1. Class of 2016 @WTHSGUIDANCE

2.  Research, research, research…  Be sure you have registered for the appropriate tests (ACT, SAT, SAT Subject, AP, etc.).ACT SAT  Meet with your counselor early and often.  Visit all college campuses you are considering.  Ask 2 teachers for a letter of recommendation if you are applying to 4 year schools.  Be sure to send electronic request from Naviance account AFTER speaking to teachers in person !  Complete your Rave Sheets, survey, etc. for your counselor.  Update your Naviance Family Connection account regularly.  A transcript release form must be submitted to the guidance office before any documents can be sent to colleges.

3.  www.commonapp.org www.commonapp.org  More than 600 colleges and universities are members of “The Common App”.  Be aware of supplemental forms that may be required for submission to specific schools.  Myth: You have a better chance of acceptance if you use the school specific application.

4.  Students have been registered for this program.  www.connection.naviance.com/wtwp www.connection.naviance.com/wtwp  Used for electronic submission of documents to more than 2,000 colleges and universities.  Allows you to communicate your plans more effectively with your counselor.  Updated regularly with upcoming events, scholarship information, etc.  We used Naviance last year for Homecoming Queen voting, ordering of Powder Puff jerseys and for registering for Senior Service Day.  You MUST also use Naviance to complete the “General Scholarship Application” later in the year.

5.  This will be our fifth year offering Instant Decision Days on Campus.  Participating schools and dates for the Fall of 2015… Participating schools and dates for the Fall of 2015…

6. DODON’T Work with your child to assist them with the process. Do it for them! Help your child compile a list of 4-6 schools that are of the greatest interest for them. Encourage your child to apply to schools just to “see if they can get in.” Have your child call the admissions offices of schools to get answers to difficult questions. Have your child call the admissions offices of schools for simple questions that can be researched on their website. Encourage your child to work hard on completing scholarship applications. Immediately write off a school that is a perfect match just because of the price tag. Count on the counseling staff to assist you in a timely manner. Expect us to rush to get something done for you because you procrastinated.

7. 1. The student completes the application. The common application should be used for schools that accept the common application. 2. The student logs in to their Naviance Family Connection account to complete a few simple steps to request documents from counselors and teachers. 3. The student makes an appointment to meet with their counselor to ensure all has been done accurately regarding document requests.

8.  For most scholarship opportunities, you must apply!  General scholarship application will be available to all seniors in the spring from 3/1/16 – 3/31/16.  Survey must be completed in Naviance  This DOES NOT qualify you for every scholarship in Washington Township or on planet earth!  Naviance should be accessed regularly for up-to-date local scholarship information.  We will be posting scholarships that are specific to NJ students or even more specifically to students in our area.  This form must be completed for all individual scholarship applications that require documents from our office. This form must be completed for all individual scholarship applications that require documents from our office.  Websites to search for nationally based scholarships.  www.fastweb.com www.fastweb.com  www.finaid.org/scholarships www.finaid.org/scholarships

9.  This is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make!  Students are strongly encouraged to create a file to help keep themselves organized.  Use a checklist such as one of this:  College Planning Checklist College Planning Checklist  Your organization will help you with: 1.College Application Process 2.Financial Aid Process 3.Scholarship Process 4.College Correspondence and Final Decision ***The Student, Parent and Counselor working together insures a positive, successful experience for all.***

10.  October 1st – Back To School Night beginning at 6:50 pm.  October 15 th – College Fair and Open House at RCGC beginning at 6 pm. More than 120 Schools will be present.  January 6 th – Financial Aid Night beginning at 7 pm in the 11/12 auditorium.