College Admissions Process

Cathie Banks

April 28, 2005

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND !!!

• Do your research– Choose 2 Georgia Colleges and 7 out of

state colleges– Do the MATH....

• TUITION• BOOKS• FOOD AND LODGING• INCIDENTALS

Do a REALISTIC Reviewof Family Finances !

• Start with the WORST case scenario

( job loss or financial crisis)– Analyze how this situation would impact

family and your college plans

• Review CURRENT financial state – Analyze how this would impact family and

your college plans

Study the TOTAL college !

• What matters most to you the student– Distance from home

• Consider additional travel costs

– Prefer small or large classes– Liberal Arts , Engineering, Combination

• Georgia State vs Georgia Tech vs University of Georgia

– Sports, clubs, extracurricular

NARROW YOUR CHOICES!

• Plan a “touring” trip to the colleges– Go on Internet and obtain information about

“campus tours”• Set up a planned tour BUT after tour leave

enough time to walk around campus and talk to students

• Get the “feel” for the school...just like you did for our magnet!

– Select the colleges you SERIOUSLY would like to attend

How to choose the “right” teacher to ask for your

recommendation.• Teacher who knows you well.

• Taught you in a class in which you were actively involved

• Knows your attributes: collaborative skills, analytical skills, higher thinking skills

• Willing to take the time necessary to write the best possible letter.....

Obtain Applications...most are online.

• You ONLY get one try to make a FIRST impression !

• Always fill out forms neatly in Black Ink !

• If you can’t print/write neatly, use a computer!

• Even the envelope you will be mailing must be neatly done!– Mrs. Banks returns anything not meeting

the HIGHEST standards!

All forms labeled Counselor go to Mrs. Banks

• Fill out your portion completely and be sure to sign and date form (s).• You should “ask” the teacher or Mrs. Banks to fill out your forms in a

face to face meeting....• Always include a brief letter explaining the purpose of the forms.• Explain what the recommendation should highlight ( academic,

service, athletics, volunteer work)

#1 Place envelope in black tray

#2 Sign in “Tracker Book”– List ALL college applications you need completed and the DATE it

is due.

• ALWAYS include completed Information for Counselor Recommendation form or your resume.

• Place all of the forms in a clearly marked closed envelope and bring to Mrs. Banks’ office

• You MUST allow 10 school days to receive completed forms !!!!– This is true for Mrs. Banks and ALL

teachers

Process continued...

#1 Place envelope in black tray

#2 Sign in “Tracker Book”– List ALL college applications contained in

your envelope and the DATE due.

#3 Wait 10 days.

#4 Come to my office, check your file and take your completed form (s).

A picture is worth a 1000 words............

#1

#2

Fill in sheet

WAIT 10 DAYS AND LOOK IN YOUR FILE....

Completed recommendation

Once you have your completed application....

• Take it to the Guidance Department and sign for an “official” transcript– Only Guidance can notarize your transcript

• Guidance will mail your transcript to colleges you designate– Remember $2 for EACH transcript– You can give them your completed forms

and your check if you want to mail everything together.

What if I lose my forms...

• Go to the following website and download the file....it is in Word so that you can type on it.

– www.wheelermagnet.com

Packet here!

Finally..............

• Write a “short” but sincere note to each person who helped you with your applications.– This should be done shortly after you have

sent your forms in.

• Your teachers have taken on an additional time commitment to help you so they deserve your gratitude!

We must work together...

• It is vitally important that WE work together to attain the highest possible level of success!– You have worked diligently for 4 years and

deserve the best possible recommendation.

Scholarships

• Go to various websites

www.wheelerabc.org

http://www.tjhsst.edu/~ccc/career.htm

Let’s review the information in your packet...