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Welcome to Cinnaminson High School Junior Parent Night. February 2012. The College Admission Process can be complicated and complex! ! !. We are here to support your efforts in navigating through the process. Size of school Location Distance from home Activities/Athletics
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Welcome toCinnaminson High SchoolJunior Parent Night February 2012
The College Admission Processcan be complicated and complex! ! ! We are here to support your efforts in navigating through the process . . .
Size of school Location Distance from home Activities/Athletics Public/Private Coed/Single sex Entrance requirements Entrance difficulty Reputation of School Majors available Commitment to major by school Cost Campus personality Which college is right for you?Things to think about . . .
Community Colleges (Associates Degree) Two Year PrivateColleges (Associates Degree) Public Colleges/Universities Private Colleges/Universities Liberal Arts Schools Ivy League Schools Specialized Institutions(art, music, culinary arts, etc.) Technical Schools There are over 4,000 colleges in the U.SWhat are the options?
How to search for the right college? • www.collegeboard.com • www.collegeboard.com/quickstart • Visit Career Resource Center • College rep visits during lunches in Fall • Attend campus tours • Recommendations from former seniors, parents, relatives, etc. who attended • Attend College Fairs • Counselor conferences • Internet searches
Understanding Admission FactorsHow Colleges Evaluate Candidates? • Quality & rigor of academic courses • Academic performance/grades • Test scores (SAT/ACT) • Class rank & G.P.A. • Admission essays • Recommendation letters (teachers & counselors) • Extra-curricular activities • Community/volunteer services • Leadership experiences • College interview
Applying to college:Where to begin? Please refer to the Junior Planning Calendar Juniors will receive their “Senior Packet” in June Prepare to take SAT or ACT this spring and next fall Think about which two teachers your son/daughter will ask to write recommendation letters (English & Math or specialized subject) Begin researching colleges and plan summer visits to colleges (refer to College Visit Checklist) Every student will be scheduled to meet with his/her school counselor to discuss post-secondary plans beginning in October (Parents are encouraged to attend.) Refer to the Senior Parent Tip Sheet for ideas on how to support your child through the college admission process
Get Organized & ApplySo now what? • There is no magic number, but narrowing your college search to five will simplify the process • Categorize your choices: “Reach”, “Realistic”, & “Safety” schools • Review scholarship & financial aid requirements • Visit www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov for an estimate of your federal financial aid eligibility • Share draft essays with teachers and/or family to edit • Ask teachers (no more than two) to write recommendation letters • Set firm dates for completion of recommendations (allow three weeks) • Submit Transcript Request Form (Blue Form) to Mrs. Alven in the Guidance Office after student completes application
Application Process • Review Senior Packet information with child • Complete the following: • Family Letter of Recommendation form • Release of Records form • Teacher Letter of Recommendation form • Turn in all forms to the Guidance Department • Copy Teacher Letter of Recommendation form and give to each teacher • Complete applications online • After student hits “send” button fill out BLUE FORM • Include 5 stamps per college attached to BLUE FORM • Attach a copy of Secondary School Report form to BLUE FORM • Attach a copy of Resume including job experience & activities outside of CHS
Common Application • When using the Common Application please be mindful of the correct spelling of teachers and counselor’s email addresses (misspellings will delay the application process). • All Common Applications are submitted online • Students must fill out the BLUE FORM once they hit the “send” button • Stamps are not required • Report forms will be completed online
College responses:What are the decision options? • Regular Decision Check each college for deadline • Rolling Admission Will be reviewed as received • Early Decision Requires early application, commitment & contract • Early Action Requires early application & no commitment
Making a decision . . .How do I decide where to go? • Visit, visit, visit! • Compare financial aid packages • Ultimately a personal decision . . . Encourage your child to seek advice from those who know him/her well Consider location, size, academics, activities, & facilities
College Planning Summary • College opportunities exist for everyone! • Simplify the planning process Understand admission factors Explore your options early Develop a financial plan Visit, visit, visit!
Questions & Comments Alexis Mancinelli A-Go mancinellia@cinnaminson.com Crystal Widmann Gr-O widmannc@cinnaminson.com Donna Lobascio P-Z lobasciod@cinnaminson.com