FAQ'S
When will I have my senior
conference and what can I expect?
You will have your senior conference during the
first marking period of your senior year. At this time your counselor
will review application procedures, verify your records, request
a list of schools and answer any questions about the college application
process.
When does my counselor need my completed application?
The counseling center requires 10 School Days to complete and
mail your applications. You must make an appointment with your
counselor to submit your completed applications.
What are the counseling center’s
responsibilities in the process of submitting my application?
The counseling center is responsible for completing counselor
forms or school statistics such as class size, GPA and class rank.
They will also submit a school profile sheet, official transcript,
requested test scores, and requested recommendations on file.
What must I bring to my counselor when
I am ready to submit my application?
A Release
of Records Form must accompany each of your applications.
You should bring the completed application, which may include
an essay, school report form, supplemental recommendation forms
and application fee. Portfolios also may be required for some
schools. You are also required to provide a 10 x 13 envelope addressed
to the college or institution and postage. Do not affix the postage
to the envelope.
How many stamps do I need?
You should provide a minimum of five stamps. Not all applications
may require this amount of postage. You should collect extra postage
from your counselor after completing your final application.
What is a School Report Form?
A School Report Form is a part of the college application, which
requires school information to be provided by the counselor only.
Not every college requires this form.
How do I get a teacher recommendation?
You must complete a Teacher
Recommendation Request Form and submit it to your teacher.
The forms can also be found in the counseling center and should
be submitted to your teachers at least 4 weeks prior to the date
your application is due in the counseling center.
What teachers should
I ask for a letter of recommendation?
You should ask a teacher who taught in your junior year. It should
be a class in which you were academically successful and enjoyed
a good relationship with the teacher. It may be helpful to ask
a subject teacher in the area which you may major in college.
Teachers who have taught you for multiple classes or years may
also be a good choice.
How do I get a counselor
recommendation?
You should submit a Counselor
Recommendation Request Form to your counselor 4 weeks prior
to the date your application is due in the counseling center.
You should also submit the Parent
Brag sheet at the same time
How many recommendations
do I need?
The number of recommendations depends upon the specific schools
to which you apply. Some schools allow submission of two letters;
some schools require you to submit only one letter. Several schools
do not require any letters of recommendation.
Can I use a letter of
recommendation from someone other than a teacher or counselor?
Yes, you may. However, you should submit at least one letter from
a teacher. Never submit more letters than the required amount
specific to each school.
What documents or information
are sent from the counseling center with my application?
The counseling center will submit records requested by you on
the Release
of Records Form. These items include but are not limited to:
official transcript, standardized test scores, school report form,
and teacher recommendations on file. We will also add the School
Profile.
Can I apply online?
This is your choice. If you complete an online application be
sure to download any supplemental forms. These forms could include
teacher recommendation forms and school report forms. You are
still responsible to submit a Release
of Records Form and addressed envelope with postage attached.
Some colleges prefer that you apply online.
Why would my application be considered
incomplete?
Your application is incomplete if you do not have all of the required
items with each application. The requirements vary for each school.
The general requirements are: a completed application, an essay,
teacher recommendations, and the application fee. You may also
be required to provide official SAT or ACT scores. Your application
is also incomplete it you do not provide an addressed envelope
with proper postage.
How do I figure out my
class rank?
You do not need to determine your class rank. If it is required
by the college, your counselor will submit your decile ranking.
How do I know if a college
requires official SAT or ACT scores?
An official score is a score released by the testing company directly
to the college of your choice. Colleges will specify if you need
official scores on their application. If the application does
not request official scores, the scores sent with your transcript
are sufficient. To send official scores contact Collegeboard
or ACT.
Who is responsible for
registering me with the NCAA Clearinghouse?
If you are planning to play a Division I or II sport you are responsible
for visiting the NCAA
web site. Follow the directions provided by the NCAA. The process
will include downloading and printing release forms. You should
submit these forms to the counseling center with a postage paid
envelope. We will send your current transcript as well as your
final transcript.
Should someone proofread
my essay?
Yes! Someone should always proofread your essay even if you submit
it online. You could ask your parents, English teacher, or your
counselor. Please be sure to allow time for corrections and revisions.
What should I consider
when writing my college essay?
Your essay should answer the specific question asked on the application.
Each application may have a unique essay question. Thus, you may
be required to write more than one essay. Do not try to write
one essay for all of your applications unless they all ask the
same questions. Ideas and suggestions for essay writing can be
found in the Junior
Planning Guide or at Essay
Edge.
When is my completed
application due in the Counseling Center?
The completed application is due in the Counseling Center 10 school
days prior to the application deadline for each school to which
you are applying. The application will also specify if the deadline
is according to the postmark or the date due in the admissions
office. Please schedule an appointment to drop off your completed
applications to your counselor.
What should I do if a
school defers my early decision/action application or waitlists
me?
Colleges advise those who have been wait listed to contact them
in writing. Include updated information such as new SAT scores
or changes to your application data. Do not call or have your
parents call. If you have been deferred, you should call to inquire
about further information required or suggested by the college
admissions office.
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