Friends Seminary Senior College Night

1. Friends Seminary Senior College Night September 22, 2014

2. Tonight’s Discussion Where should my child be in the college process right now? Why is a balanced list so important, and how is balance determined? When should my child start preparing applications? Who is responsible for what? How do I help my child stay sane? How do I help prepare my child for the transition to college?

3. Where to find materials?Parents

4. Where to find materials?Students Google Drive Class of 2015 College Counseling Haiku friendsseminary.haikulearning.com

5. Feedback on Summer Updates sent in August? • Please note that a copy of your child’s unofficial transcript is included in the folder you received tonight.

6. Upcoming CC Events Case Studies- Thank You Back to School Night 10/2 Senior Parent Coffee 10/14 Financial Aid Evening 11/20

7. Where should my child be in the college process? Self Evaluation Research/ Fine-tuning the List Application

8. Self Evaluation Reflect on their individual needs, interests, abilities and preferences. Identify the criteria that would best suit each of them in a college environment.

9. Research- Spring and Summer Research College List from spring family meeting. Divide schools into yes, maybe and no categories Meet with College Reps at the Fair. Visit Campuses- spring and summer. Divide schools into yes, maybe and no categories Attend local events.

10. Research- Fall and Winter Opportunities in the Fall for further research: Local receptions, information sessions, and interviews Meetings with college representatives at Friends Campus visits, overnight stays, sitting in on classes (5 excused absences for year/ only 3 may be taken in fall)

11. Demonstrated Interest Points of Contact Register on the college website. Take virtual tours, sign up for blogs, etc… Open and read emails. Visit campus. Attend local events and college rep visits. Interview- on campus or off. Thank You Notes

12. Fine-Tuning the List Why is balance so important? How is balance determined?

13. The List Average number of applications 8-9. Maximum number of applications allowed 12. A balanced list should include: 2-3 Reach colleges 3-4 Mid-Range colleges 2-3 Likely colleges

14. The List

15. Bear in mind… These terms are relative not absolute. Based upon submission of a thoughtful application, demonstrating ample interest, and continued strong course work. Identifying mid and likely schools that are ideal fits often requires more thorough research.

16. Underestimating the need for a balanced college list is the most common and most significant mistake students and families can make. Your child should be happy attending any school on the final college list.

17. Determining Admissibility? Published Admission Criteria Published Acceptance Rates Counselor Assessment

18. Published Admission Criteria: Grades/ Curriculum/ Testing Bob has a B average (9th-11th), is taking 1 AP out of a possible 5, and scored a 1250 (Reading 600, Math 650) on the SAT. College ACollege B A- GPA C+/B- GPA Most Demanding Very Demanding 1350/1600 1150/1600 REACH LIKELY

19. School Profile The School Mission Statement Accreditation & Affiliations Faculty & Staff The Student Body Curriculum Unique Opportunities Requirements for Graduation Courses Standardized Testing Junior Year Grade Distribution Grading Scale 5 Year Matriculation

20. Grade Bands for Class 2015

21. Published Acceptance Rates College Acceptance Rate Total Applications Brown 9% 30,431 Chicago 8% 27,503 Columbia 7% 32,967 Cornell 14% 43,041 Duke 11% 32,506 Harvard 6% 34,295 JHU 15% 23,875 Pomona 12% 7,727 Princeton 7% 26,641 Swarthmore 17% 5,540 Yale 6% 30,932

22. A Word of Caution For even the strongest students, looking solely at schools with acceptance rates below 25% is risky.

23. Counselors’ Assessment Past results of Friends’ students Advocacy Calls Naviance Database Institutional priorities and trends at a particular school

24. Naviance/ Family Connection

25. Naviance/ Family Connection

26. The counselor assessment is.. not a judgment on a student’s ability, nor a reflection on their potential.

27. The Final College List The Final College List with parent signature is due November 10th! Once approved, students may prepare school materials, send scores, etc… Once approved, any changes need to be communicated in writing.

28. When and how should students start preparing applications? External Deadlines ED & EA Nov. 1 or Nov. 15 Rolling/ Priority October/November Regular Jan. 1-Feb. 1

29. Internal Deadlines College Deadline Recommendation Request Deadline 11/1-11/15 10/1 12/1 or later 11/3 College Deadline Recommendation Forms Deadline 11/1-11/15 10/15 12/1 11/3 1/1 or later 12/1

30. Senior Seminar Work Sessions Common Application section by section Essays, Activities & Supplements Forms, Forms, Forms

31. The Common Application Used by over 500 colleges and universities including a number of SUNY campuses. Streamlines the application process though many schools require Supplements as well. Student creates an account online (www.commonapp.org) and submits electronically.

32. Institutional Applications Used mostly by public universities and performing and visual art institutes. Available on each college’s website, and typically submitted online. SUNY- Accepts institutional and/or common app depending on campus. CUNY- Accepts institutional only, allows students to apply to 6 campuses.

33. STUDENT Application (student portion) Supplemental Forms Fee or Fee Waiver Teacher Recommender Packets Final College List Send SAT/ ACT scores Financial Aid Applications Missing Materials Thank You Notes COUNSELOR Review & approve Final College List School Letter of Recommendation Secondary School Report Submit SSR, Transcript, School Letter & Profile Missing Materials Who is responsible for what?

34. Score Choice Options - SAT Score Use Practices List 1) All scores required, highest considered. 2) Only test date with the highest total score required. 3) Require only highest section scores across all test dates. How it works 1) Student creates a list of colleges to send scores to on College Board website. 2) Next to each school a Choose Scores button appears. 3) Student clicks Choose Scores and the specific score reporting policy for that college is shown. 4) The scores that match each college’s policy are highlighted to assist students.

35. Teachers are responsible for Writing the letter of recommendation. Completing the Teacher Evaluation Form. Submitting the Letter and Form by deadline. Note: Students need to let their recommenders know their college decisions in a timely manner. In addition, students must write a formal thank you note to each recommender.

36. Materials for Teacher Recommenders TR Questionnaire TR Cover Sheet Teacher Evaluation Form (Common App or Institutional) Envelope addressed and stamped for each college if applicable Thank You Note

37. Recommendation Questionnaire

38. Teacher Cover Pages

40. Early Applications Understand guidelines and complete the early contract. Early Decision (Binding), Early Action (Non-Binding), Restrictive EA (limits on other apps) Points to Consider: Best shot approach vs. don’t waste an opportunity on an unrealistic option Possibility of denial Keeping plans quiet Remember to send SAT scores and if applicable submit financial aid application. Start on other applications…. Don’t wait!

41. For Deadlines of Nov. 1st & Nov. 15th Oct. 1st Secure two teacher recommenders Submit Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire soon after. Oct. 15th Hand in Teacher Rec Forms and paperwork if applicable. Hand in Early Contract to College Counseling Office. Nov. 1st is six weeks away!

42. Financial Aid Financial Aid Meeting on November 20th Net Price Calculators FAFSA & CSS Profile Importance of Deadlines Early Decision- November Early Action & Regular Decision- February thru March

43. How do I help my child stay sane? Encourage meetings with his/ her College Counselor in order to refine list, review application materials, offer insight for recommendation. Let us know if you are concerned about your child--- his/her progress, list, emotional state or otherwise.

44. Privacy, Consideration & Respect For students three concrete suggestions: Talk in general rather than specific terms. Don’t compare yourself to others. Keep early application plans quiet. Receive all news at home… such as scores and decisions.

45. Privacy, Respect & Consideration For parents three concrete suggestions: Don’t let the college process dominate every dinner conversation. Instead set aside specific times to discuss college. Try not to compare your child to an older sibling or friend. Assure your child that whatever the final outcome, you are proud of and love him/her.

46. How do I help prepare my child for the transition to college? Begin with the application process, allow your child to take charge. After applications are in, start talking about… Finances Hygiene & Health Sleep and Work Habits Emotional and Learning Issues Stay tuned for a session this winter on this topic.

47. Thank You and Good Luck