COLLEGE ADMISSIONS: THE BASICS

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOWN HALL MEETINGOCTOBER 27th, 2011

Presented by: Katherine Beck, Admissions Counselor Virginia Commonwealth University

WHERE TO START?

There are a lot of options out there.

During the 2009-2010 year, 4,495 accredited institutions award degrees at the associates level or above

What kind of school appeals to you? Think about size, location, programs offered, cost, student activities, etc.

The early you start planning and preparing for life after high school, the more opportunities

available.

FRESHMAN YEAR

Course Selection Review your schedule with your counselor to

ensure you’re enrolled in the most challenging classes in which you will succeed.

Take at least FIVE academic courses/semester

Courses selected now can open/close doors later English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language

FRESHMAN YEAR

Start to or continue engaging in activities/organizations that interest you

Begin researching colleges via college search websites

www.collegeboard.org www.princetonreview.com

*Parent Tip: find ways to integrate campus visits with vacations, day trips, etc.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Continue working with counselor to ensure high school coursework aligns with educational goals

Sign up for the PSAT (usually given in October) *Tip: Take PSAT seriously – test results are

used to qualify for National Merit Scholarships

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Request information/materials from schools that you’ve researched

Talk to counselors, friends, your parents and their friends about their college/university experience

Attend college fairs

JUNIOR YEAR

Review course selections/activities to make sure they reflect the impression you want to make on college admissions offices

*Tip: Junior year is often the last grades available on a transcript before admission review. Make it a strong year.

JUNIOR YEAR

Register and begin studying for the SAT and ACT Material to prepare for the SAT and ACT are

included in the test registration materials and on the SAT/ACT websites.

www.collegeboard.org www.act.org

SENIOR YEAR

Continue to take rigorous courses – remember that minimum standards to graduate do not always align with competitive college admission goals

Not the time to slack! College admissions offices still review both mid-year and final senior grades

SENIOR YEAR

If have not taken them already, make sure to sign up for the SAT or ACT. Most schools encourage (and sometimes

require) students to have taken these by December testing date.

Letting dates slip for registration/test taking can delay the college admissions process

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS – BASICS

Application

Does the school have their own application? Common App? Electronic?

Is there a personal statement? Essay? Prepare for these early on! Stick to the prompt given.

*Tip: Read and follow directions on the application. Be thorough and proof-read before submitting.

Use the exact same name on the application that you used to register for SAT/ACT and that’s on your high school transcripts. No nicknames!

It is extremely important to provide an email address that you check regularly. With that said, be mindful of the email name you select – try not to select something that may be considered offensive or would raise any eyebrows.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS – BASICS

High School Transcripts Have you challenged yourself in the

coursework you’ve selected? How well have you done in your courses?

Not just about GPA, though statistical information can offer some guidance/help align with college options

*Admissions Tip: Looking for strong foundation of learning that can be built upon – we consider it a blueprint for academic success.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS - BASICS

Test Scores

SAT or ACT preferred?

Super-score? Are all sections reviewed?

Subject tests?

OTHER COMPONENTS

Recommendation letters

Demonstrated interest

Admissions interviews?

Any extras? Ex. Art portfolio

UNDERSTANDING DEADLINES

Early Decision: if offered admission, decision is binding - can only apply to one school early decision.

Early Action: similar to early decision, but not binding

Rolling Admission: large window for applying with recommended deadline, applications accepted until class is full

EASY STEPS TO SUCCESS

Pay attention to deadlines and follow directions. Stay organized.

Do your research! Know the specifics application requirements of each school you are applying to

If you aren’t sure, ASK. All institutions have offices you can call for guidance/questions.