college planning guide
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College Countdown
A College Planning Guide For WBHS Seniors
CLASS OF 2013
WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
4925 Orchard Lake Road West Bloomfield, Michigan 48323
(248) 865-6720
Mr. Thomas Shelton…………..………………………….……..Principal Ms. Mara Hoffert.............................….…............Assistant Principal Mr. Arthur Ebert……………….…..….…….…….Assistant Principal Mr. Patrick Watson…....Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Counseling Office Phone: (248) 865-6768 Fax: (248) 865-6764 Follow the counseling department on Twitter:
Counselorgraff@twitter
COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENT EMAIL Mrs. Susan Chang A-COL [email protected] Mrs. Monica Burgess COM-G [email protected] Mrs. Karen Brody H-KO [email protected] Mr. Charles Jennings KP-O [email protected] Mrs. Lisa Reeves P-SK [email protected] Mrs. Lisa Graff SL-Z [email protected]
Our goal is to respond to your email within 48 hours. If you do not hear from us within that time, please call the counseling office.
Mrs. Hanan Zawideh…………………..College Resource Specialist [email protected] ……….……….…………….248.865.6720 Ext. 6942
**Please note that the information in this publication has been compiled from books, magazine articles, college Web sites, and college guides. With ongoing changes in admissions, policies, and requirements, some information may not be current. It is best to check with your counselor, college resource specialist, or admission officers of specific schools for the most up-to-date information.
WBHS 2012-2013
PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR SENIOR YEAR West Bloomfield High School
The West Bloomfield High School College Planning Guide is designed to provide basic information regarding the college selection and application process. This guide will not provide the answers to all questions, nor will it address the needs of all students. For answers to specific questions, or for personalized advice, talk to your counselor or the career resource coordinator. College application steps to success:
1. Attend a mandatory College Prep Seminar to gather information about applying to college.
2. Meet with college representatives that visit WBHS and the surrounding schools each year.
3. Finalize a college list.
4. Request or download individual college applications or CommonApp as needed.
Our school code is: 232-2882. You will need this code for all applications.
5. Request letters of recommendation. Give the recommender at least 6 weeks to complete your
letter. In order for your application to be completed on time, we recommend you submit your
materials to the recommender the last two weeks of junior year or first two weeks of senior year.
6. Visit colleges.
7. Participate in WBHS’s On-Site Admissions Event and Scholarship Workshop in October.
8. Make sure all required college admissions tests have been taken.
9. Request ACT/SAT scores through testing agencies to be sent to colleges.
10. Complete and submit college applications: Do not miss deadlines! Some majors require you to
commit during the application process, others allow you to be ‘undecided’.
11. Schedule interviews or auditions, if necessary.
12. Attend a Financial Aid workshop at WBHS in December.
13. Apply for financial aid/complete the FAFSA soon after January 1st.
13. Counselor forms from each college must be given to your counselor.
14. Complete WBHS requirements for transcript requests:
o Reach 100% completion and print your Educational Development Plan (EDP).
o Update and print your resume from www.careercruising.com.
o Register on Parchment – request transcript to be sent.
o Fill out the WBHS Transcript Router and turn-in to counseling office.
15. Notify colleges of your final decision. WBHS 2012-2013 1
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN RESEARCHING COLLEGES o Four- year university or two- year community college
o Location – Region/State
o Setting – Urban, Suburban, or Rural
o School Size/Program Size
o Type of School - Affiliation or Religion
o Majors, Programs, Specialties
o Admission Criteria/Academic Reputation
o Costs, Scholarships, and Financial Assistance
o Housing
o Athletic Programs and Opportunities
o Campus Facilities
o Specialized Programs
o Student Profile, Diversity, Campus Life, and Clubs
Once you have weighed these options, you should begin to gather information and research colleges using some of the sources listed below:
• Research each school’s website and participate in virtual tours at
www.collegeweeklive.com.
• Michigan College Guide for in-state schools, at http://www.michigancollegeguide.com/.
• Speak with your counselors, teachers, alumni, friends, and current students.
• Meet with college representatives at WBHS and college fairs in your area.
• Talk with professionals in fields of interest.
• List and compare college characteristics along with positive and negative impressions.
• Make official campus visits and attend sessions for prospective students.
From this research you should have at least 5 to 10 colleges that match your interests and needs. Most students apply to at least three colleges. As you narrow your choices, your selections should fall into three categories.
Dream Schools (Reach) Schools that are a reach either academically or financially Probable Schools (Reasonable) Schools that meet your needs and will likely accept you Safety Schools (Realistic) Schools will easily accept you and be a good academic and
financial match.
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College Comparison Worksheet School & Location
Target 1. Safety School 2. Probable School 3. Probable School 4. Dream School
Public/Private Size City/ State Urban/Rural
Academics
Study Major Student to Faculty >20 student class % <50 student class % % Graduation
Cost- Tuition and Fees
Private Public In-State Public Out-of-State Room and Board
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Package Grant Loan Work Grant Loan Work Grant Loan Work Grant Loan Work
$ Scholarship Package
Scholastic Strength
Average GPA School Mine School Mine School Mine School Mine
Average ACT Average SAT National Ranking
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COLLEGE APPLICATION ORGANIZER complete one form for each college
College Name:___________________________________
Application type: (circle one) Online Paper Common App Other:_________________
Action Deadline
Completed/ Submitted
Date Received Additional Action
Needed Attend College Planning Seminar at WBHS Y N 100% complete EDP-Print at careercruising.com Y N Complete Resume -Print at careercruising.com Y N Complete WBHS Transcript Router form Y N Request Transcript through Parchment. Allow 15 school days to be delivered Y N Send ACT/SAT scores through www.actstudent.org Y N Request letter of recommendation. Allow ample time for recommender to complete. Y N Print College Application and begin a rough draft Y N Start writing College Application Essay (1) Y N Start writing College Application Essay (2) Y N Have someone proofread essay Y N Complete final essay Y N Finalize essay and submit college application Y N Confirm that all material has been received through your online account status or email to the admissions office Y N Complete and submit Financial Aid Forms Y N Complete mid-year report, request transcripts, complete router form at Parchment Y N Request final transcript, complete form to make request at Parchment Y N Check your email/online account often as colleges will communicate with you using these two systems Y N
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WHAT COLLEGES LOOK FOR
College admissions officers will use some, if not all, of the information listed below in their admissions process. However, individual colleges differ in how they evaluate this information. For example, one college may place a great deal of emphasis on standardized test scores while another college may not. Colleges look to admit students who will be academically successful at their institutions. Additionally, colleges have other priorities that impact student admission such as the diversity of their student body, the geographical mix, legacy standing, athletics and talent, as well as summer experiences and internships.
No single factor will determine acceptance or rejection. Some colleges may look at only grades and test scores. Most schools, however, are interested in more than just the academic record. They want to know about your accomplishments, interests, and future goals. WBHS 2012-2013 5
Academic GPA- Grades in College Prep Courses
English, Science, Social Studies, Math, Foreign Language
Standarized Test Scores
Cumulative GPA- Grades in ALL Subjects
A challenging curriculum including Honors and Advanced Placement Classes
Courses/grades indicate an upward trend, showing academic growth
Teacher Recommendations/ Counselor Recommendations
Well- written essays or writing samples
Demonstrates a genuine interest in school or program
Work/ Hobbies/ Extracurricular Activities/ Experiences/ Diversity/ Community service/Clubs
Anything special that sets the student apart
Passionate involvement or leadership in extracurricular activities
Interview/ Audition (Not always offered)
SENIOR YEAR TO DO CHECKLIST
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY Ask for letters of
recommendation. This may be an online recommendation or written. If written, provide stamped, addressed envelope for each college.
Narrow your list of colleges to those of greatest interest. Make sure to have all applications and essays in progress. Request your transcripts be sent via Parchment.
Obtain financial aid information from each college. Submit all required documents on time.
Finalize and submit applications. Some colleges have application deadlines in January. Apply only to schools of interest, but include one or two “safeties” and one “dream.”
Start collecting financial records to complete financial aid forms. (W-2, Bank statements, Social Security records) This information may be requested for proof of eligibility.
Attend college fairs
and do an online search to gather information on colleges of interest.
Meet with: o Your counselor o Admission
Representatives o Present and Past
Students
Send thank you cards to teachers and other people who have written letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Keep up your grades. Study for finals!!
Complete and submit (FAFSA) soon after January 1st.
Start working on
college admission application, especially the essay. Write rough drafts and have them critiqued and proofed.
Deadlines for early action are generally November 1st. Make sure all application requirements are received well in advance of the deadline date.
Search for scholarships.
Have your parents attend a Financial Aid Night at WBHS.
Apply for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid sources.
Look for decisions from any school to which you applied for early action.
Go on official
campus visits. Notify the college of your visit.
Submit the Student Release form to the NCAA Clearinghouse if you wish to play a college sport.
Complete the FAFSA forecaster as a practice for applying for financial aid.
Check on your application. Register and obtain an online account to check on the status of your application.
DO NOT develop Senioritis. You will need to submit mid-year and final grades.
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SENIOR YEAR TO DO CHECKLIST
FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL EARLY MAY LATE MAY If your colleges
require mid-year reports or transcripts, complete the router info and make a request through Parchment.
Colleges start sending admission, rejection and wait-list letters.
Compare financial aid awards. Consider appealing to favorite schools for more aid.
Take Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.
Request final transcripts be sent to the college that you will attend through Parchment.
Register for
Advanced Placement Exams (AP) through the Counseling Office.
Use this time to find out more about the colleges to which you have applied.
If you are wait listed at your favorite school, accept your 2nd choice school and pay deposits by deadline. If you plan to stay on the wait list, fill out and send all required forms.
Keep your grades up. Colleges may reverse admission decisions based on senior grades.
Notify your college about any outside grants or scholarships you have been awarded.
Fill out and
submit the financial aid forms required by the colleges where applications have been sent.
Analyze financial aid offers. In some cases, you may consider appealing.
Send an acceptance letter and deposit to the college of choice and write a polite letter of refusal to others.
Study for finals. Finalize summer school or summer job plans.
You should
receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), noting your eligibility for aid.
Check your status with your online account as some colleges only post online.
Watch important dates and deadlines regarding rooming requests and financial aid.
If you find you have not been admitted to any college, ask your counselor for advice.
Find out when your college is hosting its orientation session and plan to attend. It is a great way to meet students and faculty as well as get to know the campus.
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MICHIGAN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PROFILE 2012
Institution Website Size Percent
Accepted Average
GPA Average
ACT ACT
Range Tuition Room & Board
Application
Fee
Adrian College Adrian
www.adrian.edu 1,678 64% 3.30 23 20 - 25 $28,606 $8,796 None
Albion College Albion, MI www.albion.edu 1,514 69% 3.40 25 21 - 27 $32,100 $9,260 $40 Calvin College Grand Rapids www.calvin.edu 3,873 75% 3.60 26 23 - 28 $26,480 $9,110 $35 Central Michigan Mt. Pleasant www.cmich.edu 21,220 68% 3.30 23 20 - 24 $10,740 $8,212 $35 College for Creative Studies Detroit www.ccscad.edu 1,339 44% 3.10 22 18 - 23 $31,440 $8,500 None Eastern Michigan Ypsilanti www.emich.edu 18,621 60% 3.10 21 18 - 23 $8,683 $7,896 $30 Ferris State U Big Rapids www.ferris.edu 13,705 54% 3.20 22 18 - 24 $10,440 $9,344 $30 Grand Valley State Allendale www.gvsu.edu 21,236 70% 3.50 24 21 - 26 $9,716 $7,624 $30 Hillsdale College Hillsdale www.hillsdale.edu 1,400 43% 3.75 29 25 - 30 $21,390 $8,640 $35 Hope College Holland www.hope.edu 3,249 82% 3.75 26 23 - 29 $27,650 $8,510 $50 Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo www.kzoo.edu 1,403 69% 3.62 28 26 - 30 $37,392 $8,274 $40 Kettering U Flint www.kettering.edu 1,745 62% 3.70 27 24 - 29 $33,946 $6,660 $35 Lake Superior State
Sault St. Marie www.lssu.edu 2,600 89% 3.10 21 19 - 24 $9,364 $8,319
$35
For more information click here Michigan College Guide WBHS 2012-2013 8
MICHIGAN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PROFILE 2012
Institution Website Size Percent Accepted
Average GPA
Average ACT
ACT Range Tuition
Room & Board
Application Fee
Lawrence Tech Southfield
www.ltu.edu 3,056 51% 3.34 24 20 -27 $25,758 $8,306
$30 Free online
Madonna U Livonia www.munet.edu 3,169 66% 3.30 22 20 -24 $14,700 $7,430
$25 Free online
Michigan State U East Lansing www.msu.edu 36,058 70% 3.50 25 23 - 27 $11,722 $7,820 $50 Michigan Tech Houghton
www.mtu.edu 5,731 75% 3.60 26 23 - 28 $12,615 $8,648 None
Northern Michigan Marquette
www.nmu.edu 9,273 72% 2.94 23 20 - 25 $7,248 $8,026 $30
Oakland University Rochester
www.oakland.edu 18,920 67% 3.30 22 19 - 25 $9,595 $7,680 None
Saginaw Valley State Saginaw
www.svsu.edu 8,862 85% 3.21 22 18 - 24 $7,377 $8,000 $25
U of D Mercy Detroit www.udmercy.edu 3,149 64% 3.43 24 19 - 25 $30,660 $8,390 $25 U of M Ann Arbor www.umich.edu 27,027 40% 3.80 30 28 - 32 $12,634 $9,468 $65 U of M Dearborn
www.umd.umich.edu 7,224 61% 3.50 24 22 - 26 $9,885 NA $30
U of M Flint
www.umflint.edu 6,959 70% 3.30 23 20 - 24 $8,778 $7,432 $30
Wayne State U Detroit
www.wayne.edu 20,589 76% 3.27 22 19-23 $8,611 $8,696 Free online
Western Michigan U Kalamazoo
www.kzoo.edu 20,054 83% 3.32 22 20 - 25 $8,762 $8,045 $35
For more information click here Michigan College Guide WBHS 2012-2013 9
COMMUNITY COLLEGE Community colleges are public two-year institutions that provide excellent opportunities for students. Community colleges have an open door admissions policy. This policy describes an admission that is open to individuals with a high school diploma or GED and provide access to higher education. There are many benefits to attending a community college.
Lower Cost Proximity to Home Community College Helps Build Confidence Greater Focus on Instruction Many Pathways to Goals College Transfer Options*** High School Grades and Test Scores Vanish Vocational-Technical Programs Addresses Needs of Students
***If you are planning on transferring to a four year school, you need to make sure that the courses you take at the community college will give you credit at the institute to which you wish to transfer.
For more information about finding a community college in a specific area and/or the many programs available go to: www.collegeprofiles.com/twc-2yr.html www.macrao.org
At the Michigan Transfer Network (MTN) you can view transfer course equivalencies between many Michigan colleges and universities. There are over 50 participating institutions and 600,000 equivalencies all on one Web site. New equivalencies are added daily with links to participating institutions home pages and admissions applications.
www.michigantransfernetwork.org
WBHS 2012-2013 10
THE CAMPUS VISIT- THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE
It is important to visit the colleges you are considering applying to in order to get a feel for the campus, especially if you are planning on applying early action. The number of school visits you schedule will depend on your time and finances, but you should try to visit schools that will provide varied experiences.
Knowing the importance of these visits, WBHS seniors receive two exempt absences, if proper procedures are taken.
Questions to Ask Students During Your Campus Visit
How much time do you spend studying? How easy is it to get help in a class or get in touch with professors? Have you been able to get into the classes you wanted to take? What is the nightlife like? Do people party a lot? Do most students stay on campus on weekends or do they go home? Do you feel safe on campus? How is the food? What do you wish you had known before coming here? If you had to make the decision again, would you attend this college? What is your favorite part about attending school here? What is the one thing you would change about this school?
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Trust your instincts, take notes, write down your impressions
Is this where you want to be for four years? Brochures and DVDs can be misleading
Talk to as many students as you can
What do they like best? What do they like least? What would they change? How is life on the weekend?
Visit while classes are in session
Sit in on classes, look around, stay overnight if possible Read campus newspaper and bulletin boards for activities
Schedule interviews with faculty and admission staff
Professors who teach in your area of interest Verify admission requirements with admission staff
Schedule your visit with the college at least two weeks in advance
Inquire about campus/ virtual tours Visit when classes are in session
Do some preparation
Research the college Put together a list of questions
MEETING WITH COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES
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Be on time for your appointment
Do your homework; learn as much about the school as
you can prior to your meeting
Be prepared to ask questions, but not
those that are clearly answered in their catalogue
or web site
Save your first choice school interview for last
Whether you meet with college representatives at WBHS, an interview, on-site admissions, college fairs, or information sessions, you have the opportunity to make a favorable and lasting impression. Introduce yourself and look the representative in the eye as you offer a firm handshake. Quite often these representatives are the same people who will read your applications and decide your future opportunities. Being able to associate your file with a smiling, self-assured individual is helpful.
Few schools require on-campus interviews. Some schools do not offer them at all. Some have elaborate networks of alumni or students who interview applicants in their home town. If you are applying to a school that does require an interview and you plan on visiting the campus, call the admissions office in advance and let them know when you are planning to visit. They may schedule your interview at that time.
Regardless of with whom you are meeting, the guidelines remain the same
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LETTERS OR RECOMMENDATION
A great teacher recommendation can add depth and excitement to your college application. But many recommendations can end up sounding alike if you do not inform the person of your accomplishments. Find the best recommenders and provide them with an updated, comprehensive resume from careercruising.com and any additional information that would help them know what you do outside of their classrooms.
PICK YOUR RECOMMENDERS WISELY
How well do they know me?
Do they know the things I do outside of their classroom? Could they write a glowing recommendation letter on my behalf?
Can they speak in concrete terms about the passion and energy that I bring to my work?
Ask 10th or 11th grade academics teachers, unless, your field of interest requires otherwise.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ...
Provide specific forms and detailed instuctions- online website(s) , mailing address(es). Provide the names of the schools and majors you are considering at those schools. Provide information as to the purpose of the recommendation such as Scholarship or admissions specific to a school. Provide timelines and deadlines for when letters should be submitted. Remember to provide ample time for the letter to be written .
If recommendations are to be mailed, provide an addressed, stamped envelope for each school.
Provide your detailed Career Cruising resume so your background, extracurricular activities, sports, jobs, career goals, and anything that you would like the recommender to address is available to them
FOLLOW THROUGH
It is your responsibility to make sure the letter is sent out on time. It is ok to politely remind recommenders of deadlines.
If a letter has been sent to the college, make sure it has been received. Follow up with a thank you note. Do not email or text. A simple card shows you value the teacher's efforts as well as serves as a reminder if they have not sent the letter.
WRITING THE ESSAY
It may only be 500 words or less, but the admissions essay portion of the college application can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. Without the essay, admissions officers would have to choose arbitrarily between two or even two hundred applications with identical profiles. The personal essay should demonstrate to the admissions committee how you are different from everybody else. It should provide information about you that a list of test scores, grades, and extracurricular pursuits cannot. Additionally, it should demonstrate your ability to use standard written English, correct syntax usage, and grammar. The essay can also show your creativity and originality.
DO….
• Start early to allow plenty of time to develop your essay. • Make sure you address the question or topic. • Pursue perfection - check spelling and grammar. • If using one essay for multiple schools, keep the school’s name straight. • Use good taste in composing your essay. • Be creative and try to captivate your audience. • Be yourself. Think about what interests you or what sets you apart from others. • Use detail and concrete examples and experiences. • Give your draft to others to read. • Revise and rewrite until you are satisfied. • Try to show interest and knowledge in answering “Why I want to attend this school.” Schools
are more likely to admit a student who has made an effort to learn more about them. • Captivate your audience by making it engaging and memorable. • Be honest. If you cannot think of anything to write, do not copy someone else’s essay or make
up a sad story.
DO NOT… • Do not repeat what has already been said in your application. Do not include a laundry list of
your activities or awards. • Do not say what you think they want you to say. Be true to yourself. • Do not write a scholarly essay. Admissions committees want to learn about you. • Do not have a parent write your essay. The voice of an adult can easily come through. • Do not express feelings of anger or hostility toward others. • Do not thesaurusize. • Do not use generalities and clichés that make your essay unremarkable from hundreds of other
essays read by admissions officials. Details and specifics are necessary. • Do not recycle essays. Make sure you answer specific questions. • Do not turn in something because your parents say, “Turn it in early”. Make sure you are
satisfied with the content of your essay even if it takes another week. • Do not count on spell check or grammar check!
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TYPES OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
Regular Admission or
Regular Decision
Rolling Admission/ Modified Rolling
Admission
Early Response or
Early Action Early Decision
Restricted Early Action or Early
Notification On-Site Admission NON-BINDING NON-BINDING NON-BINDING BINDING NON-BINDING NON-BINDING
Students submit an application by the deadline and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time (usually first week of April)
Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle. In general, the earlier you apply, the earlier you may hear of your acceptance. Modified rolling admissions may send out their quota of acceptance early in the year, therefore, it is to the students’ advantage to apply early.
Students apply early by a designated date, usually November 1st and receives a decision well in advance of the college’s regular response date. University of Michigan and Michigan State University offer this option; there is no commitment to attend if accepted. Commitment decisions by the student, do not have to be made until May 1st.
Students make a legally binding commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they must enroll. The application deadline is usually between November 1st and December 15th with result notification in December. Students may apply to only one school through this process, but may apply to others through regular decision. If accepted to the early decision school, all other applications must be withdrawn. The advantage of applying ED is that more schools are committing a significant portion of spots to ED applicants.
Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1st to confirm.
WBHS On-Site Admissions Event is October 17, 2012. Held at high schools or on the college campus, students come with an official transcript, test scores, and a completed application to meet with an admission representative. The representative will review all application material and render a decision on the spot. In the past, Eastern, Saginaw, Grand Valley, Kettering, and Bowling Green have held on-site admissions at WBHS.
Application requirements vary from college to college and even year to year. Read each college’s up-to-date web site and application carefully for exact policies and deadlines before you check the box.
If you are thinking about applying to a restricted or binding early decision plan, make sure you discuss this with your parents and counselor. A college that looks like a perfect fit in October could be less than ideal in April or August.
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GET ORGANIZED…GET STARTED…..GO!!
Before you begin, you must decide on the type of application you will be using such as online, paper, CommonApp . Many schools give students different options to obtain and complete applications. Some of these options include downloading the application, applying electronically, or applying to multiple schools by filling out one application such as the Common Application at www.commonapp.org. It is still possible to call or email a school and ask if a paper application sent through the mail is an option. In addition, WBHS will be hosting an on-site admissions fair on October 17, 2012, for seniors to meet admissions representatives from several Michigan Colleges, apply, get an immediate decision on their application status, as well as find out if they qualify for any scholarships. Whichever option you choose, the steps for filling out your application are the same.
CREATE A FOLDER FOR EACH COLLEGE TO WHICH YOU APPLY
READ and then REREAD every word of the directions before you begin.
Make a list of everything that needs to be submitted. Gather all requested materials- Request transcripts/ ACT and SAT scores. Ask for recommendations. Complete needed forms. Pay specific attention to deadlines and allow ample time for recommendations and transcripts to be sent. Keep a record of when, what, and to whom material was submitted. Are essays required? How long will it take you to write the best essay? Save your #1 school's application for last, but do not miss the deadline as the experience should help you improve. Neatness counts! Make a copy of each application and use as a draft.
Answer every question and fill in every space.
Complete the supplemental information section of your application, even if it is described as optional. Know your school. Make sure to use the right school name; do not list a major that the school does not offer. Tell the truth. Proof and read again for grammar, spelling, accuracy, and completion.
Make sure all requested material(s) has/have been sent and received by the college.
Make copies of everything you send.
Submit application(s) well ahead of deadline.
Confirm that all needed material(s) has/have been received by the college.
HARVARD
YALE
BROWN
U-MICHIGAN
M- STATE
PERSONAL RECORDS
Full legal name & SS#
Accurate family Information
Extracurricular/Achievements
Honors, Awards & Transcript
Work history / Resume
Recommendation letters
WBHS address/ Code: 232-882
Appropriate email address
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Completing the Common Application
More selective and prestigious institutions may have membership with the Common Application. This allows students to complete one general application to apply to dozens of different universities. The Common App requires a counselor and two teacher letters of recommendation. Universities participating in the Common App have additional questions that pertain only to their individual university that a prospective student must complete.
Once you have confirmed that the university you wish to apply to uses the Common App, you are ready to get started by visiting the Common App website and creating a username and password at www.commonapp.org.
The school report form should be submitted to your counselor with your router form when requesting transcripts. The counselor will complete the report and write a letter of recommendation to include with the report. Once you have received confirmation from a teacher willing to complete a recommendation, ask if the recommender prefers to write the letter/form online or provide a paper copy. If online is preferred, remember to list the recommender’s name and email address on the application so an email will be sent to the recommender with a link to complete the evaluation and submit the letter.
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THE WAITING GAME
You have finished the essays and sent out the last of the applications. Many seniors believe the hard work is over and the remainder of senior year can be spent sitting back, relaxing, and waiting for the decisions. However, the work is far from over. While admissions representatives are busy making decisions that will affect the next four years of your life, there are still many things left for seniors to do to increase their chances for admission.
• If you haven’t had any response from the schools to which you have applied, check
your online account for status updates and to confirm that all parts of your application have been received. If you believe an error has been made, email or call the admissions offices to check on the status of your applications.
• Do not become an application-status stalker on the phone.
• Avoid Senioritis. Every year, colleges rescind offers of admission or put students on academic probation if senior year grades drop.
• Colleges expect seniors to complete courses in which they have enrolled. Many applications ask applicants to list senior year courses. If there is a change in classes from APs to weight training, admissions personnel may ask for an explanation and can revoke an offer of admission if not satisfied with the response.
• If you win awards or accomplish something noteworthy, let admissions offices know to update your profile.
• Be sure to file the Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FASFA) as soon as possible after January 1st. This application must be completed in order to apply for state, federal, and institutional financial aid.
• Write thank-you letters to the teachers and counselors who wrote recommendations for you.
• Continue or begin your scholarship search. • Visit college campuses. • Stay organized and meet important deadlines.
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DECISIONS….DECISIONS…
Colleges generally select a certain date as to when decisions will be released unless the college has a rolling admissions policy. Colleges with rolling admission policies notify applicants with decisions as the applications are reviewed.
CONGRATULATIONS NO THANKS WAIT LIST DEFERRED DECISION
Accept or decline by
the deadline noted on your acceptance letter.
Send a deposit when you accept an admission to retain your place.
If you cannot pay deposit by the deadline, ask the college if a deadline extension is possible.
If you decide not to attend a college that has accepted you, let them know as soon as possible that you are declining their offer of acceptance. That opens up space for another student that might be on their waiting list
It’s not personal; colleges
are trying to make a good fit both for the student and the college.
If you really want to attend this college, contact the admissions office to find out the requirements for transferring after a year or two.
With guidance from your parents,
counselors, and/or teachers, decide whether or not you want to stay on the wait list.
Reply to the school with your decision. If accepted at another college, you might
want to accept their offer and send your deposit to hold your spot.
BOOSTING YOUR CHANCES Contact the college to emphasize your
desire to attend their school.
Visit the college and ask if an interview is possible.
Take an official campus tour if you have
not done so. Inform the school of any noteworthy
changes. Keep your grades up.
Stay involved in your activities, you might
get reevaluated. Consider sending a letter of
recommendation if one was not originally required.
If you are accepted to
another college you might want to accept their offer and send your deposit to hold your spot.
Remember to send a
mid-year report and 7th semester transcripts.
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SCHOLARSHIPS
College is expensive, but there are ways to make it affordable. It just takes time and research. There are scholarships for just about anything. Scholarships are awarded to students based on many different factors including, but not limited to, the academic record, leadership ability, talents, racial or ethnic heritage, written essays, declared major, or need for financial assistance. Some sources of scholarship aid are parents’ employers, labor unions, civic and religious organizations, professional associations, and other private groups. Since many scholarships are awarded by colleges, students should check the financial aid department of schools they are interested in attending for a separate listing of their scholarships. This same office also administers various federal aid programs as well as any institutional funds that the school might have set aside for this purpose. Most of these scholarships can be found on each school’s website. Some colleges have merit based competitive scholarship programs. Students may have to attend and participate in an actual competition to receive these awards. Many scholarship websites offer students the ability to search for scholarships that are tailor-made to fit their specific characteristics. Fastweb.com is one of the best known and most widely respected scholarship sites. An updated comprehensive list of free financial aid and scholarship websites can be found on WBHS Career Center page. NEVER pay any person or service promising or guaranteeing money for college as many of these avenues are fraudulent. West Bloomfield High School’s Career Center receives and publishes information on a variety of scholarships. A list of available scholarships can be found on WBHS website under Career Center, then click on the newest scholarship list. Keep your counselor or the College Resource Coordinator informed of your particular interest area or needs when searching for scholarship possibilities. As new scholarships are presented, the counseling department will tweet them on a regular basis. Follow screen name “counselorgraff’ for details. Do not always look for the ‘big’ money as ten smaller scholarships can add up.
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Start early and stay committed
Register on various scholarship websites- list of links can be found on WBHS Career Center web
page
Be willing to compete
Be persistent and thorough
Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements
Follow directions- provide only what is required
Plan ahead- some require recommendation letters and/or transcripts
Neatness and spelling do count
Watch all deadlines
Attend a Scholarship Workshop (in October) to learn more
Remember the following points:
HOW FINANCIAL AID WORKS Financial aid is intended to make up the difference between what your family can afford to pay and what college costs. Over half of the students currently enrolled in college receive some sort of financial aid to help pay college costs.
The System The financial aid system is based on the goal of equal access for anyone who wants to be able to attend college, regardless of financial circumstances. Here is how the system works: Students and their families are expected to contribute to the cost of college to the extent that they
are able. If a family is unable to contribute the entire cost, financial aid is available to bridge the gap.
Who Decides How Much My Family Is Able to Contribute? The amount your family is able to contribute is frequently referred to as the Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. The figure is determined by whoever may be awarding that aid, i.e. federal government or individual colleges or universities. The federal government and financial aid offices use need based formulas to analyze your family’s financial circumstances taking into account income, assets, and family size and compare them proportionally with other families’ financial circumstances. What the EFC Figure Means for Most Families First, most families cannot just pay the EFC out of current income alone. The formulas do assume that families will meet their contribution through a combination of savings, current income, and borrowing. Second, financial aid is limited. The formulas therefore measure a particular family’s ability to pay against other families’ ability to pay.
Don’t Rule Out Colleges with Higher Costs Every public institution is required to have a price calculator on their website. Using this calculator, figure the amount you will need to attend that university. A more expensive university may still be within reach, for example, if your EFC is $5,000 at a college with a total cost of $8,000, you would be eligible for up to $3,000 in financial aid. At a college with a total of $25,000, you would be eligible for up to $20,000 in aid as your family would be asked to contribute the same amount at both colleges.
WBHS 2012-2013 2012- 21
•Grants do not have to be repaid. •Scholarships are usually based on merit.
Grants and Scholarships
•Have to be paid back. •Low-interest loans are typical •No interest accrued until you start repayment. •Payments begin after graduation.
Loans •Student works to help pay for various college costs. •Student finds part-time employment to help meet their financial needs •Student gains work experience while serving their campus and surrounding communities
Work Study
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES
High school athletes can have an advantage in gaining admissions to colleges that might otherwise be out of reach and in obtaining funding for college. If you want to play a sport in college, get into the college of your choice, and receive a sports scholarship, check out the National College Athletic association’s website at www.ncaa.org. The NCAA has rules on eligibility, recruiting, and financial aid. You may also call (877)-622-2321. Athletes need to be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse for Division I and Division II programs. There are many rules with which students and coaches need to be familiar. The academic standards are higher than basic graduation requirements, and you need to be familiar with the process. You may obtain this information at www.ncaaclearinghouse,net or call (877)-262-1492. Every recruited athlete must have a Student Release Form on file with the NCAA
Clearinghouse. This form is available at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Although the NCAA sets minimum requirements, many colleges will additional standards for admitting athletes. For an updated list of athletic requirements and to download student release forms, visit the NCAA website at www.ncaa.org
Here are some helpful websites/publications for athletes:
• www.CampusChamps.org this is a free, interactive web site for student athletes with scholarship and financial aid information, NCAA rules, and advice from coaches.
• www.athleticaid.com is another site with scholarship, college search, and other information.
• Request a copy of NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete at the Clearinghouse website or download it from the website.
• www.naia.org is the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Check out the Guide for the College Bound Athlete.
• The Blue Book of College Athletics by Athletic Publishing Company. This book provides information on the various sports programs available on college campuses.
WBHS 2012-2013 22
HELPFUL WEBSITES
Scholarships College Planning Career Exploration
http://www.fastweb.com/ http://www.collegeboard.org/ http://careeronestop.org/
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ http://www.petersons.com/ http://www.onetonline.org/
http://www.cappex.com/ http://www.nextstepu.com/ http://www.quintcareers.com/
http://www.nafsa.org/ http://mycollegeguide.org/ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
http://www.princetonreview.com/
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/scholarships
**For a more comprehensive list of websites please visit WBHS Career Center webpage.
http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/wbhs/Departments/Counseling/Career-Center-93.html
Many of these websites require registration in order to gain access to the site. While most sites offer free registration, some charge the user a fee for more information. The Counseling Office does not encourage students to pay for access to these sites or services; they are listed because they contain valuable information which is accessible without incurring a fee. Websites that guarantee more successful test scores, admission to highly selective colleges, scholarships, and financial aid should be viewed cautiously.
WBHS 2012-2013 23
ACT/SAT Test Preparation Help
www.actstudent.org
West Bloomfield Township Library http://www.wblib.org/
You can find a comprehensive collection of books and online resources to prepare you for the tests
248-682-2120
West Bloomfield's Community Education ACT Test Prep Workshop
248-865-6633 Offered in March
http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/wbsd/Community-Education/