1. Welcome to the GHS College Kick Off!

2. College Planning
An individualized process focused on meeting student-specific needs and goals
Carefully consider your interests, needs and goals
Research colleges and programs that fit your interests, needs and goals
The most selective college may not always be the best fit
“Fit” is important to you and to the colleges

3. Some Factors to Consider
Location
Size of school
Level of academic rigor
Areas of interest/major
Campus surroundings
Social life
Financial Aid / Merit Scholarships

4. The College Search Process
Family discussions
Frequent contact with counselor
Gather information from colleges and current students
Visit colleges (demonstrated interest)
Keep an open mind
Recognize admissions standards and campus culture varies year to year
Use good judgment when listening to the opinions of others

5. Visiting the Campus Call Admissions Office ahead of time
Do your “homework”
Ask good questions of students, professors and admissions representatives
Check out the dining hall
Sit in on a class
Hang out in town
Take notes
Write thank-you notes
Listen to your gut

6. Making Your College List
Make sure every school on your list is a “first choice” school
Know why you are applying to each school
Be realistic about the academic requirements for admission
POSSIBLE
LIKELY
REACH
FAR REACH
SAFETY

7. College and Career Center
Mrs. Lochridge – College and Career Counselor
Individual student appointments available after initial college planning meeting with counselor
College representative visits at GHS
Junior & Senior year workshops (Researching Colleges, The College Essay, Interview Skills, College Visit, Resume)
Annual College Book
SAT, AP, ACT prep books
College guide books & information
Summer programs & Gap year information
Follow us on “GHS College Corner”
College and Career Update
Information on scholarships, college visits, regional information sessions, open houses, dates to remember

8. Naviance
A comprehensive tool that can be used to help students and parents through college and career planning.
Take surveys to determine career interests
Conduct a college search
Compare colleges
Track deadlines
Schedule visits with college representatives at GHS
Search for scholarships
Receive communications from Guidance Department
Complete parent & student components of senior packet

9. What STUDENTS use NAVIANCE for:
Conduct college searches
Research specific schools
Create “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list
Fill out Brag Sheet
Check to see if supporting documents can be sent electronically or if they need to be mailed
Electronically invite teachers to write formal recommendations
View which college representatives are visiting GHS
STUDENTS CANNOT submit college applications through NAVIANCE!
Students will use the COMMON APPLICATION or the college’s specific application to apply to colleges

10. What COUNSELORS use NAVIANCE for:
View student activity including student’s “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list
Add colleges to “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list for students
When students submit transcript request forms, the Guidance Secretary will convert “Colleges I’m Thinking About” to “Colleges I’m Applying To” list
OFFICIALLY send transcript, letter of recommendation, secondary school report and school profile
TEACHERS have option to send their recommendation through NAVIANCE or by mail
Check status of supporting documents arrival at college when submitted electronically
students/parents important information

13. What is considered in the application process?
Data
Transcript:
Course selection and level of rigor
Course grades
Three-year GPA
First quarter senior grades (Often required, but not automatically sent)
Mid-Year senior grades (Automatically sent)
SAT/ACT scores (if required)
Subject Tests (If required)

14. What is considered in the application process?
Possible subjective information
College essay
Recommendations
Demographics
Demonstrated interest
Extracurricular activities
Interview
Legacy
Supplements
Special talents (athletics, art, music, theater)

15. Components of the Senior Packet
Senior Brag Sheet (Self-Evaluation)
Activity Sheet or Resume
Parent Brag Sheet
Informal Recommendations (At least one of each)
Teacher
Non-Teacher

16. What is expected of students:
Take ownership of college process
Complete and submit applications, forms, essays, etc.
Provide teachers with recommendation forms several weeks in advance of application deadline
Proofread your college essays and have them reviewed by counselor and then an English teacher
Meet ALL deadlines
Arrange to have official test scores sent directly to college

17. What is expected of parents:
Support and encourage your child, offering advice and guidance where appropriate
Be aware of your own preferences or biases regarding college choices
Be open to new ideas and suggestions on colleges to consider
Support an ethical approach to the admissions process
Your children are expected to complete their own applications

18. What is expected of counselors:
Offer students suggestions and guidance about colleges based on the information they provide and preferences they express
Help students create a balanced and realistic list of colleges they would be happy to attend
Write a counselor recommendation
Meet all deadlines (as long as students have met counselor/guidance office deadlines)
College Process Dates are very important!
For first application we need 2 weeks to get counselor recommendation and school reports
After first, we can usually get them out quicker – don’t expect an application back the same day!!!
We want you to be successful in this process

19. COMMON APPLICATION HIGHLIGHTS
Online application will not be available until AUGUST 1st Do not register until the application is released.
Do NOT invite counselor or teachers writing letters on the Common Application
ESSAY
650 word limit (WORD LIMIT ENFORCED)
Text-entry only - no uploads of Microsoft Word documents
Essay prompts announced in March
Supplemental essays primarily focus on demonstrated interest & fit

20. Next Steps
Timeline

21. CLOSING REMARKS
The GHS School Counselors look forward to working with you on the college research and application process!