This document provides an overview and instructions for the college application process. It outlines the responsibilities of students, parents, and counselors. Key aspects covered include using Naviance to manage the process, applying through the Common Application, requesting transcripts, important dates, and tips for success. Students are advised to submit applications on time, request transcripts well in advance of deadlines, and take advantage of college representative visits.

1. Understanding the
College Process: 101

2. Mrs. Michelle Meyer (A-L)

3. Mrs.Vicki Zaya (M-Z)

4. Our Agenda
 1.Welcome to your senior year!
 2. Overview of College Process
 3. Counseling Center Information
 4. College Resources on Mercy Website
 5. Using Naviance to Manage the Process
 6. Applying through the Common Application
 7. Requesting aTranscript
 8. Important Dates to Remember
 9.Tips and Reminders for Success!

5. Counseling Department
Information
 Make an appointment by filling out
a request form on the counter in
front of Mrs. Scarlato’s desk or by
emailing your counselor
 Look for pink appointment pass on
bulletin board within a few days
 If we are requesting an
appointment, we will send a pass to
you through homeroom
*Mrs. Judy Scarlato is so nice. Be
especially nice to her as she is a wealth
of knowledge & may be able to help you
in a pinch!

6. Student
Responsibilities
Complete
applications
Have test scores
sent to colleges
Write
essay/personal
statements
Prepare
resume/activity
sheet
Request
transcripts in
Naviance and
on paper
Request letters of
recommendation
Parent/Guardian
Responsibilities
Take you on
college visits if
possible
Support and
encourage you!
Counselor
Responsibilities
Prepare
transcript
Write letter of
recommendation if
requested
Complete
counselor forms
Send transcript
packet through
Naviance
Who
Does
What?

7. Overview of the College
Application Process

8. COLLEGE APPLICATION PROTOCOL
1. Submit your online application materials (application,
essay, resume)
2. Send your ACT/SAT scores to the colleges/universities.
3. Complete aTranscript request form for every college to which you
apply in Naviance and on paper.
4. Check Naviance to see when your application materials have been
sent.
*If you have questions, make an appointment with your counselor!

9. Types of Admissions
Regular/Traditional
Students will be notified
according to each college’s
notification date which generally
begins in early Spring.
Rolling
Applications are reviewed as they
are submitted. Applicants will
receive a decision 6-10 weeks
after review is complete.
Early Action (Non-Binding)
Allows students to apply early
(normally in November) and
receive a decision in December or
January.
Early Decision (Binding)
Same as Early Action but it is
binding.‘ Binding’ means that the
applicant promises to attend the
school if they are accepted.

10. Five Pieces of the Admission
Puzzle
 StandardizedTest Scores
 Grades/Transcripts
 College Essay/Personal Statement
 Resume/Activity Sheet
 Letters of Recommendation

11. StandardizedTest Scores
 Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to each
college to which you apply. Order them from
www.collegeboard.com (SAT) or www.actstudent.org (ACT).
 Please remember to code your registration with Mother of
Mercy’s CEEB code (361035) so we’ll receive a copy of your
test scores to add to your permanent record.
 Most colleges accept test scores up until the
Decembertesting dates.

12. College Resources on Mercy
Website
 Go to www.motherofmercy.org
 Click on Academics- Guidance
 Look at all of the resources- whooo-hooo!!
 Please note this is where you will find things like…senior
calendar, college shadow program info., & transcript
request form (can also be found outside counseling offices)

13. Online Applications
TwoTypes
1. College-specific application: Go to
the college website and create an
account to complete it.
2. The Common Application
www.commonapp.org

14. Application Reminders…
 Devote appropriate time to completing.
 Check and double-check!
 If it’s a Common Application, does the school have a
separate supplement?
 Print a copy of the completed application for your records.
 Click “submit” before the deadline
 Allow enough time to request your transcripts.

15. Requesting aTranscript:
TWO PARTS
ONE PART…
 In your Family Connections account in Naviance, be sure you have
moved the college to your “Colleges I am Applying to” list
 Click on “Request aTranscript” button next to the appropriate college
THE OTHER PART…
 Complete the yellow CollegeTranscript Request Form located outside
the counseling office and return it to Mrs. Scarlato. One per college
please!
*Note that transcript requests must be completed two weeks prior to any
college deadline (that is ten school days!)

16. 9/4/2013
Scholarships
Aid that is based on
academics or special talents
– must apply!
Loans
Money loaned to student or
parent for education
– must be repaid!
Grants
Aid that is based on
financial need, some have
academic requirements
Work Study
Part-time job on campus
arranged by federal
program
Financial Aid

17. Athletes
 To play Division I or II sports you must be registered
with the NCAA
Clearinghousewww.ncaaclearinghouse.net
 Request a transcript through Naviance and complete
neon yellow transcript request form in Counseling
Office.
 Send all ACT/SAT scores to the NCAA Clearinghouse
(code: 9999).

18. Important Dates to Remember
 Upcoming ACT dates: September 21st and October 26th
 Upcoming SAT dates: October 5th and November 2nd
 Northern Kentucky Regional College Fair atThomas Moore
College, September 24, 2013
 Cincinnati National College Fair at Duke Energy Center,
September 29, 2013
 Mercy CollegeVisit Days: October 2, 16, and 25 (see calendar for more)
 Mercy Financial Aid Night the first week of December

19. Tips and Reminders
 College reps will be coming to Mercy soon. Be sure to stop
by their tables outside the cafeteria.
 Check Counseling Bulletin for important info. and listen to
announcements for dates for college reps visits
 Remember, this is an exciting time of your life and we are
here to support you!!

20. Using Naviance to Manage the Process
 Let’s head into Naviance/Family Connections

21. Applying through the Common Application
 Let’s take a tour of the Common Application