US & International Applications

US Applicants Spring OrientationSummer Research and Preparation----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----

Welcome to your post-secondary journey! We are excited to support and assist you as you prepare your applications to US schools.1Choosing SchoolsDo your homework this is half the battleTrust logic & Sanity there is more than one school where you will be happyBe Realistic use your support Network parents ***Evaluate your grades, skills and SAT/ACTscores compare in NavianceCraft reasoned & thoughtful applicationsOnly apply to those schools you really want to attendIf want 1 school may apply early Look at early acceptance rates for that schoolSelect a range of schools (big, small, urban, ivy)

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----96% of CHS students receive their first or second choice of school

There are many lesser know schools that offer engaged learning, great professors and a wonderful education. Be open to learning more

Mention VAIS fair in October2Questions to ponder?

What are your academic Interests?What kind of student are you?How do you learn best?What activities outside of class matter most to you?How important is prestige to you?Do you want a diverse college? Race, Gender, international students?Where do you want to live for the next 4 10 years?What kind of social and cultural environment would you like best?

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----60% of student across North America change their program, major or univeresity after 1st year.

This is a time to explore and engage your passions3The Liberal Arts ChoiceFocus on undergraduate educationSocial science, science humanities and artsAlmost 90% of the 220+ liberal arts colleges are privateCore foundation in english, philosophy, history, music, science and mathNot career focusedOften in small towns or non-urban centresSense of community close bonds with staffEasier to get involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities (newspaper, debating, clubs)Examples: Pomona, Claremont-Mckenna, Reed, Davidson, Chapman

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----These schools create learners, a life-long set of skills including leadership, teamwork, and help to develop an enquiring mind.4The Research UniversityGenerate new knowledgeWell equipped with top faculty and facilities but classes may be largeProvides opportunities as an undergraduate to do research with faculty, particularly in scienceDiscovery and scholarship are the primary focusExamples - All Ivy Leagues are in this category (Brown, Yale, Harvard etc) but also schools like Dartmouth, CalTech, and UCLA

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Research is what drives the university. Professors are engaged in their specific area of expertise:eg - mating ritual of the albatrossClasses can often be large at undergraduate level but high levels of reasearch also lead to opportunities for undergraduates.5Special CollegesReligious AffiliationsJesuit Colleges (Examples include Georgetown, Boston, Brandeis,Univ of San Francisco)Religion not always evident on campusMost welcome students of all backgroundsOther CollegesSpecialty colleges Harvey Mudd for Engineering, Cornell for Hospitality

Womens CollegesSingle SexAcademically strongSupportive environmentExamples include Scripps, Wellesley, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Bryn MawrConsortium Colleges allow for flexibility with classes and add varietywww.womenscolleges.org

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Don't overlook these colleges - they can be special places of engagement with great outcomes

If you are focused on a specialty - eg - Hospitality they often have great links with major employers.6Scripps

Selection of SchoolsSix to ten universities, these should include:- 2 reach schools use SAT admission scores to determine eligibility2 choice schools2 for Sure SchoolsBack up Schools are good insuranceOther factors: Location, program of study (curriculum), distance from home, professional network, financial cost, future goalsEncourage students to look beyond the brand name

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Students who have done their homework in terms of visitation, program exploration can meet this objective eg: marine Biology

It minimizes your work load8SAT Scores Subject TestsRange of scores is what students should compareIf you are in the range the institution will consider youScore Choice some schools will ask to see ALL your scores anywayCaution to not write too many timesShould reflect your intended majorResearch indicates that AP courses help to improve overall SAT subject scoresLanguage subject tests may or may not be an advantage in this process

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Score ranges can be located on collegedata.com

May want to consider the ACT:a science componentNot tied to US curriculumno wrongs from rightearly research shows better for Cdn students9Prep Me NaviancePersonalized Learning through NavianceSAT training with support access this anywhere as it is web basedLower fee approx. $100 - $110 annuallyOther choices: Choose an accredited program:Princeton ReviewKaplan

*** If hire an independent counsellor be sure they are accredited and member of IECA***----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Can charge Prep Me to your school account

trial basis 2012/2013

Handouts. We do not recommend as is not necessary and sometime provide inaccurate info.We and your teacher write your letter and support your application. The outside cousnellor has no standing with US insititutions.

10How NOT to choose a SchoolSolely on where your sibling, parent or grandparent attended (although being a legacy can be helpful)Dont be a lemming (Boyfriend, girlfriend best friend is going there)Do Not let distance be the sole deciding factorDo not let tuition cost determine your schoolDo not choose solely based on campus appeal, although visiting campus is helpful!

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Seems like a no brainer but these can seem like compelling reasons some times, especially if students are afraid pf the unknown.

You wil all get homesick to some degree. Talk and plan with your parents how to avoid this.11Landscape of AdmissionsUS hit an all time high in numbers of applications in 2009 and they continue to be high for the most competitive schoolsSome US schools using Application software to sort initial applications (Diversity is an issue here consistent standards and measurable outcomes are legally important in the US)Ivy League schools by sheer volume reject 60% of legacy candidates, valedictorians and class presidentsSome schools have international quotas

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Applciations in the US this year are up 20% at most institutions.

More students applying to more insitiutions because outcomes are less predictable as competitiveness increases.12Admissions Philosophy*Students should be able to show they can handle the rigour and challenge of first year

*Assessment of depth and scope of learning

* Students are evaluated within the context of their school *(school profile goes with every application)

* External AP courses are not seen as necessary and may impact negatively on the selection process

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----As your counsellor we will review your choices and provide candid assessment13The Admissions Office What are they Looking for?Verification of qualificationsPrediction of performanceIndication of long term potentialSuitability to intended StudyAssessment of ability to cope away from home emotionally and psychologicallyAuthenticity/Synergy

***You may have all the qualifications and still not be accepted at the Ivy league schools****See Smith Evaluation Sheet for Applicants

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Need to have more than IVY league schools in your basket

14Holistic applications include:Completing forms accurately Common AppEssays US Recommendations TeachersCounsellor Recommendations SAT score and Subject tests should be a reflection of your entire applicationOther Recommendations (professional) Visits to Prospective SchoolsInterviews

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Intake survey for counsellorsresume and

questionnaire for teachers

Resume and intake survey for Counsellor

Parent survey

Interviews can be accomodated at the school

15Admission CyclesRegular Decision apply Dec. 15thEarly Decision Apply by Nov 1 Binding Can only apply to one schoolEarly Action- Apply Nov. 1 Non-BindingWho Should Apply Early?Compelling argument for one school legacy, program available, geographic locationMore than 35% accepted through early cycle

----- Meeting Notes (12-05-10 12:16) -----Can research % that schools accept early

No financial information - not always to a students best interest16HOW to get Ready to Apply:Naviance register and manage your applications & access resources, talk to your counsellor www.connection.naviance.com/croftonhouseComplete the Survey in Naviance for your counsellor NOWCollege Board (www.collegeboard.com) for checklists and supportSAT Plan out your subject testsOther resources:How to Survive Getting into College Rachel Korn, Special EditorLess Stress, More SuccessMarilee Jones and Kenneth GinsbergOur focus at CHS is help you to find the FitSee www.collegedata.com or www.cappex.com to project your suitability (MATCH)Common ApplicationComplete online by the student (Personal Data, Education, Test Data (SAT/ACT), Family, Extracurricular, elect Privacy notice) Opens August 1st

Secondary School Report and Teacher report completed on-line by CHS staff through Naviance. These accompany the Common Application and are linked electronically

Incomplete forms will be result in a delay in your application or risking the file to be designated incomplete

Financial Statements for the family generally are required

Common ApplicationAccepted by most US institutions-https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx

Should be completed on line by early December - only one accountCan be accessed through Naviance Family Connection on the schools web sitehttp://connection.naviance.com/croftonhousehttps://succeed.naviance.com/signout.php

CHS does not calculate GPA or rank students due to small size because it is statistically not valid

Tackling the College EssayFollow directions and answer the questionBe honest and be yourself.do not write what you think they want to hear. Be Original! Authenticity Counts! DDITarget your essay to the InstitutionLeave yourself time to do a good job, rewrite and reflect then finalizeSeek input on your final draft from people you respect.

Some DOsWrite about something you really care aboutRemember the point is that you are an interesting , mature person and that you can writeSubmit extra material if it is called forBe neat and well presentedAvoid generalities. Write about something specific readers will remember thisSome DontsDont repeat information from other parts of your applicationAvoid generalities. Write about something specific readers will remember thisAvoid politics, religion, sex ,drugs or the importance of a college educationDont apologize or explainEvery essay does not need a moral too contrived

The EssayShould Demonstrate:Serious intent to pursue an educationGenuine desire to attend THEIR institutionA match between interests, abilities and what the school has to offerYour ability to think clearly, logically and creativelyYour ability to write an engaging and thoughtful essay that keeps the readers attention

Qualities of an effective essay:Be truthful and authentic Who are You?First person is more powerful and interesting to the readerEmphasize skills and achievementsRelevant to course workInclude: Goals and Aspirations Work Experience Volunteer work

Admissions offices are looking for unique individuals: intellectual curiosity, leadership - in and out of class, strong academics, commitment to community and engagement with life in general

Essay Resources1)Dr. Rebecca Joseph Telling your Story Website/Facebook:www.getme tocollege.comCheck out the VINE for handouts from her session at CHS 2010 Search out topics on the school web sites in advance (June/July)3) Sources of Information on Essay Topics /Techniques:www.collegedata.comRead model college essays lots of resources availableDo not talk about money, sex or other controversial topicsEssay should entertain and engage the readerLitmus test could anyone else have written your essay?Counsellor FeedbackEnglish teacher FeedbackHave a trusted adult read not edit your essay for tone, message, meaning

Essay and Application HowlersSpelling Have a trusted Adult Proof read, this may include a teacher/counsellorTypos - At school I held the position of Head GigMeaningless verbiage As a direct result of my interest in the human raceI became increasingly fascinated by the scientific trend to emulate mankind.Student e-mail addresses Wrong dates or city or college

Teacher RecommendationsAsk teachers early in the year and consider subject area in relation to program applied forProvide background resume and information to teacher/counsellorProvide ample time for teacher/counsellor in respect of deadlinesRecommend begin by utilizing the journal option in Naviance and making this available to CHS staff

AthleticsOver the summer you should create an athletic resume detailing your sport, competitions, strength and endurance tests , awards, etc.Connect with the coaches at each of the schools where you want to applyResearch the requirements as they relate to athletes for specific schoolsBe clear that ONLY ADMISSIONS can actually present you an offer for admission, regardless of what the coach promises.Be certain that you review the university to see that they offer the academic program you truly want

This summerCreate e-mail accountWall calender for dates and deadlinesStart a binder, file or folder with names, contacts, deadlines and financial infoVisit schools of interestFocus on field of studyLook at essay topics and plan, begin drafting essays (www.collegeessayoptimizer.com)Identify 6 t0 10 schools MAX, through active researchMake a plan for ACT or SATs & Subject tests,

Parental Checklist1.Learn factors that matter to your daughter programs , location2. Arrange to visit the schools that most interest her3. Get onto Naviance so that you can share in your daughters journey4. Have financial discussions early in this process to avoid disappointment5. Meet with your daughters CHS counsellor6.Read and look at some resources (see handouts)

***Keep in mind that this is a journey for parents as well

CHS ADMISSION STATS - USInstitution2012 (15)2011 (20)2010 (15)2009 (21)2008 (16)Berkeley23 Johns Hopkins141Cornell2Duke111Georgetown/ George Washington)1 (Georgetown) 1 (George Wash)New York University11222Rhode Island School of Design112Stanford11UCLA/USC/UCSB3 (UCLA)5 (UCLA) 4 (USC)1 (UCLA)1 (USC)1 (USC) 1 UCSBIvy Leagues1 (Brown), 1 (Columbia)3 (Brown, Cornell, Penn)1 (Columbia) 1 (Yale) 1 (Princeton) 2(Penn)1 (Brown)3 (Columbia)1 (Harvard)Other (Rice, Berkley, Wellesley, etc.)1 (Rice), 1 (North Eastern), 1 (Notre Dame), 1 (U of Texas, Austin), 1 (Pitzer), 2 (U of California, Berkley), 1 (Claremont McKenna)6 (Chicago, Pitzer, Scripps, Smith, UW,Carnegie Mellon1 (Wellesley)5 - Marymount, Rice,Berkley, Boston, Claremont7 FIDM, Chicago, PomonaHaverford, UW, Maine (2)31CHS ADMISSIONS STATS - USInstitutionAdmission %CHS Admission %International Admission %Boston287010.3Brown9.31210.9Berkeley22429.4Cornell16.7219.3Columbia101615Johns Hopkins25448.7New York University32499.9U of Pennsylvania182011Pitzer261009.3University of Southern California224111.5Stanford7.397.5Wellesley363610.6Data from www.Collegedata.com (2013) and Naviance CHS stats 2008 - 201232CHS Graduates at US UniversitiesRecent CHS Graduates are in attendance at: Brown, Boston University, Berkeley,Chapman ,Claremont McKenna, Princeton, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, FIDM, Harvard, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Rice University, Rhode Island School of Design, Smith, University of Santa Barbara,Stanford, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington St. Louis, Wellesley, Yale, and many others.Resources:collegeessayoptimizer.comcollegeweeklive.comcollegedata.comyouniversity.comcollegeprowler.comzinch.comnaviance.comcollegeboard.comcollegedata.comcappex.com

Questions?Two University Counsellors and all the Planning teachers are available in Planning classes to assist students with their queriesEncourage you to come to the source for accuracy of information and a direct line to the Admissions Offices.Ms Manhas and the new University Counsellor are available for individual interviews with students and parents anytime and throughout the year as neededStudents are able to take advantage of posted Office hours during the year, to drop in and discuss concerns without an appointmentParents are also welcome to make appointments and meet as a family with the counsellors