2013 Fall college planning and application workshop

1. 2013 Fall college planning and application workshop

2. Class of 2013 281 Graduates • 4-Year College - 67% • 2-Year College/Technical School 20% • Military/Work/Other - 13%

3. Ideally.... • Your son/daughter: • already took SAT and/or ACT • already visited potential college campuses • has narrowed down list of schools and decided where to apply (3-5 schools) • is working on college applications and related paperwork

4. The Big Picture • Visit or re-visit potential schools in the fall • Apply to colleges before deadlines • Financial Aid FAFSA by February 15 or school deadline • Search for Scholarships throughout the school year – most are available in the winter (Dec. thru Feb.) • Deposit by May 1 (approximate deadline – each school has its own deadline)

5. ACT/SAT Testing • Take one of these tests IMMEDIATELY ACT Test -offered on October 26th - registration deadline is Sept 27th Also offered Dec 14th - registration deadline is Nov. 8th SAT Test -offered on November 2nd - registration deadline is October 3rd

6. ACT/SAT Testing • Scores take about 3-6 weeks to process- (ACT non-writing scores available in ten days online) • At this late date, please request that scores be sent directly to the colleges- some schools require that scores be sent directly from the testing company • CHS receives scores and we send along with transcripts. • ACT and/or SAT scores automatically become a part of the transcript.

7. ACT/SAT Testing www.act.org www.collegeboard.com Students should register online for both tests

8. Recommended Application Strategy • 1 Reach • 2-3 Probable • 1 Safety

9. College Visits • 3 exempt days each school year • Call Admissions in advance to set up a tour, interview, etc. • Ask about Financial Aid/Schol. • Get a feel for the social/academic atmosphere at each school

10. College Visits • You can still apply to colleges without visiting them • We highly recommend that students visit a campus before making their final decisions

11. College Reps at CHS • Admissions reps visit CHS • Often times, these are the same people who evaluate the applications • Students must sign up in guidance and get permission from teacher in advance (form in guid.)

12. Forms • There are three forms that guidance needs in order to process college applications and write letters of recommendation. • Transcript Release Form (white) • Biographical Profile (blue) • Transcript Request Form (yellow)

13. Applications • Go to school’s website and register for access to their application or go to www.commonapp.org for schools that use the Common Application (there are over 500 schools on the Common App now) • Read directions thoroughly • Complete application online and be sure to complete all necessary supplements (ie. counselor and teacher forms and recommendations) • Be sure to give all supplemental forms to your guidance counselor along with transcript request and counselor will mail all additional paperwork • All schools require a transcript – be sure to request it as soon as you apply so you don’t hold up the admissions decision

14. Applications • Check appropriate deadlines - turn in forms to guidance at least ONE week in advance of deadline. (This applies to scholarships too) • Always give teachers at least TWO weeks to write a letter of rec. • Applications should be turned in as soon as possible with Thanksgiving being the goal.

15. Letters ofRecommendation • 1.  Select Recommenders who know you well and will speak highly of you. Teachers, Coaches/Advisers, Principals/Counselors • 2.  Ask the potential recommender if they would write a letter on your behalf • 3.  Give the recommender several weeks of "lead time" to write the letter • 4.  If using The Common Application:  Let the recommender know that they will receive an email inviting them to set up an account.  If the recommender already has an account, you can select them from a pull down menu after you have spoken with them.

16. Social Media and College Applications

17. FAFSA • All families should fill out the FAFSA by February 15 or appropriate school deadline • There will be a financial aid evening meeting to review the FAFSA on ? at 6:30pm • Your report will be sent to the colleges with your EFC - Expected Family Contribution

18. FAFSA • The colleges will send you their Financial Aid Package • Many times private schools and out of state schools award more money than the public in-state schools

19. LEAF Lake-Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation • This organization helps students complete financial aid process and search for scholarships. www.leaf-ohio.org

20. LEAF LEAF is at CHS on Thursdays beginning September 12th • Students will be called down to meet with Ms. Hanley during the day • Parents should call 285-4060 to set up an appointment with Ms. Hanley

21. Scholarships • There are local, state, national, and school scholarships. • Obtain applications in guidance office or online • Go to the guidance page of the high school home page on the district website- available scholarships are updated at least twice a month • Go Online- there are many search engines that will allow students to put in a profile and they will then match scholarship up with specific needs and abilities • Meet with LEAF

22. The COMMON Application • Common Application is given out in early Feb and due at the end of the month • Students can apply for over 15 local scholarships with one application

23. College Scholarships • Ask College Financial Aid Offices for their individual scholarships