Class of 2013

 Transcript review  Using Naviance Family Connection for post- graduation planning  College application process  Senior year timeline

 Pay close attention to graduation requirements.  See your assigned counselor if you have questions about your classes and graduation plan.

1. Click on the Naviance link on your computer’s desktop 2. Log in with the same information you use to access WHS school computers: Username is: 13LastnameFirstNam(8 digits of each) Password is : Permanent (long) student ID#. 3. Record your login information on password login sheet (hand out) Steps for logging on to Naviance:

1 2  Select the “about me” tab  Select “profile”  Check to be sure your profile information is accurate, including your address.

 Select the “about me” tab  Select “resume ”  Update your resume. Using an estimate of your time commitment is okay 1 2

Have you decided what you’ll be doing after you graduate? If college is in your future, but you haven’t created a list yet…do it today!!

Naviance tools to help you with your college search:  Select the “colleges” tab. Select “colleges I’m thinking about”  Update the colleges you’re considering by “adding to the list”.  Move those colleges to which you plan to apply, to the “application list”.  Use college research tools to make informed choices.

The College Application Process Step 1. PLANNING Finalize your list of colleges. Keep cost of applications in mind. Decide how you will be applying (common application, college website application…) and if you will be applying early or regular decision. Make note of application deadlines. Determine if your college(s) require letters of recommendation and from whom (counselor / teacher / clergy)

 Step 2: THE PROCESS 1. Link your counselor and teachers to your applications by completing the FERPA FORM on Naviance Use only if you will be applying via common application

2. List every college where you plan to apply on the “Colleges I am applying to” page of Naviance Family Connection. 3. Request transcripts for each college that requires one during the initial application period. UC and CSU campuses do not require a transcript at this point Pay Mrs. Barelian in the Counseling Office. The fee is $5 per college (CASH or MONEY ORDER only). Bring the receipt for your transcript payment to your counselor to complete the transcript request process. FEE WAIVERS ARE AVAILABLE. See your counselor

 How will my transcripts and letters of recommendation (if required) be sent? Submissions are through “snail mail”. Give your counselor a stamped, addressed envelope. Allow time! Submissions are electronic Submissions are electronic and can be linked through the common application. You must specify if you’re using the common application

 Letters of Recommendation Letters of recommendation are usually required for private, four year colleges. If you’re applying to your college on Common App., you will need letters of recommendation. Usually colleges require letters from two teachers who know your talents, abilities and character best, and your counselor. If you’re not sure whether letters of rec. are required, check the college’s website or call the admissions office.

 1. Complete the “Counselor Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire” on Naviance Family Connection located on the “About Me” tab.  2. Print 2 copies of the teacher input form available on the WHS website under the “counseling” tab at the top, and distribute to teachers who know you well, but who will not be writing your letters of recommendation.  3. Make an appointment to meet with your counselor. Meet with your counselor at least three weeks before your earliest deadline.

COUNSELOR APPOINTMENT: Be sure you have completed: Counselor Recommendation Questionnaire on Naviance Academic resume on Naviance Personal Statement Requested and paid for any required transcripts Be sure to bring with you: Addressed, Stamped Envelopes (2 stamps) for any application that must be mailed Be prepared to spend some time with your counselor to discuss your Recommendation Questionnaire responses.

 What can you do before school starts? Complete Resume on Naviance Family Connection Research Scholarships on Naviance Family Connection Create “Colleges I’m Applying To” list on Naviance Family Connection Prepare Essays : University of California Prompts: ◦ Describe the world you come from - tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations. ◦ Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that makes you proud … how does it relate to the person you are? Maximum 1000 words between the two essays

 What should you do in the Fall? Apply to Private / Out-of-State Colleges ◦ As early as August…as late as March (check college’s timeline and deadlines) ◦ Ask counselors and teachers in person for letters of recommendation ◦ Order transcripts through Naviance Family Connection Take or retake the SAT and/ or ACT (optional) Apply to CSU campuses October – November Apply to UC campuses in November Senior year is important: Keep those grades up!

 What should you do in the Winter? Set up Portal or account with each college Be sure to check messages regularly and respond (if necessary) in a timely manner. Complete FAFSA (fafsa.ed.gov) January 1 - March 2, 2013 Complete Cal Grant (turn in to WHS) January 1 - March 2, 2013 Attend Financial Aid Night in January 2013 Let your counselor know if your colleges require “mid year reports” (a transcript of your first semester’s grades and any updates to the recommendation) in late January. Admission offers will arrive as early as October or as late as May with the majority arriving in March and April Continue to check scholarships on Naviance Family Connection

 What should you do in the Spring? Financial Aid offers - March through April Apply to Community College as early as March Accept admission and make a deposit to the one college you will be attending in Fall 2013 Continue to check scholarships on Naviance Family Connection Update Admission status on Naviance Family Connection Identify College of Attendance on Naviance Family Connection GRADUATE!!!

Questions?