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Approaching the College Application Process. Gaithersburg High School Counseling Office College and Career Center. Topics Covered. Researching Colleges / Making Your List Application Process Paperwork and Deadlines. Questions…. Attend school near home or move away?
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Approaching theCollege ApplicationProcess Gaithersburg High School Counseling Office College and Career Center
Topics Covered Researching Colleges / Making Your List Application Process Paperwork and Deadlines
Questions… Attend school near home or move away? In Maryland or out-of-state? State college or private? State = less expensive, fewer scholarships Private = more expensive, more financial aid Type of campus? City, suburban, rural Researching Colleges / Making Your List
More Questions… Size of Campus Small = <3000 students Medium = between 3000 and 10,000 students Large = >10,000 Other preferences / interests? Climate, shopping, entertainment, spiritual, community, athletics Researching Colleges / Making Your List
More To Consider… Community College Apply EARLY to Montgomery College Flexible, save money, transfer credits 2-year associate degrees available Athletes NCAA Clearinghouse www.eligibilitycenter.org Researching Colleges / Making Your List
More To Consider… US Service Academies SAT in Spring Junior Year Pre-candidate Questionnaire Application Packets from Congressional Reps & Senators Researching Colleges / Making Your List
ASVABApril 4 Researching Colleges / Making Your List • Career Interest Survey • What Are You Good At? • Looks Like a Test • Explore Occupations • Figure Out What You Want to Study in College or … • Do With Your Life!!
Gathering Information Look at Schools Online Will They Be Visiting the Area? Are They Visiting at GHS? Counselor, CCIC, Teachers, Parents College Fairs – April 9 – AT FAIRGROUNDS Researching Colleges / Making Your List
College FairApril 9 and 10 Bus Service from GHS 200+ Colleges Represented Have a Plan – Know Which Schools Focus on Financial Assistance Options U of Md, Other Local Schools Popular Details: Handouts, Website, Announcements Researching Colleges / Making Your List
Other Resources www.Collegeboard.org www.PrincetonReview.com Naviance/Family Connection (link on GHS home page) We Are Here To Help! College/Career Center Your Counselor Researching Colleges / Making Your List
Consider What Colleges Are Looking For Researching Colleges / Making Your List • Quality of Academic Program • Grade Point Average • SAT or ACT Scores • Extra Curricular Activities • Volunteer / Community Service / Employment • Letters of Recommendation
SAT The Tests Are Not Created Equal… • Highest score 2400 • Math: Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus • Reading • Multiple Choice • Essay • Penalty for wrong answers • Fee $51.00 • www.CollegeBoard.org
ACT The Tests Are Not Created Equal… • Highest Score 36 • Math: Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus • Science • Reading • English • Multiple Choice Only $36.50 • With Optional Writing Exam $52.50 • No Penalty for Wrong Answers • www.actstudent.org
The Tests Are Not Created Equal… • Accuplacer • TOEFL
Make Your List Researching Colleges / Making Your List • Pick 6-9 Schools • Target Schools • Reach Schools • no more 2
Setting up the Applications www.CommonApp.org after August 1 Identify schools who participate Access applications for non-participating schools directly Register online (write down login info, requirements and deadlines!!) Set up login and password for each Verify what documents are needed Application Process
Do The Applications Begin completing the applications online Double check applications for: Accuracy Completeness Print/Copy all pages prior to submitting for your records Application Process
Application Reminders Accurate email address that you check! Email in CommonApp and Naviance need to be the same! Update Your Counselor Check for errors!! Spel checque iz knot enuf Proofread Sign and date forms (best handwriting!) Express Your Voice, Not Someone Else’s Application Process
Essays and Resume Activity Statement - ~100 words Optional/or NOT!! 1 – 2 Personal Essays Choose Topic Wisely English Teacher Feedback Activities/Resume Organize by most important to you Include Important Characteristics of School, if Possible Application Process
Letters of Recommendation Application Process • Teacher • Brag Sheet and / or Resume • Counselor • Brag Sheets, Extra Curricular Checklist • Teacher Feedback Forms
“Senior Packet” Paperwork and Deadlines • Paperwork Now ONLINE! • Preferred Method • GHS Website, College & Career Page • Select: • College-Bound Student Checklist
Deadlines!!! Paperwork and Deadlines • Chart or List of Deadlines and Requirements • Spreadsheet? • Sticky Notes? • Find a System That Works For You • Transcript Requests • Allow At Least 15 School Days
More Deadlines!!! Paperwork and Deadlines • November 1 Deadline • All Paperwork in By October 10 • Apply by Priority Deadline if Possible • Scholarships • Plan Ahead if Possible • YOU Know Your Requirements • Website Good Resource
Time to Get Busy! Conclusion • Start Now • Schedule Tests • Look at Schools • Finish Brag Sheets • Summer Fun • Visit Schools • Make Your List • Start Applications