The College Application Process

1. The College Application Process

2. What are Colleges looking for? • GPA • Transcript • SAT, SAT Subject tests, ACT • Activities Record • College Essay • Interview • Recommendations

3. GPA &Transcript Your transcript has been sent home. Please review it for accuracy and return it to the Guidance office by 9/29. • Academic growth, strength of program, grades -Senior course selection - Mid-year Grades, 1st and 3rd marking periods • GPA is computed for all high school courses through the Junior year • LVHS does not rank

4. SAT, SAT Subject Tests, & ACT • College entrance exams • Required by most Colleges SAT Subject Tests* - Check with individual Colleges for testing requirements *Check with Colleges if they will take the ACT in lieu of SAT subject tests

5. SAT dates Test Date: Registration Deadline: October 14, 2006 September 20, 2006* (late reg.) November 4, 2006 September 29, 2006 December 2, 2006 November 7, 2006 January 27, 2007 December 26, 2006 Check SAT Schedule to verify SAT Subject test dates LVHS is a testing site for all SAT dates

6. ACT dates Test Date: Registration Deadline: October 28, 2006* September 22, 2006 December 9, 2006 November 3, 2006 *test offered at LVHS

7. SAT Score Delivery Dates • Contact Colleges to find out when scores need to be received by and what is the last test date that will be accepted. SAT Date Student Score Student Score by Web by Paper October 11-2-06 11-15-06 November 11-28-06 12-8-06 December 12-21-06 1-10-07 January 2-15-07 3-1-07

8. School Codes • High School CEEB Code: 332 882 Test Center Codes: • SAT Code: 33-562 • ACT Code: 20006

9. Testing for Students with Accommodations Please contact the Individual Needs Department with any questions regarding special testing accommodations for SAT and ACT tests • Please be aware that there are separate forms for the SAT’s and ACT’s to be filled out for accommodations.

10. FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT THESE WEB SITES: WWW.COLLEGEBOARD.COM WWW.ACT.ORG

11. Letters of Recommendation • Two letters • Make sure you follow up with any teachers you asked last year • Teachers who know you well (preferably Junior teachers) • Supplementary letters (ie. Athletics, Art, Music) • Counselor Recommendation • Thank you note

12. College Essay • Represents student • Answer question • Engaging • Presentation counts • Be original • Be yourself • Revise and proofread • Seek feedback

13. Interviews • May be required • Alumni interviews • Informational • Relax and be yourself • Be prepared - Ask questions - Bring Activity Record - Dress appropriately - Arrive on time *Be aware of deadlines for interview sign-up.

14. Activity Record • Accomplishments • Honors and Awards • Extracurricular activities • Clubs, Sports • Community Service • Out of school activities • Summer programs & Internships • Work experience

15. College Visits • When visiting a college, consider what you are looking for: • Size • Location • Urban, Suburban, Rural • Public or private • Major, special programs • Athletics • Environment • Student life • Single Sex or Co-ed • Religious orientation • Military Academy Call Admissions to set up an appointment for a tour and info session!

16. Narrow It Down • “target” schools • “reach” schools • “safe” schools Your goal is to find a good match for you!

17. INTERNET SITES for COLLEGE INFORMATION • www.collegeboard.com Offers a wide range of college admissions information & services in the areas of college search, assessment, admission, placement, financial aid, curriculum, and research.  • www.collegenet.com Search for colleges by name, location, enrollment, tuition, major, affiliation and sports. Also includes a scholarship search, financial aid information and other college resources. • www.campustours.com Online source for virtual college tours, interactive maps, college webcams, QuickTime VR tours, campus movies and pictures • Many others also available

18. Speak with college representatives Find out and gather information on schools Other services may include: Valuable seminars Informational resources Counselors to help with the college search process Attend College Fairs!

19. FALL COLLEGE FAIRS • NACAC- National College Fair -October 1, 2006 Time: 11-4pm Nassau Coliseum Locust Valley High School also hosts mini-college fairs right in front of the Guidance Office! Dates: Every Monday at 1:00pm from 9-18-06 until 10-30-06

20. LVHS Guidance Website! Over the next few weeks LVHS will be developing the Guidance Website. Check it often for a list of visiting Colleges, forms you may need, and useful tips! To get there go to: www.lvcsd.k12.ny.us > schools > high school > departments > guidance

21. Start Applying!

22. When Should I Apply? • First quarter of senior year • Early Decision/ Early Action • Regular Admission • Rolling Admission • Priority Applications

23. Deadline Dates • All applications are due, complete, to the Guidance Office 2 weeks prior to their deadline • Be aware of due dates for portfolios/auditions • Application deadlines are the same for online or paper All applications that need to be mailed out prior to the December vacation need to be handed in by December 8th!

24. Application Process • You are responsible for obtaining applications online or from each college • Common, SUNY, CUNY, Individual • Apply online or by mail through the Guidance Department • NCAA Clearinghouse • Financial aid Be aware of deadlines!!

25. Applications • COMMON -School Report -Teacher Evaluation -Midyear Report • SUNY/ CUNY* -Supplemental (note: only some schools/programs require a supplemental. Check school’s website to find out if they require one.) (* Applicants to the CUNY Honors College and Teacher Academy need to apply online) • ONLINE -Print out receipt of submission and give to the Guidance office so that we can send your supporting documentation to the college. For all applications, you must fill out an Application Processing Form, with a parent signature, available in the Guidance Office.

26. National Collegiate Athletic Association • Division I & II college-bound athletes should register in the fall with NCAA -www.ncaaclearinghouse.net • Submit forms online, and give receipt to Guidance Office • Be in touch with HS coaches • Attend NCAA College Eligibility for Student Athletes session on September 27th at 7pm, Locust Valley HS Auditorium.

27. New York State Higher Education Services Corporationwww.HESC.comFinancial Aid Workshop on December 5, 2006CSS Profile: Some colleges requireFAFSA: File after January 1st of Senior year Financing your education APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.FAFSA.ED.GOV

28. Academic Departmental Private SCHOLARSHIPS

29. Scholarship Websites • www.fastweb.com • www.collegeboard.com • www.scholaraid.com • www.lvcsd.k12.ny.us (go to Schools > HS > Depts. > Guidance > Scholarship info)

30. Make the most of this journey! • Let your child take ownership of this exciting process • We are here to help you You are about to embark on another milestone of your life! LVHS

31. Student Responsibilities • Obtaining & Completing applications • Submitting applications to the Guidance Office 2 weeks prior to their deadline • Know applications due dates! • Testing requirements • Contacting schools about interviews • Essay, Activity Record*, Letters of Recommendation, Autobiography* • Scholarship search *Activity Record & Autobiography is due to the Guidance Office by Friday, October 13, 2006!

32. Parent Responsibilities • Let your child make calls to colleges • Filling out FAFSA forms • Helping with scholarship search • Parent “Brag Sheets” for Guidance* • Supporting your child in this process! *Parent “Brag Sheet” is due to the Guidance Office by Friday, October 13, 2006!