JUNIOR SPRING NEWSLETTER
The College Application Process and Post High School Plans
Sign up for Counseling Office Info and Reminders
- This is the counseling office remind system for the class of 2020
Topics Covered
Quick Review/Reflection
1. Building a Good College List and Post High School Plan2. Exploration and Research Options
New Information
3.The College Application Process
4. College Admission Testing
5. Deciding
6. Other Important Mentions: NCAA, Scholarship, AP Scores & College Credit
Selecting a Good Fit College in Review
1. Building a Good List
A Few Characteristics to Consider when Building your list
2. Exploration and Research
Resources and Opportunities for Finding a Good Fit College
Resources which can help you find the college information you need.
College nights
College websites
Join college mailing list or request information from the college
College visits and tours
College open houses
Web Resources
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
http://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx
http://www.collegeresults.org/
http://www.collegedata.com/cs/main/main_choose_tmpl.jhtml
http://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/0,4636,7-128-60969-134448--,00.html
https://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/higher-education/college-score-card
CareerCruising!!!!
•https://sso.careercruising.com/page/openidconnect
•Use School GMAIL account log in info to access Careercruising
College Visit, Tours & Open Houses
We recommend you take time to make college visits. Here are some ideas to consider while on your visit.
∗Does it feel like it could be your home?
∗Is campus up-to-date, clean?
∗Will you have enough to do outside of class?
∗What’s the town like around it?
∗Is it the right mix of support and challenge?
∗Will it meet your academic needs and careers goals?
College Visit Resources
●36 questions to ask on your college visit
● 5 Key questions to ask on your college visit
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patrick-oconnor/5-key-questions-to-ask-on_b_7440738.htmlhttps://www.cappex.com/hq/articles-and-advice/blogs/columns/100-Questions-to-Ask-on-a-College-Visit
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/questions-to-ask-on-a-college-tour
3. The Application Process
Admission Policies
TYPES OF COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
STEPS in the APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Apply online
- College applications are online. There are very few colleges still have paper applications. Go to the College Admissions webpage and begin your application (usually they will have a button to click that says “Apply Now”)
- Most sites will let you start your application and then save it along the way, so you do not have to complete it all at one time.
2. Send your Transcripts
- Create an account at www.parchment.com to send electronic transcripts to colleges. Once you have created an account in Parchment, you set SCHS as your high school and then you can create a transcript request.
- Transcript requests will go through Mrs. Paulus for verification, you will receive an update when transcripts are sent, and again when your transcript is downloaded by the college. You can track your transcript on your parchment account.
- If you are using the Common Application, please request a transcript be sent to the Common Application (not to each individual college in CA)so that all colleges on your CA list can see your record.
- Transcripts will not be processed until all schedules are final in the fall; this is typically the 2nd week into school.
- You tube video for support: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCHdokhyTQA
3. Send SAT/ACT Scores
- You must send your SAT and/or ACT score(s) to the colleges you are applying too. If you didn’t send your scores when you registered for the test you must request to do so at www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org. Test scores must be sent from the testing agency. This process can take several weeks. We recommend you do this ASAP so your scores get to the college on time.
4. Double Check, Follow Up and Track:
- It is wise to verify your applications, transcript and SAT/ACT test scores were properly submitted. Check your emails and accounts for verification and confirmations once you have completed these processes.
Using the Common Application
Common Application Details
- This online application used by over 600 of participating colleges
- www.commonapp.org
- Michigan Colleges that use Common Application: Albion, Alma, Calvin, Hope, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Kettering and Lawrence Tech, Michigan State University, Spring Arbor, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan, Wayne, Western Michigan University
- This allows you to apply to multiple colleges at the same time
- It is same value as the college’s own application
- Common Application Essay Prompts:https://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/2019-2020-common-app-essay-prompts
- Many colleges will have their own "supplemental" or additional essays in addition to the common application essay prompts. Here is an specific example of supplements essay: https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/freshmen-applicants/essay-questions
- Some colleges who use CA may give an alternative option as well, such as the college's own application. (i.e. Wayne State, Western MI). So you may have a choice. If you have the choice and the college is your only common application school we may recommend the school's own application to save you some time.
- COMMON APPLICATION OPENS AUGUST 1, so we recommend you get started on essays and the application prior to school starting to alleviate some tasks and stress.
Letter of Recommendation Tips and Procedures
Only some colleges will require letters of recommendation. Most colleges who use the Common Application will require at least one letter of recommendation and then a counselor recommendation/secondary school report. You will need to include your letter writers basic information including their name and email address in the application. Typically the colleges are looking for a letter from a teacher in an academic area so keep this in mind.
1. Starting this spring you can begin politely asking for letters of recommendation if your college requires them. This provides lead time for the writer, please provide at least two weeks. Provide letter writers your Senior Profile Sheet. Pick up for the Student Profile Sheet for Letters of Recommendation in the counseling office. Click here for Student Profile Sheet*
2. Remember to write a thank you note after the letter is written!
3. The colleges that require a letter of recommendation usually ask you to provide your letter writers name and email address. So know the email address of your writer.
What application should I use? See scenarios below for suggestions.
Scenario A – applying to:
Oakland University - U
Grand Valley State University - U
Michigan State University - U / C
Wayne State - U / C
Recommendation on how to apply: Use the university’s own application
Send transcript to each individual university through Parchment
Scenario B -- applying to:
Grand Valley State University - U
Michigan State – U / C
University of Michigan - C
Indiana University – U / C
Recommendation on how to apply: Your choice, but you will apply to either Common Application or the university’s own application
Send transcript to each university that you applied to with their own application and to Common Application for all school’s applied to on the Common App. through Parchment
Scenario C -- applying to:
University of Michigan Ann Arbor - C
Kalamazoo College - C
Hope College - C
Miami University (Ohio) - C
Wayne State – U / C
How to apply: Only Common Application
Send your transcript to Common Application (each university will see your transcript when looking at your Common Application account)
U - University’s Application C – Common Application
Counselor Contacts
College applications may require a counselor letter or secondary school report. You will need to give your colleges your counselor’s e-mail address:
Counselor TBD (A-Bo)
Mrs. Linda Veeser: lveeser@rochester.k12.mi.us (Br-G)
Mrs. Jennifer Wilson : Jwilson@rochester.k12.mi.us (H-L)
Ms. Dianna Sorentino (formerly Bissett): dsorentino@rochester.k12.mi.us (M-Ri)
Mr. Paul Carlin: pcarlin@rochester.k12.mi.us (Ro-Z)
Other Basic Information you may need for
2020 Class Size: 390
Rank: We do not Rank
Weighted GPA and UIC number: Located in StudentVue in the Course History tab. Your GPA is at the top of the Course History page.
College Application Essay Tips
Please see some of these articles for suggestions and tips prior to writing your college essays.
- https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/college-essay
- https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/college-essay-tips
Senior Schedule
- Schedule changes will be for errors.
- Senior Schedules are included on the transcript. If you change your schedule after your transcript was sent for your college applications, you risk your application being rescinded by the university. If you choose to still change your schedule, you are required to appropriately inform the college you will be attending & complete a form in the counseling office
4. College Admission Testing
College Admission Tests
- All colleges accept either the ACT or SAT scores.
- Some college require SAT subject test
- Check each college individually to see what they may require
- About 50 Selective colleges
- No colleges in Michigan requires a SAT subject test
Should I Re-take a test?
∗Do you think you can do better?
∗Do you need to do better (cut off score for scholarship?)
∗Have you taken it twice?
- Data #1: 55% your score will improve when you retest
- Data #2: scores don’t typically go up after twice unless you study, take a prep class
∗How much time are you willing to give to study?
∗Access Test Prep resources both free and cost
SAT Test Dates
- June 1 (must have been registered by May 22nd)
- August 24
- October 5
SAT Test Prep and Resources
Reasons to use Khan Academy for SAT test prep
Studying for the SAT for 20 hours on free Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy is associated with an average score gain of 115 points, nearly double the average score gain compared to students who don’t use Khan Academy.
o When students practiced for shorter periods of time, there were still meaningful score gains. For example, 6-8 hours of practice was associated with an average 90-point increase from the PSAT/NMSQT to the SAT.
o Many students are seeing extraordinary results. Out of nearly 250,000 test takers studied, more than 16,000 gained 200 points or more between the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT.
SAT Score Reports Online
SAT College Readiness Benchmarks
SAT and ACT Comparison Conversion Chart
Sending Your Test Scores
SAT Services Fee Waiver
ACT TEST DATES
- June
- July
- September
- October
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
ACT/SAT Test Prep Resources
The Princeton Review: 1-800-273-8439 www.princetonreview.com
Kaplan: 1-800-KAP-TEST (1-800-527-8378) www.kaptest.com
Study Point: 1-87STUDYPOINT or (1-877-883-9764) www.studypoint.com
College Quest Educational Services: 248-647-8378 www.collegequestmi.com
Kite Tutoring: http://www.kitetutoring.com/
Kabir's Prep: https://www.kabirsprep.com/
note: THIS LIST IS COMPILED AS A COURTESY SERVICE TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS IT IS NOT TO BE TAKEN AS A RECOMMENDATION. TUTORS LISTED ARE NOT EMPLOYED AS TUTORS BY ROCHESTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO BACKGROUND CHECKS. IF YOU INTEND TO USE THIS LIST TO LOCATE A TUTOR OR ORGANIZATION, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INTERVIEW CANDIDATES AND MAKE A SELECTION BASED ON INFORMATION YOU FEEL IS RELEVANT TO YOUR PARTICULAR NEEDS.
Free Websites
Sending Test Scores
It can take up to six weeks after your testing date for the college receive your scores. Please keep this in mind as you are working to meet college application deadlines. All materials (application, transcript, test score, rec letters, etc. ) must be in for your application to be complete.
5. Deciding by May 1
What do colleges do once they have the student’s application?
Either they….
1. Accept: info on housing, orientation, financial aid
2. Defer: you will remain in the applicant pool for consideration and the college will ask the student to provide more information. 1st semester grades, updated test scores
3. Wait list: Just have to wait. Still considering your application, but must hear from the admitted students first before they may offer you admissions. Ask if funds will be available if you're accepted
4. Deny: cannot offer you admissions.
(You could check on J-term admissions or a summer start.)
Tips about the Decision Process
- No college can require you to commit to attending prior to May 1, the National Candidates Reply Date, with the exception of Early Decision or NCAA athletic scholarship programs.
- If you have received financial aid offers, compare them carefully. Determine exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be to attend each school.
- Attend prospective student events at the colleges to which you were admitted.
- Talk to your family, your counselor and those you trust.
- You should never submit an enrollment deposit to more than one school. It is an unethical practice that may result in your acceptances being withdrawn by the colleges involved.
- Once you have decided, notify the colleges that you will not attend and request to have your application closed.
- If you have been offered a spot on a college’s Wait List, learn what you need to do to be an active member of the Wait List.
- Be sure that you have a place to attend if you are not eventually offered admission off the Wait List.
6. Important Mentions
NCAA
Students interested in Division I or II college athletics need to make sure they meet eligibility requirements. Click here for Quick Eligibility Reference Sheet
Division 1:
- Requires 16 core courses
- Sliding Scale that include test scores and a core course GPA of 2.3 or higher
Division 2:
- Requires 16 core courses
- Minimum core course GPA of 2.0
- Test Scores: minimum SAT sum score of 820 or minimum ACT sum score of 68
NCAA Registration and Eligibility Tips:
1. Register during Junior year for NCAA www.eligibilitycenter.org
2. Verify NCAA received your transcript at end of Junior and Senior year. We send it.3. You MUST send ACT and/or SAT scores to NCAA (code: 9999) from testing agency. They will only take official test scores.
4. Verify your 16 core courses at https://web3.ncaa.org/hsportal/exec/hsAction?hsActionSubmit=searchHighSchool .
- SCHS school code is 233-201.
- You can use the worksheets to assist with this too. http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/DI_and_DII_Worksheet.pdf
5. Check out College Bound Student-Athlete and Parent Guide
Scholarship Research and Tips
1.Check the scholarship/financial aid webpage of the colleges you are interested in.
2.Use a FREE scholarship search engine such as:
http://www.college-scholarships.com/free-scholarship-searches/
http://college-scholarships.com/
3.Review scholarship posting on SC counseling scholarship folder.
4.Complete the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA will be available sooner this year. Parents and students will have access to complete the application in the fall instead of waiting until January. FAFSA will be using PRIOR-PRIOR year tax information. More information to follow in the fall.
AP Credit at Colleges
AP classes are college-level course taken during high school that may provide students the opportunity to earn credit at college through your AP exam score. Each college has specific guidelines for awarding credit for AP scores. Some college will give credit for 3's and more give credit for 4's and 5's, You will need to research AP guidelines at each school and many times it is up to the departments within each college to determine to credit opportunities.
Once you know some of the colleges you are interested attending in you can take a look at their AP Credit Guides Policies for awareness.
•Score are available online in July
Examples:
Your Spring and Summer To Do List!
Spring & Summer Post-Secondary Planning Reminders
1. If you need letters of recommendation, ask your letter writers and provide them with a completed Student Profile form this spring.
2. End your junior year strong; keeping up with grades to the best of your ability.
3. Make time and plan for college visits/tours/open houses.
4. Do more research online, communicate and ask questions.
5. Take an ACT or SAT if you need. If you missed the spring tests, you could sign up for an early fall test now and study over the summer.
6. Clean up social media accounts and email account to use for college apps
7. Clean up work space and room at home so you are organized for the application process
8. Consider getting a job and save some money
9. Develop a plan for keeping all your online college and scholarship account login and passwords organized.
10. Get a head start on college applications and ESSAYS in late summer. Common Application opens August 1.
11. Send your SAT and/or ACT scores to your potential colleges if you haven't done this yet.
12. Create a www.parchment.com account
13. Take a look at your AP scores in July on your College Board account and then look up potential credit awarded at your colleges of interest.