SENIOR PARENT NIGHT:THE COLLEGE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Agenda
6:30-7:15: Theresa Yerger and Bill Baillie
7:20-8:30: College Admissions PanelUniversity of Notre Dame
Pennsylvania State University Temple University
Villanova University
Important Dates 9/12 October SAT registration deadline 9/24 JET tour at MMA 7:45am – 8:30am 9/26 Delaware County Regional College Fair
6:30 – 8:00 PM 10/6 Faculty In-service: GREAT COLLEGE
VISIT DAY 10/9 Montgomery County Regional
College Fair 6:30-8:30 PM 10/15 PSAT: Application Writing
Day10/16 10/16 Financial Aid Night at MMA 7:00 PM
Parental Role
As parents you have many roles in the college admissions process:
Listener Advocate Advisor of deadlines College trip organizer Researcher Cheerleader
Let your daughter take OWNERSHIP!
STAY INFORMED!
Read the College Counseling webpages What’s New in College Counseling E-mails and MMA e-newsletter Check Naviance
Upcoming college events/open houses Scholarships College Rep visits (over 50 to date)
STAY COMPOSED.
Students feel a sense of urgency to gain college acceptances, but often get frustrated and stymied with all the work that is expected. Listen, be the asker of questions instead of
provider of answers. This process begins the year of “Letting Go”
for both you and your daughter.
KEEP THE FAITH.
There is a place for every student after high school.
Need to look for “Best Fit” not “Best School” (with room to grow.) Find a place where your daughter can be successful both academically and socially.
Senior College Counseling Folder
The BLUE form Interview Tips Application Procedure &Tips
Teacher Recommendatio
nsCollege Visitors
SAT/ACT
September and October test dates for most EA/ED dates.
Results need to be sent DIRECTLY to colleges (done through testing agency)
www.collegeboard.org www.actstudent.org TEST SCORES ARE NOT ON TRANSCRIPT FAIRTEST.ORG – test optional (over 800
schools)
Types of Applications Early Decision – binding. Must attend
and withdraw other applications Early Action – Not binding have until
May 1st to decide. Rolling Admissions – generally
informed of admission status 4-6 weeks after materials received.
Regular Admissions – wait until April. Except for ED, you have until May 1st to
decide and send ONE tuition deposit
RANGE IS IMPORTANT
Use Naviance scattergrams and “compare me” tool to determine categories.
Good Match Schools – apply to 2-3 of these Compatibility between student grades and
academic quality of the school’s freshman profile. Reach Schools – apply to 1-2 of these
If you’re thinking “it won’t hurt to try” then it is more than likely a reach school.
Likely to Accept– apply to 1-2 of these More than likely will not turn you away. Your child
must be happy and willing to attend this school.
Preparing the Application
Proofread! Colleges may ask for essays, teacher
recommendations, transcripts, application fee.
Check college websites for requirements Apply early to minimize stress Nov. 30 for Penn State Nov. 1 for rolling admissions or “specialty”
programs (nursing, PT, PA, engineering, etc.)
Completing Applications
Common Application – Everything is sent electronically to over 500 member schools.
Individual online college application Priority/Fast Track /VIP offers Student Portion - including supplements,
essay(s)and fee, if applicable File/save any confirmation e-mails “Incomplete application” e-mails
What MMA sends
Official Transcript School Profile (available on web) Counselor Letter of Recommendation School Report Mid-year grades to EVERY college For the Class of 2014, we sent out over
900 sets of these school components Teachers send letters of recommendation
The Blue Form
This is to be filled out and handed directly to your daughter’s counselor. This helps us stay organized and know
when our responsibilities have been completed.
Start accepting after individual appointment
Hand in 2-3 weeks in advance of deadline
Demonstrated Interest
College visits are important – like test driving a new car
Overnight visit if college permits or sit in on a class
2 college visit days (excused absences)
Go off the beaten path Attend local receptions Visit with reps at MMA
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Meeting – October 16th
What can you do this fall? Check each colleges financial aid
webpage for deadlines and FAFSA/CSS Profile.
Get tax information together as soon as possible.
Use net price calculators, FAFSA estimators
Take Away
Stay Informed Apply Early Demonstrate Interest Blue Form