Academics

College Counseling: The Process

Topic Our Responsibilities Students’ Responsibilities
Developing & researching a list Help point student toward resources; make suggestions; help assess likelihood of admission Identify schools of interest, conduct research and visits; in conjunction with college counselor, create a list of appropriate colleges, including safeties; keep college counselor informed as your list develops
Test registration Discuss testing plans with students; publish registration deadlines Discuss testing options and plans with college counselor; know and meet all deadlines; complete and submit forms
Applications Provide general advice about completing applications; offer advice regarding specific application requirements Complete applications, thoroughly and on time; know and meet deadlines; meet with college counselor to review applications; know each college’s requirements; submit transcript request form(s) to the College Counseling Office
Essays Provide information about essay writing in conjunction with the English Department; discuss options for essay help; review essays and provide feedback (if student brings them in well before deadline!) Start early! (junior year is not too soon); know each college’s essay question(s); seek feedback, but write your own essay!; proofread CAREFULLY!
Application fees Provide fee waivers for students with financial need as determined by the Bullis Admission Office Pay fees online as necessary
Transcripts I Send transcripts to all colleges on student’s Transcript Request Form (TRF) by deadlines; include any final transcripts from previous high school (if applicable); send fall-trimester senior grades to all colleges Make sure College Counseling Office has final transcript from previous high school (if applicable); complete TRF(s) well in advance of application deadlines; notify College Counseling Office of any changes in college list
Transcripts II Send a final transcript in June to ONE college where student intends to enroll Inform College Counseling Office of all decisions and of final college choice so final transcript can be sent
Teacher recommendations Send any teacher recommendations on file with us to colleges indicated on Transcript Request Form by deadline ASK EARLY, and have teacher sign “Teacher Recommendation Request Form,” return signed cop to College Counseling Office
Test score reports Provide information about how to send score reports and when they are required Send appropriate test score reports to colleges by direct request to testing organization —The College Board and ACT
Financial aid/scholarships Provide information about financial aid and scholarships; offer financial aid help session Meet deadlines; know each college’s requirements; look into scholarship opportunities when appropriate
Final decisions/ enrollment deposits Advise student about final college choice Inform College Counseling Office about all college application decisions; send an enrollment deposit to ONLY ONE college, by May 1
Special Considerations
Early decision/ early action/ rolling admissions Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of early notification plans Remember that Early Decision plans are, in almost all cases, binding, i.e., if you are accepted, you are committed to enrolling; once early plans are finalized, you must withdraw your application from any other schools to which you have applied
Athletics/NCAA Eligibility Center Provide information and assistance with athletic recruitment process and with online registration; provide guidance for students/parents/coaches; provide fee waivers for those who qualify Register with the Eligibility Center if there is any possibility that you will be a Division I or II athlete in college; if you have attended another high school previously, that transcript must be sent to NCAA directly from that high school. Student-athlete is responsible for sending official standardized testing to the Eligibility Center.
Testing accommodations
(for students with documented learning differences)
Refer students to Learning Specialist for accommodations Complete additional accommodation forms well in advance of registration deadlines