bring it to the Counseling Center

10. The End