CLARKSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
School Counseling Services
22500 WIMS ROAD
CLARKSBURG, MARYLAND 20871
301-444-3020
FAX 301-444-3594
2014 - 2015
HIGH
SCHOOL
CODE:
210381
CLARKSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
Students’ Guide to Family Connection/Naviance
Applying to college? Applying for scholarships? Be sure to follow these steps for success!
1. COMPLETE “The Senior Packet” - Available in Counseling Services or on school website, “Senior
Packet.” Submit to REGISTRAR.
2.
SIGN IN TO YOUR FAMILY CONNECTION ACCOUNT - Type clarksburghs in the search
engine or visit www.mcpsmd.org – search CHS, College and Career Center (Left side), Click on family
connection in the blue box (middle of the page).
3. SEARCH FOR COLLEGES THAT MATCH YOUR INTERESTS
a. Click “Colleges” and “College Search” (7th link down)
b. Answer the questions, clicking “Next” at the bottom right until you arrive at the end
c. Click “Show Matches” at the bottom
d. Check out the “Colleges that match your criteria”
4.
RECORD YOUR COLLEGES
a. Click “Colleges,” then “Colleges I’m Thinking About” and add your colleges
b. Click “Colleges,” then “Colleges I’m Applying To” and add your colleges
5. REVIEW PRIVACY NOTICE
a. Click “Colleges”
b. Look at “Important Privacy Notice” (shaded blue box)
c. Read and waive your right to view recommendations in order for staff to send your letters
d. IF you have a Common Application completed (www.commonapp.org), fill out the information;
if you do NOT have a Common Application completed, leave it blank.
 When the college accepts the Common Application, you can submit that instead of the regular
application. Also, it means that your teacher recommendations, counselor recommendation, and
official transcript can be sent electronically through Family Connection/Naviance! There is no need
to send the forms through the US Mail!
e. When setting up your common application account, please use the same email address on
Common Application and Family Connection.
6. NOTE THE SYMBOLS
a. Click “Colleges,” and “College Look Up” (6th link down), then find a college.
CA
b. If a college accepts the Common Application you will see a
on the college page at the
bottom where you see “Application Deadline.”
 When the college accepts the Common Application, you can submit that instead of the
regular application. Also, it means that your teacher recommendations, counselor
recommendation, and official transcript can be sent electronically through Family
Connection/Naviance! There is no need to send the forms through the US Mail!
c. If a college does NOT accept the Common Application, you will see a
(empty box) on
the college page at the bottom where you see “Application Deadline.”
 However, the college may accept e-docs. Therefore, CHS can still send your teacher
recommendation, counselor recommendation and transcript electronically through Family
Connection/Naviance and there is no need to send the forms through the US Mail!
d. IF a college does NOT accept e-docs, you will see a box with a stamp,
which means
that the transcript, counselor recommendation, and teacher recommendation must be MAILED.
Still complete the application using family connection.
 Provide Registrar with 2 stamps per application.
7. COMPLETE “OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST” FORM - This PAPER form is required for
EVERY college or scholarship for which you are applying. It must be submitted to the REGISTRAR
regardless of whether your documents are sent electronically or through the mail.
8.
SEEK HELP - If you have questions or need more information, visit the College and Career Center or
see your counselor.
9. VISIT WITH COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES AT CHS - On the Family Connection/Naviance
homepage, click “Colleges” and “View all upcoming college visits,” then click “Sign up” and print the
pass for your teachers. Attendance is taken.
10. VISITING SCHOOLS - If you plan to visit a college, it is suggested that you make an appointment for
an interview. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will allow three excused school days for
seniors to visit colleges providing permission has been granted from teachers and the principal in
advance.
UNDERSTANDING TYPES OF APPLICATION DEADLINES
EARLY DECISION

Binding contact
EARLY ACTION

Non-binding, but still provides benefits of applying early
PRIORITY


Non-binding, but still provides benefits of applying early
UMD uses a priority deadline (November 1st)!
REGULAR DECISION

Final deadline. No special benefits or extra consideration
ROLLING

No fixed deadline, notifications come depending on school policies.
IMPORTANT
To ensure that your applications are postmarked to meet
college/university deadlines, you need to submit your requests to the
registrar three (3) weeks prior.
(see reverse side for dates)
YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CODE IS 210381
DEADLINES FOR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
To ensure that your applications are postmarked to meet deadlines, follow the schedule
below (there will be no exception to the dates listed).
Counseling Deadlines for College Deadlines
October 10 for November 1
October 16 for November 15
November 17 for December 1
November 21 for December 15
December 8 for December 30
December 10 for January 1
January 8 for January 30
January 9 for February 1
January 23 for February 15
February 6 for March 1
February 13 for March 10
YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CODE IS
210381
All Year
 Continually check into your Naviance account. Here
you will be able to access a list of all the scholarships
we have on file, find out when college reps are going
to be visiting our school, get the dates for upcoming
events, find great links to career websites and much
more!
 Visit college campuses every chance you get!
 Search for scholarships. There’s lots of free money
you can get your hands on if you just put in a little
effort!

September
 Meet with college admissions reps who come to visit
our school.
 Attend college fairs and evening events.
 Make sure you have all the applications required for
college admission. Write, phone, or email to request
missing information, or apply online whenever
possible.
 Know application deadlines for the schools and
scholarships you wish to apply to. They may vary
and it is essential to meet all deadlines!
 Meet with your School Counselor to be sure your list
includes colleges appropriate to your academic and
personal record.
 Review your applications, transcript, activities
resume and college essays with your parents,
School Counselors to ensure they are accurate and
complete.
 If you have not completed the required tests or if you
are not happy with your scores register for the
upcoming SAT’s, ACT’s and SAT II’s. Have official
test scores sent to the colleges you are applying to.
 If the colleges require recommendations, ask the
appropriate people to write on your behalf.
February
 Once you complete and submit the FAFSA, it will
generate your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review the
SAR carefully and check for any inaccuracies.
 If necessary, correct any items on the SAR and
resubmit it to the FAFSA processor (If a college
transmitted your data directly, notify the college of
any change).
 Check your email for updates and other instructions
the FAFSA processor will send.
 Complete scholarship applications. You may be
eligible for more scholarships than you think, so
apply for as many as you can!
October
 Columbus Day weekend is a great time to visit
college campuses. Many plan programs for
prospective freshmen on this weekend.
 Know your deadlines and keep working on
applications!
 Check to see if your school requires the CSS Profile.
November
 Start your Financial Aid process. Both you and your
parents need to obtain a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov so
you can fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for
Federal Student Aid) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Check to see if the colleges to which you are
applying require any other financial aid forms.
December
 Know your deadlines and keep working on
applications.

Keep looking/applying for scholarships- get your
college paid for!
Attend Financial Aid Night.
January
 Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
 Keep working in your classes! Grades and courses
continue to count throughout your senior year.
 Request that the registrar send mid year reports (the
transcript of your first semester grades) if your
colleges require them.
March
 Stay focused and keep studying- only a couple more
months to go!
April
 Review your college acceptances and financial aid
awards. If you are positive you will not enroll at one
or more of the colleges that accepted you please
notify those colleges that you have selected another
college. If you know which college you will attend,
send your tuition deposit and follow all other
instructions.
May
 May 1st is your final decision day.
 Take Advanced Placement exams, if appropriate
and request that your AP scores be sent to the
college you will be attending.
 Complete your Senior Survey! This lets the registrar
know where to send your final official transcript.
June
 Notify the college of any private scholarships or
grants you will be receiving.
 Know when the payment for tuition, room and board,
meal plans, etc., is due. If necessary, ask the
financial aid office about a possible payment plan
that will allow for you to pay in installments.
 Congratulations! You have completed a difficult
task, now it’s time to look forward to graduation!
CHECKLIST
Please be sure to hand in the completed forms below (except Teacher Recommendation Sheet)
to the Registrar at the same time.
____ STUDENT BRAG SHEET – Use this form to provide information about yourself to aid
the counselor in writing your letter of recommendation.
____ PARENT/GUARDIAN BRAG SHEET – Have a parent/guardian complete this form; also to
be used to assist the counselor in writing your letter of recommendation.
____ EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CHECKLIST – Complete all pertinent information.
____ GRADUATION/DIPLOMA ORDER – Use this form to provide diploma information.
Submit to the registrar by
October 15, 2014.
____ PLEASE SEE TEACHER FOR RECOMMENDATION SHEET – Give stamped envelope
addressed to the college/university (if requested).
____ TRANSCRIPT RELEASE FORM (blue) – Use this form to record all college applications.
Note that this requires a parent/guardian signature. It should be submitted with your
first transcript request to the registrar. Please remember your stamps and fees.
NAVIANCE QUESTION – Have you entered your colleges into Naviance: __ Yes __ No
FERPA/COMMON APPLICATION – Once you have started you must complete.
Please see next page for FEPA instructions
STUDENT BRAG SHEET
NAME: ______________________________________ DATE: ___________
It is important that you respond to all of these questions. The information will help your
counselor write a letter of recommendation for your applications.
DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL STRENGTHS.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS YOUR ANTICIPATED MAJOR? WHAT IS YOUR CAREER GOAL? WHY?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
WHAT CONTRIBUTION CAN YOU MAKE TO THE COLLEGE THAT WOULD MAKE THEM
WANT TO ACCEPT YOUR APPLICATION?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
DESCRIBE A REWARDING HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE: ACADEMIC, EXTRACURRICULAR, OR PERSONAL.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
WHAT DID YOU DO FOR YOUR STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING HOURS AND WHAT DID
YOU LEARN FROM THAT EXPERIENCE?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
- CONTINUED -
IF YOU WROTE YOUR OWN RECOMMENDATION, WHAT WOULD YOU WRITE ABOUT
YOURSELF?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR INTERESTS?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
IS YOUR ACADEMIC RECORD AN ACCURATE MEASURE OF YOUR ABILITY? WHY OR
WHY NOT? HAVE THERE BEEN ANY UNIQUE ISSUES WHICH MAY HAVE AFFECTED
YOUR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR COUNSELOR TO SHARE
WITH YOUR COLLEGE?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
LIST THREE ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
HOW WOULD YOUR TEACHERS DESCRIBE YOU?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
****RETURN FORM TO REGISTRAR****
PARENT/GUARDIAN BRAG SHEET
NAME OF STUDENT: __________________________________________
Please respond to the following questions. (Attach additional sheet if you wish.)
CHILD’S MOST OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE PAST 3-4 YEARS:
Academic: _____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Personal:
____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
AREAS IN WHICH YOUR CHILD HAS SHOWN THE MOST DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH
DURING THE PAST 3 YEARS:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
THREE (OR MORE) WORDS OR PHRASES TO DESCRIBE YOUR CHILD:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES THAT HAVE AFFECTED YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATIONAL OR
PERSONAL EXPERIENCES?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR
CHILD?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________________
****RETURN FORM TO REGISTRAR****
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CHECKLIST
Student Name: __________________________________________
ID #: ________________
Check years of involvement and indicate positions of leadership and any special recognition.
ACTIVITY
In School
09
10
11
12
Type of Involvement/Position or Office/Special
Recognition/Varsity/Captain
ACTIVITY
Out of School
Youth Group
Scouting
Other:
Other:
Other:
Other:
****RETURN FORM TO REGISTRAR****
Do you plan
to participate
in college?
DIPLOMA ORDER FORM - CLASS OF 2015
Congratulations on becoming a SENIOR!!
Complete all information below:
___________________________________________________ __________________
Student Name (Please PRINT)
Student School ID #
___________________________________________________ __________________
Student Signature
Date
__________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
__________________
Phone Number
_______________________________________________________________________
Street Address
Apt. #
City
Zip Code
**IMPORTANT**
Print Name (clearly) as you wish it to appear on your diploma.*
_______________________________________________________________________
First Name
Middle Name or Initial
Last Name
*First and Last Name will appear as on student’s birth certificate or passport. Please indicate if you
want to include your middle name or initial.
***RETURN THIS FORM TO THE REGISTRAR BY
OCTOBER 15, 2014***
TRANSCRIPT RELEASE FORM
Transcripts should be requested at the time applications have been made to colleges/universities. List below the
name for all the colleges/universities or scholarships to which you are sending applications. (Additional
colleges/universities may be added later.)
Return this form to the registrar, Ms. Geisler, in the
Counseling Services Department.
✱✱✱ You will need to bring TWO first-class stamps for each application. ✱✱✱
TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS MAY TAKE AT LEAST THREE WEEKS TO PROCESS. PLEASE
SUBMIT MATERIALS WELL IN ADVANCE OF ANY DEADLINES.
Complete the following student information:
Student Name: _______________________________________________________________
Student ID #: _____________
Phone No:______________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
Name of Counselor: _________________________________________
I give Clarksburg High School permission to release transcript information on the above named student.
Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________________
Please list the name of each college/university to which you want your transcript sent. The first three transcripts
and the mid-year reports will be provided free of charge. The next three will cost $3.00 each. Additional
transcripts after that will cost $5.00 each.
Complete Name of
College/University
Campus
Date Due
to College
Common
Application
Yes
No
Fee
Paid
Free
Free
Free
$3
$3
$3
See reverse side for additional transcript requests.
**** RETURN FORM TO REGISTRAR****
Date
Mailed
Stamps
Provided
(Do not attach)
Complete Name of
College/University
Campus
Date Due
to College
Common
Application
Yes
No
Fee
Paid
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
$5
Date
Mailed
Stamps
Provided
(Do not attach)