EDUCATION MATTERS: The college application process

My name is Dr. Roy J. Blash, and I enjoy the distinct honor and pleasure of serving as president and head of school of Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, the borough’s oldest, private, independent, continuing, coeducational, college preparatory day school – right here in historical Bay Ridge. I should like to extend a sincere thank you to Victoria Schneps-Yunis and Joshua Schneps, publishers of The Home Reporter and Sunset NewsThe Brooklyn Spectator and The Spectator News

Most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to count myself as part of The Home Reporter/Spectator family. As a lifelong educator for more than 45 years, I am excited at the prospect of being able to share the benefit of my knowledge and experience in the field with our readers.

As part of the first edition of Education Matters – I would like to discuss College Planning for 2013. College planning goes smoothly when you initiate the process in a step-by-step approach. Now is the time for students to take their first SAT and/or ACT assessment test. Parents should know that their youngster can and should take multiple SAT exams.

It is not a negative reflection upon a student if he or she takes the exam multiple times; in actuality, it indicates a desire to improve his or her scores. Students applying to college should also determine, after speaking to their college advisor, if SAT subject tests are recommended. This is the time that your child should begin to think about what course of study he or she may wish to pursue in college.

On Sunday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The National College Fair will be held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, Hall 1A. There will be in excess of 350 colleges and universities in attendance. Further information can be obtained by visiting nationalcollegefairs.org.

Before the fair, discuss the process with your child and decide which colleges he or she might be interested in visiting. Go to: nacacnet.org/ncfstudent to register for the fair, watch the overview video and learn about different colleges and universities.

When your college-bound child attends the fair, go to the college booths you have selected. College advisors will answer your questions, and give you information on admissions, programs, financial assistance and all related areas of interest and concern.

In consultation with you, your child should begin to consider the type of college he or she will apply to taking into account costs, size, location, academic programs as well as the social and cultural environment. Collect materials from the colleges. Perspective applicants can often take an online virtual tour of their selected colleges. Along with your child, arrange to visit some if not all of their choices.

The summer of 2012, is most important. Students should continue to study for a Fall SAT exam, collect materials and talk about college with parents, family and friends. It is my strong professional recommendation that all college-bound students register for the October 2012 SAT exam.

Students may take a November or a December SAT exam; the results will be sent directly to the indicated colleges. Many applications for college are required by January 1, 2013. A student has officially applied to a college when the application is completed and sent with an application fee. School documentation and other related materials can be sent after the January 1 date. It is most important that students inform their college advisor what schools they have applied to since at some juncture they will have to prepare your transcript and other school-related materials.

Many of the nation’s best colleges and universities are located in New York. The City University (CUNY) has 12 four-year colleges and seven community colleges. Students may apply to six CUNY schools. The 2011-2012 school year produced so many applicants that admissions closed as early as February 1, 2012. There are 27 four-year colleges in the New York State University system (SUNY) as well as 30 community colleges. Students may apply to five SUNY schools.

As students begin their senior year, they have an outline of procedures that, if followed step by step, will make the college application process manageable. It is most important that applicants open and read all correspondence from the schools they apply to. Always remember, it is the student’s responsibility to apply to college, and the applicant is the individual responsible for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.

The student applicant is considered the client, not the parent/guardians, not the graduating high school – the student has the responsibility. If applicants do not understand something that is sent to them from the college, they should consult with their college advisor immediately.

Colleges spend a lot of time thinking about what they want in a person. However, applicants don’t spend enough time thinking about what they want in a college. Know what you want in a school before applying! It is my hope that these guidelines will assist families as they explore and ultimately move forward with the college application process.

College Application Process Outline

College Application Form – completed by student

• Completed by student on line or on paper

• Application fee sent

Transcript – sent by school

• Grades

• GPA

• Course description

• SAT Scores (student sends scores to college)

• Class standing/ranking

• Community/school service hours

Letters of Recommendation:

• Student secures

• Student or school can send them to colleges

College Essays – Sent by student to colleges

• Essays should be proofread, checked for spelling, grammar, etc.

Additional Information – Sent by student

• Volunteer and work Activities

• Awards/achievements

• Special interests

Follow up:

• School should be informed of all colleges applied to