Seniors and the college application process
Interlake HIGH SCHOOL
School code: 480069
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CLASS of 2016
SENIORS and the college application process
Welcome to your senior year at Interlake High School! This is the year that all the hours of hard work,
diligence, and rigor begin to pay off as you consider your post-secondary choices and the many options
ahead of you.
Last spring, counselors met with all juniors (now seniors) in small groups to discuss the college application
process and to guide students in their research of colleges. Among other things, we talked about the junior
and senior timeline, standardized testing, college visits, and the importance of finding “the fit”.
Some students want to find the perfect college. The truth is, many colleges will be a good fit. You can find
many colleges at which you’ll be happy and get a wonderful education. The college search is about
exploring who you are and what you want and then finding colleges that will meet your long-term goals
and dreams.
Still, you do need to narrow down the possibilities into a manageable list. The IHS counselors encourage
students to keep an open mind, research schools, and keep a healthy perspective. For most students, 4-5
applications will be suffice. Some students may apply to a few more. You should make sure you apply to a
mix of reach schools, match schools and safety schools. This will ensure a selection of schools that will
maximize your chances of being accepted somewhere. Look at the school profiles, and compare the
admissions data to your own academic record and test scores. Remember, that there are many good
college matches for every student, and that you can be successful at many types of schools.
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The enclosed senior packet is tailored specifically for students applying to two and four year colleges. It
contains up to date information on colleges within our state as well as the procedures for applying to public
and private institutions. Counselors will be visiting classrooms to review the contents of this packet with all
seniors and we will be encouraging students to share this information with their parents/guardians.
College representatives are scheduled to visit Interlake High School on various dates throughout the fall
semester. Dates, times, and locations are posted in the Career Center and on our school’s website at:
http://www.bsd405.org/interlake/counseling/career-center/ We encourage students to attend these
informal drop-in sessions as they provide an opportunity to get specific college questions answered, often
with the college representative who will be reviewing their application. Students should see Ms. Ball, the
Career Specialist, to sign-up to attend visits that occur during class time. In order to be excused from class
students are required to obtain, in advance, a pre-approved permission form from Ms. Ball. For further
questions, please contact the Career Specialist at ballm@bsd405.org.
Students will undoubtedly have questions this fall as they complete their college applications and they are
welcome to stop by the Counseling Center to meet with their Counselor or send an email with their
questions.
Congratulations on your hard work and we look forward to helping you in the next few months!
Ms. Williams
(Last names A – C)
Ms. McDermott (Last names D-J)
Ms. Vergien
(Last names K-M)
Ms. Kearns
(Last names N-Sn)
Mr. Marcum
(Last names So – Z)
williamsa@bsd405.org
mcdermottc@bsd405.org
vergienm@bsd405.org
kearnsc@bsd405.org
marcums@bsd405.org
IHS Counseling Center is open Mon, Tues, Thurs and Friday 7am – 3pm and Wed 7am – 12:30pm
College Corps
Did you know amazing College Corps volunteers can help you with your Scholarship Applications? College
Corps can help you with information about college, completing college applications, writing application
and scholarship essays, finding financial aid and all aspects of the college application process. You can
make an appointment by emailing Ms. Scott at scottar@bsd405.org or just stop by:
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Important information
For College Applications
Class of 2016
Interlake High School address:
16245 NE 24th Street
Bellevue, WA 98008
Counseling Center phone number:
425-456-7231
Counseling Center fax number:
425-456-7303
CEEB Code: 480069
Graduating Class Size: 377
Grading Scale: 4.0
Graduation Date: June 14, 2016
Some friendly reminders
1) Log into Naviance ASAP and follow the required steps:
Naviance: http://connection.naviance.com/interlakehs
2) Weighted class rank will be ready on or before October 15th, 2015. Please
see your counselor with questions. We report class rank in letters of
recommendation. Two ranks are run for Interlake HS- one with the Gifted
Program students and one without.
3) You need to send your SAT/ACT scores directly to the colleges you are
applying to via www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org
4) UW- Seattle does not require transcripts in the applications.
5) Good Luck and please remember to ask us as many questions as you can!
We have helped thousands of students with their applications and may
have the answer you need.
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Required NAVIANCE College Application Steps
Log onto Naviance: http://connection.naviance.com/interlakehs
Resources
Become familiar with the resources on the home page (tasks, document library and links)
Game Plan
 If you haven’t already completed the Game Plan, go to the “About Me” tab
 Under “Interesting Things About Me”, click on the “Game Plan”
 Please complete the survey
Colleges I’m Thinking About
To begin your list of potential colleges:
 Go to College tab at the top of your home page
 Click on “Colleges I’m Thinking About”
 Search for colleges (use “more specific search options” to conduct an advanced search, based on your preferred
criteria)
 Add potential colleges to your list by clicking on “add to list”
Colleges I’m Applying To
Once you have decided to submit an application for a particular college, move that college to the “colleges I’m
applying to” list by clicking on “Move to Application List”

Transcripts for ALL (public and private) colleges
NOTE: be sure to submit your request three weeks before your application deadline
a) For ALL (public and private) colleges on your application list, request official transcripts by clicking on
“request transcripts” button above your college list. Follow the links to request an official transcript for
each college.
 b) For ALL (public and private) colleges on your application list, request official transcripts by clicking on
“request transcripts” button above your college list. Follow the links to request an official transcript for each
college. Also: At least three weeks prior to the deadline, complete the Transcript Request Form available in
the Counseling Center. Per BSD policy, each senior will pay a $10 flat fee for transcripts. This fee will cover
initial transcripts, mid-Year reports and final transcripts. The fee is payable to Interlake High School through
the school accountant or online at the Pay Fees & Fines link on the Interlake website. Please bring the receipt
for the transcript order to the Counseling Secretary to complete the Transcript Request Form. Once
requested and paid for, your transcripts will be electronically submitted on your behalf through NAVIANCE.

Letters of Recommendation for private colleges (request at least three weeks prior to deadline)
a) Talk to your counselor and teachers in person and ask for letters of recommendation.
b) For the counselor letter, complete and email background materials to your counselor at least three
weeks prior to your first deadline. Turn in your paper waiver to your counselor, revoking your rights to
view the letter and supporting documents.
c) Follow similar procedures for your teachers. Each teacher has an individual policy- be sure to connect
with them face to face in September.
d) In Naviance, on the “Colleges I’m applying to” page, request teacher recommendations by scrolling to
middle of the page and clicking on “add/cancel request” under “Teacher Recommendations”
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e) Select teachers from the drop down menu and click “update requests”.

For students applying to private colleges via Common App
a) Go to commonapp.org and set up your account and complete through the Education” section.
b) Write down your Common App username and password
c) Return to Naviance and Sign the Common App Waiver and FERPA form and enter your Common App
username and password
d) Go back to Common App and apply online to your colleges
Follow these instructions to learn how to sync your Common App and Naviance account. Steps to link common
app and Naviance are as follows:
1. Complete the education section of the common app first. It has to have a green check to confirm.
2. Add at least one college to "My colleges".
3. After adding a college, under the "my colleges" tab, select a school. Click on “add recommenders”.
4. The FERPA agreement pops up at the top of the page. Complete the FERPA and check the boxes to WAIVE
your rights. Type your name in the box provided. This will reflect that the FERPA agreement has been signed
electronically.
5. Check and see if the email addresses are the same for common app and Naviance. You must check TWO
places in Naviance - email and username, both found under the "About Me" tab.
6. When all 5 of the above tasks are completed, go to "Colleges I am applying to" and enter your email
address.

For students applying to most public colleges and private colleges not on the Common App
a) Go to the college website and click on undergrad admissions
b) Review application requirements and open an online account
c) Apply online

After you have submitted your college applications
a) In the “my app” column of the “Colleges I’m applying to” screen, update the status of your application.
b) Once colleges send you their decisions, click the pencil under “results” to update your status.
Important Notes:
 SAT/ACT scores must be sent directly from the testing agencies to the colleges. For SAT, students should
contact College Board (www.collegeboard.com). For ACT, students should contact ACT (www.act.org) There
is a fee to order score reports.
 The University of Washington and the University of California schools do not require and will not accept
transcripts; instead you will be asked to transcribe your classes and grades directly onto your application.
You will need to send your tests scores to these schools.
 For the rare schools that require paper applications, please see the Counseling Secretary at least three weeks
before you need any school forms mailed.
Reminder:
 Know your due dates! Don’t procrastinate as colleges don’t accept late applications.
 Plan to finish your applications early and then celebrate!
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Remember these essential details
Transcripts FYI
Most public universities in Washington State will require an official high school transcript in the application process.
The exceptions are the University of Washington and Western Washington University. UW does not need a
transcript until you have been accepted and WWU allows an unofficial transcript to be uploaded by the student.
University of California schools need a transcript only once you have been admitted. All colleges and universities
that participate in the online Common Application will require an official high school transcript. Most other 4-year
universities require transcripts as well. Community colleges do not require transcripts. If unsure, ask your counselor.
All transcripts will be sent electronically through NAVIANCE and must be requested through NAVIANCE.
Commonapp.org and NAVIANCE
In order for your counselor and teachers to complete your letter of recommendation for schools using the Common
App you must link your common app and NAVIANCE accounts. Be sure to use the same email for both accounts.
They will not link if you use different email addresses. You must complete the education tab, add at least one college,
sign the FERPA release authorization and complete the account matching process.
School Report & Mid-Year Report
Both the School Report and the Mid-Year Report will be completed by your counselor in NAVIANCE.
Final Report
Final transcripts will be sent in July through NAVIANCE.
Test scores
It is your responsibility to send official SAT, SAT II (subject tests), and ACT score reports to each
university/college. Interlake does not send scores. NAVIANCE does not send scores. Pay attention to what each
school requires. Most will require either the SAT or ACT. Subject tests may or may not be required.
www.collegeboard.org and www.act.org
Specific College/University Online Applications Some schools do not participate in the online Common Application,
and instead have their own online application process. Pay close attention to their directions and if they require a
Mid-Year Report and letter of recommendation from your counselor be sure to add the schools to your NAVIANCE
account.
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For private universities, colleges and scholarships
If you are applying to a private college or private university, certain areas of your application will have to be
completed by your counselor. The school section of your application is usually called the Secondary School Report
and Mid-year Report. Your counselor needs a minimum of three weeks to review your academic record, collect
teacher evaluation forms, and write a thoughtful letter of recommendation to complete all sections of the school
report of the application. The following process is designed to assure that the private universities/colleges receive
all required information in a timely manner. All school reports and letters of recommendation will be processed
through the NAVIANCE website. Please read the following information and instructions carefully.
Please complete the following check list:
List College(s), Deadline(s) and Order Transcripts (required)
Please add the schools you are applying to into the NAVIANCE college list at least 3 weeks prior to the first deadline.
Be sure to choose your deadline date: early decision, early action or regular admission. Request all transcripts
through NAVIANCE as well. Be sure to pay your transcript fee online on Interlake’s home page or with the
accountant. If your counselor cannot see a deadline, we will not be able to submit in a timely manner. If you add
colleges later, please update your list in NAVIANCE.
Teacher Feedback Form for counselor (required)
Please select three (3) teachers who know you well and can provide useful information to your counselor. Three
copies of the Teacher Feedback form are included in this packet. Ask your teachers to complete the form in 5-7 days
and return the form directly to your counselor. This information will allow your counselor to write a comprehensive
letter of recommendation.
Waive Your Rights (required)
Colleges prefer that students waive his or her rights to access letters of recommendation. In order to provide the
most authentic and valuable letter of recommendation to admissions offices, the IHS counselors require that
students waive their right to see letters of recommendation from counselors and teachers.
Fill out the attached waiver form and return to your counselor at least three weeks prior to your first deadline. You
must also sign the FERPA waiver electronically in Common App (if you are using it). If you have questions or concerns
about waiving your rights, please consult your counselor.
Student Background Information (required)
In order to write an engaging and honest letter, please answer all questions as thoroughly as you can. Include details,
examples, and descriptions as much as possible. Please submit your answers to your counselor only, not teachers. Do
not give your teachers the same information, or you will have similar letters from everyone. Please submit this
information by email to your counselor at least three weeks prior to your first deadline.
Resume (required)
Please submit your resume along with your questionnaire via email to your counselor. A sample resume is included
for your reference.
Parent Background Information (optional) We always value parent feedback.
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The Application Process for Two Year Colleges
Washington's two-year technical and community colleges offer a wide range of programs for students to
help them prepare to transfer to a university, get job training, gain basic education skills and take
continuing education classes. There are five technical and 29 community colleges in the state of
Washington. For more information about each college, including academic programs, admission
requirements and deadlines and financial aid programs, please see www.sbctc.edu.
In brief, there are four steps to enroll in classes as a first time college student at a community or technical
college:
1. Complete the online admission application for the community college and pay their application fee.
Classes are on a first come, first served basis. New students are admitted and assigned registration
access in the order in which their registration materials are received. Some community colleges have
instituted a late spring deadline for Priority Fall Admissions and students do not need to wait until they
turn 18 or graduate from high school to apply. Please check college websites for up to date information
on registration details.
2. Register for and take the COMPASS exam (a math and English placement exam). Practice ahead of time.
Practice tests can be found on the BC assessment website.
3. Make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor to choose classes.
4. Register for classes.
Note: WA Community colleges don’t require SAT or ACT tests and don’t require a transcript during the
application process.
Many community colleges partner with one or more four year universities to offer bachelor’s degrees on
campus. Visit the College Transfer page at the SBCTC site, www.sbctc.ctc.edu/college/e_transfer.aspx and
select University Center Partnerships.
Community and technical colleges offer a full range of financial aid programs. To be eligible for
scholarships and financial aid, families must first fill out the FAFSA (free application for federal student aid).
To complete the FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.gov.
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SENIOR CHECKLIST – Class of 2016

Check the websites of colleges/universities you will be applying to for information on admissions,
academic programs, and scholarships/financial aid information. Determine admission deadlines, and
based on these deadlines; construct a timeline for retaking SAT/ACT tests, completing essays, ordering
transcripts, and finalizing the application.

Open an “account” for each college application that you will be completing. Instructions for opening
and completing these accounts are given on each college website.

Log onto Naviance: http://connection.naviance.com/interlakehs Follow instructions in this packet.

For each college application, you will be asked to complete a personal statement or essay or a series of
short answers to several questions. Look through these questions and draft your answers.

College representatives visit IHS to talk with interested students. Be sure to sign up for those meetings.
Dates, times and locations are posted in the Career Center and on our school website.

Does the private college or university require an interview as part of the application process? If so,
contact the Admission Office of the school and schedule the interview.

Are you applying Early Action or Early Decision? If so, those deadlines come up fast and are typically in
early November. Be sure to return your background information for the letter of recommendation to
your counselor by early October.

Clean up your Facebook account, especially if you are applying to private colleges! Also, make sure you
have a professional sounding email address and that you monitor it regularly. Email is the way that
most colleges will be communicating with you.

Attend the National College Fair at the Washington State Convention Center and/or the Performing and
Visual Arts College Fair. See www.nacacnet.org for more details.

Sign up online for college entrance exam testing or retesting. SAT Reasoning and Subject test dates can
be found at www.collegeboard.com. The online registrations for the ACT (with writing) test can be
found at www.act.org.

If you are applying to public universities order one copy of your transcript for each university you are
applying to from the Counseling Center (except for the UW and UC schools). Per BSD policy, each senior
will pay a $10 flat fee for transcripts. This fee will cover initial transcripts, mid- year reports and final
transcripts. Request transcripts in Naviance as well.

If you are applying to private universities pick up a Private College Recommendation packet in the
Counseling Center and follow the directions inside. Please return your completed information to the
IHS Counseling Center THREE WEEKS before your first college application deadline.
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Fall 2014 Admission Statistics for Public Four Year Washington State Colleges and Universities
College and Website
Applicants
%
Avg
Avg SAT
Avg
Under Grad
Freshman
admitted
GPA
ACT
Enrollment
Central Washington University
4,200
83
2.8-3.5
890-1120
18-24
10,075
(www.cwu.edu)
Eastern Washington University
5,100
77
3.27
969
21
11,678
(www.ewu.edu)
The Evergreen State College
1944
86
2.73981-1210
22-28
3,851
(www.evergreen.edu)
3.48
University of Washington Seattle
31,608
55
3.67176026-32
28,745
(www.uw.edu)
3.94
2040*
University of Washington Bothell
2,500
75
3.43
1070
22
4,106
(ww.uw.edu)
Washington State University
17,148
82.1
3.27
92919-25
17,338
(www.wsu.edu)
1130
Western Washington University
9,280
84.5
3.28152022-28
14,285
(www.wwu.edu)
3.78
1820*
*includes the writing subscore
Fall 2014 Admission and Financial Aid Deadlines for Four Year Washington State Colleges and Universities
College and Website
Application
Financial Aid
Visitation programs and dates
Deadline
Deadline
(go online to register and view other tour
options)
Central Washington University
March 1
March 15
Monthly overnight visit and day visit
(www.cwu.edu)
Check website for dates-every month
Eastern Washington University
Feb 15
Feb 15
Check Website
(www.ewu.edu)
www.ewu.edu/visitewu
The Evergreen State College
Feb 1
Feb 1
Fridays
(www.evergreen.edu)
University of Washington Seattle
Dec 1
Feb 28
Check website:
(www.uw.edu)
Admit.uw.edu/visit
University of Washington Bothell
Jan 15
Feb 28
Weekdays at 3 pm
(ww.uw.edu)
Washington State University
Jan 31
Feb 15
Check Website:
(www.wsu.edu)
visit.wsu.edu
Western Washington University
Jan 31
Feb 15
Weekdays + 10/25, 4/4
(www.wwu.edu)
Discovery Days Friday afternoons
How do I apply for admission to a public college or university?

Log into your Naviance account (http://connection.naviance.com/interlakehs) and add the university to your list. You can connect
to the application in the Naviance website or directly through the college’s website.
 Make sure you meet all admission requirements.
 Order your transcript on Naviance to be uploaded to the university.
 Ask the College Board (SAT) or ACT to send your test scores directly to the college.
How do I apply for financial aid or scholarships?
 Check Naviance scholarship list under the Colleges Tab. These scholarships are updated regularly.
 The FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is the first step to receiving aid for college and is used by most schools
and states to award financial aid and scholarships. To complete the FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
 Information on college-specific scholarships/awards and financial aid can be found on each college’s website.
There are many other websites that offer links to a wide range of general scholarships. Start with www.thewashboard.org,
www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org

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How do I apply for financial aid or scholarships?

Scholarship information can be found in Naviance, click on the Colleges tab, at the bottom you will see
scholarships and money with several links.

The FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is the first step to receiving aid for college and is
used by most schools and states to award financial aid and scholarships. To complete the FAFSA, go to
www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is the first step to receiving aid
for college & is used by most schools & states to award financial aid & scholarships. The FAFSA goes
“live” on January 1st so will be available at that time. Many financial aid deadlines are in mid-January so
complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st! To complete the FAFSA, go
towww.fafsa.ed.gov. Start with the online tutorial if you have questions on how to complete the
application or watch this youtube video:www.YouTube.com/federalstudentaid.

Information on college-specific scholarships/awards and financial aid can be found on each college’s
website.

WUE stands for the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a program through which students can attend
participating institutions in other states for reduced tuition. Instead of paying full out-of-state tuition, a
WUE participant pays the regular in-state tuition plus 50 percent of that amount. This applies to
participating four-year as well as two-year schools. Students do not need to demonstrate financial
need. Students must be a resident of a WICHE state (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii,
Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,
Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).Your residency
alone is does not guarantee you the WUE rate. Some colleges and universities also have additional
criteria such as ACT/SAT test scores or high school GPA. WICHE does not set the qualification criteria for
WUE applicants, nor do we process applications or participate in the student selection process. The
WUE reduced tuition rate is not automatically awarded to all eligible candidates. Many institutions limit
the number of new WUE awards each academic year, so apply early! Consult each institution’s profile
for admissions requirements and application deadlines. http://wiche.edu/wue

There are many other websites that offer links to a wide range of general scholarships. Start with
www.thewashboard.org, www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org. list”.
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*Sample Resume
Name
Address
Phone #
Email
Career Goal:
High School G.P.A.:
ACT:
SAT:
Education/Classes:
(Highlight rigorous, unique classes taken)
Honors and Awards
 AP Scholar, (11)
 Interlake Saints Award for 100+ community service hours (11)
 Washington All State Choir, (10, 11)
High School Activities
 Interlake High Yearbook Staff (10, 11, 12)
-Editor in Chief (12)
 Interlake High Swim Team (10, 11, 12)
-Varsity Team Captain (12)
 IHS Choir (9, 10, 11, 12)
 Spanish Club (9, 10, 11)
Community Activities
 Meals on Wheels Volunteer (Summers, 2012-Present)
- Deliver 3-5 meals to senior citizens every Saturday throughout the year.
 Church Youth Group (9, 10, 11, 12)
- Coordinated over 100 youth members for a 2-week mission trip.
Work Experience
 Bellevue YMCA Summer Gymnastics Camp Instructor (2014-Present)
- 20 hours per week during the school year and 45 hours per week in the summer.
 Bellevue Library (2014-2015)
- Approximately 10 hours per week during the school year.
Interests
 Soccer – Crossfire Premier Team (6 years)
 Dancing – Ballet, tap, jazz (10 years)
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*
Planning Resources
College Search
http://connection.naviance.com/interlakehs Naviance college and career readiness solutions help
connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals, and improve college and career planning.
www.princetonreview.com Extensive college search to find a “good match”.
www.washingtoncouncil.com Washington state public university information.
www.sbctc.ctc.edu The Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
www.fafsa.ed.gov Web version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
www.thewashboard.org for scholarship listings, based on student-specified parameters
www.fastweb.com free scholarship search service.
www.finaid.org source for grants, loans, and scholarships.
Remember: You should not have to PAY for scholarship information.
College Testing/Test Preparation
www.collegeboard.com
www.act.org
www.toefl.org
Careers
www.myroad.com
www.mapping-yourfuture.org
www.sbctc.ctc.edu
Services for Students with Disabilities
www.collegeboard.com (SSD = Services for Students with Disabilities)
www.act.org Special testing.
www.salt.arizona.edu The University of Arizona SALT Program: Strategic Alternative Learning
Techniques Center. Start here to see a nationally recognized student services program model, then
contact the SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) office at each college or university on your
list. Communicate directly with the SSD office staff and the admissions office staff.
Student Athletes
http://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/
Student athletes need to register with the NCAA and submit transcript waivers to the counseling
office. Please bring in two copies of the signed waiver along with two envelopes with postage and
addressed to the NCAA Clearing House - one copy for the beginning of the year and the 2nd copy for
the end of the year.
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