CLASS OF 2013CLASS OF 2013College &

Post High School Planning

Why are we here? Focus is on college planning

92% of PCH students attend 2 or 4 year colleges/universities

Cover the basics now Make an appointment with your counselor

to discuss your specific needs

CLASS OF 2013266 Ranked Students266 Ranked Students

Rank GPA

Top 50% 133 3.333

Top 33.3% 89 3.630

Top 25% 66 3.726

Top 20% 53 3.804

Top 10% 26 4.026

Top 5% 13 4.267

• Competitiveness• Reputation of PCH• Scholarships often

include rank in criteria

Where should I apply? Should have a good idea by mid-Octobermid-October Steps to take if you’re struggling:

Make an appointment with your counselor Family Connection – college searches On-campus college visits PCH college rep visits Attend college fairs

Counselor Contact Our role:

Provide resources to help YOUYOU make the best decision

Submit transcripts and school forms

Make appointments through Ms. Reynolds Communicate via e-mail

What do colleges look for? Academic record (Rank/GPA) Rigor of coursework Test scores (ACT/SAT) Extracurricular activities Special talents (music, art, athletics, etc.) Leadership, community service, unique

qualities

Selectivity Highly selective

May admit only 1-2 students from PCH Open admissions

Require high school diploma Everything in between

Terms we often use: “Stretch” or “Reach” “Safety”

On-Campus Visits You can’t really tell what a college is like

until you’ve been Things to look for on a visit:

Academics (class sizes, TAs or professors, etc.) Location/size of town Housing Student Life Security

College Rep Visits Shows interest and allows you to meet with

an admissions representative Check FAMILY CONNECTIONFAMILY CONNECTION for a listing

of all college rep visits Register on-line and print a pass Have questions ready - - you might even

get a one-on-one appointment

Upcoming College Fairs September 27 – Parkway College Fair

@ Parkway North High (6:30-8 p.m.)

October 21 – National College Fair @ St. Louis University (12-3 p.m.)

Types of Admissions RollingRolling – notification once application is

processed Early actionEarly action – early deadline; early

notification; non-binding Early decisionEarly decision – binding agreement if

admitted; usually prohibited from applying to any other schools

Special programs – may require separate applications

Admissions Decisions Admit – You’re in (contingent upon final transcript) Deny – You’re not in (may still send updated

transcripts or test scores) Wait list – You’re not in yet, but you’re on a list if an

opening becomes available Deferred – You still don’t know…the decision is being

moved to a later date (may still send updated transcripts, resume, additional rec letter)

Update your status in Family ConnectionUpdate your status in Family Connection

Applications and Fees Majority of applications are now completed

and submitted online Pay application fees online with credit card Students on Free/Reduced Lunch may be

eligible for fee waivers for college applications – see your counselor

Financial Aid Grants – based on need; do not repay Loans – must be repaid, with interest Work Study – based on need; part-time

employment during school FAFSA – used to apply for all need-based aid

Apply after January 1, 2013 PIN creation (www.pin.ed.gov) FAFSA4caster

Scholarships Check FAMILY CONNECTIONFAMILY CONNECTION and listen

to announcements for scholarships Searching for additional scholarships:

www.fastweb.com www.scholarship.com School specific (may require separate

application)

Never pay for scholarship searches

Senior Year Senior year counts

Acceptance is conditional until final transcript Entering college on probation

ACT/SAT Do you need to take/retake? Do you need Plus

Writing or Subject Tests?

Caution: e-mail addresses; social networking

A Few Tips DO some self-study and investigation to

find out what fits you best Career searches and personality inventories on

Family Connection

DO visit colleges DO keep counselors informed (deadlines,

decisions, etc.) DON’T procrastinate

Family Connection

Transcripts Must have Authorization to Release

Records on file (green form) Transcript and test score requests must be

made in Family Connection It is your responsibility to ensure everything

has been received by the college

Forms Common App

SSR, MYR, FR – done electronically Teacher Evaluation Forms – electronically or

mailed, depending on letter writer College Specific Forms

Counselor/School Reports (i.e., Indiana, Tulane, Truman, SLU) must be printed and given to your counselor and/or letter writers

Letters of Recommendation Only request letters if necessary Give 2-3 weeks notice Ask core teachers from 11th or 12th grade Provide addressed, stamped envelope if letter

writer prefers mailing If letter writer prefers submitting electronically, send

them a request through Family Connection (after discussing with them!)

See counselor for specific requirements/forms Be aware of deadlines and keep everyone

informed!

DEMOhttp://connection.naviance.com/pkwyctrl