1. College Applications: The Monticello Manual

2. Register for the SATs/ACTs
SAT:
Oct. 3rd test deadline is Sept. 3rd, late registration Sept. 22nd
Nov. 7th test deadline is Oct. 9th, late registration Oct. 27th
SAT IIs
Some schools require SAT IIs and some schools recommend SAT IIs. In both situations you should send SAT II scores.

3. ACT ACT: www.actstudent.org
Oct. 24th test deadline is Sept. 18th, late registration Oct. 2nd
Dec. 12th test deadline is Nov. 6th, late registration Nov. 20th

4. SAT vs. ACT ACT SAT 3 Sections: writing, critical reading, and math
More sections with shorter time periods
Sections alternate between subjects
More emphasis on vocabulary
Math covers algebra, geometry, and algebra 2
ACT
Less sections but longer time periods
Includes a science section in addition to writing, math, and reading
Less vocabulary emphasis
Math covers up through trigonometry
Score given in sections and as a composite (what colleges look for when comparing students)

5. Sending Your SAT/ACT/SAT II Scores
It is your responsibility to send your test scores to colleges. MHS school counseling department does not send official scores for you.
Do you need a fee waiver? Let your school counselor know in advance of the registration deadline.

6. Resources To Research Colleges
College visits at MHS (College and Career Center next to cafeteria)
When are the college reps coming?
MoHS website
Get permission in advance from your teacher
Meet with your school counselor
Visit campuses

7. Compile your list of colleges (typically 5-7)
Some factors to consider:
GPA
Course history
SAT/ACT scores
Intended major
Location
Size of school/classes
4 year graduation rate and 1st year retention rate
Financial aid package (average package, % need met)
Post college graduation placement (jobs, grad school admissions)

8. Make sure you apply to a…
Reach school: Dream school
Target school: You fit right in!
Safety school: Your qualifications exceed the average.
Your reach, target, and safety schools are specific to you!

9. Documents you give to your school counselor
Transcript request form
Senior autobiography
Activity sheet
Parent recommendation
3 completed teacher evaluation forms
Secondary School Reports (SSR)
Your counselor uses these forms to write your letters of recommendation and to advocate for you in the event of a scholarship offering

10. Secondary School Report (SSR)
The SSR asks your counselor questions that the college wants to know about your…
GPA
Senior courses
Difficulty of past coursework
It is your responsibility to give the SSRs to your school counselor and to complete your portion of each report
Most schools (Common App, JMU, VT, William and Mary) have secondary school reports. Make sure to follow the checklist for each school provided on the admissions webpage for each school

11. When are these forms due to your school counselor?
30 SCHOOL days before
your first deadline date
Example: If you have a November 1st deadline date your forms are due on September 17th
Types of Deadlines
Early Decision - binding
Early Action - non binding
Regular Decision
Rolling Admission

12. Teacher Recommendations
Ask teachers who would be able to speak positively about you
Ask teachers well in advance of the due date
Be alert to deadlines and know that teachers have deadlines as well
When you approach a teacher you can begin by saying “Do you feel that you would be able to write a positive recommendation for me?”
It is courteous to give them an addressed stamped envelope to mail the letter if it can’t be done online
If using an online request for recommendation, it is your responsibility to ensure the address is correct
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13. Personal Essay Proofread!
Have a teacher, school counselor, or career counselor review it so you can do revisions
Utilize English class assignments to help with writing your essay

14. PVCC Register for PVCC in the spring
Complete the PVCC application (pvcc.edu) and the Virginia Placement Test (VPT)
MHS will offer the VPT in spring Students must sign up in advance in the College and Career Center
SAT is not required but we recommend it
PVCC has a guaranteed transfer program with all public colleges in the state of Virginia
Interested students need to meet with a transition counselor before they register for classes at PVCC to ensure correct placement ( opportunities/guaranteed-admissions )
Transfer agreements vary from school to school so it’s important to plan ahead

15. Meet your college application deadlines!

16. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Think small and look wide
Be patient, finding scholarships is hard work
Start the process early
Take time to understand the financial aid process and your financial aid package
Ask questions and do your research

17. Useful Scholarship Links
Fafsa.ed.gov
Fastweb.com
Scholarship.com
MHS School Counseling Website
MHS College and Career Center
Follow us on Twitter at MHS_Scholarship
College websites

18. Monticello Scholarships
Sign up for free text updates and reminders regarding scholarships from Monticello High School by texting @mhsscholar    to    81010​
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19. College Planning Night
September 16th 2015
5:30-6:30 college walk (UVA, JMU, MWU, WVU, PVCC, and more)
6:30-8:30 presentations on a wide array of topics including financial aid, applications, college selection, and more