Understanding the College Process: 101

Mrs. Michelle Meyer (A-L)

Mrs. Vicki Zaya (M-Z)

Our Agenda

1. Welcome to your senior year!

2. Overview of College Process

3. Counseling Center Information

4. College Resources on Mercy Website

5. Using Naviance to Manage the Process

6. Applying through the Common Application

7. Requesting a Transcript

8. Important Dates to Remember

9. Tips and Reminders for Success!

Counseling Department Information

Make an appointment by filling out a request form on the counter in front of Mrs. Scarlato’s desk or by emailing your counselor

Look for pink appointment pass on bulletin board within a few days

If we are requesting an appointment, we will send a pass to you through homeroom

*Mrs. Judy Scarlato is so nice. Be especially nice to her as she is a wealth of knowledge & may be able to help you in a pinch!

Who Does

What?

Overview of the College Application

Process

COLLEGE APPLICATION PROTOCOL

1. Submit your online application materials (application,

essay, resume)

2. Send your ACT/SAT scores to the colleges/universities.

3. Complete a Transcript request form for every college to which you apply in Naviance and on paper.

4. Check Naviance to see when your application materials have been sent.

*If you have questions, make an appointment with your counselor!

Types of Admissions

Regular/Traditional Students will be notified according to each college’s notification date which generally begins in early Spring.

RollingApplications are reviewed as they are submitted. Applicants will receive a decision 6-10 weeks after review is complete.

Early Action (Non-Binding)Allows students to apply early (normally in November) and receive a decision in December or January.

Early Decision (Binding)Same as Early Action but it is binding.‘ Binding’ means that the applicant promises to attend the school if they are accepted.

Five Pieces of the Admission Puzzle

Standardized Test Scores

Grades/Transcripts

College Essay/Personal Statement

Resume/Activity Sheet

Letters of Recommendation

Standardized Test Scores

Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to each college to which you apply. Order them from www.collegeboard.com (SAT) or www.actstudent.org (ACT).

Please remember to code your registration with Mother of Mercy’s CEEB code (361035) so we’ll receive a copy of your test scores to add to your permanent record.

Most colleges accept test scores up until the

December testing dates.

College Resources on Mercy Website

Go to www.motherofmercy.org

Click on Academics- Guidance

Look at all of the resources- whooo-hooo!!

Please note this is where you will find things like…senior calendar, college shadow program info., & transcript request form (can also be found outside counseling offices)

Online Applications

Two Types1. College-specific application:

Go to the college website and create an account to complete it.

2. The Common Application www.commonapp.org

Application Reminders…

Devote appropriate time to completing.

Check and double-check!

If it’s a Common Application, does the school have a separate supplement?

Print a copy of the completed application for your records.

Click “submit” before the deadline

Allow enough time to request your transcripts.

Requesting a Transcript: TWO PARTS

ONE PART…

In your Family Connections account in Naviance, be sure you have moved the college to your “Colleges I am Applying to” list

Click on “Request a Transcript” button next to the appropriate college

THE OTHER PART…

Complete the yellow College Transcript Request Form located outside the counseling office and return it to Mrs. Scarlato. One per college please!

*Note that transcript requests must be completed two weeks prior to any college deadline (that is ten school days!)

04/12/2023

ScholarshipsAid that is based on academics or special talents – must apply!

LoansMoney loaned to student or parent for education – must be repaid!

GrantsAid that is based on financial need, some have academic requirements

Work StudyPart-time job on campus arranged by federal program

Financial Aid

Athletes

To play Division I or II sports you must be registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

Request a transcript through Naviance and complete neon yellow transcript request form in Counseling Office.

Send all ACT/SAT scores to the NCAA Clearinghouse (code: 9999).

Important Dates to Remember

Upcoming ACT dates: September 21st and October 26th

Upcoming SAT dates: October 5th and November 2nd

Northern Kentucky Regional College Fair at Thomas Moore College, September 24, 2013

Cincinnati National College Fair at Duke Energy Center, September 29, 2013

Mercy College Visit Days: October 2, 16, and 25 (see calendar for more)

Mercy Financial Aid Night the first week of December

Tips and Reminders

College reps will be coming to Mercy soon. Be sure to stop by their tables outside the cafeteria.

Check Counseling Bulletin for important info. and listen to announcements for dates for college reps visits

Remember, this is an exciting time of your life and we are here to support you!!

Using Naviance to Manage the Process

Let’s head into Naviance/Family Connections

Applying through the Common Application

Let’s take a tour of the Common Application