2015 Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences Junior Information Night

Junior Information Night Timeline Choosing the Right School The Admissions Process What To/Not To Do Advice from the class of 2015 Financial Aid Surviving Senior Year

Timeline By the end of Junior year: Take SAT’s or ACT’s at least once Free SAT resources – Identify Colleges to visit Request letters of recommendation (three) Over the Summer: Visit as many schools as possible Continue research Gain meaningful experience – Community Service, work, conference, etc.

Timeline (cont.) Senior Year September through December: Take SAT’s, ACT’s or Subject Tests if needed Apply to your colleges! Know deadlines and requirements – Always listed on admissions websites Finish all applications by Winter Break! Apply for Scholarships January-June 2016: FAFSA/PHEAA becomes available Financial Aid Information Session Apply for Scholarships Focus on college decision

The Admissions Process Common Requirements: Application Sometimes free if applying online Basic information Official High School Transcript Transcript Request Form – Mrs. Hopkins Includes all courses taken in High School Official Test Scores Often must be sent directly from testing agency Letters of Recommendation Request before the end of the school year Essay/Personal Statement Not always required, but always recommended

Choosing the Right School Admissions decisions are a two-way street The school must be a good match for you as much as you for them

Application Process (cont.) Supplemental Materials: Resume/Cover Letter Writing Samples List of References Most Schools will not directly ask for these documents, but additional materials can help the Admissions Counselor get to know the applicant

Admissions Process (cont.) Selling yourself Think of the ways that will make you stand out from the group Unique experiences/qualities Obstacles you’ve overcome Contact Admissions! Every method of contact is recorded Phone calls, s, thank you cards, letters, visits, etc. Make sure they know who you are Especially important if you are on the borderline

Admissions Process (cont.) After you apply: Follow up (2 weeks later) to ensure you’ve completed all requirements Complete CSS if required by school (Private schools) Let the waiting begin… Wait time is shorter when applying before November 15 th Some schools do not release any decisions until Spring Continue with Scholarships Continue to work hard in classes – Not the time for Senioritis!

You’ve Been Accepted! Tell Mrs. Hopkins! Get a sticker Begin weighing options Complete any necessary paperwork Deposit to hold spot if you are sure you’d like to attend Visit school again (or first time if you haven’t already done so) Make sure it’s a good match for you Await financial aid packet

You’re On the Wait List… Tell Mrs. Hopkins! Difficult place to be If school is your first choice, always accept the wait list position May need to pay deposit to second choice school Final decisions are usually not made until June – Most deposits are due May 1 st. Be patient

You’ve Been Rejected… Tell Mrs. Hopkins! Ouch. Not the end of the world Not a direct reflection of your ability or self-worth College admissions can be extremely subjective High application rates are a HUGE factor Make sure you have other options!

Useful Tips: What TO DO Apply early Ask for an interview Complete ALL “optional” application materials An optional personal statement, is not really optional Get to know your Admissions Counselor! Know all of your deadlines Early Decision, Regular Decision, Financial Aid Ask questions!

Useful Tips: What NOT to do Do NOT: Ask Mrs. Hopkins to send your transcripts when your deadline is less than a week away! Keep in mind that it takes time for documents to reach your college Do NOT: Apply to only one school! Do NOT: Apply to too many schools! Do NOT: Procrastinate! Do NOT: Miss Financial Aid deadlines!

Words of Wisdom – From the Class of 2015

Financial Aid Three forms: Grants Need-based Scholarships Need or Merit-based National or local ( ( ( Some given from college – No need to apply Loans Must complete FAFSA (After January 1 st ) Best to do taxes first – As early as possible Must complete PHEAA if attending PA School There will be a Financial Aid/ FAFSA Workshop in January.

Surviving Senior Year Can be a challenging time for Seniors AND Parents A lot of frustration A lot of mixed emotion Remember that it is normal to experience conflict in families during this time, but don’t forget to enjoy the year!