1. The College Application Process
Presented by:
The Scituate High School
School Counseling Department
September 2016

2. The Process
This CAN be an anxiety-ridden time, tendency to avoid or procrastinate.
Put everything on the table ($, location, expectations).
Communication among student, parent and counselor is essential!
Organization is key!

3. High School Senior To-Do List
From the Student’s perspective

4. Your student could be at any one of these steps…
Meeting with their counselor
Narrowing down or finalizing their list
Visiting schools/interviewing
Requesting teacher recommendations
Writing their essay
Completing their resume
Taking the SAT or ACT
Filling out applications
Returning completed counselor questionnaire
Requesting transcripts
Submitting applications
It’s OK to be at different stages. Each student’s plan is unique.

5. Narrowing Their List Small, large, or in between? City or suburban?
Public or Private?
Close to home? Far away?
Does it have what they want?

6. Range of Schools
Students should apply to a range of schools based on admissions criteria.
3-4 “Reach” schools
3-4 “Target” schools
4-5 “Safety” schools
(approx. 10 total)

7. College Visits Tour the campus and attend an Open House.
Talk to current students.
Attend a college class.
Observe the student body (“Would I fit in here?”).
If they can’t decide – do an overnight visit.
Meet College Reps at SHS – sign up through Naviance.

8. Show a genuine interest in the school!
Interviews
Go prepared!
Have questions ready
Bring your transcript
Make a good impression!
Body language
Dress appropriately
Show a genuine interest in the school!
Know something about the school
Test Optional Schools!
They want students to set up interviews.

9. When to Apply? Early Decision –binding Early Action - non-binding
Rolling Admission - first come/first serve
Open Admission

10. Making the Puzzle Pieces Fit

11. Student’s Role in the Process
Complete and Submit the College Applications.
Secure Teacher Recommendations.
Secure Counselor Recommendation.
Release Transcript.
Send Test Scores.

12. School’s Role in the Process
Submit student’s transcript & SHS profile.
Write and submit counselor recommendation letter.
Complete Secondary School Report Forms.
Submit Teacher Recommendations and Teacher Evaluation Forms.

13. Naviance’s Role in the Process
All of these materials are sent electronically through our Naviance/Family Connection portal.
Students have been instructed how to:
Set up a Common Application account
Match their Common Application with their Naviance/Family Connection account.
How to release their transcripts.
How to secure teacher recommendations in person and through Naviance/Family Connection.
How to secure their counselor recommendation.
How to send their SAT/SAT Subject Tests/ACT scores.

14. The Common Application
The Common Application is used by over 500 colleges and universities.
It enables students to complete one application online and submit it to multiple colleges.

15. The Make Up of the Application
Profile
Family
Education
Testing
Activities
Writing
Supplemental Application Questions
Application Fee $$

16. The Resume – Personal Brag Sheet!
Use template as a guide
Showcase special talents & qualities
Include:
Awards and Honors
Community Service
Extra Curricular Activities
Work Experience
Special Interests

17. The Essay What makes them unique
Be creative – open with an attention grabber
Write about something they know well
Have it proofread
How well they can write & communicate

18. SATs, Subject Tests, & ACT
Students send SAT and SAT Subject Test scores directly from collegeboard.org.
Students send ACT scores directly from actstudent.org
Students may utilize score choice
Allow 3-4 weeks - watch deadlines!
Don’t forget to send to the NCAA clearinghouse (if Div 1 or 2!)

19. Teacher Recommendations
Choose 1-2 teachers who know them well
After asking them in person, students should give teachers:
Teacher recommendation questionnaire & resume
Application deadlines
Request recommendations through Naviance
Don’t forget a thank you note.
Submitted directly from School Counseling office

20. Counselor Recommendation
Counselor Recommendation Questionnaire & resume
Each student receives a recommendation
Whole person, through the years, extenuating circumstances, etc.
Secondary school report forms
Submitted directly through Naviance

21. Requesting Transcripts
Transcript Release Consent form - 3 weeks to process!!!!!
Class rank is OPTIONAL.
Mid-year grades & final grades are automatically sent.
First quarter grades require separate form
Discipline disclosure
If asked, explain any major disciplinary issues
What did they learn?
How did they make things “right” again?
Tell counselor about their disclosure
Show integrity!

22. Transcript Guidelines
1. Complete “Transcript Consent Form” and submit with one time $10 fee.
2. Student must add list of schools in Naviance via “Colleges I’m Applying to” (located in Family Connection under the “Colleges” tab)
3. Click “Request Transcripts” in the Colleges tab in Naviance.
Common App Username & Password must match the Naviance Username & Password!!!!

23. Transcript release form

24. Transcript Release Form Deadlines
Seniors – We must have at least THREE weeks to process your request for transcripts, counselor recommendation letters and supporting documents to colleges and universities. There is no guarantee that school documents received after the deadline will arrive to your college/university on time.
College Application Deadline
Transcript Release Form Due
October 15
September 23 (FRI)
November 1
October 11 (TUES)
November 15
October 25 (TUES)
December 1
November 03 (THURS)
December 15
November 23 (FRI)
January 1
December 05 (MON)
January 15
December 16 (FRI)
February 1
January 11 (WED)
March 1
February 8 (MON)

25. Just a few more things…
Students are encouraged to follow up with colleges to ensure they have received the application.
Be open to schools you haven’t heard of.
Students must fill out separate first term grade release form if they want first term report card sent to colleges.
Drop in grades or course load? Watch out!
Give student a December 1st deadline to complete applications.
No guarantees - have a back-up plan.
Students must enter the decisions into Naviance (and tell their counselor! )

26. Financial Aid Night
Thursday, September 29, :30 pm SHS Library Presented by MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority)

27. College Essay Writing Drop-Ins
Join the SHS English Department
College Essay Writing Drop-in Sessions
Saturday, September 24th (8:00-12:00) SHS Library
Saturday, October 29th (8:00-12:00) SHS Library
Students should bring copies of their essay and a device!