Junior Parents ’ Workshop: The College Admissions Process

1. Junior Parents’ Workshop: The College Admissions Process Mrs. Betsy Sullivan

2. College Search • Who are you? • What do you want? • College Search: selectivity, 2 yr/4 yr school, state, region, major, sports, LD, average cost, enrollment • Develop List through Naviance

3. Important Decisions • First Choice • Early Decision • Early Action • Single Choice • Regular Decision • Likely Schools

4. Evaluating an Applicant • High School Grades and GPA • Rigor of Program+Senior Course Selection • Rank (MLHS does not rank) • Standardized Test Scores (Test Optional Colleges: www.fairtest.org) • Extracurricular Activities • Teacher and Counselor Recommendations • Application Essay(s) • Interview (required/recommended)

5. MLHS School Profile • Every school has a Profile that is updated each year • Contains the school’s statistical data + other information • Features past performance as a benchmark • Colleges compare the strength of a student’s transcript to the strength of the offerings, to peers, and to the pool of applicants • MLHS’ Profile is a strong statement about our school, our students, and our community

6. High School Transcript • Courses taken and final grades earned in grades 9-11 with annual and cumulative GPAs • Does not include quarter or exam grades • Midyear Report gives that breakdown and is released to colleges in February • MLHS GPA is calculated on all classes except PE, Audit, and Pass/Fail classes • MLHS GPA is weighted on a sliding scale A+=4.3, 4.8, 5.3 • Non-weighted GPA uses 4.0 scale

7. Standardized Testing • PSAT-Sophomore and Junior Years • SAT Reasoning-Sophomore and Junior Years SAT II Subject Tests-Start early (Honors Bio Grade 9; Honors Chem Grade 10; AP Bio Grade 11 take it again for best possible score) www.collegeboard.com www.ets.org • ACT with or without Writing www.actstudent.org • Please note: Students are responsible for knowing the specific requirements for each of their schools

8. Resume/Activities Sheet • Extracurricular Activities • Community Service • Employment • Photo-optional personal choice

9. Campus Visits • MLHS CODE: 310855 • Register in Admissions Office • Plan ahead for a tour • Schedule an overnight, attend classes • Talk to other students on campus • Exchange email information if appropriate • Look at facilities, surroundings, professors, and students • Keep notes • Send Thank You cards

10. Student-Athletes • NCAA Regulations Division I Schools Division II Schools Division III Schools • Cumulative GPA • NCAA’s Cumulative GPA • Register/File after completion of junior year

11. Financial Aid and Scholarships • Public or Private: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov • Private: College Scholarship Service (CSS) www.collegeboard.com • Scholarships

12. Additional Resources Guidance Department Telephone: 973-334-8580 Fax: 973-316-0815 CEEB Code: 310855 Mr. Bergen: jbergen@mtlakes.org until 12/20/13 Ms. Rao: mrao@mtlakes.org from 1/2/14 Ms. Margaret Montenare:mmontenare@mtlakes.org Mrs. Sullivan: bsullivan@mtlakes.org Mr. Wolfelsperger: dwolfelsperger@mtlakes.org Ms. Stalter: lstalter@mtlakes.org Ms. Corby: mcolby@mtlakes.org Dr. Moore: jmoore@mtlakes.org