College Application 101Tuesday, June 4, 2013

An introductory “course” to assist parents in navigating the latest in the

college application process

PLEASE SILENCE CELL PHONES

Session “Syllabus”

• Parent Involvement• Timeline• The College Visit• The College Application• FAQ’s

Parent Involvement in the Application Process

• Support but don’t do application for them. Colleges can spot this!

• Act as their advocate• Help to organize and set goals for deadlines• Payment!

TIMELINEWhat to do in June?

• Senior year schedule must be finalized no later than 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13th

• Finish junior year strong!

• ACT June 8th. Register online for the ACT if appropriate. September 21st and October 26th.

• Meaningful summer activity (work, volunteer, internships, camps, etc.)

• Gather information

• Schedule college visits

TIMELINEWhat to do in July?

• Utilize websites for gathering information– uwhelp.wisconsin.edu– quickstart.collegeboard.org– collegeweeklive.com– mnscu.edu– collegeview.com– eCampusTours.com– MyCollegeOptions.com– princetonreview.com– collegeboard.com– careercruising.com

• Begin to work on essay – set completion goal– https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays– http://www.princetonreview.com/college/essay.aspx– http://www.petersons.com/college-search/application-essay-tips.aspx– http://www.mytonomy.com/categories/college-application-essay-how-to-write-a-good-college-e

ssay-2-35

• College visits

College Visits!• Timing – summer is different on campus

• Ask questions!

• Analyze the individual fit

• Rank priorities

• “People watch”…check out the cafeteria and bookstore

• Take pictures, and write down notes before you forget

• Take a tour, and explore on your own

• Attend a class

TIMELINEWhat to do in August?

• Finalize list of schools to apply to – have a good mix of “reach schools”, good fits and “slam dunks”.

• Begin applications – please remember that teachers and counselors do not have summer hours.

• Complete an activities summary/resume. Summer prior to high school until present

• Determine need for letters of recommendation• Begin exploring scholarships

Seniors….take FLIGHT!!!

• FLIGHT is BRAND NEW for the Class of 2014• August 19th and 20th, 12:30 to 2:30• Get insider tips on senior year and the college

admissions process:– Essay help– How to set up your Parchment account– Letters of Recommendation and the Senior Profile– Avoid “Senioritis”– How to really succeed in college, and not just “get in”– Guest speakersWatch your mail/email for sign-up information!

APPLICATION CHECKLIST- Application: online

- Application Fee: credit card or online is sometimes free

- Parchment $2.55 per transcript *- Transcript Release Form: (Only if paper copy is needed, available on school website or

in the Counseling Office)

- Senior Profile completed (available on the AHS website)

- Letters of recommendation (if required): follow application directions

- Essay/Personal Statement (if required)

- Resume or Activities Summary (Optional)

- ACT/SAT scores sent from the testing service

* Refer to detailed handout

PLAN AHEAD - ALLOW 5 SCHOOL DAYS!

FAQ#1 Why didn’t you send my transcript?

• Parchment

• Did you fill out a request/fee?

• Allow enough time…AHS, mail, university sort, etc.

• Call the university or check your account• Consider the volume at the college and

mail/electronic application speed

• Common Application

FAQ#2 Do students need recommendation letters?• UW-Wisconsin schools do not require recommendations –

except UW-Madison

• Recommendations may be helpful for the student on the “bubble”

• Letters of recommendations submitted directly to the university – may want to use DOB

• Provide stamped envelope(s) to the writer

• Recommendations are more commonly needed for

scholarships

• As a courtesy to the writer, allow at least two weeks and provide a Senior Profile

FAQ#3 How does my son/daughter have their ACT/SAT scores sent?

• Official scores are sent from the testing agency• Free at time of registration • May request online or by phone(there is a cost

for this service)• act.org or collegeboard.com (SAT and AP)

FAQ#4 What are important tips for the senior year?

• September 15: College application “period” begins

• Watch social media image (Facebook, etc.)

• Set up a “professional” email for all college information, and check it 3-4 times per week

• November: Goal to have all college applications completed – be sure to include a “Back-Up School”

• READ ALL CORRESPONDENCE: Check for deposit information, housing forms, registration, May 1 = final decision date.

• Visit schools a final time after admitted

• Continue to work hard in senior year courses – “RESCIND”

• Scholarships –Busy time is January – April

• Scholarships sent by the student so plan ahead and organize!

• Final transcript request – June with Parchment

North CampusCounseling Office

369-3612 Mrs. Morrison Registrar/Secretary Ext. 4209

Morrison@arrowheadschools.org

Brianne Mehlos Ext. 4212mehlos@arrowheadschools.org

Kathie Mitich Ext. 4215mitich@arrowheadschools.org

Angie Rodenkirch Ext, 4218rodenkircha@arrowheadschools.org

Thank you for coming!