Junior College Planning Night
All students will have a Xello account that needs to be activated with their school email.
What’s in Xello?
1. Career Exploration
2. College and Scholarship Planning
Researching Post Secondary
Options
College Visits
This is the best way to evaluate a good fit is to get on campus!
Options:
Register directly through the college’s admissions website
See who is visiting the CRC on Xello
National College Fair - Oct 2024
Requesting Transcripts
Holistic Admission Process
High school curriculum
GPA
Recommendations
Standardized tests
Extracurricular activities
Personal statement and supplements
Letters of Recommendation
Step by step instructions document in students Xello account
Essays
The best way for admissions committees to get to you know you! Treat the essay as an opportunity to tell colleges why you are unique and what matters to you.
If you are using the Common App you will have 7 prompts to choose from.
Supplemental essay questions will be determined by the specific schools to which you apply. If you are applying via Common App, they will be under school specific tasks to complete. If you are applying direct to the institution, they will be included in that application.
ACT/SAT
The ACT is the most popular test for our students and measures skills in five major areas: English, mathematics, reading, writing, and science reasoning. The ACT offers an optional Writing test - some colleges require it.
SAT: critical reading, math, and writing abilities.
Register for ACT tests at ACTstudent.org.
Register for the SAT through College Board.
Superscoring - Check college’s policy
National ACT Testing Dates left for 2024
July 13, Sept 14, Oct 26, Dec 14
Standardized Test Prep Resources Document in Schoology
�Test Optional
More than three-fourths of 4-year colleges and universities in the U.S. do not require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores.
Majority have extended test-optional policy to class of 2025 or adopted test-optional permanently.
Some schools are still requiring ACT for merit aid or competitive direct admit programs like nursing.
Test blind schools will NOT consider your
test scores, even if you send them.
Example: UC Schools
To submit or not to submit?
Check the colleges’ website for their policy
Reach out to the admission counselor anytime! They are there to help (they are recruiters, not gate keepers). They can let you know specifics on the colleges’ practices and help with unique circumstances.
Pay attention to the average GPA and ACT/SAT of accepted students to that college, which will help you know whether sending your scores will help your file or not.
Think twice before sending the free scores right away when you register for the ACT/SAT, because once they are sent, they are available to the college to use for admission. MOST have to use it if it’s on file.
How to Apply
Common Application-
Best way to apply to multiple colleges through one master application. The Common App is used by nearly 1000 colleges.
Coalition Application-
Similar to the Common App. The Coalition Application is accepted by 150 institutions. If you are applying to University of Washington, you'll be required to use the Coalition App.
Directly to the Institution-
Applying on the colleges website. Best if you are applying to a couple colleges or if they don't use the Common or Coalition App
Deadlines
| Early Decision | Early Action | Rolling | Regular |
Due | Early Nov | Early Nov | Varies - typically late | Mid Dec-Jan |
When do you hear back? | Mid-Dec | Jan or Feb | 2-6 weeks | Mar or Apr |
Is admission binding? | Yes | No | No | No |
Can you apply to more than one school with this method? | No | Varies If EA is “restrictive” you can only apply to one | Yes | Yes |
When do you need to accept admission? | Immediately | May 1 | May 1 | May 1 |
Drawbacks | Need to research and apply early, must commit to that school if accepted, no flexibility with financial aid | Need to research and apply early | Longer wait for decision, To gain advantage, need to research and apply early | Longer wait for decision |
Benefits | Higher chance of acceptance, find out early | Higher chance of acceptance, find out early, can compare fin aid packages | Can save your safety schools to apply to rolling, ability to compare financial aid packages | More time to complete applications, ability to compare financial aid packages |
Fee Waivers
-College application fee waivers and ACT waivers available to those with financial need.
-Talk to your counselor.
Scholarships and Paying for College
A Scholarship List is updated weekly during the school year in your Xello account.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens December 1st
Eden Prairie Local Multi-Scholarship open from December- February
Fall Financial Aid and Scholarship Presentation Evening at EPHS
Other resources for scholarships - (NEVER pay for scholarship searches)
Timeline
May
-Request letters of recommendation
-Register for any additional standardized tests
June & July
-Build your college list
-Visit colleges
-Start or fine tune essays
-Volunteer
August
-Start Common App
-Decide if you are applying early or regular
September
-Attend Senior Presentation during school
-Ask for letters of recommendation if still needed
-Attend College visits in the CRC
October
-Attend Financial Aid and Scholarship Night
-Finish essays
-Fill out applications
-Request transcripts
November
-Submit early applications
-Apply for Scholarships
-Start on Regular Decision Apps
December
-Submit Regular Decision Apps
-Apply for Multi-Scholarship
-Complete FAFSA
Timeline
January
-Make enrollment deposits for early admission
-Submit the rest of your applications
February
-Submit Multi-Scholarship
-Write thank-you notes
March
-Receive financial aid offers
-Tour schools you are considering attending
April
-Make final decision
-Pay deposits by May
-Secure housing & meal plan
-Accept financial aid
May 1 Decision Day
June
-Register for orientation
-Send final transcripts, AP scores, college credits
“College is a match to be made not a prize to be won.”
There is more than one path, and by making an informed decision you will maximize your chances of choosing the right path for YOU!
Stay Connected
@ephscollegeandcareer
Abby Gee
College and Career Specialist
E: abby_gee@edenpr.k12.mn.us