College Applications: The Monticello

Manual

Register for the SATs/ACTs

SAT: www.collegeboard.org Oct. 11th test deadline is Sept. 12th, late

registration Sept. 30th

Nov. 8th test deadline is Oct. 9th, late registration Oct. 28th

SAT IIs Some schools require SAT II and some

schools recommend SAT II. In both situations you should send SAT II scores.

ACT: The Other Test

ACT Test: www.actstudent.org Oct. 25th test deadline is Sept. 19th,

late registration Oct. 3rd

Dec. 13th test deadline is Nov. 7th, late registration Nov. 21st

SAT vs. ACT

SAT3 Sections: writing, critical reading, and math

More sections with shorter time periods

Sections alternate between subjects

More emphasis on vocabulary

Math covers algebra, geometry, and algebra 2

ACTLess sections but longer time periods

Includes a science section in addition to writing, math, and reading

Less vocabulary emphasis

Math covers up through trigonometry

Score given in sections and as a composite (what colleges look for when comparing students)

Sending Your SAT/ACT/SAT II Scores

It is your responsibility to send your test scores to colleges. MHS school counseling department does not send official scores for you.

Do you need a fee waiver? Let your school counselor know in advance of the registration deadline.

Resources To Research Colleges

www.collegeboard.org College visits at MHS (College and

Career Center next to cafeteria) When are the college reps coming?

MoHS website

Get permission in advance from your teacher

Meet with your school counselor Visit campuses

Compile your list of colleges (typically 5-7)

Some factors to consider: GPA Course history SAT/ACT scores Intended major Location Size of school 4 year graduation rate Financial aid package (average package, % need met) Post college graduation placement (jobs, grad school

admissions)

Make sure you apply to a…

Reach school: Dream school

Target school: You fit right in!

Safety school: Your qualifications exceed the average.

Your reach, target, and safety schools are specific to you!

Documents you give toyour school counselor

Transcript request form Senior autobiography Activity sheet Parent recommendation 3 completed teacher evaluation forms Secondary School Reports (SSR)

Your counselor uses these forms to write your letters of recommendation and to

advocate for you in the event of a scholarship offering

Secondary School Report (SSR)

The SSR asks your counselor questions that the college wants to know about your… GPA Senior courses Difficulty of past coursework

It is your responsibility to give the SSRs to your school counselor and to complete your portion of each report

Most schools (Common App, JMU, VT, William and Mary) have secondary school reports. Make sure to follow the checklist for each school provided on the admissions webpage for each school

When are these forms due to your school counselor?

30 SCHOOL days before

your first deadline date

Example: If you have a November 1st deadline date your forms are due on September 18th

Types of DeadlinesEarly Decision - binding

Early Action - non binding Regular DecisionRolling Admission

Teacher Recommendations

12.1

Ask teachers who would be able to speak positively about you

Ask teachers well in advance of the due date Be alert to deadlines and know that teachers have

deadlines as well When you approach a teacher you can begin by

saying “Do you feel that you would be able to write a positive recommendation for me?”

It is courteous to give them an addressed stamped envelope to mail the letter

If using an online request for recommendation, it is your responsibility to ensure the email address is correct

Personal Essay

Proofread!

Have a teacher, school counselor, or career counselor review it so you can do revisions

Utilize English class assignments to help with writing your essay

PVCC Register for PVCC in the spring

Complete the PVCC application (pvcc.edu) and the Virginia Placement Test (VPT)

MHS will offer the VPT in spring 2015. Students must sign up in advance in the College and Career Center

SAT is not required but we recommend it

PVCC has a guaranteed transfer program with all public colleges in the state of Virginia

Interested students need to meet with a transition counselor before they register for classes at PVCC to ensure correct placement (http://www.pvcc.edu/admissions/transfer-opportunities/guaranteed-admissions )

Transfer agreements vary from school to school so it’s important to plan ahead

Meet your college

application deadlines!

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Think small and look wide Be patient, finding scholarships is hard work Start the process early Take time to understand the financial aid

process and your financial aid package Ask questions and do your research

Useful Scholarship Links

Fafsa.ed.gov

Fastweb.com

Scholarship.com

MHS School Counseling Website MHS College and Career Center Follow us on Twitter at MHS_Scholarship

College websites

College Planning Night

September 17th 2014

5:30-6:30 college walk (UVA, JMU, MWU, WVU, PVCC, and more)

6:30-8:30 presentations on a wide array of topics including financial aid, applications, college selection, and more