0 The earlier you start, the better!

0 Determine your priorities—use check list. Remember parents may have different priorities from students. ☺

0 Things to consider:

*Cost *Size *Majors *Location *Selectivity

*Public/Private *Religious Affiliation *Social Life

*Residential vs. Commuter Campus *Fraternities and Sororities

*Diversity of student body *% that graduate in 5 years

*Scholarship opportunities

0 Compile a list of the colleges/programs that interest you using Collegeboard or WOIS

0 Visit campuses

Where to Begin?

What are colleges looking for?0 Academic Record – CADRs, GPA, rigor, grade trends

0 Testing – ACT or SAT

0 Essay /Personal Statement

0 Extracurricular Activities

0 Athletics

0 Clubs

0 Work

0 Community service

0 Leadership

0 Letters of Recommendation

0 Interview

Admission Officers want to know: “How have you taken advantage of your Admission Officers want to know: “How have you taken advantage of your Admission Officers want to know: “How have you taken advantage of your Admission Officers want to know: “How have you taken advantage of your

opportunities and what will you bring to our campus?” opportunities and what will you bring to our campus?” opportunities and what will you bring to our campus?” opportunities and what will you bring to our campus?”

Comparing Your ProfileG.P.A., Class Rank, ACT or SAT Test Scores

0 Safety – (realistic) Your profile is significantly stronger than the typical freshman – little chance of rejection. Most important school selection—will you be happy if it is your only choice?

0 Match/Fit – (reasonable) Your profile is similar to the typical freshman. Competitive admission.

0 Reach – (reach) Your profile is not as strong as the typical freshman. Highly competitive admission – less likely to be admitted.

**Have a “financially safe” school on your list--a school you can get into AND afford!**

Utilize Collegeboard or WOIS to find school profile information Utilize Collegeboard or WOIS to find school profile information Utilize Collegeboard or WOIS to find school profile information Utilize Collegeboard or WOIS to find school profile information

for comparisonfor comparisonfor comparisonfor comparison

Admission Options

APPLY EARLY REGARDLESS OF DUE DATE!

0 Regular Decision – specified date for submission (fall/winter) and decision (spring) Ex: UW

0 Rolling Admissions - reviewed as submitted and admissions rendered throughout admission cycle until deadline Ex: CWU

0 Early Action – apply early/notified early with set dates

Ex: Private Schools

0 Early Decision – apply early with commitment to institution to enroll if admitted/early notification Ex: Highly competitive schools

Where do I find applications?0 College websites - Apply online

0 Look for these words to find link to application:

*Prospective Students *Future Students *Admissions *Undergraduate *Freshmen *APPLY NOW!

0 Common Application – www.commonapp.org

0 Streamlined website to make applying to multiple colleges easier

0 Advantage—finish all work and save it to the same location

0 Only way to apply for some schools

0 Many schools do require supplemental materials

0 Not every school uses the Common App – mostly private schools

Components of Application

0 Application Form

0 List of Activities

0 Essay/Personal Statement

0 Recommendation Form or Letter(s)

0 Transcript

0 Test Scores

0 Fee (or Fee Waiver Request)

0 Program-specific requirements: auditions, portfolios

0 Interview

Application Form0 General Information

0 Applicant Data/Demographics

0 Family Education

0 Academics – GPA, Rank, Test Scores, Current Schedule

0 Extracurricular Activities

Create a Resume!Create a Resume!Create a Resume!Create a Resume!Include Academic and Extracurricular Information –GPA, advanced classes, achievements and accolades,

sports, clubs, leadership positions, work and community service. Resume can also be used for

requesting letters of recommendation and scholarship applications.

Essays/Personal Statement0 Demonstrate writing skills (grammar, sentence structure, spelling) as well as

content (opportunity to separate yourself from other applicants)

0 Convey what they wouldn’t glean from your application alone - don’t repeat something already stated in your application

0 Take your time and get feedback from others – use multiple proofreaders

0 Be yourself and use your voice – be authentic, genuine & original!

0 Grab the reader’s attention right away

Does it answer the prompt?

Does it sound like me?

Is my intended message coming through?

Does it distinguish me from other

applicants?

0 Check applications carefully to see if you need one

0 Secondary school report (Common App) requiresrecommendation from counselor so you will need to let them know if you are applying via Common App

0 Choose recommenders who knows you well

0 Request letters 2 – 3 weeks prior to when you need them

0 Provide recommender with resume, recommendation request form and a complete list of schools to which you are applying and deadlines

Recommendations

Follow up with a thank you note!Follow up with a thank you note!Follow up with a thank you note!Follow up with a thank you note!

Transcripts & Test Scores0 Some colleges will accept unofficial copies of transcripts (WWU) and

some do not want a transcript submitted with the application (UW), while others require an official transcript.

0 Official transcripts must be requested through the Registrar’s office by completing the Transcript Request Form and can be sent directly to the college on your behalf.

0 Test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency (SAT/CollegeBoard or ACT).

0 Students can have 4 free score reports sent to schools if they designate the schools at the time they register for the test. Otherwise, they must send score reports separately at a cost of $12 per report.

Request transcripts & test scores early in order for them Request transcripts & test scores early in order for them Request transcripts & test scores early in order for them Request transcripts & test scores early in order for them

to be submitted by the deadline !to be submitted by the deadline !to be submitted by the deadline !to be submitted by the deadline !

When the Application is Complete…0 Print out application prior to submitting it and keep a

copy

0 Check email frequently for updates or requested information from schools

0 Create account on college website portal to track your application and documentation received

0 Call or email admissions office if you have questions; it’s their job to help you!

0 Keep all correspondence from schools

Take a breath and get ready for scholarship applications!Take a breath and get ready for scholarship applications!Take a breath and get ready for scholarship applications!Take a breath and get ready for scholarship applications!

Additional Resources0 OHHS Career Center (Ms. Hurst – Career Counselor)

0 Post-secondary specific questions

0 Individual college rep visits

0 College admissions information

0 Financial aid breakout session at FOTF as well as scholarship workshop in January/February

0 Senior Counselors – Mrs. Chargualaf & Mrs. Banham

0 Online resources – OHHS Website (Learning – Counseling Resources), Collegeboard, WOIS & others

THANK YOU FOR COMING!THANK YOU FOR COMING!THANK YOU FOR COMING!THANK YOU FOR COMING!