Spring-Ford Seniors Staying on Top of College Application Process

Many Spring-Ford Area School District (SFASD) seniors are well on their way to college.

Kristin Beideman, counselor/secondary Guidance Department Chair, Spring-Ford Area School District, says, "The process is going along very well. Many students completed their applications very early in their senior year."

Here are some timely facts on the college application process, how it’s going for students and what comes next.

• About 75 percent of seniors have applied to colleges to date. 
• About 5.9 percent of seniors have selected their college. 
• About 11.2 percent of students who applied this year applied early action or early decision. 
• Approximately 99 percent of applications were mailed before Christmas. 
• There are 509 seniors this year. The number of applications sent out so far total 1,691. 
• The district had six students qualify this year as National Merit Semi Finalists. These students qualified based on their results from taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as a junior. “This past year was one of our highest years,” Beideman reports.

One college tried a new approach this year when accepting students. East Stroudsburg University came to Spring-Ford's Future Planning Center to host an Instant Decision Day. An admissions representative met individually with each candidate and reviewed their application, current grades and SAT/ACT scores. “Students were given a decision on the spot as to whether they were accepted or put on hold pending second marking period grades,” Beideman says.

At this point, time is of the essence to apply for the 2011 fall semester. “Rolling admission schools can become more selective later in the year,” Beideman says. “Additionally, some schools have limited housing. Finally, academic scholarships might be harder to obtain if less money is available or has been allocated.”

Regarding the financial aid process, Beideman advises families to file their income tax forms early, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible and be aware of individual college deadlines for FAFSA filing.

The SFASD guidance office provides information throughout the year on its Web site and through its online college/career software program, called Naviance.

The school district will hold a College Admissions Forum for sophomore and junior students and their families on February 16. A Junior College Planning night is slated for March 2. The annual Spring College Fair is scheduled for March 23. 

Visit the school district's guide to college and career planning web sites for more information on the college preparation process, financial aid application process and scholarships.