STEPS TO COLLEGE APPLICATIONS04.22.15

Exploration• You Still Have Time To Research Options!

– College Representatives at Regina (Fall 2015)– College Fairs (www.macrao.org)– College Visits (more on that later…)

• Retake the ACT and SAT

ACT – September 12 (register by August 7) ACT – October 24 (register by September 18) ACT – December 12 (for merit $ not admissions) SAT – October 3 and November 7

• Practice Over Summerhttp://www.collegequestmi.comhttp://www.actstudent.org/testprep/book.html

Exploration• Discuss realistic options– Financial considerations

• 15 Public Universities in Michigan• Private Colleges and Universities• Out-of-State Colleges and Universities

(public and private)

– Public in-state tuition is much less – Private colleges have endowments

Application Process• Apply to 3+ schools

Safety school Match school Reach school

• Check schools’ deadlinesRolling AdmissionsRegular Admissions Early Action - Early NotificationFinancial Aid

• Apply before October 31 (if possible)

Application Process• Check schools’ deadlines

MSU – Rolling AdmissionEarly Action – October 15 (approx)Scholarships – November 1

UM – Regular AdmissionEarly Action – November 1Final Deadline – February 1

Oakland University – Rolling AdmissionAccepts applications up until August 1

Application Process• UM vs. MSU

• Both require official ACT and SAT scores with writing

• UM – Common App MSU – MSU Application

• UM – Multiple Essays MSU – Personal Statement

• UM – One rec. letter MSU – none

Application Process• Common App – www.commonapp.org

“member colleges – more than 500”Your transcript will be automatically included

• Non-Common App - go to the College’s Website “prospective students”

Order your transcript through Parchment

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS ARE USUALLY AVAILABLE ON COLLEGE WEBSITES AFTER AUGUST 1st.

Application Process• Complete college application online (required)• Submit payment by credit card (application fees vary)• Order transcript via Parchment (non-Common App

Schools only – a small fee may be required for some colleges)– 90% of MI colleges utilize Parchment– 10% utilize Common App

Application Process• August – Seniors create Parchment Accounts in School

• September 1 – First Day Transcripts sent via Parchment

• Mid-September – Seniors attend Common App Workshops

Application Components Online Application (Common App or College Website)

Application fee (credit card or check directly mailed to admissions of college)

Electronic transcript (Parchment or Common App)

Letter(s) of recommendation if needed Essay(s) if needed Personal resume/activity sheet

Application Components Transcript

Classes you tookGrades you receivedCumulative GPA (career gpa)Class rankACT or SAT scores (unofficial - not accepted by all colleges)Classes you are taking senior year

Application Components Resume or Activity Sheet

Leadership RolesVolunteer WorkWork ExperienceExtra-Curricular ActivitiesHonors or Awards Special Talents

Start with your Career Cruising resume. See your counselor for user name and password.

Application Components Letter of Recommendation• Ask teachers in Math, Science, English, Social Studies or Foreign Language• Ask the teacher in person – do not send the request in an e-mail• Give the teacher your resume• Allow up to three weeks before the deadline• Send the teacher a thank-you note

USUALLY ONLY ONE LETTER IS REQUIRED. PLEASE DO NOT ASK MULTIPLE TEACHERS TO WRITE LETTERS IF ONLY ONE IS BEING ACCEPTED BY THE COLLEGE.

Application Components Essays or personal statement

• Check the application to see if an essay or personal statement is required

• Sign up with WOW Essay Writing website

http://goo.gl/eZbs91

• Essays that worked: https://www.apstudynotes.org/essays/

• Ask a teacher or parent to help edit (but not too much!)

Class of 2016 – Calendar • August 2015:

– Review Senior class schedule – Purchase class books/materials– Continue preparing for ACT re-takes, if desired– Visit colleges: take the tours, attend a class…– Create Parchment Account

• September 2015:– Visit the RHS website – www.reginahs.com

• GUIDANCE tab has scholarship info, testing info, career info, and many important links

– Begin requesting transcripts through Parchment– Attend Common App workshops at Regina– Request recommendation letters as needed

• October/November 2015:– Continue applying to colleges online– Attend College Visits at RHS– Maintain your GPA

• Winter 2016:– Apply for financial aid: www.fafsa.gov – Maintain a record of acceptance letters and award notices

RHS Website – GUIDANCE tab

RHS Website – GUIDANCE tab

College Fairs

College Searches

RHS Website – GUIDANCE tab

Where can I request my transcripts?My college is a Common App School – how can I apply?

College Visits• Ask questions!

– Bring a list– Create your own pro/con list– Talk with students who are studying something of interest to

you• Take an “official” tour

– Guides know the “shortcuts” around campus– Pay attention to social/sports life– Find the library, the dorms, the department buildings…

• Visit a class!What are the class sizes?What format is the class? (lecture/book, etc.)Who is teaching the class? (professor/TA, etc.)

• How does the campus feel to you?

College Application Quiz

College Application Quiz

You can take the ACT next fall.What months can you take it

for college admission?

College Application Quiz

When is the last time you can take the

ACT for scholarship purposes?

College Application Quiz

Name three items that go on your transcript.

College Application Quiz

What is the name of the on-line transcript ordering

service used by Regina and the Michigan colleges?

College Application Quiz

What is the recommended deadline for completing

your college applications?

College Application Quiz

How many public universities are there in the State of

Michigan?

College Application Quiz

What is the name of the universal application used by U of M and many other

schools?

College Application Quiz

How many colleges use the Common App?

College Application Quiz

Which two Michigan public universities REQUIRE official

ACT scores with writing?

College Application Quiz

What is the first day Regina will mail out your transcripts

via Parchment?

Financial Aid

FAFSA explanation