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Applying to College 101�for High School Juniors

Presented by: Mary Lynn Wells�College Access Specialist

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This presentation is for informational and educational purposes only. The information in this document is believed to be materially accurate at the time of its initial presentation, however the information presented is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Granite Edvance. This document and parts thereof must not be reproduced or copied without Granite Edvance's written permission, and contents thereof must not be imparted to a third-party nor be used for any unauthorized purpose.

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Admissions Insider- Digital Copy

SCAN ME!

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Introducing Granite Edvance

We �Are

A New Hampshire-based 501c3 nonprofit, established in 1962 (formerly the NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation Network)

Our Mission

To support New Hampshire students and families in navigating their education and career pathways

We Offer

Free career and higher-education counseling and resources as well as funding support, including loans, grants and scholarships

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Appointments We Offer

Career & Aptitude Exploration

Exploring Future Options

Financial Aid Planning

FAFSA Assistance

Reviewing Financial Aid Offers

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The College Search

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It’s All About You!

Academic services

Activities & campus culture

Outcomes

Cost

Location

Size

Academic programs & opportunities

Student body

YOUR

best fit colleges

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the US. There will be more than one “best fit” school for every student. Start with the things you know you want in a college and build your list using this criteria.

The LOCATION of your college can have a major impact on your overall experience.

CITY PROS:

More cultural/social activities – there are so many places to visit, cultural and social events to attend, and people to meet
Cultural diversity – bigger cities tend to attract greater diversity in college students and the general population
Public transportation - easier and cheaper to get around without your own vehicle
Career resources - easier access to strong internship, co-op, and volunteer activities
More dining options – even on a student’s budget
More places to hang out/get off campus – not reliant on campus to provide social life

CITY CONS:

May feel less like a community – with so much to do, and so many places to live in the city, the students tend to be less centered around campus activities
Higher cost of living – particularly rent
Less traditional feel – some city campuses lack that traditional campus feel (no quad, no Greek life, no football games) while others retain this feel
More distractions – students need self-discipline to put academics first with so many things happening around them
Traffic – you must plan for extra time when going places in the city
Noisy

SMALL TOWN PROS:

Greater sense of community – many small town campuses are self-contained with most students living on or near campus, so students’ social activities often revolve around the campus
May have more “traditional” feel – the green grass, campus quad, gated campus
More outdoor activities – greater access to hiking, bodies of water, etc.
Less distraction
Lots of space
Lower cost of living

RURAL CONS:

Not as much to do – the campus may have plenty of activities for students, but the surrounding town may not offer as much by way of cultural activities
Transportation can be an issue – many smaller towns do not offer access to public transportation, so getting around without a personal vehicle can be difficult
Fewer resources – students seeking internships may have to travel greater distances to get what they need, with fewer local internships available, they may be extremely competitive
Students are more dependent on social life at school (so consider whether students stay on campus on the weekends)

“COLLEGE TOWN” PROS:

Town caters to students
Fun places to hang out
Friendly atmosphere
Potential student discounts at local establishments

“COLLEGE TOWN” CONS:

Lots of distractions
Can be rowdy
Not a “real world” environment

Some students will seek a “best of both worlds” situation where they attend a more traditional gated college campus just outside a city

SIZE:

Consider not only the overall size of the campus, but class size as well. There are advantages and disadvantages to large and small schools, but knowing yourself will help make the best decision.
Do you learn best in a small group?
Are you comfortable in a lecture hall with 500 students and a professor who does not take questions?
What is your learning style? Can a school this size offer you what you need?
Do you want to be “part of the crowd” or to “stand out in the crowd”?

STUDENT BODY:

Are you looking for diversity?
All male/female?
What percentage of students are from in-state/out-of-state?
Do students stay on campus on the weekends?
What are the interests of the students?

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES:

Will you be able to conduct research, participate in internships/co-ops?
Will you take classes in your major in your first year?
Will you be able to present your work at conferences?

ACADEMIC SUPPORT:

If you have a 504 or IEP, will accommodations be made for you?
Is there a writing center?

Tutors?

Are they free?

COST:

Have a discussion about a realistic budget for college now – before the student is accepted and locked in on a particular school
Private schools generally have more gift aid to offer to students to help meet costs, but public schools start at a lower price point

OUTCOMES:

What percentage of students return after the freshman year?
What percentage of graduates are employed in their chosen field or attending graduate school?
Is there a career services office that assists student with resumes, interviews, etc.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

Does the school offer programs that support your career goals?
Check the course catalog to see what kinds of courses you will be taking – does this program lean more in a direction that doesn’t suit you?

ACTIVITIES:

Does the school offer activities that you are interested in?
Being involved helps to make friends, feel comfortable in your new environment

CULTURE:

Is this a very politically active campus?
Do students attend sporting events?
Notice posters on the student center walls – who is coming to campus, is Greek life a big part of the social life?

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Ask Yourself . . .

Why do I (really) want to go to college?
What are the three most important experiences I want to have in college?
Who do I want to learn with and from?
What are the things that are non-negotiable for me in this process?

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Do Your Research

College Search Engines

Meet With Your School Counselor Who Can:

Assist you with scheduling courses that meet graduation AND college admission requirements
Help set realistic goals based on your personal background and academic history
Introduce colleges you may never have considered
Write a letter of recommendation
Provide advice and guidance through the college search and application processes FOR FREE

Big Future

collegeboard.org

College Navigator

nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator

Petersons

petersons.com

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Get to Know the Colleges

Attend College Fairs

Review the list of schools
Ask thoughtful questions
Take notes
Collect contact information from the college representatives
neacac.org/spring-college-fairs-2025

Visit Campus

Information session, tours, open houses, virtual tours
Attend an athletic event, play, or concert
Do your research – ask thoughtful, pointed questions
Dress appropriately

College Admission Reps at Your High School

Do your research – ask appropriate, authentic questions
Leave your contact information with the representative and ask for his/hers

One of the MOST important parts of the college search process is to get to know the campuses!

COLLEGE FAIRS

Check local high schools, the NEACAC website, and with your school counselor for fairs close to you
BE PREPARED – don’t just go in blind, look at the list of schools attending and make a plan to visit with those you are interested in (but leave time to explore some of those you haven’t considered yet too!)
Have a list of questions you would like to ask – make sure they are thoughtful (not just “Do you have a biology major?”)

ADMISSIONS REPS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL

This is a great time to get to know someone from the college – and quite possibly the admissions rep who will be evaluating your admissions application
Fill out the interest card they offer you – they will use it to keep track of the contact they make with you and to remember you when your application comes in
Use this time to learn more about the school – what is a fun tradition on campus? Where do students hang out? What kinds of internship opportunities are available?

VISIT CAMPUS

Call ahead to schedule your visit (and request to meet with particular individuals, if this is relevant)
Be prepared to ask questions – chat with the student tour guide (or other students on campus if you are able) to ask why they chose this school, what is their favorite and least favorite thing? Do they feel they have adequate access to their professors?
Take notes! It’s hard to remember after a few college visits which one had the really great dining hall and which offered the great minor you might be interested in.

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NH Regional College Fairs

Spring Fairs

Bishop Guertin

Nashua, NH
Wednesday March 26^th
6:30-8:00 pm

Keene State College

Keene, NH
Tuesday , May 20^th
9:00-11:00 am

Fall 2025 Fairs

SNHU hosts a fair in early fall

neacac.org/spring-college-fairs-2025

Free admission to all students!

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Build Your List

Build your list intentionally

For each school you add, do you have at least 2-3 specific reasons why it made the list?

Balanced approach

Higher probability and lower probability schools

In-state, out-of-state, public, private

Consider the type of financial aid offered

Do they offer merit-based aid?

Do they offer ONLY need-based aid?

Do they offer BOTH need-based AND merit-based aid?

Once students visit campuses, it is important to put together a thoughtful list of schools

BUILD YOUR LIST INTENTIONALLY:

Don’t just “throw” schools on your list because they sent you a free application
If you can’t name a least 2 specific reasons this school is on your list – off it goes!
Don’t apply to schools just to see if you get in – schools have limited spots in their freshman classes and if you are being offered one of those just because you’re curious, another student who really wants to attend may miss out

BALANCED APPROACH:

We used to talk about the 2-2-2 approach, but these days students are often applying to more than 6 schools
The point of the 2-2-2 though is that your list should not consist of just one type of school – that limits your admission and financial aid opportunities
Think about creating a list with a balance of probable (schools you are most likely to get in – schools where your GPA/test scores exceed those of the average admitted student, target (schools where you meet the profile for the average admitted candidate), and reach (those schools where maybe your GPA or test scores are lower than the average admitted student) schools
Use CollegeBoard, Naviance, SCOIR to get an idea of where you fall
Safety schools HAVE TO be schools you like and would want to attend, otherwise there is no point in them being on your list
Consider a financial safety or two on your list as well

CONSIDER THE TYPE OF FINANCIAL AID OFFERED:

Colleges have a pool of money they can offer to their students in the form of financial aid
Some schools will offer this based on demonstrated need (using the EFC from the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile)
Some schools will offer this based on merit
And some might offer both
Knowing which type you might be offered will help you when putting together your list
If you know that you are seeking academic merit scholarship, you need to apply to schools that offer this aid (you can be the valedictorian of your class and receive NO MERIT SCHOLARSHIP if you apply to schools that do not offer this)
Remember that those students receiving the merit scholarship are strong applicants in that school’s pool – you are not likely to receive merit scholarship from your reach schools

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Applying to College

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Admission Options

Admission Type	Details	Deadline	Commitment
Early Decision	Cannot apply to more than one school ED If admitted, student agrees to enroll and withdraw all other applications Student, parent, and school counselor sign contract	October – November Some schools will offer EDI and EDII	Binding
Early Action (EA)	Applications reviewed and decisions sent early	November – December Some schools will offer EAI and EAII	Non-binding
Regular Decision	All applications reviewed after hard deadline	January – March	Non-binding
Rolling Admission	First come, first served Applications reviewed as received Class may be filled early in cycle, so apply accordingly	Within a specific time-frame until class is filled	Non-binding
Direct Admission	Student offered acceptance before applying based on certain criteria, such as self-reported GPA or demographics In general, must complete application and meet all eligibility criteria Common App, Niche, school-specific	Throughout admission cycle	Non-binding

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Application Options

Common Application

Opens August 1st
Accepted by over 1,000 schools
Fee waivers available

Coalition Application

Opens August 1st
Utilized by 150 colleges
Fee waivers available

College-Specific Application

Found on college website
May waive application fee

commonapp.org

COMMON APP

Save time using one standard application to apply to any of the 900 schools accepting this app (not that ANYONE would apply to 900 schools!)
Opens each year on August 1^st, but can create an account earlier and transfer everything to new application once it is ready
Do not use this to apply to colleges just because it is easy to do – be thoughtful about the schools you add to your list
Common App accepts NACAC and College Board fee waivers
It takes time to present a complete, polished application – allow yourself plenty of time to complete this application

COALITION APP

You can start this application as early as 9^th grade
150 participating schools
Coalition member colleges and universities must provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation

COLLEGE-SPECIFIC APP

Found on college website
Sometime offer FREE application (Plymouth Panther App)
Colleges generally do not “prefer” one type of application over another if they accept more than one

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Essential Elements of the Application

What are your colleges requiring from you?

High School Transcript

College Essay

Extra-Curricular Activities

Letters of Rec

SAT/ACT Scores

These are the supporting documents/required information that will help the admissions office to make their decision

Not every school requires each of these pieces
Check your applications carefully to know what you need to include

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT

No matter which college you are applying to, this piece is essential to the application process
Colleges will see your grades from grades 9-12
They will look at the coursework you have taken to assess rigor
GPA – weighted or unweighted (most colleges will look for weighted, but if your schools does not weight, this is not a problem)

Many colleges recalculate your GPA (so don’t count on what your transcript says to judge which level scholarship might be offered to you if this information is on the school website)
Recalculated using grades from English, history, math, science, and world language (there are exceptions to this list at some institutions)
Recalculated generally based on 4.0 scale (adding weight for honors, AP, IB, and dual enrolled coursework)

Class rank – some schools don’t rank their students, and this is FINE! If your schools does not rank, colleges are well-prepared to review your admissions file without this information

COLLEGE ESSAY

Cannot be written in one sitting
Should share a story and demonstrate critical thinking – “here is my story, and this is what I learned/how I grew/message”
650 words or less
Does not have to be about an earth-shattering event – can be about something very simple that you are passionate about
MUST give the admissions office a glimpse of who YOU are
Essay prompts for Common App can be found on the website, but there is one prompt that essentially says write about a topic of your choice

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

There are 10 spots on the Common App for your activities

List these in order starting with the one that is most meaningful to you
Work IS an activity – it demonstrates time management, cooperation, commitment
Family responsibilities ARE activities – maybe you get your brother off the bus, help with homework, and take him to activities before your parents get home; or maybe you help care for your elderly grandparent

Quality over quantity – did you get more and more involved in particular activities over time (played soccer, coached a kids’ team, referee; student council representative freshman year and officer in grades 11-12)
Do not join clubs to boost resume
Your activities should demonstrate your passions

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Most schools will indicate how many LORs they want/will accept
Two teacher letters and a counselor letter is a good number to have available
Can include a coach, mentor, employer if the school asks for and/or allows these sources
Ask early! Some teachers get many requests but will only have time to write a certain number.
Think about junior year teachers (these teachers have just had you for a semester or full year and know you well) who might be good choices.
Ask at the end of junior year so teachers can get a jump on their letters

SAT/ACT SCORES

There are over 1800 colleges which do not require standardized testing from high school students (some of these are due to COVID, but over 1400 have already extended this to 2023)
FAIRTEST.ORG has a full list of test-optional, test-blind, and test-flexible schools

TEST-OPTIONAL

will consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted but focus on other factors they believe are stronger predictors of a student’s potential
If you're applying to highly selective test-optional colleges (i.e., schools with an acceptance rate below 30%) and you earned SAT/ACT scores in the schools' middle 50% ranges (or higher), you should strongly consider submitting your scores to maximize your chances of getting admitted
If your test scores are not an accurate representation of your ability/potential, then you can choose not to submit
Still might need to submit test scores at these schools if you would like to be considered for scholarship

TEST_BLIND

whether or not a student decides to send their test scores, they won’t be considered as part of the application evaluation
More than 50 schools

TEST-FLEXIBLE

students to choose which type of test (or tests) they’d like to submit with their application
If students want to submit the SAT or ACT, they’re welcome to do so. Other options include an International Baccalaureate exam or an Advanced Placement test

Take these tests seriously – study, best test prep is free through Khan Academy for SAT and ACT for the ACT test
Take them 2 to 3 times at most – scores generally do not go up appreciably after this, but anxiety does

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Standardized Testing

Free Test-Prep Resources:

List of Test-Optional & Test-Blind Schools:

fairtest.org

Test-Optional Admission

You decide whether you want to submit test scores
Scores may be required for merit scholarship consideration

Test-Blind Admission

Test scores are never considered

These are the supporting documents/required information that will help the admissions office to make their decision

Not every school requires each of these pieces
Check your applications carefully to know what you need to include

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT

No matter which college you are applying to, this piece is essential to the application process
Colleges will see your grades from grades 9-12
They will look at the coursework you have taken to assess rigor
GPA – weighted or unweighted (most colleges will look for weighted, but if your schools does not weight, this is not a problem)

Many colleges recalculate your GPA (so don’t count on what your transcript says to judge which level scholarship might be offered to you if this information is on the school website)
Recalculated using grades from English, history, math, science, and world language (there are exceptions to this list at some institutions)
Recalculated generally based on 4.0 scale (adding weight for honors, AP, IB, and dual enrolled coursework)

Class rank – some schools don’t rank their students, and this is FINE! If your schools does not rank, colleges are well-prepared to review your admissions file without this information

COLLEGE ESSAY

Cannot be written in one sitting
Should share a story and demonstrate critical thinking – “here is my story, and this is what I learned/how I grew/message”
650 words or less
Does not have to be about an earth-shattering event – can be about something very simple that you are passionate about
MUST give the admissions office a glimpse of who YOU are
Essay prompts for Common App can be found on the website, but there is one prompt that essentially says write about a topic of your choice

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

There are 10 spots on the Common App for your activities

List these in order starting with the one that is most meaningful to you
Work IS an activity – it demonstrates time management, cooperation, commitment
Family responsibilities ARE activities – maybe you get your brother off the bus, help with homework, and take him to activities before your parents get home; or maybe you help care for your elderly grandparent

Quality over quantity – did you get more and more involved in particular activities over time (played soccer, coached a kids’ team, referee; student council representative freshman year and officer in grades 11-12)
Do not join clubs to boost resume
Your activities should demonstrate your passions

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Most schools will indicate how many LORs they want/will accept
Two teacher letters and a counselor letter is a good number to have available
Can include a coach, mentor, employer if the school asks for and/or allows these sources
Ask early! Some teachers get many requests but will only have time to write a certain number.
Think about junior year teachers (these teachers have just had you for a semester or full year and know you well) who might be good choices.
Ask at the end of junior year so teachers can get a jump on their letters

SAT/ACT SCORES

There are over 1800 colleges which do not require standardized testing from high school students (some of these are due to COVID, but over 1400 have already extended this to 2023)
FAIRTEST.ORG has a full list of test-optional, test-blind, and test-flexible schools

TEST-OPTIONAL

will consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted but focus on other factors they believe are stronger predictors of a student’s potential
If you're applying to highly selective test-optional colleges (i.e., schools with an acceptance rate below 30%) and you earned SAT/ACT scores in the schools' middle 50% ranges (or higher), you should strongly consider submitting your scores to maximize your chances of getting admitted
If your test scores are not an accurate representation of your ability/potential, then you can choose not to submit
Still might need to submit test scores at these schools if you would like to be considered for scholarship

TEST_BLIND

whether or not a student decides to send their test scores, they won’t be considered as part of the application evaluation
More than 50 schools

TEST-FLEXIBLE

students to choose which type of test (or tests) they’d like to submit with their application
If students want to submit the SAT or ACT, they’re welcome to do so. Other options include an International Baccalaureate exam or an Advanced Placement test

Take these tests seriously – study, best test prep is free through Khan Academy for SAT and ACT for the ACT test
Take them 2 to 3 times at most – scores generally do not go up appreciably after this, but anxiety does

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Additional Elements to Consider

Auditions

Which majors require these?
When should you plan to audition?

Portfolios

Is this part of the application process?
How are portfolios submitted?
Check individual schools for portfolio workshop options

NCAA Eligibility

Are you planning on playing a Division I or Division II sport?
Register with the Eligibility Center - ncaa.org

AUDITIONS

Dance, theater, music
Students should check with each individual school to schedule
Might lead to merit scholarship if majoring in these areas
Requires organization to track all schools (many auditions are January and Feb of senior year, but there is a lot of planning, and potential prescreening recordings to send prior)
Prepare repertoire well in advance and seek advice from instructors, directors, choreographers, etc.
Many auditions are recorded, so seek someone who can help with this

PORTFOLIOS

Fine and studio arts, architecture
Be aware of size and format of work accepted/required
Are submissions digital, hardcopy reproductions, or original work?
How should your work be labeled?
What should be included?
Seek help from high school/private art teacher

NCAA

Register with the Eligibility Center by the end of junior year
Not necessary if seeking a DIII sport, but you can create a profile page
Students wanting to play DI or DII level sport need a certified account in order to make official school visits or sign a NLI (National Letter of Intent)
Student’s transcript will need to be sent from high school
Test scores from Collegeboard or ACT will be required

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Tips and Resources

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Students Take the Lead

Email or speak to college admission representatives
Fill out your college applications and paperwork
Develop strategies for staying organized
Check email regularly
Stay in communication with parents, school counseling office, college admission, and financial aid offices

Opportunities to show admission representatives you are ready to take charge of your education!

Now is the time for students to take the lead

There are often notes in a student’s admissions file saying “mom called to check application status” – that doesn’t make a great impression
It goes without saying that a student MUST be the one to fill out their admissions application, write the essay (the admissions counselors can tell!), and complete the necessary forms
The college may ask you to set up your student portal where you will be able to check your admission status, see if you are missing any admissions components, get updates from financial aid if more information is required, and sometimes see your acceptance and financial aid offers – MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS!
Even if you are not a big email person, you NEED TO check whatever email you use on your Common App and FAFSA forms regularly

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�Summer Programming

College Essay Workshop

For rising high school seniors
Essay writing tips and brainstorming activities
In-person and virtual options available

Common App Workshops

For rising high school seniors
Completion tips and guided application work
Virtual

College Planning Webinars

For students and parent/guardians

COLLEGE WEBINARS

for students and parent/guardians
Sample topics – Common App tips, essay do’s and don’ts, financial aid, two-year schools

SUMMER COLLEGE ROUNDTABLE SERIES

for students, parents/guardians, and school counseling professionals
featuring local, regional, and national college representatives in weekly interactive webinars
Three schools are featured each week – reps share admissions information session type overview, take questions from attendees

Program dates and registration information coming soon! graniteedvance.org

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Unsure About Your College Major?

Explore and identify a student’s natural aptitudes, strengths, and skills
Match a student’s aptitudes and interests to best fit careers
Affirm interests or open new avenues of possibility

Book an Appointment

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Questions?

Phone:

603.227.5444

Email:

findyourdirection@graniteedvance.org

Book an appointment:

https://calendly.com/graniteedvance

Thank you for attending!

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