Deconstructing the College Application Process

Ms. Alamilla and Ms. VossRalamilla@judgememorial.com

Cvoss@judgememorial.com(801) 517-2140

Our Philosophy

All students have choices.

Not where you go, but what you do when you get there that counts.

Everyone’s path will be unique; try not to compare

Organizing process into steps can reduce stress.

Develop good decision-making skills.

Our role in the process = advising, support

Suggestions

For Seniors: Examine yourself Do the research Own the process Communicate with

advisors Meet deadlines!

For Parents: Maintain perspective Be realistic Communicate with

your student (list, financial aid)

Expect “the balancing act”

Overview of Application Process

Where to begin?

Where is everyone right now?Figure out testing schedule

www.judgememorial.com/academics/college

Figure out where to applyChart deadlines and requirementsMeet with Ms. A or Ms. VMeet with college reps visiting JudgeOpen lab evenings w/ Ms. Voss (10/12)

Step 1: Figuring out test schedule

Check on tests required by schools (ACT, SAT Reasoning, Subject)

If applying early, be finished by November 1 (or check websites for guidelines)

Find out if have to take subject tests and how many

Reporting scoresSchool code = 450375

Step 2: Deciding where to apply

Explore colleges (websites, narrative guides, campus visits) Campus visits tips on JM website

College Fair, college rep visits www.judgememorial.com/academics/college/

Meet with Ms. Alamilla or Ms. Voss: finalize list (reaches/possibles/likelies and financial safeties)

Comparing/Contrasting (Helpful Internet Resources)http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigatorwww.library.uiuc.edu/edx/rankings.htmwww.collegeconfidential.com Family Connection College Searchwww.ecampustours.com www.admissionadvice.com (blog)Links on JM College Counseling page

www.judgememorial.com/academics/college/

Step 3: Chart deadlines and application requirementsApplication deadline/type

(rolling/ED/EA/REA/regular)Test Scores (required tests)Transcripts (date ordered w/ Ms. Scholl)Letters of Recommendation (#)Essays/auditions/portfolios/interviewsFinancial Aid (FAFSA, Profile, Inst.)ScholarshipsCheck college websites

Sample Spreadsheet

App Deadline App Fee CA? Required tests Recs Essay Aid App Aid Deadline Schols Schol Deadlines

Public Univ 1 Reg Action 4/1 $35 no ACT preferred none none FAFSA 1-Mar Leadership 1-FebPriority 12/15 also take SAT

Private Reg Action 2/1 $50 yes SAT Reasoning + 1 teacher CA FAFSA 15-Feb Memorial 1-FebCollege EA 11/15 2 Subject tests Counselor CSS Profile Art Dept 15-Feb

OR ACT w/ writing (Ms A)Private Univ Reg Action 1/1 $75 yes SAT Reasoning + 2 teachers 3 short FAFSA 1-Feb need only n/a

ED 11/1 Supp 3 Subject tests Counselor 2 long CSS ProfileACT w/ writing (Ms A) Inst form

Public Univ 2 Reg Action 2/15 $40 no SAT or ACT my choice optional FAFSA 15-Mar WUE upon application

Step 4: Get applications

Download from website Request by phone or

email (not as common) Generic Apps

www.commonapp.org www.universalcollegeapp.c

om Forms, supplements

Folder for each Submit piece by piece

Step 5: Request Recs

Ask teachers first (now); give them forms ONE MONTH ahead of time

Buckley amendment/FERPA waiverIf need 2 recs, show breadth w/ diff core

areas (1 science, 1 English)Follow up/thank yousSSR/Counselor Reports from Common

App or college’s app (senior survey, parent questionnaire)

In-House Request Forms

Names of schools Deadlines Full name, address,

email, phone # Copy of resume

Stamped addressed JM envelope for each letter

Teacher rec forms or letter only

Available in my office or can download from website

Step 6: Order transcripts

“Official” Sent in 5-7 days unless

goes with SSR $5 each Order from Ms. Scholl Check status on Family

Connection “Flow” of a transcript JM Profile

Step 7: Fill out applications

Gather info in one place (folder)

Unofficial transcript Resume Communicate

snapshots Focus/match Submit ON TIME! Helpful hints:

http://www.collegeview.com/articles/CV/counselors/polish-your-application.html

Fee waiver incentives for applying online

Read directions carefully

Take time/care as with paper app

Proofread Check deadlines! Use appropriate

email

Step 8: Essay/Statement

Recommended: puts a face on app

Show FIT and STAND OUT

1) Know questions 2) Take time to

reflect 3) Narrow topic 4) Brainstorm

5) Write first draft (English class)

6) Review/ rewrite Does it convey who

you are? Get college

perspective: www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html

Step 9: Apply for Financial Aid?

How much does a college education cost?

Tuition Fees Room and Board Books Supplies Transportation Miscellaneous

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Form used to collect

demographic/financial info on family

Used to calculate the EFC

Filing begins January 1st

(available in English and Spanish)

Recommend applying online

www.fafsa.ed.gov Colleges may set

FAFSA deadlines

Applying for Need-based Aid

Check each college’s/university’s policy on financial aid or admissions websites

Need-based: FAFSA available in Dec, complete online AFTER January 1 (based on 2009 income) (12/2 mtg)

Can set up PIN now at www.fafsa.ed.gov and access FAFSA forecaster.

EFC Calculator websites: www.fafsa.ed.gov, www.studentaid.ed.gov, www.finaid.org, www.collegeboard.com

CSS Profile: apply through College Board Institutional form

Two Methods of Assessing Aid

FM: (FAFSA) adjusted gross income (= total income - deductions

Does not take into consideration home equity or retirement plans.

IM: (CSS Profile) Income + home equity + assets held in names of other children, private school tuition, Divorce- takes both parents income, excessive medical expenses

Expected Family Contribution

Amount a family can reasonably be expected to contribute NOT what the family can pay for college.

EFC is the same regardless what school a student attends Parent Contribution Student Contribution

Calculated using FAFSA

How can (I) my child afford to pay for college?

Financial AidGrantsScholarshipsLoansEmployment

Financial Aid: Grants

Money that does not have to be repaid and is awarded on the basis of financial need

Calculated through FAFSA (or PROFILE)

Financial Aid: Scholarships

Free money!! Awarded on the basis of merit, skill or unique

characteristics Available through universities, high schools,

community organizations, religious organizations, athletic organizations, etc.

Employers Also:

www.collegeboard.com www.fastweb.com www.scholarship.com

Scholarships Search

Check for scholarships within institutions first

Check private scholarships (Scholarship List on Family Connection)

Check www.fastweb. com

Be wary of scholarship scams

Proportion time and energy

Comparing Offers

What is average tuition increase and when is one next expected?

How do current students feel about advising system?

How much money in loans will you owe after 4 years of their financial aid pkg?

Campus safety comparisons Dining hall food options

What Happens Next?

Will hear back by March/April

Will get offer with financial aid package--time to compare

Must reply by May 1--DON’T double deposit!

Watch mail

In a Nutshell…what should you be doing now?Being here is the first stepHave the college discussion with your

studentPut “College Apps” folder by computer

w/ all info needed to applyCheck on deadlines/requirements for

applying, financial aid, scholarshipsVisit schools, either virtually or in

person

Q & A

Questions?Thank you for coming!Presentation on applying in-state,

October 26, 7pm, Judge LibraryParent to Parent Forum, November 9,

7pm, Judge LibraryFinancial Aid Night with UHEAA,

December 2, 7pm, Judge Library