Preparing for College

Admissions

Parkland Magnet High School

“Your future depends on many things,

but mostly you.”--Frank

Tyger

What’s the first step??

GRADUATE!!!

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSClass of 2013

15 credits to be a Senior 21 credits to graduate 4 English 4 Math (must include a math above

Algebra 2) 4 Science (Biology, Earth/Env, a Physical

science and an elective science) 3 Social Studies (World History, Civics, US

History) 1 unit of PE or Dance Health and Lifeskills 2 courses in a Foreign Language (4 year

college)

Now What?

“When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what just happened.”

--John M. Richardson, Jr.

Research College OptionsThere are over 4,100 colleges and universities in the

United States.

Websites for college searches include. . .

www.collegeboard.com www.cfnc.org www.cappex.com www.collegenet.com www.Petersons.com

What matters most to you??

Distance from homeWeather

GeographyMajors

Academic reputationSize (class size and college

size)Dorm life

CostFinancial Aid

Clubs and Sports

What you need to apply to college. . .

Application

SAT/ACT Scores (FTCC uses Accuplacer scores)

Transcript

Essay

Letters of Recommendation

Where do I get an application?

Apply online!!

Individual College Websites

College Foundation (www.cfnc.org)

The Common Application (www.commonapp.org)

Terms to know

Early decision: apply early, get accepted early, binding decision

Early Action: same as early decision but is not binding

Pooled Admissions: all applications are analyzed during the same general time

Rolling Admissions: applications are reviewed as they are received

SAT/ACT

First fall test for the SAT is in October

Register online at www.collegeboard.com

First fall test for the ACT is in September

Register online at www.actstudent.org

Differences between the ACT and SAT

SAT Subject Tests Hour long, content based tests in

specific subject areas

20 tests across these areas: English, History, Languages, Mathematics, Science

Colleges may use them for placement or admission purposes

SAT Subject Tests at Duke University

Students must take either the SAT and two SAT Subject Tests, or the ACT plus writing

School of Engineering applicants who take the SAT must take one of their two Subject Tests in Mathematics

Students applying to the Trinity College program are encouraged to take the foreign language SAT Subject Test.

Testing Fees SAT is $49 and ACT is $48 plus writing

SAT Subject Tests have a $22 base fee per test date plus $11 for each Subject Test on that date ($22 for Language Listening Tests).

Late registration fees apply

Request a fee waiver in guidance (2)

SAT fee waivers entitle a student to 4 college application fee waivers

Make sure you have your scores sent to colleges!!

Test Preparation

The best test prep is PRACTICE!

Free test questions can be found on:www.cfnc.orgwww.collegeboard.comwww.actstudent.org

Review previously learned math concepts

Read to increase your vocabulary

How do I send my SAT/ACT scores?

High Schools do NOT send SAT or ACT scores to colleges. Scores are not included on your transcript.

When you register for a test, you must choose which schools you want your scores sent to.

You may request additional scores later directly from the testing companies, but normally an additional fee is required.

How do I get a transcript?

All college applications will require an OFFICIAL high school transcript.

Fill out a Transcript Request Form in the Guidance Office. Mrs. Lucas will return an official transcript to you or will mail it directly to a college.

Do not request a transcript until you have completed and submitted each college application!

Letters of recommendation

Make good choices when requesting letters!

Check applications for recommendation forms or required Counselor Statements

Give adequate time for completing a recommendation

Provide the recommender with a resume or brag sheet

Do not open or re-use recommendations once they are sealed!

Your Personal Resume

Start building your resume now!

Work on completing your senior brag sheet

What sets you apart? (complete worksheet)

You don’t have to be great at everything! Colleges want students who will bring something unique to their campus. Focus on something you love and be great at that!

The College Essay

PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD!

Then have someone else PROOFREAD it for you.

Your essay should be a good reflection of your personality. Ask friends and

family to read it, and if it “sounds like you” then you’re on the right track!

Don’t let this be you...

How do I pay for the application fees?

Fee waivers are available if you’ve used an SAT or ACT fee waiver

You may get a total of 4 application fee waivers from Mrs. Lucas.

College Application Week in November

If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you can still request one from a college if you have extenuating circumstances. Contact the college Admissions Office.

NCAA Clearinghouse

If you plan to play sports in college you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org.

See your coach or Mr. Diehl for assistance.

Pay attention to deadlines!!

Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part!

Common Mistakes. . .

Failure to read application directions Incomplete applications Sloppy applications Failure to meet deadlines Applying to only one college Lack of rigorous courses senior year Waiting too late for recommendations Not proofreading essays Not including your name at the top of EVERY

page

Financial Aid

Types: Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Work-Study

Check individual college websites as well as websites such as www.fastweb.com and www.wsfoundation.org.

Many large scholarship deadlines come early in the fall! (Questbridge and Dean Prim)

Check out the Scholarship Newsletter

Complete the FAFSA anytime after January 1st.

•Research College options

•Schedule College Visits

•Prepare for the SAT/ACT

•Work on your Resume’

What can you do this

?

College Visits!Nothing compares to seeing a school for yourself!

(Use worksheets like the College Visit Checklist and Choosing College Priorities to help you prepare for a visit)

What’s next?

College Fair in October

Scholarship and Financial Aid Workshops

Register for SAT/ACT testing

Organize college materials by deadline

Visit the Guidance website regularly

We’re here to help!

Counselors

Chrissy Sergiacomi (last names A-B)

Shirley Davis (last names C-G)Stephen Diehl (last names H-Mc)Karrie Tuttle (last names Me-R)Denise McDonald (last names S-Z)

IB Coordinator

Randy Bourke

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”

--Thomas Jefferson