College Admissions - FLCS Guidance

The College Admissions Process

1. Apply in the fall of your senior year to all the colleges on your long list. You will not need to make a decision on where you will attend until next May.

2. How many applications should I fill out? 1 -2 "reach" schools, 1 -2 "probable" schools, and 1 -2 "certain" schools. 3. Apply to colleges in-state and out-of-state, public and private. Give yourself some choices. If you don't apply, then you won't have the choice later.

4. Don't let the cost keep you from applying. Get your SAR (Student Aid Report) in the spring, and then decide.

5. If you are borderline for acceptance, apply for the summer session following graduation. You will have a better chance to be accepted. And once you are in, you're in!

6. Don't rush through your applications. The hours you put into them will be well worth it. Work on some of them the summer before your senior year when you have more time.

7. Never take drugs and avoid any problems with the law. There will be a question on every application you fill out asking about this information.

8. Get organized! Get a file folder to keep all your information for each college. Make copies of all the forms you are filling out and practice writing the answers to fit neatly. Applications online avoid this problem.

9. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. You want to "put your best foot forward" and don't want to have your application rejected because of a technicality.

10. If you don't have adequate tests scores on entering college, you might be required to take remedial courses to bring you up to a college level. These do not count toward your degree, but still cost tuition. You may retake the SAT or ACT to improve these scores, even after you have been accepted to avoid these remedial courses.

11. Resume' - list of all your accomplishments, honors, athletics, community service, clubs, church and community activities, job experience, etc.

a. Develop this information over the summer to use in the fall application process

b. When you ask a teacher to write you a recommendation, give them a copy of your resume'. It will help them to write a better letter

12. Letters of Recommendation:

a. Provide enough time for your teacher or others to write the letters. You can request these during the summer.

b. Give them your resume', a stamped, self-addressed envelope addressed to the proper person.

c. Pick your person carefully. Don't just pick a teacher that gave you an "A." Can they describe your character, the real you? Remember, a bad recommendation can really hurt, and a generic "He's a good student" one probably won't help. A strong recommendation from someone that knows your ability and personal qualities can make a positive difference. Teachers in core subjects probably are the best, unless you are applying in the area of Fine Arts, then these teachers should be your primary recommenders. How about your boss or pastor? Teachers your junior year might be better than ones your senior year, since they will know you better.

13. College essays

a. Not all colleges require. If optional, do it!!

b. Take your time. Get someone to proofread. (Your English teacher would be great!) Do not rely on the spell check on your computer.

c. If you are "borderline," the essay could determine if you are accepted or not.

d. Include your name, social security number, date of birth and essay title on each page of your essay.

14. College Applications Process

This process should be started during the summer or early in the fall and finished as soon as possible. You have a better chance of being accepted to a college or university when you apply early. You also will have a better chance of getting choice housing and financial aid. Set November as your deadline for your applications.

a. Meet with your Guidance Counselor early during the fall to discuss your college plans and get some direction in your application process

b. Where to get applications? directly from the college or university by mail, but most institutions prefer online applications.

HINT: Print an application and fill in all the information. Then go online, fill in the application, and submit.

c. Fill out the "Official Transcript Release Authorization" so we can send your transcript to the college/university where you are applying. They will not process your application without an official transcript, and we cannot send one to them without your authorization.

d. Bring all other completed application information to the guidance office to be mailed with your transcript and a school profile: check, essays, resume', application (if not done online), letters of recommendation, certificate of residence, etc. Most schools have an application checklist on their website to help you know what information you need to include.

15. Online Information

check out the page of College Prep links

16. Admission terminology:

Early decision - If you are accepted, you are contracting to attend that college.

Early action - You are requesting an early acceptance; it is not binding.

Rolling admissions - There is no application deadline. Each application is evaluated as it comes in. This doesn't mean that it's just as good to apply late - you might miss out on opportunities for housing and scholarships.

17. You must have your immunization record to enter college. Your original DH 680 will be returned to you at graduation.

18. Your Last "Do" List

a. Make a plan of action calendar with deadlines and stick to it!

b. Plan carefully your test and study schedule for ACT/SAT.

c. Keep copies of everything.

d. Let the child contact the college, not the parent.

e. Watch deadlines carefully and fill out FAFSA soon after January 1st.

f. Visit your top college choices.

g. Be on the lookout for scholarship opportunities and then apply for them!

h. Pray!

i. Remember: God is in control.

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The College Admissions Process
1. Apply in the fall of your senior year to all the colleges on your long list. You will not need to make a decision on where you will attend until next May.
2. How many applications should I fill out? 1 -2 "reach" schools, 1 -2 "probable" schools, and 1 -2 "certain" schools. 3. Apply to colleges in-state and out-of-state, public and private. Give yourself some choices. If you don't apply, then you won't have the choice later.
4. Don't let the cost keep you from applying. Get your SAR (Student Aid Report) in the spring, and then decide.
5. If you are borderline for acceptance, apply for the summer session following graduation. You will have a better chance to be accepted. And once you are in, you're in!
6. Don't rush through your applications. The hours you put into them will be well worth it. Work on some of them the summer before your senior year when you have more time.
7. Never take drugs and avoid any problems with the law. There will be a question on every application you fill out asking about this information.
8. Get organized! Get a file folder to keep all your information for each college. Make copies of all the forms you are filling out and practice writing the answers to fit neatly. Applications online avoid this problem.
9. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. You want to "put your best foot forward" and don't want to have your application rejected because of a technicality.
10. If you don't have adequate tests scores on entering college, you might be required to take remedial courses to bring you up to a college level. These do not count toward your degree, but still cost tuition. You may retake the SAT or ACT to improve these scores, even after you have been accepted to avoid these remedial courses.
11. Resume' - list of all your accomplishments, honors, athletics, community service, clubs, church and community activities, job experience, etc.
	a. Develop this information over the summer to use in the fall application process
	b. When you ask a teacher to write you a recommendation, give them a copy of your resume'. It will help them to write a better letter
12. Letters of Recommendation:
	a. Provide enough time for your teacher or others to write the letters. You can request these during the summer.
	b. Give them your resume', a stamped, self-addressed envelope addressed to the proper person.
	c. Pick your person carefully. Don't just pick a teacher that gave you an "A." Can they describe your character, the real you? Remember, a bad recommendation can really hurt, and a generic "He's a good student" one probably won't help. A strong recommendation from someone that knows your ability and personal qualities can make a positive difference. Teachers in core subjects probably are the best, unless you are applying in the area of Fine Arts, then these teachers should be your primary recommenders. How about your boss or pastor? Teachers your junior year might be better than ones your senior year, since they will know you better.
13. College essays
	a. Not all colleges require. If optional, do it!!
	b. Take your time. Get someone to proofread. (Your English teacher would be great!) Do not rely on the spell check on your computer.
	c. If you are "borderline," the essay could determine if you are accepted or not.
	d. Include your name, social security number, date of birth and essay title on each page of your essay.
14. College Applications Process This process should be started during the summer or early in the fall and finished as soon as possible. You have a better chance of being accepted to a college or university when you apply early. You also will have a better chance of getting choice housing and financial aid. Set November as your deadline for your applications.
	a. Meet with your Guidance Counselor early during the fall to discuss your college plans and get some direction in your application process b. Where to get applications? directly from the college or university by mail, but most institutions prefer online applications. HINT: Print an application and fill in all the information. Then go online, fill in the application, and submit. c. Fill out the "Official Transcript Release Authorization" so we can send your transcript to the college/university where you are applying. They will not process your application without an official transcript, and we cannot send one to them without your authorization. d. Bring all other completed application information to the guidance office to be mailed with your transcript and a school profile: check, essays, resume', application (if not done online), letters of recommendation, certificate of residence, etc. Most schools have an application checklist on their website to help you know what information you need to include.
15. Online Information
	check out the page of College Prep links
16. Admission terminology:
	Early decision - If you are accepted, you are contracting to attend that college.
	Early action - You are requesting an early acceptance; it is not binding.
	Rolling admissions - There is no application deadline. Each application is evaluated as it comes in. This doesn't mean that it's just as good to apply late - you might miss out on opportunities for housing and scholarships.
17. You must have your immunization record to enter college. Your original DH 680 will be returned to you at graduation.
18. Your Last "Do" List
	a. Make a plan of action calendar with deadlines and stick to it! b. Plan carefully your test and study schedule for ACT/SAT. c. Keep copies of everything. d. Let the child contact the college, not the parent. e. Watch deadlines carefully and fill out FAFSA soon after January 1st. f. Visit your top college choices. g. Be on the lookout for scholarship opportunities and then apply for them! h. Pray! i. Remember: God is in control.
Return to Guidance Index