THE APPLICATION PROCESS

 

            When students complete college applications they are turned in to the college counselor to be mailed in one packet with the school’s supporting documents. Applications are to be submitted with the Application Cover Sheet (available in the senior seminar room) at least two weeks prior to the college’s deadline. Prior to this time, students shall have requested teacher recommendations as needed and shall have submitted his or her essay to Mrs. White for preliminary review. Scholarship applications also follow this same procedure. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Meeting college and scholarship deadlines is the responsibility of the student.

 

            Students must send test scores from the testing agencies directly to their colleges. Keep records of which scores you sent to colleges, and when those scores were sent.

 

Application Guidelines:

 

·        Neatness and accuracy are very important in completing college applications.

 

·        Don’t wait until the last minute to work on your application!

 

·        Print applications in black ink, if you are completing them by hand. Many applications are available on line and can be typed and printed for mailing.

 

·        Three to six applications are recommended.

 

·        Make copies of your applications before submitting them for mailing.

 

·        It is the student’s responsibility to notify the College Counselor if he or she wishes additional information, such as new grades and/or updated transcript, sent to a particular college as the year progresses.

 

Teacher Recommendations:

 

·        Choose teachers who know you well, and with whom you have had a positive experience.

 

·        If possible, choose teachers from different academic disciplines (for example, one from English or history and one from math, science or language).

 

·        When you ask the teacher to write on your behalf, bring a copy of your resume as well as the Teacher Recommendation form available in the senior seminar room.

 

·        Approach teachers well in advance of your deadlines!

 

Early Decision

 

Many colleges offer an Early Decision application plan, whereby a student can apply to the college by an early deadline and receive an early decision on the application, usually in December. Most Early Decision plans require a binding COMMITMENT on the part of the student and parents that the student will attend if admitted.  Thoughtful planning and research must be undertaken by the family before considering entering into an Early Decision plan with a college, especially when financial aid is a consideration. Families entering into an Early Decision agreement with a college will sign a written agreement with the prospective college as well as with Rabun Gap.

 

Online Applications

 

Paper applications, including those that have been typed and printed off the Internet, are preferred over submitting applications online. Sending all application information in one packet (application, transcript, recommendations, and other supporting documents) is preferable. If a student wishes to submit an application online, the student must print a copy to turn in for review, with the addition of the Application Cover Sheet, prior to submitting it.

 

NACAC

 

Rabun Gap is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counselors and supports NACAC’s “Statement of Principles of Good Practice”. Therefore, the school will, when appropriate, notify colleges of any significant changes in the student’s academic or personal status between the time of application and graduation.

 

Helpful links:

 

www.commonapp.org Online Common Application form that is accepted by a large number of colleges across the nation.

 

www.college-scholarships.com  Links to colleges and a variety of college admissions information.

 

 

Information for students who need slides for application to art schools or for scholarships:

 

The RGNS art teachers agree to help students create slides as needed for college. Please follow these important guidelines.

 

For students enrolled in art classes at RGNS:

 

·        Schedule a date with Mrs. Loder or Mrs. Manoogian to make photos of your artwork. Plan well in advance of any deadlines, since slide processing can take up to two weeks.

 

·        The roll of film will be given to the student to be made into slides. Parents should make copies of these slides and send them to the colleges.

 

For RGNS students who are not enrolled in art classes:

 

·        Meet with art teachers at least one month before slides are needed. Teachers and students will review college portfolio requirements to determine whether the student qualifies. The student should have a minimum of fifteen high quality pieces of artwork, and the work should be high contrast pieces.

 

·        Schedule a photo shoot date, if appropriate.

 

·        The roll of film will be given to the student to be made into slides. Parents should make copies of these slides and send them to the colleges.

 

Please note that professional help is always an option in producing portfolios.