The College Admission Process

Your guide to your future

College Planning Selecting the right college can be confusing! Having a clear understanding of the admissions

process, and communicating with your school counselor will certainly help make the college selection process go smoothly.

Your Counselor will help you explore options and provide information so that they you can make wise decisions. However the responsibility for filing the applications is the students.

NJ Graduation requirementsClass of 2014 4 years of English4 years of Gym/3 Health/1 Driver’s Ed3 years of Math; we recommend 4 years of math3 years of Social Studies3 years of Science (which includes Biology) 2 years of World Language1 year of Fine, Visual or Performing Arts1 year of 21st Century Life & Career-Educational Technology½ year of Personal Finance/Business/Economics ½ Year of Public Speaking

130 Credits* Each college may have their own requirements

College Planning: Where DO YOU start?

Determine what type of college:Requirements of School- (Grades, test scores, etc..)Size: small, medium, largeArea of Study- Majors? Sports? Division I, II, IIICosts? Location: Living on Campus or commute?Know who you are and what works for YOU!

What do these terms mean?

SAT & ACTRolling AdmissionsEarly DecisionEarly Action/PriorityEOFCommon ApplicationFAFSANaviance

SAT’swww.collegeboard.com

SAT: Scholastic Achievement Test

This test measures a student’s critical reading and mathematical ability and includes a writing sample.

Most four-year colleges require the SAT for admission. Many colleges only use the Math & Verbal sections.

Students are advised to take the SAT’s 2 or 3 times. Most colleges will take their two highest scores

Costs $52.50

Test dates: November 8, December 6, January 14 & March 14

Colleges will also accept the ACT. You must send your own scores!

Preparing for the SAT’s:

ACT’s ACT: (American College Test) This admissions

test covers English, Math, Reading and Science. There is also an optional writing test. The ACT is

accepted by most colleges in lieu of the SAT. Costs: Without writing $38.00. With the writing

$54.50

Test dates: October 25, December 13, February 7

SAT vs. ACT The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary The ACT has a Science section, SAT does not The ACT is more curriculum based. ACT questions tend

to be more straight forward. ACT questions are often easier to understand. The SAT- you spend time figuring out what you're being

asked before you can start solving the problem. The ACT tests more advanced math concepts

(trigonometry). SAT’s only covers algebra and geometry The SAT essay is required. ACT Writing Test is optional! SAT- College admissions officers care about how you did

on each section of the SAT. ACT- they are concerned with your composite score.

SAT Optional Schools http://fairtest.org/university/optional

Examples: Montclair State University, Drew University, Georgian Court University, Mercy College, FIT, Sacred Heart & Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

How to Search for Colleges Best Resources College Board website School Counselor Teachers Family/friends College fairs US news: College

Magazines

Criteria to Consider Academic Environment Size Community Location Housing Student Body Financial Aid Support Services Activities/Social Clubs Athletics Specialized Programs

Reach out to Colleges Go onto college websites. Take a virtual tour! Write or e-mail schools to request view books,

catalogs and an application Schedule visits to campuses! Attend college fairs or information sessions Get CREDIT for the visit!

How Many Schools ShouldStudents Apply To?

We recommend applying to 5-7 schools:

Reach: Your dream college (2) Target: You meet the minimum

requirements (2) Safety: You exceed the minimum

requirements (1-2)

What Do Colleges Look At?Academic Record

How many classes were taken & how challenging Grades - Grade point average (GPA) Consistency or improvement

Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT) In terms of ranges

Out-of-Class Activities Depth of involvement – variety and how long Leadership Creativity, service or work

Recommendations (3 letters)College Visits!!

Admissions Options : Four year institutions generally offer the following admission options:

EARLY ACTION/PRIORITY A plan where students apply early in the fall of senior year to their first choice college. They receive an acceptance response usually in December or January. They are not obligated to withdraw applications to other colleges.

EARLY DECISION A plan where students apply early in the fall of senior year to their first choice college. Once accepted, usually by December, they are required to withdraw their applications to other colleges and commit to matriculate at the college that has accepted them early. Many colleges require the student sign a contract at the time of the application. This plan is suggested only for students who

are certain of their first choice college. (BINDING!)

More admissions options ROLLING ADMISSIONS - A procedure by

which students are notified of the admission decision shortly after their applications are evaluated. A deposit may be required to hold a place in the class.

Regular Admission – This is the most common option offered to students. A deadline is set (such as December or February- different schools vary) when all applications must be received, and all notifications are sent out at the same time. (usually April).

ApplicationsWhat goes into the College Application

Application SAT or ACT scores Essay/Personal Statement Recommendations Transcript Portfolio or Resume (optional)

RecommendationsGuidance Counselor Recommendations

Nearly all colleges require a letter of recommendation from your high school guidance counselor

Teacher Recommendations: How to decide? How well does the teacher know you? Has the teacher taught you for more than one course? Do you get along with the teacher? Is the recommendation is required/recommended from a

specific subject-area instructor? If you declare an intended major, can you obtain a

recommendation from a teacher in that subject area?

Student Responsibilities

Completing applicationsCompleting brag sheets for Student Services Signing-up for the SATs & requesting

official scores from CollegeBoard or ACT to be sent directly to schools they apply to

Completing transcript release forms Requesting letters of recommendation

from teachersCreating a resume (optional)

What to include on your ResumeWhat to include in your Academic Resume

GPA Honors/AP courses (taken an in progress) Out-of-School Activities (offices, length, contribution) Awards/Recognition Special Talents (sports, arts/music) Jobs Goals

The Common Application Many schools accept the Common Application. The student fills it out online and then sends it electronically to the Common Application schools. He/she then downloads all necessary forms and

supplements for EACH school. 277 Private colleges use the Common Application

form exclusively. All give equal consideration to the Common Application and the college's own form.

Visit www.commonapp.org for more information

EOF/ EOP- The Educational Opportunity Fund EOF assists low-income residents who are

capable and motivated but lack adequate preparation for college study.

Students enrolled in an EOF program receive financial assistance through grants ranging from $200 to $2,500. These grants are renewable annually based upon eligibility.

Students also receive support services such as counseling, tutoring, and developmental course work. There are a limited number of student spaces available at each campus program so it is important to apply early. (First come first serve!)

EOF To be considered for the EOF program, a

student must: Demonstrate an educationally and economically

disadvantaged background. Be a resident of New Jersey for 12 months

immediately preceding enrollment. Be accepted through admissions for EOF and/or

be enrolled at a participating NJ college or university.

Have a family income that falls within the established income eligibility criteria. (See EOF online)

Meet the academic criteria as set by the institution of their choice. (Every school is different!)

How to apply for EOF: Apply to a participating New Jersey college or

university. Each school has there own application. File a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student

Aid)Every student who wants to apply for the EOF grant must file a FAFSA. www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Contact the EOF director. There is an EOF campus director at every college and university participating in the EOF program and each college/university has its own specific criteria for EOF admission and program participation. Students must contact the EOF director at the institution they wish to attend for specific admissions information and requirements for participation in the EOF program.

The deadline for EOF application is usually in the spring (April). It’s first come first serve.

Naviance An On-line Resource for Students and

Parents for Post High School PlanningCareer and College Exploration College Search Tool Scholarships Resume writing

Senior Year- Winter & Spring

Winter: Take the SAT’s again (if needed).Apply for Financial Aid Sign-up for Instant Decision Days! Look for scholarships! We will provide a list on the websiteSpring: Await to hear admissions decision and receive Financial Aid rewards! Make a deposit to your school of choice!

Apply for Financial Aid:

FAFSA – application can only be completed online after January 1. Do not procrastinate! fafsa.ed.gov

Aid is awarded first come/first serve!Feb. 20th HESAA will be here to help

fill out FAFSA.

Types of Financial Aid: Scholarships: based on merit or skill (athletics, arts)

Grants: free money does not have to be paid back. Usually based on need

Loans:

federal, alternative

must be paid back!

Employment opportunities: Must work to get paid

We will host a Financial Aid night during your senior year to discuss this further!

Scholarships You can also apply for outside

scholarships! We post several online.

You can find more scholarships at: www.fastweb.comhttp://scholarshipamerica.org/ www.scholarships.comhttp://www.hsf.net/ (Hispanic Scholarship Fund)

NCAA: Information for students athletes: Student athletes should register with

NCAA clearing house towards the end of their junior year!

There is a sliding scale for Division I athletes. The scale is based on GPA/SAT requirements athletes must meet in order to play.

Division II students must have an 820 on their SAT’s (Math/Verbal)

Division III no specific requirement. However, no “athletic” scholarships can be given.

Common Mistakes Made by Students in the College Selection Process

Being Passive!! Letting the choice just happen instead of

taking charge of the process Following the lead of their friends Taking suggestions without researching them Waiting until the last minute to decide on

schools

Finally, There is a College for Everyone!Some colleges do not require the

SAT or ACT test scores Some colleges will accept students

with lower GPA’s Some will accept lower test scores. There are great colleges for

students with special needs.

Enjoy the journey!

Any questions?

We look forward to working with you!