Transcript Application Process and Timeline Feb 2015.ppt

Liberty High School
February 2015
Relax…

There is a college for everyone!
Over 4100 total in US
 Some colleges do not require the SAT or ACT test
 Some colleges will accept students with lower GPA’s
 Some will accept lower test scores.
 There are great colleges for students with special
needs.
College Admission Tests

SAT: collegeboard.org
1.
2.
3.
Critical Reading – 3 sections
Math – 3 sections
Writing – 3 sections
 Reasoning test
 Penalty: ¼ of a point taken off
for incorrect answers on
multiple choice questions.
 Competitive universities may
require one or more SAT2
Subject Tests
ACT: actstudent.org
5 Sections:
1. English
2. Math
3. Reading
4. Science
5. Essay
 Curriculum-based test
 No points deducted for
incorrect answers
College Admission Distribution
Requirements for WA Universities

(CADR’s) = 15 Minimum college core
prep classes required
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English - 4 years
Math - 3 years thru Alg. 2 minimum (recommend 4)
Social Studies - 3 years
Science - 2 years (recommend 4)
World Language - 2 years of same language (recommend 3 or 4)
Fine/Visual/Performing Art - 1 year
Quantitative class in senior year – math, Chemistry ,Physics,
Honors Physics or AP Computer Science
Holistic Admission Criteria

 Curriculum quality grades 9-12
 Rigor, courses related to long-range plans
 GPA & positive grade trends
 SAT/ACT scores
 Essays/personal statement
 writing quality, content
 Extra-curricular activities
 community service, employment, interests, leadership
 Cultural awareness & contributions
 Talents
 artistic (music, drama, art), athletic
 Overcoming adversity
 economic, personal, educational, demonstrating
resiliency/creativity
College Options to Consider
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Factors to consider:
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Academics
 programs, class size, faculty
Admissions Requirements
 GPA, SAT/ACT range, acceptance into degree program
College Characteristics
 Location, size, public or private, unique programs, academic calendar, safety
Cost/Financial Aid
 Tuition, room & board, deposits, WUE, increase over last year, aid packages
Social Life
 Co-ed or single gender, commuter or on campus, roommate selection, rules
Student Body
 Student activities, Greek life, intramurals, community service, leadership
Highly Selective College
Requirements

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Rigorous courses: CHS, AP, Honors
 Exceptional grades & test scores: AP, ACT/SAT, SAT 11 tests & very
high class rank
 Extra-curricular Activities: leadership, challenging, unusual, sustained
involvement, depth rather than many activities
 Unique requirements: interview, reference letters, teacher evaluations,
nominations;
 Demonstrated interest: attend college-hosted functions, tour, display
knowledge of college
 The Common Application - meet with your counselor for a
recommendation and school report
 Outstanding Essay
Public VS Independent

Public
 Lower sticker price
 Grad students may teach
lower level courses
 Some classes will be in large
lecture halls (300+)
 Most professors teach upper
division courses
 Class sizes generally lower in
upper division classes
Private/Independent
 Higher sticker price*
 Professors teach all courses
 Student/Prof. ratio is under
1/25
 Student discussion &
participation is high
* Endowments allow for large
scholarships and grants which
greatly lowers costs for many
students
College Search Sites

 Collegeboard.org : lots of criteria + SAT site
 Collegeresults.org: provides 4, 5 and 6 year graduation rates of
colleges + gives the average cost of net price after grants.
 Collegedata.com: predicts your chances of getting admitted
 nces.ed.gov /college navigator: statistics + financial aid offered by the
colleges
 Petersons.com: user friendly; will give you lots of infor. + names of
similar schools you might like
 College-insight.org: find statistics on any school
 Unigo.com: unvarnished scoop from the students at the colleges
themselves
 Collegemajors101.com: college majors and the universities that offer
the programs
There are many other college search sites…
Admission Terms

 Automatic (WSU, CWU/EWU)
 Meet GPA & CADR requirements – admitted.
 Rolling (WSU)
 Applications reviewed as received – apply early-notified early.
 Pooled (UW)
 All applications evaluated after set deadline, all admissions results
are released after a specific date.
 Early Decision
 Apply early, get accepted early. Binding decision!
 Early Action
 Apply early, get accepted early – NOT binding.
WA State Application Requirements
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 Completed application form
 Official transcript (except UW)
 Essay – prompt changes from year to year usually; exception is
WSU
 SAT or ACT scores sent to the colleges – send only highest
score between 2 different tests
 Application fee – cost varies with each school; students on free
or reduced lunch can get a fee waiver; see your counselor
 Some public colleges will accept letters of recommendations;
most independent and some out-of-state colleges require
recommendations
 Automatic Admission: offered by WSU, CWU & EWU if certain
GPA is reached.
Junior Timeline: Winter/Spring
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1. Analyze interests, passions, values
2. Determine the field(s) of study you are interested in pursuing
3. Research Colleges on the websites: compare academic programs; see
counselor for information on the highest rated programs/colleges
4. Narrow down your choices of colleges (3-8)
5. Take the SAT/ACT test in the spring
6. Organize college material in folders; develop a resume including
activities, leadership roles, community service and awards earned
7. Attend WA Colleges Fair: Seattle Pacific Univ. March 23
8. Attend Spring College Fair: Seattle Univ. April 25
8. Intercollegiate athletics: register with NCAA the summer after your
junior year (www.ncaa.org)
9.
Military academy appointments: start in April of junior
lengthy process
year;
Junior Timeline: Summer
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10. Visit the top 2-3 colleges you are considering; most have tours and
special weekends.
11. Complete the HS and Beyond (culminating project) requirement:
 Questions for senior interview
 Up-to-date resume w/ activities, leadership, service & awards
12. Ensure appropriate online presence and email address
13. Create college list:
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1-2 “Reach” schools
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1-3 “Match” schools
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1-2 “Back-up” schools
Senior Timeline
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Complete each application and send it electronically in most cases
(Oct-Dec)
Write essays (use prompt) as requested
Order transcripts from Parchment.com (Oct-Jan)
Get recommendations as needed from teachers and/or counselor
Have your SAT or ACT test scores sent to the colleges you are
applying to. (Oct-Dec)
Attend the National College Fair at the Trade Center in Seattle if
needed
7.
Complete the FAFSA application on line (Free Application for
Federal Student Aid) and submit it electronically in order to
apply for financial aid. Also, check to see if the college requires
any additional financial aid paperwork (Jan-Feb)
www.fafsa.ed.gov
8. Visit the campuses of your top 2-3 schools
(if you have not already done so)
9.
Many families will want to compare financial aid packages
offered by various schools before making the final choice (FebApr)
10. Apply for housing immediately after making your decision, if
appropriate (Feb-Apr)
11. Put in writing your acceptance to the college of your
choice ASAP. May 1st is often the due date but check with the
college
12. Apply for scholarships (Oct-May of senior year)
Common Mistakes in Applying

 Failure to read application directions; disorganized; sending an
essay to the wrong school – have an appropriate adult check
your application and essay!
 Incomplete applications and sloppy responses on apps and
essays
 Lack of adequate research on colleges and admission
requirements
 Failure to pay attention to deadlines for apps. and scholarships
 Not visiting colleges; lack of understanding the culture of the
chosen college
 Applying to only one 4-year school
 Lack of rigor in courses chosen senior year
 Dropping classes after 1st semester senior year and/or low
grades can result in your admission being revoked
Registering for Senior Classes
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 Register for classes based on future plans
 Take rigorous courses; 2-4 AP or CHS classes
(depending on the student/selectivity of college)
 Take waiver period if you have enough credits as
you need the extra study time and time to apply.
 Continue to take math and science; must have
quantitative class senior year
 Do not drop rigorous courses mid-year or drop your
grades significantly as your admission may be
revoked in July
Counseling/Career Center
Resources
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Counselors/C. Specialists:
C.C. Website:
 Advising
 Recommendations
(counselors only)
 Course selection
 “Choices”, Bridges
 Community Opportunities
 SAT/ACT information
 Up-to-date information on
best programs in country
 College Resource Handbook
& reference materials
 Scholarships
 College Rep visits in Career
Center & brown bag
lunches;
 Field trips
 ASVAB Testing
 PSAT-College Board: My
College Quick Start: “My AP
Potential”