College Application Process
PROVIDING OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS.
Guidelines
1
PRE-APPLICATION
Compile a list of colleges that you are considering.
Meet with your counselor to discuss your choices.
Many schools accept the Common Application. You can access the application below and set up your account in the spring of your junior year.
In Naviance, you must sync your Common Application and Naviance account.
Complete your resume. Ask your counselor for a Resume Planning Record if needed. This will help your recommenders to write your letter of recommendation.
Ask two teachers for a letter of recommendation.
If you are applying Early Decision or Early Action, you must meet with your counselor by September 30.
2
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Submit your request at least 3-4 weeks prior to the deadline. Teachers are busy!
If you are using the Common Application, DO NOT invite your teachers to fill out the Teacher Evaluation form. All teacher letters of recommendation must be requested through your Naviance account.
Provide a resume so your teacher is aware of your extracurricular activities.
Write a thank you note! Recommendations take time to craft.
3
THE APPLICATION
Complete an online draft of each application. Have a parent/guardian or your counselor review this before you submit it.
Write the required essay/essays and have someone proofread them!
Many schools accept the Common Application. You can set up your account and access the application below.
When using the Common Application, check to see if your schools require a Common Application Supplement.
YOU must send SAT/ACT scores from the respective testing services to your colleges:
Masterman phone number – (215) 299-4661, Masterman CEEB Code – 393356
Be aware of application deadlines! Deadlines vary for different colleges and for different programs at the same college.
4
THE SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT/COUNSELOR'S RECOMMENDATION
Submit your request at least 3-4 weeks prior to the deadline. Counselors must write letters of recommendation for all seniors, so this takes time.
If you are using the Common Application, DO NOT invite your counselor to fill out the Secondary School Report. All counselor letters of recommendation and transcripts must be requested through Naviance. In Naviance, you must sync your Common Application and Naviance accounts to make this request.
Financial Aid
All seniors MUST complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order to receive financial aid from colleges. The student and parent must go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and each must obtain a PIN number. The FAFSA can then be completed and signed electronically. The FAFSA can not be completed until January 1, and the deadline for Pennsylvania is May 1. However, individual colleges often have earlier deadlines so be sure to complete the FAFSA ASAP!
The CSS Profile is a supplementary financial aid form required by highly competitive colleges and universities. To determine whether your colleges require this form, visit the College Board website. If required, this form should be completed now. See your counselor if you have questions regarding this.
Scholarships
Are you looking for information about college scholarships? Review our Scholarship webpage for information about scholarships available to Masterman students. The Scholarship Bulletin is updated as we receive new information, so check back frequently.
Resources
THE FOLLOWING LINKS AND FORMS ARE RECOMMENDED BY THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT FOR MASTERMAN STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
ACT® provides information about the ACT Standardized Test and testing dates and options. It also provides financial aid and career planning support.
CollegeBoard provides information about the SAT® and SAT Subject Standardized Tests and testing dates and options. It also provides financial aid, college planning, and career planning support.
CommonApp® provides a standardized college application form which is accepted by hundreds of universities across the country. It is highly recommended that Julia R. Masterman School students use these forms when applying to college. To ensure that your top choice universities accept the CommonApp®, check the website.
FAFSA contains an electronic version of the Federal Financial Aid application. This form must generally be filled out by all seniors before May. Check the website for specific deadlines.
Fastweb has millions of scholarships available. Simply register with the site, complete the questionnaire, and personalized scholarships notifications will be emailed to you whenever they are available.
MyRoad™ and EducationPlanner™ contain useful information about the college choice, selection, and application process.