The College Application Process

Search Application Process

Financial Aid &

Scholarships

R e s o u r c e s

WHS Class of 2014

Objectives– Students will become aware of the college search

process– Students will become aware of the college

application process– Students will become aware of financial aid

opportunities

The College SearchFinding the Right Fit

• Location– Distance from home/ accessibility – Urban vs. Rural

• Size– Small, Mid-Size, Large– Average Class Size

• Relationships with professors

• Cost– In State vs. Out of State Tuition– Scholarship Opportunities– Financial Aid

The College SearchFinding the Right Fit

• Private or Public• Cost• Affiliations • Prestige

• Academics• Major Options• Academic match

• Student Life• Athletics, Greek Life, Travel Abroad Opportunities, Dining

hall, Housing Amenities, etc.

The College SearchFinding the Right Fit

• Review your high school transcript– Weighted & Unweighted GPA– Academic, Honors, & AP level courses

• Tests– ACT or SAT (SAT II – subject specific tests)

– Placement/ Accuplacer Test

Match your performance with average test scores and GPA of current freshmen class using college websites

Tests

SAT ACT Accuplacer/ Placement Test

Writing (200-800)Math (200-800)Critical Reading (200-800)

Total Score Range 600-2400 (including Critical Reading)

Subject Tests• Required by some colleges

English (1-36)Math (1-36)Reading (1-36)Science (1-36)Optional Writing Test (factored in to English portion)

Total Score 4-36

Reading WritingMath

Student performance determines placement into remedial or college level courses.

SAT Scores may exempt students from having to take the placement exam.

For optimal results students should take the test after completing English 11 and Algebra II (By the Fall Semester of Senior Year)

Register through www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org WHS School Code is 211080 A photo ID is required when registering.

Tests

SAT ACT ASVABOctober 5 (late registration through September 23)November 2December 7January 25March 8May 3June 7

(Bold are given at WHS)

October 26December 14February 8April 12June 14

Closest testing locations: Franklin H.S.Hereford H.S.McDonough H.S.

October 16April date TBD

Ways to Research Colleges

• School Counseling Department• Online Resources• College Websites• College Fair – Ag Center on October 14th

• Admissions Offices – Schedule a Tour– Open House Opportunities

Narrow It Down

“Safe” Schools

• Pros• Cons

“Reach” Schools

• Pros• Cons

“Good Fit” Schools

• Pros • Cons

The Application Process

WHEN should you apply?

• Students typically apply during the Fall Semester of their Senior Year.

• Identify the deadline for each school and the type of admission process.

• Mark important dates on your calendar(s) and set reminders.

• Consider applying for early action if possible. Most of these deadlines are between October and December.

The Application Process

Types of Admission• Early Action – Apply early (usually during October-November) find out

usually by late December if accepted • Early Decision – Binding decision, committing to attend that school • Rolling Admission – Accepts applications continuously until entering

class is full• Regular Admission – Firm application deadlines (usually during January

or February)• Open Admission – Typically Community Colleges

The Application ProcessHOW do you apply?

Apply online or by mail• Some schools use the Common Application. Visit www.commonapp.org for a list of

participating members. All forms are submitted electronically. • Some schools use their own applications (paper & online) versions.

Transcripts• Complete a Transcript Request Form (available in the Counseling Office). Be sure to fill in

ALL information. The first 3 transcripts are free and additional requests are $1.00 each. • Please allow 2 weeks for processing.

Test Scores• Students can have their SAT/ACT test scores sent officially to colleges by indicating each

school’s code through www.collegeboard.org• Test scores can also be included on your transcript if indicated on Transcript Request

Form.

The Application ProcessHOW do you apply?

Letter of Recommendation• Determine how many letters are required (do not send more than required).• Identify appropriate staff members.• Complete a Student Credential Sheet (available in the Counseling Office) to help the

person write a thorough letter. • Students should request a letter in person giving at least 2 weeks notice with credential

sheet and pre-addressed envelope with stamp.

Essay• Be sure to answer the question.• Consider having your English teacher review.• Proofread.

Interview• Some schools have an interview portion of the application process, this is handled by each

Admissions Office. • Relax and be yourself!

Financial Aid

Need Base

d

Merit Base

d

Two Broad Categories of Aid

$

Financial Aid Sources of Aid

The Federal Government- offers grants and low interest loans to students and/or parents

The State Government- offers grants based on need and/or merit for in-state schools

Institutional Funds (from College or University)- aid may be based on need and/or merit

Foundations, Community, Businesses, etc. - private scholarships (available in school counseling newsletter and in school counseling office)

Loans and Grants

Financial AidLoans & Grants

Federal Loans• PLUS Loans- for parents and not need-based• Stafford Loans- for students• Perkins Loans• Subsidized Loans- Federal government pays the interest while the student is in school• Work Study- federally funded student jobs

Need-based Grants• Pell• FSEOG• SMART• Academic Competitiveness

Financial Aid

• Begin the process by researching what your eligibility may be– College Board- Big Future

• Parents & Students Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in January of their Senior year. – Determines “estimated family contribution”

Application Timeline• Narrow Search attend Open Houses• Take the SAT/ACT test• Begin Application Process

• Fill out application • Secure Letters of Recommendation• Submit necessary paperwork

Fall

•January complete FAFSA •Start researching & applying for scholarship opportunities

Winter•Continue researching & applying for scholarship opportunities•May 1st Deadline to send Statement of Intent•Register to take Accuplacer Placement test if you are interested in attending a 2 year school

Spring

Questions?