College Admission

1. SENIORS!-
Class of 2021
College Planning Presentation

2. L
-
Michele Novak (Te – Vam)
Michele.novak@lok12.org
Carol Doll (Van - Wav)
Carol.doll@lok12.org
Melissa Bruno (Waw - Will)
Melissa.bruno@lok12.org
Christine Bell (Wilm- Z)
Christine.bell@lok12.org
Christine Bell (A – Cot)
Christine.bell@lok12.org
Melissa Bruno (Cou – Grz)
Melissa.bruno@lok12.org
Carol Doll (Gu – Led)
Carol.doll@lok12.org
Michele Novak (Lee – Pep)
Michele.novak@lok12.org
Alicia Conner ( Peq – Ta)
Alicia.conner@lok12.org
LOHS Counseling Department

3. College Application Process/Timeline
September -
October 31st
 Complete applications, request transcripts through
Parchment, request letters of recommendation, request
ACT/SAT scores to be sent from the testing agency, etc.
 Deadline for Early Action/Early Decision and school
scholarships is November 1st (for many schools- do your
research!)
October 1st Complete the FAFSA!
 Free Application for Student Aid is available on October
1st!
 https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
January -
April
Apply for scholarships
May 1st Decision Day!
 Last day to put a deposit on the school student will be
attending in Fall 2021

4. College Application Process/Timeline
● Parchment Registration Instructions – You must create
an account with Parchment to request that your
transcripts be sent to colleges, etc..
○ https://www.parchment.com/log-in/
Resources for Parchment can be found by visiting:
https://www.parchment.com/resources/

5. ● Websites:
• Big Future
• Cappex
• College Confidential
• Niche
• Peterson's
• Oakland County- Trade Schools Resource
● Viewbooks
● Catalogs
● College Fairs
● Campus Visits
● Xello
● LOHS College Rep Visits
Ways to Research Colleges

6. Ways to Research Colleges During
COVID
• Virtual Campus tours: YouVisit and Campus Reel
• Michigan College Access Network College Advising Hotline
• How to Search for a College during COVID-19

7. Finding the Right Fit
Factors to consider:
 Type of College:
o 2 YR or 4 YR?
o Public or Private?
 Size
 Location
 Campus Setting
 Cost
 Majors
▪ Learning Environment
o Professors, TA’s, GA’s
○ Academic Services
 Retention and Graduation
Rates
▪ Employment Rates
▪ Career Services
 Student Debt
▪ Safety
▪ Internships and Study
Abroad (programming)
▪ Student Advising
 Campus Life

8. Applying to Colleges
3 Ways to Access College Applications!
The Common Application (referred to as the “Common App”)
• Allows students to apply to multiple schools using the same base application
• Some schools may require additional info, essays, etc., to be added within
Common App
• Common Application Member Schools
• The Common App is very lengthy, so it is often easier and faster to apply
without it if another option is available
• A detailed look at the Common App
The Coalition Application supports lower-income, under-resourced, and/or first-
generation college students
• Coalition Application Member Schools
College Websites- Many colleges offer their own applications on their website.

9. College Admissions Terminology
3 Ways to Apply!
Regular Decision/Rolling Admission: Colleges will evaluate applications as they
are received. Schools will continue to evaluate applications until they’ve filled all
the slots for their incoming class. Specified deadlines (usually February 1st /
February 15th, etc..)
Early Action: Non-binding, early deadline (usually November 1st) = early reply
(usually by Christmas).
Early Decision: Binding agreement, early deadline (usually November 1st) =
early reply (usually by Christmas). Students may only apply to ONE school Early
Decision, and must sign the BINDING agreement at the time of application.
You will receive one of three responses:
Admitted, Deferred, or Denied.
**If you are deferred, a college may request additional
information (such as your 12th grade, 1st semester
grades) before making a decision.

10. Components of a COMPLETE College
Application
YOU are responsible for submitting the following items to
colleges:
▪ College Application
○ Essay/Personal Statement
▪ Transcript
▪ Standardized Test Scores
▪ Letters of Recommendation
▪ Optional:
○ List of accomplishments
○ List of extracurricular activities

11. How Colleges Evaluate Transcripts
 Grades / Cumulative GPA
▪ Strength of Curriculum (Honors, AP, IB)
▪ Strength of Senior Year Schedule
▪ Class Rank
▪ Grade Trend
 Attendance
**Transcripts MUST be sent to colleges through Parchment

12. ● Test scores are NOT on your transcript. You are responsible for
sending your test scores to the colleges you apply to. Test
scores must be sent directly from the testing agency.
● To register for the SAT or ACT, or to send your scores, you will
need to set up an account. Go to:
SAT: https://www.collegeboard.org/
ACT: https://www.act.org/
Setting up an account is easy…. Click on “Sign In” and follow the
prompts to “Create an Account.”
SAT & ACT:

13. TEST PREP RESOURCES
• ACT: The only test preparation program designed exclusively by ACT test
development professionals is now online. Practice tests with real ACT test
questions. Practice essays for the optional ACT Writing Test, with real-
time scoring. Comprehensive content review for each of the ACT's four
required tests—English, Math, Reading, and Science. Diagnostic test and
study path. Anywhere, anytime access via the Internet
• College Board: The College Board is the official site of PSAT, SAT, and AP
testing and offers free practice tests, tips, and video tutorials
• Khan Academy: This free service has partnered with College Board to
provide exclusive access to preparation materials for the re-designed SAT
tests. Through Khan Academy you can upload your PSAT or SAT results,
or take diagnostic testing, to develop a personalized road map for SAT
test preparation.
• Keller Clinic: Offers short- and long-term tutoring supporting the
ACT/SAT/PSAT/GMAT/GRE/GED. Individualized approach focuses on
those specific areas in which the student needs support and improvement,
rather than applying a general preparation method.
• College Quest: ACT/SAT prep- offers small class sizes (6 students), 12 or
7 session courses, one-on -one tutoring, and unlimited use of services
without ever paying again.
• Mally ACT: (Academic Tutoring, Confidence Building, Testing Strategies)
Tutors provide subject-specific help in all subtests of the ACT and SAT.
• Princeton Review: (ACT/SAT/GMAT/GRE/LSAT)
• Tutor Doctor: One-on-one customized, in-home tutoring for SAT/ACT
• Varsity Scholar: On-site and online tutoring for SAT/ACT

14. Should I take the SAT and the ACT??
• Colleges will accept both the SAT and the ACT
ACT equally.
• Most colleges do not “superscore”, but a few do.
Check with the college you are interested in.
• We recommend that you take both the SAT and the ACT!! One test is
not “easier” than another. It depends on what kind of a learner you
are.
o The SAT focuses more on problem-solving and thinking skills,
while the ACT is more subject/achievement-oriented
• Besides taking SAT/ACT for admissions purposes, many scholarships
are tied to test scores; you may score higher on one test vs.
another.

15. SAT:
● In response to uncertainty and school cancellations due to
COVID-19, College Board is hoping to have registration for
all SAT tests open. For updates please follow
https://pages.collegeboard.org/sat-covid-19-updates
TEST TEST DATE REGISTRATION
DEADLINE
Oct. 3, 2020 Sept 4, 2020
Nov. 7, 2020 Oct. 7, 2020
Dec 5, 2020 Nov. 5, 2020

16. ACT:
● In response to uncertainty and school cancellations due to COVID-19,
ACT announced it may offer flexible testing and test-at-home options
for fall/winter 2020. Go to www.act.org for more information.
TEST TEST DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
October 10 September 25
October 17 September 25
October 24 September 25
October 25 September 25

17. SAT & ACT Info Regarding COVID-19:
 Be sure to check college and university websites regarding any
admissions changes due to COVID-19, such as Test Optional
flexibility.
▪ Keep in mind that while many colleges and universities may
adopt a Test Optional admissions policy, many scholarships and
financial aid packages will still be determined based on SAT or
ACT test scores, so do your research!
▪ Visit college websites and/or contact admissions office to learn
their policies.
▪ Michigan College Updates on Testing and Admissions

18. College Essays
DO:
 Tell Your Story: Write about something that’s personal to
you. Write in your own voice, from your own perspective.
 Open Up: Be introspective, descriptive, and candid.
Reveal meaningful things about yourself that you don’t often express.
 Follow the Rules: Respect the time of the college admissions staff and stay
within the required length of words.
 Seek Input: Ask a parent, friend, or teacher to read your revised draft and tell
you if it’s well written, compelling, and an honest reflection of who you are.
 Proofread: Pay close attention to grammar, correct all typos, and double-
check that your essay meets the college’s length specifications.
Do NOT:
 Waste time writing about something that’s already in other parts of your
application. This is an opportunity to tell the admissions staff something that
they don’t already know about you.

19. College Essay Resources
Free e-books for students and parents!
 How to Write an Effective College Application Essay: The Inside
Scoop for Students.
▪ The College Essay Guy: Free Guide to Writing a Personal
Statement
Essay Prompts
▪ Common Application Essay Prompts
Essay Tips and Information
 Essays That Worked - Johns Hopkins University
▪ New York Times - College Essays
▪ Helping Juniors Get a Jump on The College

20. Letters of Recommendation
▪ Who to go to?
▪ Check requirements
▪ Usually Jr. or Sr. year core teacher
▪ Dependent on Major/Program
▪ Extra Letters are fine…
▪ Must add something
▪ Coach, Work, Clergy, etc.
▪ Minimum 2 weeks notice
▪ Teachers are not required to write you a letter, they do
this out of the kindness of their heart. Be polite and
send them a thank you note!

21. Extracurricular Activities
•Include 9th - 12th grade
•Consistency
•Commitment
•Leadership roles
•Volunteer work
•Organize/list all involvements
○ Clubs, athletics, job
•Do Something!! Now!!

22. Paying for College
Two ways to qualify for Financial Aid:
▪ Financial Need determined by FAFSA
▪ Merit as determined by a College or Scholarship
Organization (Academic, Athletic, Artistic, Leadership, etc.)
Four Types of Financial Aid:
▪ Grants (Need Based)
▪ Scholarships (Need and Merit Based)
▪ Work-Study (Need Based)
▪ Loans (Need Based)
Guides and Information:
▪ Federal Student Aid At-A-Glance
▪ Affording College in Michigan Guidebook
▪ State of Michigan Financial Aid At-A-Glance
▪ Sallie Mae video series on Paying for College process

23. Paying For College
We plan to have a Financial aid expert present information regarding loans,
scholarships, and how to file the FAFSA. This information may be presented
virtually this year. Date/time to be announced.
For a sneak peak , you may access the PRESENTATION from the 2019-2020
school year.
Filling out the FAFSA:
You can start completing the FAFSA on October 1st!
3 SIMPLE STEPS:
1. Create an FSA ID and record on FSA ID Worksheet
2. Gather relevant documents using the FAFSA Checklist
3. Begin the FAFSA

24. Need Help with FAFSA?
The Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) provides
answers to questions about federal student aid and completing
the FAFSA. To reach the FSAIC, call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-
3243). This is a toll-free hotline sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Education.
● FAFSA HELP LINE: Call Oakland University's Financial Aid Help
line at (248) 370-2550

25. Applying For Scholarships
Where can I look for Scholarships?
▪ Check scholarship webpages on college and
universities websites. They often have additional scholarships
outside of the merit scholarships that are usually awarded
based on a student's admissions application.
▪ Ask family members to check if employers, civic clubs, places
of worship, etc. offer scholarship opportunities.
▪ Check national and state professional associations or
organizations of the career field or profession you intend to
pursue.
▪ Visit the LOHS Scholarship page on the LOHS Counseling
website, for a compilation of local, state, and national
scholarships. Updated regularly!

26. Applying For Scholarships
Check out the following scholarship search engines! Create an
account, complete a questionnaire and a list of scholarships you
are eligible to apply for will be generated.
▪ MI Student Aid Scholarship Finder
▪ U.S. Dept. of Labor Career One Stop Scholarship Finder
▪ Scholar Snapp (recommended to using the Common App)
▪ Scholarships.com
▪ FastWeb
▪ Chegg
 Scholarship Monkey
▪ Big Future
▪ SallieMae
▪ Going Merry

27. Interested in Playing College Athletics?
It is YOUR responsibility to make sure you are eligible!
NCAA:
• You must have 16 core credits from NCAA approved classes. Check the
LOHS Curriculum Guide for NCAA approved classes.
▪ YOU must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
▪ Your transcripts must be sent through LOHS
▪ Your test scores from the testing agency.
▪ NCAA Eligibility Center COVID-19 Response FAQ’s
NAIA:
▪ Must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center
▪ NAIA Eligibility Center COVID-19 FAQ's
NJCAA:
▪ Must register with the NJCAA Eligibility Center
For more information please contact: Christine Bell
Christine.bell@lok12.org

28. Closing Thoughts
▪ Take advantage of the:
▪ College Campus Visits (Virtual for 2021)
• Work on Essays
▪ Request Letters of Recommendation
▪ Admissions Representative Visits to LOHS (TBD)
▪ Check out the LOHS College and career planning Website:
▪ College Visit Calendar
▪ College Research resources
▪ Send transcripts through Parchment
▪ SAT/ACT Information
▪ Financial Aid Information
▪ Local Scholarships posted on webpage
▪ Meet with your Counselor! We are here to help!