Junior Parents’ Workshop: The
College Admissions Process
Mrs. Betsy Sullivan
4/13/2015
College Search
• Who are you?
• What do you want?
• College Search: selectivity, 2 yr/4 yr
school, state, region, major, sports, LD,
average cost, enrollment
• Develop List through Naviance
4/13/2015
Important Decisions
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First Choice
Early Decision
Early Action
Single Choice
Regular Decision
Likely Schools
4/13/2015
Evaluating an Applicant
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High School Grades and GPA
Rigor of Program+Senior Course Selection
Rank (MLHS does not rank)
Standardized Test Scores (Test Optional
Colleges: www.fairtest.org)
• Extracurricular Activities
• Teacher and Counselor Recommendations
• Application Essay(s)
• 4/13/2015
Interview (required/recommended)
MLHS School Profile
• Every school has a Profile that is updated each
year
• Contains the school’s statistical data + other
information
• Features past performance as a benchmark
• Colleges compare the strength of a student’s
transcript to the strength of the offerings, to peers,
and to the pool of applicants
• MLHS’ Profile is a strong statement about our
school, our students, and our community
4/13/2015
High School Transcript
• Courses taken and final grades earned in
grades 9-11 with annual and cumulative
GPAs
• Does not include quarter or exam grades
• Midyear Report gives that breakdown and
is released to colleges in February
• MLHS GPA is calculated on all classes
except PE, Audit, and Pass/Fail classes
• MLHS GPA is weighted on a sliding scale
A+=4.3, 4.8, 5.3
4/13/2015
• Non-weighted GPA uses 4.0 scale
Standardized Testing
• PSAT-Sophomore and Junior Years
• SAT Reasoning-Sophomore and Junior Years
SAT II Subject Tests-Start early (Honors Bio
Grade 9; Honors Chem Grade 10; AP Bio Grade
11 take it again for best possible score)
www.collegeboard.com
www.ets.org
• ACT with or without Writing
www.actstudent.org
• Please note: Students are responsible for knowing
the specific requirements for each of their schools
4/13/2015
Resume/Activities Sheet
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Extracurricular Activities
Community Service
Employment
Photo-optional personal choice
4/13/2015
Campus Visits
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MLHS CODE: 310855
Register in Admissions Office
Plan ahead for a tour
Schedule an overnight, attend classes
Talk to other students on campus
Exchange email information if appropriate
Look at facilities, surroundings, professors,
and students
• Keep notes
• Send Thank You cards
4/13/2015
Student-Athletes
• NCAA Regulations
Division I Schools
Division II Schools
Division III Schools
• Cumulative GPA
• NCAA’s Cumulative GPA
• Register/File after completion of junior
year
4/13/2015
Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Public or Private: Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Private: College Scholarship Service
(CSS) www.collegeboard.com
• Scholarships
4/13/2015
Additional Resources
Guidance Department
Telephone: 973-334-8580
Fax: 973-316-0815
CEEB Code: 310855
Mr. Bergen: jbergen@mtlakes.org until 12/20/13
Ms. Rao: mrao@mtlakes.org from 1/2/14
Ms. Margaret Montenare:mmontenare@mtlakes.org
Mrs. Sullivan: bsullivan@mtlakes.org
Mr. Wolfelsperger: dwolfelsperger@mtlakes.org
Ms. Stalter: lstalter@mtlakes.org
Ms. Corby: mcolby@mtlakes.org
Dr. Moore: jmoore@mtlakes.org
4/13/2015