Brunswick’s Role in the College Application Process

Brunswick’s Role in the College Application Process Brunswick Guidance Department 2012-2013

Guidance Staff • Rhonda Renn- Registrar • Jill Wilton-Secretary/Transcript Requests/AP Exams • Terri Tuckey- Counselor A-K • Rhonda Starmer Counselor L-Z • Bob Beavan Mentor/SSL/Work Study/Senior Interview

Agenda • Review College Selection Resources • Review Points to Consider in the College Selection Process • Orientation to BHS Guidance Transcript Request Procedure • Highlight Senior Year College Preparation Calendar • Random thoughts and Question/Answer

College Selection Resources • On-Line Services • College Handbooks • College Representatives • College Fairs • Visitations and Interviews • Websites

Points to Consider: • Quality of schedule • Grade point average • SAT I/ ACT scores (where accepted) • SAT II’s (when appropriate)

Points to Consider: • Student Credentials • Teacher Recommendations • Counselor Recommendation • Essay (s)

How Many Applications Are Enough? • Apply to 1-2 dream schools • Apply to 3-4 “realistic” schools which will likely accept you and which you would be happy to attend. • Apply to at least one “safety” school which you know will accept you, which you will be happy to attend and which has an early notification date

The Transcript Process & Procedures

Transcript Request Process • Transcript requests must be made THREE WEEKS in advance • There is a $2.00 fee for each transcript

Before requesting a transcript the following forms should be on file in the Guidance Office • Release of Information form (blue) • Student Credentials • Autobiographical Sketch(for teacher/counselor use only) • Signed Waiver Form

Student Credentials form • Student Credentials form (list of student activities). This page should be no longer than 2 pages in length • One copy of the form is placed in the student’s folder • Student will place a copy in each application • The student is responsible for updating their credentials form when appropriate

Teacher Recommendation Process • 1. Request two teachers who know you well, to write you a recommendation • 2. Provide each teacher with: • Recommendation form • Student credentials form • Any additional information, as appropriate • 3. The student provides each teacher with a stamped, addressed envelope to colleges in which the student is applying

The Transcript Packet will include: • Copy of the student’s academic record from grades 9-11 and their senior schedule • Weighted and un-weighted grade point average and class rank • School Counselor Letter of Recommendation

The Transcript Packet will include: • Brunswick High School Profile • Secondary School Report

Requesting a Transcript • Complete a Transcript Request form • Pay $2.00 for each transcript • Provide a secondary school report for each school that has one • You will be notified when your transcript is ready to be picked up

Picking up your transcripts: • Review the transcript packet • Mrs. Wilton will seal the transcript • The student is responsible for mailing the transcript and application

Mid-Year & End of the Year Reports: • Your college may request a mid-year report. Bring the form to the Guidance Office. • We mail it free of charge

Letters from the College/University • Acceptance • Rejection • Wait List • Deferred

Points to Consider: • Common Application: on-line www.commonapp.org • College Applications: on-line • Common Market: in-state tuition for out-of-state schools • www.mhec.state.md.us ** Please refer to the “Resources for Post Secondary Plans”

Financial Aid • FAFSA is completed online : You may not start this process until after January 1st. (Based on estimated income tax)Deadline: February 15th • Financial Aid Seminar: November 14th at Brunswick at 7:00 pm in the Media Center • CSS/School Profile: (usually private colleges)

Scholarships: • Scholarships: various websites (green handout) Advertised via: • College Career Bulletin (hard copy of website information). • PA Announcements • Check scholarship file cabinet in the Guidance Career Center • http://bhs.sites.fcps.org • www.fastweb.com - Community Foundation Scholarships available online in January (due in February ). One application for 150 scholarships!

NCAA Eligibility Center • Official transcripts will be mailed during the school year upon request by student. Final transcript will be mailed at the end of the year upon request by NCAA. • A copy of the transcript will be mailed to the Athletic Department of the school of your choice, if the stamped envelope is provided by the student. ( A copy of your transcript needs to be on file before an athlete can visit the school).

Factors to Consider • Size and qualifications of the applicant pool • Seeking to admit students with a variety of backgrounds • Look for special skills/talent

College Fairs • October 3, 2012 Frederick Community College from 6:30pm -8:30pm held at the Field House • Baltimore National College Fair: held at the Baltimore Convention Center • Date: October 29th: Time: 10 am-1pm and 5pm-8pm • October 30th Time: 10 am- 1pm • Washington D.C. National College Fair: held at the Washington Convention Center Date: November 7th • Time: 9:00 AM

Be In Touch With Your Counselor • Guidance Office hours: 7:15-2:30 • Sign up on counselor’s schedule. Request a pass from the registrar/secretary

On the lighter side: • Dear Dad, • School I$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. • With all my $tuff, I $imply can’t think of anything I need, $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you. • Love your $0n

Dear Son, • I know that astrNOmy, ecoNomics, and oceaNografy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do Not forget that the pursuit of kNOledge is a Noble task, and you can never study eNOugh. • Love Dad

Brunswick HS Information • www.BHS.org • CEEB School Code: 210305 • 101 Cummings Drive Brunswick, MD 21716 • Rhonda.Starmer@fcps.org • Terri.Tuckey@fcps.org • BHS Guidance # (240) 236-8550 • Fax # (240) 236-8602

Brunswick’s Role in the College Application Process