kick-off to college applications class of 2016 highland park high school counseling department

KICK-OFF TO COLLEGE APPLICATIONSCLASS OF 2016

HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Let’s start with a quick review of responsibilities…..


STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Deciding on final list of colleges

Setting up online accounts for applications

Completing applications

Procuring other pertinent information


PARENTS’, COUNSELORS’ AND COLLEGE COUNSELORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Provide support

Provide guidance

Provide assistance


DECIDING: WHERE TO APPLY

An on-going sorting and selecting process

The best Final List must include combination of:Reach Possible/TargetProbable/LikelyFinancial safety

ALL OF WHICH YOU WILL BE HAPPY TO ATTEND!


TERMS FOR PREDICTION

REACH“Dream” schools where admission chances are thought to be unlikely based on transcript and test scores

“Toss up” schools that are a reach for anyone (usually have admit rates <20%)

POSSIBLE/TARGETClosely meet the academic expectations, but the college/university receives more qualified applicants than they can admit


TERMS FOR PREDICTION

PROBABLE/LIKELYChances for admissions are very strongA “safety” is so much harder to call today!

FINANCIAL SAFETY

• Often an IL state university but not always

• A place that parents can afford…if, financial package is weak at all other schools…if, family financial situation changes: economy, unemployment


DECIDING: HOW MANY SHOULD I APPLY TO?

It depends!

We usually suggest 4-9 applications

If you are with the schools where you stand the strongest chance of

admission, then the final list can be smaller


ADMISSION OPTIONS & TIMELINE Rolling Admission - Apply in the fall/early winter and receive decision 2-8 weeks after application submitted

Priority – Apply in fall (occasionally early winter) and receive a decision in winter. Applying by a priority deadline can often give a student an advantage when space is limited

Early Action - Apply in fall, receive decision in early winter, student has until May 1 to deposit

Regular Admission - Apply in fall/early winter and receive decision on a specific date in the spring

We STRONGLY recommend applying to at least one “likely” school via rolling, priority or early action.


ADMISSION OPTIONS

Early Decision I - Apply in fall, receive decision in winter, and if admitted there is a binding commitment to attend

Early Decision II – Apply in winter, receive decision in winter, and if admitted, there is a binding commitment to attend

Restrictive/Single Choice Early Action - Apply in fall, receive decision in early winter and if admitted, student has until May 1 to deposit


EARLY DECISION (ED) AND RESTRICTIVE/ SINGLE CHOICE EARLY ACTION (REA OR SCEA)

Students may only submit 1 application Early Decision or Restrictive/Single Choice Early Action ED and REA policies are taken very seriously by colleges

Be sure you know the restrictions of each school’s policies

It is permissible to apply Priority Notification to UIUC if submitting an ED or REA application elsewhere

If unsure, PLEASE talk with a college counselor


WHAT IS NEEDED FOR A COMPLETE APPLICATION?

Application – almost always on-line- Essays (usually)- Activities and honors information- Arts Supplement (if applicable)

Application fee (credit card, check or fee waiver request)

Student Signature

Parent Signature (usually only for Early Decision)


WHAT ELSE IS NEEDED FOR A COMPLETE APPLICATION?

Official Transcript (more on these in a few minutes)

Official Test Score Report

Teacher Letter of Recommendation (usually)

Counselor Letter of Recommendation and/or Secondary School Report Form (usually)

Interview (optional)

Audition/Portfolio (if applicable)


COMMON APPLICATIONCommon Application is used by over 600 colleges and universities

Students create an account at www.commonapp.org

May apply to 20 schools using the Common Application

Large FAQ section website and video tutorials

Common application handout in your packet

If a school offers the Common Application and another application option, you should use the Common Application


http://www.commonapp.org/

TEST SCORES

ACT/SAT and SAT Subject Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.org

In some cases it is advisable to send more than one test score

A very small number of colleges, typically those with highly selective admissions, require that students submit scores from all tests taken

Check each college’s website for specific policies


http://www.actstudent.org/

http://www.collegeboard.org/

TEST SCORES

Students are strongly advised to request test scores NOW. It can often take 3-6 weeks for scores to be received.

Do not pay to “rush” scores.

If taking an ACT this fall, consider sending one score now if current score falls within the college’s published range. In some cases applications will not be considered complete until a score is received.


COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS

Student Questionnaire is the first step in the process

Optional Parent Questionnaire

Questionnaires may be completed on-line through Naviance

Parents sign on to Naviance with parent account information

Students sign on to Naviance with student account information

Questionnaire is found under ABOUT ME

Parents may also complete the Parent Questionnaire in paper form, available in the CRC or on the College Counseling website

Detailed information about Counselor Recommendation during tomorrow’s meeting with counselors. Don’t miss it!


TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS How many?0,1,2

Who?The one(s) who know you best as a learner in their class

Best if junior year Okay to have one sophomore year Cannot use senior year if applying early

Visual and Performing Arts are usually supplemental recommendations.


NAVIANCE/FAMILY CONNECTION

Students and parents should have a separate account.

It is very important to update both student and parent with accurate email addresses.

Forgot password? Go to tcci.naviance.com/hphs to request new password.

Forgot username? Never registered? Email Mr. Becker for assistance.

Parents with multiple HPHS students can link accounts. Contact Mr. Becker for assistance.


NAVIANCE/FAMILY CONNECTION

Add colleges of interest to My Colleges

Great way for students to determine chances for admission by examining stats from previous 3 years

Provides date and time of college visits and allows students to sign up for college visits

Has a great tool for helping students create a resume


DISTRICT 113 WAIVER OF ACCESS

Students have the right to waive or not waive their right to access letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf

Students are encouraged to waive their right as it makes letters of recommendation more credible and some recommenders will not write a letter if right to access is not waived.

All seniors must complete 1 form (just 1) before any recommendations from a District 113 employee will be sent.

Form must be signed by student and parents/guardians

Forms should be returned to Mr. Becker in the CRC

Copy of the form is in the senior meeting packet, in the CRC and on the College Counseling website.

ESSAYS

Essay Writing Workshop in English classes on Friday, September 4

Sample essays available online and in books in the CRC

Mr. Morrison, Ms. Gilbert and Mr. Becker are happy to review essays for content

Utilize English teachers – they are a great resource!


DISCLOSURE OF DISCIPLINARY HISTORY

Township District 113 does not share student disciplinary history with colleges and universities.

Students are reminded of their obligation to self-disclose to an institution, when requested, any disciplinary violations as related to academic or behavioral misconduct, and/or any misdemeanor or felony convictions.

Applicants are expected to immediately notify each institution to which they have applied should there be any changes to the information requested in the application, including disciplinary history.

APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS

Students on the free and reduced book/lunch program are eligible for fee waivers.

Families for whom the application fees are a hardship may also be eligible for fee waivers.

Students should talk with counselors or college counselors to discuss eligibility and process for completion and submission.


UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Visiting HPHS on Wednesday, September 16 at 2:00 P.M. in the CRC

Application available September 1

Priority deadline of November 1

No recommendations will be considered with the application

No transcript is required with the application

Most students will receive a decision on Friday, February 12

Applying during this period may give a student an advantage when space is limited

Regular deadline of December 1


UIUC AND SELF-REPORTED ACADEMIC RECORD

Students will complete a self-reported academic record in lieu of sending an official transcript

Students should have a current transcript on hand when completing the record. Transcripts are currently available through the parent portal on Infinite Campus

Students needing assistance logging into Infinite Campus should contact their counselor


PARCHMENTSECURE TRANSCRIPT

WWW.PARCHMENT.COM


When you first register you must choose your HS. Make sure to select the correct HPHS!


Once you have HPHS linked to your account you can simply do a quick order on future requests.

REQUEST A TRANSCRIPT TO A NON-COMMON APP SCHOOLImportant: Use Infinite Campus to make sure your transcript is correct and complete BEFORE you request! Search for your college using the proper name (Univ. of Wisconsin, not “Madison”); can also send via e-mail or paper to non-academic destinations “Send Now” vs. “Hold for Grades” “Save” & add more schools or “Save & Continue” to finish


PARCHMENT SECURE TRANSCRIPT

E-mails upon order, upload, and download – Utilize! Colleges will have different processes for inputting transcripts into their systems

Cost: free for electronic transcripts to IL schools and some others in Midwest; $2.55-$4.70 for others in U.S. depending on electronic vs. paper

See Mr. Becker if you are having troubles or do not have a credit card and need to pay with cash


COMMON APPLICATION SCHOOLS

There is no need to request a transcript for a Common Application school

Counselors will upload the transcript and submit it with the Secondary School Report and the recommendation

This process will be covered in greater detail with students tomorrow during the meeting with counselors. Don’t miss it!


CLASS OF 2016 GRADE POINT AVERAGE DISTRIBUTIONBASED ON A CLASS OF 529 SENIORS

Unweighted:

Lowest-------------------------Median-------------------------Highest

.92 3.20 3.98

Weighted:

Lowest-------------------------Median-------------------------Highest

.92 3.36 4.75

For colleges that require additional information for scholarship consideration, the weighted and unweighted grade point averages for the top 10% and 25% are:

Weighted Unweighted

Top 10% 4.20 3.74

Top 25% 3.85 3.55HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS It is crucial that students have an understanding of the type of documentation is required and where it should be sent.

In most cases documentation should be sent to the office that handles disability services NOT to admissions.


STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS Some colleges may require specific types of testing for evaluation but all want it to be recent (w/in 3 years).

Students must make arrangements with the Department of Special Education for this information to be released, it will not automatically be sent.


CONSENT FORM

1. Obtain a white Consent Form from the Special Education Department. This form authorizes HPHS to send documentation to third parties for educational and college planning.

2. If the student is 18 years of age he/she may sign, if not, a parent signature is required.

3. The completed form should be returned to A102.

4. Students need only complete one Consent Form.


RELEASE FORM

5. Students fill out a separate green Release Form for EACH of the colleges requiring documentation.

6. Forms are available in the Special Ed Dept. and the CRC

7. Completed forms are submitted to A102


DOCUMENTATION

Once all of the proper paperwork has been submitted, the Special Ed Dept sends the documentation to the appropriate place.

Documentation includes: cover letter, current testing, copy of the student’s IEP and case studies, psych and educational evaluations, social development study if appropriate.


FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION All schools require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available on-line in December. File the FAFSA between January 1 and February 1. www.fafsa.gov (NOT www.fafsa.com)

Families can complete an estimator now to determine eligibility for federal aid www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov


http://www.fafsa.gov/

http://www.fafsa.com/

http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION In addition to the FAFSA many private universities require the CSS Profile www.collegeboard.org

Most early decision candidates who are applying for financial aid will be required to complete a CSS Profile BY the early decision deadline

Financial Aid Night – January 11 at 7:00 p.m. at HPHS

FAFSA Completion Workshop – January 28 at 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at HPHS


http://www.collegeboard.org/

NET PRICE CALCULATORS

All colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website.

Uses student’s academic and family financial information to determine what price a family is “likely” to pay.

Keep in mind the figure is an estimate.


STUDENT OUTCOMES – SINCE 2012

4 year college 80%2 year college 13%Employment 4%Gap Year 1%Military 1%


For 4 year college attendees:-31% attended college in-state; 69% out-

of-state-55% attended a public institution; 45% a

private

STUDENT OUTCOMES CONT.

1. The University of Illinois at U/C

2. Indiana University3. University of Michigan4. University of

Wisconsin, Madison5. University of Iowa6. Tulane University7. University of Missouri8. DePaul University9. Northwestern

University10.University of Miami

(FL)

1. The University of Illinois at U/C

2. Indiana University3. University of Michigan4. University of

Wisconsin, Madison5. Northwestern

University6. Tulane University7. University of Arizona8. DePaul University9. University of Missouri10.Illinois State

University


Top Ten Applied to: Top Ten Attended:

STUDENT OUTCOMES CONT.

Acceptance Rates to Highly Selective Schools

Acceptance rate to Top 20 National Universities as ranked by U.S. News & World Report (since 2011):

HPHS average: 21.1%

National average: 18.6%

Acceptance rate to Top 10 National Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities as ranked by U.S. News & World Report (since 2011):

HPHS average: 22.4%

National average: 19.4%


COLLEGE REP VISITS

Dates and times of college visits are listed in Naviance and in the Daily Announcements Students must sign up at least one day in advance through Naviance Students must clear class absences with teacher prior to visit – exercise good judgment when missing class.


APPOINTMENTS WITH COLLEGE COUNSELORS

College Counselors have walk-in hours only August 27 and 28. Scheduled appointments with College Counselors begin August 31. Students must meet with the same counselor they met with last spring. Appointments are scheduled with Ms. Maravilla at 224/765-2040.


CALENDAR OF UPCOMING HPHS COLLEGE PROGRAMS Senior Meetings with Counselor

Thursday, August 27 – 3rd period, locations vary (see next slide)

Essay Writing Workshop

Friday, September 4 during English classes

Application Workshops

September 21 and October 20 – 4-8 pm, Library

Financial Aid: FAFSA, Forms & Financial Need

Monday, January 11 at 7 pm, Auditorium (English) and Commons (Spanish), HPHS

FAFSA Completion WorkshopThursday, January 28 – 4:00-8:00 pm, Library (Spanish

speakers available)

GAP Year FairSaturday, January 30 – 1:00-3:30 pm at New Trier High School


MANDATORY SENIOR MEETING WITH COUNSELORS Thursday, August 27 - 3rd period

Locations:

Alvarez – CRC Kastner – A343

Eder – E117 Margetis – Library

Fleischer – A217 McCord – A342

Ginopolis – Auditorium Siegel – E113 (Chorus)

Grindel – Commons

Signs will posted around the building tomorrow too!


MR. BECKER, OUR COUNSELING RESOURCE CENTER COORDINATORWith 12 years of admissions experience he can help with many things:

Mock interviews

Essay review

Utilizing Naviance

Application completion

FAFSA completion

Scholarship searches


SENIORITIS

Senior year courses and grades matter!

Many schools defer decisions until the end of 7th semester.

All offers of admissions are conditional upon successful completion of coursework.

Student MUST notify colleges of any changes to the senior year schedule.

Offers of admissions can and will be revoked for a decline in grades.


IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND EMAIL ADDRESSESMs. Aliza Gilbert, College Counselor

224/765-2055 - [email protected]

Dr. Bill Morrison, College Counselor

224/765-2056 - [email protected]

Mr. Becker, CRC Coordinator

(224) 765-2057 – [email protected]

Mrs. Pam Helke, Secretary, Special Ed Department

(224) 765-2333 – [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]




QUESTIONS?


kick-off to college applications class of 2016 highland park high school counseling department

Documents

likely school

attendearly decision

fallearly winter

admission chances

depositregular admission

final list of collegessetting

application processdeciding

application submittedpriority