Application Guide

• Think about creating a college list with balance, including 2-3 schools from each admission difficulty level for you:
  • Probable: Schools you are most likely to get in – schools where your GPA/test scores exceed those of the average admitted student
  • Target : Schools where you meet the profile for the average admitted candidate
  • Reach: Those schools where maybe your GPA or test scores are lower than the average admitted students
• Use websites like CollegeBoard, Naviance, SCOIR to explore colleges and learn more about their admission difficulty level
• Remember that all schools on your list should be schools you would actually attend!
• Include a mix of public, private, and at least one in state school to ensure financial balance
• Consider availability of need-based and merit-based aid at each school
• Most students apply to at least 8-12 colleges

• Binding: if a student is accepted Early Decision, the student is OBLIGATED TO ATTEND that institution. Students will have to rescind applications to other colleges if they are admitted Early Decision.
• Non-Binding: students do not have to commit to the college until National College Decision Day on May 1st

• Standardized Tests
  • For many families, standardized tests (SAT and ACT) are the first expense toward college admission.
  • All NH students will take SAT during junior year of high school
  • Most students take the SAT more than once, and many take the ACT in addition. Each of these tests will have fees.
• College Visits & Tours
  • Consider college visit and tour costs when budgeting for college expenses.
  • Although touring a campus is free, if you need to travel any significant distance to visit the school you may need to budget expenses to make the trip.
  • Look for ways to combine visits to schools that are near each other, make visits with friends to share expenses, or ask the college for a lunch voucher to try out their cafeteria.
  • Most schools now offer amazing virtual tours! This is a great way to explore a school without committing the expense to visit. However, if you are seriously considering a school, we strongly recommend seeing it person before accepting admission.
• College Application Fees
  • Fees can range from $25 – $100 dollars per school, with the national average is $42 per school
• Financial Aid Application Fees
  • FAFSA is always FREE! Every college requires the FAFSA as part of your financial aid application.
  • Some college require an additional financial aid form called the CSS Profile©. There is a fee charged for each school the student needs to send the form.
• Financial Aid
  • Applying for financial aid is an essential component of applying to college! Visit our Financial Aid Process page to learn more.
• Admissions Deposit
  • Colleges require a deposit to secure your enrollment.
  • Admission deposit can range ($100-$500+), each fee is set by the institution
  • Due by May 1^st ( National College Decision Deadline)
  • If you are eligible federal Pell Grant, you may be able to apply these funds to your deposit. Check with your college to learn more
• Housing Deposit
  • If you plan to live on campus, you will need to pay a deposit to save your space with the housing department (in addition to your admissions deposit).
  • The amount is set by the school, and deposits can vary ($100-$400+)

• Most colleges will require one to three letters of recommendation as part of the application.
• These recommendations are highly respected by college admissions counselors.

• Consider teachers, coaches, school counselors, club advisors, or work supervisors who know you well and can speak articulately about the special qualities you possess.
• Pay attention to the process, as it can vary depending on the school.
• Give at least a month notice for your letter of recommendation. This will allow them adequate time to prepare and write a strong letter for you.

• Sometimes your references will be delighted to share the letter with you while, at other times, it may be uncomfortable or not allowed.
• Some schools may require a specific online format or that the letter be sealed in an envelope that they provide.
• Consider waiving your right to view the recommendation letters if given the option. This may give your references increased credibility as it shows your faith in their assessment.

• Ask your references to focus on specific qualities or skills that you consider strengths.
• Give your references your college resume, activity list, or a “brag sheet” to help them write a stronger letter of recommendation.
• Be sure to provide your references with the appropriate forms that are provided by the college.

1. Try to choose two pieces in contrasting styles with your primary instrument or voice. Make sure at least one piece is in English.
2. Eight to ten minutes is typically appropriate for your presentation. The colleges may provide more specific direction.
3. It is usually recommended that singers bring their own accompanist.
4. Be careful about improvising. You’ll only impress if you provide what they require. Understand the specific expectations of each audition.
5. For instrumentalists, provide a portfolio of no more than five compositions. If you have recordings, include those as well.
6. Provide a list of all songs and compositions.

1. Be prepared to demonstrate multiple styles and improvise.
2. Keep an open mind about performing with others; sometimes auditions will involve multiple applicants performing together. Remain flexible.
3. Try to present good basic technique.

Portfolio Presentations

1. Include only your best and most recent work.
2. Include as many different styles and mediums as possible.
3. Any cumbersome pieces (such as three dimensional works) should be placed in digital or slide format. Ask the school which format they prefer.
4. Make sure to label every slide with your name, date, and type of work.
5. It is important to indicate the top of your work on any slide or photograph in order to make sure the person evaluating your work is viewing it correctly.
6. Include an inventory of your work with the portfolio.
7. Make two copies of everything – just in case.
8. Schools will evaluate your work in the following areas, so try to be as broad as possible in preparing your portfolio:
   • Perceptual Skills: Ability to draw from direct observation
   • Concept: Use of formal art elements to convey your unique ideas
   • Composition: Interesting use of space
   • Craft: Technical skill and knowledge of media combined with presentation

National Portfolio Days

• These educational events are free for artists looking for advice. Experienced art college representatives will review your portfolio and offer presentation critique. Visit nationalportfolioday.org for a list of campuses hosting the event. For a college fair specific to performing and visual arts, click here.

• PSAT fall of sophomore and/or fall of junior year
• SAT spring of junior year AND fall of senior year

• ACT is typically taken once EITHER in Spring of junior year or Fall of senior year

• Khan Academy
• ACT.org offers a FREE test prep booklet called Preparing for the ACT Test. This booklet includes descriptions of the each test section and sample questions.
• SAT Daily Practice App 

1. Tackling the Questions
   • Answer the question that is being asked
   • Intrigue the reader and keep their interest throughout -- this is not a research paper; look at it more as telling a story
   • Brainstorm: think about the details you will use to support the greater message
2. Writing Style
   • You don't need long, complicated sentences -- make it sound like you!
   • Answer the questions throughout your essay -- keep the reader intrigued
   • End your essay on a positive note
3. Editing and Revising
   • Take your time -- this process can take several attempts before you have your finished product
   • Have your parents, friends, and even your English teacher read and critique your essay

• Not every college will offer you the opportunity to interview, many colleges do recommend that you schedule an interview with the admissions office.
• It’s an excellent opportunity for the college to learn more about you and for you to learn more about them.
• It’s a chance to personalize the admissions process.

• These interviews have an impact on the acceptance decision and admission criteria.
• Conducted by an Admissions Officer – These are most common; you typically can call or go online to schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor.
• Conducted by Alumni – These are set up by the college and usually held off-campus with a college alumnus. An evaluation is completed and added to your file.
• Auditions – Arts, music, or dance performances arranged on specified dates.
• Special-Interest – These could be meetings with athletic coaches, department heads, or club supervisors.

• These interviews are designed to answer questions and offer an overview of the college.
• Informational Sessions – These are formally organized group sessions conducted by an admissions representative for families.
• High School Visits – College reps visit high schools to distribute materials and to answer questions. These are good opportunities to develop a contact with schools of interest.
• Student Interviews – These offer the prospective student the opportunity to have an informal, but informative conversation with a current college student.

• Come prepared. Do your research about the school ahead of time and have a strong knowledge base about it and programs you’re interested in.
• Be ready to answer common questions like, “Tell me about yourself,” and “Why do you want to attend this school?”
• Be attentive, ask questions, and show enthusiasm. All interviewers want to feel your excitement about their school!
• Dress to present your best self- even if it’s a virtual interview! Consider your overall appearance and hygiene.
• Remember, contact with any college representative should be taken seriously.

• The Common App is one form that allows students to apply to multiple colleges, saving time and energy.
• The Common Application is used by over 800 college and universities — public and private, large and small, highly selective and modestly selective, and East Coast, West Coast, and every region in between. Even some international schools now use the Common App.
• Components
  • Personal, Demographic, and Family Information
  • Education history
  • High school transcript
    • Official transcripts must be sent by your school counselor
  • Standardized test scores (if available)
  • Activities
  • Personal Essay
  • Letters of Recommendation
• Some colleges will include additional, supplemental questions or essay(s)
• Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.