SENIOR MEETING
COLLEGE SELECTION &
APPLICATION PROCESS
CLASS OF 2011
HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL
HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Students with last name “A –Go”
Suzanne Hemmeke/Bethany Nichols
494-2213
 Students with last name “Gp-O”
Dawn Moylan
494-2209
 Students with last name “P-Z”
Karen Legg
494-2211

SENIOR CREDIT CHECKS
 Credit
checks were mailed to homes
in August.
 It is important to review your credit
check.
 All requirements must be completed
by graduation on May 31, 2011.
FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGES

Attend College Fairs- Sept. 30

Research college websites & college guides
Visit campuses – contact the admissions office
 Meet with college reps at lunch


Sign- up book in the Counseling Center
**A reminder note will be sent the day of the visit
Use your EDP and www.careercrusing.com
 Military Academies – Nov 23rd
 Meet with your counselor

WHAT SCHOOLS DO I APPLY TO?
The average student applies to 3-4 colleges
 When applying go for a safety school, a middle
school, and a reach school

MICHIGAN PUBLIC COLLEGES
School
GPA
ACT
U of M
3.75
27-31
MSU
3.61
23-27
GVSU
3.53
21-26
CMU
3.28
20-24
WMU
3.23
20-25
Northern
Michigan
University
3.0
20-25
GRCC
2.0
18
MICHIGAN PRIVATE COLLEGES
College
GPA
ACT
Hope College
3.7
23-29
Calvin College
3.5
23-28
Albion College
3.4
23-27
Alma College
3.4
21-26
Aquinas College
3.3
20-26
4 YEAR COLLEGE VS 2 YEAR COLLEGE



4 Year College
 Earn a bachelors degree in science (biology, computer,
engineering) or arts (English, history, drama)
 Examples: Hope College, GVSU, Michigan State
2 Year College (also known as community college or
junior college)
 Earn an associates degree or certificate
 Examples: Grand Rapids Community College, Baker
College, Lake Michigan College
Vocational or Technical School
 Most programs last 2 years or less
 Earn a certificate to practice a trade
 Examples: Booker Institute of Cosmetology, ITT Tech.
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER COMMUNITY
COLLEGE?
1.
A second chance to attend a 4-year college
2.
Desiring additional academic
support/intervention
3.
$$$
4.
Free application
5.
Ability to live at home and work
HOW DO I APPLY?
1.
2.
3.
Apply online or use paper application
Common Application may be accepted at
various schools (U of M)
https://www.commonapp.org/
Check if individual college requires that ACT or
SAT scores be sent directly from the testing
company


4.
5.
http://www.actstudent.org
http://www.collgeboard.com
Review requirements with the NCAA Clearing
House (if applicable)
Print the counselor recommendation form and
bring it to the guidance office
EXAMPLE OF A COUNSELOR FORM
HHS APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete student portion of all college
applications online.
 Print counselor page found online where student
completed the college application.
 Bring counselor page with a $1 fee per
application to the counseling center.
 Student will be given a college application
receipt.
 Please allow 5 school days for processing.


Note: Any application that is received in the
counseling office by Friday, Dec. 10 is guaranteed to be
processed and mailed prior to the holiday break. Any
application after that date will be mailed after break.
ADMISSION PROTOCOLS

Rolling Admissions


All state schools use rolling admissions
Early Action
Private school driven
 Non-binding


Early Decision

Binding – if you apply using early decision you are
agreeing to come if they admit you….it is nonnegotiable!!
APPLICATION FAUX PAS
Don’t forget to SIGN & DATE your application
 Only include what the college application
requests
 Use an appropriate email address


Don’t use an email like partygirl1@yahoo.com
Be careful of what you post on social networking
sites like Facebook and MySpace
 Watch your spelling & grammar – proof read!!!
 Be sure press SUBMIT if applying online
 Make a copy of your application

HOW DO I SEND A TEACHER
RECOMMENDATION?

Ask an academic teacher – 2 weeks in advance

Use form from the guidance office

Give teacher a stamped envelope & a completed
form of activities

Follow up with a thank you note

ONLY submit if colleges request a letter of
recommendation from a teacher
STANDARDIZED TESTING

ACT (www.act.org)
Upcoming Test Dates – October 23, December 11
 Should I retest?
 Sending ACT scores



www.actstudent.org
SAT, SAT II (www.collegeboard.com)

Upcoming test dates – November 6 & December 4
Send applications even if
you plan on retesting!!
DEADLINES
Prioritize – know the deadlines for all the schools
you want to apply to
 Deadline for applications – shoot for October 15th
 MSU applications should be turned in to the
counseling center by Monday, Oct. 4 for early
notification.
 U of M applications should be turned in to the
counseling center by Monday, Oct. 18. To ensure
consideration U of M applications should be
turned in for Early Action.

No trick or treat until your application is complete!!
$$$ FOR COLLEGE
Apply early and be aware of all deadlines.
 Check for scholarships on college websites
 Review HHS scholarship packet
 Check updates on “Scholarship News You Can
Use” link on HPS website
 www.fastweb.com
 Financial Aid – FAFSA


After January 1, 2011
Financial Aid Night
 Be aware of scams!

YOU ARE NOT DONE…..
Senior classes – many colleges want to see
rigorous classes NOT an easy year!
 Keep your grades up – colleges can take back an
acceptance based on your final transcript

Important
Dates for
Seniors,
Class of
2011
WHAT NOW?
Don’t procrastinate – start now!!!
 Confused – make an appointment with your
counselor

QUESTIONS?