1. College Application Night How to master the college application process

2. PARTS OF THE COLLEGE APPLICATION • Application & Fee • Essay • Transcript • Counselor Recommendation • Teacher Recommendation • Standardized Testing

3. APPLICATION & FEE

4. The Common Application • Accepted by over 400 colleges/universities Now accepting e-docs • Go to www.commonapp.org for a list of schools that accept the common application • Complete once and send to many schools • Some colleges/universities require both the common application and a college supplement

5. SPECIAL REMINDERS • Read application requirements/instructions carefully • Check Standardized Test requirements • Test Optional Schools, Subject Tests • Use your formal name throughout the process • Sign ED/EA Agreement (if applicable) • Check the number of recommendations required • Special program requirements • Portfolio, CD, Audition

6. Student • Complete applications • Sign off on ED/EA Agreement (if applicable) • List application deadlines on a spreadsheet or calendar Parent • Keep a copy of the application deadlines • Provide student information that is pertinent to you on the application • Keep your young adult motivated/on task • Write a check for the application fee or pay by credit card Action Alert

7. ESSAY

8. The College Essay • Makes facts in student’s folder come alive • Provides information beyond grades, test scores and list of activities • Reveals the candidate’s intangible qualities

9. Tools For The College Essay • Senior English classes assign essay • Take advantage of teacher’s feedback • Utilize Writing Center (in BHS Media Center) • Have counselor review for content • Proof essay and word process it • Tips on writing the college essay available in the College and Career Guide

10. Student • Write multiple drafts of the essay • Have your English teacher/parent/counselor read the essay and give you feedback Parent • Offer to proofread the essay • Offer reminders about application deadlines Action Alert

11. TRANSCRIPT

12. Transcript Request Form • Available in the School Counseling Office • Complete form and submit to counselor: • After you mail application OR • After you apply on-line OR • With application and check if college requires everything together • Parent/guardian signature required if under 18 • Three transcripts are free; $5.00 fee for each additional transcript

13. Transcript Request Form cont’d • ALLOW 3 WEEKS TO PROCESS TRANSCRIPT REQUEST • School Vacations DO NOT COUNT as one of those weeks • STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY TO MEET DEADLINES—plan ahead!

14. Transcript Request Form

15. Student • Pick up the Transcript Request Form (TRF) from the guidance office (or download it from the school website) • Sign off on ED/EA Agreement (if applicable) • Fill out 1 TRF per school to which you are applying • Ask parent for a check if you are applying to more than 3 colleges • Return the TRF (and check) to Mrs. Hallock ASAP • Parent • Fill out the check, not the Transcript Request Form Action Alert

16. COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION

17. Counselor Recommendation • Schedule a senior appointment at least 3 weeks prior to the 1st application deadline • Appointments start the week of Sept. 24th • Complete the Individual Data Sheet and Parent Brag Sheet • Create a Username and Password for the Common Application • Complete the FERPA privacy waiver on Naviance • Enter the colleges you plan on applying to in the “Colleges I am applying to” section of Naviance

18. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

19. TEACHER Recommendation • Ask 1 or 2 teachers to write you a letter of recommendation • Ask in person • Follow specific instructions of each college • Give the writer 3 weeks notice • Also electronically request the teacher letter through Naviance • Write a personal Thank You note

20. STANDARDIZED TESTING

21. SAT and ACT Tests www.collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org • SAT now includes Score Choice • SAT includes a writing portion/ACT offers an optional essay • Check college/university entrance requirements concerning essays • Schools mostly use essays for placement purposes • Colleges/universities have access to essay online

22. Student • Register for a fall administration of the SAT/ACT • Prepare for the test over a long period of time (don’t cram!) • Bring your school id/drivers license to the exam • Have an official copy of your SAT/ACT scores sent to each college • Parent • Write out a check (or pay online when registering) to cover the cost of the test • Make sure your young adult gets a good nights sleep the night before the test • Make sure your young adult has a good breakfast the morning of the exam and arrives to the test site on time Action Alert

23. MANAGING THE PROCESS

24. NAVIANCE • Naviance is on the Web • You can access Naviance from school or home • EVERYONE should be registered for Family Connection • If you are NOT registered, see your counselor or Mrs. Conley in room 314 ASAP! http://connection.naviance.com/BETHEL

26. COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS

27. SPECIAL PROGRAMS

28. On Site Admissions Program • Colleges participating include: • Western CT State University – Thursday, Nov. 29th • Quinnipiac University – Thursday, Dec. 6th • Eastern CT State Univ. – Friday, Dec. 14th • Marist College – TBD • You must sign up with Mrs. Conley in room 314 • You will need all of your application materials that day.

29. The Interview • Opportunity to learn more about the college • Opportunity to leave a more personal impression • Interview pointers on thumb drive of College and Career Guide • Practice interview with counselor

30. FINANCIAL AID NIGHT Monday, October 15th Bethel High School Auditorium 7:00 P.M. Guest Speaker: Kelly Jambo Director of Financial Aid Sacred Heart University

31. NEXT STEPS • Use the Senior Application Checklist • Sign up for a senior appointment • Ask 1 or 2 teachers to write a letter of recommendation • Complete the FERPA waiver on Naviance • Update the “Schools I am applying to” section of Naviance • Sign up for a fall administration of the SAT/ACT • Please complete our Exit Survey

32. questions/Concerns… Roy Colson (A-De) ColsonR@bethel.k12.ct.us 203.794.8600 x 436 Ingrid Boedecker (Di-J) BoedeckerI@bethel.k12.ct.us 203.794.8600 x 433 Frank Tatto (K-P) TattoF@bethel.k12.ct.us 203.794.8600 x 431 Michelle DeBenedetto(Q-Z) DeBenedettoM@bethel.k12.ct.us 203.794.8600 x 434