How to master the college application process

 Application & Fee  Essay  Transcript  Counselor Recommendation  Teacher Recommendation  Standardized Testing

APPLICATION & FEE

 Accepted by over 400 colleges/universities Now accepting e-docs  Go to for a list of schools that accept the common application  Complete once and send to many schools  Some colleges/universities require both the common application and a college supplement

 Read application requirements/instructions carefully  Check Standardized Test requirements  Test Optional Schools, Subject Tests  Use your formal name throughout the process  Sign ED/EA Agreement (if applicable)  Check the number of recommendations required  Special program requirements  Portfolio, CD, Audition

Action Alert Student  Complete applications  Sign off on ED/EA Agreement (if applicable)  List application deadlines on a spreadsheet or calendar Parent  Keep a copy of the application deadlines  Provide student information that is pertinent to you on the application  Keep your young adult motivated/on task  Write a check for the application fee or pay by credit card

ESSAY

 Makes facts in student’s folder come alive  Provides information beyond grades, test scores and list of activities  Reveals the candidate’s intangible qualities

 Senior English classes assign essay  Take advantage of teacher’s feedback  Utilize Writing Center (in BHS Media Center)  Have counselor review for content  Proof essay and word process it  Tips on writing the college essay available in the College and Career Guide

Action Alert Student  Write multiple drafts of the essay  Have your English teacher/parent/counselor read the essay and give you feedback Parent  Offer to proofread the essay  Offer reminders about application deadlines

TRANSCRIPT

 Available in the School Counseling Office  Complete form and submit to counselor:  After you mail application OR  After you apply on-line OR  With application and check if college requires everything together  Parent/guardian signature required if under 18  Three transcripts are free; $5.00 fee for each additional transcript

AALLOW 3 WEEKS TO PROCESS TRANSCRIPT REQUEST SSchool Vacations DO NOT COUNT as one of those weeks SSTUDENT RESPONSIBILITY TO MEET DEADLINES—plan ahead!

Transcript Request Form

Action Alert Student  Pick up the Transcript Request Form (TRF) from the guidance office (or download it from the school website)  Sign off on ED/EA Agreement (if applicable)  Fill out 1 TRF per school to which you are applying  Ask parent for a check if you are applying to more than 3 colleges  Return the TRF (and check) to Mrs. Hallock ASAP Parent  Fill out the check, not the Transcript Request Form

COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION

 Schedule a senior appointment at least 3 weeks prior to the 1 st application deadline  Appointments start the week of Sept. 24 th  Complete the Individual Data Sheet and Parent Brag Sheet  Create a Username and Password for the Common Application  Complete the FERPA privacy waiver on Naviance  Enter the colleges you plan on applying to in the “Colleges I am applying to” section of Naviance

TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

 Ask 1 or 2 teachers to write you a letter of recommendation  Ask in person  Follow specific instructions of each college  Give the writer 3 weeks notice  Also electronically request the teacher letter through Naviance  Write a personal Thank You note

STANDARDIZED TESTING

 SAT now includes Score Choice  SAT includes a writing portion/ACT offers an optional essay  Check college/university entrance requirements concerning essays  Schools mostly use essays for placement purposes  Colleges/universities have access to essay online

Action Alert Student  Register for a fall administration of the SAT/ACT  Prepare for the test over a long period of time (don’t cram!)  Bring your school id/drivers license to the exam  Have an official copy of your SAT/ACT scores sent to each college Parent  Write out a check (or pay online when registering) to cover the cost of the test  Make sure your young adult gets a good nights sleep the night before the test  Make sure your young adult has a good breakfast the morning of the exam and arrives to the test site on time

MANAGING THE PROCESS

 Naviance is on the Web  You can access Naviance from school or home  EVERYONE should be registered for Family Connection  If you are NOT registered, see your counselor or Mrs. Conley in room 314 ASAP!

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

 Colleges participating include:  Western CT State University – Thursday, Nov. 29 th  Quinnipiac University – Thursday, Dec. 6 th  Eastern CT State Univ. – Friday, Dec. 14 th  Marist College – TBD  You must sign up with Mrs. Conley in room 314  You will need all of your application materials that day.

 Opportunity to learn more about the college  Opportunity to leave a more personal impression  Interview pointers on thumb drive of College and Career Guide  Practice interview with counselor

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT Monday, October 15 th Bethel High School Auditorium 7:00 P.M. Guest Speaker: Kelly Jambo Director of Financial Aid Sacred Heart University

Use the Senior Application Checklist Sign up for a senior appointment Ask 1 or 2 teachers to write a letter of recommendation Complete the FERPA waiver on Naviance Update the “Schools I am applying to” section of Naviance Sign up for a fall administration of the SAT/ACT Please complete our Exit Survey

Roy Colson (A-De) x 436 Ingrid Boedecker (Di-J) x 433 Frank Tatto (K-P) x 431 Michelle DeBenedetto (Q-Z) x 434