1. Coppin Academy Senior Class Family Night

2. Welcome Tonight our goal is to: – Provide you with some nourishment and refreshment. – Inform you with the basic knowledge of the college application process – Get familiar with the requirements of high school – Learn what resources are available – Make you feel more comfortable during such a difficult process.

3. HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS

4. At least 21 Credits – 4 English – 3 Science (2 Lab sciences and 1 physical science) – 3 Social Studies – 3 Mathematics – 2 Foreign Language – ½ Physical Education and ½ Health – 1 Fine Art (art, music, drama) – 1 Technology – 3 Electives

5. High School Assessments – Algebra 412 – Biology 400 – English 396 – Government 394 – 1208 with combining 3 (algebra, biology, English) – 1602 with combining all 4 Colleges/Universities look at passing HSAs not combine scores

6. At least 75 Service Learning Hours

7. College Application Process

8. College Admissions Timeline Fall (September- November): APPLY NOW!! Winter (November- February): Financial Aid Process Spring: DECIDE by May 1 st

9. Best School v. Best Fit

10. How do we choose a school? – Location, location, location (urban, suburban, rural) – Cost – Size (teacher to student ratio) – Majors offered – Resources for accommodations or modifications

11. When should applications be submitted?

12. How many applications should I submit? Research the schools of your choice and refine your list before applying! Number applications depends on students—at least 3 (Coppin Academy) Generally 3-5 Schools – Wish List – Perfect Fit – Just in case

13. Admission Deadlines Regular Decision Submit by a specific date Rolling Admission Apply early Get an early decision Early Action Non-binding “Priority Filling Period” Early Decision BINDING May back out only if the college does not meet your financial need.

14. When do I need to decide? You have until May 1 st to make your final decision.

15. College Admission Decisions are based on: Rigor of Coursework—Honors, Advanced Placement courses GPA and grade trends ACT/SAT scores Well written essay

16. College Admission Decisions are based on: Admission coursework requirements (Penn State recommends 4 math courses) Extra Curricular Involvement – Activities – Athletics – Leadership – Community service Other factors-see the college website

17. The College Application THE STUDENT MUST FILL OUT THE APPLICATION! Include the required documents with the application (essay, recommendations, SAT scores, etc.) Know the college’s or university’s deadline PROOFREAD BEFORE SUBMISSION ORGANIZE!! – Keep a calendar of dates – Keep extra copies of SAT/ACT scores in folder – Keep copies of applications in folder

18. The Common Application The Common Application is used by over 500 institutions. Once the application is completed, the application can be used to apply to multiple institutions. www.commonapp.org

19. SAT/ACT

20. SAT Resources

21. Coppin Academy Procedures

22. After Completing Applications Make an appointment with Ms. Anene Bring ALL parts of your application to the appointment, including a stamped-addressed envelope. – Report Card – Student signature page – Essay/Personal Statement – Application Fee*

23. Transcript Request Form Give at least one week notice Provide a transcript request form from the college/university. Complete the Requesting for Transcript Form with the counselor. Document your request in Naviance.

24. Envelopes Use a large manila envelope 10X13 Place three $.44 cent stamps in the upper right corner Include the college name and address in the center of the envelope. NO RETURN ADDRESS IN UPPER LEFT! Write your name and ID # on the inside of the envelope flap.

25. Sending Test Scores to Colleges Coppin Academy DOES NOT include test scores on student transcripts (except HSAs) Students must have test scores sent directly from the testing agency to the college. Allow several weeks of time. Be aware there may be a fee. Go to the testing agency’s website to send scores: – www.actstudent.org www.actstudent.org – www.collegeboard.com www.collegeboard.com

26. Letters of Recommendation DO:DON’T Ask for a letter of recommendation if the college does not require one! Ask someone who only knew you as a freshman, or has only known you for a month. The student should ask, not the parent. Allow adequate time, 3-4 weeks notice! Ask a teacher who knows you well. Ask fact-to-face: “Would you be willing to write me a letter of rec?” Send a THANK YOU NOTE!!

27. Application Follow-up! BE PATIENT!! Your application remains “incomplete” until ALL components are received by the college. If you have questions call the college’s Admissions Office.

28. RESOURCES

29. Ms. Anene, Guidance Counselor – Email: janene@bcps.k12.md.us Ms. Abney, College Readiness Coach Naviance Coppin Academy’s Website Workshops for Seniors – Brown Bag Lunch Topics: Writing resume, FAFSA tips, scholarship searches College Fairs Remind 101

30. Naviance Website: Naviance.com Requirement for Senior Certification (May 2014): – Completed FAFSA – Completed at least 3 college applications – Completion of Assigned Tasks on Naviance. – Sat for the SAT – Completion of senior portfolio It’s helpful for: – Tracking applications – Signing up for College Rep visits – College Searches

31. FINANCING COLLEGE

32. Financial Aid and Scholarships Financial Aid Night- January 10,2014 FAFSA form must be completed and submitted by February 14, 2014 Scholarship information is available in Naviance. and Guidance office

33. Scholarship Search Engines www.scholarships.com www.fastweb.com www.petersons.com www.finaid.org www.collegeboard.org www.USAFunds.org Please note; do not pay a fee for scholarship applications.

34. Thank you for your support.