Coppin Academy Senior Class
Family Night
Welcome
• Tonight our goal is to:
– Provide you with some nourishment and
refreshment.
– Inform you with the basic knowledge of the
college application process
– Get familiar with the requirements of high school
– Learn what resources are available
– Make you feel more comfortable during such a
difficult process.
HIGH SCHOOL
REQUIREMENTS
• At least 21 Credits
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–
–
–
–
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4 English
3 Science (2 Lab sciences and 1 physical science)
3 Social Studies
3 Mathematics
2 Foreign Language
½ Physical Education and ½ Health
1 Fine Art (art, music, drama)
1 Technology
3 Electives
• High School Assessments
– Algebra 412
– Biology 400
– English 396
– Government 394
– 1208 with combining 3 (algebra, biology, English)
– 1602 with combining all 4
Colleges/Universities look at passing HSAs not
combine scores
• At least 75 Service Learning Hours
College
Application
Process
College Admissions Timeline
Fall (SeptemberNovember):
APPLY NOW!!
Winter (NovemberFebruary):
Financial Aid
Process
Spring: DECIDE by
May 1st
Best School v. Best Fit
How do we choose a school?
– Location, location, location (urban, suburban,
rural)
– Cost
– Size (teacher to student ratio)
– Majors offered
– Resources for accommodations or modifications
When should applications be
submitted?
How many applications should I
submit?
• Research the schools of your choice and refine
your list before applying!
• Number applications depends on students—at
least 3 (Coppin Academy)
• Generally 3-5 Schools
– Wish List
– Perfect Fit
– Just in case
Admission Deadlines
Regular
Decision
Rolling
Admission
Early Action
Early
Decision
• Submit by a specific date
• Apply early
• Get an early decision
• Non-binding
• “Priority Filling Period”
• BINDING
• May back out only if the college does not meet your financial need.
When do I need to decide?
•You have until May
to make your final
decision.
st
1
College Admission Decisions are based
on:
• Rigor of Coursework—Honors,
Advanced Placement courses
• GPA and grade trends
• ACT/SAT scores
• Well written essay
College Admission Decisions are based
on:
• Admission coursework requirements (Penn
State recommends 4 math courses)
• Extra Curricular Involvement
– Activities
– Athletics
– Leadership
– Community service
• Other factors-see the college website
The College Application
• THE STUDENT MUST FILL OUT THE APPLICATION!
• Include the required documents with the
application (essay, recommendations, SAT scores,
etc.)
• Know the college’s or university’s deadline
• PROOFREAD BEFORE SUBMISSION
• ORGANIZE!!
– Keep a calendar of dates
– Keep extra copies of SAT/ACT scores in folder
– Keep copies of applications in folder
The Common Application
• The Common Application is used by over 500
institutions.
• Once the application is completed, the
application can be used to apply to multiple
institutions.
• www.commonapp.org
SAT/ACT
SAT Resources
Coppin Academy
Procedures
After Completing Applications
• Make an appointment with Ms. Anene
• Bring ALL parts of your application to the
appointment, including a stamped-addressed
envelope.
– Report Card
– Student signature page
– Essay/Personal Statement
– Application Fee*
Transcript Request Form
• Give at least one week notice
• Provide a transcript request form from the
college/university.
• Complete the Requesting for Transcript Form
with the counselor.
• Document your request in Naviance.
Envelopes
• Use a large manila envelope 10X13
• Place three $.44 cent stamps in the upper
right corner
• Include the college name and address in the
center of the envelope.
• NO RETURN ADDRESS IN UPPER LEFT!
• Write your name and ID # on the inside of the
envelope flap.
Sending Test Scores to Colleges
• Coppin Academy DOES NOT include test
scores on student transcripts (except HSAs)
• Students must have test scores sent directly
from the testing agency to the college. Allow
several weeks of time.
• Be aware there may be a fee.
• Go to the testing agency’s website to send
scores:
– www.actstudent.org
– www.collegeboard.com
Letters of Recommendation
DO:
• Allow adequate time, 3-4
weeks notice!
• Ask a teacher who knows
you well.
• Ask fact-to-face: “Would
you be willing to write me a
letter of rec?”
• Send a THANK YOU NOTE!!
DON’T
• Ask for a letter of
recommendation if the
college does not require
one!
• Ask someone who only
knew you as a freshman, or
has only known you for a
month.
• The student should ask, not
the parent.
Application Follow-up!
• BE PATIENT!!
• Your application
remains “incomplete”
until ALL components
are received by the
college.
• If you have questions
call the college’s
Admissions Office.
RESOURCES
• Ms. Anene, Guidance Counselor
– Email: janene@bcps.k12.md.us
•
•
•
•
Ms. Abney, College Readiness Coach
Naviance
Coppin Academy’s Website
Workshops for Seniors
– Brown Bag Lunch Topics: Writing resume, FAFSA
tips, scholarship searches
• College Fairs
• Remind 101
Naviance
• Website: Naviance.com
• Requirement for Senior Certification (May 2014):
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Completed FAFSA
Completed at least 3 college applications
Completion of Assigned Tasks on Naviance.
Sat for the SAT
Completion of senior portfolio
• It’s helpful for:
– Tracking applications
– Signing up for College Rep visits
– College Searches
FINANCING
COLLEGE
Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Financial Aid NightJanuary 10,2014
• FAFSA form must be
completed and
submitted by February
14, 2014
• Scholarship information
is available in Naviance.
and Guidance office
Scholarship Search Engines
• www.scholarships.com
• www.fastweb.com
• www.petersons.com
• www.finaid.org
• www.collegeboard.org
• www.USAFunds.org
Please note; do not pay a fee for scholarship
applications.
Thank you for your
support.