- EF High School
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Admission Process Help
What do I need to know about the college admission process?
Applying to college may seem like a daunting task. There’s early decision, early action, common application, essays, letters of recommendation, SAT and ACT exams, and so much more. Don’t fear; your school counselors are here to help you navigate the process. Please stop in to see us for help. Here are some of the basics of college admissions:
Transcripts
Your transcript contains all of the classes you’ve taken at E.F. from grades 9-12. Only final grades are listed.
You may come to the counseling office and ask for a copy of your “unofficial transcript” at any time. It is a good idea to have a copy to review and check for accuracy, be aware of your grade point average which will help guide you to find appropriate schools, and to take on college visits if necessary. This is the same as the“official transcript” except those are sent directly to a college/university,scholarship, or military officer.
Teacher letters of recommendation
The best time to ask teachers for a letter of recommendation is either at the end of your junior year or beginning of your senior year. You must allow ample time for teachers to write letters. It is best to check the school(s) in which you are applying in order to determine how many letters they require and if they would like particular subject teachers to write them. If schools do not specify, it is best to ask 2-3 teachers with at least one in an academic area. The other(s) could be in an elective area of strength or interest, a coach, or community leader. Ask teachers with whom you have a good relationship and know you well enough to write a thorough letter. Remember to send your teacher a “thank you” card after they write your letter.
Counselor letters of recommendation
Counselor letters of recommendation are not always required. If you are not sure, check the college/university’s website under “Undergraduate Admissions”. If one is needed, ask you counselor ASAP. Since the fall semester is very busy with college applications, you do not want to wait until a college application deadline to ask for the letter.
Sending SAT and ACT Scores
"Official" SAT and ACT scores are sent directly from the testing agency. "Unofficial scores", when requested by checking the option on the Transcript Release Form, can be sent by the EF Guidance Office. Please note that the NCAA and some schools will only accept "official scores" from the testing site. For "official scores", it is your responsibility to have your scores sent directly from the testing agency. If you have not already requested your scores be sent to intended colleges before taking the exam (you get 4 FREE with SAT registration), you can do so after the test(s) for an additional fee. To send your SAT or ACT scores, go to their websites, www.act.org and/or www.collegeboard.com. Please read the details of the college application or ask your counselor if you are unsure which to send.
Common Application
The common application is an online application used for more than 450 colleges/universities to help streamline the college application process. If you are applying to any member school, you can fill out the application on the website, www.commonapp.org. When applying to several schools, using this site will save you from completing the same demographic information on each school’s individual website. This can save you precious time, and you will save on the price of envelopes and postage. You can also view the date you, your counselor, and your teachers submitted their materials.
Important steps using the Common Application
o Go to www.commonapp.org to check which schools are members.
o “Register” as an applicant, and fill out the personal and demographic information. You will also need to add each participating school in which you are applying.
o “Invite” teachers and your counselor after you’ve already asked them for a letter of recommendation. You will need their email address to do so. An email prompting your teacher/counselor to complete information about you will be generated. A teacher may “opt out” of doing this online, and you will be notified via email and directed to print the form for them. In this case, just give your teacher the form with an addressed envelope (to the college) with postage.
o You MUST turn in a Transcript Request Form (form found in the school counseling office or on our website under Guidance) to us at LEAST two weeks (10 school days) prior to the application deadline or earlier when you want everything sent to your college/university. This will prompt your counselor to send your official transcript and letter of recommendation. This process will be completed online this year; therefore, YOU DO NOT need to bring an envelope if you are using the Common Application. When you log into your Common Application account, you will be able to see the date your counselor and teachers submitted their materials.
Applying to Penn State University and/or University of Pittsburgh
o These schools, along with many others, have started using the Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR). This new system does not require the counselors to send a transcript during the application process. In order for the student to access the information needed, they can log in to their Powerschool (via the website - not app) to access all of their historical courses and final grades. If they prefer a hard copy to reference for self reporting, they can subit a transcript release form to receive an unofficial transcript. The information needed for the SRAR can come from either source but please make sure you take your time to ensure accuracy.
Common Terms for admission deadlines
Early Decision- This application deadline option allows you to apply early (usually November) and receive a decision well in advance (usually December) of the school’s notification date. A contract is signed by you, your parent/guardian, and your counselor which states you will attend there if accepted. You may only apply to one school early decision. If you are accepted, you must withdraw all other applications. This is a big decision and should be well thought out in advance. Make sure you are confident the school is your first choice, and you and your family are prepared to pay the tuition.
Early Action-This application deadline option allows you to apply early and receive a decision earlier in the admissions cycle (usually December, January or February). This is not binding like the early decision option, and you may still consider all of your other school choices before making a commitment. You may apply Early Action to as many schools as you desire. There is one exception and that is if a school is single choice early action. See your counselor with any questions about this process.
Regular Decision-Each school sets their own deadline (usually sometime in January) and notifies all students simultaneously by April 1st. Some may respond earlier.
Rolling Admission- With rolling admission, you have a large window of time which you can apply. The application process usually opens up in early fall and may continue until the end of the school year. Rolling applicants are typically notified within weeks of submitting their application. A college with rolling admissions continues to accept students as long as space is available. It is best to apply earlier to increase your chances of acceptance.