1. Senior college prep
9/14/17

2. Welcome to senior year!
Something to consider this year…

3. How we are going to minimize stress
Be responsible by listening during college prep, taking notes, meeting deadlines, following procedures and putting forth your best effort.
Work diligently to complete your applications. You will be motivated because it is your future!
Stay organized by using your college planning spreadsheet and a planner.
Do not procrastinate.
Ask questions when you don’t understand something. I am here for you!
All of the stressors mentioned in the video are also things that can stress you out now. Let’s start this year off on the right foot.

4. College Meetings
Mrs. Ruark would like to meet with you, individually, in the month of September.
Please sign up for a meeting during your study hall or enrichment study hall by writing your name next to your preferred date and time on the sheet before you leave today!

5. Senior year plan
Senior College Prep Outline
Senior Year Timeline

6. College counseling Forms
Senior Year Fall Update Form – Due next class (9/21)
Record Release Form – Due next class (9/21)
Transcript/Secondary Report Form - Mrs. Ruark needs this form for each school you apply to. Each form is due at least two weeks before the deadline.
Senior Counselor Recommendation Request Form - Due to Mrs. Ruark at least one month before your first deadline. (Mrs. Ruark should have received the Junior Counselor Recommendation Request Form last year).
Senior Teacher Recommendation Request Form - Due to teachers at least one month before your first deadline. (Teachers should have received the Junior Teacher Recommendation Request Forms last year).

7. Goals
Applications are due at least one week before the deadline. All others are due by Dec 1st.
All application materials should be received by the deadline.
Confirm receipt of all application materials before the deadline.
Choose a mixture of safety, match, and dream schools that you would be happy to attend. You are responsible for researching admissions criteria.
Apply to at least three four-year institutions to ensure that admission is attained for the following year. One should be in your home state.

8. Application types Common Application http://www.commonapp.org/
600+ colleges are members
Allows students to apply to several schools with one online application
Easy to use and convenient
Mrs. Ruark is able to upload documents (transcript, school report, letter of recommendation, mid year grades, etc.) electronically
Mrs. Ruark can track when students have submitted their applications
Teachers are able to upload their letters of recommendation electronically

9. Application types Coalition
90+ colleges are members
Members are affordable state schools or private schools that provide sufficient financial aid
Schools graduate at least 70 percent of their students within six years
Provides a single platform of online tools to assist in the experience of applying to college, similar to the Common App
Allows students to track high school experiences and accomplishments over four years
Only some schools will accept applications in the summer of 2016, while others are still deciding when and how to use it

10. Application types Individual Application
When a school is not a member of the Common Application or Coalition Application, this means that students need to apply through that school’s specific application
Mrs. Ruark will mail documents
Some applications give teachers the option to submit letters of recommendation electronically. Otherwise, they can mail them or give them to Mrs. Ruark to include in her mailing.

11. Application deadlines
Early Decision I
Binding
Gives student best chance of acceptance
Must be student’s top choice
Family must make sure they can afford it - Use the net price calculator and talk to the Financial Aid office to get an estimate.
Student must withdraw all other applications if accepted
Mrs. Ruark will call parents before she signs the ED form to make sure everyone is on the same page
Apply around November, receive decision around December, deposit due around January
Early Decision II
Same as above
Apply around January, receive decision around February, deposit due around March

12. Early decision Policy
Make sure that you would be 100% happy to attend.
Make sure that you can afford to attend.
Use the net price calculator and talk to the Financial Aid office to get an estimate.
Mrs. Ruark will call your parents before she signs the ED form so that they understand the commitment you are making.

13. Application deadlines
Restrictive Early Action
Nonbinding
Students agree not to apply to any other private college/university under an Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Early Decision or Early Notification program, but they may apply early to any public institution, as long as the decision is nonbinding. Students may apply to other colleges and universities under their Regular Decision or Rolling options.
Mostly offered at elite schools
Apply around November, receive decision around December, deposit due May 1

14. Application deadlines
Early Action
Non binding
Good way to show interest without committing
Apply around December, receive decision around January, deposit due May 1
Regular Decision
Usually the last possible deadline
Apply around January, receive decision around March, deposit due May 1
Rolling
Admissions accepts applications until they reach their enrollment goal
Students should apply early to avoid missing a spot, deposit due May 1

15. College Financial Aid Night
Who – Juniors, Seniors & Parents
What - Discuss financial aid process, the FAFSA and scholarships
When - Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
Where - Middle School Commons
RSVP to Mrs. Ruark at by Monday, September 18

16. homework Schedule meeting with Mrs. Ruark
Senior Update Form – Due next class (9/21)
Record Release Form – Due next class (9/21)
Mrs. Ruark Common Application essay rough draft (if you haven’t already done so)
Give Mrs. Ruark Junior Counselor Recommendation Request Form (if you haven’t already done so)
Give teachers Junior Teacher Recommendation Request Forms (if you haven’t already done so)