Coppin Academy Senior Class Family Night

Welcome

• Tonight our goal is to:– Provide you with some nourishment and

refreshment.– Inform you with the basic knowledge of the

college application process– Get familiar with the requirements of high school– Learn what resources are available– Make you feel more comfortable during such a

difficult process.

HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS

• At least 21 Credits– 4 English– 3 Science (2 Lab sciences and 1 physical science)– 3 Social Studies– 3 Mathematics– 2 Foreign Language– ½ Physical Education and ½ Health– 1 Fine Art (art, music, drama)– 1 Technology – 3 Electives

• High School Assessments– Algebra 412– Biology 400– English 396– Government 394– 1208 with combining 3 (algebra, biology, English)– 1602 with combining all 4

Colleges/Universities look at passing HSAs not combine scores

• At least 75 Service Learning Hours

College Application

Process

College Admissions Timeline

Fall (September-November):

APPLY NOW!!

Winter (November-February):

Financial Aid Process

Spring: DECIDE by May 1st

Best School v. Best Fit

How do we choose a school?

– Location, location, location (urban, suburban, rural)

– Cost– Size (teacher to student ratio)– Majors offered– Resources for accommodations or modifications

When should applications be submitted?

NOW!!

How many applications should I submit?

• Research the schools of your choice and refine your list before applying!

• Number applications depends on students—at least 3 (Coppin Academy)

• Generally 3-5 Schools– Wish List– Perfect Fit– Just in case

Admission Deadlines

Regular Decision •Submit by a specific date

Rolling Admission •Apply early

•Get an early decision

Early Action •Non-binding•“Priority Filling Period”

Early Decision •BINDING

•May back out only if the college does not meet your financial need.

When do I need to decide?

•You have until May 1st to make your final decision.

College Admission Decisions are based on:

• Rigor of Coursework—Honors, Advanced Placement courses• GPA and grade trends• ACT/SAT scores• Well written essay

College Admission Decisions are based on:

• Admission coursework requirements (Penn State recommends 4 math courses)

• Extra Curricular Involvement– Activities– Athletics– Leadership– Community service

• Other factors-see the college website

The College Application

• THE STUDENT MUST FILL OUT THE APPLICATION!• Include the required documents with the application

(essay, recommendations, SAT scores, etc.)• Know the college’s or university’s deadline• PROOFREAD BEFORE SUBMISSION• ORGANIZE!!– Keep a calendar of dates– Keep extra copies of SAT/ACT scores in folder– Keep copies of applications in folder

The Common Application

• The Common Application is used by over 500 institutions.

• Once the application is completed, the application can be used to apply to multiple institutions.

• www.commonapp.org

SAT/ACT

SAT Resources

Coppin Academy Procedures

After Completing Applications

• Make an appointment with Ms. Anene• Bring ALL parts of your application to the

appointment, including a stamped-addressed envelope.– Report Card– Student signature page– Essay/Personal Statement– Application Fee*

Transcript Request Form

• Give at least one week notice• Provide a transcript request form from the

college/university.• Complete the Requesting for Transcript Form

with the counselor.• Document your request in Naviance.

Envelopes• Use a large manila envelope 10X13• Place three $.44 cent stamps in the upper

right corner• Include the college name and address in the

center of the envelope.• NO RETURN ADDRESS IN UPPER LEFT!• Write your name and ID # on the inside of the

envelope flap.

Sending Test Scores to Colleges• Coppin Academy DOES NOT include test scores

on student transcripts (except HSAs)• Students must have test scores sent directly from

the testing agency to the college. Allow several weeks of time.

• Be aware there may be a fee.• Go to the testing agency’s website to send scores:– www.actstudent.org– www.collegeboard.com

Letters of Recommendation

DO: DON’T• Ask for a letter of

recommendation if the college does not require one!

• Ask someone who only knew you as a freshman, or has only known you for a month.

• The student should ask, not the parent.

• Allow adequate time, 3-4 weeks notice!

• Ask a teacher who knows you well.

• Ask fact-to-face: “Would you be willing to write me a letter of rec?”

• Send a THANK YOU NOTE!!

Application Follow-up!

• BE PATIENT!!• Your application

remains “incomplete” until ALL components are received by the college.

• If you have questions call the college’s Admissions Office.

RESOURCES

• Ms. Anene, Guidance Counselor– Email: janene@bcps.k12.md.us

• Ms. Abney, College Readiness Coach• Naviance• Coppin Academy’s Website• Workshops for Seniors– Brown Bag Lunch Topics: Writing resume, FAFSA

tips, scholarship searches• College Fairs• Remind 101

Naviance• Website: Naviance.com• Requirement for Senior Certification (May 2014):

– Completed FAFSA– Completed at least 3 college applications– Completion of Assigned Tasks on Naviance.– Sat for the SAT– Completion of senior portfolio

• It’s helpful for:– Tracking applications– Signing up for College Rep visits– College Searches

FINANCING COLLEGE

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Financial Aid Night- January 10,2014

• FAFSA form must be completed and submitted by February 14, 2014

• Scholarship information is available in Naviance. and Guidance office

Scholarship Search Engines

• www.scholarships.com• www.fastweb.com• www.petersons.com• www.finaid.org• www.collegeboard.org• www.USAFunds.orgPlease note; do not pay a fee for scholarship

applications.

Thank you for your support.