THE COLLEGE APPLICATION

PROCESSWendi Evans

Junior CounselorRising Sun High School

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS What you need for graduation is the

bare minimum.CreditsService LearningHigh School Assessments

What you need to do beyond that is look beyond high school.

Challenge yourself. Go beyond the minimum.

FINDING THE RIGHTSCHOOL FOR YOU

Things to Consider Environment Academic Program Cost Proximity Selectivity

Where do I go for information? Internet Guide Books Visits

On-campus College rep interviews

at RSHS

Create your list of colleges to apply to Ultimate choice (your “reach” school) Middle range (schools that match your

scores a bit more closely) Safe school (the one that would be lucky to

have you)

CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONSRegular Decision Submit an

application by a certain date

Receive a decision by a clear date

Non-binding commitment

Decide by May 1st

Rolling Admissions Applications are

reviewed throughout the year

Decisions are made as applications are submitted

Non-binding commitment

May 1st is usually the deadline

CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONSEarly Action: Apply early with the

intent to receive a decision early

Early action is usually about two months prior to the regular decision deadline

Non-binding commitment

Still have until May 1st to decide

Early Decision You have made a

commitment to this school as your first and only choice

100% sure that this is where you want to go to school

Deadlines are early Commitment is

binding

APPLICATION PROCESS Get organized Letters of recommendation

Don’t forget thank you letters Activity sheet/resume Transcripts Letters/Essays

Write, review, rewrite

RECOMMENDATIONS WHO?

A teacher that you have had in a challenging class

A coach that knows your character

You want the recommendations to reflect a cross section of your teachers

WHAT? Leadership skills, ability to work

with others, work ethic and habits

Avoid using a specific college’s name in letter

WHEN? NOW

HOW? Use the college’s form if

provided Give teachers the

Recommendation Request Form

Give teachers a deadline & ample time to complete

TIPS: On the application form,

waive your right to view recommendation letters. This gives more credibility to the recommendation in the eyes of the college.

Keep a copy in Guidance to use for more than one college

THANK YOU NOTES!

YOUR APPLICATION:WHAT SETS YOU APART?

Rigorous Course schedule Grades and test scores Extra-curricular activities

Leadership rolesQuality over quantity

Volunteer Work Work Experience Personal Statement

APPLICATION DO’S & DON’TSDO: Follow directions Do everything Pay attention to

deadlines Stay organized Follow-up &

confirm receipt of your application

DON’T Procrastinate Leave anything

out Go overboard Use jargon or

slang Lie, exagerate or

embellish Ignore academic

red flags

APPLICATION TIPS Apply Online Many Colleges/Universities are

paperless Send a Thank You card to the

representative if you meet with one Ask questions if you’re unsure

WHAT ABOUT THE MONEY? Scholarships

Merit-basedNeed-based

Utilize Financial Aid Options (75% of College Students Nationwide)

Co-ops Work-study Programs Attend part-time Payment Plans Parents work at college that offers

free tuition to dependents

“WHAT’S A PARENT TO DO?” Be Involved in the process

Counselor/Student/Parent meetingsVisit Colleges with your childHelp organize the paperwork, but let your

child do the majority “peeking over their shoulder”

WHAT DOES GUIDANCE DO? Completing School/Counselor

Report on Admission Application Transcripts ($2.00 each)

Transcripts become unofficial if opened by someone other than college official

Sent at mid-year (at your request) Final sent to college of your choice

after graduation (automatic) College Representative Visits Scholarships Freebies Other informative resources

THANK YOU…