Get Set for College Admissions

Parkland Magnet High School

“Your future depends on many things, but mostly you.”

--Frank Tyger

First and Foremost

• Be on a path to Graduate!!!• classes • grades • attendance • knowledge

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSClass of 2016

• 15 credits to be a Senior• 22 credits to graduate• 4 English • 4 Math (must include a math above Algebra 2)• 4 Science (Biology, Earth/Environmental, a Physical

science & an elective science)• 4 Social Studies (World History, Civics, American

History 1 & 2)• PE 1 & 2 or Dance 1A & 1B • Health & Life Management Skills• CPR Pass• 2 courses in a Foreign Language (4 year college)

What’s Next?

“When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what just happened.”

--John M. Richardson, Jr.

Research College Options

There are over 4,100 colleges and universities in the US and 110 in North Carolina alone.

Websites for college searches include. . .

www.collegeboard.com www.CFNC.org www.cappex.com www.collegenet.com www.Petersons.com

College Fit – One size does NOT fit all • Location• Weather • Geography• Majors• Academic reputation• Size (class size/ college

size)• Dorm life• Cost• Financial Aid

• Clubs/Sports• Graduation Rate• Career Services • Coop/Internship

Opportunities

Components of the College Application:

ApplicationSAT/ACT Scores (FTCC uses Accuplacer scores)Official High School TranscriptEssay (1 or more)Letters of RecommendationSchool Profile

Where do I get an application?

Apply online!!

• The Common Application (www.commonapp.org)

• College Foundation (www.cfnc.org )

• Individual College Websites

Admissions Terms to know

Early Decision: apply early, get accepted early, binding decision

Early Action: same as early decision but is not binding

Pooled Admissions: all applications are analyzed during the same general time

Rolling Admissions: applications are reviewed as they are received

SAT/ACT

First fall test for the SAT is in October• Register online at www.collegeboard.com

First fall test for the ACT is in September• Your Scores from school test in March?• Register online at www.actstudent.org

Differences between the ACT and SAT

SAT Subject Tests

Hour long, content based tests in specific subject areas

20 tests across these areas: English, History, Languages, Mathematics, Science – students can take up to 3 subject tests at one testing session

Colleges may use them for course placement or admission purposes

Testing Fees SAT = $52.50 and ACT = $54.50 plus writing (2014-15)

SAT Subject Tests have a $26 base fee per test date plus $16 for each Subject Test on that date ($26 for Language Listening Tests).

Late registration fees apply

Request a fee waiver in guidance (2) provide child nutrition letter

SAT fee waivers entitle a student to 4 college application fee waivers

Make sure you have your scores sent to colleges!!

Test PreparationFree test prep courses & questions at:

www.cfnc.org www.collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org

Review previously learned math conceptsREAD to increase your vocabulary

How do I send my SAT/ACT scores?

High Schools do NOT send SAT or ACT scores to colleges. Scores are not included on your transcript.

***When you register for a test, you must choose which schools you want your scores sent to.

You may request additional scores later directly from the testing companies, but normally an additional fee is required.

How do I get a transcript?All college applications will require an OFFICIAL high school transcript.

**Send an electronic transcript to any NC college or university immediately via your CFNC.org portfolio

If using the Common App, submit your counselors email address and we will upload an electronic transcript to your portfolio

Fill out a Transcript Request Card in the Guidance Office. Mrs. Lucas will return an official transcript to you or will mail it directly to a college.

Do not request a transcript until you have completed and submitted each college application!

Letters of recommendation• Make good choices when requesting letters!

• Check applications for recommendation forms or required Counselor Statements

• Give adequate time for completing a recommendation

• Provide the recommender with a resume or brag sheet (email your electronic version!)

• Do not open or re-use recommendations once they are sealed!

Your Personal ResumeStart building your resume now!Work on completing your senior brag sheetWhat sets you apart? (complete worksheet)You don’t have to be great at everything!

Colleges want students who will bring something unique to their campus. Focus on something you love and be great at that!

The College Essay

PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD!

Then have someone else PROOFREAD it for you.

Your essay should be a good reflection of your personality. Ask friends and family to read it, and if it “sounds like you” then you’re on the right track!

Don’t let this be you...

Paying Application FeesFee waivers are available if you’ve used an SAT or ACT fee waiver

You may get a total of 4 application fee waivers – they will be available in your College Board portfolio (online only)

College Application Week in November 2015

If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you can still request one from a college if you have extenuating circumstances. Contact the college Admissions Office.

NCAA Clearinghouse

If you plan to play sports in college you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Visit http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/eligibility-center

See your coach or Mrs. Tuttle for assistance.

Pay attention to deadlines!!

Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part!

Common Mistakes to avoid. . .Failure to read application directionsIncomplete applications Errors and typos (SS#, names, easy stuff)Missed deadlinesApplying to only 1 collegeLack of rigorous courses senior year Waiting too late for recommendationsNot proofreading essaysNot including your name at the top of

EVERY page

Financial Aid

Types: Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Work-Study

Check individual college websites as well as websites such as www.fastweb.com and www.wsfoundation.org .

Many large scholarship deadlines come early in the fall! (Questbridge and Dean Prim)

Some schools require the CSS PROFILE – a pre-financial aid form with your application or soon after submission!

Check out the Scholarship Newsletter – emailed to your SCHOOL EMAIL ADDRESS

Complete the FAFSA anytime after January 1st, 2016 www.FAFSA.gov

•Research College options•Schedule College Visits•Prepare for the SAT/ACT•Develop a personal statement/college essay•Work on your Brag Sheet/Resume

What can you do this ?

College Visits!

Nothing compares to seeing a school for yourself! (Use the College Visit Checklist and Choosing College Priorities to help you prepare for a visit)

What’s next?

Senior Meetings with CounselorsRegister for SAT/ACT testingCollege Fair in OctoberOrganize college materials by deadlineVisit the PMHS Guidance website regularlyScholarship & Financial Aid Workshops

We’re here to help!Counselors

Shirley Davis (last names A - Da)Kendra Britto (last names De- How)Amy Samek (last names Hu-Mb)Karrie Tuttle (last names Mc-Roj)Katy Wogatzke (last names Rok-Z)

IB Coordinator

Melissa Moore

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”

--Thomas Jefferson