THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS _______________________ Senior - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS _______________________ Senior Year

Presented by the Aragon’s Senior Team

W !

OUR COUNSELING TEAM

12th Grade Counselor: Josephine Ho 12th Grade Advisor: Rachel Leota College & Career Advisor: Laurie Tezak Financial Aid & Scholarship Advisor: Caroline Moala CTE & Career Coordinator: Helen O’Brien ELD Specialist: Edwin Martinez Student Data Analyst: Thalia Luna Assistant Principal: Ron Berggren Wellness Counselors: Jill Ma, Staysha Veal, Max Bernstein, Joanne Michels

Today’s Agenda

➢ Comparison of College Application Requirements ➢ ACT & SAT ➢ Additional Requirements for Private Colleges ➢ Community Colleges ➢ Financial Aid & Fee Waivers ➢ Upcoming Events ➢ Transcript Distribution ➢ Naviance Activity: Senior Surveys & more...

College Application Requirements

Comparison of College Application Requirements*

Online Application ACT or SAT scores Personal Statements Letters of Rec Official Transcript

Community Colleges

X

CSU’s

X X

UC’s

X X X

Private Colleges

X X X X X

* See Comparison of College Requirements handout for more details. ** Requirements vary for out-of-state public colleges.

College Application Deadlines

➢ CSU & UC Application Deadline: November 30th ➢ Private College Deadlines: ○ Early Application varies (Oct. to Nov.) ○ Regular Application varies (Dec. to Jan.) ➢ Community Colleges: Priority Enrollment begins February 2019

The DUE date is not the DO date!

Recommended College Application Timeline

SEPTEMBER ❏ Finalize college list ❏ Work on college application essays ❏ Complete letter of recommendation survey* OCTOBER ❏ Request letters of recommendation* ❏ Submit FAFSA financial aid application NOVEMBER ❏ Submit UC/CSU college applications DECEMBER ❏ Last chance to take the ACT/SAT ❏ Submit CSS Profile financial aid application*

* Private colleges only. Deadlines for early applications may be sooner.

California State Universities (CSU’s)

➢ Minimum 2.0 GPA to apply ➢ SAT or ACT scores required ➢ Application window: October 1st to November 30th ➢ Apply online: Cal State Apply

University of California (UC’s)

➢ Minimum 3.0 GPA to apply ➢ SAT or ACT scores required ➢ Four Personal Insight Questions

○ Answer four of eight questions that tell your story in 350 words or less ○ Check out the writing Guide for Freshman Applicants on the UC Office of Admissions website

➢ Application available now - Submit between November 1st to 30th ➢ Apply Online:University of California Admissions

Private Colleges

➢ Each college sets their own application requirements and Due Dates

○ ACT/SAT scores ○ Personal Statement & supplemental essays CA Essay Tips ○ Letters of Recommendation (1 counselor, 2 teachers) ○ Official Transcript, Mid-year transcript, Final transcript

➢ Only apply to colleges you would seriously consider attending if accepted ➢ Apply online: Common Application, or check college website

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

➢ California students can attend public colleges in other

western states at a reduced tuition level

➢ Scholarship application sometimes required ➢ For more info: www.wiche.edu/WUE

University of California (UC) Tuition

University of Colorado, Denver Tuition University of Nevada, Reno Tuition

Without WUE With WUE Without WUE With WUE $11,220 $29,040 $17,505 $20,128 $9,327

ACT & SAT

ACT/SAT Concordance Table

ACT & SAT

If you’re applying to a 4-year college & haven’t taken the ACT

• r SAT, SIGN UP NOW!!

➢ Upcoming ACT Dates ACT

○ Oct. 27th – Register by Sept. 28th

○ Dec. 8th – Register by Nov. 2nd

➢ Upcoming SAT Dates SAT collegeboard

○ Nov. 3rd – Register by Oct. 5th

○ Dec. 1st - Register by Nov. 2nd

ARAGON HIGH SCHOOL CEEB CODE FOR SAT/ACT: 053163

Sending ACT/SAT Scores

** Students must send ACT/SAT score reports to colleges themselves! **

○ CSU’s: Send SAT/ACT scores to any one CSU campus, and it

will be shared with the rest

○ UC’s: Send SAT/ACT scores to any one UC campus, and it will

be shared with the rest

○ Private Colleges: Send ACT/SAT scores individually to each

school

• Some colleges ask to send scores only AFTER you receive

admission and accept! Save $ and double check!

ACT & SAT – Sending Scores Money-saving tip:

You can send scores to up to 4 colleges for free if you request them BEFORE taking the ACT/SAT!

SAT Subject Tests

➢ SAT Subject Tests

○ Optional for most colleges ○ Some colleges and/or majors may require subject test

scores -- Check individual colleges

○ Students applying to STEM majors at UC’s are strongly

encouraged to take subject tests

Free SAT Test Prep

Need help prepping for the SAT? Check out Khan Academy’s FREE online test prep...

www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat www.satpractice.org

Studying for the SAT for 20 hours on Khan Academy’s free Official SAT Practice is associated with an average score gain of 115 points. That’s nearly double the average score gain compared to students who don’t use our free test prep.

Online ACT Test Prep

Interested in preparing for the ACT? Check out the new OFFICIAL FREE ACT online test prep:

https://academy.act.org

Private College Applications

Private College Application Process

Private colleges require: ◻ Common App online application ◻ ACT/SAT score reports ◻ Personal statement ◻ Supplemental essays ◻ Letter(s) of Recommendation ◻ Official transcripts sent from school (both initial and mid-year)

Private Colleges

➢ Early Action = Non-Binding ➢ Early Decision = Binding

The Common Application

Over 700 private colleges, one application. 1) Register at www.commonapp.org 2) Add at least one college 3) Submit the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waiver 4) It is recommended for students to waive their right to view letters of recommendation 5) Sync Naviance account to Common App -- REQUIRED for colleges to receive necessary documents from Aragon - How-To Video

Alternative Applications from Private Schools

➢ Please use the Common Application, even if you are

• ffered a free alternative from a private school. (For

example, University of the Pacific). ➢ You can still apply for free through Common App but we are better able to process your paperwork through Naviance ➢ If you apply directly through a college’s website, they might not get all your documents (out of state public schools, Georgetown are exceptions)

The Coalition Application

➢ Some private colleges are offering the “Coalition Application” as an alternative to the Common App ➢ Aragon does NOT recommend using the Coalition

• Application. Please use Common App, if option is

available ➢ Students who wish to use the Coalition App must talk to their counselor first!!

Personal Statement

• Your ‘interview’
• Explain what you were given, and how did you work with it?

■ Not necessarily a sob story

• Talk more deeply about an activity and what you got out of it
• Hear your voice, not a thesaurus’ voice
• Should resemble a conversation
• Common mistakes:

■ Talking about others ■ Not going in depth ■ Using a thesaurus too much ■ Sob Story

Demonstrated Interest

➢ Some private colleges track “demonstrated interest,” or how much interest a student shows in the college prior to applying ➢ Students should make multiple contacts with colleges they will apply to:

○ Email or call Admissions Office with questions ○ Request an interview if offered ○ Join their Twitter/Facebook/Instagram page (please “clean up” your own account first!) ○ Visit the campuses (if possible) ○ If the admissions rep visits Aragon, be sure to attend! They may be the person who reads applications for our area.

Demonstrated Interest

After adding colleges in Naviance, it may ask if you’d like colleges to communicate with you. Select “yes!”

Letters of Recommendation

How many rec letters do students need? ○ Most private colleges require 1 to 2 teacher letters of recommendation ○ Students may request letters from a MAXIMUM of 2 teachers ○ Some colleges also require a counselor rec letter - Check each college’s admissions website ○ The UC’s & CSU’s do not accept letters of rec! Exception: Some applicants to UC Berkeley & UC Davis will be invited to submit 2 optional letters of recommendation. After applying, students should check their emails regularly to see if the college is requesting letters.

Letters of Recommendation

How should students request letters? ➢ Teacher rec letters:

1) Ask teacher in person 2) Use Naviance to submit requests to each teacher

➢ Counselor rec letters:

1) Check in with Mrs. Tezak 2) Ask counselor or assistant principal in person 3) Complete the Letter of Rec Student Questionnaire on AHS website (REQUIRED!) 4) Email the counselor or assistant principal to schedule an appointment

Letters of Recommendation

When should students request letters? ➢ Counselors and teachers need 6 weeks to write a letter of

• recommendation. Ask early!! ☺

○ Come in NOW: Deadline to request letters for Early applications ○ November 1st: Deadline for Regular decision applications ➢ How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation Article

IMPORTANT: IF you request letters of rec and later decide NOT to apply to private colleges, PLEASE INFORM YOUR COUNSELOR AND TEACHERS ASAP!! Also, Keep your list in Naviance up-to-date!

Letters of Recommendation

○ To request official transcripts for private colleges: 1. Complete Senior Transcript Request Form See Mrs. Tezak or Ms. Luna for form 2. PAY $5 per college or $25 flat for unlimited colleges/scholarships to the Student Data Analyst, Ms. Luna 3. Fee waivers are available ○ Private colleges require mid-year transcripts, which are included in the fee ○ The college you choose to attend will require a final, official transcript in June ○ NO transcript required of CSU’s & UC’s until requested - check email & portals regularly!

Transcript Requests

Transcripts & recommendation letters will be sent upon receipt of payment. Fee waivers are given and available!

Transcript Requests

➢ If you took any community college or online courses

• utside of Aragon (CSM, Skyline, etc.), you must also

request official transcripts to be sent from those schools. ➢ Aragon cannot send grades earned from other institutions

Transcript Requests

Do senior grades and academic rigor count for:

➢ CSU’s? ➢ UC’s? ➢ Private colleges?

QUESTION

ABSOLUTELY!

After applying, seniors MUST notify colleges

• f changes in schedule or senior year

D’s/F’s...

Community Colleges

I’m on the fence…what do I do? 4 Year University Community College

3 advantages of community college:

• 1. Lower tuition & living costs (save $$!)
• 2. First priority for transfer to UC/CSU (check out

TAG - transfer admission guarantee program)

• 3. LOTS of Certificates/Associates degrees enable

students to enter workforce sooner

I’m on the fence… what do I do?

Community colleges offer: ➢2-year transfer program to UC/CSU and some local private colleges ➢ 2-year Associate's Degree/Vocational Training

Over 50 Certificate & Associate Degrees offered, including

Art, Broadcasting, Computers, Landscaping, Cosmetology, Automotive and Fire Technology

I’m on the fence… what do I do?

Certificate Programs

Canada College

○ 3D Animation and Video Game Art ○ Business/ Entrepreneurship ○ Latin American Studies ○ Medical Assisting ○ Interior Design ○ Paralegal

Skyline College

○ Biotechnology ○ Early Childhood Development ○ Automotive Technology ○ Fashion Merchandising ○ Anesthesiologist Technician (NEW!) ○ UX User Experience (NEW!) ○ Hospitality & Tourism

College of San Mateo (CSM)

○ Electrical Pathways ○ Cosmetology ○ Dental Hygienist/Dental Assisting ○ Fire Academy ○ Administration of Public Justice

Community Colleges

➢ Requirements: 18 years old or H.S. Diploma ➢ No SAT/ACT required ➢ 3-Step Registration Workshop at Aragon in January/February → Apply for Priority Enrollment Program (PEP)!!

Financial Aid & Fee Waivers

What is Financial Aid?

$ MONEY TO PAY FOR COLLEGE $

• Grants: Gift aid, ie: Pell Grant, Cal Grant, Chaffee Grant,

Institutional Grant

• Work-Study: Money earned by student working
• Loans: Money borrowed, have to repay with interest
• Scholarships: FREE MONEY usually based on merit but can

be based on a student’s interests, hobbies, religion, ethnicity, and/or financial need

Financial Aid Applications

Apply for ONE only: FAFSA or DREAM ACT

FAFSA and DREAM ACT are online financial aid applications that EVERY college-bound student should complete including community college

➢ FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) ○ For students with social security or alien registration #s ○ Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov starting OCTOBER 1st ○ Deadline March 2nd, 2019 ➢ CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT (for students without SSN#) ○ Apply online at www.dream.csac.ca.gov/ starting OCTOBER 1st ○ Deadline March 2nd, 2019

Factors that determine eligibility The EFC is mainly determined by considering

• family income
• family assets
• number of family members in

household

• number of family members in college

(excluding parents)

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need

Per Year Estimated College Costs

Community College CSU UC Private/ Independent Registration Fees & Tuition (full time)

~$1,400 ~$7,000 ~$14,000 $30,000 to $50,000

Books and Supplies

$1,900 $1,900 $1,900 $1,900

Room and Board

$5,000 - $12,500 $9,500 - $16,000 (on campus housing) $12,500 - $16,000 (on campus) $9,500

• $14,500

(on campus)

Transportation

$1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500

Personal Expenses

$1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500

Total (Sticker Price)

$11,000

• $18,500

$20,500- $30,000 $29,000- $36,000 $45,000- $70,000

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

➢ Check our scholarship list frequently as it’s always being updated SCHOLARSHIP LISTING ➢ Always check your emails to avoid delays ➢ Apply for FAFSA or DREAM ACT as soon as possible ➢ Some schools won’t consider you for merit aid until you submit a FAFSA ➢ Financial aid application deadlines for private colleges are often MUCH EARLIER! (November - February) ➢ Check each college’s financial aid website for deadlines ➢ Many private colleges also require the CSS Profile financial aid application ➢ California Promise College Grant (BOG waiver) ➢ Book appointment with Ms. Moala for application assistance from October-March (Flex, Lunch, Open Period)

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS

Fee Waivers

➢ Qualifying students may request free or reduced fees for:

○ ACT/SAT registration & score reports ○ College application fees ○ Transcript requests ○ NCAA Eligibility ○ CSS Profile (financial aid application)

➢ Sign up for Free or Reduced Lunch on SMUHSD website if you might qualify for fee waivers ➢ For more info, see Mrs. Tezak (College & Career Advisor)

• r your counselor

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

SMUHSD College & Career Fair Monday, Oct. 15th 6:30 PM to 8:30pm Mills High School

Students AND parents should attend! Highlights: UC & CSU representatives and Speakers, Private Colleges, Community College reps, Financial Aid Information, Apprenticeship programs, trades & special guests

Need help?

○ UC Essay Workshop in MPR on Wednesday, 9/26 during Flex Time/Lunch – Get help writing your personal insight questions ○ Cash for College Workshop at CSM on Sat., 10/20 from 10am-2pm ○ Financial Aid Night @ Aragon, Thursday Nov. 11/1 at 7pm Contact your counselor or Mrs. Tezak and Ms. Moala if you need additional help!

Important Dates

Senior Parent College Info Night

• Wed. 9/26 @ 6:30 PM

UC Personal Insight Questions Workshop

• Wed. 9/26 @ Flex Time

College & Career Fair at Mills

• Mon. 10/16 @ 6:30 PM

Common App Workshop TBA

Additional workshops (Dates to be announced): CSU Application Workshop, UC Application Workshop, Common App Workshop, Community College Workshop, Cash 4 College

Check webpage for updates!

College Visits

➢ Upcoming Visits: ○ Fri, 9/28 – Boston University ○ Mon,10/1 – University of San Francisco ○ Tues,10/2 - Chapman University ○ Thur,10/4 - CSU, East Bay ○ Tues,10/9 - Baylor University Continually check Naviance for times & updated list! ➢ Register on Naviance. Let your teacher know you will be attending. Then attend.

Check Your Portals!

➢ Once you apply, colleges will provide a portal (or account) that allows you to check the status of your application ➢ Colleges use these portals to notify you if they need more information ➢ After applying, log into your online portal for each college every 2 weeks. (Check your Spam) ➢ Remember to check your email regularly too!!

(Students have had applications denied due to missing info!)

Transcript Distribution

Naviance

Naviance

How will seniors use Naviance?

All students:

1. Research careers, colleges, scholarships, etc. 2. Complete career assessments 3. Communicate to counselor which colleges you’re submitting applications

Students applying to private colleges:

4. Request transcripts (Also final transcripts for CSU/UC) 5. Request Letters of Recommendation 6. Link Naviance & Common App accounts so counselors can send materials to Common App 7. Complete Letter of Recommendation packet

Naviance

Update your college list under “Colleges I am applying to.” All lists should be finalized by Nov. 1st.

Naviance

If applying to private colleges:

❏ Complete FERPA waiver in Common App & link your Naviance account ❏ Complete the AHS Letter of Rec/Scholarship Survey

If NOT applying to private colleges:

❏ Under the About Me tab, finish any inventories under “My Assessments” that you haven’t completed ❏ Use the results to research careers, majors, colleges, etc. Add to your list of favorite careers.

Make the Most of Your Time with Your Counselor

Make the Most of Your Time with Your Counselor

College application season is an especially busy time for high school counselors. You can help your counselor help you by staying on top of the application process. Here’s how. Be early. If you start doing tasks — researching colleges, collecting ideas for application essays, making requests for recommendation letters — well ahead of time, you’ll make it easier for your counselor to give you timely answers when you need help. Be organized. Figure out a system for keeping track of application components and deadlines

• yourself. Read Applying to College: FAQs for tips.

Be responsible. Your counselor can help in many ways, but this is your project and your

• responsibility. It’s up to you to ask your counselor for the help you need. Schedule appointments

when you need to talk to him or her. Be prepared. When you do meet with your counselor, have a list of questions ready and know what you want to discuss.

Final Thoughts

○ Senior year DOES COUNT ○ All acceptances are PROVISIONAL dependent upon final semester grades ○ After applying, students MUST notify colleges of changes in schedule or senior year D’s/F’s ○ Students should check their email and online portals at least once per week! ○ Got more questions? Things getting tough?? Contact Ms. Ho or

• Mrs. Tezak.