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Paul Ostick, UCONN Admissions

Alison Lochridge, GHS College and Career Counselor

Danielle Nash, School Counselor

INTRODUCTIONS

AND OVERVIEW

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COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS

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COLLEGE SEARCH

Family Discussions

Open family talks align expectations and priorities for choosing the best fit schools.

Counselor Guidance

Maintaining close contact with your school counselor for personalized advice.

Information Gathering

Use multiple sources including College Kickstart and Scoir, use good judgement when listening to the opinions of others.

Campus Visits and Open Mindedness

Evaluate campus environment, culture, and admission requirements.

�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://office.com?path=6dda0cb6-cf29-4f35-b854-726910110dd3��The college search process begins with open and honest family discussions to align expectations and priorities. Students should maintain frequent contact with their school counselor to receive personalized advice and guidance. Gathering information from multiple sources, including college websites, brochures, and virtual tours, is essential for making informed decisions. Campus visits, whether virtual or in-person, provide firsthand experience of the environment and culture. Keeping an open mind throughout the process is critical, as standards and requirements vary significantly among institutions. Students should weigh opinions carefully, using good judgment to balance personal preferences with practical considerations such as academic fit and financial feasibility. This slide encourages proactive engagement and emphasizes that the search process is iterative, requiring flexibility and thoughtful evaluation at every stage.��

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KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR COLLEGE SELECTION

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FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Location and Size

Consider distance from home and whether your excel in a larger or smaller school

Campus and Social Environment

Greek life, campus culture

Academic Fit

Academic rigor and major, honors programs

Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid and merit scholarships

�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://office.com?path=6dda0cb6-cf29-4f35-b854-726910110dd3��When selecting colleges, students should consider a range of factors that influence both academic and personal satisfaction. Location plays a major role, as proximity to home and regional culture can affect the overall experience. Cost is another critical factor, encompassing tuition, fees, and living expenses, which should be weighed against available financial aid and scholarships. Size matters in terms of campus population and class sizes, impacting social dynamics and learning environments. Academic rigor and the availability of desired majors are essential for ensuring that the institution aligns with the student’s educational goals. Campus surroundings and social life contribute to the quality of student engagement and extracurricular opportunities. By prioritizing these elements, students can create a balanced list of colleges that meet their academic aspirations and lifestyle preferences.��

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CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT

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MAKE THE MOST OF CAMPUS VISITS

Start with Virtual Sessions

Begin with virtual info sessions to gain initial insights about campus life and academic offerings.

Schedule In-Person Visits

Plan visits to target schools to experience campus life firsthand, meet with a current student when possible. Visit likely and target schools first!

Explore Facilities and Surroundings

Visit dining halls, libraries, and nearby town to understand daily life and community environment.

Take Detailed Notes

Document impressions during visits to compare schools and make informed decisions.

�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://office.com?path=6dda0cb6-cf29-4f35-b854-726910110dd3��Campus visits are a vital component of the college decision-making process. Students should begin with virtual sessions to gain preliminary insights into the institution’s offerings and culture. Scheduling in-person visits for target and likely schools provides a deeper understanding of campus life. During these visits, students should engage with current students and professors to learn about academic programs and social opportunities. Exploring facilities such as dining halls and libraries offers a sense of daily life on campus. Spending time in the surrounding town can help students evaluate the broader community environment. Taking detailed notes during each visit ensures that impressions are documented for later comparison. This approach maximizes the value of campus visits and helps students make informed choices based on firsthand experiences.��

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ACADEMIC AND APPLICATION FACTORS

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ACADEMIC PROFILE

AND TESTING

Transcript

Colleges assess course rigor, grades, GPA, and often senior year grades.

SAT or ACT

Check median ranges at each college and test-optional policies

Key Test Dates and Preparation

March 25th School SAT-no registration required, check Collegeboard and ACT websites for registration dates for all other Saturday tests.

�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://office.com?path=6dda0cb6-cf29-4f35-b854-726910110dd3��Academic performance remains a cornerstone of college admissions. Admissions committees review transcripts to assess course rigor, grades, and overall GPA, with particular attention to senior year performance. Standardized testing, including SAT and ACT, continues to play a role, although many institutions have adopted test-optional policies. Students should understand these policies and decide whether submitting scores strengthens their application. Key dates, such as the March 25th SAT, should be noted to ensure timely registration and preparation. Maintaining strong academic performance and understanding testing requirements are essential for building a competitive application profile.��

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HOLISTIC REVIEW

Personal Essay and Supplemental Essays

Essays allow students to showcase their personality, values, and writing skills beyond grades.

Extracurricular Activities

Participation in extracurriculars demonstrates leadership, interests, and commitment outside academics.

Recommendations

Teacher and counselor recommendations provide insight into academic abilities and personal qualities.

Demonstrated Interest

Campus visits, GHS college rep visits and College Night, contact with admissions rep, interviews or videos when available

�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://office.com?path=6dda0cb6-cf29-4f35-b854-726910110dd3��Beyond academics, colleges consider a variety of factors that reflect a student’s character and potential contributions to campus life. Essays provide an opportunity to showcase personality, values, and writing skills. Extracurricular activities demonstrate commitment, leadership, and interests outside the classroom. Recommendations from teachers and counselors offer insight into a student’s academic abilities and personal qualities. Demonstrated interest, through campus visits or engagement with admissions offices, can influence decisions at some institutions. Interviews or video submissions may also be part of the process. Additionally, factors beyond the student’s control, such as institutional priorities, demographics, legacy status, and special talents, can impact outcomes. Understanding these elements helps students present a well-rounded application.��

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BUILDING A COLLEGE LIST

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CREATING A BALANCED SELECTION

Strategic College Categorization

Include a mix of far reach, reach, high target, target, and likely schools, consider selectivity of major and ED/EA

Personalized Selection Criteria

Choose colleges based on happiness and fit–emphasizes thoughtful selection beyond prestige and rankings. Identify at least two likely schools that you would honestly attend.

Documenting Selection Reasons

Record academic programs, campus culture, and financial factors–helps to maintain clarity and purposeful decision-making. You should be able to answer “Why are you applying to college X?”

Reducing Application Stress

Keep your list manageable: narrow list to 10-12 colleges by fall of senior year, spread out your visits and do the bulk of your essays over the summer

�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://office.com?path=6dda0cb6-cf29-4f35-b854-726910110dd3��Developing a college list requires strategic planning to ensure balance and realism. Students should include a mix of schools categorized as far reach, reach, high target, target, and likely, based on their academic profile and admissions trends. Each college on the list should be a place the student would be happy to attend, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful selection rather than focusing solely on prestige. Documenting reasons for each choice, such as academic programs, campus culture, and financial considerations, helps maintain clarity and purpose. This structured approach reduces stress and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes during the application process.��

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TOOLS AND RESOURCES

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SCOIR AND COLLEGE KICKSTART

Scoir: Application Documents and Tracking

Letters of Recs and transcripts are sent through Scoir. Scoir and the Common Application are integrated.

College Kickstart: Balanced College List Building

Kickstart is an optional, but excellent resource. It analyzes GHS admissions data and provides recommendations to help build a balanced college application list.

Organized Application Process

These tools streamline planning and reduce uncertainty, helping students stay organized throughout the application process.

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Scoir Scattergrams: GHS Admissions Data

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Track Key Application Requirements

College Kickstart

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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STUDENT, PARENT, AND COUNSELOR ROLES

Student Responsibilities

Meeting deadlines, write essays, completes applications, and seek support when needed.

Parental Support

Respect boundaries and maintain ethical support throughout the process.

Counselor Expertise

Counselors offer expert advice with the entire college application process, help build balanced college lists, and write meaningful recommendation letters.

Clear Communication

Defined roles and open communication reduce stress and create a positive college application experience.

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APPLICATION AND FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

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CREATE A COMMON APPLICATION ACCOUNT

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Teacher Recommendations

Request 1-2 teacher recommendations in the spring of junior year, ask in person, consider intended major, prepare teacher questionnaires.

Counselor Recommendations

Prepare the following documents by end of junior year:

Senior Brag Sheet (available on Scoir)

Parent Brag Sheet

Informal Comments (club advisor, employer, coach, etc)

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FINANCING COLLEGE

Estimating College Costs

Using net price calculators (on college websites) helps students and families estimate total college expenses accurately before applying.

Understanding Financial Aid Timelines

FAFSA and CSS Profile forms available by October 1st of senior year. Be aware of college specific deadlines and apply early!

Scholarships and Merit Aid

Consider applying to less selective colleges that offer merit scholarships.

Financial Aid Support

Financial Aid counselors available at colleges, GHS Financial Aight nights in September and January of each year.

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SUPPORT AND NEXT STEPS

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COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER RESOURCES

College Representative Visits and College Night

Attend visits in the fall with the admission counselor that will be reading your application! Visits are in the College and Career Center during the school day from September through October. Attend our annual College Night in October to show demonstrated interest.

College Application Workshops and Student Appointments

Attend a college essay workshop and common application workshop this spring. Fall workshops during senior year focus on specific application support and interview/video prep. Students can make individual appointments after their initial junior conference with their counselor.

College and Career Update

Weekly newsletter with college rep visits, scholarships, and any upcoming college and career programming.

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ACTION PLAN FOR SUMMER 2026

Get Organized!

Use College Kickstart or create your own spreadsheet with application requirements for all of your colleges. Check to see if your colleges have supplemental essays and offer interviews.

Essays and Common Application

Draft personal essay and all early supplemental essays, complete all sections of the Common Application, spend quality time on activities section.

Volunteer and/or Work Experience

Campus Visits

Balance and Self-Care

Maintain a healthy balance with relaxation, summer fun, and college application work to reduce stress.

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NEXT STEPS

Schedule the Junior College Conference
Research colleges on your list developed in conference
Consider timing for campus visits
Develop a standardized testing plan
Consider who you want to ask to write a letter of recommendation
Keep your grades up and begin thinking about next year’s course selection
Nuts and Bolts of the Process: Parent Night in September