1. Preparing for the College Application Process
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2. Is this your life?

3. Cats and Teens….

4. Stress!! Timeline Worry… Process Dates Letters of Rec Naviance Tension
Goals for Tonight
Timeline
Worry…
Process
Acknowledge
Affirm
Equip
Stress!!
Dates
Letters of Rec
Naviance
Tension
College Lists

5. Enjoy Celebrate Relax Timeline Process Dates Letters of Rec Naviance
Goals for Tonight
Timeline
Process
Acknowledge
Affirm
Equip
Listen
Support
Dates
Letters of Rec
Naviance
College Lists
Enjoy
Celebrate
Relax

6. Timeline
Spring Take SAT and ACT tests (and subject tests for highly selective private schools)
June Ask junior teachers for letters of rec (private colleges and common application schools only)
Summer Explore college options, visit campuses, draft essays, update resume, study for SAT or ACT retakes
Sept/Oct Retake SAT/ACT tests if needed
Mid Sept College applications “live”
Oct 1 FAFSA online
Mid Oct Some art portfolios due
Nov 1 Early decision and early action applications due
Nov-Jan Regular applications due
Apr Colleges notify students of decision
May 1 Tuition and housing deposits due
July Final transcript sent to one college
Summer: Math/writing placement exams and register for classes

7. Post-secondary plans Two year community college
Four year public or private college
Other post-secondary training or “gap” year program

8. 2 Year College Enrollment
There are 34 CC in our state.
Research options and find the right match at
Enroll in early spring.
Priority application deadlines in the spring.
SAT/ACT tests not required.
Register for Math and English placement exam.
Make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor.
Register for classes.

9. Overview of 4 year College Application Process
Public
Private/Common App Schools
Check app deadlines
Apply online
Essays in application
Order official transcripts
Send ACT/SAT scores
Check additional requirements for honors programs
Check app deadlines + ED/EA
Complete background info for counselor letter of rec 3 weeks before 1st application deadline
Request teacher letters of rec
Apply online
Essays in application
Order official transcripts
Send ACT/SAT scores
Set up college interviews

10. Overview of 4 year College Application Process
Public
Private/Common App Schools
Check app deadlines
Apply online
Essays in application
Order official transcripts
Send ACT/SAT scores
Check additional requirements for honors programs
Check app deadlines + ED/EA
Complete background info for counselor letter of rec 3 weeks before 1st application deadline
Request teacher letters of rec
Apply online
Essays in application
Order official transcripts
Send ACT/SAT scores
Set up college interviews

11. Naviance for College Planning

13. A “Good” College Is in the location/environment you want
Offers academics in your area of interest
Offers the internships/research/co- ops/study abroad/career placement you need
Offers activities of interest to you
Is affordable for you and your family
Is a place that will both challenge and support you

14. A Good College List….. Is in the single digits (less than 10)
Has at least 2-3 ‘Likely’ schools
Every school meets student’s priorities
Every school will make the student happy
Accounts for family financial situation
Represents collaboration between students and parents and others involved.

15. Creating Your College List
Academic Fit – Student = College Ave GPA and Tests
Reach
Target
Safety (you know you are getting in)
Career Fit
Major or broad base to choose later
Placement in jobs, internships, grad school
Personality Fit
Size, Urban/Rural, Religious/Political, student body
Dorm, food, activities, overall “feel”, etc.
Take a campus tour or visit similar local schools
Research using Naviance
Attend college fairs and Admissions rep visits

16. Apply Early Decision or Early Action?
Typically, apply to one school.
If accepted, you must enroll pending acceptable financial aid package
Can’t compare financial aid packages and scholarships
May increase the chance of admission for strong students and legacy students
Early Action
Can apply to more than one school.
Acceptance is non-binding
Easier to compare different financial aid and scholarship packages
May increase chances and admission decisions are made easier.
Nov 1 or 15

17. Sending ACT/SAT scores
Typically required – (there are always exceptions)
BOTH SAT and ACT accepted by all colleges.
Scores sent directly from test agency (for a fee).
Order official score reports from ACT and SAT websites.
Score choice may be an option – some require all scores.
Students who have not yet taken either exam should register now.
Students can retake in the fall if desired.
Allow 3 – 4 weeks for scores to be sent.
UW will take the December exam (require all scores).
Fee waivers for the exam – possibly for the scores to be sent.

18. Letters of Recommendation
Required for Common App, private schools, special programs (always a few exceptions)
No state colleges in WA require letters
Counselor and 1-2 Teachers
Different process for requesting
Packet on Counselor website
Submit packet 4 weeks prior to app deadline
Teachers – ask each one personally
Gracious and grateful attitude 

19. What are colleges looking for?
Rigorous classes, GPA, ACT/SAT test scores
Strength of senior year classes
Grade Trends
Initiative, motivation, self-discipline, persistence, ability to overcome hardships, strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, creativity, special talents …
Leadership, activities, other “resume” items.
Nice, well-rounded, collaborative kids. 

21. Counselor Guidance for Seniors
Senior classroom presentations (Sept)
College application process, Naviance and timelines
Counselor meetings with each senior (Sept)
Transcript review (credits, grades, etc)
Finalize post high school plans (2 or 4 year college, “gap” year)
Super Wed (Oct)
Essay editing and college application workshop
As requested – always available to answer questions and help with next step
Additional help through Summer College App Workshop and College Corp volunteers
On-site visits by college admission reps

22. Financial Aid
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Submit beginning October 2016 (new start date)
Parent night in October - TBD
CSS Profile (College Board)
WUE Western Undergraduate Exchange
Research different types of aid available at understand the differences between loans, grants, work-study etc.

23. A few tips Non-anxious presence – think of the cats
Nothing is due in the summer
Counseling office will start submissions in October – not September
We are not able to submit earlier due to many factors.
When the student follows the process, the counselor is on time.
A complete submission is better than an early submission.

24. Timeline Review Summer – (Optional) – Essays, Resume
September – Start Applications, Letter of Rec packet for counselor, Reg for SAT/ACT if needed
October – Continue with apps and essays
November – Early deadlines, UC system
December – More early deadlines and UW. All students should plan for submitting in December.
Winter – finish apps, start scholarships
Spring – Scholarships and Decision time

25. Congrats! You made it 
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Thank you for coming tonight!