The College Admission The College Admission ProcessProcess

LHS School Counseling DepartmentLHS School Counseling Department2012-20132012-2013

Thinking about college is scary.Thinking about college is scary. The Barron’s book is way too bigThe Barron’s book is way too big They all look the same.They all look the same. Nothing interests me.Nothing interests me. I’m afraid of getting rejected. I won’t try.I’m afraid of getting rejected. I won’t try. My parents didn’t go.My parents didn’t go. My friends aren’t going to college.My friends aren’t going to college.

3700 Colleges in the U.S.3700 Colleges in the U.S. Community CollegesCommunity Colleges (Associates Degree)(Associates Degree) Two Year Private CollegesTwo Year Private Colleges (Associates Degree)(Associates Degree) NJ State NJ State

Colleges/UniversitiesColleges/Universities Other State Other State

Colleges/UniversitiesColleges/Universities (PA, DE, MD, NC, VA, etc.)(PA, DE, MD, NC, VA, etc.)

HBCUHBCULiberal Arts SchoolsLiberal Arts SchoolsMajor Prestige College and Major Prestige College and

Universities & Ivy League Universities & Ivy League SchoolsSchools

Progressive CollegesProgressive CollegesSpecialized InstitutionsSpecialized Institutions (art, music, culinary, arts, (art, music, culinary, arts,

technology, etc.)technology, etc.)

How to Choose?How to Choose?What is important to you?What is important to you?LocationLocationAcademics…is it a good fit?Academics…is it a good fit?Entrance DifficultyEntrance DifficultySizeSizeFaculty/Class SizeFaculty/Class SizeYour majorYour majorCampus SettingCampus SettingExtra-curricular ActivitiesExtra-curricular ActivitiesAthleticsAthleticsCostCost

• Begin Early (Use Family Connection College Search)Begin Early (Use Family Connection College Search)www.connection.naviance.com/ltpswww.connection.naviance.com/ltps

• Be RealisticBe Realistic

• Research, visit, and know your resourcesResearch, visit, and know your resources

• Tier your schoolsTier your schools•Based on grades, courses taken, and your test scoresBased on grades, courses taken, and your test scores

• CategoriesCategories• Most SelectiveMost Selective• Very SelectiveVery Selective• SelectiveSelective

REACH SCHOOLSREACH SCHOOLS• Top choice schools – include “long shots”Top choice schools – include “long shots”

MATCH SCHOOLSMATCH SCHOOLS• Schools for which you have the credentialsSchools for which you have the credentials but there are no guaranteesbut there are no guarantees• “ “Realistic” schoolsRealistic” schools

PROBABLE OR LIKELY SCHOOLSPROBABLE OR LIKELY SCHOOLS• The probability of admission is “highly likely” to The probability of admission is “highly likely” to “certain”“certain”

IDENTIFY 10 SCHOOLS IDENTIFY 10 SCHOOLS by the end of junior yearby the end of junior yearand begin gathering information about each.and begin gathering information about each.

What Do Colleges Look For?What Do Colleges Look For?Rigorous Schedule Rigorous Schedule

(particularly senior year!)(particularly senior year!)Admission Test ScoresAdmission Test ScoresGradesGradesLevel of CoursesLevel of CoursesEssays/Writing SampleEssays/Writing SampleCommunity ServiceCommunity Service

Counselor Counselor RecommendationRecommendation

Teacher Teacher RecommendationRecommendation

InterviewInterviewSpecial Talents, Interests, Special Talents, Interests,

SkillsSkillsPersonal Recognition Personal Recognition

ProgramsPrograms

Regular Decision Regular Decision (April 1)(April 1)

Rolling Admission Rolling Admission (reviewed as received)(reviewed as received)

Early Decision*Early Decision* (early application & (early application & commitmentcommitment))

Early Action Early Action (early application & (early application & no commitmentno commitment))

• ““Binding” – If you get accepted, you MUST go!Binding” – If you get accepted, you MUST go!

• Must pull all other applications if accepted.Must pull all other applications if accepted.

• Make sure you are a million percent sure thisMake sure you are a million percent sure this is the right fit!is the right fit!

Three Sections:Three Sections:• CRITCAL READING: Reading and Reading CRITCAL READING: Reading and Reading

ComprehensionComprehension• MATHEMATICS: Includes Algebra 1, Geometry, and MATHEMATICS: Includes Algebra 1, Geometry, and

some Advanced Algebrasome Advanced Algebra• WRITING: Write a short essay on a given topicWRITING: Write a short essay on a given topic

Scoring:Scoring:• Either a total of 1600 or 2400 (depends on whether the Either a total of 1600 or 2400 (depends on whether the

college uses the writing score)college uses the writing score)

Register Online: www.collegeboard.comRegister Online: www.collegeboard.com CEEB Code: 311487CEEB Code: 311487 Official Reports must come from www.collegeboard.comOfficial Reports must come from www.collegeboard.com directlydirectly LHS does not send scores to collegesLHS does not send scores to colleges Four FREE score reports at the time of registrationFour FREE score reports at the time of registration You can have additional SAT score reports sent to theYou can have additional SAT score reports sent to the colleges for a fee after you have taken the test.colleges for a fee after you have taken the test.

Colleges require official score reportsColleges require official score reports It takes 3-4 weeks for scores to be sentIt takes 3-4 weeks for scores to be sent All tests become part of your official testing recordAll tests become part of your official testing record Most colleges combine your highest scoresMost colleges combine your highest scores Score Choice: Students can select scores by test date forScore Choice: Students can select scores by test date for SAT. For more information go to: SAT. For more information go to:

http://professionals.collegeboard.com/orofdownload/sat-http://professionals.collegeboard.com/orofdownload/sat-

score-choice-juniors-presentation-pdf.pdfscore-choice-juniors-presentation-pdf.pdf

May 5, 2012 at LHS (registration deadline April 6May 5, 2012 at LHS (registration deadline April 6thth)) June 2, 2012 at LHS (registration deadline May 8June 2, 2012 at LHS (registration deadline May 8thth))

October (TBA), 2012 at LHSOctober (TBA), 2012 at LHS November (TBA), 2012 at LHSNovember (TBA), 2012 at LHS

DON’T MISS THE DEADLINEDON’T MISS THE DEADLINE

Get your Practice Test Booklet from the counseling officeGet your Practice Test Booklet from the counseling officeor online at collegeboard.comor online at collegeboard.com

1 Hour length test (can take up to 3 in one day)1 Hour length test (can take up to 3 in one day) Required by only some schoolsRequired by only some schools Take the tests at the end of the school year in whichTake the tests at the end of the school year in which you have completed the highest level course in theyou have completed the highest level course in the subject you will be tested on (i.e., Math, Biology, etc.)subject you will be tested on (i.e., Math, Biology, etc.) Differentiate the superior students from the superDifferentiate the superior students from the super studentsstudents Cannot take on the same day as SATCannot take on the same day as SAT

Register Online : www.act.orgRegister Online : www.act.org Achievement orientedAchievement oriented Scores – Range from 1-36Scores – Range from 1-36 Sections include: Math, English, Reading, andSections include: Math, English, Reading, and Scientific ReasoningScientific Reasoning Writing is an optional sectionWriting is an optional section

Strongly recommended – Sign up for ‘Plus Writing’Strongly recommended – Sign up for ‘Plus Writing’ Some schools will replace the SAT Subject TestSome schools will replace the SAT Subject Test with the ACT scorewith the ACT score

September 8, 2012 at LHSSeptember 8, 2012 at LHS December 8, 2012 at LHSDecember 8, 2012 at LHS February 9, 2013 at LHSFebruary 9, 2013 at LHS

DON’T MISS THE DEADLINEDON’T MISS THE DEADLINE

Get your practice book from the counseling office.Get your practice book from the counseling office.

NCAA Clearinghouse

Information specific to each college, compare collegesInformation specific to each college, compare colleges College SearchesCollege Searches Complete surveys, brag sheets, and resumesComplete surveys, brag sheets, and resumes Track deadlinesTrack deadlines Produce scattergramsProduce scattergrams See schedule of college visitsSee schedule of college visits

Insert naviance slides

Insert naviance slide

Campus ToursCampus Tours Open HousesOpen Houses Overnight StaysOvernight Stays Visit the actual classes while in sessionVisit the actual classes while in session Policy for missing school to visit a collegePolicy for missing school to visit a college

Happy Searching!! Go Visit Colleges!Happy Searching!! Go Visit Colleges!

COLLEGE FAIRCOLLEGE FAIRSponsored by theSponsored by the

Mercer County Professional Counselor AssociationMercer County Professional Counselor Association      

Tuesday, April 24, 2012Tuesday, April 24, 2012  

Mercer County Community CollegeMercer County Community College  

6:00 – 8:30 p.m.6:00 – 8:30 p.m.  

Over 200 colleges and universities will be present to Over 200 colleges and universities will be present to provide information and answer questionsprovide information and answer questions

Admission is Free! Admission is Free!   

Check with schools to see if they offer interviews.Check with schools to see if they offer interviews. Ask intelligent questions.Ask intelligent questions. Prepare for the meeting with a copy of yourPrepare for the meeting with a copy of your academic record and activitiesacademic record and activities Interview the admission officer – you are learningInterview the admission officer – you are learning about them at the same time that they areabout them at the same time that they are learning about youlearning about you

Net Price Calculator

Net Price Calculator

LHS Guidance Facebook

Social Networks & Admissions

• From your research, come up with a “short list” of 10From your research, come up with a “short list” of 10 schools that interest you schools that interest you (use Family Connection College Search)(use Family Connection College Search)

• Do more extensive research on those schoolsDo more extensive research on those schools

• Trim list downTrim list down

• Meet with your counselorMeet with your counselor

• Register for August 2012 ‘Application Bootcamp’Register for August 2012 ‘Application Bootcamp’

Remember – there is no perfect school, nor is Remember – there is no perfect school, nor is there just one “right” school for a student.there just one “right” school for a student.

Look for good matches and go with the best fit!Look for good matches and go with the best fit!

fastweb.orgfastweb.org finaid.orgfinaid.org connection.naviance.comp/ltpsconnection.naviance.comp/ltps ncaa.org/ ncaa.org/ (National Collegiate Athletic Association)(National Collegiate Athletic Association) nacacnet.org nacacnet.org (National Association for College Admissions(National Association for College Admissions

Counseling. Offers national college fair information and Counseling. Offers national college fair information and articles about the college processarticles about the college process

njsca.orgnjsca.org collegeboard.com collegeboard.com (information about the SAT test)(information about the SAT test) ACT.org ACT.org (information about the ACT test)(information about the ACT test) fafsa.ed.gov (government financial aid)fafsa.ed.gov (government financial aid)

1. 1. When is the best time to visit college/When is the best time to visit college/

university campuses?university campuses?

a. When schools are in sessiona. When schools are in session

b. After you have been acceptedb. After you have been accepted

c. When you canc. When you can

d. Not a priority – you can find out whatd. Not a priority – you can find out what

you need to know from the internetyou need to know from the internet

1. 1. When is the best time to visit college/When is the best time to visit college/

university campuses?university campuses?

a. When schools are in sessiona. When schools are in session

b. After you have been acceptedb. After you have been accepted c. When you canc. When you can

d. Not a priority – you can find out whatd. Not a priority – you can find out what

you need to know from the internetyou need to know from the internet

2.2. Which year in high school is the mostWhich year in high school is the most

important in the college admission process?important in the college admission process?

a. Senior Yeara. Senior Year

b. Junior Yearb. Junior Year

c. Sophomore Yearc. Sophomore Year

d. All of the aboved. All of the above

2.2. Which year in high school is the mostWhich year in high school is the most

important in the college admission process?important in the college admission process?

a. Senior Yeara. Senior Year

b. Junior Yearb. Junior Year

c. Sophomore Yearc. Sophomore Year d. All of the aboved. All of the above

3.3. The biggest difference between a college andThe biggest difference between a college and

a university is:a university is:

a. Universities offer more courses and academica. Universities offer more courses and academic

flexibilityflexibility

b. Colleges focus exclusively on undergraduateb. Colleges focus exclusively on undergraduate

educationeducation

c. Universities offer big time athletic programsc. Universities offer big time athletic programs

d. Colleges are not as strong academically asd. Colleges are not as strong academically as

universitiesuniversities

3.3. The biggest difference between a college andThe biggest difference between a college and

a university is:a university is:

a. Universities offer more courses and academica. Universities offer more courses and academic

flexibilityflexibility b. Colleges focus exclusively on undergraduateb. Colleges focus exclusively on undergraduate

educationeducation

c. Universities offer big time athletic programsc. Universities offer big time athletic programs

d. Colleges are not as strong academically asd. Colleges are not as strong academically as

universitiesuniversities

4. The best way to determine whether a college/4. The best way to determine whether a college/

university is affordable is to:university is affordable is to:

a. Apply only to schools with low price tagsa. Apply only to schools with low price tags

b. Use on-line calculators to determine yourb. Use on-line calculators to determine your

family’s financial contributionfamily’s financial contribution

c. Ask the financial aid officer to provide an earlyc. Ask the financial aid officer to provide an early

estimate of your family’s expected contributionestimate of your family’s expected contribution

d. Consult with a financial planner who can helpd. Consult with a financial planner who can help

you get the best dealyou get the best deal

4. The best way to determine whether a college/4. The best way to determine whether a college/

university is affordable is to:university is affordable is to:

a. Apply only to schools with low price tagsa. Apply only to schools with low price tags

b. Use on-line calculators to determine yourb. Use on-line calculators to determine your

family’s financial contributionfamily’s financial contribution c. Ask the financial aid officer to provide an earlyc. Ask the financial aid officer to provide an early

estimate of your family’s expected contributionestimate of your family’s expected contribution

d. Consult with a financial planner who can helpd. Consult with a financial planner who can help

you get the best dealyou get the best deal

5. Among the following, the biggest reason that5. Among the following, the biggest reason that

capable students might not get into selectivecapable students might not get into selective

schools is:schools is:

a. They don’t have the right contactsa. They don’t have the right contacts

b. The admission committee failed to recognizeb. The admission committee failed to recognize

family’s financial contributionfamily’s financial contribution

c. They made unwise choices regarding classroomc. They made unwise choices regarding classroom

performanceperformance

d. Their scores were too lowd. Their scores were too low

5. Among the following, the biggest reason that5. Among the following, the biggest reason that

capable students might not get into selectivecapable students might not get into selective

schools is:schools is:

a. They don’t have the right contactsa. They don’t have the right contacts

b. The admission committee failed to recognizeb. The admission committee failed to recognize

family’s financial contributionfamily’s financial contribution c. They made unwise choices regarding classroomc. They made unwise choices regarding classroom

performanceperformance

d. Their scores were too lowd. Their scores were too low

6. SATs are important in the selection process6. SATs are important in the selection process

because:because:

a. They show who can do the work over four yearsa. They show who can do the work over four years

of collegeof college

b. They are intelligence tests and schools wantb. They are intelligence tests and schools want

smart kidssmart kids

c. They get you to focus on developing life-longc. They get you to focus on developing life-long

learning skillslearning skills

d. They are competitive credentials – schoolsd. They are competitive credentials – schools

like big numberslike big numbers

6. SATs are important in the selection process6. SATs are important in the selection process

because:because:

a. They show who can do the work over four yearsa. They show who can do the work over four years

of collegeof college

b. They are intelligence tests and schools wantb. They are intelligence tests and schools want

smart kidssmart kids

c. They get you to focus on developing life-longc. They get you to focus on developing life-long

learning skillslearning skills d. They are competitive credentials – schoolsd. They are competitive credentials – schools

like big numberslike big numbers

7.7. The best time to go to college if:The best time to go to college if:

a. After you have saved enough money to pay ata. After you have saved enough money to pay at

least 50% of the expense up frontleast 50% of the expense up front

b. Right after high school so you don’t lose focusb. Right after high school so you don’t lose focus

c. Only after you have determined the course ofc. Only after you have determined the course of

study you want to pursuestudy you want to pursue

d. When you are readyd. When you are ready

7.7. The best time to go to college if:The best time to go to college if:

a. After you have saved enough money to pay ata. After you have saved enough money to pay at

least 50% of the expense up frontleast 50% of the expense up front

b. Right after high school so you don’t lose focusb. Right after high school so you don’t lose focus

c. Only after you have determined the course ofc. Only after you have determined the course of

study you want to pursuestudy you want to pursue d. When you are readyd. When you are ready

8. The best college fit is:8. The best college fit is:

a. The one that values you for what you do wella. The one that values you for what you do well

b. The place that is the closest to homeb. The place that is the closest to home

c. The one with the highest rankingc. The one with the highest ranking

d. The place where a lot of your friends will bed. The place where a lot of your friends will be

goinggoing

8. The best college fit is:8. The best college fit is:

a. The one that values you for what you do wella. The one that values you for what you do well

b. The place that is the closest to homeb. The place that is the closest to home

c. The one with the highest rankingc. The one with the highest ranking

d. The place where a lot of your friends will bed. The place where a lot of your friends will be

goinggoing

9.9. What is the most important criteria for determiningWhat is the most important criteria for determining

whether a student should apply Early Decision?whether a student should apply Early Decision? a. a. The student wants to have the best chance of getting into aThe student wants to have the best chance of getting into a

great schoolgreat school

b. The student is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt thatb. The student is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that

the college/university is the absolute best fit and 1the college/university is the absolute best fit and 1stst choice. choice.

S/he will enroll if acceptedS/he will enroll if accepted

c. The student has good connections that will only make ac. The student has good connections that will only make a

difference in Early Decisiondifference in Early Decision

d. The student has a great academic recordd. The student has a great academic record

e. The student does not need financial aide. The student does not need financial aid

9.9. What is the most important criteria for determiningWhat is the most important criteria for determining

whether a student should apply Early Decision?whether a student should apply Early Decision? a. a. The student wants to have the best chance of getting into aThe student wants to have the best chance of getting into a

great schoolgreat school b. The student is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt thatb. The student is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that

the college/university is the absolute best fit and 1the college/university is the absolute best fit and 1stst choice. choice.

S/he will enroll if acceptedS/he will enroll if accepted

c. The student has good connections that will only make ac. The student has good connections that will only make a

difference in Early Decisiondifference in Early Decision

d. The student has a great academic recordd. The student has a great academic record

e. The student does not need financial aide. The student does not need financial aid

10.10. In addition to your guidance counselor, whom shouldIn addition to your guidance counselor, whom should

you ask for a letter of recommendation?you ask for a letter of recommendation?

a. Your neighbor who attended the collegea. Your neighbor who attended the college

b. A religious leader who knows your family wellb. A religious leader who knows your family well

c. A teacher who knows you wellc. A teacher who knows you well

d. You state senator or a local politiciand. You state senator or a local politician

e. Your employere. Your employer

10.10. In addition to your guidance counselor, whom shouldIn addition to your guidance counselor, whom should

you ask for a letter of recommendation?you ask for a letter of recommendation?

a. Your neighbor who attended the collegea. Your neighbor who attended the college

b. A religious leader who knows your family wellb. A religious leader who knows your family well

c. A teacher who knows you wellc. A teacher who knows you well

d. You state senator or a local politiciand. You state senator or a local politician

e. Your employere. Your employer

11. In choosing courses for the senior year, students should:11. In choosing courses for the senior year, students should:

a. Move to the next logical level of rigor ora. Move to the next logical level of rigor or

challengechallenge

b. Relax and take interesting electivesb. Relax and take interesting electives

c. Try to take as many Honors and Advancedc. Try to take as many Honors and Advanced

Placement classes as possiblePlacement classes as possible

d. Take a good mix of courses that are challengingd. Take a good mix of courses that are challenging

and easyand easy

11. In choosing courses for the senior year, students should:11. In choosing courses for the senior year, students should:

a. Move to the next logical level of rigor or a. Move to the next logical level of rigor or challenge challenge

b. Relax and take interesting electivesb. Relax and take interesting electives

c. Try to take as many Honors and Advancedc. Try to take as many Honors and Advanced

Placement classes as possiblePlacement classes as possible

d. Take a good mix of courses that are challengingd. Take a good mix of courses that are challenging

and easyand easy

12.12.The best way to prepare for college entrance testsThe best way to prepare for college entrance tests

(ACT/SAT) is to:(ACT/SAT) is to:

a. Read a lota. Read a lot

b. Relax and take interesting electivesb. Relax and take interesting electives

c. Try to take as many Honors and Advancedc. Try to take as many Honors and Advanced

Placement classes as possiblePlacement classes as possible

d. Take a good mix of courses that are challengingd. Take a good mix of courses that are challenging

and easyand easy

12.12.The best way to prepare for college entrance testsThe best way to prepare for college entrance tests

(ACT/SAT) is to:(ACT/SAT) is to:

a. Read a lota. Read a lot

b. Relax and take interesting electivesb. Relax and take interesting electives

c. Try to take as many Honors and Advancedc. Try to take as many Honors and Advanced

Placement classes as possiblePlacement classes as possible

d. Take a good mix of courses that are challengingd. Take a good mix of courses that are challenging

and easyand easy

Thank you!

Questions?