High School class of 2011

[georgina]

Can someone please explain the three kinds of application processes? I know I don't have the words right--there's one where if accepted you are comitted to that college, one that is just early admission and then regular admission. My dh keeps telling me there's no way there's one where if you're acccepted that you *have* to go, but I keep hearing parents from last year talk about it. And that it's not a good thing to do because you may not get as much aid from them because they know you have to go there.

Binding Early Decision (ED) is when you agree to go there if accepted. Often the application deadline is in November and you hear back in December. There is an out - if you feel they do not give you enough financial aid, you can reject that school. Otherwise, you are supposed to withdraw all your other applications when they accept you. You are not allowed to wait until you hear from other schools with their financial aid offers. Not all schools offer ED. Some have a second round called ED II, in January.

Early Action is when you are accepted early but are not committed to go there. Some schools have restrictions on EA, called single choice EA, so you have to read their websites. Not all schools offer EA either.

Rolling admission is nice - schools that tell you as soon as you apply (or within a few weeks) if you are accepted. And then there is regular decision, when you have to wait until March or April to find out where you are accepted.

 

[allison443]

I'm pretty sure that the SAT scores are only sent free if you register the school choice at the time of testing. Otherwise, you need to pay to have those sent. I'm not sure about the AP scores.

Yes, when you take the SAT you can designate a certain number of schools at that time to receive your scores, even if it is during junior year the colleges are supposed to hang onto them until they get the rest of your application in senior year. Sending them later on costs I think around $9 per recipient.
My dd didn't designate any schools to get her SAT scores because she took the SAT and ACT and wanted to decide which test scores to send after she got both results back. All colleges accept either the SAT or ACT if they require standardized scores.

 

[allison443]

Hey, I have a question that will probably strike some here as stupid... you say that the deadline for ED apps (Early decision applications right?) is September 17th. Ok...what does the guidance department have specifically to do with the apps at all? I mean, I know they have to send the HS transcripts...do they *do* anything else connected with the apps? In our case DD is filling out the Common App now and will do any applicable supplements and we're paying to send the test scores...is it only the transcripts and the teacher recommendations?

agnes!
PS - Told you it would sound stupid, but I really don't know.

Yes, the guidance office sends the official transcript and depending on your school may send the teachers' recommendations...sometimes an application has a section for the counselor to fill out about your student. They are also supposed to send a school profile about your high school, to give context for your kid's transcript...like if your kid only took two AP classes, but only two were offered, that is better than taking two AP classes when 20 are offered, kwim? Also the profile should describe the weighting system used, how ranking is done, etc.

The thing is, when the colleges have their deadlines, they mean the student's application must be complete by that deadline. Along with the application and essays that the student completes, all official transcripts, standardized test scores, recommendations etc. must be in the college's possession by that date. That's why most guidance offices have their own deadlines for the kids to submit their transcript requests,i.e. by 9/17 for early decision deadline.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[smartkim]

Hey Kim,

I believe you can start applying to Samford online now. We just got a card from them this week that said the application was online. I didn't really read it, though, because my dd is set on UA. I have friends who have two children at Samford; they say that Samford can be *very* generous.

We're going to visit Auburn this Fall so my dd has a back up. So far she qualifies for $3500 a year I think at UA. She needs 2 more points on her ACT to qualify for a free ride. She's trying again in Sept.

Can someone please explain the three kinds of application processes? I know I don't have the words right--there's one where if accepted you are comitted to that college, one that is just early admission and then regular admission. My dh keeps telling me there's no way there's one where if you're acccepted that you *have* to go, but I keep hearing parents from last year talk about it. And that it's not a good thing to do because you may not get as much aid from them because they know you have to go there.

Thanks so much for the information! I will look into Samford online. You say your DD "qualifies" for the $3500/year at UA. How do you know? And how do you know she will get that? You can tell I'm not very smart when it comes to this! I need some lessons

Are the kids supposed to be applying right now before they even know what scholarships may be available at their school? I'm wondering if I need to go and talk to DS's school counselor?

What ACT score should my child be aiming for? He has taken it and has what I would call an average score but needs to do better and he will be taking it again in September. I would say he is in the top 25% of his class.

 

[johnsontrio]

Thanks so much for the information! I will look into Samford online. You say your DD "qualifies" for the $3500/year at UA. How do you know? And how do you know she will get that? You can tell I'm not very smart when it comes to this! I need some lessons

Are the kids supposed to be applying right now before they even know what scholarships may be available at their school? I'm wondering if I need to go and talk to DS's school counselor?

What ACT score should my child be aiming for? He has taken it and has what I would call an average score but needs to do better and he will be taking it again in September. I would say he is in the top 25% of his class.

Many of the schools publish a grid that you find the students test scores and GPA and it lists the level of guaranteed aid available to that student. One interesting thing though is that it is usually for first semester incoming freshman only and guaranteed for all 4 years if they maintain a certain GPA. So if your child passes up one of those schools that has generous merit aid, attends at least one semester elsewhere and then wants to reconsider that school, they will not qualify for that merit money.

Looking at the school websites is a good place to start. At least at my DD's school, the counselors are not helpful in guiding you to the schools that are generous with the money. I guess they think we all have deep pockets.

If your DS knows what schools he wants to apply to I would make sure he falls in the middle of their test score range from last year's class, that info will be on their website. I would also get his applications in early as much of the money gets promised to the earlier applicants. Make sure you fill out the FAFSA. My sister didn't fill out the FAFSA because she knew their EFC would be 100% and my niece missed out on all kinds of merit money that would have been available to her. It is my understanding that the schools can't offer you any money if you don't have a FAFSA on file.

All the college admission officers and counselors that I have spoken with urge that the student only retake the exams if they have done something in the interim to increase their scores. Make sure you DS has studied, reviewed, been tutored, etc.. before retaking in September. My DD has been working with a PhD Educator to increase her reading speed, taking practice exams and reviewing content in preparation for the Sept. 11th test date since mid July.

My personal opinion is that you need to networking with other parents. 75% of my information has come from discussion with other parents and 25% from college visits and reading the websites. Good luck!

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

Many of the schools publish a grid that you find the students test scores and GPA and it lists the level of guaranteed aid available to that student. One interesting thing though is that it is usually for first semester incoming freshman only and guaranteed for all 4 years if they maintain a certain GPA. So if your child passes up one of those schools that has generous merit aid, attends at least one semester elsewhere and then wants to reconsider that school, they will not qualify for that merit money.

Looking at the school websites is a good place to start. At least at my DD's school, the counselors are not helpful in guiding you to the schools that are generous with the money. I guess they think we all have deep pockets.

If your DS knows what schools he wants to apply to I would make sure he falls in the middle of their test score range from last year's class, that info will be on their website. I would also get his applications in early as much of the money gets promised to the earlier applicants. Make sure you fill out the FAFSA. My sister didn't fill out the FAFSA because she knew their EFC would be 100% and my niece missed out on all kinds of merit money that would have been available to her. It is my understanding that the schools can't offer you any money if you don't have a FAFSA on file.

All the college admission officers and counselors that I have spoken with urge that the student only retake the exams if they have done something in the interim to increase their scores. Make sure you DS has studied, reviewed, been tutored, etc.. before retaking in September. My DD has been working with a PhD Educator to increase her reading speed, taking practice exams and reviewing content in preparation for the Sept. 11th test date since mid July.

My personal opinion is that you need to networking with other parents. 75% of my information has come from discussion with other parents and 25% from college visits and reading the websites. Good luck!

I agree completely, talk to other parents and research. The information is out there, but sometimes you have to dig alittle. This is my first time to have a Sr., but I have talked to parents who have already been through it and I have spent alot of time online researching.

 

[missypie]

My D started her senior year today (although she's been going for 4 hours a day for two weeks already for drill team.) She visited 11 schools over the summer and will only apply to two. She is retaking the ACT on 9/11 in hopes of more merit money from her #1.

If you haven't been there already, check out the message board on collegeconfidential.com. There are a few snobs but mostly wonderfully supportive, down to earth parents.

This is my second time to go through the college admissions process. My '09 has already bounced back and is at home instead of away at school.

 

[Chelley00]

Still not sure where he will apply but it looks like u of Indiana and Illinois.

My son as well!

My first baby is graduating this year. Oh the horror! I also had one start kindergarten, and one starting his first year of high school. All the big milestones at once!!

DS17 hasn't really decided on a college, but Indiana University is his first choice. He is toying with law school, but is thinking business school, and if law school falls after, so be it. He has been a varsity basketball player, but no one likes the coach, and he decided he wanted to actually enjoy his senior year, so he's going to try debate club and try and find a part time job to save money for school. He goes to a private college prep school, and is taking 4 AP classes, so I'm thrilled he's not taking up all his free time with basketball.

His first day is Wednesday. Here we go.

 

[geffric]

Last day before senior year for my DS#2 , he and I went out to breakfast, now he has band practice for a few hours, he meeting gf and will spend the rest of the day/evening with her.. last night she gave him a surprise party for his bday..

He is happy.. i dont worry about him as much as his older brother ( who started sophmore college year yesterday) .. but he is a just in time kinda guy.. so it will be intersting what pops up..

he talked about going with gf to u of wisc for a visit and overnights at u of indiana and illinois..

wont consider any school in iowa as his brother is there and he figures that the whole state aint big enough for both of them.

 

[johnsontrio]

Just got back from having Senior pictures done.. We started at the salon for hair and makeup to hide her raccoon eyes acquired while lifeguarding all summer. She surprised me by saying she was sad on our way there. She told me she couldn't believe we were doing this and I think it's really hitting her how hard it is going to be for her to go away to college. I told her I try not to think about it in too much depth. I'm staying focused on what has to be done not what the end result is going to be and how big the void will be when she goes. We are really close despite all the battling that has had to be done due to her strong personality and sense of self. Every discussion has had to be in depth and we know her intimately. There have been no shortcuts in raising her but I am so proud of the young lady she has become. She has strong morals and works extremely hard.

She did a great job with the photographer and had a huge smile in most her pictures. She chose to wear the James Avery Eternal Love cross I gave her and even wore her charm bracelet that I have been adding to for years even though she isn't crazy about it, which I thought was very sweet of her. She seems to get how hard this is going to be for me. Other than that, we start school on Monday. How about everyone else?

 

[missypie]

She chose to wear the James Avery Eternal Love cross I gave her and even wore her charm bracelet that I have been adding to for years even though she isn't crazy about it, which I thought was very sweet of her.

LOL, now that you mentioned necklaces, I just remembered that for her yearbook senior picture, D wore the heart necklace that her BF gave her...they broke up last week....hope she still likes the necklace!

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

Well my kids have been in school for a week today and this week has flown. My DS gets his Sr. Pictures done tomorrow for the yearbook. I still haven't decided who and when to do his sr. pictures for us. We have a college visit planned for labor day. I was really surprised that they we're doing visits that day, but I'm glad thats a college day we can save for later. How many college days do your Sr.'s get. Mine gets 3, 2 this semester and 1 next. Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Hi fellow Sr parents! We have made through the first week and Sr Retreat. I have to choose sr pictures on line this weekend. They are all really good and I am afraid I will spend the price of a short Disney trip! I think it is going to be an emotional year! Glad to have a support group here on the Dis!

 

[geffric]

Sr pic.. got ours back and it was so hard .. for big bro I got a small pack but Eric didnt want any pics.. and in a sense he is right.. i will have pics of him at turnabout, homecoming and sr prom.. so i just let it go..but ...
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Armom.etc... what college has visits on labor day???

 

[missypie]

There are quite a few schools where Labor Day is a normal day of class, so probably a good day to visit.

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

Sr pic.. got ours back and it was so hard .. for big bro I got a small pack but Eric didnt want any pics.. and in a sense he is right.. i will have pics of him at turnabout, homecoming and sr prom.. so i just let it go..but ...
\
Armom.etc... what college has visits on labor day???

Lyon College, it is a small private college in Arkansas. I haven't checked with any others, as this is the last one on our list to visit. We will be doing a second visit to another university later in the fall.

 

[geffric]

It is good to know.. maybe he can do a visit to one of the colleges that day.. that weekend he is working on his Eagle project.. so i know he is mostly booked but maybe..

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

My DS got an email from his 1st choice college (that he has visited so far) that he had been accepted and awarded a presidential scholarship which is $15,000 a year and an invitation to come to scholars weekend in February to compete for a $20,000 a year scholarship. We pretty much knew that he would get this, but it's really excited to see it in writing and know for sure. He got the email a couple of days ago, but just checked it last night. It was a really neat email with special effects. It also said he would be getting something in the mail about it also. He was really excited, and he doesn't usually show emotion. I'm so happy for him. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

 

[agnes!]

My DS got an email from his 1st choice college (that he has visited so far) that he had been accepted and awarded a presidential scholarship which is $15,000 a year and an invitation to come to scholars weekend in February to compete for a $20,000 a year scholarship. We pretty much knew that he would get this, but it's really excited to see it in writing and know for sure. He got the email a couple of days ago, but just checked it last night. It was a really neat email with special effects. It also said he would be getting something in the mail about it also. He was really excited, and he doesn't usually show emotion. I'm so happy for him. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Congrats to the family and to your DS, that is great news.
agnes!

 

[agnes!]

I kind of wanted to visit a few more schools, but DD is really interested in music business/music production and there are only a few of those in the country.

agnes!