Class of 2012 College Application Process. Today’s Agenda Creating Your College List The College...
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Transcript of Class of 2012 College Application Process. Today’s Agenda Creating Your College List The College...
Today’s AgendaCreating Your College ListThe College Application
Student’s ResponsibilitiesSchool’s Responsibilities
Process for Requesting Letters of Recommendation & Transcripts
Why use Naviance?
Your College List: Research
College & university websitesCollege Fair – Sept 24th @ Stone Bridge HSCollege visits to the Career Center College Open Houses scheduled in local area Visit the college campusDiscuss college options & costs with your
parents
Your College List: Finding the Right “Fit”
Location Size Career goals Academic majors Financial aidH.S. course requirements and recommendationsAcademic profile of admitted students Student life
Diversity of student body Appearance of facilities Athletic programs Extracurricular interests Study abroad programs ROTC Dorms/residence halls Available support services The “feel” of campus Cost (don’t rule out private or out-of-state colleges)
Life After High School: Why Plan?Post-secondary education opens doorsPost-secondary education gives you
optionsPost-secondary education can help you
make a differencePost-secondary education creates earning
power
Life After High School: Why Plan?
Median Earnings by Level of Education (2007):◦High School Dropout: $25,000/year◦High School Diploma: $33,00/year◦Associate Degree (2-Year/Community College):
$41,000/year◦Bachelor’s Degree (4-Year): $56,000/year◦Advanced Degree (masters, professional,
doctoral): $75,000/year
Options for Life After High School
Trade-schools/Apprenticeships◦ Many “trades” have more earning potential than careers
that require a 4-year degreeMilitary
◦ Enlisting in the military and earning a college degree are not mutually exclusive
◦ Enlisting in the military can help pay for college◦ Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is available at
many colleges◦ Recruiters can provide more information
Options for Life After High School
College◦Associates Degree: 2-year degree (typically
earned at a community college or a junior college)
◦Bachelor’s Degree: 4-year degree◦Master’s Degree: Typically 2 additional years
after earning a bachelors◦Doctoral Degrees & Professional Degrees: PHD,
JD, MD, DC
Options for Life After High School
Community College◦Students can earn an Associates Degree, or,
students can complete the first year or two of a Bachelors Degree
◦Make sure the community college knows what your goals are!
◦If you plan to transfer after a year or two, do your homework!
Options for Life After High SchoolBenefits of community college
◦NOVA is one of the best community colleges in the country
◦Relatively inexpensive◦Close to home◦A “small step” into higher education◦Usually “open” admissions
NOVA Pathways Program
While you are in high school, the Pathway Program provides…◦ Early placement testing and priority fall registration◦ Participation in selected social, athletic and cultural
events at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University (Mason)◦ Individual meetings with Pathway counselors to prepare
for college transition, including major and careerselection and financial planning
◦ Workshops on college transition issues, including the
application process, placement test preparation and applying for financial aid and scholarships
Pathways Cont.
While you are at NOVA, the Pathway Program provides…◦ Designated program counselors to guide you through your
college career, including course, major and career planning and financial aid
◦ Assistance with transferring to a four-year college or university◦ Academic and personal enrichment workshops conducted by
NOVA counselors◦ Continued participation in designated Mason social, athletic
and cultural events◦ Opportunity in your second year to enroll in classes at Mason
while completing your NOVA degree◦ Opportunity, if qualified, to apply early for junior year
admission to Mason
How many colleges should I apply to?
We encourage you to
apply to 5-7 colleges to allow yourself several
options.
Your College List
Reach Schools: Reach School = colleges & universities whose
admitted students may have a higher average GPA and SAT score
Don’t be afraid to apply to schools that may be a stretch.
You never know what they are looking for when they select their freshman class.
Consider applying to 1-2 reach schools.You will not know if they will accept you
unless you apply!
Your College List
Target Schools:Target School= colleges & universities whose
admitted students’ average GPA & SAT are comparable to yours
You should feel comfortable with these, knowing that you have a good chance of getting accepted
Consider applying to at least 2 target schools
Your College List
Safety/Backup Schools:Safety Schools = colleges & universities whose
admitted students’ average GPA & SAT score are significantly lower than yours
Great confidence that you will be accepted – almost guaranteed acceptance
Ask yourself – Would you go here if it was the only college you were accepted to?
Consider applying to at least 1 safety school
Components of a College Application
Student’s Responsibilities:
Complete application (on college website)
Sending Test Scores: SAT and/or ACT tests
Requesting Letters of Recommendation & Transcripts
Submitting Supplemental Information to Colleges
Guidance’s Responsibilities:
TranscriptSecondary School
ReportCounselor Letter
of Recommendation
College ApplicationApply Online!!!
◦Visit each college’s website for specific instructions on how to access the application
◦Remember your log-in information – keep it in a safe place for future reference
◦Make sure your e-mail address is appropriate◦ Encouraged to develop a e-mail for all college/scholarship info
◦Be sure to complete supplemental information for each college (see application requirements)
◦Common Application – www.commonapp.org ◦CHECKLIST – review form
College ApplicationFollow Instructions & Proofread!
Complete all required sections Carefully follow all instructions Proofread before you submit
Application Fee Must be paid before the deadline or it’s
considered incomplete See us if you need an application fee
waiver
College Application
Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines!◦Best to check individual college admission
websites for the deadline◦Must submit college applications before the
deadline◦Highly recommended to submit applications
early, so that you have time to verify that the college has received all components of the application
◦Deadline for scholarships may be earlier than the admissions deadline– Check each school for this information!!!
College Regular Decision Early Decision Early Action Priority Rolling Notification
Averett University 1-Sep - - 1-May Yes
Bridgewater College 1-Jul - - - Yes
Christendom College 1-Mar - 1-Dec 1-Mar -
Christopher Newport University 1-Feb 15-Nov 1-Dec - -
Eastern Mennonite University 1-Aug - - 1-Feb -
Emory & Henry College - 1-Nov - 15-Feb Yes
Ferrum College - - - 1-Mar Yes
George Mason University 15-Jan - 1-Nov - -
Hampden-Sydney College 1-Mar 15-Nov 15-Jan - -
Hampton University 1-Mar - 1-Nov - -
Hollins University 1-Aug 1-Dec - 15-Feb -
James Madison University 15-Jan - 1-Nov 1-Nov -
Jefferson College of Health Sciences 31-Jul 15-Oct - - -
Liberty University 30-Jun - - 30-Jun Yes
Longwood University 15-Jul - 1-Dec 1-Mar -
Lynchburg College - 15-Nov 15-Oct - Yes
Mary Baldwin College - 15-Nov - - Yes
University of Mary Washington 1-Feb - 15-Nov - -
Marymount University - - - 1-Apr Yes
Norfolk State University 31-May - - - Yes
Old Dominion University 1-Feb - 1-Dec - -
VA College/University Deadlines
College Regular Decision Early Decision Early Action Priority Rolling Notification
Piedmont Virginia Community College 23-Aug - - - -
Radford University 1-Feb - 1-Dec - -
Randolph College 1-Mar - 1-Dec 1-Dec -
Randolph-Macon College 1-Mar 15-Nov 15-Nov 1-Feb -
Richard Bland College 15-Aug - - - -
University of Richmond 15-Jan 15-Nov - - -
Roanoke College 15-Aug 1-Dec - - Yes
Shenandoah University - - - 1-Mar Yes
Southern Virginia University 31-Jul - - - -
Stratford University 30-Jul 29-Apr - - -
Sweet Briar College 1-Feb - - - -
Valley Forge Christian College Woodbridge Campus 1-Aug - - - -
Virginia Commonwealth University 15-Jan - - - -
Virginia Military Institute 1-Feb 15-Nov - - Yes
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 15-Jan 1-Nov - - -
Virginia State University 1-May - - 31-Mar -
Virginia Wesleyan College - - 10-Dec 1-Jan Yes
University of Virginia 1-Jan - 1-Nov - -
University of Virginia's College at Wise 1-Aug - 1-Feb 1-Apr -
Washington and Lee University 2-Jan 15-Nov - - -
College of William and Mary 1-Jan 1-Nov - - -
VA College/University Deadlines
Standardized Tests SAT and/or ACT required for admission to most 4-year colleges &
universities
Encouraged to take by November
SAT Subject Tests:◦ Why take the tests◦ Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests. In
addition, you can enhance your application, demonstrate knowledge you’ve gained outside the classroom, and potentially place out of introductory courses.
Upcoming test dates:SAT: Register at www.collegeboard.com October 1st – late registration (fee applies) by September 21st
November 5th – register by October 7th ACT: Register at www.actstudent.org October 22nd – register by September 16th December 10th – register by November 4th
Standardized TestsYou must send your official score reports
to each colleges directly from College Board or ACT
Select score report recipients when you register online (4 free)
Must pay a fee per score report if you request to send to college after you take the test
Send to NCAA (9999) if you want to play NCAA sports in college
College Essays & Personal Statements
Your chance to “speak” to the admissions committee
Lets them know you’re more than a number It’s worth your time, thought, & energy See it as an opportunity! Be sure to address the specific question/prompt
if a college provides one
Teacher Letters of Recommendation
Check with each college to see if teacher letters are required or recommended
Think carefully about who you ask:◦ Try to select a core academic teacher who knows you well
and who can write a strong letter of recommendation◦ Consider asking a coach, sponsor, or another teacher who
may know you in a different context
Ask early – at least 2-3 week prior notice
Write a thank you note to the teacher once the letter is sent & inform them of whether you were accepted
What should I give to teachers?List of colleges to which you’re applying & the
deadlines
Any school-specific or Common App forms that the teacher needs to complete along with his/her letter
Any documents the teacher requests, such as your resume and/or personal statement
Envelopes (addressed & stamped if appropriate)
Instructions on how each letter needs to be submitted to the college….
College NameOffice of Undergraduate AdmissionStreet Address and/or BoxCity, State Zip
Student Name
Street Address
City, State Zip
Option 1: Teacher Mails Letter Directly
to College
Option 2:Teacher Submits Letter Online
Many colleges ask students to list the teacher’s name and e-mail address when the student completes the online application
Inform teacher how to submit letter online ◦Will they receive an e-mail from the college or Common App with specific instructions?
Option 3:Teacher’s Letter Mailed with
Transcript from Guidance Office
Provide teacher with an envelope for each college with the name of the college & your name printed on the front
Ask teacher to seal envelope & sign across the sealCollect sealed letters from teacherAttach letter to each pink transcript request form
when you give it to Guidance OfficeTeacher letters of recommendation must be
attached to pink transcript release form if you want it mailed with your transcript
Official Transcript
Guidance sends your official transcript to each college:◦At the time you apply (to all colleges you
request)◦Mid-year sent with 1st semester grades (to all
colleges – no need to submit another transcript request – we automatically send)
◦At the end of the year – final transcript is sent to the college you plan to attend
PINK Transcript Request FormPrint legiblyBe specific!
◦Do not use abbreviations for the college name◦List the city/state in which the college is located◦List the specific deadline (ASAP and “Rolling”
are NOT acceptable deadlines – exact dates please!)
◦Check off which documents you want us to sendAttach teacher letter(s) of recommendation if you
want the letter(s) sent with your transcriptStudent & parent must sign each request formPay $3 for each transcript request (cash or check
made payable to Woodgrove High School)
PINK Transcript Request FormMust be submitted to Guidance for each college to which you would like your transcript sent at least 3 weeks prior to the college application deadline.
COLLEGE DEADLINE REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT & COUNSELOR LETTER DUE TO GUIDANCE
November 1 October 11
November 15 October 25
December 1 November 3 (to account for Thanksgiving Break)
December 15 November 17 (to account for Thanksgiving Break)
January 1 December 1 (to account for Winter Break)
January 15 December 15 (to account for Winter Break)
February 1 January 11
February 15 January 25
March 1 February 8
March 15 February 22
Counselor Letter of Recommendation
Minimum of 3 weeks noticeStudents will submit a Student/Parent Insight
Sheet Counselor letter will be mailed with your
Transcript and Secondary School Report (SSR)
Be sure to check off that you would like a Counselor Letter of Recommendation on your pink transcript request form. If you don’t check that you want a counselor letter sent, we will not send it.
College Application Process
Student Applies to College
Student Submits Pink Form to
Guidance
Counselor Completes SSR & LOR
Ms. Holland Mails Transcript & Updates
Naviance
Student Requests Letters of
Recommendation
Provide Teacher With Deadlines,
Instructions, Cover Letter Resume, &
Envelopes
Teacher Mails To College, Submits
Online, or Gives to Student to Submit
with Pink Form
Student Submits Supplemental Information
Student Sends SAT and/or ACT Scores
to Colleges
Student Submits Required Financial &
Residency Information
Student Completes & Submits Essays,
Portfolios, Auditions, etc.
Ms. Holland Prints Transcript
Update your e-mail address so that you receive important college & scholarship info
Create a resume/Activity Profile – template provided to students
Sign up for college visits during open lunch (print out confirmation as your pass)
Scholarship searches
Check status of transcript requests
Check Your E-mail Frequently!
Why?Updates on colleges visiting WHSInformation on scholarships, honors,
recognitions, special programs (some with short notice)
COLLEGES USE E-MAIL AS THEIR PRIMARY FORM OF COMMUNICATION WITH YOU RE: YOUR APPLICATION!
Overwhelmed? Still confused?
Breathe!Develop an action plan & timeline to
meet your goals and the deadlinesDon’t procrastinate!Seek assistance and be proactive.
We are here to help!
Some Advice
Complete applications one at a time◦One by Halloween◦One by Thanksgiving◦The rest by Winter Break
Use the checklist provided!Pay attention to deadlines!
HAVE FUN!