What you need to know about the
college admission process
Understand admission factors
Learn about the ACT, SAT and SAT Subject Tests
Explore college options
Understand the application process
Develop a financial plan
PRIMARY FACTORS
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Quality/Rigor of
Academic Courses
Academic
Performance/ Grades
Test Scores (ACT,SAT,
SAT Subject Tests, AP®,
etc.)
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
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Extracurricular
Activities
Essay(s)
Letters of
Recommendation
Demonstrated Interest
Your high school academic record is one of the most
important factors in college admission. Colleges will look
at a few aspects:
 Course selection: Challenge yourself with a rigorous
course load and high-level classes, including AP or
honors courses.
 Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman
year.
 GPA trends: Keep improving through every grade.
 Class rank
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Positive recommendations from educators and mentors
Personal statement and essay(s) demonstrating
writing ability and self-expression
A “demonstrated interest” that shows your
enthusiasm for the colleges to which you’re applying
Extracurricular activities, including participation in
sports, performing/visual arts, volunteering, etc.
Community involvement, part-time work or
internship
Interview (if applicable)
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2011 - 2012 SAT Test Dates
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Test Date
Tests Offered
Oct. 1, 2011
Nov. 5, 2011
Dec. 3, 2011
Jan. 28, 2012
March 10, 2012
May 5, 2012
June 2, 2012
SAT and Subject Tests
SAT and Subject Tests
SAT and Subject Tests
SAT and Subject Tests
SAT Only
SAT and Subject Tests
SAT and Subject Tests
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Regular Reg. Closes
Sept. 9, 2011
Oct. 7, 2011
Nov.8, 2011
Dec. 30, 2011
Feb. 10, 2012
April 6, 2012
May 8, 2012
Late Reg. Closes
Sept. 21, 2011
Oct. 11, 2011
Nov. 20, 2011
Jan. 13, 2012
Feb. 24, 2012
April 20, 2012
May 22, 2012
According to the Princeton Review there are 7 major
differences between the two tests:
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ACT questions are more straightforward
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The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary
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The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not
•
The ACT has more advanced math concepts
•
The ACT Writing Test is not required
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The SAT is broken up in more sections
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The ACT is more of a “big picture” exam
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2 yr. or 4yr college
Location (stay in Ohio? How far is too far?)
Public or Private
Large or small
Does it have your major? (Do you have a
major?)
Sports, extracurricular
Cost
Other (housing, food plan, cars)
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Form a list of 3 (College Board says 5-8!)
schools:
 Dream school(s), what you think you
can afford and “if all else fails”.
 Apply, visit as many as possible.
 Make a master calendar for deadlines,
fees and test dates.
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The old “rule of thumb” was - apply by
Halloween and be accepted by Thanksgiving.
Depends on the school! Not always true, but
still a good guideline
Watch deadlines!
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Paper v. Online
Paper applications via website
The Common Application
Early Decision and Early Action
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Your student should ask two or three teachers
for letters of recommendation. They should
complete the form (available in the Guidance
office, on the wall) and give a copy to their
counselor and to each teacher when they ask
for the recommendation letter.
 Letters may not be needed by all colleges but they can
also be used for scholarship applications throughout
the year
 Teachers will give the letters to the guidance office
where they will be placed in the students folder and
printed as needed.
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Apply online ( or with paper application).
Most colleges prefer the online applications!
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The student should let the counselor know that
they have applied by completing the yellow
College Application Form (Guidance Office –
on the wall) ASAP.
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Include 2 postage stamps for each application.
Attach the Counselor Section and College Prep
forms, if need by the college.
List any teacher letters they want included. Always
make sure the teacher has turned in the letters to
guidance.
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The counselor will complete the Counselor
Section and College Prep forms and attach the
transcript, ACT/SAT scores, school profile and
any teacher letters the student has requested
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Allow at least 5 days for the counselor to process
the application, although in most cases it will be
completed in less time.
Watch college deadlines and include processing
time and mailing time for the application to reach
the college!!
Dec. 7th (8 :00AM) is the last day to submit material to
counselors to insure processing by Christmas
Break!
While it is important to have the support of your
parents, keep in mind whose responsibility it is to
meet the deadlines!
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Step 1: Begin the process for the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You cannot complete your FAFSA until after
Jan. but you may login at fafsa.ed.gov and get
your PIN number.
Step2: Complete the College Scholarship
Services (CSS) Financial Aid PROFILE at
www.pofileonline.com, IF REQUIRED by the
schools to which you are applying (This one
cost$!)
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
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Step 3: Receive and review your Student Aid
Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of
Education, outlining your Expected Family
Contribution (EFC), which is the amount you are
expected to pay out of pocket to attend college.
Step 4: Receive and review financial aid award
letters from the schools you listed on your FAFSA.
All schools work to award aid to meet the gap
between the cost of attendance and your EFC, but
not all have the same type or amounts of aid
available
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Step 5: Accept the financial aid award offer by
the school you plan to attend and notify other
schools that you decide not to attend so that
they can free aid for other interested students
Step 6: Complete any form required to secure
the award by your school.
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Deadlines, Deadlines &
Deadlines!