Preparing for Converse

What do to when you’re in the 9th grade….

You’re only a freshman, but time will quickly pass and before you know it, you’ll be graduating from high school. There are things you can start doing to help prepare you for your future.

1. Enroll in College Prep Courses. Math and English are essential!
2. Get off to a good start. The grades you earn in 9th grade will be included in your final high school GPA and class rank!
3. Meet with your guidance counselor to begin talking about colleges and careers.
4. Begin to read about colleges, their admission requirements and consider your college financing plan. You may want to start visiting college websites and take a virtual tour on-line.


What to do when you’re in the 10th grade….

Your sophomore year is here. You’re climbing your way up the high school ladder. Here’s some advice to help move you on your way to your next steps…college.

1. Take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) in October for practice. Talk with your counselor about the ACT PLAN (Pre-ACT) assessment program to prepare for the ACT Assessment in 11th grade.
2. Take geometry, biology and a second year of a foreign language. Immerse yourself in books, magazines, newspapers and more! Read, read, read!
3. Get involved in activities outside of the classroom, and work toward leadership positions in the activities you like best. Get involved in community service projects and service organizations. Colleges look at the depth of your involvement, not how many organizations and activities with which you are involved!
4. Visit college campuses to get a feel for various types of settings. Schedule your individual visit with Converse.
5. Seek a reliable SAT/ACT prep course if you think you need help.
6. Start files to keep your college materials organized.  As you receive brochures, pamphlets, letters, catalogs, email messages and phone calls from various colleges, compare and contrast similarities and differences in major programs offered, costs, admission requirements, and financial assistance opportunities.  Write, call or email for additional information, as needed. Tell us about you so we can send you information that relates to your interests. Also, the Converse admission counselor in your area would love to speak with you!


What to do when you’re in the 11th grade….

You’re halfway through high school. You’re a junior. And you’re ready to stake your claim as a senior. Preparing for your upcoming year and for college is even more important now. Here’s what you should be doing:

1. Early in the year, meet with your guidance counselor to review your completed courses and what you still need to take, and to check your class rank.
2. Register to take the PSAT if you did not take it as a sophomore.
3. Make a list of colleges that meet your most important criteria (size, location, distance from home, majors, academic rigor, housing and cost), and weigh each factor according to its importance to you. Also, tell us about you so we can send you information about Converse that relates to your interests.
4. Speak to college representatives who visit your school – Converse Admission Representatives might visit your area!
5. Spend some time on the campuses that most appeal to you. Participate in open houses and overnight programs by checking out our Preview Days.
6. Register to take the SAT and the ACT. You can retake these tests in the fall of your senior year, if necessary.
7. Have a discussion with your parents about the colleges in which you are interested. Examine financial resources, and gather information about financial aid.
8. Call, email or write to schedule visits at your top college choices. Talk to people you know who have attended the colleges in which you are interested. It is usually better to visit a college when students are there, if possible, to get a real flavor of campus life.


What to do when you’re in the 12th grade….

Finally! You’re a senior! Soon you’ll be cloaked in your graduation gown, diploma in hand, ready to face what lies ahead…college. Here are a few tips on how to prepare:

1. Develop a final college application list. Include one or two 'sure things,' and one or two 'reaches.' Be sure to meet the deadlines required by each college. Converse will work with you throughout the process to make sure your experience is a positive one!
2. Spend the night on campus and visit classes – Converse hosts seniors overnight on campus, and can also help you plan an individual visit. Call the Admission Office at 1.800.766.1125 or email us at admission@converse.edu to schedule a visit! 
3. If necessary, retake the SAT and/or ACT. 
4. Begin admission applications and pay special attention to the essay. Write rough drafts and have teachers or a counselor review them.  Should you need advice or guidance, please feel free to call the Converse Admission Office—we are here to help!
5. Mail or send your applications electronically, and be sure you meet the appropriate deadlines. Request transcripts, counselor recommendations, teacher recommendations, and other supporting data to be sent to colleges. Check with the Office of Admission to make sure all supporting documents have been received!
6. After January 1, apply for financial assistance by filing the FAFSA. 
7. Apply for all possible scholarships and again, be sure to meet all deadlines and provide any supporting documentation that the college requests. The Converse College Office of Financial Assistance can help you with this process!
8. Be sure to make a copy of every document for your file. It will save time, money, and grief if an application is lost. 
9. Many colleges make admission offers when the application is complete, while others send out acceptance, rejection, and wait list letters in March and April. Converse notifies you of an admission decision within two weeks of receiving your completed application.
10. Make your college choice and if necessary, visit campuses again to make sure of your decision.
12. May 1 is the National Candidate Reply Date. Notify all colleges of your decision, even if you’re choosing not to enroll at the college. It’s important to let them know your decision has been made.
13. Attend summer orientation. The Summer Orientation and Advising Program (SOAP) is an opportunity to meet your classmates and receive preliminary advising.
14. Get your residence hall assignment and course registration information. Talk to your advisor and get in touch with your roommate!
15. Get EXCITED!! You are about to embark on a FANTASTIC journey. 


Now That You Have Been Admitted- What's Next?

You worked hard to complete your Converse application and finally received your letter of acceptance, so what happens next? Visit our section for admitted students to find out all you need to know in order to prepare for move-in day!