Approaching the
College Application
Process
Gaithersburg High School
Counseling Office
College and Career Center
Topics Covered
• Researching Colleges /
Making Your List
• Application Process
• Paperwork and Deadlines
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
Questions…
• Attend school near home or move away?
• In Maryland or out-of-state?
• State college or private?
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– State = less expensive, fewer scholarships
– Private = more expensive, more financial aid
Type of campus?
– City, suburban, rural
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
More Questions…
• Size of Campus
– Small = <3000 students
– Medium = between 3000 and 10,000 students
– Large = >10,000
• Other preferences / interests?
– Climate, shopping, entertainment, spiritual,
community, athletics
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
More To Consider…
• Community College
– Apply EARLY to Montgomery College
– Flexible, save money, transfer credits
– 2-year associate degrees available
• Athletes
– NCAA Clearinghouse
– www.eligibilitycenter.org
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
More To Consider…
• US Service Academies
– SAT in Spring Junior Year
– Pre-candidate Questionnaire
– Application Packets from Congressional
Reps & Senators
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
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ASVAB
April 4
Career Interest Survey
What Are You Good At?
Looks Like a Test
Explore Occupations
Figure Out What You Want to Study
in College or …
Do With Your Life!!
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
Gathering Information
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Look at Schools Online
Will They Be Visiting the Area?
Are They Visiting at GHS?
Counselor, CCIC, Teachers, Parents
College Fairs – April 9 – AT
FAIRGROUNDS
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
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College Fair
April 9 and 10
Bus Service from GHS
200+ Colleges Represented
Have a Plan – Know Which Schools
Focus on Financial Assistance Options
U of Md, Other Local Schools Popular
Details: Handouts, Website,
Announcements
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
Other Resources
• www.Collegeboard.org
• www.PrincetonReview.com
• Naviance/Family Connection (link on GHS
home page)
• We Are Here To Help!
• College/Career Center
• Your Counselor
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
Consider What Colleges Are Looking For
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Quality of Academic Program
Grade Point Average
SAT or ACT Scores
Extra Curricular Activities
Volunteer / Community Service / Employment
Letters of Recommendation
The Tests Are Not Created Equal…
SAT
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Highest score 2400
Math: Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus
Reading
Multiple Choice
Essay
Penalty for wrong answers
Fee $51.00
www.CollegeBoard.org
The Tests Are Not Created Equal…
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ACT
Highest Score 36
Math: Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus
Science
Reading
English
Multiple Choice Only $36.50
With Optional Writing Exam $52.50
No Penalty for Wrong Answers
www.actstudent.org
The Tests Are Not Created Equal…
• Accuplacer
• TOEFL
Researching Colleges / Making Your List
Make Your List
• Pick 6-9 Schools
– Target Schools
– Reach Schools
– no more 2
Application Process
Setting up the Applications
• www.CommonApp.org after August 1
• Identify schools who participate
• Access applications for non-participating
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schools directly
Register online (write down login info, requirements and deadlines!!)
– Set up login and password for each
– Verify what documents are needed
Application Process
Do The Applications
• Begin completing the applications online
• Double check applications for:
– Accuracy
– Completeness
• Print/Copy all pages prior to submitting
for your records
Application Process
Application Reminders
• Accurate email address that you check!
• Email in CommonApp and Naviance need to be
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the same!
Update Your Counselor
Check for errors!!
– Spel checque iz knot enuf
– Proofread
• Sign and date forms (best handwriting!)
• Express Your Voice, Not Someone Else’s
Application Process
Essays and Resume
• Activity Statement - ~100 words
• Optional/or NOT!!
• 1 – 2 Personal Essays
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– Choose Topic Wisely
– English Teacher Feedback
Activities/Resume
– Organize by most important to you
Include Important Characteristics of
School, if Possible
Application Process
Letters of Recommendation
• Teacher
– Brag Sheet and / or Resume
• Counselor
– Brag Sheets, Extra Curricular Checklist
– Teacher Feedback Forms
Paperwork and Deadlines
“Senior Packet”
• Paperwork Now ONLINE!
– Preferred Method
• GHS Website, College & Career Page
• Select:
– College-Bound Student Checklist
Paperwork and Deadlines
Deadlines!!!
• Chart or List of Deadlines and
Requirements
– Spreadsheet?
– Sticky Notes?
– Find a System That Works For You
• Transcript Requests
– Allow At Least 15 School Days
Paperwork and Deadlines
More Deadlines!!!
• November 1 Deadline
– All Paperwork in By October 10
• Apply by Priority Deadline if Possible
• Scholarships
– Plan Ahead if Possible
– YOU Know Your Requirements
– Website Good Resource
Conclusion
Time to Get Busy!
• Start Now
– Schedule Tests
– Look at Schools
– Finish Brag Sheets
• Summer Fun
– Visit Schools
– Make Your List
– Start Applications