Log on to MCIS –

www.mncis.intocareers.org User ID: sibleyhs Password: warriors Set up your own account if your do not have one

User ID: first and last name all lower case no space Password: student ID # (if only 4 digits add 00)

Resources

ACT or SAT (spring/summer junior year) Understand why you are going to college Talk to people in the field you are considering Shadow someone Pick a college for your major that matches your

strengths Placement statistics – who employs their

graduates? Options/Barriers – change of mind (2-3 times

before graduation); program acceptance

Next Step -

Distance from home Environment and size Admissions requirements Programs – Majors Cost Campus life Private vs. Public

Begin the search – selecting a college

2 yr. vs. 4 yr. Availability of professors NCAA Types of admission:

Rolling Admissions (~2 weeks) Early Action (varies) Regular Decision (usually by early March/April )

Things to consider -

High school course rigor College Entrance Exams – ACT/SAT/SAT II Grades (GPA) Resume’ or List of Activities &

Accomplishments Personal statement Letters of recommendation

What colleges want -

Minnesota Private College Week –06/25/2012 - 06/29/2012 Do virtual tours/scour the web sites – know your potential

school Meet with college reps when they visit HSHS Attend the National College Fair – October 9 & 10, 2012 (Sibley Counselors will take buses on one day) Visit the school or college you wish to attend Talk about finances – it is a family affair Make your list of colleges Apply early (most colleges begin accepting applications in

early September)

What comes next?

The application

Go to the college website Common Application (www.commonapp.org)

Official Transcript request: Go to Henry Sibley home page and access Docufide by Parchment Register and wait for the email with your account information Send to Common Application OR if not a Common App school send

direct Unofficial Transcript request:

Complete request with the Guidance secretary. Allow 24 hours to process

ACT/SAT scores – you can request 4 at time of taking the ACT test Additional scores can be requested from ACT/SAT

Letters of recommendation Give teachers/counselors 2 weeks advance warning Provide Resume’ or List of Activities and Accomplishments Ask teacher/counselor to give letter to the Guidance Office secretary Letters are recorded and mailed from the Guidance office

Personal statement Be yourself, beat your drum, give examples, why are you special Proof-read! Proof-read! Proof-read!

Essay or short answer questions Parents be supportive and involved – But, don’t do their work for them Students --- Just Do It

Completing the Application

Always use your legal name on all communications Facebook - email names Write Thank You notes Be organized – keep a file for each college you have applied to

with copies of your application and all correspondence. Don’t hesitate to be in communication with your admissions

counselor and high school counselor Be aware of deadlines and requests for mid-year reports, final

transcripts, housing, etc. Continue with a rigorous senior schedule with a full course load and activities Enjoy your senior year. You have done everything you could to

get to this point. Keep your goals in mind and stay focused. You only get to be a high school senior once

General Tips -

Decide which colleges to apply to Complete your college applications

Options: 1) Directly to the college via their web site 2) By using Common Application

Get registered with Docufide for Official Transcripts Common Application schools must have the transcript sent to

Common Application and NOT directly to the college. One official transcript will cover all colleges who are part of Common Application.

Request letters of recommendation from teachers Common Application will notify your counselor and teachers,

so be prepared to give their contact information when you do your application. Note: Mid-year report does not need to be official if you tell us, we

will send them. Final transcripts are sent as our gift to the graduate

The Steps – a review

Attend Financial Aid Workshop in January

Submit the FAFSA online – after January 1• Grants • Work Study• Loans

Work with your college financial aid office

Financial Aid…

QUESTIONS ? ? ?