1. Welcome to the …
The Application Process
Plus Financial Aid Resources

2. Tonight’s Agenda Selecting your school What colleges are looking for
The Application
Naviance & eDocs
ACT/SAT Scores
Scholarships

3. Selecting a College
Match interests & skills to a college program (MAJOR) which will lead to a career.
Match your qualifications & personality with the profile of admitted students of each college. WILL I FIT IN?

4. How many schools do I apply to?
Select
2 Dream Schools (your “reach” schools)
2 Mid-range Schools
1 Foundation School (safety)

5. Visit Colleges You’re Interested In!
Visit colleges while students are on campus/in class to get a “real feel” for life at that school.
Visit the college website to schedule a visit and an official tour.
3 Excused Absences for College Visit Days

6. College Night Annual College Night Thursday, September 14
Hornet Sports Center at
Orange County High School
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
[Over 60 post-secondary institutions represented]

7. Naviance

8. College Rep Visits Visits to MCHS are announced and posted
Students sign up through Naviance

9. Factors Used to Evaluate Applicants
#1 Program of study
#2 Academic Achievement
#3 Standard Test Scores
#4 Extracurricular Activities
#5 Personal Statement
#6 Recommendations

10. #1 Program of Study ❒ Most Demanding ❒ Demanding ❒ Above Average
❒ Below Average

11. #2 Academic Achievement
❒ Core classes only
❒ Grade Point Average (GPA)
Weighted
Unweighted (Simple)
❒ Rank

12. #3 Standardized Test Scores
ACT SAT
Math Reasoning Test
Science Critical Reading
Reading Math
English Writing
Writing (opt) Subject Area Tests
Students must request from ACT or SAT to have
scores sent to the colleges.

13. #4 Extra/Co-curricular Accomplishments
Complete Brag Sheet
(Naviance)
Prepare resume
Include skills & special interests 13

17. Emphasize Leadership positions Community involvement
Activities that show your commitment or dedication

18. #5 Personal Statement/Essay
❒ Do not repeat information given in application
❒ Be creative
❒ Check spelling
❒ Write & rewrite
❒ Have a teacher review it for you

19. #6 Letters of Recommendation
Personally ask core teachers, administrators, and/or counselors you’ve identified for letters of recommendation
Follow up with requests through
Naviance to teachers, etc.

20. The Process Read application & directions carefully.
Start with the simple apps
first then progress to
the more complex ones.
(Common App)

23. The Common Application
Christopher Newport University
College of William & Mary
Emory & Henry College
Hampden – Sydney College
Hollins University
Marymount University
Randolph College
Randolph-Macon College
University of Mary Washington
University of Richmond
University of Virginia
Washington & Lee University

25. Begin The Process Collect data. Make a copy of app
and practice filling
one in.
Be accurate.
Proofread application & essays.

26. Process... continued
Be truthful, do not exaggerate your accomplishments.
Don’t leave blank spaces -- missing information could delay decisions.
Be clear in your responses; avoid being vague.

27. Definitions:
Early Decision- Binding; you can apply to only 1 college for early decision (Nov. 1, 15, Dec. 1, 15)
Early Action- Non-binding
(Nov. 1, 15, Dec. 1, 15)
Regular Decision
(Jan. 1, 15, Feb. 1, 15)
Waitlisted
Denied

28. Mrs. Jaylyn Stahl – Career Coach Hours: Mon.Tues.Thurs.Fri.
10am-3pm

29. Virginia’s Program
GUARANTEED ADMISSION to Virginia’s four-year institutions for students who complete an Associate’s degree at a Virginia Community College
Saves $30,000 plus in tuition and fees
Great place to start if worried about starting at a “big” school
Small classes
Honors programs and national honor societies
Sports and social interest groups
$2,000 Transfer Scholarship to the four-year school
Accepted by employers and graduate/professional schools

30. Scholarships Naviance has two scholarship search options:
Scholarship List
National Scholarship Search

32. Here at MCHS
When Regional, State and Local scholarships become available to our students:
Posted on Naviance and the MCPS/MCHS webpages
Morning & Afternoon Announcements
Posted on Whiteboard outside the Counseling Office
Students sign out applications in the Counseling Office
Mountain Time Scholarship sessions

33. Save time by creating a folder with…
Transcript & Letters of Recommendation
List of extracurricular activities (BRAG Sheet)
Prepared personal statements
“Why do you want to go to college?”
“What event or circumstance in your family life has had the greatest impact upon who you are today?”
“Career objectives and reasons for your interest this scholarship.”
“Summarize your family obligations and family need.”
“In what circumstances have you exercised leadership skills? How did you affect others? How were you affected by these experiences?”

34. Scholarship Profile
Scholarship search engines find scholarships tailored to your personal resume
Search engines are looking at the following criteria:
- Extracurricular activities
(sports, clubs, band, forensics, 4-H
- Leadership (in school or community involvement)

35. Scholarship Profiles...continued
Community Service
Sports (in school or out of school teams)
Obstacles and Adversities (overcoming any personal hardship)

36. Fastweb

37. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

38. MCHS Financial Aid Night
October 2017
January 2018

39. Questions?