Guidance Department: College Applications

Attention College-Bound Seniors

How are you coming with your college applications? The Guidance Department wants to remind you to submit all required parts of your applications and the completed Transcript Request Form to your counselor (at least two weeks before you want them mailed or picked up, especially if a counselor recommendation is needed). Here are a few other points to remember:

1. Applications with a January deadline should be in as early as September or at least two-weeks before the holiday break.

2. If you are applying online, print any page that needs to be filled out by the counselor. For some colleges, this page is not found in the same place as the online application.

3. When asking teachers for recommendations, let them know by what date you need them, giving them about two weeks lead time. Then be sure to follow up with the teachers if you have not heard from them by that date; they may have turned in the recommendations to your counselor.

4. Let your counselor know where you have decided to attend after you have been accepted at that college/university. We're almost as excited as you are!

5. You will need to let us know to which colleges you want your mid-year (and later, final) transcript sent.

6. If you need your transcript sent to a Virginia Public Institution where multiple students apply, we can send the transcripts together in one large envelope. Otherwise, you need to provide an addressed, stamped envelope with your name and return address for every college you are still considering.

7. Keep those grades up. As they say, "It's not over 'til it's over!"

8. See your counselor with any questions or concerns as soon as possible. Leave a note if he/she is not available when you stop by. Thanks!
    

College catalogs, applications, and scholarship information are made available to all students in the College & Career Information Center located in Guidance. In addition, various college and scholarship information will be posted on the guidance bulletin board located across from the lunch room on the East wall. Please notify Mrs. Wills if you are unable to locate any college or scholarship information.

College applications require some time to complete so it is in a student's best interest to pick up applications from the College & Career Information Center early. Applications for some schools are also being made available on-line. If a student is unable to locate a college application he/she may ask Mrs. Wills for assistance. If a student needs assistance completing an application he/she may make an appointment with his/her counselor to receive help.

Recommendations

College admission offices often request that an applicant turn in recommendations with their application. Students often receive recommendations from teachers, employers, coaches, pastors, etc. Students are encouraged to give persons writing recommendations ample notification of the application's due date. Teacher recommendation forms are available in guidance

Transcripts

Along with recommendations, admission offices ask for high school transcripts. Transcripts can be acquired by filling out a transcript request form, found on the bookshelf in the guidance waiting area, and paying $2.00 for each transcript requested. If a student is under the age of 18 he/she will need a parent's signature on the transcript request form in order to have the transcript released to him/her.

Tests

Many college admission offices require that potential students take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or the American College Testing (ACT) exam (or both). Students usually start taking these tests in the junior year of high school. In addition, some colleges require SAT II tests which measure a student's knowledge in certain subject areas. It is important to check with the college admissions office or the student's guidance counselor about which tests to take. Applications for taking these tests are located on the bookshelf in the guidance waiting area, by request of the Guidance Secretary, or the student may register on-line at www.collegeboard.org.

Mailing College Applications

Two options are offered for mailing applications:

First, upon completion of the counselor portion and a check of the application the student should come to their counselor and pick up the packet to send in themselves. This insures the student knows when the application is sent.

Or, Students may bring completed college applications to his/her guidance counselor along with an addressed manila envelope and four $.39 stamps. Counselors will check the applications for completeness before mailing them.

Remember, follow-up is key to timely applications. After you drop off your application and transcript request, check with your counselor periodically BEFORE your deadlines to insure they are completed and ready to send.

Make sure you give your counselor at least TWO-WEEKS NOTICE to get your packet ready.

College Requirements

SOPHOMORES

1. See your school counselor to make certain you are taking the appropriate courses.

2. Choose courses that are challenging when scheduling for next year or when changing courses for next semester.

3. Enhance your required courses by selecting electives that interest you and allow you to explore your future career aspirations.

4. Write to the colleges that interest you so that you are aware of their entrance requirements now.

5. Visit local colleges as well as those that you are near when vacationing.

6. Save a portion of your earnings from part-time and summer jobs.

7. Explore your career options, interests, and aptitudes throughout the year.

8. Talk with college students and graduates about their classes/jobs.

9. Consider taking the PSAT in the fall for practice in taking standardized tests.

10. Attend the College Fair.

JUNIORS

1. Maintain high grades; this is the year that colleges will look at the hardest!

2. Select rigorous required courses; do not necessarily stop your math, science, or foreign language sequences because you have met the requirements to graduate. See your counselor to determine if additional courses are required for selection into the colleges in which you are interested.

3. Become active in the school and community.

4. Take the PSAT in the fall.

5. Take the SAT I during the year. Your counselor can give you registration forms.

6. Take the SAT II, if required, after completing the course in which you would like to be tested. See your counselor to determine whether the colleges you are interested in require the SAT II.

7. Continue investigating colleges that interest you. Be certain to look at college courses, programs, and financial aid plans. Your Counselor and Media Center Specialist can provide you with college addresses and phone numbers.

8. Attend the College Fair.

9. Visit colleges during vacations and make appointments with admissions personnel.

10. Continue family and student savings.

11. Ask teachers for recommendation letters to put in your cumulative folder in guidance.

SENIORS

1. Make a final choice of three to five colleges that interest you.

2. Write or call the colleges to request applications or visit their web sites.

3. Visit the College Fair to pick up applications and receive last minute answers to your questions.

4. Take the SAT 1 a final time.

5. Take the SAT II if your colleges require these tests. See your counselor to determine which colleges require the SAT II.

6. Apply to the colleges on time.

7. Apply for financial aid on time.

8. Apply for private scholarships throughout the year.

9. Continue parent and student savings.

10. Remain active in the school and community.

11. Request that your midterm grades be mailed from the school to your colleges. (Mid-February)

12. Review financial aid packages offered by schools, talk to admissions representatives, and sign and promptly return correspondence from the colleges.

13. Request that your final grades be mailed from the school to the college you have selected. (May-June)