Resources for the College Application Process

1. Resources for the College Application Process October 11, 2012

2. College Application Process • Paper vs. On-line application Most colleges today prefer students to apply online because it speeds up the process for everyone. It also may allow students to track their application status with some colleges. Paper applications can be submitted to Counseling office when completed-we will mail in for the student. No stamps necessary! *Include the application fee! Talk to your counselor if a fee waiver is needed.

3. College Application Process • Some schools may also require: *Personal Statement/Essay Letters of Recommendation Senior Schedule School Profile Counselor statement * UW system uses for scholarships and program placement SUGGESTION FOR STUDENTS:Make a checklist for yourself on college application materials required per college and keep a file with copies. Resume w/activities.

4. Transcript Request • High School web site-instructions • Parchment $2.55 (need to use credit card)/Paper $3 • Questions??? Contact Sally Nelson, Counseling Secretary 763-792-5013 • ACT/SAT scores-on transcript vs. needing to send directly to the college (ACT/SAT usually taken Spring of Junior year-may take more than once including Fall of Senior year) • Note: ACT/SAT scores are on the transcript only if student put school code on when they registered. If not, they will need to pay an additional fee to send to colleges. www.act.org

5. Common Application • The Common Application membership association was established in 1975 by 15 private colleges that wished to provide a common, standardized first-year application form for use at any member institution. With the administrative support of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the organization grew steadily throughout its first 30 years. • Now in our fourth decade, the Common Application currently provides both online and print versions of its First-year and Transfer Applications. Our membership of more than 400 institutions now represents the full range of higher education institutions in the US: public and private, large and small, highly selective and modestly selective, and East Coast, West Coast, and every region in between. www.commonapp.org

6. Letters of Recommendation • May be required/optional-check with the school. • Counselor/Teachers/Coaches/Employers • How many should be sent? • Family Connection • What should the letter include? Extracurricular activities Leadership Community service Extenuating Circumstances Trends in Grades

7. 5 Common Mistakes on College Applications 1. Incorrect Details-carefully review each and every application before sending it off. Ask a teacher/counselor to look it over. 2. Give extra information if there is a significant change in academic performance. Admission representatives want to know about special circumstances (family tragedy/illness/other hardships) 3. Unoriginal Application Essay-encourage your student to take time to write this important piece of the application-be personal and thoughtful!

8. Common Mistakes 4. Failure to follow directions. Do not assume all college applications are the same. Pay attention to deadlines. Ask questions-support staff available for help. Counseling staff/Career Center Coordinator Example: List how many years of each subject you have taken in high school. Block 2 quarters= 1 year, (6x2) 2 sem. =1 year 5. Sending Incomplete applications-review the checklist.

9. College Admission Requirements Minimum example @ UW LaCrosse Average 4 English 4 Math 4 Natural Science 4 Social Science 3 World Language 2 Additional academic credits 21 total • 4 English • 3 Math Alg. 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 • 3 Natural Science-Biology, Chemistry, Physics or advanced courses • 3 Social Science/History • 4 Additional academic credits • 17 total

10. 4 Year Plan • College readiness Students who take the right number and kinds of courses are more likely to enroll in college, persist in college, attain good grades, and graduate from college. *ACT Educator Workshop “I need to drop this class because it is going to hurt my gpa!” • The long admission process is over.  The SAT or ACT test is done, the college visits are over, the admission essay is written, the applications are sent.  Even the long wait is over.  Your student has his acceptance letter in hand and can finally breathe a sigh of relief and let senioritis set in.  But wait!  That might not be a very good idea.  Although colleges never like to do it, and thankfully don’t have to do it very often, it is possible for a college to revoke or rescind its offer of admission after the letter of acceptance has been sent. If your student reads her acceptance letter carefully, it probably says that admission is “contingent on the successful completion of the final year of high school”. • Note-it can also impact scholarship opportunities by not taking what was required such as Chemistry/Physics, or Math.

11. Helpful Resources in Career Center • Essay Writing • Personal Statement • Winning College Application • College Ranking books • Test Prep books

12. Family Connection • College Search • Requesting letter of recommendation from a Teacher • Sign up for meeting with College Representatives at CHS • Common Application

13. What can you do as a Parent? • Encourage your child to get started early • Encourage them to take their time and be thorough • It does get easier after they have done one application • Remember whose responsibility it is to apply-don’t take over the process for them • Check in with them and see how they are doing-remind them of deadlines

14. Lunch & Learn Sessions October 12 & 26 November 5 & 12 Sign up in the Career Center W411 during their lunch hour-students will get help with their own college applications.

15. 2012 MN College Application Week • If Minnesota is to continue to be a leader in education and economic development, we know we will need to significantly increase the number of students pursuing and completing a certificate program, associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree. • Minnesota College Application Week will be held Nov. 12-16.  In its second year, the week aims to be a catalyst for informing and engaging students in the college application process, with a focus on underrepresented students. • More than 80 high schools have committed to dedicating time during the regular school day to have seniors complete a college application with the assistance of trained school staff and volunteers.  • Some postsecondary institutions are waiving their application fees this week for qualifying students, and many postsecondary institutions have a fee-waiver policy for low-income students. • CHS is proud to be serving as a registered site this year!

16. Next steps checklist • Apply for financial aid FAFSA “The Value of a College Education and the Reality of Paying for It” Oct. 23 @ 6:30 pm in the PAC “Financial Aid Night” January 10 @7:00pm in the PAC

17. Next steps checklist • Apply for housing –some schools may have limited space. • Confirm Enrollment-check for deadlines and confirmation fees. • Send transcripts as needed: Mid Year, Final • Take College placement exams (prior to orientation)

18. Scholarship Information Session • Parent Teacher Conferences October 30 and November 1 6:00pm Career Center W411

19. Resources • School Counselors • Career Center • Minnesota College Guide 2012-13 • Go Places 2012-13 • UWHELP.WISCONSIN.EDU • FAMILY CONNECTION • Grade level Count Down Check List

20. QUESTIONS

21. Thanks for coming!!! Need more help… • Ruth Olson (A-D) rolson@isd12.org • Pam Rehnelt (E-Jop) prehnelt@isd12.org • DeeAnn Sibley (Joq-Mt) dsibley@isd12.org • Angie Law (Mu-Scho) alaw@isd12.org • Jessica Siler (Schp-Z) jsiler@isd12.org • Leslye Erzberger lerzberger@isd12.org