Crown Point High School Navigating the College Admissions

Crown Point High School Navigating the College Admissions Process

Welcome Parents! Please welcome our guests from various universities: Maureen Harangody, Admissions, Valparaiso University Char Connelly, Admissions, Indiana University Northwest

Topics for this evening…. • • Choosing the right College Naviance Applying to College Requesting Transcripts Requesting Letters of Recommendation Deadlines Financial Aid and Scholarships Resources

Which Colleges To Apply To? Make a list of 3 – 5 colleges to which your student plans to apply. Before applying, make a decision based on the following: 1) 2) 3) 4) An Informed Decision A Reasonable Decision A Heartfelt Decision The Right Decision

INFORMED DECISION • • • GET THE FACTS: Admissions requirements Location – Size - Cost Academic offerings Visit the College Application Deadlines

Reasonable Decision • Your son/daughter meets the requirements for acceptance to the colleges on their list • College costs have been researched and you have a good chance of being able to afford it – Avoid making assumptions about cost! – Utilize the Net Price Calculator on the college’s website to help determine affordability • You and your son/daughter are comfortable with the location and size of the college/campus

HEARTFELT DECISION • Go with your intuition and instincts—follow your gut. Your son/daughter should feel good about each campus and the people there. Each school should fit their personality and challenge them academically and socially

The Right Decision • The right decision means your son/daughter would be happy attending any college on their list

College Application Process Where to Begin… Log onto Parent or Student Access in RDS.

NAVIANCE • An online platform that gives students, parents, and counselors one easy-to-use place to manage everything. This includes: researching college options, choosing where to apply, delivering electronic transcripts, learning about scholarship opportunities, and much more!

Letters of Recommendation • Should be someone the student knows well, but should not be a family member • Give the person sufficient time to do a good job and return the letter to the student in ample time to meet your deadline • Also tell the person writing a letter what criteria needs to be addressed in the letter • If the school limits how many letters you can send, notify your counselor which letter you want sent

Complete the Application • Most Colleges/Universities prefer the application is completed online • Students can either: 1) Find a direct link via Naviance 2) Go to college website (admissions)

The Common Application • Allows the application to be filled out once online and submitted to all schools with the same information going to each • Direct link via Naviance

Coalition Application • Brand new application to the college admission world • Similar to the Common Application - one application for multiple schools • Addition of online locker - students can upload documents for submission • More limited base of colleges participating • First release will be in July 2016 (locker opens April 2016)

Freshman Admission Criteria - Accepted or Denied • Admission committees use a variety of factors to determine whether the student is a good fit for their campus • Factors include: transcript, including SAT or ACT scores, GPA, course rigor, letters of recommendation • Availability in a program/department • Time of year student applies

TRANSCRIPT • The transcript gives the admissions committee a very good picture of the student’s academic capabilities • ACT and/or SAT scores are very important. Many colleges will request that the scores come directly from ACT or College Board. Students must request the scores

What happens after the application is sent… • Colleges will typically communicate via email if they are missing something – transcript, letter of recommendation, test scores • Most colleges will not contact the student to let them know they have received the application • Colleges will notify student once a decision has been made

Financial Aid • Complete the FAFSA online between Oct 1 st and March 10 th • September – Financial Aid Night at CPHS • Research Scholarships: – Naviance – CPHS Website – Employer, church/place of worship, volunteer organizations, etc. – Google Search online

Scholarships and Financial Aid • Colleges send out a financial aid award letter which includes: – Grants: $$ that does not have to be repaid – Loans: $$ that is paid back with interest – Work-study: Student works 10 – 15 hrs a week on campus for pay

What’s next…. • Colleges will continue to be in touch with the student to offer housing, orientation, placement exams, and other campus related opportunities

College Representatives • Various colleges representatives visit CPHS throughout the school year. They bring to students the most current information and details about what they have to offer and their admission requirements • Utilize these individuals to get detailed information about a specific campus! They are the experts on their schools! • A list of Colleges/visiting reps are updated in Naviance. Students sign up in Naviance to see a college rep

PANEL DISCUSSION Maureen Harangody – Valparaiso University Char Connelly – Indiana Univ. Northwest