COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHTWelcome Parents and Students!

The College Planning ProcessHow do I choose a college?

Where do I start?What do I do?Applications?

Types of applications?Deadlines?

Test Scores?The Essay?

HELP!!!

• • • • how to choose a college• Naviance• cost• Financial Aid & Scholarships• NCAA

DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL COUNSELING

Allison Delaney (A-F)

Catherine Macri (G-Ma )

Kristen Raulerson (Mc-S)

Sheila Bedard, Director (T-Z)

Linda O’Brien Counseling Secretary

Deborah Ingoglia Career Center

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE:FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Financial considerations Location Size Safety Specialized programs Support Extracurricular activities Comfort level Personal long-term goals

VISITING A COLLEGE

Have specific questions in mind Participate in a tour Schedule special meetings (departments, honors programs)

Counselors can approve college visits for “no count” absences during school time

Arrange well in advance Get assignments in advance Obtain verification of visit

What is a “safe” school for me?• These are schools where your chances are highly likely or

certain for admission.

What is a “target” school for me?• These are realistic schools or those that match your

credentials well. Your GPA and test scores are in line with the averages of those students accepted.

 

What is a “reach” school for me?• These are schools that are considered a long shot. Your

profile may not match exactly that of an accepted student. However, you are encouraged to apply to at least one reach school. You never know what a college may be looking for, beyond the numbers. You may have “it” and your reach school becomes a reality.

Making Your List

COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Make sure application requirements are met. Make sure counselor has the activities list. Turn in Transcript Release Form. Ask for recommendations personally & on

Naviance. Give teachers two weeks notice Proofread the application and make a copy. List “colleges applying to” on Naviance

Keep your counselor informed!

STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUESTING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Students must be registered on Naviance.

Students are responsible for requesting transcriptsand recommendations through Naviance.

Naviance is essential for submitting applications to all colleges requiring the Common Application, and for sending of all transcripts.

https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login?hsid=montvillehs

also available on School Counseling webpage on the MHS website, as well as Parent Resources

Requesting Letters of Recommendation:

When asking teachers for recommendations do so in person, at least 2 weeks before you need it, give them a resume, and then make the request via Naviance.

Click on colleges tabClick on colleges I am applying to tabClick on add/cancel requests under Teacher Recommendations, selecting the appropriate teachers.

STUDENTS are responsible for providing the following information to colleges.

• SAT/ACT scores (forward from Collegeboard.com or ACT.org

• List of school/sports/community service activities (in the form of a student resume)

NOTE: This information is not provided on transcript.

THE APPLICATION ESSAY

If “optional,” do it Write about what you know Write about what you are passionate about Answer the question that is asked Be as personal as you feel comfortable being,

but not too personal Avoid trying to be “funny” or using gimmicks Avoid just listing; explain how and why Get appropriate help Take time to prepare it well Proofread carefully and have others proofread

(Spell-check is not always your friend!)

Common Application

Create a Common Application account at: https://www.commonapp.org (also under links on Naviance home page).

• Save your username, password, and Common Application ID number!

• Complete all parts of the Common Application, including any supplements.

• FERPA Common App Video

Why should you consider waiving your right of access?

Waiving your right lets colleges know that you will never try to read your recommendations. That in turn reassures colleges that your recommenders have provided support that is candid and truthful.

While you are free to respond as you wish, if you choose not to waive your right, some recommenders may decline your request, and some colleges may disregard letters submitted on your behalf.

Common Application and Naviance Match

If the school is a paper application:

• Complete application and submit prior to the deadline along with all supporting documents:

– paper copies of recommendations– copy of essay

• Request transcripts on Naviance

BEWARE OF

EARLY DECISION

EARLY ACTION

REGULAR ADMISSION

Admission Plans

Early Decision

Students apply early in senior year by the Early Decision deadline.

Students are notified in a few weeks or less if admitted, denied, or deferred.

Students must enroll if accepted. Chance of admission may be increased. Little if any negotiation for financial aid. Most schools require a signed contract.

Early Action

Students apply early and are notified early.

The decision is not binding.

Regular Admission

Students apply by deadline. Notification dates may vary Rolling: 2 – 4 weeks Fixed date notification: March – April Students make decision by May 1

NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER

See brochure in packet

Must register on the website if you plan to play Division 1 or Division 2 athletics

in college

http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html

NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER STEPSMake sure you meet the requirementsRegister online well before graduation at

https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenterMaintain good academic performanceAll SAT and ACT scores must be reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center by the testing agency. Test scores will not appear on transcripts.

When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the Eligibility Center code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported to the Eligibility Center.

FINANCIAL AID

CSS/Profile Required by some private colleges

FAFSA (after January 1, 2015)

Additional financial aid applications requiredby some colleges.

Financial Aid Workshop (TBD)

Counseling and Career NewsNational, state, and local scholarships

THE CAREER CENTER Naviance Family Connection College information and applications Vocational and technical schools Financial aid information Internet access Updated career information Military service information College and career visiting guests The Counseling and Career News

READ THE SCHOLARSHIP NEWSLETTER

http://mhs.montvilleschools.org/

Select CounselingScholarship Newsletter

Available:

On Naviance Family ConnectionIn the Career Center, Counseling office, and Main office

SOME WEB SITES

http://www.montvilleschools.org/page.cfm?p=855

www.collegeboard.com

www.fafsa.ed.gov

http://studentaid.ed.gov

www.fastweb.com

www.finaid.com

WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD BE DOING NOW

Keep strong academically. Use Naviance Family Connection. Research colleges and narrow down the list Attend “open houses” Keep counselors informed of your activities. Complete transcript permission form. Seniors complete applications and essays. Request recommendations. Keep counselors aware of all applications Read the Scholarship Newsletter.

Any questions?

Thanks for coming!