1. Senior College Planning The Final Steps

2. Topics Your List Application Options The Application To Do Lists Financial Aid Final Decisions

3. Finalizing your list Reviewing your criteria Reviewing your research Assessing your chances

4. Application Options Early Decision Early Action Traditional Rolling On-Line Application Written Application On-site Application Common Application

5. Early Decision Only ONE Early Decision application allowed BINDING agreement, if accepted November 1 or 15 application deadline

6. Early Decision December notification re: admissions decision Top choice on your list Considerations –Strength of desire –your academic record –financial aid picture

7. Early Action Unlimited number of EA applications allowed Acceptance NOT binding Application deadline usually between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15 Earlier notification of admission decision Considerations –Strength of your record –Earlier response deadline for your decision –Financial aid picture

8. Other Application Options 4 RUTGERS UNIVERSITY Priority Deadline: December 1, 2009

9. Application Modes 4 On-line Preferred by many colleges Use standard English; this is NOT an e-mail Must print out and mail signature page with fee Check to see if any other components of application need to be mailed Print out copy of full application for your file Written 4 Use black ink or type Application should be neat and legible Be sure all sections are complete Make a copy of completed application for your file

10. Application Modes 4 On-Site In-person meeting with admissions representative Must present unofficial transcript at that time Decision rendered immediately 4 Common Accepted by hundreds of colleges May be used in lieu of college’s own application Application may be filled out once and sent to many Check to see if any additional components are required

11. Application Student’s To Do List Complete all sections - use black ink or type Prepare essays - proofread carefully Include activities resume if appropriate Include check for processing fee Include a response card Request in a TIMELY manner: –Transcript from Counselor Secondary School Report (if applicable) Three stamps

12. Application Student’s To Do List –Letters of Recommendation Recommendation Forms Stamped addressed envelope –College Admission Test Scores Sent directly from test agency Arrange Interview, if college provides opportunity Follow-up to insure receipt – approx. 3 week

13. Application Counselor’s To Do List Prepare initial transcript –Assure accuracy of grades, courses, activities and GPA –Write counselor statement –Complete Supplementary materials provided by student –Mail directly to college Send Mid-year Reports or other information, if requested Send Final Transcript to college student will attend

14. Special Notes Athletes NCAA Clearinghouse Form Visual Arts Major Portfolio Review Performing Arts Majors Audition Special Needs Students Documentation of disability and accommodations

15. Financial Aid Types NEED-BASED AID Grants Loans Work Study SCHOLARSHIPS Academic Record Special Talent Special Criteria

16. Financial Aid Applications COLLEGE COST - FAMILY CONTRIBUTION = NEED CSS Profile –Required by SOME colleges, usually privates –Deadline determined by college –Supplements FAFSA –Requests more information than FAFSA FAFSA –Required by ALL colleges –File as soon AFTER January 1, 2010 as possible –Used to determine Federal, State, and College aid

17. Scholarship Applications College-based Agency or Company-based Organization-sponsored Locally-sponsored –Scholarship monies awarded to students from any source usually become part of the student’s overall financial aid package.

18. Scholarship Applications FINANCIAL AID NIGHT: –WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009 –SBHS 7PM

19. College Fairs  Middlesex Community College  September 30, 20096:30-8:30 PM Approximately 150 Colleges/Universities

20. Final Decisions The Colleges' Responses Accept Defer: only with Early Decision or Early Action Denied Wait List

21. Final Decisions The Student’s Response 4 Deferred?  Update your application/transcript  Send letter of strong interest 4 Accepted?  Note deadline for response and send in deposit  If not interested, send letter informing college 4 Not accepted?  Review your list/make sure you have options 4 Wait Listed?  Call and/or write indicating STRONG interest  If not interested, inform college