CLASS OF 2017 GUIDANCE INFORMATION Mr. Sandstrom (A-La) Mrs. Jones (Le-Z)

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW STEP 1: Deciding which colleges you’ll be applying to Investigate each college’s application process Common App – set up account. Add colleges to your Common App College specific application (most are online) Some colleges have their own application and also accept Common App. You need to decide (and know before you move onto step 2) which way you’ll be applying. STEP 2: FERPA Waiver & Matching

COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW STEP 3: REQUESTING OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS Complete the Transcript Request Form (TRF) available on CB East Guidance Website located at: CB East>Departments>Guidance You may begin requesting transcripts on September 2, You need one TRF for every school to which you are applying When you have your TRF filled out, signed and complete, you will need to sign up for a time slot in the guidance office to submit your TRF. A sign-up sheet is available in the senior house office (A208) to the left of the front desk.

Checking this box means that your SAT and ACT scores WILL NOT be on your transcript! You must have them sent from CollegeBoard or ACT If the college accepts Common App, you must know if you applied using Common App or the college’s own application when you turn in your TR Self-report transcript or not? COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW The Transcript Request Form

EARLY DECISION Early Decision Binding Can only apply ED to one school Can apply to other schools through Early Action, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admission schools Requires signatures from student, parent and counselor Early Action Single Choice or Restrictive Early Action Non-binding Cannot apply to other schools through Early Decision or Early Action Can apply to other schools through Regular Decision and Rolling Admission Early Action Non-binding Can apply to other schools EA, RD, and Rolling Please be aware of DEADLINES!

COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW Teacher Recommendations You will give this form to your teachers to formally request your recommendation be sent to specific colleges Each teacher will send their recommendation directly to the college Only list colleges to which you want that specific teacher to send your recommendation. DO NOT ask more teachers to write/submit recommendations than are wanted or accepted by the colleges because the teachers will not be able to submit them! Remember to thank your teacher with a card, , note, etc. for taking the time to write your letter of recommendation

Example from Common App COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW Teacher Recommendations It is your responsibility to find out how many recommendations a college requires/accepts College’s website (under admission requirements) Through Common App My Colleges tab – questions ( College Deadlines, Fees, and Requirements chart) By speaking to a college representative – on campus or during their visit to East

STEP 4: COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION Check to see if a counselor recommendation is required. Request counselor recommendation via TRF Fill out the College Recommendation Questionnaire in Naviance with as much detail as possible BEFORE handing in your TRF! If possible, please have your parents fill out the Parent Recommendation Questionnaire COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

If the college states that recommendations are not required – DO NOT SEND THEM If the college asks for two teacher recommendations – SEND TWO TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS Do not send one. Do not send three. If the college asks for one teacher recommendation and 2 “other” recommendations – SEND ONE TEACHER RECOMMENDATION and TWO RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SOMEONE OTHER THAN A TEACHER (counselor, employer, coach, clergy member, club advisor, etc.) Counselor recommendations do not count as teacher recommendations If you’re applying as an engineering major and they require a science teacher write you a letter, then you have a science teacher write your letter for that school. Not an English teacher, not your computer science teacher, not your coach! RECOMMENDATION HIGHLIGHTS

STEP 5: SAT/ACT SCORES If you check the box on the TRF to not have your test scores included on your transcript, you are making that decision for all of your transcripts that are sent If you check that box, it is your responsibility to have your scores sent to colleges via the testing agency Many colleges require scores come directly from the testing agency You can find out the college’s testing policy on their website. To send official scores log into your account at: and/or Test optional schools: Do not send scores on the transcript. Do not send scores from the testing agency. Do not self report on your application. COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

STEP 6: FOLLOW UP! To view the status of your application package, check the following websites: Application: or the official college website (remember your username and password for application accounts). Transcript: Log in to your Naviance account, Click colleges > transcripts. This will allow you to see the progress of your pending TRF’s. SAT/ACT Scores: or Teacher Letters of Recommendation: Contact your teacher to find out when the letter was submitted Check your ! Some colleges will use the you provide to communicate about your application. COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

Be aware of DEADLINES! Both the College’s deadline and the TRF Deadline October 15 deadline – TRF must be handed in no later than Sept. 21 November 1 deadline – TRF must be handed in no later than October 10 November 15 deadline – TRF must be handed in no later than October 24 January 1 deadline – TRF must be handed in no later than December 2 OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Only hand in TR for colleges to which you will definitely be applying you should have already applied to the college or you plan on submitting your application within a short period time after submitting your TRF Penn State: you must have already submitted your application before you hand in your TRF Penn State has a Priority Deadline of Nov. 30 th so please have your application submitted by Halloween Penn State Schreyer Honors College: You much submit a separate TRF. Make sure you list Schreyer’s specifically on your teacher checklist (and let the teacher know that they will be getting an directly from Schreyer’s). Do not print any counselor forms for us to fill out. We have access to them online. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Create your FAFSA ID by clicking on the link below. The FAFSA opens on 10/1/16. We recommend that all families complete it as soon as possible to be considered for any need-based financial aid. Many colleges and universities also require completion of the FAFSA prior to awarding any merit scholarships. Follow the link to the right to complete the FAFSA after receiving your FAFSA ID We have two upcoming evening programs designed to assist you: Financial Aid Night (district-wide) CB South 7:00 PM - general financial aid process FAFSA Overview Night CB East 6:30 PM - with Fran McKeown from PHEAA who will cover the specifics of completing the FAFSA form. FINANCIAL AID

SCHOLARSHIPS Naviance &

SAT: October 1 (late deadline is Sept. 20), November 5, December 3 ACT: October 22 (regular deadline is Sept. 16), December 10 College visits in guidance Check schedule and sign up on Naviance Print sign-up confirmation screen and use as pass 3 excused absences to visit college campuses excuse forms available in Attendance Office Upcoming dates: Financial Aid Night – 10/5 7:00 PM CB South PACAC College Bucks CCC 10/6 6:30 FAFSA Overview Night– 10/25, 6:30 PM CB East Questions? Try to utilize available resources on the CB East Guidance webpage prior to setting up an appointment Guidance Counselors to visit Homerooms to help answer questions OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

LET’S MAKE IT A GREAT SENIOR YEAR! GO EAST!