SENIOR PARENT NIGHT:THE COLLEGE
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Agenda7:00-7:30: Theresa Yerger and Bill Baillie
7:30-8:30: College Admissions PanelDrexel University
Fairfield University University of Pennsylvania
West Chester University
Important Dates 9/24 Fordham Regional Info Session at MMA 9/25 JET tour at MMA 8:00am – 9:00am 9/26 Delaware County Regional College Fair
6:30 – 8:00 PM 10/7 Faculty In-service: GREAT COLLEGE
VISIT DAY 10/8 Financial Aid Night at MMA 7:00 PM 10/9 Montgomery County Regional
College Fair 6:30-8:30 PM 10/17 PSAT: Application Writing Day
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 Essay and Interview Tips Common App
Teacher Recommendatio
ns
Students’ Rights and
Responsibilities
SAT/ACT September and October test dates for
most EA/ED dates. Results need to be sent DIRECTLY to
colleges (done through testing agency)
Registration dates on our website 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
Good Match Schools – apply to 2-3 of these Compatibility between student grades and
academic quality of the school’s freshman profile. (use Naviance for this)
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 – Brand new version
this year. Everything is sent electronically to over 500 member schools.
Individual online college application 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 2013, we sent out over
900 sets of these school components
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 8th
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.
Take Away Stay Informed Apply Early Demonstrate Interest Blue Form