SENIOR YEAR

Countdown to College

September 2013

What you need to know…..

Where (in the college process) should I be right now? (timeline)

Different types of admission to college

How to request a transcript

How to request a college recommendation

The Common App

University of Maryland applications

Financial Aid

Timeline….right now You should have registered for or printed out

applications for each of your schools

Make plans for final visits

Register for the October ACT or SAT if necessary

Fill out the counselor recommendation form ASAP & e-mail to Mrs. McKeiver

Choose teachers to ask for recommendations and make requests

Next…

After choosing list of colleges, begin organizing (check deadlines), completing, and submitting applications

Request transcripts from Mrs. McKeiver at least 10 (ten) school days prior to the date they are due.

Research financial aid options and deadlines. Fill out appropriate college financial aid forms.

After that…. Plan to attend “College 101” night here at CHS on

Monday, December 9th

Ask parents to fill out FAFSA form online beginning January 2nd, 2014

Choose your college. If going away to school, pay housing deposit.

Enjoy all graduation activities!

Admissions

Rolling- Applications are reviewed and decided upon in order of receipt

Early Decision- (LEGALLY BINDING! ONLY PERMITTED TO SUBMIT ONE!) Due by November 1st, if the student is admitted to the college, the student must pull their applications to any other colleges and attend that school

Admissions (cont.)

Early Action- also usually due November 1st. Applicant will receive an answer by January 15th. Can apply Early Action to as many schools as you wish.

Regular Decision- Due after November 1st and sometimes not until January. Will receive an answer by mid to late March.

How to request a transcript Visit the School Counseling Office and fill out a

“Transcript Request Form” or print from our website

First three transcripts are FREE. After that, the cost is $1.00 per transcript.

Minimum of 10 SCHOOL DAYS to process a transcript

If a secondary school report is needed, please turn in with the transcript request form. This can be obtained from the college’s website if required.

Recommendation Letters If a counselor recommendation letter is needed,

please visit the school website (www.carrollk12.org/chs)

Click on the “School Counseling” Tab Then click “Frequently Used Forms” Open the Senior Recommendation Request Form Complete the Senior Recommendation Request form,

which includes a copy of the Senior Activity Form.

After completing the forms, please e-mail the documents to Mrs. McKeiver at hmmckei@carrollk12.org

Application Process/College Essay

Online vs. Paper Student Section-Online Counselor Section-You may be required to print out a

Secondary School Report to give to your Counselor We cannot process the Send Edu online requests

Common App- One application for multiple schools

Know your deadline dates!!

Get started early on your College essays—Consult with your English teacher

The Common App Determine which of your schools accept the

Common App

Complete student information online

Invite Counselor and Teacher for Recommendations/Secondary School Reports— 15 School Days Notice to complete these Forms

You MUST complete a Transcript request form if you use the Common App!!!

University of Maryland

Can complete this application online—DO NOT click the opt out box—This will allow you to complete everything online

15 school days notice required for counselor to complete the online reports

Must apply by November 1st!!! (Priority Application)

Financial Aid

Read the School Counseling Newsletter for Scholarship Opportunities

Attend Financial Aid Workshop on College Night—December 9th

Complete the FAFSA Form after January 2nd

Research your school to see what aid opportunities are available

The Ideal Scenario….

ALL of your paperwork (Transcript, Secondary School Report, Counselor

Recommendation Form) is sent to the college at the same time

OR

All of your paperwork is submitted electronically (preferred by colleges)