A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for College Admission

Transcription

1 A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for College Admission

2 Take the SAT and ACT in Winter/Spring of Junior Year Research College Options and Start to Narrow Down Your Search Visit College Campuses Create/Update Resume

3 College Admission Workshop: Boot Camp June 3-5, 2015 Take Advantage of Summer Enrichment Programs Attempt a College Essay Draft: Look at admission websites for prompts Determine Your List of Colleges to Which You Will Apply

4 Take SAT and/or ACT Again for Maximum Admission and Scholarship Opportunities Submit All Application Materials in a Timely Fashion Review All Deadlines! Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid Submit Enrollment Deposit at the College You Will Be Attending

5 Aug 30 Transcript requests begin to be fulfilled by Counseling Staff Oct 1 Letter of Recommendation Packet due to Counselor for all students requiring a letter of rec for application *

6 *Students must register online at the appropriate website to take either College Entrance Exam *Students should take both exams for their greatest admission opportunity *Both exams are accepted at all colleges and universities *Most colleges will use whichever score is highest between the two *Send Scores to Colleges Upon Registration * Four free score-sends at this time * $11-12 per college to send scores later SAT: ACT: Fee Waivers Available for Students who Meet Financial Eligibility

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8 *School Day ACT: March 17 th at Westfield High School *Available only to Juniors *Limited spaces still available *Registration Forms Available Tonight and in Counseling Center *SAT School Day *Available to Seniors in October 2015 *More Information to Come

9 Students Can Use Naviance to Assist with the College Search *SuperMatch College Search *Search and Bookmark Colleges that Interest You *Link to Admission Websites *See Admission Deadlines *View Admission Statistics and Compare Your Stats to Other Admitted Students *

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12 Scattergrams allow students to view their academic profile in comparison to previous Westfield HS students who applied. 12

13 Juniors and Seniors get two school days that can be excused for College Visits *College Visits can be scheduled through the college s Admission Office, oftentimes online *Take the tour, meet with an admission counselor, visit a class or meet with a professor *If possible, visit when classes are in session *Hang out in common areas and talk with current students *Do some research prior to visit and ask questions! *

14 *Scheduling and Academic Advising * Throughout the month of January * Students should plan to schedule a rigorous senior year *Shamrock College Rep Day *Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the WHS Gym *Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair *Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the Ritz Charles; 6:30-8:00 p.m. *AP/ACP Meet the Teacher Night *Wednesday, April 29 th at WHS; 6:30 p.m. *Westfield College Visits *Throughout the fall, WHS will host college admission counselors from a variety of schools. All students are welcome.

15 *Summer College Admission Workshop *Wednesday, June 3rd Friday, June 5th at WHS *Small group working seminar - Approximately 30 students * Develop resumes for: college applications, scholarships, recommenders * In-depth training of the college admission process * Advice from Ivy League admission professional * Interview practice and coaching * Develop admission essays within the workshop * Fee: $ * Waiver for students who meet income guidelines Registration form available in March 2015 limited to 30 participants

16 Many college and scholarship applications ask for a resume or a list of your extra-curricular activities *Resumes should only consist of activities and awards throughout your high school career *A resume should consist of the following: *Awards, honors and recognition *Significant school activities, such as clubs and athletics *Significant out-of-school activities, like community service *Work experience *

17 Update your resume as you add new activities and work experience, or as you receive honors and awards.

18 Senior Year: College Application Process Complete Applications Online Common Application College Admission Websites Request transcripts through Naviance If needed, request letters of recommendation through Naviance Send your SAT and ACT scores directly to colleges through the appropriate website

19 Be sure to meet all college deadlines. Early Action deadlines are often tied to scholarship consideration Online Applications typically become available in August of the Senior Year Transcript requests will be fulfilled starting Aug. 30th Track all Applications in Naviance: Colleges I m Applying To *

20 Use Naviance to: Track applications Note deadlines Track statuses Request transcripts Request Teacher Recommendations Common App Schools Students applying to Common Application colleges must match their Common App to their Naviance Account, and mark if they are applying via Common App

21 Note whether or not a college requires a letter of recommendation not all do. See the college s admission website to know for certain. *All applications submitted through Common Application do require at least a counselor letter of recommendation *All students requiring a letter of recommendation should complete a packet with the following by October 1st: *The Letter of Recommendation Worksheet *Resume *

22 Students asking teachers for a letter of recommendation from teachers should do so well in advance of application deadlines *Politely ask in person if the teacher is willing to write you a favorable letter of recommendation *Once you have done that, request the letter of recommendation in Naviance *Write a thank you note to each teacher who has written you a letter of recommendation *

23 *Parent insights about students may be helpful to teachers and counselors writing letters of recommendation

24 All components of an application must be submitted by the deadline not just the application All SAT and ACT scores must be sent directly from the testing agencies. Take advantage of the four free score sends that come with test registration Complete any additional requirements: Personal Statements, Essays, Portfolios, etc. *

25 Research college options and determine fit Plan campus visits Register for your SAT & ACT this year Have the money talk with family

26 Attempt a college essay draft Create or update a resume of activities, honors and awards Finish strong in your Junior Year Schedule an academically rigorous senior year