NatickHigh School

SENIOR PARENT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PRESENTATION

Applying

Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your plans for college.  The first meeting should be in the Spring of your junior year with follow-up meetings before applying in your senior year.

Completing the Application

• Be aware of what type of application your school takes (Common App or school-specific online application).

> Navigating The Common Application

• Before submitting, be sure to go over your entire application to check for errors and make sure it’s filled out completely.

• Read all application materials carefully.  YOU are responsible for completing your application and submitting it by the deadline.

• Pay attention to supplemental requirements (e.g. Common App Supplement, Arts/Portfolio Supplements, interview requirements, auditions, etc.).

Transcript Request

• Your Transcript Request Form is due ONE MONTH prior to your first deadline

  • There is a $2 fee per college.  The fee can be paid in cash or check payable to NHS Guidance.  

• Be sure to hand your Transcript Request Form and payment directly to your Guidance Counselor.

• Make an appointment with your counselor when you are ready to request that a recommendation and transcript be sent to a college.

Request a Teacher Recommendation

• Determine whether you will need one or two teachers to write on your behalf.  Most colleges only need one.

• We recommend that you speak with teachers at the end of your junior year.

• In senior year, give your teacher(s) at least three weeks’ notice before your first deadline.

• Ask your teacher what s/he needs to complete your recommendation (e.g. résumé, Naviance Teacher Recommendation Form)

Send Scores to Colleges

• YOU are responsible for sending scores to colleges. Natick High does not send standardized test scores.

• Natick High School's CEEB code is 221475.

• Sending SAT scores: http://sat.collegeboard.org/scores/send-sat-scores

• Sending ACT scores: http://www.actstudent.org/scores/send/

• When you register for the SAT Reasoning or Subject tests or ACT tests, you are allowed to send four free score reports to colleges. Remember that many colleges use the best scores they see, so having all your scores included usually works to your benefit.

• Score Choice gives you the option to choose which scores (by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests) you send to colleges, in accordance with an institution's stated score-use practice. You can choose scores from one, several, or all SAT test dates. For more information visit  https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/sending-scores/score-choice

• Remember it may take 3-4 weeks for scores to be sent and processed by the college.    

The Final Step

• Notify every college, and your guidance counselor, of your decision to accept or reject its offer of admission no later than May 1st. The Guidance Department will send a final transcript to the school you plan to attend in the fall. Transcripts will be sent in late June. This process is automatic and you do not need to request a final transcript.

Additional Important Information

• Quarter one grades are sent to Early Decision and Early Action applications and any colleges to which you apply prior to the end of first semester.  Since first semester grades are not yet available for early applications, quarter one grades are required.  

• Always follow through if the college contacts you about missing application material(s).  However, keep in mind admissions offices are busy.  It may take up to 2-3 weeks to scan and process information.

Additional Helpful Links

- The College Essay