Senior Parent Night: The College Admissions Process

1. Senior Parent Night:The College Admissions Process

2. Welcome and Introductions Lisa van Ravenswaay Bridgett Marshall Scott Jefferies

3. TIME MANAGEMENT

4. Senior Parent Night • This night is for you. Ask questions as we go along.

5. Senior Parent Night • Last year Students researched colleges. • The college selection, application, and financial choice is a family affair • If your child is still struggling with this – please advise them to see me and I can help them with this search.

6. Senior Parent Night • As Parents you have many roles in the college admissions process: • Listener • Advocate • Advisor of deadlines • College trip organizer • Researcher • Cheerleader

7. KEEP INFORMED! • Read the Guidance Newsletter • Read the College and Career Weekly Updates • Upcoming events • Scholarships • College Rep visits • College open house dates • Employment opportunities • College Day – 9/26 in RCHS gym (12-2pm)

8. KEEP INFORMED! • College visits are important – like test driving a new car • Help them set up an overnight visit • Take your own notes on visits – compare your thoughts and views with those of your child

9. KEEP COMPOSED. • 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.

10. KEEPING AFTER. • 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.

11. KEEP THE FAITH. • 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.

12. Senior Parent Packet • School Profile • Parenting the College Applicant • Tips for Parents • The College Application Process • SAT and ACT testing • College Planning Calendar for Seniors • How to Give Your Counselor a College Application • Senior Transcript Mailing Form • 17 Point Checklist • Information about Virginia Community College System

13. SCHOOL PROFILE • 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.

14. Some Advice and Encouragement • 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.

15. STEPS to COLLEGE • The Do’s and Do Not’s of the College Admissions Process for Parents • For example: • DO – learn about the process • DON’T – limit choices based on fees

16. SAT/ACT SCHEDULES • 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.

17. SAT/ACT • 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.

18. NCAA • 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.

19. Senior Year Calendar • 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.

20. The College Application Process • Breakdown of what to do and when to do it. • Collection of tips and insight on the lingo of the application process.

21. THE COLLEGE APPLICATION • Components of a College Application • Basic information, transcripts (courses and grades), test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and possibly interviews • Tips for Undertaking the Application Process • Application Timelines • Different Types of Applications • The Parent’s Role in the College-Choice Process

22. Types of Applications • 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.

23. Paperwork • Colleges prefer students file 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 1st. I will not work over holidays.

24. How to Give Your Counselor a College Application • 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.

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

26. Preparing the Application • 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. 28th for Regular.

27. What are Colleges Looking For? 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.

28. Checklist • 17 things to think about when completing your application.

29. Community College • 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.

30. Community College • Students go to community college for a variety of reasons: • Reduced cost for the first two years • Not 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 study • Not ready to leave home

31. College-Career Weekly Update • These are available each week in the Guidance Office and are posted on our bulletin board and Guidance website. • Important Dates • Special Opportunities (College Day – 9/26) • Job opportunities • College Rep visits (sign up in guidance office) • Open Houses for popular schools • Additional Resources

32. WHAT ARE MY CHANCES? • 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.

33. Quick Reference Guide to Colleges in Virginia • Great quick resource… • Deadlines • Federal School Codes • General information about each school

34. Visiting Colleges? • Quick Guide to College Open Houses in Virginia

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

36. Financial Aid • Financial Aid Meeting in January • Financial 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.

37. Questions?