mountain view high school counseling dept. presents seniors’ guide to a great year
TRANSCRIPT
Counseling DepartmentIntroductions
• Counselors: Carol Bastian, Counselor Coordinator
Mariela Ho
David Marroquin
Linda Schortz
Marti McGuirk
Admin. Asst. Carol Johnson• College & Career Center: Laurel Brock Funded by MVLA High School Foundation
• Registrar: Rose Russo
The Disease
Watch out for Senioritis!
Previously-admittedstudents have beendenied admission, orhad admission delayed,due to poor grades intheir Senior year.
Hundreds of students denied by the UCs nationally
Other Detractors
• Disciplinary actions
• School truancies
• Misdemeanors and felony arrests
• Internet indiscretions
Sr. Schedule is a Promise
Once you apply:
no Ds or Fs,
no Dropped classes!
THIS IS USUALLY A DEAL BREAKER!!
If student must change a class,
or if grades fall to a D or an F,
s/he must contact each college.
Applying to Colleges
Seniors must plan ahead and meet deadlines.
Register with Family Connection.
Acceptable e-mail address
Read e-mail from colleges and MVHS.
What is Family Connection?
• Web-based resource that supports course, career, and college planning
• Specific to MVHS
• Allows the Counseling Office to communicate with you via e-mail
What should you do on Family Connection?
• Develop and share your resume and plans• Complete surveys• Compare colleges• Develop college list• Test preparation• Search for scholarships• Know schedule of college visits• Receive communications from counselors• And much more . . . Scattergrams: • Compare your grades and test scores
Developing the College List
Apply Broadly
• 2 Reach, 4 Target, 2 Safety
• CSU-UC, out-of-state Public,
• Community Colleges
• Private colleges/universities
• Academic or Technical [hands-on]
California’s Public Universities
• University of California: file Nov. 1–30.• California State University: file Oct. 1–Nov. 30.• Online applications more accurate, easier
For CSU, go to www.csumentor.edu
For UC, go to
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply
• Apply for housing now
The Thanksgiving weekend plan is a turkey:
File before Thanksgiving!
Private Colleges/Universities
When to apply:
Early Decision (binding contract),
Early Action,
Regular Decision
Rolling admissions
Secondary School Report and Mid-year Report
Use the MVHS form available in Family Connection
Other 4-year colleges/universities, apply online using the Common Application website or the specific university website.
Community College
• Affordable Option• Transfer Programs• Occupational Programs• Apply in May
Apply on line,
take placement tests
register for classes• Housing options for 2 year schools
How do colleges choose students?
• Grades/GPA/Class Rank
• Standardized Test Scores
• Activities & Experience
• Application Essay(s)
• Recommendations
Transcript / Status Report
Accurate??
Complete??
D’s & F’s
10th and 11th grade academicGPA – weighted and unweighted
Rank in Oct. and Jan.
Credits for Graduation = 220
Transcripts
• Request official transcripts from the Registrar – transcripts are $1 each
• Both weighted and non-weighted GPAs used
• Private schools may require “Mid-Year” or “7th Semester” transcript. Check application.
• UC & CSU – use self-reported record,
don’t send transcripts unless/until requested
• Students must send final transcript to college
as soon as possible after graduation
Examination Requirements
• SAT: Penalty for guessing• SAT Subject Exams: Two subject tests required
by UC and some selective private colleges
Exams should be different academic subjects:
English, history and social studies, languages,
math or science• ACT w/Writing: No penalty for guessing—may
score higher
Fall Admissions Tests
SAT [$45] or Subject [$20]
October 10, register by Sept 9 November 7, register by Oct. 1
December test NOT recommended
ACT + Writing [$47]
October 24, register by Sept. 19
December tests may be TOO LATE for some colleges
TOEFL required if less than 3 years in U.S.
Send Test Scores
Send SAT / ACT scores to colleges when you register for exams:
*Send directly to each campus
*Do not wait to review your scores.
Send SAT Scores to CSU CEEB code 3594
For college athletic eligibility, send to NCAA
Eligibility Center = CEEB code 9999
Essays: colleges know when parents write the essay
University of California
Two prompts
* Describe the world you come from
* Describe a personal quality, talent, contribution or experience
Word Limits
Maximum of 1,000 words total—minimum 250
Allocate the word count as you wish but . . .
DO NOT GO OVER
California State Universities: No Essays
Privates and Out-of-State: Each school has different requirements
Double-check that App.!
• Don’t wait for the last minute to apply.
• Always proofread on paper before submitting, even if applying online.
• Most common errors: no signature, late filing,
incorrect Social Security number. • Keep a copy of everything you send: keep
records together.• Get a “Certificate of Mailing” to demonstrate
deadline was met, if questions arise.
Letters of Recommendationonly for private and out-of-state colleges
Counselor recommendationsRequests due before November 1st
MUST BRING: Complete and print from Family
Connection: “Resume”, “Game Plan,”
and “Senior Self-Report.” Letter or outline from parent/guardian Secondary School Report [complete top &
sign]
Official transcript for each college Large addressed, stamped [3 stamps]
envelope for each college
College & Career Center
• Scholarships: look in Family Connection
plus Scholarship Wall in College & Career Center
• Resources for applications
• Test registration & prep books
• NCAA guidelines
• College Visits: look for list in
Family Connection
Sign up to attend visits from admissions reps. Print confirmation slip & have teacher sign as OK.
College Visits
Financial Aid
FAFSA for everyone
GPA Verification for Cal Grants
CSS Profile for private schools, some scholarships
Scholarship Wall for students with initiative
Save the Dates
Oct. 6 CSU Presentation at LAHS Theater 7 PM
Oct. 12 UC Presentation at MVHS Theater 7 PM
Tues. Nov. 3 7:00 p.m.
Financial Aid Night I: Basics
Tues., December 1, 7:00 p.m.
Financial Aid Night I: FAFSA Line-by-line
When Will This End?
Admission NotificationWatch your email and web portal for admission decisions.
UC campuses mail notices in March.
Statement of Intent to RegisterMay 1 – Deadline to choose just 1 school!
Final transcriptRequest final transcript to be sent to chosen college.
Strong & Myers Briggs
Assessment
Career Exploration
Personality Type
College Major Choice
Learning Styles
$25 fee