SENIOR PARENT NIGHT:THE COLLEGE

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Agenda

6:30-7:15: Theresa Yerger and Bill Baillie

7:20-8:30: College Admissions PanelUniversity of Notre Dame

Pennsylvania State University Temple University

Villanova University

Important Dates 9/12 October SAT registration deadline 9/24 JET tour at MMA 7:45am – 8:30am 9/26 Delaware County Regional College Fair

6:30 – 8:00 PM 10/6 Faculty In-service: GREAT COLLEGE

VISIT DAY 10/9 Montgomery County Regional

College Fair 6:30-8:30 PM 10/15 PSAT: Application Writing

Day10/16 10/16 Financial Aid Night at MMA 7:00 PM

Parental Role

As parents you have many roles in the college admissions process:

Listener Advocate Advisor of deadlines College trip organizer Researcher Cheerleader

Let your daughter take OWNERSHIP!

STAY INFORMED!

Read the College Counseling webpages What’s New in College Counseling E-mails and MMA e-newsletter Check Naviance

Upcoming college events/open houses Scholarships College Rep visits (over 50 to date)

STAY COMPOSED.

Students feel a sense of urgency to gain college acceptances, but often get frustrated and stymied with all the work that is expected. Listen, be the asker of questions instead of

provider of answers. This process begins the year of “Letting Go”

for both you and your daughter.

KEEP THE FAITH.

There is a place for every student after high school.

Need to look for “Best Fit” not “Best School” (with room to grow.) Find a place where your daughter can be successful both academically and socially.

Senior College Counseling Folder

The BLUE form Interview Tips Application Procedure &Tips

Teacher Recommendatio

nsCollege Visitors

SAT/ACT

September and October test dates for most EA/ED dates.

Results need to be sent DIRECTLY to colleges (done through testing agency)

www.collegeboard.org www.actstudent.org TEST SCORES ARE NOT ON TRANSCRIPT FAIRTEST.ORG – test optional (over 800

schools)

Types of Applications Early Decision – binding. Must attend

and withdraw other applications Early Action – Not binding have until

May 1st to decide. Rolling Admissions – generally

informed of admission status 4-6 weeks after materials received.

Regular Admissions – wait until April. Except for ED, you have until May 1st to

decide and send ONE tuition deposit

RANGE IS IMPORTANT

Use Naviance scattergrams and “compare me” tool to determine categories.

Good Match Schools – apply to 2-3 of these Compatibility between student grades and

academic quality of the school’s freshman profile. Reach Schools – apply to 1-2 of these

If you’re thinking “it won’t hurt to try” then it is more than likely a reach school.

Likely to Accept– apply to 1-2 of these More than likely will not turn you away. Your child

must be happy and willing to attend this school.

Preparing the Application

Proofread! Colleges may ask for essays, teacher

recommendations, transcripts, application fee.

Check college websites for requirements Apply early to minimize stress Nov. 30 for Penn State Nov. 1 for rolling admissions or “specialty”

programs (nursing, PT, PA, engineering, etc.)

Completing Applications

Common Application – Everything is sent electronically to over 500 member schools.

Individual online college application Priority/Fast Track /VIP offers Student Portion - including supplements,

essay(s)and fee, if applicable File/save any confirmation e-mails “Incomplete application” e-mails

What MMA sends

Official Transcript School Profile (available on web) Counselor Letter of Recommendation School Report Mid-year grades to EVERY college For the Class of 2014, we sent out over

900 sets of these school components Teachers send letters of recommendation

The Blue Form

This is to be filled out and handed directly to your daughter’s counselor. This helps us stay organized and know

when our responsibilities have been completed.

Start accepting after individual appointment

Hand in 2-3 weeks in advance of deadline

Demonstrated Interest

College visits are important – like test driving a new car

Overnight visit if college permits or sit in on a class

2 college visit days (excused absences)

Go off the beaten path Attend local receptions Visit with reps at MMA

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Meeting – October 16th

What can you do this fall? Check each colleges financial aid

webpage for deadlines and FAFSA/CSS Profile.

Get tax information together as soon as possible.

Use net price calculators, FAFSA estimators

Take Away

Stay Informed Apply Early Demonstrate Interest Blue Form