SENIOR YEAR Countdown to College September 2013

What you need to know…..  Where (in the college process) should I be right now? (timeline)  Different types of admission to college  How to request a transcript  How to request a college recommendation  The Common App  University of Maryland applications  Financial Aid

Timeline….right now  You should have registered for or printed out applications for each of your schools  Make plans for final visits  Register for the October ACT or SAT if necessary  Fill out the counselor recommendation form ASAP & to Mrs. McKeiver  Choose teachers to ask for recommendations and make requests

Next…  After choosing list of colleges, begin organizing (check deadlines), completing, and submitting applications  Request transcripts from Mrs. McKeiver at least 10 (ten) school days prior to the date they are due.  Research financial aid options and deadlines. Fill out appropriate college financial aid forms.

After that….  Plan to attend “ College 101 ” night here at CHS on Monday, December 9 th  Ask parents to fill out FAFSA form online beginning January 2 nd, 2014  Choose your college. If going away to school, pay housing deposit.  Enjoy all graduation activities!

Admissions  Rolling - Applications are reviewed and decided upon in order of receipt  Early Decision- (LEGALLY BINDING! ONLY PERMITTED TO SUBMIT ONE!) Due by November 1 st, if the student is admitted to the college, the student must pull their applications to any other colleges and attend that school

Admissions (cont.)  Early Action- also usually due November 1 st. Applicant will receive an answer by January 15 th. Can apply Early Action to as many schools as you wish.  Regular Decision- Due after November 1 st and sometimes not until January. Will receive an answer by mid to late March.

How to request a transcript  Visit the School Counseling Office and fill out a “Transcript Request Form” or print from our website  First three transcripts are FREE. After that, the cost is $1.00 per transcript.  Minimum of 10 SCHOOL DAYS to process a transcript  If a secondary school report is needed, please turn in with the transcript request form. This can be obtained from the college’s website if required.

Recommendation Letters  If a counselor recommendation letter is needed, please visit the school website (  Click on the “School Counseling” Tab  Then click “Frequently Used Forms”  Open the Senior Recommendation Request Form  Complete the Senior Recommendation Request form, which includes a copy of the Senior Activity Form.  After completing the forms, please the documents to Mrs. McKeiver at

Application Process/College Essay  Online vs. Paper  Student Section-Online  Counselor Section-You may be required to print out a Secondary School Report to give to your Counselor  We cannot process the Send Edu online requests  Common App- One application for multiple schools  Know your deadline dates!!  Get started early on your College essays—Consult with your English teacher

The Common App  Determine which of your schools accept the Common App  Complete student information online  Invite Counselor and Teacher for Recommendations/Secondary School Reports— 15 School Days Notice to complete these Forms  You MUST complete a Transcript request form if you use the Common App!!!

University of Maryland  Can complete this application online—DO NOT click the opt out box—This will allow you to complete everything online  15 school days notice required for counselor to complete the online reports  Must apply by November 1 st !!! (Priority Application)

Financial Aid  Read the School Counseling Newsletter for Scholarship Opportunities  Attend Financial Aid Workshop on College Night—December 9th  Complete the FAFSA Form after January 2 nd  Research your school to see what aid opportunities are available

The Ideal Scenario…. ALL of your paperwork (Transcript, Secondary School Report, Counselor Recommendation Form) is sent to the college at the same time OR All of your paperwork is submitted electronically (preferred by colleges)