Compass Points Packet Overview

2011-2012 SAT & ACT Test Dates - This includes all of the SAT and ACT administration dates, as well as the DEADLINES for registering for these important tests. Please be aware of the dates that the SAT Subject Tests are offered, as these may be required by your college. More information on the SAT Subject Tests, as well as other important SAT information can be found at www.collegeboard.com. Information on the ACT can be found at www.act.org.

Transcript Request Deadlines - Dates that transcript and counselor recommendation requests are due to Ms. Evan's office. These are based on the common due dates for most colleges and universities.

Guide to Requesting Transcripts - This very important form provides a step-by-step process to request a transcript and letter of recommendation from your counselor and letters of recommendation from your teachers. The most critical information contained in this form is the 20 business day requirement for processing each request. Please use the recommended dates as a reference for turning in your requests on time.

Helpful College & Career Web Links - This is a resource provided to you by our College and Career Center. These websites are extremely informative. Please make use of them as you navigate the application process.

Authorization for Release of Student Records - This form must be completed before Walter Johnson can send anything to any college or university. Submit it one time, to Ms. Evans in the Counseling office, before you begin to apply to any colleges. It must be signed by your parent or guardian. This form also includes the Counselor Recommendation waiver. This must be completed in order for your counselor to submit letters of recommendation. Colleges and universities place greater weight on letters of recommendation that are submitted with this waiver.

Online Components: Three important components must be completed online using your Family Connection account. How to Complete the Self-Evaluation, Resume, Game Plan, and Parent Questionnaire tells you where to find them on Family Connection. Following are their descriptions:

• My Game Plan (through Family Connection) - This general checklist should be completed online before you sit down with your counselor to begin your college conference. It includes criteria you find important in your selection of schools. It should be completed online through your Family Connection account under "My Game Plan". Set up your college appointment late spring of junior year or the summer between junior and senior year.
• Student Self Evaluation (through Family Connection) - The self-evaluation consists of two parts: the online completion of "My Resume" which can be found as a link on your Family Connection website and the self-evaluation questionnaire which is listed as "Student Self-Evaluation" on the left of the "About Me" tab on your Family Connection website. This evaluation should be completed online and printed. It provides the basis for your college conference with your counselor and supplies important information about what makes you unique. Please feel free to use as many additional sheets as you may need. The more we know about you, the better!
• Parent Questionnaire (through Family Connection) - Although optional, this Parent Questionnaire is strongly recommended. When writing the letter of recommendation, your counselor values the insight parents can provide. Please consider including this in your college conference with your counselor. This questionnaire is located on the left of the "About Me" tab on your Family Connection website.

When you are ready to complete the above components, click here to open a new browser window to access Family Connection

Request for Transcript - This form must be completed for each college or university to which you apply. You will need to provide the address of the college and check off the items you wish us to send with your application. If you are in the APEX, UMCP Young Scholars or ACES programs, don't forget to check the appropriate boxes on your request. Please print clearly in all areas of this form.