Post-Secondary Planning Senior Group Guidance Post-Secondary Planning

Do you know what you need to graduate? If you aren’t sure or if you are behind on credits, make an appointment to see me!

Considering a schedule change? Colleges make admission decisions based on the courses you submit to them, so: It is your responsibility to contact any colleges you have applied to if you are thinking about changing your schedule.

Where are they now?

Here we go!

Completing an Application

Timeline: Early Decision, Early Action and Priority Deadlines National Notification Deadline FAFSA available for completion * Check college websites for deadlines Most application deadlines October 1 November 1-15 December/January May 1

Step One - The Application Complete the application online Applications can be found on the Admissions page of college websites Look for an application checklist that will include what you need to submit to complete your application (i.e. test scores, letters of recommendation, essay) Step One - The Application

When you are asked how many years of a subject you have completed: two terms of a subject = one year For example: Physical Science 2 terms Biology 2 terms Chemistry 2 terms Marine Biology 2 terms Zoology 1 term = 4.5 years of science

A Note About Math: Integrated 1 = Algebra I Integrated 2 = Geometry Integrated 4 = Pre-Calculus (Ignore the line for Trigonometry) You are often asked on applications to indicate the math courses you have taken, but there are no spaces for Integrated Math.

The Common Application www.commonapp.org Accepted at more than 700 colleges Has a number of different sections - see your counselor for assistance You will need to link your application to Naviance by electronically signing the FERPA agreement in your Common App. account -- handout in the CCC on this process Make sure any teachers writing you letters of recommendation know that you are using the Common Application as there is an additional form they need to complete in Naviance

The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Exclusively uses the Common Application this year Link Common App. to Naviance Letters of recommendation Common App. essay

The Coalition Application www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org Accepted at more than 90 colleges Check the box indicating that transcripts and letters of recommendation will be sent through Naviance

Step Two - The Admission Essay If your application requires an essay, follow the directions and make sure you answer the question(s). Proof your writing. Be authentic! Don’t write about what you think they want to hear. “Students always ask me, ‘What would you like to see in an essay?’ And my answer is that it’s not what I want to see. It’s what you want to tell us.” - Amy Abrams, Dean of Admission, Sarah Lawrence College

Step Three - Letters of Recommendation Not every college requires letters of recommendation! If you need a letter of recommendation, pick up a yellow form in your floor office or the CCC. Schools are most interested in seeing letters from teachers of core subjects: English; Math; Science; Social Studies; World Language

Counselor Letter of Recommendation Required by some colleges Download a profile packet from the Guidance and Counseling site instructions are available in the CCC or your floor office (Allow plenty of time - good letters require considerable time and effort Counselor Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are confidential! Do not ask more than 2-3 teachers and allow 3 weeks for completion Letters of recommendation are confidential! The teacher writes the letter and will upload an electronic copy to your Naviance account. Your counselor can advise you regarding which letter(s) might be helpful to your application.

FERPA Release Green form available in the CCC waiving your rights to view letters of recommendation Colleges consider letter of recommendation that are confidential to have more validity and carry more weight in the admissions process This form must be turned in to the CCC before any letters of recommendation can be sent for college or scholarship purposes.

Are my letters ready? Check Naviance!

Step Four - Submitting an Application Review carefully to make sure you have completed all sections of the application and check for errors Fill out a blue transcript request form and bring $5 to the CCC (one per college) Step Four - Submitting an Application Before your transcript request(s) can be accepted, letters of recommendation must be in Naviance!

Transcript Request Form

Counselors need 10 school days to process transcript requests Watch your deadlines! Counselors need 10 school days to process transcript requests

Colleges require that ACT/SAT scores come directly from the testing agency

Transcript/letters of rec. Application Test Scores Transcript/letters of rec.

There is no perfect formula...

Naviance is a great resource! Family Access Username and Password

Upcoming College Visits Click here Then here

Want help applying for college financial aid?

Wayzata FAFSA Completion Workshop Get help from financial aid professionals from local colleges and WHS counselors Process takes about 45 minutes - come anytime between 3:30 - 6:30 No reservation required Enter to win a $500 scholarship! Wednesday, November 1 3:30 - 6:30 B106 and B107

Scholarships Scholarship information is listed in Naviance, on the Guidance and Counseling website, and is also available in the CCC. Many local scholarship applications will be available mid-December and are typically due in early February. *local scholarship does not mean local college The most important source for financial aid for most students is the FINANCIAL AID OFFICE at the school they will attend.

No appointment required - just stop in! CAP Support College and Career, Academic and Personal Support during myTime Counselors will be in the CCC each week to help with any questions you may have on topics such as: Course Planning Academic Support Social and Emotional Support Post-Secondary Planning College Applications No appointment required - just stop in!

Tell me if you are interested today or see an Alpha Team member Mindfulness Class Learn how Mindfulness can help you: Manage your stress Improve your focus and concentration Reduce anxiety and depression Calm down when you’re freaking out And take better care of yourself This class runs each term and is open to ALL students. Meetings take place once per week for seven weeks during the school day. (Wednesdays during the last 40 minutes of blocks 1, 2, 4, and myTime on a rotating schedule) Tell me if you are interested today or see an Alpha Team member