1 The logistics of applying to collegeStep-by-step instructions class of 2018

2 General overview We went through this information again with students during advisory this week. You will find this PowerPoint, as well as any others we’ve shown, on the Class of 2018 Guidance Page of the CB West website. All transcripts and recommendations can be sent now, but don’t pressure your student to send everything right away. Different parts of the application can go out at different times. November 1st is usually the first priority/early deadline.

3 College planning Mike Finish A review of how to narrow “the list”

4 College planning Focus on “fit” You can’t change the pastThe goal is truly what is best for your student. Not necessarily what schools are “top ranked” or what others in the class are doing. You can’t change the past At this point, your student should do everything they can to have the most opportunities moving forward. Some colleges will ask to see 1st MP grades Stay grounded Plan ahead & break things up into stages to reduce pressure. EVERYONE will have options for college.

5 College planning Encourage Ownership Work TogetherMake sure YOUR STUDENT is doing the research. Students will learn what they like and dislike about colleges while going through the process. This won’t happen unless they are active in the search. Work Together Discuss what is important to you, and what is important to your student- be honest! Be clear how much finances will determine college options, but try not to limit applications solely because of cost.

6 College planning College Rep. visits to CB West What to ask the rep?Admissions Officers are scheduled to present to students from September through November. Great opportunity for your student to learn about all colleges, AND meet the person who will read their application. Students sign-up in Naviance, under the college tab. What to ask the rep? Specific programs, how easy can you change majors/undecided, campus attractions, admissions questions… anything!

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9 When to Request an InterviewIf you feel that an interview will help improve your student’s chances for acceptance, such as when applying to a reach school. If there is some personal experience or situation that warrants an explanation. If your student has strong social skills, and you feel an interview may help give the college a better understanding of who your student is over what comes across on paper.

10 Admissions exams Sat, act, and sat subject tests

11 SAT Test Dates for Seniors 2017-2018October 7th – Register by September 8th November 4th – Register by October 5th December 2nd – Register by November 2nd Be sure to check your application deadlines!

12 act Test Dates for Seniors 2017-2018Be sure to check your application deadlines!

13 SAT Subject tests Consider SAT Subject tests List of Schools (link)Highly selective schools or specific programs may require 2 SAT Subject tests. Can also vary by chosen major. Engineering: Math II, and Chemistry /or Physics List of Schools (link) Double check requirements with individual schools.

14 How to apply Get your internet connection ready

15 Standard expectationsAlthough there are different ways of applying, there are some things you can expect from every method: Students will have to go to a website and create an account- be sure to write down ALL account usernames and passwords. Students must enter in personal information, such as name, address, contact numbers/ s. Students also need to indicate your specific plans for that school, like majors and intended programs. Students will likely have to pay an application fee. Students may or may not need to write an essay, or answer questions. Students definitely will have to meet posted application requirements, including deadlines. Bottom line: help your student keep track of listed requirements and deadlines.

16 Ways to apply Common ApplicationNearly 700 Colleges use the Common App (list here). Some colleges allow students to either use the Common App, or apply directly through their own website. Some colleges will only accept applications through the Common App. Direct to the College/University Some colleges will only offer an application through their own website.

17 Common app essays

18 West chester “how to apply”

19 Less common websites There are a few other ways of applying that you may come across as you go through your list of schools: PA State System (PASSHE) 14 schools in the PA State System Examples: West Chester, Millersville, East Stroudsburg. Doesn’t include “state affiliated” schools, like Penn State and Temple. The Universal Application Appx 35 colleges/universities The Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success Appx 90 colleges/universities, mostly Northeast locations

20 Admissions options Early decision Early actionRestrictive early action Rolling Regular deadline

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22 Sending transcripts To college, using naviance

23 College app forms Requesting transcripts triggers sending ALL of the high school based college related forms/paperwork. When you send us a transcript request, we send: Transcript, Senior Schedule, School Profile, and a Secondary School Report (General or Common App). This means that you DO NOT need to print/drop off forms from your applications! just send the electronic transcript request to us through Naviance.

24 transcript Your official transcript is sent, showing all courses taken from 9th – 11th grades. Your Weighted GPA is listed from all credits appearing on the transcript. By default, any SAT/ACT scores we have will also be sent.

25 Senior schedule

26 School profile The School Profile is updated every year, informing colleges of our credit requirements, Honors and AP program offerings, as well as our grading scale. This helps colleges evaluate your record in the context of what is available here at West.

27 Secondary school reportThis is a standard form that provides colleges with information they need. We have a form accepted by both Common App schools and colleges that do not use the Common App- there is no need to provide us with the S.S.R. specific for your school.

28 1st MP / Mid-year grades Some colleges may request 1st MP / 1st Quarter grades before making an admissions decision. There is a form in guidance to complete when students need to send 1st MP grades to colleges. 1st MP grades should mainly be sent if the college requests it; sending colleges information they do not want won’t help admissions chances (follow application instructions). Mid-year grades are automatically sent to ALL schools students have listed in the “Colleges I’m Applying to” section of Naviance.

29 Authorization form ( 1 ) “Naviance transcript authorization” handoutThis allows us to send everything needed for college admissions. Complete everything on the form Bring it to Ms. Matthews in the guidance office (far right corner). You CAN apply to colleges before completing this form. Turn this form in BEFORE requesting transcripts, or recommendations.

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31 Step-by-step handout ( 2 )Describes how to send transcripts to colleges after turning in your Naviance Transcript Authorization form. First step is to figure out whether you need to apply to colleges through the Common Application, or not. There are specific steps for both paths, then detailed instructions for everyone. Self Reported Schools: Pitt, Penn State, U of South Carolina Add, but don’t click the “transcript” box

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33 Go through and follow the steps in order.Details matter! Missing a step can delay transcripts being sent. If there are problems, your student’s counselor will send a “remind” notice.

34 Sending recommendationsFrom both, your Counselor & your teachers

35 Teacher recommendations ( 3 )Read the “College Recommendation Procedures” handout. Follow the steps to request a recommendation from teachers through Naviance. Students MUST see their teacher in person after sending a request.

36 counselor recommendations ( 3 )Read the “College Recommendation Procedures” handout. Follow the steps to request a recommendation from your counselor. Unlike with requesting a rec from your teacher, you CANNOT ask for a recommendation from your counselor through Naviance. Complete the “Counselor Recommendation Survey” in Naviance. Bring the printed survey to guidance.

37 Counselor recommendation surveyLogin to Naviance  About Me tab  “Survey’s to Take”

38 Teacher recommendations

39 Teacher recommendations

40 Teacher recommendations

41 Teacher recommendations

42 Teacher recommendationsSubmit your recommendation requests for the specific colleges you need that teacher to write a recommendation for. Go to see that teacher in-person ASAP. Teachers will not begin writing a recommendation until they confirm this with you in-person. You should only ask as many teachers to write a recommendation as required by your colleges. Most people should ask two teachers (maximum) write a recommendation.

43 3-step Review for studentsComplete Naviance Transcript Authorization. Hand in your signed authorization to Ms. Mathews in guidance. Step 2: Use the Step-by-Step handout to add colleges to your list in Naviance, and electronically request us to send a transcript to these schools. Step 3: Request recommendations for Teachers and your Counselor by following the College Recommendation Procedures handout.

44 Financial aid & ScholarshipsFAFSA (opens October 1st) CSS Profile Naviance Scholarship list Merit aid Military options NCAA

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46 Free application for federal student aidGo to and create an account. Opens October 1st, 2017 You’ll need to use previous year’s tax returns. First come, first serve.. There is a finite amount of aid available, submit the FAFSA as soon as you can! We are showing students a video specific to the FAFSA / Financial Aid next week.

47 Css profile (collegeBoard )Some colleges/universities will require you to complete the CSS PROFILE to determine financial aid. This is in addition to the FAFSA, not replacing it. Examples in Pennsylvania Albright, Bryn Mawr, Bucknell, Carnegie Mellon, Dickinson, Drexel, Franklin & Marshall, Gettysburg, Haverford, Lafayette, Lehigh, Muhlenberg, Rosemont, Susquehanna, Swarthmore, UPenn, Ursinus, Villanova Check the list yourself so you don’t lose out on financial aid.

48 scholarships Naviance Scholarship List (College tab)Focuses on local scholarships our students regularly receive. Sort by deadline, and read descriptions to see which are appropriate. National scholarship search tool using Sallie Mae. National Scholarship Databases FastWeb, Cappex, or Unigo Create an account, and match with targeted scholarships. Individual Colleges Many offer Merit Aid opportunities for high achieving students.

49 Naviance scholarship list

50 Fastweb scholarship search

51 merit aid

52 Important fin aid datesOctober 1st- FAFSA is available online October 4th- Financial Aid Night at CB East H.S. Villanova Director of Financial Assistance CSS Profile- Deadlines vary by college Scholarships- Vary, but generally begin scholarship apps after applying to your colleges

53 Military options ROTC Scholarship Post 9/11 GI BillEarn your Bachelor’s Degree, then serve in the Military. Apply towards the end of your Junior year of high school. Requirements vary by the different branches of the Military. Post 9/11 GI Bill Enlist, then pursue your degree. Pays all in-state tuition & fees after you serve.

54 Ncaa athletes If you play a sport for a Division 1 or 11 college, you may be eligible for a scholarship. NCAA Clearinghouse You must register through this website to qualify. Sign up now, check requirements. Guide for College-Bound Athletes Speak to your coach about accessing “Hudl” game film to create a highlight clip for college coaches.

55 Stay connected Class of 2018 Guidance page on the West websiteBookmark this, and check it often! Many important presentations will be posted here. A link can be found when you first login to Naviance. Sign up for notices from your counselor Message to the number “81010” You will then receive phone alerts from your counselor about scholarships, transcript request issues, and important deadlines.

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