Senior Admissions Planning Night Class of 2012

1. Senior Admissions Planning NightClass of 2012 Mrs. Rae Ann Paolozzi Seniors: Ki - N

2. Rae Ann Paolozzi School Counselor Potomac Falls HS 46400 Algonkian Parkway Potomac Falls, VA 20165 Office: 571-434-3204 Fax: 571-434-3205 E-Mail: RaeAnn.Paolozzi@lcps.org Contact Information

3. Immediately enter Work Force Apprenticeship Military College Combination Define your goals: What does my Post Secondary Plan look like for me? Post Secondary Plan

4. The Application Transcript Request Recommendations Resume/ Activities SAT/ACT Scores The Essay Interview Scholarships/ Financial Aid Summary Application Process

5. Student contact information: E-mail / Cell Phone • How many to apply? • Early Decision/ Early Action/ Regular Decision/ Rolling • Colleges prefer on-line submissions BUT there are some exceptions when they offer on-site admission opportunities • Common Application (www.commonapp.org) • Specific College, for example James Madison University and George Mason University are not on Common App • Print out the application checklist for each college to ensure you are completing requirements by the deadline • Print a copy of the completed application for your records The Application

6. Copy in your packet MUST have this signed in order to release to colleges Fee: $3 per college transcript (No additional charge for sending mid-year transcript/ final transcript or scholarships) Critical to have correct admissions address, especially for out of state submissions School Profile is included with the transcript Transcript GPA/Class Rank are updated at the Semester End of Year Transcript: Student informs counselor of attending college Transcript Release Form

7. Refer to Letter of Recommendation form in your packet (not a requirement but a resource) Consult specific college for requirements Inform Teacher/ Counselor where/ deadline to submit the letter Provide any college specific forms, such as a Secondary School Report Form or Teacher/Counselor Evaluation Form Please ask well in advance of your deadline as there are often many students making similar requests. Recommendation Letters

8. A quick reference for you as you fill out your college application regarding activities • Useful for counselor/teacher writing your recommendation letter or applying for a job or internship • Remember that colleges want depth in experience over a long list of activities where you were rarely present. • Format: Sample available in the Senior Planning Portfolio (aka The Purple Packet) or Microsoft Office Template or other on line standard student resume template Resume

9. MUST be sent to colleges directly from testing agencies! www.collegeboard.com www.act.org Standardized Test Scores

10. Be sure you address the prompt • Adhere to word limit restrictions as stated • Be accurate! Have someone review or read aloud to find any errors • Be creative! Remember that admissions counselors read A LOT of essays. • Avoid Clichés! The Essay

11. Varies depending on the college If it is recommended, take advantage of the opportunity Prepare responses ahead of time: Tell me about yourself: What do you hope to gain from your education?: What makes you want to attend (insert college name)?: What do you know about our college? Dress professionally Interviews are often conducted by area alumnus Procedures are found on the specific college admissions website Interview

12. Completed and signed Transcript Release Form Any necessary Secondary School Report Forms Inform of intended application submission ( EA, ED, RA, Rolling, or Priority ) Let me know if a counselor recommendation is required If applying to a college that requires teacher recommendations to be submitted with transcript, the name of the teacher. Please continue to communicate with me and be mindful of deadlines as I work with many other students with the same deadlines. Items for Mrs. Paolozzi

13. Check the Career Center web site for updated information Various web sites have scholarship search engines Check with places of employment and professional affiliations for available scholarships Financial Aid Night: Wednesday, Dec 14 @ 6:30 PM in the PFHS Auditorium Official FAFSA site: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov Check with specific colleges for their financial aid deadline Scholarships/ Financial Aid

14. Student completes application Ensure accuracy Refer to Mrs. Paolozzi’s checklist (in packet) to help keep you on track Print copy for your records Communicate with parents/counselor/ teacher about what you are working on and any needed assistance Remember your deadlines!! Colleges do not need to accept your late application. Continue to work on any scholarship/ financial aid materials Summary of Student Responsibilities

15. Career Center: Link off the PFHS home page or contact Mrs. Thomas College Web Sites Family Connections: http://connections.naviance.com/pfhs Additional Resources

16. Questions?