conversations with counselors: the college admissions process for first timers sarah mazak, guidance...
TRANSCRIPT
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CONVERSATIONS WITH COUNSELORS:
THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR FIRST TIMERS
Sarah Mazak, Guidance Counselor
May 8, 2014
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Objectives:
Understanding the time-line associated with the college admissions process
How to find a “good-fit” collegeUnderstanding the college applicationUnderstanding admissions terminology
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Objectives Continued…
Understanding standardized testingUnderstanding basics of financial aidHow admissions decisions are madeExpectations (of us and you)Open discussion
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Opening Thought
The college admissions process is different for every student and
at every college.
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Time line 9th & 10TH grade
Challenging courses Good grades PSAT, Subject tests “Soft” conversations about college, invited to
attend College Rep sessions, college visits
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Time line 11th and 12th grade
11th grade – fall/winter – PSAT, strong grades, challenging courses, SAT/ACT Prep class, SAT registration, college fair, start researching colleges
11th Grade – Spring – maintain strong grades, start compiling a list, junior conference, college visits, take SAT/ACT
Summer between 11th & 12th grade – further SAT study (if needed), fine tune college list
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Time line – 12th grade
12th Grade – fall – maintain strong grades, senior conference, additional SAT/ACT (if needed), college visits, apply
12th Grade – winter – FAFSA, college responses
12th Grade – spring – DECIDE and DEPOSIT (May 1), inform other colleges, make decisions about “waitlist”
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How to find/research colleges:
What are the important factors (price, size, location, academic programs, culture of the school, other factors – athletics)
Discussed at Jr. Conference College database search on Family
Connections. College representatives visit MHS College fairs (CCM, NACAC -employee only-
Edison in spring) College regional receptions
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Resources for the College Process
Family Connections Internet – Comprehensive college websites Bulletin board outside of the Guidance
office for college rep. visits Catalogues - Left by college reps Books – Complete section at Barnes and
Noble - Princeton Review, etc. Constant email reminders from Mr. Levine
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Campus Visits
Sign up online Open houses – one stop shopping Making the most of college visits (tour
guide, visit cafeteria, go “off track”) Combine schools by region
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Understanding the college application (components)
On-line (paper is not recommended) Common application, own application Application fee Teacher recommendation(s) – (done via
Family Connections) Counselor recommendation College essay Supplemental information (portfolio,
supplement, etc.)
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Admissions Terminology
Early decision (I and II) Early action Priority Rolling decision Regular decision Accept, decline, defer, waitlist
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Admissions Testing
SAT –(changing in March 2016 – affects current freshmen)
SAT – subject exams ACT AP’s SAT optional schools (hundreds of 4-
year schools- www.fairtest.org Test Prep classes
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Financial Aid
FAFSA v. CSS Profile Grants Loans Scholarships (merit, athletic, etc) Local & national scholarship list on
FC
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Factors in Admissions Decisions
High School grades and strength of curriculum, test scores
Recommendation(s), essay, extracurricular activities
What does this person bring to the community?
Interview Demonstrated interest (ED)
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What Should Your Expectations be of Us?
An individual Junior Conference meeting
An open invitation for your child to stop by with questions/concerns
Open Communication – we will usually call/email back within 24 hours
Assistance throughout the process Various Programming
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What are our Expectations of You?
That you will have ongoing dialogue with your child about college.
Junior Parent Brag Sheet That you will assist your child
throughout the process (Keep ‘em on track)
That you will be in contact with us about issues of concern for your family.
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Open Discussion