1. Oh, the places you will go… Navigating the college application process

2. BINDER If you haven’t already, you need to create a college binder or accordion file. Print out copies of everything and keep here. Also, keep a master calendar—VERY IMPORTANT.

3. BE PROFESSIONAL Have a professional email address. ALWAYS use academic language and format emails as letters. Contact admissions with your questions IF they are not available online. Block your Facebook pictures and content—NOW! Keep appropriate Facebook profile picture and status updates. Interviews: know about the school and programs offered, have questions prepared (that aren’t accessible on website), and send an immediate email thank you and follow up with written (mailed) thank you to each person.

4. Things to consider Type: 2 or 4 year; public or private; coed or single sex Size: fewer than 1000 students; 1000-5000 students; 5000- 15,000 students; more than 15,000 students Location: geographic region; urban or suburban or rural; distance from home; climate Facilities: libraries, classrooms, laboratories, art studios, dormitories, dining halls, bookstores, student center facilities, etc. Academic Life: core curriculum; majors and minors available; study abroad opportunities; research opportunities Students: male-female ratio; percent of students living on campus; diversity (geographic, ethnic, racial, religious, socio economic) Student Life: honor system; competitive nature of students; tolerance of differences; Greek system; religious organizations; athletic opportunities Affordability: expenses (tuition, fees, room & board, etc.); need and merit based aid available

5. How many schools? The number of schools to which students apply varies. Applying to at least 3-4 schools is a good idea. Application fees: average $50-$75 each Good rule of thumb: apply to at least one match and one safety. THERE ARE MANY GREAT SCHOOLS— you’ve only heard of a small portion…

6. Safety. Match. Reach A safety school is one where your statistical snapshot shows that you are above the average GPA and above the mid-50% SAT range for the incoming class. A match school is one where your statistical snapshot shows that you are very close to having the same GPA as incoming freshmen and your SAT scores fall within the mid-50%. A reach school is one where your statistical snapshot shows that you are below the average GPA and mid-50% SAT range for incoming freshmen. NOTE: Any school that accepts less than 30% of applicants should be considered a reach school by everyone.

7. How do I find out? College Board website tools: http://collegesearch.collegeboard.co m/search/index.jsp http://collegesearch.collegeboard.co m/search/index.jsp Many reference books available in Media Center—sometimes easier to use than online! Individual school websites

8. Early Applications Deadlines for early applications are usually in October. Early decision is binding. Early action is not.

9. Teacher recommendations –WHO to ask? Choose carefully--consider your performance and behavior in class. –Academic? 11 th grade? Is 9 th too long ago? –Remember that it is a busy time of year, ask early! Letter writers should be given plenty of time (at least three weeks notice) to meet application deadlines. –ASK! Be professional—write letter, email or ask politely. Be prepared for refusal; have a plan B. –Ask if recommender wants to send via mail or online.

10. What information to provide recommender? Give each recommender a complete “packet” that includes: –Clear, detailed instructions and due dates –forms to be completed –addressed and stamped envelopes –a copy of your resume. –be sure to sign the necessary forms before handing them over A week before the rec is due, send an email to the recommender and ask if there is anything else he/she needs from you or if have ?s SEND A HANDWRITTEN THANK YOU!

11. College Foundation of NC What is CFNC? College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the State of North Carolina that helps students plan, apply, and pay for college (CFNC.org). http://www.cfnc.org/index.jsp What can I do at CFNC.org? –Career planning –College finder –Apply to schools –Find and apply for financial aid/scholarships

12. The Common Application What is the Common Application? The Common Application is a not-for-profit membership organization that…has been committed to providing reliable services that promote equity, access, and integrity in the college application process. We serve students, member institutions, and secondary schools by providing applications - online and in print - that students and school officials may submit to any of our more than 400 members. https://www.commonapp.org Apply to member colleges.

13. The ESSAY Find out what essay(s) your choice schools require—print the prompts Make a master list The optional essay—yes you should Proofread, proofread, and have others read, then proofread again. DO NOT type your essay as you apply. Leave several days—go back to essay and re-read.

14. SAT SAT-- http://www.collegeboard.com/http://www.collegeboard.com/ –What does it test? “The SAT doesn’t test logic or abstract reasoning. It tests the skills you’re learning in school: reading, writing and math. Your knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and throughout your life. The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions. The writing section includes a short essay and multiple- choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage. The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.” (collegeboard.com)

15. ACT ACT-- http://www.actstudent.org/http://www.actstudent.org/ EnglishEnglish: 75 questions, 45 minutes. Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills. MathematicsMathematics: 60 questions, 60 minutes. Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12. ReadingReading: 40 questions, 35 minutes. Measures reading comprehension. ScienceScience: 40 questions, 35 minutes. Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. Optional Writing TestOptional Writing Test: 1 prompt, 30 minutes. Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses. (Actstudent.org)

16. ACT/SAT concordance How do the scores relate? http://www.act.org/aap/concordance/

17. Final thoughts… If you don’t have a resume, write one! Start documenting Please do not set yourself on one school Be prepared for rejection letters You can always transfer Debt. Start considering finances: visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/, research scholarship and grant opportunities, etc. Make a plan. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Community College Take opportunities Best Wishes!