The document provides guidance to students on applying to colleges, including resources to consider, types of admissions, application requirements and tips. It recommends students research colleges that match their major and strengths, consider location and costs. The application process involves setting up accounts, requesting transcripts, letters of recommendation, completing applications and essays. Students are advised to apply early, stay organized and communicate with their counselor.

2. Log on to MCIS – www.mncis.intocareers.org User ID: sibleyhs Password: warriors Set up your own account if your do not have one User ID: first and last name all lower case no space Password: student ID # (if only 4 digits add 00) Resources

3. ACT or SAT (spring/summer junior year) Understand why you are going to college Talk to people in the field you are considering Shadow someone Pick a college for your major that matches your strengths Placement statistics – who employs their graduates? Options/Barriers – change of mind (2-3 times before graduation); program acceptance Next Step -

4. Distance from home Environment and size Admissions requirements Programs – Majors Cost Campus life Private vs. Public Begin the search – selecting a college

5. 2 yr. vs. 4 yr. Availability of professors NCAA Types of admission: Rolling Admissions (~2 weeks) Early Action (varies) Regular Decision (usually by early March/April ) Things to consider -

6. High school course rigor College Entrance Exams – ACT/SAT/SAT II Grades (GPA) Resume’ or List of Activities & Accomplishments Personal statement Letters of recommendation What colleges want -

7. Minnesota Private College Week –06/25/2012 - 06/29/2012 Do virtual tours/scour the web sites – know your potential school Meet with college reps when they visit HSHS Attend the National College Fair – October 9 & 10, 2012 (Sibley Counselors will take buses on one day) Visit the school or college you wish to attend Talk about finances – it is a family affair Make your list of colleges Apply early (most colleges begin accepting applications in early September) What comes next?

8. The application Go to the college website Common Application (www.commonapp.org) Official Transcript request: Go to Henry Sibley home page and access Docufide by Parchment Register and wait for the email with your account information Send to Common Application OR if not a Common App school send direct Unofficial Transcript request: Complete request with the Guidance secretary. Allow 24 hours to process ACT/SAT scores – you can request 4 at time of taking the ACT test Additional scores can be requested from ACT/SAT Letters of recommendation Give teachers/counselors 2 weeks advance warning Provide Resume’ or List of Activities and Accomplishments Ask teacher/counselor to give letter to the Guidance Office secretary Letters are recorded and mailed from the Guidance office Personal statement Be yourself, beat your drum, give examples, why are you special Proof-read! Proof-read! Proof-read! Essay or short answer questions Parents be supportive and involved – But, don’t do their work for them  Students --- Just Do It  Completing the Application

9. Always use your legal name on all communications Facebook - email names Write Thank You notes Be organized – keep a file for each college you have applied to with copies of your application and all correspondence. Don’t hesitate to be in communication with your admissions counselor and high school counselor Be aware of deadlines and requests for mid-year reports, final transcripts, housing, etc. Continue with a rigorous senior schedule with a full course load and activities Enjoy your senior year. You have done everything you could to get to this point. Keep your goals in mind and stay focused. You only get to be a high school senior once  General Tips -

10. Decide which colleges to apply to Complete your college applications Options: 1) Directly to the college via their web site 2) By using Common Application Get registered with Docufide for Official Transcripts Common Application schools must have the transcript sent to Common Application and NOT directly to the college. One official transcript will cover all colleges who are part of Common Application. Request letters of recommendation from teachers Common Application will notify your counselor and teachers, so be prepared to give their contact information when you do your application. Note: Mid-year report does not need to be official if you tell us, we will send them. Final transcripts are sent as our gift to the graduate The Steps – a review

11. Attend Financial Aid Workshop in January Submit the FAFSA online – after January 1 Grants Work Study Loans Work with your college financial aid office Financial Aid…

12. QUESTIONS ? ? ?