HOW DO I COMPLETE THE APPLICATION?

 

Completion of the application is an important job.  Make time in your schedule to make this a priority.  The applications that you receive demand that you perform certain tasks and that you alert MHS to perform others.  Let us consider this in detail.

 

THE STUDENT’S PART:

1.      Access an application from the college through the college’s web site, or other Internet source.

 

2.      Read the application thoroughly.  McLean High School will automatically send a Secondary School Report, MHS Profile, counselor recommendation (if requested) and transcript.

 

3.      If you’re completing the application online, read the instructions carefully and print out all forms necessary to complete the application!

 

4.      If using a paper application, duplicate it and use the copy as a work sheet.  Type it if possible.  If not, print neatly using black ink.  Do not cross out mistakes or submit it with smudges.

 

5.      Ask for Return Receipt Requested at the Post Office if mailing your application.

 

6.      Answer all questions directly, clearly and accurately.

 

7.      Use N/A (Not Applicable) for questions that do not apply to you.

 

8.      Use correct English and make sure your spelling is correct.

 

 

9.      Describe your activities fully.  Show any leadership roles (offices held, committee chairperson, etc.).  If you are a member of an organization, specifically describe any activities in which you participated; i.e., tutoring, organizing, special exhibits, etc.

 

10.  Include non-school related activities such as religious organizations, scouting, hobbies volunteer work, community theater, etc.

 

11.  Describe work experience and responsibilities.

 

12.  If an essay is required make sure that it is thoughtful and technically correct and that it says what you really mean. (See section on essay writing.)

 

13.  Establish your account for your online application if available.  If not, print the application out and treat as a paper application.

 

14.  Submit your completed application using a check or credit card well before the deadline.

 

15.  Keep your counselor informed.  At least four weeks before submitting your application, fill out the Yellow Transcript Release Form. Give this form, along with the Counselor Data Packet to your counselor.  If teacher recommendations are needed, please request them from your teachers four weeks in advance.

 

THE COUNSELOR’S PART:

1.      When asked for a transcript, the counselor will send your transcript, including summer school grades through the end of your junior year and a list of your courses in progress; McLean High School profile; Fairfax County Public Schools Profile; resume; and recommendation letter (if requested).

 

2.      MHS will send its own Secondary School Report. You do not need to use the one provided by your college or university.

 

3.      Mid-term grades, stating your new grade point average, are sent at the end of the second grading period to every school to which you apply that requests them.  If you are taking Advanced Placement courses, a .25 will be added for each course.

 

4.      Your final transcript is sent in June to the college of your choice.  This will be indicated on the Senior Survey which is distributed in May.

 

SCHOOL APPLICATION/TRANSCRIPT RELEASE

 

The student is responsible for submitting college applications and fees to the colleges and universities of his/her choice.  The student must complete the Counselor Data Packet in order for the counselor to send a transcript to colleges.

 

The first three (3) transcripts are free.  Each additional transcript costs $5.00.  Payment must be made at the time of the request.

 

Transcript Release Forms and Recommendation Request Forms are available in the Guidance Office.  To request a transcript, please do the following:

 

Ø  Complete and sign a Transcript Release Form.  Complete information, including college addresses, must be provided on all Transcript Release Forms.  You and your parents must sign this form.

 

Ø  Pay the required fee.

 

Ø  Note on the Transcript Release Form if the college requires a counselor recommendation.  If you request a counselor recommendation, your counselor may request additional information and forms from you.

 

Ø  If you have additional forms from the college that must be filled out by the counselor, submit those along with the request.

 

Ø  All transcript requests must be submitted to the counselor at least four (4) weeks before the transcript is due at the college. See deadlines on p. 20.

 

Ø  If the college requires a teacher recommendation, the student must take any required forms to the teacher.  Provide the teacher with addressed, stamped envelopes. Ask the teacher to send a copy of the recommendation to your counselor for your cumulative file.  It is essential that you inform your teacher and your counselor of the deadlines.

 

 

SUMMARY OF THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

 

o   Do the groundwork.  Review web pages, seek information, and visit campuses.

o   Decide where you wish to apply.  Select colleges in more than one category of selectivity.

o   Access the Internet for college application and financial aid forms and come to the College Career Center for personal help.

o   Check carefully for application deadline dates.

o   Take the appropriate admissions tests. Does the college want the ACT with Writing? Are the SAT Subject Tests required for admission or placement? Which test, ACT or SAT, do I do better on?

o   Make sure that you meet the admissions requirements for the program you want.

o   Narrow your choices of colleges to six to eight… Be realistic.

o   Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting January 1st  and, if needed, the CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE.

o   Apply to the institution for financial aid, if interested.

o   Apply for local and other financial aid, if interested.

o   Confirm admission by sending in required deposit.

o   Attend orientation and register for classes.