1. Welcome to the Northern Highlands Senior/Parent College Application Evening

2. The student The parent The counselor The teachers Applying to College is a Team Effort

3. The Four Parts to the Application Process Application SAT or ACT scores Teacher Recommendations Transcript/School Secondary Report/Profile and Counselor Recommendation

4. COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS CLASS OF 2012 Northern Highlands Regional High School will be using eDocs through Naviance for our electronic submission of official transcripts, Secondary School Reports (SSR), school profile, and letters of recommendation. This system delivers to over 1200 colleges.  This information is available in the Senior Packet.

5. The Process Students were told during their senior class meeting that it is mandatory to To use their official name as listed on Naviance on all: – College Applications – SAT/ACT/AP registrations Register on commonapp.org and note their username and password In their Naviance account >Colleges >”Colleges I am Applying To” link, sign off on the FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) Waiver and provide their Common Applicaton information. In their Naviance account> Colleges>“Colleges I’m Applying To” add the colleges to which they are going to apply

6. The Process Provide your counselor with: Your self-description A parent brag sheet List of activities, honors, and work experience All forms are available on Naviance >About Me Tab/ Surveys to take, and our website www.northernhighlands.org www.northernhighlands.org

7. Your COUNSELOR will send to the colleges Your Official Transcript A copy of the NHRHS profile Counselor Recommendation The NHRHS Secondary School Report

8. Transcript Requests Submit a Transcript Request Form to your Guidance Counselor – List all colleges to which you are applying, and submit to your Guidance Counselor at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline – Indicate whether the college is an eDocs member – Include your Common App ID number

9. If the college is NOT an eDocs member: Submit – A signed transcript release form – A large manila envelope addressed to the college with three stamps – Any additional forms that are part of your application

10. Teacher’s Letter of Recommendation ask teachers in person and give enough notice to write letters (three weeks) Log onto Naviance> Colleges>”Colleges I’m Applying To” and electronically request the teacher recommendation Complete teacher recommendation request form for each teacher

11. Teacher’s Letter of Recommendation If your teacher is NOT sending his/her recommendation electronically, you must bring your teacher the following: – Teacher Evaluation form, if required – A business-size envelope with the NHRHS return address and one stamp – addressed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (Check school website or Naviance for exact mailing address) Teachers will send their letters directly to colleges. – Be sure to write your name and the due date on the inside flap of the envelope. Follow up with a thank you note and a “thank you” in person.

12. The Common Application How It Works 456 colleges and universities, both private and public, accept this application 45 new members this year alone One application can be sent to multiple schools File online at www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org ALL students must create an account

13. The Common Application Student application Teacher Evaluation Supplements: College specific Athletic Arts Check for ED agreement

14. The College Application Essay Serves Three Purposes A sample of a student’s writing abilities A sample of how well a student presents his/her topic A window into the student’s personality

15. The College Application Essay Be sure to ANSWER THE QUESTION Essay should breathe life into the application Clearly present your position Be honest; write about what you know, believe, and support Proofread the essay for syntax, spelling, and grammar

16. College Jargon Early Decision Early Action – Restricted or Single Choice Regular Decision Rolling Admissions Priority Application

17. Early Decision Binding Agreement Deadlines usually Nov 1 or Nov 15 Notification usually Dec 10 – Jan 1 Early Decision II offered at some schools Application to only one Early Decision school

18. Early Action Non-binding agreement Deadlines usually Nov 1 or Nov 15 Notification usually Dec 15 – Jan 1 Commitment by May 1 Check individual school Early Action policy (Single choice / Restricted choice)

19. Rolling Admissions Ongoing review process Improve your chances by filing early Decisions usually within 4 - 6 weeks No commitment until May 1

20. Priority Application Offered at some schools – University of Maryland (Nov 1) – University of Delaware (Dec 1) – Ramapo College (Dec 22) A non-binding application May give students an advantage with: – Academic Programs – Scholarship & Financial Aid Opportunities – Getting an On-campus Interview – Housing Options

21. Scholarship Sources #1 Naviance A list is available under scholarshipsscholarships The list includes current scholarships, deadlines, and requirements Community Organizations Corporations Many scholarships are also posted monthly in the Student Services Bulletin Hard copies are available in guidance

22. Scholarships # 2 Colleges & Universities Offer their own scholarships Please contact the college’s Office of Financial Aid for further information # 3 www.fastweb.comwww.fastweb.com

23. Financial Aid Where do I Start? Please attend evening program on October 6 th for information on the following topics: What is Financial Aid? What are sources of Financial Aid? When should I file for financial aid? Where can I get the financial aid application? www.fafsa.ed.gov

24. Financial Aid Where to find more information www.nasfaa.org www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide www.northernhighlands.org Attend HASA’s “How to Finance College” program on October 6 th 2011 @ 7:00 PM Attend our “Evening on Financial Aid” January 5 th 2011 @ 7:00 PM

25. Student Responsibilities Submit/ send application You must have all SAT & ACT scores sent directly to your colleges SAT Scores www.collegeboard.com ACT Scores www.actstudent.org SAT Score Choice Check each college

26. Final Reminders All materials must be turned into Guidance at least THREE weeks before your first due date Our CEEB code is 310-001 A mid-year report is automatically sent to all colleges A final transcript will be forwarded to the school you plan to attend

27. DON’T PANIC Call the college and speak to an admissions officer before contacting Guidance to check if materials have been received Allow a few weeks after sending materials for information to be updated at the college