Senior Parent Senior Parent

CollegeCollege Information Night Information Night

Monday, October 22, 2012Monday, October 22, 2012

6:00 – 7:30 pm6:00 – 7:30 pm

TONIGHT’S TOPICSTONIGHT’S TOPICS Handling College ApplicationsHandling College Applications Common UC/CSU Application IssuesCommon UC/CSU Application Issues Handling the Common ApplicationHandling the Common Application Handling Letters of RecommendationsHandling Letters of Recommendations Why “Fit” is importantWhy “Fit” is important What Private Colleges are Looking ForWhat Private Colleges are Looking For Taking a Look at College OptionsTaking a Look at College Options Review the Community College OptionsReview the Community College Options Utilizing Naviance for College & Scholarship SearchUtilizing Naviance for College & Scholarship Search Provide Information Regarding College and Financial Aid Provide Information Regarding College and Financial Aid

Application Timelines.Application Timelines. Helpful WebsitesHelpful Websites Opportunity for Q & A.Opportunity for Q & A.

HANDLING COLLEGE APPLICATIONSHANDLING COLLEGE APPLICATIONS APPLICATION DEADLINES:APPLICATION DEADLINES: Keep a spreadsheet so that you don’t miss CRITICAL due dates.Keep a spreadsheet so that you don’t miss CRITICAL due dates. Remind your student to check their email and college portals twice a week after Remind your student to check their email and college portals twice a week after

submitting their applications. Make sure they establish a submitting their applications. Make sure they establish a ‘clean’ email‘clean’ email (e.g. (e.g. smithjj@yahoo.comsmithjj@yahoo.com)) for college and financial aid purposes. for college and financial aid purposes.

SENDING TEST SCORES:SENDING TEST SCORES: Send SAT/ACT scores “officially” from Actstudent.org or Collegeboard.org. Send SAT/ACT scores “officially” from Actstudent.org or Collegeboard.org.

Putting the scores on the application is Putting the scores on the application is NOTNOT officially sending them nor are scores officially sending them nor are scores on the transcript considered official.on the transcript considered official.

TRANSCRIPTS:TRANSCRIPTS: UC’s & CSU’s – Transcripts do not need to be sent with initial application. UC’s & CSU’s – Transcripts do not need to be sent with initial application. Common Application – Counselors will submit official initial transcript on student’s Common Application – Counselors will submit official initial transcript on student’s

behalf.behalf. Hard Copy – Student must submit request form (available at front desk) and pay $3 Hard Copy – Student must submit request form (available at front desk) and pay $3

for each official transcript.for each official transcript.LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: UC’s & CSU’s – No letters are needed. UC’s & CSU’s – No letters are needed.

If a college does not ask for them, do not submit them, they will not be considered.If a college does not ask for them, do not submit them, they will not be considered.

COMMON UC/CSUCOMMON UC/CSUAPPLICATION ISSUESAPPLICATION ISSUES

Failure to note the proper program and scheduleFailure to note the proper program and schedule Note: Block program with a Semester schedule is correct (do not choose quarter!)Note: Block program with a Semester schedule is correct (do not choose quarter!)

Confusion on how to list 12Confusion on how to list 12thth grade courses grade courses that only have one gradethat only have one grade (i.e. AP (i.e. AP Govt, Econ., Law & Justice, etc.)Govt, Econ., Law & Justice, etc.)

Yearlong courses (AP Govt/AP Micro-Econ/AP Macro-Econ/Law & Justice)Yearlong courses (AP Govt/AP Micro-Econ/AP Macro-Econ/Law & Justice) AP Govt/AP Micro-Econ are both currently in play as fall coursesAP Govt/AP Micro-Econ are both currently in play as fall courses

First semester should be listed as “in progress” and second semester should be listed as “no course”First semester should be listed as “in progress” and second semester should be listed as “no course” AP Macro-Econ/Law & Justice will be taught in the springAP Macro-Econ/Law & Justice will be taught in the spring

First semester should be listed as “no course” and second semester should be listed as “planned”First semester should be listed as “no course” and second semester should be listed as “planned” Fall courses (AP Govt/Econ. or Govt/Econ.)Fall courses (AP Govt/Econ. or Govt/Econ.)

11stst quarter course grades (for Govt. or AP Govt.) can be listed as these grades are now final quarter course grades (for Govt. or AP Govt.) can be listed as these grades are now final Post grade for semester onePost grade for semester one For semester two list as “no course”For semester two list as “no course”

22ndnd quarter courses (Econ) should be listed as “no course” for semester one and “in progress” quarter courses (Econ) should be listed as “no course” for semester one and “in progress” for semester twofor semester two

Spring courses (AP Govt/Econ or Govt/Econ)Spring courses (AP Govt/Econ or Govt/Econ) AP Govt. and Govt. should be listed as “planned” for semester one and “no credit” for AP Govt. and Govt. should be listed as “planned” for semester one and “no credit” for

semester two.semester two. Econ. should be listed as “no credit” for semester one and “planned” for semester two.Econ. should be listed as “no credit” for semester one and “planned” for semester two.

COMMON APPLICATION FAQ’sCOMMON APPLICATION FAQ’s

What is the Common Application and will I need it?What is the Common Application and will I need it?

Answer: The Common Application is very much like what is says. It is Answer: The Common Application is very much like what is says. It is an application that is common to many colleges that have agreed to an application that is common to many colleges that have agreed to accept it for admissions purposes. If students are applying to more accept it for admissions purposes. If students are applying to more than one of these schools it can greatly cut down on the amount of than one of these schools it can greatly cut down on the amount of work needed in applying – very cool!work needed in applying – very cool!

How do I know which colleges accept the Common Application?How do I know which colleges accept the Common Application?

Answer: Check the following website as it will inform as to those Answer: Check the following website as it will inform as to those colleges that accept its use. There are currently 488 colleges that use colleges that accept its use. There are currently 488 colleges that use it. https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Members.aspx it. https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Members.aspx

HANDLING THEHANDLING THECOMMON APPLICATIONCOMMON APPLICATION

The Common Application requires a letter of recommendation from a counselor and one or The Common Application requires a letter of recommendation from a counselor and one or two teachers. To expedite this process please pay attention to the following.two teachers. To expedite this process please pay attention to the following.

#1 Make sure you are #1 Make sure you are COMMITTEDCOMMITTED to completing and sending the Common Application. to completing and sending the Common Application. Remember that you are relying on recommenders to do significant work on your behalf Remember that you are relying on recommenders to do significant work on your behalf and if there is no follow through then you have wasted their valuable time.and if there is no follow through then you have wasted their valuable time.

#2 If committed to sending the Common Application, be sure to obtain a verbal #2 If committed to sending the Common Application, be sure to obtain a verbal commitment from your recommenders ASAP. commitment from your recommenders ASAP.

#3 Be sure to complete profile information (i.e. brag sheet, resume, etc.) and get that #3 Be sure to complete profile information (i.e. brag sheet, resume, etc.) and get that information to recommenders ASAP. Be sure to provide a minimum of information to recommenders ASAP. Be sure to provide a minimum of TWO WEEKSTWO WEEKS advance notice before recommendation is due. (reference following slide for more info advance notice before recommendation is due. (reference following slide for more info on handling letters of rec.)on handling letters of rec.)

#4 As soon as you have a verbal agreement from your recommenders, be sure to go into the #4 As soon as you have a verbal agreement from your recommenders, be sure to go into the Common Application and do the following. Common Application and do the following. DO NOT WAIT TO DO THISDO NOT WAIT TO DO THIS! You do not ! You do not have to complete the rest of the application to do this piece. Don’t keep your have to complete the rest of the application to do this piece. Don’t keep your recommenders waiting!recommenders waiting!

Click on “School Forms”Click on “School Forms” Complete the Complete the FERPAFERPA section waiving rights to access of info section waiving rights to access of info Click “Recommenders” and complete this section carefully, making sure that names and email addresses Click “Recommenders” and complete this section carefully, making sure that names and email addresses

are all correct. Incorrect emails or names will prevent student information from showing in the are all correct. Incorrect emails or names will prevent student information from showing in the teacher/counselor account. Completing this section will result in an email invitation being sent to each teacher/counselor account. Completing this section will result in an email invitation being sent to each recommender enabling them to complete their tasks electronically.recommender enabling them to complete their tasks electronically.

HANDLING LETTERS OF HANDLING LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATION

Remember that all counselor/teacher recommendations are confidential and will be Remember that all counselor/teacher recommendations are confidential and will be sent directly to the requesting campus. They are not returned to the student, nor seen sent directly to the requesting campus. They are not returned to the student, nor seen by the student (department policy)by the student (department policy)

Give your recommenders plenty of lead time, i.e. thirty days (Give your recommenders plenty of lead time, i.e. thirty days (10 school days 10 school days minimumminimum))

Provide a copy of your personal profile information form to your recommenderProvide a copy of your personal profile information form to your recommender You can access the template from the GBHS Counseling website You can access the template from the GBHS Counseling website

(http://granitebayhigh.org/domain/30) or in your Naviance account under the “About Me” (http://granitebayhigh.org/domain/30) or in your Naviance account under the “About Me” tab (http://connection.naviance.com/gbhs). tab (http://connection.naviance.com/gbhs).

Clearly communicate due dates for each collegeClearly communicate due dates for each college

If an electronic version of your college application is not available, you If an electronic version of your college application is not available, you MUSTMUST provide provide stamped addressed envelopes (stamped addressed envelopes (TWO STAMPSTWO STAMPS per envelope) with GBHS as the return per envelope) with GBHS as the return address.address.

Waive your confidentiality rights as a failure to do so may construe to colleges that Waive your confidentiality rights as a failure to do so may construe to colleges that your recommender may not have felt the freedom to comment honestlyyour recommender may not have felt the freedom to comment honestly

CONSIDERATIONS:CONSIDERATIONS: Why “FIT” is so important:Why “FIT” is so important:

Each college/university has set institutional priorities and goals.Each college/university has set institutional priorities and goals. They look for students who specifically fit their “profile.”They look for students who specifically fit their “profile.” Students need to realize how they fit into a school’s profile to determine whether it is the right Students need to realize how they fit into a school’s profile to determine whether it is the right

place to apply. They may think College ABC needs them but that college may have a different place to apply. They may think College ABC needs them but that college may have a different opinion!opinion!

Colleges only have a finite number of spaces for freshmen – realize some may be competing Colleges only have a finite number of spaces for freshmen – realize some may be competing with “the best” students from across the country for the same spot!with “the best” students from across the country for the same spot!

Application and Essay:Application and Essay: Students should step back and read their application from beginning to the end. Their Students should step back and read their application from beginning to the end. Their

application should read like a book. Pages should not repeat information but build upon the application should read like a book. Pages should not repeat information but build upon the prior pages.prior pages.

Essay – This is the one thing students have complete CONTROL over! Don’t repeat a list of Essay – This is the one thing students have complete CONTROL over! Don’t repeat a list of activities or awards. Show the college who you really are, what motivates you, what you activities or awards. Show the college who you really are, what motivates you, what you have to bring to their campus. Fill in any gaps that might be found throughout your have to bring to their campus. Fill in any gaps that might be found throughout your application.application.

Essay Tip #2 - Take a highlighter and mark everything in one color that has to do with Essay Tip #2 - Take a highlighter and mark everything in one color that has to do with "you." If there is very little color on your paper that has to do with "you", then you need to "you." If there is very little color on your paper that has to do with "you", then you need to work on your personal statement. Ideally you want half to two-thirds to be about you!work on your personal statement. Ideally you want half to two-thirds to be about you!

PRIVATE, INDEPENDENT AND PRIVATE, INDEPENDENT AND OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGESOUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES

What are they really looking for?What are they really looking for?

OUT OF STATE COLLEGE OUT OF STATE COLLEGE CONSIDERATIONSCONSIDERATIONS

May have different eligibility requirements May have different eligibility requirements (e.g. (e.g. average test scores, minimum gpa, or subject requirements. average test scores, minimum gpa, or subject requirements. Check with Check with university Admissions Officeuniversity Admissions Office or web site for specifics.) or web site for specifics.)

Out-of-state tuitionOut-of-state tuition(Some states/colleges – through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (Some states/colleges – through the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program – have discounts on out-of-state fees. Check this website or Program – have discounts on out-of-state fees. Check this website or contact the university Admissions Office for details.contact the university Admissions Office for details.

http://http://wue.wiche.eduwue.wiche.edu

Students cannot use Cal Grants out of state Students cannot use Cal Grants out of state (if (if awarded)awarded)

EARLY DECISIONEARLY DECISIONOR EARLY ACTION?OR EARLY ACTION?

Early DecisionEarly Decision: Apply early to one college and : Apply early to one college and hear sometime around December if accepted. hear sometime around December if accepted. Student Student commitscommits to attending university if accepted. to attending university if accepted.

(Be certain university is your (Be certain university is your first first choice! You cannot ‘change your mind’ -- choice! You cannot ‘change your mind’ -- even if a better scholarship or financial aid offer comes along.)even if a better scholarship or financial aid offer comes along.)

Early ActionEarly Action: Similar to early decision, but is : Similar to early decision, but is ‘non-binding’ in that student is ‘non-binding’ in that student is not committednot committed to to attending that college.attending that college.

COMMUNITY COLLEGECOMMUNITY COLLEGE Student must be a high school graduate Student must be a high school graduate oror 18 years of age. 18 years of age.

No SAT or ACT required. Students take No SAT or ACT required. Students take placementplacement tests in tests inEnglish and Mathematics*.English and Mathematics*.

Success starts with good preparation and careful planning:Success starts with good preparation and careful planning: UC’s offer a Transfer Agreement Guarantee (TAG) Program and the CSU’s offer a AA-T and UC’s offer a Transfer Agreement Guarantee (TAG) Program and the CSU’s offer a AA-T and

AS-T (Associate degree for Transfer program). TAG is a formal written agreement between AS-T (Associate degree for Transfer program). TAG is a formal written agreement between you, the community college and the university. The UC’s have 9 campuses, with 7 offering you, the community college and the university. The UC’s have 9 campuses, with 7 offering TAG agreements and the CSU’s have 23 campuses (check the major specific requirements) TAG agreements and the CSU’s have 23 campuses (check the major specific requirements) with AA-T and AS-T agreements.with AA-T and AS-T agreements.

- For more info on UC TAG agreements www.- For more info on UC TAG agreements www.uctaguctag..universityofcaliforniauniversityofcalifornia.edu .edu - For more info on CSU Transfer agreements www.adegreewithaguarantee.com - For more info on CSU Transfer agreements www.adegreewithaguarantee.com

Sierra College hosts Sierra College hosts Parent Information NightsParent Information Nights. For reservations, email: . For reservations, email: outreach@sierracollege.eduoutreach@sierracollege.edu..

*Students may be exempt from taking the placement exams with qualifying scores*Students may be exempt from taking the placement exams with qualifying scores on the ACT, SAT or EAP. on the ACT, SAT or EAP.

SIERRA COLLEGESIERRA COLLEGEPARENT INFORMATION NIGHTSPARENT INFORMATION NIGHTS

November 7November 28December 126:00-7:00pmLocation: Learning Resource

Center – Room 212Sierra College5000 Rocklin RoadRocklin, CA 95677Space is limited, so sign up today for one ofthe seminars!

Email: outreach@sierracollege.edu

Quality education at an affordable priceQuality education at an affordable price Over 125 degrees and certificate programsOver 125 degrees and certificate programs Complete the first 2 years of a bachelor degreeComplete the first 2 years of a bachelor degree Transfer Admission Guarantee Program Transfer Admission Guarantee Program

(TAG)(TAG)(TAG’s) – Sierra College is the #1 feeder (TAG’s) – Sierra College is the #1 feeder school to CSU’s in Northern Californiaschool to CSU’s in Northern CaliforniaTAG agreements with seven UC’sTAG agreements with seven UC’sNearly 30% of all UC graduates & over 50% Nearly 30% of all UC graduates & over 50% of all CSU graduates start at a local of all CSU graduates start at a local community college.community college.

Extensive student support servicesExtensive student support services Nationally ranked athletics programNationally ranked athletics program Tuition fees $46 per unitTuition fees $46 per unit Smaller class sizesSmaller class sizes On-campus housingOn-campus housing Financial aidFinancial aid

SuperMatch – COLLEGE SEARCHSuperMatch – COLLEGE SEARCH

SCATTERGRAMS – CAL POLY SLOSCATTERGRAMS – CAL POLY SLO (STUDENT VERSION)(STUDENT VERSION)  

  

SCHOLARSHIP LISTSCHOLARSHIP LIST

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH

WUEWUE(WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE)(WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE)

WUE is a reduced out of state tuition programWUE is a reduced out of state tuition program Reduced tuition is not automatically awardedReduced tuition is not automatically awarded

Check website (Check website (http://http://wiche.edu/wuewiche.edu/wue)) Some participating schools have specific major, Some participating schools have specific major,

GPA, or other requirementsGPA, or other requirements Sample participants:Sample participants:

Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, WashingtonOregon, Utah, Washington

Arizona State University, Portland State, Colorado StateArizona State University, Portland State, Colorado State

FINANCIAL AIDFINANCIAL AID All students should complete the FAFSAAll students should complete the FAFSA

(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.govwww.fafsa.gov

Application window: January 1 – March 2Application window: January 1 – March 2The FAFSA is the determining factor for all federal, state and institutional based Aid.The FAFSA is the determining factor for all federal, state and institutional based Aid.

Including non-need based scholarships and grants. SO FILL IT OUT REGARDLESS !!! Including non-need based scholarships and grants. SO FILL IT OUT REGARDLESS !!!

TipsTips: :

Attend the GBHS Financial Aid NightAttend the GBHS Financial Aid Night (January 16, 2013 – 6:30pm) (January 16, 2013 – 6:30pm)at Oakmont High School Cafeteria at Oakmont High School Cafeteria (more information to come)!(more information to come)!

See Mrs. Underwood in the College & Career Center See Mrs. Underwood in the College & Career Center (ext. 5109)(ext. 5109) to to verify that GBHS has your SSNverify that GBHS has your SSN..Required to submit the g.p.a. Required to submit the g.p.a. verification for Cal Grant!verification for Cal Grant!

HELPFUL WEBSITESHELPFUL WEBSITESAPPLICATION WEBSITES:APPLICATION WEBSITES:

University of CaliforniaUniversity of California – www.universityofcalifornia.edu – www.universityofcalifornia.eduTips on Writing the UC Personal StatementTips on Writing the UC Personal Statement - - http://www.californiacolleges.edu/admissions/university-of-california-uc/personal-statement.asp http://www.californiacolleges.edu/admissions/university-of-california-uc/personal-statement.asp California State UniversityCalifornia State University – – www.csumentor.eduwww.csumentor.edu Common ApplicationCommon Application – – www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITES:FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITES:FAFSA – FAFSA – http://www.fastweb.comhttp://www.fastweb.com Cal Grant – Cal Grant – http://www.csac.ca.govhttp://www.csac.ca.govNaviance – Naviance – http://connection.naviance.com/gbhshttp://connection.naviance.com/gbhs

Financial Aid Information – http://www.finaid.org; www.Studentaid.govFinancial Aid Information – http://www.finaid.org; www.Studentaid.gov FastWEB Scholarship Search – FastWEB Scholarship Search – http://www.fastweb.comhttp://www.fastweb.com

ATHLETIC WEBSITES:ATHLETIC WEBSITES:NCAA – NCAA – www.eligibilitycenter.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org (Division I and II) (Division I and II)NAIA – NAIA – www.playnaia.orgwww.playnaia.org

Now, It’s Your Turn!Now, It’s Your Turn!

QUESTIONSQUESTIONS& ANSWERS& ANSWERS