Senior Meeting College Selection & Application Process class of 2014 Holland High School

1. Senior MeetingCollege Selection & Application Processclass of 2014Holland High School

2. Holland High School Counselors • Students with last name “A –De” Suzanne Hemmeke (A-B) and Bethany Nichols (C-De) shemmeke@hollandpublicschools.orgbnichols@hollandpublicschools.org 494-2213 • Students with last name “Di-K” Robyn Emderemde1@hollandpublicschools.org 494-2209 • Students with last name “L-R” Diane VanKoeveringdvankoev@hollandpublicschools.org 494-2212 • Students with last name “S-Z” Karen Legg klegg@hollandpublicschools.org 494-2211 • New Tech Students Dana Loveland dlovelan@hollandpublicschools.org 494-2707

3. College Planning Advisor Miss Kathleen Steinbock ksteinbo@umich.edu 494-2284 Working especially with students who are part of the first generation in their family to go to college. • Helping with… • College Selection • Applications • Financial Aid • Scholarships • Transcript Request • ACT/SAT Registration

4. Senior Credit Checks • Credit checks were mailed to homes in August. • It is important to review your credit check. • All requirements must be completed by graduation on June 2, 2014.

5. Finding the right colleges • Attend College Fairs- Sept. 26 @ Hope College • Research college websites & college guides • Visit campuses –check the admissions offices websites • Meet with college reps at lunch • Sign- up book in the Counseling Center **A pass will be sent the day before the visit • Use your EDP at www.careercrusing.com • Meet with your counselor

6. What schools do I apply to? • The average student applies to 3-4 colleges • When applying go for a safe school, a middle school, and a reach school

7. 4 year College VS 2 Year College • 4 Year College • Earn a bachelors degree in science (biology, computer, engineering) or arts (English, history, drama) • Examples: Hope College, GVSU, Michigan State • 2 Year College (also known as community college or junior college) • Earn an associates degree or certificate • Examples: Grand Rapids Community College, Lake Michigan College • Vocational or Technical School • Most programs last 2 years or less • Earn a certificate to practice a trade • Examples: Booker Institute of Cosmetology, ITT Tech.

8. Community College Information • A second chance to attend a 4-year college • Desiring additional academic support/intervention • $$$ • Free application • Opportunity to live at home and work • 2 year/Associates degrees • Placement tests

9. Sample Michigan Public Colleges

10. Sample Michigan Private Colleges

11. College Applications Organization is the Key to success!

12. How do I apply? • Apply Online • Common Application may be accepted at various schools (U of M, Hope, Calvin, Kalamazoo) https://www.commonapp.org/ • Check if individual college requires that ACT or SAT scores be sent directly from the testing company • http://www.actstudent.org • http://www.collgeboard.com • Review requirements with the NCAA Clearing House (if applicable) • Check if there is a counselor form required. If so, enter the counselor email or bring in form.

13. HHS Application Process • Complete student portion of all college applications online. • Create an account at the online transcript clearinghouse www. parchment.com • If necessary, enter the counselor email or print counselor information page. • If transcripts may not be requested online, you may request a paper copy in the counseling office. There is a $1 charge for all paper copies. Please allow 5 days for processing. • Meet with your counselor and give a full week for Common Application completion and letters of recommendation.

14. www.parchment.com

15. Admission protocols • Rolling Admissions • All state schools use rolling admissions • Early Action • Usually results in earlier response • Non-binding • Early Decision • Binding – if you apply using early decision you are agreeing to come if they admit you….it is non-negotiable!!

16. Application faux pas • Don’t forget to SIGN & DATE your application • Only include what the college application requests • Use an appropriate email address • Don’t use an email like partygirl1@yahoo.com • Watch your spelling & grammar – proof read!!! • Be sure press SUBMIT if applying online • Make a copy of your application

17. Be Careful With Social Media! **Information from schools.com and Kaplan

18. How do I send a teacher recommendation? • Ask an academic teacher – 2 weeks in advance • Provide the activities form from the guidance office. • Discuss with the teacher what is required and method of sending. • Follow up with a thank you note. • ONLY submit if colleges request a letter of recommendation from a teacher.

19. Standardized Testing • ACT (www.act.org) • Upcoming Test Dates – October 26, December 14 • Should I retest? • Sending ACT scores • www.actstudent.org • SAT, SAT II (www.collegeboard.com) • Upcoming test dates – November 2 & December 7 Send applications even if you plan on retesting!!

20. Deadlines • Prioritize – know the deadlines for all the schools you want to apply to • Deadline for applications – shoot for October • Students applying to U of M should complete their portion of the application and notify their counselor by Monday, Oct. 18 so we have time to complete our portion. To ensure consideration U of M applications should be turned in for Early Action. Early Action applicants will be notified by Dec. 24. Do Not trick or treat until your application is complete!!

21. On Site Admissions Opportunities Western Michigan University • October 9 and November 5 Grand Valley State University • November 8 All Materials must be completed including… • Printed application • ACT scores/Transcript • Application fee (or waiver)

22. College Visit Field Trips Grand Valley State University • October 10 Grand Rapids Community College • October 24 Western Michigan University • October 25 There are limited spots for these visits. Sign up in the counseling office. You must have a permission slip returned to go on these trips.

23. $$$ for college and Financial Aid • Never Rule out a school because of cost alone • Net Price Calculators can give a picture of actual costs involved in the college (compare the costs) • Be very open and honest in speaking with your child about finances as relative to college • Apply early and be aware of all deadlines • Review HHS scholarship handout • Check for scholarships on college websites • Organize scholarship due dates and requirements • Check updates on “Scholarship News You Can Use” link on HPS website • Financial Aid – FAFSA • After January 1, 2014 and before March 1, 2014 • Financial Aid Night (January 9) • Be aware of scams!

24. You are not done….. • Senior classes – many colleges want to see rigorous classes NOT an easy year! • Keep your grades up – colleges can take back an acceptance based on your final transcript

27. Important Dates for Seniors, Class of 2014

28. For updates on applications, important dates, Scholarship opportunities, and much more… Join our text, email or Edmodo groups. These are secure and safe. You are welcome to opt in and out as you please.

29. What now? • Don’t procrastinate – start now!!! • Confused – make an appointment with your counselor or the college advisor ASAP QUESTIONS?