MHS College and Career Center

Dear MHS Students and Families,

As the leaves change and the school year picks up momentum, we’re excited to share valuable insights and resources to help our students navigate the important journey ahead. This season is the perfect time to explore your college and career options and set the stage for your future.

The College admission process is here. You need to be aware of what is available at each of your college/program choices. Understanding the different types of college admissions processes can help you make informed decisions about your applications. Here’s a breakdown of each type, along with their advantages and disadvantages:

Early Decision (ED)

• Description: Binding application process; if accepted, you must attend and withdraw all other applications.
• Advantages:
  • Higher acceptance rates at some schools.
  • Shows strong commitment to the institution.
  • Early notification, allowing for planning.
• Disadvantages:
  • Lack of flexibility; you must attend if accepted.
  • May limit financial aid options since you have to commit early.

Single-Choice/Restricted Early Action (SCEA)

• Description: Non-binding, but you cannot apply to other private colleges during this round.
• Advantages:
  • Early notification without binding commitment.
  • Opportunity to compare offers from other schools.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limits your options by restricting applications to other schools.
  • If you want to apply to multiple colleges early, this may not be the best choice.

Early Action (EA)

• Description: Non-binding; applicants are notified early but are not required to commit immediately.
• Advantages:
  • Flexibility to apply to other schools.
  • Early notification can reduce stress and allow more time to decide.
• Disadvantages:
  • Some schools may have less favorable acceptance rates compared to ED.

Regular Decision

• Description: Standard application timeline, usually with a deadline in January/February.
• Advantages:
  • More time to prepare and polish your application.
  • No binding commitments, allowing more time for consideration.
• Disadvantages:
  • Later notification may add stress as you wait for decisions.
  • May have lower acceptance rates compared to early rounds at some schools.

Rolling Decision

• Description: Applications are reviewed as they are submitted, typically until the class is filled.
• Advantages:
  • Flexibility to apply at any time within the window.
  • Early applicants can receive decisions quickly.
• Disadvantages:
  • Competition can be tough as spots fill up; applying later may result in fewer available spots.
  • Less structured timeline may lead to procrastination.

Considerations

When choosing an admissions process, consider your priorities:

• Flexibility: If you want time to explore options, EA or Regular Decision might suit you better.
• Early Commitment: If you are confident about a particular school, ED can streamline your application process.
• Financial Planning: If you need to compare financial aid offers, options like EA or Regular Decision can provide more time for consideration.

By understanding these processes, you can choose the one that aligns with your needs and goals!

It’s crucial to thoroughly review and understand a school’s admissions requirements before applying, as each institution may have specific criteria. Taking your time with your application can make a significant difference. Here’s a breakdown of the typical components required in college applications:

Components of College Applications

1. Application Form:

   • Found on the school’s website or through the Common App.
   • Ensure all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly, paying attention to details.

2. Official High School Transcripts:

   • Request these from your high school registrar.
   • Include your current transcript with your application and ensure a final transcript is sent at the end of your senior year.

3. Official SAT or ACT Scores:

   • Send scores directly from the testing agency (College Board for SAT or ACT) to the institutions you are applying to.
   • Log into your account and follow the instructions to send your scores.

4. Letters of Recommendation:

   • Some colleges require these as part of their admissions process.
   • Approach your recommenders early (at least two weeks in advance) and provide them with information about your accomplishments and goals to help them write a strong letter.
   • Remember to politely follow up as the deadline approaches and express gratitude with a thank-you note.

5. Essays:

   • Carefully answer the prompt provided by the school, ensuring you stay within any specified word limits.
   • Let your personality and voice come through in your writing.
   • Seek feedback from teachers, peers, or family members to improve your essay.

6. Application Fee:

   • Most colleges require an application fee, which can vary in amount.
   • Be aware that many institutions accept fee waivers for eligible students, so inquire about this if you’re concerned about costs.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Give yourself ample time to complete each component without rushing.
• Double-Check Requirements: Make sure you’re aware of specific requirements for each school, including additional essays or documents.
• Stay Organized: Keep a checklist of what each school requires and track your progress to ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Proofread Everything: Carefully review all documents before submission for errors or missing information.

Taking the time to understand and fulfill each requirement will strengthen your application and enhance your chances of acceptance.

The Common Application (Common App) is a popular tool that simplifies the college application process for students. Here are some key benefits and features of the Common App, especially as it relates to the 14 Oregon colleges and universities that participate:

Benefits of the Common App

1. Streamlined Process:

   • You can fill out your personal information, educational history, and activities once, and it automatically populates your information for each school you apply to. This saves time and reduces repetitive work.

2. Universal Essays:

   • The Common App provides a set of essay prompts that are accepted by multiple colleges. You can write your essays once and submit them to multiple schools, allowing you to focus on quality rather than quantity.

3. Fee Waivers:

   • For eligible students, the Common App offers fee waivers, making it easier for low-income students to apply to college without financial barriers.

4. Centralized Tracking:

   • You can monitor your application status for each school in one place, making it easier to keep track of deadlines and requirements.

5. Access to a Wide Range of Schools:

   • The Common App includes hundreds of member colleges and universities across the country and internationally, providing a diverse selection of options.

Oregon Colleges Using the Common App

Here are some of the 14 colleges and universities in Oregon that participate in the Common App:

1. University of Oregon
2. Oregon State University
3. Portland State University
4. Willamette University
5. Lewis & Clark College
6. Pacific University
7. Linfield University
8. Southern Oregon University
9. Eastern Oregon University
10. Corban University
11. George Fox University
12. University of Portland
13. Warner Pacific University
14. Northwest Christian University

Tips for Using the Common App

• Start Early: Begin filling out the Common App well before deadlines to give yourself time to gather necessary documents and write compelling essays.
• Personalize Your Applications: While the Common App is standardized, take the time to tailor your supplemental essays and responses for each specific school.
• Check Requirements: Each college may have additional requirements (like letters of recommendation or specific essays), so be sure to check each school’s page in the Common App.

Using the Common App can significantly ease the application process, allowing you to focus on crafting a strong application rather than managing multiple forms. Good luck with your applications!

We hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful as we kick off the year. We will be posting information on careers and military as the school year progresses. Stay motivated, and let’s make this a productive and exciting year ahead!

Jennifer Bunnell

MHS College and Career Specialist

jenniferbu@cbk12.com