Westwood Guidance Department

Senior College Program

Monday September 23, 2013

Stressed about college applications?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-OLlJUXwKU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH64DV3vwgQ

Important Reminders

Make certain that your academic preparation is adequate for admission

Establish a range of schools in which to apply

Keep up with your studies

Attend meetings with college representatives

Consult college references for information

Plan for campus visits Register for

standardized testing, if appropriate

Review applications Become familiar with

college admissions terms

“Demonstration of Interest”

An important factor! Interview if available

Visit college campuses

Visit college websites

Attend college rep visits

Reach SchoolsMatch Schools Safety Schools

How many applications?

TraditionalRollingEarly Decision Early Action Please check for Individual College Deadlines

Types of Admissions Patterns

Early Admits

Applying early shows that you really want that school. Therefore the college may dip deeper into the early admit pool. Colleges want to lock up quality applicants.

Important – You must be in the required range for your match or safety school

Start / plan early Follow directions Watch deadlines Allow enough time for writing and revising(Last minute submissions do not show your

best side)

Four “musts” in filling out an application

Complete application(s) Organize the applications by deadline

dates (financial aid deadline may be different)

Type or print a clear, neat, clean final form

Check for errors! Ask your parents to review the application Provide ample time for processing the

application

Simple but Crucial…

We now use Edocs through Naviance Family Connection for transcripts and recommendation letters.

This ensures that materials arrive in the college admissions offices in the timeliest manner possible. http://connection.naviance.com/westwoodrhs

Guidance has Gone Green!

Check in with teachers about their letters of recommendation after asking for them in person and through Naviance

Return the Student Information Sheet to your counselor

Return Parent Brag Sheet to your counselor Return the “Authorization to Release Educational

Records” form to your counselor

STUDENT CHECK LIST…

Continued: Send official SAT and/or ACT scores directly to

colleges via www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org.

Official scores can only be sent this way.

SAT (register at www.collegeboard.com)October 5th November 2nd December 7th (offered at Westwood)January 25th, 2014

ACT (register at www.actstudent.org)October 26th (offered at Westwood)December 14th

Upcoming Test Dates

Everyone MUST register for a Common Application account at www.commonapp.org – this is essential as a link to our Naviance system

To Do List…

Complete college applications online through www.commonapp.org.

Common Application

Use “Westwood Guidance Department College Application Process” checklist form to ensure that all steps have been taken and deadlines followed for application process.

Guidance Senior Checklist

Who’s responsible for what?

The STUDENT is responsible for:

Submitting applications Requesting SAT or ACT to

forward the test scores Requesting letters of

recommendation from teachers both in person and in Naviance

Completing transcript request in Naviance and on paper

WHS is responsible for:

Transcript School counselor

letter Teacher

Recommendations School Profile

ABC’s of College Planning

Financial Aid ProgramDecember 16th at 7 pm

Chance to meet college counselors at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Thursday September 26th, 2013 at the Rothman center.

The college fair will be from 6-9pm. Introduce yourself and find out some

valuable information.

College Fair at FDU!

An interactive college information program.

Monday October 21, 2013 7-9 in Campbell Auditorium

The Admissions Game

Don’t Double Deposit!!

Prevents other students from being taken off a wait list and prevents colleges from predicting accurate enrollment

VS.Need to wait for other possible acceptances

and continue negotiating financial aid with several colleges.

Guidance Deadline College Application Deadline September 30 October 15 October 1 November 1 November 1 November 15 November 11 December 1 November 29 December 15 December 6 January 1 January 10 February 1

*** Student checklist must be completed by guidance deadline in order to meet corresponding college application deadline.

DEADLINES!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Go to the Guidance Department Website for links!

Please feel free to ask questions now or contact your school counselor…

Ms. Debrodyaraceli.debrody@wwrsd.org or x2069

Mrs. Lyonsbrenda.lyons @wwrsd.org or x2055

Mrs. Gadaletajennifer.gadaleta@wwrsd.org or x2071

Mr. Aiellovincent.aiello@wwrsd.org or x2063

Questions?

We hope you feel less stressed!