The Process
| Topic | Our Responsibilities | Students’ Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Developing & researching a list | Help point student toward resources; make suggestions; help assess likelihood of admission | Identify schools of interest, conduct research and visits; in conjunction with college counselor, create a list of appropriate colleges, including safeties; keep college counselor informed as your list develops |
| Test registration | Discuss testing plans with students; publish registration deadlines; provide test registration materials and instruction | Discuss testing options and plans with college counselor; know and meet all deadlines; complete and submit forms |
| Applications | Provide general advice about completing applications; if student brings completed applications in well before deadlines, we will look them over and provide feedback; offer advice regarding specific application requirements | Obtain applications from colleges; READ INSTRUCTIONS and ask questions if not clear; complete applications neatly, thoroughly and on time; know and meet deadlines; meet with college counselor to review applications; know each college’s requirements; submit transcript request form(s) to the College Counseling Office |
| Essays | Provide information about essay writing including workshop; discuss options for essay help; review essays and provide feedback (if student brings them in well before deadline!) | Start early! (junior year is not too soon); know each college’s essay question(s); seek feedback, but write your own essay!; proofread CAREFULLY!; type your essay, unless college specifically requires it handwritten (this is rare) |
| Application fees | Provide fee waivers for students with financial need as determined by the Bullis Admission Office | Include fees with each application—check, money order or, when acceptable, credit card |
| Transcripts I | Send transcripts to all colleges on student’s Transcript Request Form (TRF) by deadlines; include any final transcripts from previous high school (if applicable); send fall-trimester senior grades to all colleges | Make sure College Counseling Office has final transcript from previous high school (if applicable); complete TRF(s) well in advance of application deadlines; notify College Counseling Office of any changes in college list |
| Transcripts II | Send a final transcript in June to ONE college where student intends to enroll | Inform College Counseling Office of all decisions and of final college choice so final transcript can be sent |
| Teacher recommendations | Send any teacher recommendations on file with us to colleges indicated on Transcript Request Form by deadline | ASK EARLY, starting in junior year, and have teacher sign “Teacher Recommendation Request Form”; return signed copy to College Counseling Office; provide list of colleges, deadlines, and addressed, stamped envelopes if teacher is mailing recommendation on own |
| Test score reports | Provide information about how to send score reports and when they are required |
Send
appropriate test score reports to colleges by direct request to
testing organization —The College Board and ACT |
| Financial aid/scholarships | Provide information about financial aid and scholarships; offer financial aid help session; provide CSS Profile and FAFSA forms | Meet deadlines, pick up FAFSA and CSS Profile forms from College Counseling Office; know each college’s requirements; look into scholarship opportunities when appropriate |
| Final decisions/ enrollment deposits | Consult with students about their final decision as well as possible Wait List | Inform College Counseling Office about all college application decisions; send an enrollment deposit to ONLY ONE college, by May 1 |
| Special Considerations | ||
| Early decision/ early action/ rolling admissions | Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of early notification plans | Remember that Early Decision plans are, in almost all cases, binding, i.e., if you are accepted, you are committed to enrolling; once early plans are finalized, you must withdraw your application from any other schools to which you have applied |
| Athletics/NCAA Clearinghouse | Provide information and assistance with athletic recruitment process; help to clarify Clearinghouse procedures; provide guidance for students/parents/coaches; provide NCAA Clearinghouse registration forms | Register with the Clearinghouse if there is any possibility that you will be a Division I or II athlete in college; if you have attended another high school previously, a copy of the form must be sent there as well if the college office does not have a copy on file. Student-athlete is responsible for sending official standardized testing to the clearinghouse. |
| Testing
accommodations (for students with documented learning differences) |
Help to clarify procedures for receiving accommodations on standardized tests | Complete additional accommodation forms well in advance of registration deadlines |
