11th Grade Parent Meeting
February 25, 2015
Presented by:
Brian Sabo
John Coughenour
Ann Henke
Agenda
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College Application process
Sending Transcripts
ACT
NCAA
College Visits
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Web Resources
Junior Year Checklist/Timeline
*All websites presented in tonight’s program
available online at Spring Lake High School page
under “Guidance”.
College Applications
• Page 1
• Access application at college website.
• Apply/pay application fee online (preferred
method).
• Can also pay by check/money order
(student/parent mail payment).
• Some colleges request completion of a
“Counselor Page”; download, print and
bring to guidance office.
Submitting Transcripts
• The Common Application – Counselor will upload
the transcript as part on online process.
• Parchment – For colleges not using the Common
Application. It is the student’s responsibility to
make a transcript request through Parchment.
• No mailings.
Common Application
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One application directed to multiple colleges.
Requires student essay, letters of recommendation.
All steps completed online.
Check application status through online account.
Follow all instructions!
Michigan colleges using the Common Application
(page 3)
Parchment
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Electronic transcript service.
No mailing required.
All SLHS juniors will have an account.
Student’s responsibility to make a transcript
request after application is submitted.
• Confirmation when sent/received.
• Letters of Rec can be added.
• Useful tools (admissions estimator).
Testing
• Page 2
• Colleges need scores directly from testing agency
(ACT or SAT) (MSU, U of M will not process).
• Students can choose 4 colleges.
• State testing for ACT, March 3 (results in April).
• ACT dates in April and June (register/pay online).
• Fall testing opportunities (Sept, Oct, Dec).
• Check college websites for scholarship info
Admission Policies/Timelines
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GVSU, CMU, WMU, Ferris – 3/4 weeks.
MSU – 8/12 weeks (apply early!).
Michigan – mid December (if deadline met).
Notify Mrs. Zacek of acceptances.
Acceptance letters –follow directions.
Part of admission decision based on strength
of schedule – expected to maintain rigor.
College Comparison/Criteria
• See page 6 and 7
• Information retrieved from college
websites.
• Freshman averages reported.
• Admission based on several factors (see
page 8).
• Check websites for current costs of
attendance.
College Admissions Decisions
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Page 8
Academic Records
Transcript -(g.p.a./classes/rank). Senior year
courses important.
College Entrance Exams:
Check college for entrance exam requirements.
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer work, sports, church, clubs, theater
Recommendations (if requested)
Teachers, counselors, clergy, employers
Student Essays may also be requested.
Personal Data Form
• Pages 9 & 10
• Used for letters of recommendations.
• Valuable for counselors/teachers in completing.
applications and letters of recommendation.
• Fill out entirely.
• Seniors will complete next fall.
• Guidance Office will keep a copy.
• Can update through the year.
NCAA Eligibility
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Page 11
Division I
U of M, MSU, CMU, WMU
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Division II
Ferris, Grand Valley, Hillsdale, Northwood
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Clearinghouse Form (www.eligibilitycenter.org),
Division III
Hope, Calvin, Kalamazoo, Albion
Not under NCAA guidelines, no form needed
College Visits
• Pages 12 & 13
• Highly recommended in Junior year (spring,
summer or fall of Senior year).
• Subjective feeling.
• Prepare for visit with questions.
• Start with virtual tour.
• www.macrao.org. Access to all Michigan
colleges.
College Rep/Military Visits
• See pages 14 & 15
• Get information directly from college
representatives and military recruiters.
• Times/Dates run on announcements.
• Listings are posted.
• Military reps will follow up….
Scholarships/Financial Aid
Terms
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Page 16.
Merit Based – Aid awarded based on academics.
Need Based – Aid awarded based on financial status.
Awards also for special talents – music, athletics, theater
Aid Can Come From 3 Sources
• Institutional Aid – Assistance directly from college
(mainly merit based).
• Government Aid – Need based determined by income as
reported on the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA). PIN number used as online signature.
• Independent Aid – Companies/organizations (examples
on page 17).
Web Resources
• See page 18
• springlakeschools.org
• Financial Aid
• Fafsa.ed.gov-Worksheet and apply for a “pin” number.
• direct.ed.gov (Includes Loan Calculator).
College/Career Sites
• Macrao.org – Access to all colleges in Michigan.
• Mymajors.com- Interest inventory, links to college
programs, scholarship search.
• Headed2.com – Comprehensive site for college/careers.
Junior /Senior Checklist
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See page 19.
Think about post secondary options now.
Visit (still opportunities for spring, summer).
Have college choices narrowed down by fall.
Have ACT scores sent directly to college.
Familiarize yourself with the financial aid process.
Finish what you start. Stay in challenging classes.
Addressing Senior Year Apathy
• College reps – A strong finish helps with the
transition to college.
• Colleges can rescind an admissions decision based
on a poor senior year.
• Address it with your student, particularly after
college acceptance.
• Let student know you will be checking grades.
• Emphasize balance of studies with free time.
Senior Scholars/District Rank
• See inside of back cover.
• Formula used to determine top 25 seniors (Senior
Scholars). GPA 50%, ACT 25 %, Course Selection
25%.
• Encourage students to stay in academic courses.
• Will not be calculated until Term 2 of senior year.
• “Traditional” rank (reported to colleges) is gpa only.