SENIOR PARENT NIGHT:THE COLLEGE

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Lisa van RavenswaayBridgett Marshall

Scott Jefferies

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

TIME MANAGEMENT

This night is for you. Ask questions as we go along .

SENIOR PARENT NIGHT

Last year Students researched colleges.The college selection, application, and financial

choice is a family aff air

If your child is still struggling with this – please advise them to see me and I can help them with this search.

SENIOR PARENT NIGHT

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

ListenerAdvocateAdvisor of deadlinesCollege trip organizerResearcherCheerleader

SENIOR PARENT NIGHT

Read the Guidance NewsletterRead the College and Career Weekly

UpdatesUpcoming eventsScholarshipsCollege Rep visitsCollege open house datesEmployment opportunitiesCollege Day – 9/26 in RCHS gym (12-2pm)

KEEP INFORMED!

College visits are important – like test driving a new car

Help them set up an overnight visitTake your own notes on visits – compare your thoughts and views with those of your child

KEEP INFORMED!

Students feel a sense of urgency to get into the school they have chosen – but 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 son or daughter.

KEEP COMPOSED.

Have your child take OWNERSHIP of this process.Even for the best time managers – this is an overwhelming endeavor.

This process requires team effort. Help child stay organized – calendars, checklists,

etc. Post this on fridge, common area

This is the beginning of their independence… they are the ones going off to college.

KEEPING AFTER.

There is a place for every student after high school.

Need to look for “Best Fit” not “Best School” – a place where your child can be successful both academically and socially.Admissions committees have your child’s interests at heart…

College admissions can be unpredictable – situations and needs change yearly.

KEEP THE FAITH.

School ProfileParenting the College ApplicantTips for ParentsThe College Application ProcessSAT and ACT testingCollege Planning Calendar for SeniorsHow to Give Your Counselor a College

ApplicationSenior Transcript Mailing Form17 Point Checklist Information about Virginia Community

College System

SENIOR PARENT PACKET

A copy of this will be sent to each school your child applies to for admission.Gives general overview of the school so college admissions counselors have a better idea of what type of academic environment the student is coming from.

SCHOOL PROFILE

Open, honest communication between you and your child is critical to the success of the process.Tips on how to help your child through this process.

SOME ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT

The Do’s and Do Not’s of the College Admissions Process for ParentsFor example:

DO – learn about the process DON’T – limit choices based on fees

STEPS TO COLLEGE

We will offer the SAT at RCHS in October, November, December, January and March.

We will offer the ACT at RCHS in October, December, February, April and June.Registration deadlines generally are a month prior to test date.

Registration is online at collegeboard.org or act.org.

SAT/ACT SCHEDULES

These tests are not the determining factor of admissions – just part of a package.

Do not measure creativity, motivation, imagination, intellectual curiosity.

Grades in hard classes are better predictors of success in college than SATs… but together they improve that prediction.

Online prep tools are available on the SAT and ACT websites.

SAT/ACT

NCAA Clearinghouse If your child plans on participating in NCAA athletics at the Division I (VT, UVA, Radford, VMI, Liberty, etc.) or Division II (VUU, VSU, UVA – Wise) level – they must be cleared as eligible by the NCAA.

If your child plans on participating in NCAA athletics at the Division III (WLU, BC, E&H, RMC, Ferrum, etc.) level – this is not necessary.

Go to NCAA clearinghouse website and register.

NCAA

This was given to each Senior during a Senior Meeting on the 1st Friday of the school year. If students follow this timeline and accomplish all goals on the checklist for each month – they will be in great shape for college admissions.

SENIOR YEAR CALENDAR

Breakdown of what to do and when to do it.

Collection of tips and insight on the lingo of the application process.

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Components of a College ApplicationBasic information, transcripts (courses and grades), test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and possibly interviews

Tips for Undertaking the Application Process

Application TimelinesDifferent Types of ApplicationsThe Parent’s Role in the College-Choice

Process

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION

Early Decision – binding. If deferred to regular admissions – you are released from contract to attend.

Early Action – Not binding – typically have until May 1st to decide.

Rolling Admissions – will be informed of admission status 4-6 weeks after materials received.

Regular Admissions – wait until April.

TYPES OF APPLICATIONS

Colleges prefer students fi le applications online.

Some applications have a Part I and II. Part I needs to go in as soon as possible.

Deadlines: BE EARLY! Try to finish process before winter holiday. If there is a March deadline – finish over break and turn in early January.

IF – January 1st DEADLINE – I must have ALL application materials by DECEMBER 1 st. I will not work over holidays.

PAPERWORK

Ms. van Ravenswaay needs this information no less than TWO WEEKS prior to the application due date.

A student’s procrastination will not lead to a Guidance Office crisis.

HOW TO GIVE YOUR COUNSELOR A COLLEGE APPLICATION

This is to be filled out with Ms. van Ravenswaay… This helps us stay organized and know when our responsibilities have been completed.

THE BLUE FORM

Be perfect.Colleges may ask for essays, teacher

recommendations, transcripts, application fee.ESSAYS – breathe life into the statistics and

numbers Lunch Bunch – opportunity.Recommendations – 3 weeks notification is

ideal.For me the deadline is Sept. 21st for Early

applications, Sept. 28 th for Regular.

PREPARING THE APPLICATION

THE FIVE P’s:Program – How challenging is the coursework?Performance – How well has the student done?Potential – Indicated by standardized test scores.Participation – What commitments outside the classroom? Job? Activities? Community service?Personality – Essay and teacher/counselor recommendations. Interviews. Can explain a bad year.

WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR?

17 things to think about when completing your application.

CHECKLIST

Great resource to use if your child is considering going to a community college.What majors, certifications are offered at each community college in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Students go to community college for a variety of reasons:Reduced cost for the first two yearsNot being able to get into the college of their choice so they work to transfer to that college after two years of community college work

The career they want requires only two years of community college work

Not sure what he or she wants to studyNot ready to leave home

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

These are available each week in the Guidance Offi ce and are posted on our bulletin board and Guidance website. Important DatesSpecial Opportunities (College Day – 9/26) Job opportunitiesCollege Rep visits (sign up in guidance office)Open Houses for popular schoolsAdditional Resources

COLLEGE-CAREER WEEKLY UPDATE

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.

Safety Schools – 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.

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES?

Great quick resource…DeadlinesFederal School CodesGeneral information about each school

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO COLLEGES IN VIRGINIA

Quick Guide to College Open Houses in Virginia

VISITING COLLEGES?

The remaining pages are just quick resources for you to thumb through and provide additional information about the college admissions process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Financial Aid Meeting in JanuaryFinancial Aid is based on MERIT and NEED.What can you do now?

Get tax information together as soon as possible. Can use 2011 tax return info – but will need to re-file. Get FAFSA pin number – apply at www.pin.ed.gov Look at College Cost Calculators online at each school’s website. This

will give you a rough estimate of what it will cost to attend this school.

FINANCIAL AID

QUESTIONS?