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Welcome to Life After Deerfield High School

Welcome to Life After Deerfield High School. Agenda. College Applications Recommendations Testing Information Early Decision Important Dates Misc. Choosing a College. Start with who you are and why you are going. Size matters: consider the advantages of smaller colleges vs. big.

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Welcome to Life After Deerfield High School

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  1. Welcome to Life After Deerfield High School

  2. Agenda • College Applications • Recommendations • Testing Information • Early Decision • Important Dates • Misc.

  3. Choosing a College • Start with who you are and why you are going. • Size matters: consider the advantages of smaller colleges vs. big. • A “name brand” college will not guarantee success. • You don’t need to pick a major to pick a college.

  4. Choosing a College (cont.) • Don’t be scared by the stories you hear about selectivity. • You can afford to go to college – there are affordable options. • You don’t have to go to college right away, and it’s never too late. • The most important factor in choosing a college is “fit.” Martha O’Connell – executive director of Colleges That Change Lives

  5. College Applications - Online • Complete the application – print a copy. • Note: many colleges use the common application (see “common app tip sheet” on counseling website). • Print out counselor or high school report form to bring to CCRC (I-100). • Request recommendations (if needed) from teachers. • Request transcript through the CCRC (make sure you have done a transcript release form).

  6. College Applications – cont. • Complete a yellow “Transcript Request” card for each college (left side of the card). Click here • Bring the completed card and any counselor forms required by the college to the CCRC. • EVERYTHING STARTS IN THE CCRC!! • Check your Naviance account to see when transcripts and forms were mailed.

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  8. College Applications - Paper • Complete the application – keep a copy. • Include check for application fee. • Mail completed application. • Request recommendation (if needed) from teachers. • Complete yellow Transcript Request card and bring it with any required counselor forms to the CCRC.

  9. Personal Statements/Essays • Essays: make sure that you READ the essay prompt(s) CAREFULLY and ANSWER all parts. • Open-ended personal statements: tell the college something they can’t get from your application or transcript. • Even if there is no requirement, you can include a personal statement if something needs an explanation. • Use the WERCS to help with your essay/personal statement.

  10. Requesting Transcripts • Transcripts will be requested for each application using the yellow Transcript Request cards – one for each college. • First four (4) transcripts are free. • Each transcript after that is $3.50. • Both weighted and unweighted GPA will be reported – colleges will use the one that works best for you.

  11. Counselor Forms • Some schools have a “Counselor” or “High School” form that needs to be filled out. Print a copy and bring with transcript request. • Allow AT LEAST three weeks to process if it needs to go to your counselor. • DO NOT TAKE APPLICATION OR FORMS TO COUNSELOR!!! EVERYTHING STARTS IN THE CCRC!!!!!

  12. Counselor Recommendations • Any application requiring a counselor recommendation will start in the CCRC(I-100). • MUST have completed parent and student questionnaire before letter can be written. • Good idea to let counselor know you will be needing a letter prior to turning in application.

  13. Counselor Recs (cont.) • Not all colleges will require a counselor letter of recommendation – check requirements. • Again – allow at least three weeks to process. • Some colleges (U of Mich) and all Common App school recommendations can be done on-line: consult with your counselor for preferences.

  14. Teacher Recommendations • Ask early – give teachers at least a month’s notice. • Give teachers a folder that includes: • Your name on the front • List of colleges, application deadlines and recommendation forms for each (if applicable) • Addressed, stamped envelope for each • Follow up with teacher afterward: • Thank you note • Let them know the college’s decision

  15. Testing Information • Test scores are only official when released directly from ACT or SAT. • DHS will not include test scores on transcripts. • Students MUST release test scores from ACT or SAT in order for colleges to consider them. • Some colleges are now “test optional” – check the school’s website.

  16. ACT • You can pick which score(s) you want to release to schools. • Cannot split writing from composite (although some colleges will mix and match scores from different test dates). • http://www.act.org

  17. SAT • If you want to send only one score, you must select “score choice” when requesting that scores be sent. (note: there will be some schools wanting all scores). • Many colleges will mix and match critical reading, math, and writing scores from different testing dates to give you the highest composite – check with the admissions office. • http://www.collegeboard.com/splash/

  18. Early Decision/Action • Early Decision: • Binding – sign a contract • Requires signature of parent, student, and counselor • Can only apply to one college early decision • Early Action: • Non-binding • Can apply to more than one in most cases (check the school’s website for specific information) • Some colleges restrict: single-choice early action

  19. Important Dates • Early Decision/Action deadlines: Check the college website as they vary. • January 1st deadline – support materials MUST be to the CCRC (I-100) by December 1st! • May 1 (postmarked): national reply date. • FAFSA: submit after January 1st – the sooner the better (check college websites for school specific financial aid forms).

  20. Additional Thoughts • Meet with college reps who visit DHS: • Pick up an absence slip in the CCRC (I-100) before the visit (if you will miss class) • Have teacher sign it and bring it to visit • KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES!!!! • Allow 5-7 business days for processing transcript requests when no counselor recommendation is needed. • Allow three weeks for processing the counselor forms and/or recommendations.

  21. Additional Thoughts • Be sensitive to your peers. • Make sure you have a safety school you would be HAPPY attending. • Use Naviance and the CCRC Scholarship search. • Use the Senior Checklist and Application Organizational Chart (counseling website) to keep yourself on track. • Visit the Counseling website often: http://dhs2kweb/Depts/Counseling/PostHSPlanning/PostHSPlanDirectory.asp

  22. Most Important Advice! • R – read the application carefully. • E – examine application for errors before submitting. • A - apply to schools thoughtfully. • D – deadlines are important: make sure you meet them.

  23. Important Websites http://dhs2kweb/Depts/Counseling/PostHSPlanning/PostHSPlan/Directory.asp http://connection.naviance.com/dhs/ http://www.careercruising.com http://cappex.com http://www.act.org http://www.collegeboard.com/splash/

  24. Questions?

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