The College Application Process

1. The College Application Process Wendi Evans Junior Counselor Rising Sun High School

2. Graduation Requirements • What you need for graduation is the bare minimum. • Credits • Service Learning • High School Assessments • What you need to do beyond that is look beyond high school. • Challenge yourself. • Go beyond the minimum.

3. Finding the RIGHT School for YOU • Things to Consider • Environment • Academic Program • Cost • Proximity • Selectivity • Where do I go for information? • Internet • Guide Books • Visits • On-campus • College rep interviews at RSHS • Create your list of colleges to apply to • Ultimate choice(your “reach” school) • Middle range (schools that match your scores a bit more closely) • Safe school (the one that would be lucky to have you)

4. Consider your Options Regular Decision • Submit an application by a certain date • Receive a decision by a clear date • Non-binding commitment • Decide by May 1st Rolling Admissions • Applications are reviewed throughout the year • Decisions are made as applications are submitted • Non-binding commitment • May 1st is usually the deadline

5. Consider Your Options Early Action: • Apply early with the intent to receive a decision early • Early action is usually about two months prior to the regular decision deadline • Non-binding commitment • Still have until May 1st to decide Early Decision • You have made a commitment to this school as your first and only choice • 100% sure that this is where you want to go to school • Deadlines are early • Commitment is binding

6. Application Process • Get organized • Letters of recommendation • Don’t forget thank you letters • Activity sheet/resume • Transcripts • Letters/Essays • Write, review, rewrite

7. Recommendations • WHO? • A teacher that you have had in a challenging class • A coach that knows your character • You want the recommendations to reflect a cross section of your teachers • WHAT? • Leadership skills, ability to work with others, work ethic and habits • Avoid using a specific college’s name in letter • WHEN? • NOW • HOW? • Use the college’s form if provided • Give teachers the Recommendation Request Form • Give teachers a deadline & ample time to complete • TIPS: • On the application form, waive your right to view recommendation letters. This gives more credibility to the recommendation in the eyes of the college. • Keep a copy in Guidance to use for more than one college • THANK YOU NOTES!

8. Your application: What sets you apart? • Rigorous Course schedule • Grades and test scores • Extra-curricular activities • Leadership roles • Quality over quantity • Volunteer Work • Work Experience • Personal Statement

9. Application Do’s & Don’ts DO: • Follow directions • Do everything • Pay attention to deadlines • Stay organized • Follow-up & confirm receipt of your application DON’T • Procrastinate • Leave anything out • Go overboard • Use jargon or slang • Lie, exagerate or embellish • Ignore academic red flags

10. Application Tips • Apply Online • Many Colleges/Universities are paperless • Send a Thank You card to the representative if you meet with one • Ask questions if you’re unsure

11. What about the money? • Scholarships • Merit-based • Need-based • Utilize Financial Aid Options (75% of College Students Nationwide) • Co-ops • Work-study Programs • Attend part-time • Payment Plans • Parents work at college that offers free tuition to dependents

12. “What’s a parent to do?” • Be Involved in the process • Counselor/Student/Parent meetings • Visit Colleges with your child • Help organize the paperwork, but let your child do the majority • “peeking over their shoulder”

13. What does Guidance Do? • Completing School/Counselor Report on Admission Application • Transcripts ($2.00 each) • Transcripts become unofficial if opened by someone other than college official • Sent at mid-year (at your request) • Final sent to college of your choice after graduation (automatic) • College Representative Visits • Scholarships • Freebies • Other informative resources

14. THANK YOU…