College Application Session

Welcome Seniors!

Prior to Applying….

1. Check to make sure the college has the major(s) and other features (think: sports, clubs, activities, teacher/student ratio, food quality, living situation, etc.) that you are looking for. If you plan to spend the next 4 years there, you want to make sure you like it! If you aren’t sure visit their website or even better, go on a campus visit. �
2. Check admissions requirements to make sure the school is a “good fit” based on the admission criteria.

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Example #1: UW Parkside

Freshman who are likely to be admitted will have:

• Completed the minimum of 17 or more high school units
• Rank in the upper 50th percentile of their high school class (GPA: 2.95-3.65)
• Test Optional

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Example # 2: UW Madison

On average, admitted students have the following:

• Completed 19-22 total high school units
• 3.8-4.0 GPA, Class Rank in the 85-97 percentile
• Test Optional

Example #3: Concordia University

Concordia University Requires:

• Completed a minimum of 16 or more high school units
• Minimum GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Test Optional: if GPA falls below 3.0, encouraged to submit ACT score; looking for 18 or higher.
• If your GPA or ACT falls below the minimum, admissions may ask for additional documents (essay, letter of recommendation, etc)

Once you have done your research...

Compile a list of schools you’d like to apply to using the following three categories:

• Reach Schools
• Good fit Schools
• Safety Schools

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We suggest applying to about 2-3 schools in each category.

Once you are ready to apply...

Once you are ready to apply, go to the school’s website to get the following information:

1. Where to apply
2. When to apply by
3. What documents to submit in order for your application to be complete

This information is always found on the Freshman Admission Page!

Be mindful of Application Deadlines & Types of Admission...

• Early Action: Early fall deadline, non binding
• Early Decision: Early fall deadline, binding
• Regular Decision: Winter deadline, non binding, usually receive response by April.
• Rolling Admissions: No deadline, application remains open as long as there are spots in the program. Usually receive an admission decision in a few weeks.

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Example: UW Parkside

Example: UW Madison

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Application Materials

Check the school’s admissions website to determine the admissions materials needed to apply.

• Most common materials include:
• Application (Online or Paper)
• Essay
• Application Fee
• Transcript
• ACT/SAT Scores (Check for test optional)
• Letter(s) of Recommendation

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Different Types of Applications

Check the college’s website to determine how to fill out the application and what type of application to complete.

• UW System Application: https://apply.wisconsin.edu/
• CommonApp: https://www.commonapp.org/
• Private of Out of State School Applications
• Paper Applications

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UW System

• Example: UW Parkside
• Go to home page for UW Parkside/ Admissions & Aid/New Freshman/How To Apply: https://www.uwp.edu/apply/instructions.cfm
• Create an account and start a new application for Parkside at apply.wisconsin.edu

Non UW-System Applications

• Example: Carthage College
• Go to home page for Carthage/ Admissions /New Freshman/ Apply Now https://www.carthage.edu/admissions/apply/
• Apply directly through Carthage’s website or complete the Common Application.

Common Application

https://www.commonapp.org/

Pros:

• Fill out the form 1x for multiple schools (saves you time)
• Helps to track deadlines and documents needed.
• Transcript and counselor recommendation can be submitted online.
• Teacher recommendations are submitted online.

Cons:

• Not all schools accept the Common Application.

In the actual application you will need….

A LOT of information. Take your time and make sure the information is accurate. Don’t hesitate to hit the SAVE button and come back to it later.

Essay

An essay is usually required. Some colleges have one, some have multiple, and some don’t require an essay at all. If you have to write one, here are some simple tips:

• Read through the prompt so you understand what they are asking you to write about and how long the essay should be
• Brainstorm & create an outline
• Take a creative angle and be specific with examples
• Be HONEST
• Get feedback from friends, parents, teachers, or counselor and revise as necessary

Application Fee

• The fee amount depends on school and must be paid prior to application being reviewed. You typically pay this fee within your application.
• Some schools do not have an application fee.
• If you are on free/reduced lunch, or have a financial hardship, please see your counselor to discuss a fee waiver.

transcripts

You must send your transcripts to the colleges so they can review your academic record.

Option #1: Send your transcripts electronically via Xello

Option #2: Provide your counselor’s email address on Common Application and your counselor will upload your transcript

ACT Scores

Determine if the college will accept unofficial scores (from you) or official scores (from ACT directly). If submitting, most often, official scores will be required.

• Unofficial Scores: Student Report through your MyACT account (https://my.act.org/account/signin) or talk with your counselor for a High School Report.
• Official Scores: College Report via www.act.org, create an account, and send your scores. It will cost $18.00 to send scores.

Letters of Recommendation

A compelling recommendation from a teacher, coach, or counselor who knows you well provides colleges with an assessment of you as a student and person that goes beyond the numbers.

• ONLY SEND IF THE COLLEGES REQUEST A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
• Provide the recommender with a resume of your high school experiences and activities.
• Give at least 2 weeks notice to your recommender
• Let them know when it is due
• Ask them if they will be returning it to you, or if they will be sending it directly to the institutions. If they are sending them directly, provide them with an addressed, stamped envelope for each school.

After everything is submitted…

Time to wait! Depending on the type of admissions the school has, it may take a few weeks or a few months for a admission decision. In the meantime…

• Colleges will want to stay in contact with you throughout the admission process. That means they might call, text, or email you. Provide them with contact information THAT YOU ACTUALLY CHECK.
• Check the status of your application by logging into your account online. When creating an account for an application, write down your username/password so you don’t forget it.
• If anything changes with your application (schedule, ACT scores, major) contact the admissions office and notify them of the changes.
• Look for scholarships and apply for financial aid. College is expensive, find as much free money as possible to cover tuition and other college expenses.

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Questions?