2. -The most selective schools admit fewer than 30% of the students who apply. -The top 30 most selective schools in the nation admit 20% or less of their applicant pool. -2008, The Academy of College Admissions Counseling, College Counseling 201 manual.

3. -2014 NCHS Senior Exit Survey College# of applicants from the NCHS Class of 2014 # of those applicants who were admitted # of NCHS Class of 2014 graduates attending this school Case Western37161 Harvard1300 U of I18114050 Michigan58238 Northwestern47124 Penn1511 Princeton1400

4. -2014 NCHS Senior Exit Survey College# of applicants from the NCHS Class of 2014 # of those applicants who were admitted # of NCHS Class of 2014 graduates attending this school Purdue72479 St. Louis Univ.34325 Stanford2010 Univ. of Chicago 3032 Wash U St. Louis3541 Wisconsin67262 Yale2110

5. Highly selective schools most often admit students whose cumulative GPA is above a 4.25. - NCHS Naviance Scattergram data, 2014

6. The most highly selective schools typically admit students whose ACT composite score is a 33 or higher. - NCHS Naviance Scattergram data, 2014

7. Highly selective schools prefer to see strong grades in the most rigorous courses possible. They prefer to see honors and AP courses when they are offered in the subject area. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

8. Highly selective schools are looking for deep, consistent involvement and leadership in extracurricular, athletic and/or volunteer activities. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

9. Highly selective schools highly value research and publication of written work by applicants. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

10. Work experience and community service are also valued by highly selective schools in the admissions process. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

11. NCHS counselors advise students to write about extracurricular, athletic, volunteer and work activities in “resume” terms (initiative, outcome and leadership oriented) on their applications.

12. The essays that students write in their applications are VERY important in the selection process. These can count for up to 25% of the admission decision. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

13. College essays should be well-written, authentic and help the admissions counselor or reader get to know the applicant. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

14. If asked to write about why they are interested in a school, students need to very clearly and specifically articulate this based on their research about the school and their college visit experience(s). - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

15. Many highly selective schools do consider a student’s demonstrated level of interest in that school. They may track college visits and contact with admissions representatives. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

16. http://www.nytimes.com/2 015/03/15/opinion/sunday /frank-bruni-how-to- survive-the-college- admissions- madness.html?_r=0

17. Sept. 8 th, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Senior Family Night focused on the College Application Process Sept. 15 th, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Junior Family Night focused on Standardized Testing and Timeline for Junior Year Nov. 16 th, 2015 at 7:15 PM – Freshman Parent Night

18. Dec. 16 th, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Financial Aid Information Night Feb. 23 rd, 2016 at 7:00 PM - College Planning Night for Junior Families April 27 th, 2016 at 7:00 PM – Sophomore Family Night focused on Career Exploration