Class of 2012
College Application
Process
Today’s Agenda
 Creating
Your College List
 The College Application
 Student’s Responsibilities
 School’s Responsibilities
 Process
for Requesting Letters of
Recommendation & Transcripts
 Why use Naviance?
Your College List: Research
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College & university websites
College Fair – Sept 24th @ Stone Bridge HS
College visits to the Career Center
College Open Houses scheduled in local area
Visit the college campus
Discuss college options & costs with your
parents
Your College List: Finding the Right
“Fit”
 Location
 Size
 Career goals
 Academic majors
 Financial aid
H.S. course requirements
and recommendations
Academic profile of
admitted students
 Student life
 Diversity of student body
 Appearance of facilities
 Athletic programs
 Extracurricular interests
 Study abroad programs
 ROTC
 Dorms/residence halls
 Available support services
 The “feel” of campus
 Cost (don’t rule out private
or out-of-state colleges)
Life After High School: Why Plan?
Post-secondary education
 Post-secondary education
options
 Post-secondary education
make a difference
 Post-secondary education
power

opens doors
gives you
can help you
creates earning
Life After High School: Why Plan?

Median Earnings by Level of Education
(2007):
◦ High School Dropout: $25,000/year
◦ High School Diploma: $33,00/year
◦ Associate Degree (2-Year/Community College):
$41,000/year
◦ Bachelor’s Degree (4-Year): $56,000/year
◦ Advanced Degree (masters, professional,
doctoral): $75,000/year
Options for Life After High School

Trade-schools/Apprenticeships
◦ Many “trades” have more earning potential than careers
that require a 4-year degree

Military
◦ Enlisting in the military and earning a college degree are
not mutually exclusive
◦ Enlisting in the military can help pay for college
◦ Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is available at
many colleges
◦ Recruiters can provide more information
Options for Life After High School

College
◦ Associates Degree: 2-year degree (typically
earned at a community college or a junior
college)
◦ Bachelor’s Degree: 4-year degree
◦ Master’s Degree: Typically 2 additional years
after earning a bachelors
◦ Doctoral Degrees & Professional Degrees: PHD,
JD, MD, DC
Options for Life After High School

Community College
◦ Students can earn an Associates Degree, or,
students can complete the first year or two of a
Bachelors Degree
◦ Make sure the community college knows what
your goals are!
◦ If you plan to transfer after a year or two, do
your homework!
Options for Life After High School

Benefits of community college
◦ NOVA is one of the best community colleges in
the country
◦ Relatively inexpensive
◦ Close to home
◦ A “small step” into higher education
◦ Usually “open” admissions
NOVA Pathways Program

While you are in high school, the Pathway Program
provides…
◦ Early placement testing and priority fall registration
◦ Participation in selected social, athletic and cultural
events at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and
George Mason University (Mason)
◦ Individual meetings with Pathway counselors to prepare
for college transition, including major and career
selection and financial planning
◦ Workshops on college transition issues, including the
application process, placement test preparation
and applying for financial aid and scholarships
Pathways Cont.

While you are at NOVA, the Pathway Program
provides…
◦ Designated program counselors to guide you through your
college career, including course, major and career planning
and financial aid
◦ Assistance with transferring to a four-year college or
university
◦ Academic and personal enrichment workshops conducted by
NOVA counselors
◦ Continued participation in designated Mason social, athletic
and cultural events
◦ Opportunity in your second year to enroll in classes at
Mason while completing your NOVA degree
◦ Opportunity, if qualified, to apply early for junior year
admission to Mason
How many colleges
should I apply to?
We encourage you to
apply to 5-7 colleges
to allow yourself several
options.
Your College List
Reach Schools:
Reach School = colleges & universities whose
admitted students may have a higher average
GPA and SAT score
 Don’t be afraid to apply to schools that may be
a stretch.
 You never know what they are looking for when
they select their freshman class.
 Consider applying to 1-2 reach schools.
 You will not know if they will accept you
unless you apply!

Your College List
Target Schools:
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Target School= colleges & universities whose
admitted students’ average GPA & SAT are
comparable to yours
You should feel comfortable with these, knowing
that you have a good chance of getting accepted
Consider applying to at least 2 target schools
Your College List
Safety/Backup Schools:
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Safety Schools = colleges & universities whose
admitted students’ average GPA & SAT score are
significantly lower than yours
Great confidence that you will be accepted –
almost guaranteed acceptance
Ask yourself – Would you go here if it was the
only college you were accepted to?
Consider applying to at least 1 safety school
You have your college
list…
now what?
Components of a
College Application
Student’s
Responsibilities:
 Complete application
(on college website)
 Sending Test Scores:
SAT and/or ACT tests
 Requesting Letters of
Recommendation &
Transcripts
 Submitting
Supplemental
Information to
Colleges
Guidance’s
Responsibilities:
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

Transcript
Secondary School
Report
Counselor Letter
of
Recommendation
College Application
Apply Online!!!
◦ Visit each college’s website for specific
instructions on how to access the application
◦ Remember your log-in information – keep it in
a safe place for future reference
◦ Make sure your e-mail address is appropriate
◦ Encouraged to develop a e-mail for all college/scholarship info
◦ Be sure to complete supplemental information
for each college (see application requirements)
◦ Common Application – www.commonapp.org
◦ CHECKLIST – review form
College Application
Follow Instructions & Proofread!
 Complete all required sections
 Carefully follow all instructions
 Proofread before you submit
Application Fee
 Must be paid before the deadline or it’s
considered incomplete
 See us if you need an application fee
waiver
College Application
Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines!
◦ Best to check individual college admission
websites for the deadline
◦ Must submit college applications before the
deadline
◦ Highly recommended to submit applications
early, so that you have time to verify that the
college has received all components of the
application
◦ Deadline for scholarships may be earlier than
the admissions deadline– Check each school
for this information!!!
VA College/University Deadlines
College
Regular Decision
Averett University
Early Decision
Early Action
1-Sep -
-
Bridgewater College
1-Jul -
-
Christendom College
1-Mar -
Christopher Newport University
1-Feb
Eastern Mennonite University
1-Aug -
Emory & Henry College
-
Ferrum College
-
Hampden-Sydney College
1-Mar
Hampton University
1-Mar -
Hollins University
1-Aug
James Madison University
15-Jan -
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
31-Jul
Liberty University
30-Jun -
Longwood University
15-Jul -
1-Feb 15-Feb Yes
-
1-Mar Yes
15-Nov
1-Nov -
-
15-Jan -
-
1-Nov -
-
1-Dec -
15-Feb 1-Nov
15-Oct -
1-Nov -
-
Mary Baldwin College
-
15-Nov 1-Feb -
1-Mar -
15-Oct -
Yes
-
Yes
15-Nov -
-
-
Norfolk State University
31-May -
-
Old Dominion University
1-Feb -
30-Jun Yes
1-Dec
15-Nov
-
-
1-Nov -
-
Marymount University
Yes
1-Mar -
1-Dec -
Lynchburg College
University of Mary Washington
-
-
15-Jan -
Rolling Notification
1-May Yes
1-Dec
15-Nov
George Mason University
Priority
1-Apr Yes
1-Dec -
Yes
-
VA College/University Deadlines
College
Regular Decision
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Early Decision
23-Aug -
Early Action
Priority
Rolling Notification
-
-
-
Radford University
1-Feb -
1-Dec -
Randolph College
1-Mar -
1-Dec
1-Dec -
Randolph-Macon College
1-Mar
15-Nov
1-Feb -
15-Nov
Richard Bland College
15-Aug -
University of Richmond
Roanoke College
Shenandoah University
-
-
-
15-Jan
15-Nov -
-
-
15-Aug
1-Dec -
-
Yes
-
-
-
Southern Virginia University
31-Jul -
-
-
-
Stratford University
30-Jul
29-Apr -
-
-
Sweet Briar College
1-Feb -
-
-
-
Valley Forge Christian College Woodbridge Campus
1-Aug -
-
-
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
15-Jan -
-
-
-
1-Feb
15-Nov -
-
Yes
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
15-Jan
1-Nov -
-
-
Virginia State University
1-May -
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Wesleyan College
-
1-Mar Yes
-
-
31-Mar 10-Dec
1-Jan Yes
University of Virginia
1-Jan -
1-Nov -
-
University of Virginia's College at Wise
1-Aug -
1-Feb
Washington and Lee University
2-Jan
15-Nov -
-
-
College of William and Mary
1-Jan
1-Nov -
-
-
1-Apr -
Standardized Tests

SAT and/or ACT required for admission to most 4-year
colleges & universities

Encouraged to take by November

SAT Subject Tests:

Upcoming test dates:
SAT: Register at www.collegeboard.com
◦ Why take the tests
◦ Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject
Tests. In addition, you can enhance your application, demonstrate
knowledge you’ve gained outside the classroom, and potentially
place out of introductory courses.
October 1st – late registration (fee applies) by September 21st
November 5th – register by October 7th
ACT: Register at www.actstudent.org
October 22nd – register by September 16th
December 10th – register by November 4th
Standardized Tests

You must send your official score reports
to each colleges directly from College
Board or ACT

Select score report recipients when you
register online (4 free)

Must pay a fee per score report if you
request to send to college after you take
the test

Send to NCAA (9999) if you want to play
NCAA sports in college
College Essays & Personal
Statements
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Your chance to “speak” to the admissions
committee
Lets them know you’re more than a number
It’s worth your time, thought, & energy
See it as an opportunity!
Be sure to address the specific question/prompt
if a college provides one
Teacher Letters of Recommendation

Check with each college to see if teacher letters
are required or recommended

Think carefully about who you ask:

Ask early – at least 2-3 week prior notice

Write a thank you note to the teacher once the
letter is sent & inform them of whether you
were accepted
◦ Try to select a core academic teacher who knows you
well and who can write a strong letter of
recommendation
◦ Consider asking a coach, sponsor, or another teacher
who may know you in a different context
What should I give to teachers?

List of colleges to which you’re applying &
the deadlines

Any school-specific or Common App forms
that the teacher needs to complete along
with his/her letter

Any documents the teacher requests, such as
your resume and/or personal statement

Envelopes (addressed & stamped if
appropriate)

Instructions on how each letter needs to be
submitted to the college….
LOR Cover Sheet
Option 1:
Teacher Mails Letter Directly to
College
Student Name
Street Address
City, State Zip
College Name
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Street Address and/or Box
City, State Zip
Option 2:
Teacher Submits Letter Online

Many colleges ask students to list the
teacher’s name and e-mail address when the
student completes the online application

Inform teacher how to submit letter online
◦ Will they receive an e-mail from the college
or Common App with specific instructions?
Option 3:
Teacher’s Letter Mailed with
Transcript from Guidance Office
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Provide teacher with an envelope for each
college with the name of the college & your
name printed on the front
Ask teacher to seal envelope & sign across
the seal
Collect sealed letters from teacher
Attach letter to each pink transcript request
form when you give it to Guidance Office
Teacher letters of recommendation must be
attached to pink transcript release form if you
want it mailed with your transcript
Official Transcript

Guidance sends your official
transcript to each college:
◦ At the time you apply (to all colleges you
request)
◦ Mid-year sent with 1st semester grades (to all
colleges – no need to submit another
transcript request – we automatically send)
◦ At the end of the year – final transcript is sent
to the college you plan to attend
P
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P
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F
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PINK Transcript Request Form
Print legibly
 Be specific!
◦ Do not use abbreviations for the college name
◦ List the city/state in which the college is located
◦ List the specific deadline (ASAP and “Rolling”
are NOT acceptable deadlines – exact dates
please!)
◦ Check off which documents you want us to send
 Attach teacher letter(s) of recommendation if you
want the letter(s) sent with your transcript
 Student & parent must sign each request form
 Pay $3 for each transcript request (cash or check
made payable to Woodgrove High School)

PINK Transcript Request Form
Must be submitted to Guidance for each college
to which you would like your transcript sent at
least 3 weeks prior to the college application
deadline.
COLLEGE DEADLINE
REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT & COUNSELOR LETTER DUE TO GUIDANCE
November 1
October 11
November 15
October 25
December 1
November 3 (to account for Thanksgiving Break)
December 15
November 17 (to account for Thanksgiving Break)
January 1
December 1 (to account for Winter Break)
January 15
December 15 (to account for Winter Break)
February 1
January 11
February 15
January 25
March 1
February 8
March 15
February 22
Counselor Letter of
Recommendation


Minimum of 3 weeks notice
Students will submit a Student/Parent
Insight Sheet

Counselor letter will be mailed with your
Transcript and Secondary School Report
(SSR)

Be sure to check off that you would like a
Counselor Letter of Recommendation on your
pink transcript request form. If you don’t
check that you want a counselor letter sent,
we will not send it.
S
S
R
College Application Process
Student Applies to College
Student Submits
Pink Form to
Guidance
Ms. Holland Prints
Transcript
Counselor Completes
SSR & LOR
Ms. Holland Mails
Transcript & Updates
Naviance
Student Requests
Letters of
Recommendation
Provide Teacher
With Deadlines,
Instructions, Cover
Letter Resume, &
Envelopes
Teacher Mails To
College, Submits
Online, or Gives to
Student to Submit
with Pink Form
Student Submits
Supplemental
Information
Student Sends
SAT and/or ACT
Scores to Colleges
Student Submits
Required Financial &
Residency Information
Student Completes
& Submits Essays,
Portfolios,
Auditions, etc.

Update your e-mail address so that you
receive important college & scholarship info

Create a resume/Activity Profile – template
provided to students

Sign up for college visits during open lunch
(print out confirmation as your pass)

Scholarship searches

Check status of transcript requests
Check Your E-mail Frequently!
Why?
 Updates on colleges visiting WHS
 Information on scholarships, honors,
recognitions, special programs
(some with short notice)
 COLLEGES USE E-MAIL AS THEIR
PRIMARY FORM OF
COMMUNICATION WITH YOU
RE: YOUR APPLICATION!
Overwhelmed? Still confused?
 Breathe!
 Develop
an action plan & timeline to
meet your goals and the deadlines
 Don’t procrastinate!
 Seek assistance and be proactive.
We are here to help!
Some Advice

Complete applications one at a time
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Use the checklist provided!
Pay attention to deadlines!

HAVE FUN!
◦ One by Halloween
◦ One by Thanksgiving
◦ The rest by Winter Break
Questions