Naples High School

PREPARING FOR THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

What Should Juniors Be Doing Now?

Upcoming ACT/SAT Test Dates

www.collegeboard.com (SAT registration) www.actstudent.org (ACT registration)

SAT/ACT Registration Tips

Choose to send scores to 4 colleges at the time of registration (free).

Make sure that you take at least one test with a writing section.

Fee waivers are available for students on free and/or reduced lunch.

Extra time could be available for students with an existing IEP or 504.Make sure proper steps are followed to request accommodations.

SAT & ACT

SAT I

Reasoning test for college success skills

Writing, Critical Reading, and Mathematics

Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

ACT

Curriculum-based test

English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing

Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Students are encouraged to take both SAT I and ACT

AP/AICE students should take the SAT II (Subject Area tests) as applicable

Course Work for Senior Year…

Choose a rigorous (yet realistic) schedule of classes. Colleges want to see that you are a serious student.

Universities

Florida State University, est. 1851

University of Florida, est. 1853

Florida A & M University, est. 1887

University of South Florida, est. 1956

Florida Atlantic University, est. 1961

University of Central Florida, est. 1963

University of West Florida, est. 1963

Florida International University est. 1965

University of North Florida, est. 1972

Florida Gulf Coast University, est. 1991

New College of Florida, est. 2001

Florida Polytechnic University, est. 2012

UWF

UCF

UF

UNFFAMU

FSU

NCF

FGCU

USF

FIU

FAU

FPU

State Universities System (SUS)

Four-Year Universities

Requires 2 years of world language

Algebra 2 is HIGHLY recommended

Requires SAT/ACT scores – including a writing score

Admissions is selective – minimum of 3.0 GPA is typically required

Application process begins in August of senior year

Four-Year College or University Admission Criteria

Rigorous academic program

Recalculated Core GPA

Strong Performance

• Improvement and Consistency

Quality of admissions essay(s)-when applicable

What sets you apart?

Standardized Tests

Extracurricular Activities

Special Talents & Interests

Athletics

Community Service

•Looking for depth & breadth

Leadership

Employment

Selecting a SchoolResearch, Research, Research

Attend local/regional college open houses

Attend College Night, Golden Gate HS•Monday, September 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Meet college recruiters at NHS

View College Websites/NAVIANCE

Read US News and World Report, Ruggs, Barrons, Peterson’s Guide, Colleges that Change Lives, etc.

Selecting a School: Research, Research, Research

Determine if you fit admissions profile

Visit colleges

Consider:• Size and Location

•Rural vs. Urban

•Majors and minors

•Faculty: Student Ratio

•Consider costs

•Private vs. Public

•Transportation, clothes, etc.

Rules of Thumb

Research should be completed over the summer•Naviance college search

Students should know what schools he/she are applying to by the time the Senior Year begins.

Nothing is a guarantee- thousands of students look the same on paper

Applicants should “be themselves” not try to present an image of what he/she believes a school is looking for.

Wrap it up by Halloween

Writing College Essays

The application essays are of increasing importance in terms of acceptance or rejection.

The essays should not be a litany of the applicant’s achievements and activities; these are listed elsewhere on the application. Describe what you learned not just what you did.

What motivates the students? What are his/her goals and ideas?

What meaningful leadership experiences in or out of school has the student had? What was the impact on the applicant and others involved?

What sets the applicant apart from his/her peers? (Talents, interests, experiences, etc.)

How will the applicant make a difference to others through activities at the chosen college and thereafter?

College Admissions Terms

Regular Admission: Admission plan used by many colleges with deadlines usually between January 1 and March 1 and notifications during April

Rolling Admissions: Colleges accept qualified students on a first come first serve basis. Don’t fall into the trap… seats go fast and criteria increases as time goes on.

Priority Deadline: Used to encourage early application but do not guarantee admission (UF did not admit any student that applied after priority deadline).

College Admissions Terms

Early Action: Non-binding- students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date.

Early Decision: Binding- a student who is accepted as an early decision applicant must attend the college.

Wait List: Not initially accepted but may be accepted at a later date if space is available.

College Application Process

Select up to 4-6 colleges

• Reach school, match school, safety school

Update your resume

• Teachers and counselors will want a copy of your resume in order to write a letter of recommendation (not always required). Submit request 2-3 weeks ahead of deadline.

Visit college websites to access application

• Follow directions/check list

Check the Institution Calendar for important dates and deadlines

College Application ProcessRequesting Transcripts

Beginning 2018-2019 School Year students will be able to request transcripts through Naviance.

Naviance will be the method of requesting transcripts unless the applicant uses:

Common App: More than 700 colleges and universities utilize the same platform for applications. Counselors are “invited” by the applicant and submit transcripts and letters of recommendation electronically directly to the theCommon App portal.

SENDedu: Similar to Common App; SENDedu is a secure, electronic transfer service used by colleges and applicants. Counselors are “invited” by the applicant and submit transcripts and letters of recommendation electronically.

College Application ProcessRequesting Transcripts

Coalition Application: A newer electronic application used by over 90 schools (UF, Duke, Brown, etc.).

SSAR: Self-reported Student Academic Record (UF, FSU): Students enter all academic history (schools do not want transcripts until after student accepted)

• Regardless of the college or type of application it is imperative that the STUDENT keep in contact with his/her school counselor. The applicants need to be empowered to navigate this process. It will only help them in the future.

_

Bright Futures Scholarships

100% tuition plus stipend each semester

75% tuitionStarting 18-19

Registration for Bright Futures

Application process begins October 1

•Counselors will assist with this process during classroom presentations but ultimately student and parent responsibility.

Registration must be completed by graduation

www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org

Community Service

Not required for graduation.

Many scholarships and college applications require community service.

Must obtain prior approval from your school counselor and community service supervisor.

Forms available on the web page or in the counseling office.

Bright Futures Community Service Pre-Approval Form

NAVIANCE

Students log in via his/her CCPS Angel account

Request transcripts (Coming in 2018-2019 school

year)

View NHS historical data for college acceptance

There’s an App for that: “Naviance Student”

Naviance Home Page

Helpful Websites

1. www.collegeview.com (College search)

2. www.fastweb.com (Scholarship search)

3. www.scholarships.com (Scholarship search)

4. https://www.cfcollier.org (Local Scholarships)

5. www.princetonreview.com (College search/SAT prep)

6. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net (Athletes register with the NCAA)

7. www.finaid.org (Comprehensive list of links to financial aid information)

8. www.unigo.com (Campus reviews by students)

9. https://www.youniversitytv.com/category/college/ (Video tours of colleges)