2003 Year in Review

College Applications

Mrs. Johannsen attended the State of Illinois Articulation Conference this past week and now has updated information from all 12 state colleges and universities. Most of the new rules and procedures regarding the application process and graduation requirements are college specific. Students should ask Mrs. Johannsen about the rules that pertain to the specific colleges that they are considering.

In general, all colleges are asking counselors to encourage students to apply online. Some universities are charging a reduced application fee for students who do so. In many cases there will still be a signature page for the student to download, print, and give to the counselor to submit.

Although not all colleges require a student essay or teacher/counselor recommendations, most college admissions counselors are encouraging them to be submitted along with the application and transcript.

The heads of admissions also requested that we remind our students to submit everything together in one mailing. This means that the student completes the application form and personal essay/statement before submitting them to the counselor. Mrs. Johannsen will complete the counselor's portion of the application and collect the teachers' letters of recommendation and mail all items together with an official copy of the student's transcript and a copy of his/her current course schedule. For students who apply after first quarter grades are in, we will also submit the most recent grade report along with the application.

The first four mailings of transcripts and college and scholarship applications will be free. There will be a one-dollar charge after the initial four.

Mrs. Deter has updated the college information in the file cabinets outside the guidance office as well as the college course catalogues available in the library. Students are encouraged to help themselves to these materials.

Colleges are anticipating many prospective students to visit their campuses on October 13th and would appreciate notice of a student's planned visit. In many cases this can be done online.

Finally, students are asked to apply early so that they may be in the pool of students who are considered for scholarships. Scholarships are offered only to those students who have been accepted at the institution.

Please see Mrs. Johannsen for individual assistance with filling out application forms and for other college-specific information.

by Patrice Johannsen, Guest Columnist
September 23, 2003