 |
Q: What is the profile of a student considering schools rated as “Most Competitive” and “Highly Competitive." |
| |
| A: The most competitive schools are much more competitive than they were 10 years ago. As application pools continue to swell, acceptance rates have dropped. Applicant GPA’s range from 3.3 to 4.0 in a strong curriculum of Honors and Advanced Placement courses. When required, mid 50% SAT ranges are typically 1250 to 1400. These outstanding credentials will make a student a candidate, but they will probably need a “hook” such as an exceptional talent in art, music, athletics, community involvement to be admitted. |
|
Q: How do you select a well-centered list? |
| |
| A: Reach intelligently. Spend equal time on likely admits. Your Proctor College Counselor spends a great deal of time on this key subject. |
|
Q: When do juniors start? |
| |
| A: In September, October, and November juniors have group counseling sessions.
In September, Dr. Joe Greenberg, Regional Director of Admission, The George Washington University will address our Junior Class.
In October, Junior Seminar will cover the topic: “How Colleges View Applicants”
In November the topic will be: “How to begin the Search Process” and selection of College Counselor
1 on 1 counseling sessions to develop an exploratory college list takes place in January and February.
|
|
Q: When to start visiting? |
| |
| A: During March Break of Junior Year. |
|
Q: When to finish visiting? |
| |
| A: Summer before senior year. If you need to do visits in the fall the best times are:
The week right after Labor Day, Fall Family Weekend, and Fall Bonus Weekend.
Fall is a busy time for seniors and they need to be in class! If visits are still necessary, consider using Bonus Weekend and/or Fall Family Weekend.
|
|
Q: What about Interviews? |
| |
| A: Interviews can be crucial at small colleges. More and more are being done by alums after the application is submitted. Often downplayed to unavailable at large universities. |
|
Q: When should my college list be finalized? |
| |
| A: The basis of the final list should be formed by the start of senior year. During the fall of senior year it will be rounded out. |
|
Q: When should one do extensive SAT Preparation (for the 5% who wish to)? |
| |
| A: Summer before senior year. |
|
Q: What is the scoop about Early Decision / Early Action? |
| |
| A: Early Decision is a mutual commitment between the college and the student. Colleges like to have a number of students in the bag, so ED is a good idea if one is within the normal statistical pool: such people improve their chances of admission. Early Action is exactly as it sounds: Apply early and receive a decision early. There is no commitment. You must read each schools policy carefully as a few schools have made minor modifications to these simple rules. |
|
Q: How do I get the skinny on Financial Aid? |
| |
| A: Financial Aid is a big subject. You should contact the Financial Aid Office at each school to make sure of the process. You can also find most of this information on-line by going to the schools website. For more information on this topic we highly recommend that you attend our Fall Family Weekend College The second-half of the presentation will feature a college financial aid advisor. |
|
Q: What Financial Aid forms are required and when should a family apply? |
| |
| A: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
This form is a must! It should be completed and submitted as soon as possible after January. DO NOT SUBMIT IT BEFORE JAN 1; it’s easy to do on-line.
CSS –Profile Form:
An increasingly number of schools is requiring this form. It can be completed any time in the fall. Again, it’s easy to do on-line
Institutional Forms:
Yes, a few schools will still make you complete their own forms.
Note: If applying Early Action /Early Decision and in some cases for Merit Scholarship the timeline might be sooner. You should contact the schools Financial Aid Office directly for the proper forms and deadlines
|
|
Q: What is the most important step in Financial Aid? |
| |
| A: MEETING ALL DEADLINES!!! |
|
Q: When are Applications due? |
| |
| A: We ask seniors should have all application “roughed out” by the time they return from Thanksgiving Break. Completed applications should be submitted to College Counselor TWO WEEKS prior to deadline. |
|
Q: What about Essays? |
| |
| A: All of our English teachers assign autobiographical writings appropriate for college essays each year. They are happy, and always willing, to assist seniors in polishing up essays or write new ones as dictated by different applications. Writing Lab is available two nights a week and seniors are encouraged to have their essays critiqued and proofread. Clearly, seniors are responsible for being proactive in seeking support in the college essay process. |
|
