Figure out who you are and then look for colleges that interest you

The most selective college may not always be the best fit

Senior Self-EvaluationActivity SheetParent Questionnaire Informal Recommendations (At least

one of each) Teacher Non-Teacher

NavianceA comprehensive tool that can be used to help

students and parents through college and career planning.

•Take surveys on learning style and career interests•Conduct a college search•Compare colleges•Track deadlines•Schedule visits with college representatives at GHS•Search for scholarships•Receive communications from Guidance Department•Complete senior packet

Conduct college searches Research specific schools Create “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list Fill out Senior Packet Check to see if supporting documents can be sent

electronically or if they need to be mailed Electronically invite teachers to write formal

recommendations View which college representatives are visiting GHS STUDENTS CANNOT submit college applications

through NAVIANCE! Students will use the COMMON APPLICATION or the college’s

specific application to apply to colleges

View student activity including student’s “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list

Add colleges to “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list for students

When student submits transcript request form, counselor will convert “Colleges I’m Thinking About” to “Colleges I’m Applying To” list

OFFICIALLY send transcript, letter of recommendation, secondary school report and school profile

TEACHERS have option to send their recommendation through NAVIANCE

Check status of supporting document’s arrival at college Email students/parents important information

Ms. Green – College and Career Counselor Individual student appointments available after initial

college planning meeting with counselor College representative visits at GHS Senior year workshops (College Essay, Interview,

College Visit, Resume) Standardized testing prep books College guide books Summer programs Gap year information College and Career Update

Information on scholarships, college visits, regional information sessions, open houses, dates to remember

Information File – Specific college information

Location

Size of school

Level of academic rigor

Areas of interest/major

Campus surroundings

Greek life

Family discussions Frequent contact with counselor Gather information from colleges and current

students Visit colleges (demonstrated interest) Keep an open mind Recognize admissions standards and campus

culture varies year to year Use good judgment when listening to the

opinions of others

Call Admissions Office ahead of time Do your “homework” Ask good questions of students, professors

and admissions representatives Check out the dining hall Sit in on a class Hang out in town Take notes Write thank-you notes Listen to your gut

Make sure every school on your list is a “first choice” school

Know why you are applying to each school

Be realistic about the academic requirements for admission

FAR REAC

H

REACH

POSSIBLE

LIKELY

SAFETY

Data Transcript:▪ Course selection and level of rigor▪ Course grades▪ Three-year GPA

First quarter senior grades (Often required, but not automatically sent)

Mid-Year senior grades (Automatically sent) SAT/ACT scores Subject Tests (If required)

Possible subjective information College essay Demographics Demonstrated interest Extracurricular activities Interview Legacy Recommendations Supplements Special talents (athletics, art, music, theater)

Take ownership of college process Complete and submit applications, forms, essays,

etc. Provide teachers with recommendation forms

several weeks in advance of application deadline

Proofread your college essays and have them edited by counselor and then an English teacher

Meet ALL deadlines Arrange to have official test scores sent

directly to college

Support and encourage your child, offering advice and guidance where appropriate

Avoid pushing your preferences or biases regarding college choices

Be open to new ideas and suggestions on colleges to consider

Support an ethical approach to the admissions process

Your children are expected to complete their own applications

Offer students suggestions and guidance about colleges based on the information they provide and preferences they express

Help students create a balanced and realistic list of colleges they would be happy to attend

Write a counselor recommendation Meet all deadlines (as long as students

have met ours)

Online only-no more paper version available

Additional information section will be text only- no more uploads (no more resumes)

ESSAY Length remains the same: 250-500 words (WORD LIMIT

ENFORCED) Text-entry only - no uploads of Microsoft Word documents New essay prompts announced every year in March (Topic of

choice eliminated)

Supplements will be streamlined so they are accessible online earlier

Complete application will not be available until AUGUST 1, 2013. Do not register until the application is released

Spring of Junior Year

Select a strong senior year scheduleJunior college conference with your counselorCollege researching/visitsSAT/ACT preparation/registrationIdentify two teachers for formal recommendationsIdentify at least two people for informal recommendations (one teacher/one non-teacher)Stay involved with extracurricular activitiesWork on activity log/resumeBecome familiar with NavianceMake a family plan about your college process

Fall/Winter of Senior Year

Attend Senior Morning MeetingSet up individual counselor meeting(s)Attend workshops in the College/Career Center (Resume, College Essay, Interview)SAT/ACT (if necessary)Finalize your college listKeep track of deadlinesCommunicate with teacher recommenders Begin to submit applicationsHand in required forms to GHS GuidanceFill out financial aid forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)

Summer (June-August)

Senior Packet completed and submittedPossible SAT/ACT preparation for October examContinue researching and visiting schoolsStart looking up your essay topics and create a rough draftObtain a job, do community service, or something of personal interestVisit schools

Spring of Senior Year

Continue to fill out applications if necessaryWatch your mail for notifications from collegesCompare financial aid packagesMake your college decision by May 1st.Complete enrollment paperwork for the college you will attend

BEST OF LUCK WITH THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS!