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NAVIGATING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

NAVIGATING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS. A MEETING FOR PARENTS OF SENIORS. THE GOAL OF THE COLLEGE SEARCH. TO FIND THE FIT BETWEEN THE STUDENT’S INTEREST, STRENGTHS AND ASPIRATIONS, AND COLLEGES THAT MEET THOSE CRITERIA. “ A COLLEGE IS A FIT, NOT A TROPHY.”

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NAVIGATING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

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  1. NAVIGATING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

    A MEETING FOR PARENTS OF SENIORS
  2. THE GOAL OF THE COLLEGE SEARCH TO FIND THE FIT BETWEEN THE STUDENT’S INTEREST, STRENGTHS AND ASPIRATIONS, AND COLLEGES THAT MEET THOSE CRITERIA
  3. “A COLLEGE IS A FIT, NOT A TROPHY.” .....TIM BRUNHOLD, Dean of Admission UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
  4. FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOUR YEAR vs. TWO YEAR PUBLIC vs. PRIVATE SIZE SETTING URBAN SUBURBAN RURAL COST
  5. RESOURCES FORDECISION MAKING WEB TOOLS CAMPUS VISITS & LOCAL INFORMATION MEETINGS COLLEGE MARKETING ADVISING APPOINTMENTS
  6. WEB TOOLS SPECIFIC COLLEGE WEBSITES COLLEGEBOARD.COM NAVIANCE SCATTERGRAMS
  7. SCATTERGRAM FOR UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
  8. additional Information gathering Campus visits Localopportunities Over 200 colleges visit the WCHS College/Career Center September until early November Maryland College Night at WCHS October 4, 2011 Tufts University Program October 17, 7:00 p.m. at WCHS “Behind Closed Doors: How Admissions Decisions Are Made” College-sponsored information sessions at local hotels and schools Schedule through college website If possible, visit when students on campus Take advantage of open house days Attend a class Check out food services Read the bulletin boards and newspapers
  9. Process for obtaining excused absence Campus visits in school visits Sign up in the College/Career Center at least a day in advance Pick up a pass On the day of the meeting, check in with the class period teacher to confirm that class can be missed Students are responsible for all work missed. Seniors are allowed a total of 5 days for college visits during the year. A note from a parent or guardian must be submitted to the attendance office at least 48 hours prior to the visit. The note is to be signed by each teacher and the class administrator. Students are responsible for making up missed work.
  10. Beware of marketing practices RANKINGS - KEEP THEM IN PERSPECTIVE Who is defining the BEST? What criteria are they using? How are they accounting for the needs of my child? Where is the evidence that rankings make a difference in the ultimate outcome? SLICK EMAIL AND MAIL MATERIALS Colleges buy names and addresses from SAT, PSAT and ACT. Positive, encouraging literature does not guarantee admission. BLOGS AND PRINT MATERIALS Who is the author? What is their experience and or perspective? How are they accounting for the strengths and needs of my child?
  11. College advising COUNSELORS AND THE COLLEGE INFORMATION COORDINATOR (CCIC) ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR STUDENT. THEY CAN EXPLAIN/CLARIFY THE PROCESS HELP IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE COLLEGES SUGGEST WAYS TO MINIMIZE STRESS REASSURE STUDENTS AND PARENTS AND KEEP THEM ON TRACK
  12. Documents required for application review APPLICATION Sent by student, online preferred No preference for the form of application (Common Application, College Specific) Include application fee paid by credit card (counseling can assist in obtaining fee waivers for need-based situations) Includes essays MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE DEADLINE STANDARDIZED TEST RESULTS Student requests testing agency to send scores directly to colleges ACT or SAT ? Either accepted by colleges Must submit writing portion for SAT or ACT SAT subject tests are required only by the most selective colleges (sometimes ACT can be substituted) Score Choice- which score to send Test optional- a listing of test optional colleges can be found at fairtest.org
  13. Documents required for application review RECOMMENDATIONS Sent to college directly by the recommender Follow the specific college’s application instructions Letters from academic teachers vs. letters for community members One to two letters should be sufficient Make requests at least 30 days in advance Provide stamped addressed envelopes (self-sealing) Make sure to thank your recommender! TRANSCRIPT/SCHOOL PROFILE/ COUNSELOR LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION Sent by Churchill directly to college Request must be made at least 20 working days in advance of the deadline Stamped addressed envelopes must be provided Fess may apply CURRENTLY, WE DO NOT SEND ANY INFORMATION ELECTRONICALLY
  14. Possible additions to applications INTERVIEWS Rarely given by the admissions office, usually given by alumni volunteers Informative, not evaluative PORTFOLIOS, ARTWORK, WRITING SAMPLES Check the requirements of each college to which application is made Some colleges will not want or permit additional submissions
  15. APPLICATION TERMS/DEADLINES Early Action/Priority (UMDCP Priority Deadline Nov. 1) Rolling Admissions Regular Decision Early Decision Student can apply to only one Acceptance is binding Upon acceptance ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS MUST BE WITHDRAWN Financial aid awards are generally not made at this time
  16. Application review processWho are you? What are your values?What do you bring to a community of learners? Quantifiable Factors Unquantifiable factors Special talents Leadership Community Involvement Interests/Activities Work Athletics Goals/Aspirations/Attitudes Academic Performance Grades Rigor of Curriculum Standardized Test Results
  17. PROOFREAD THE APPLICATION!SPELL CHECK DOES NOT CATCH EVERYTHING! “I will be a terrific, additive to your freshman class.” “ Type of U.S. Visa: Citibank” “This past spring I was abducted by the National Honor Society.” “Community Service: Candy Stripper” “Family background: My brother is an only child.” In answer to the application question on sex: “Once in Orlando”
  18. Competitive college admission statistics- college class of 2014 & 15
  19. ADMISSIONS DECISIONS ADMIT 80% ARE ADMITTED BY THEIR FIRST CHOICE NOT ADMIT DEFER REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WAIT-LIST
  20. APPLICANT DECISION DEADLINE EARLY DECISION Deposit due immediately upon acceptance Withdraw all other applications before decision REGULAR DECISION/EARLY ACTION/PRIORITY/ROLLING Deposit due by May 1 Only one deposit made Churchill will send only one final transcript Advise colleges you will not be attending by May 1
  21. FINANCIAL AID MERIT-BASED AID NEED-BASED AID Awarded based on demonstrated need Must file the FAFSA Online filing at www.fafsa.org Beginning January 1, 2012 Check college for filing deadline Awards are made on firs- come, first- served basis Awards may include Grants (free money) Loans (must be paid back) Work/study G Awarded on academic achievement or other accomplishments Grant money (free, no payback) Check individual college website Use links and websites provided on Naviance and CHS website Use Google
  22. Remember YOU, AS PARENTS, ARE THE GREATEST RESOURCE FOR YOUR STUDENT. Despite what they may tell you to the contrary, your advice, logistical assistance, encouragement and support will help steer them through what can be a challenging “right of passage.” Empower your student to take responsibility for the process. Now is the time to “back off” without“bowing out.” Keep an open-mind and a good sense of humor. Don’t make the total focus of waking hours the college selection/application process.
  23. This time next year you will be the parent of a college freshman!
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