APPLYING TO PRIVATE COLLEGES & REQUESTING LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION CLASS OF 2018 Presented by IHS Counseling Department 9/20/2017
PRIVATE COLLEGES Private colleges are not part of a system of colleges. Private colleges differ in cost from public colleges. Private colleges may differ in financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Private college deadlines and application plans vary greatly.
APPLYING TO PRIVATE COLLEGES READ application(s) thoroughly. Verify if the college to which you are applying requires a supplemental application. Become familiar with admission plans. Private colleges will expect that you understand admission plans (Early Decision, Early Action)
Early Decision vs. Early Action Early decision plans are binding a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of (typically) May 1.
COMMON APPLICATION www.commonapp.org 600+ Private Schools Utilize the Common Application
COMMON APPLICATION Your Part Create an Account Complete Application Invite Your Recommenders (AFTER asking in Person) Request Transcripts (PARCHMENT) Parts You Will Need Assistance With Letters of Recommendation (Counselor and/or Teacher)
CREATE AN ACCOUNT
COMPLETE APPLICATION
INVITE RECOMMENDERS (AFTER ASKING IN PERSON) Teachers: Ask in person and then invite on Common Application. Each teacher may have a separate process. Ask Early- some teachers will set a limit to the number of letters they write. Counselors: Ask in person then invite on the Common Application. Steps will be given at the FALL Letter of Rec Workshop.
FERPA Release of Authorization: FERPA form must be completed in order for us to communicate and or submit information on your behalf to colleges.
TO CLARIFY Irvine High School does not rank You are listed by deciles (Top 10%, 20%, etc.) Your counselor will have this information for you during office hours Before School During Break Lunch (Tuesdays & Thursdays) In Between 3 rd and 4 th periods SENIOR CLASS SIZE: 521
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Private colleges generally require recommendations from your counselor and one or two teachers. You are responsible for determining the letters and forms that are required by reading the application thoroughly. Verify deadlines prior to making your request for application assistance. Make all requests for recommendations in person!
SCHOOL REPORT FORMS Report Forms are usually required and can be found in the application. (Included in Common Application for Common App Schools) You may find separate forms for teachers and counselors. PLEASE NOTE: IHS Counselors may use our own common IHS school report forms for schools that do not use the Common Application.
REQUESTING: TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS For TEACHER recommendations: Make all requests for recommendations in person! Choose carefully and consider those who know you well. Consider teachers in academic subjects who can write about your academic strengths.
REQUESTING COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS For COUNSELOR recommendations: Make all requests for recommendations in person first Complete IHS Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire Complete or update your Resume Provide other required forms (Faculty Assessments) Request and purchase transcripts (PARCHMENT EXCHANGE) Meet with your counselor (once the above items are complete)
MAKE IT EASY FOR THE WRITERS Make Your Request in person, and obtain your Letter of Recommendation Folder from your counselor. Make your request between: September 21st- October 13th Counselor recommendations require that you go to the document library in Naviance for instructions and required forms. A note about NAVIANCE
DOCUMENT LIBRARY
COUNSELOR LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION INSTRUCTIONS 5 EASY STEPS INSTRUCTIONS LOCATED HERE
5 EASY STEPS to Request Counselor Recommendations
STEP 1 Invite Recommender in PERSON and obtain a Letter of Recommendation Folder. Once you have requested a Letter of Recommendation in PERSON, invite that person/those people using the Common Application
STEP 2 Complete Resume Complete Letter of Rec Questionnaire
STEP 3 Print and Deliver Two Faculty Assessment Forms to teachers who know you the best.
STEP 4 Request and Purchase Transcripts through PARCHMENT EXCHANGE
STEP 5 Return completed Letter of Recommendation Folder to your counselor during office hours (before school, during break, lunch on Tues or Thurs, or in between 3 rd at 4 th period) All students with November 1 st Deadlines must submit their completed Letter of Recommendation Ticket to their counselor by OCTOBER 13 th. All requests made beyond the October 13 th date will be handled on a first come first served basis.
TIPS TO CONSIDER Read applications and instructions. Verify and adhere to all timelines. Use one name only and an active e-mail! Begin the financial aid process. Research, and apply for, scholarships. Organize your educational records. Keep your grades up! Stay on task.
AND CLARIFY, REFINE, NARROW YOUR LIST Seniors spend innumerable hours preparing applications to private colleges to which they have no intention of attending. Discuss and consider this option with your parent(s) or guardian(s).
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO: Make all requests in person! Read your applications thoroughly Follow instructions. Provide all required information. Do NOT miss required deadlines! ADHERE TO DEADLINES!
FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE:
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:
REMIND 101