Steps students are responsible for:

• bring all the college application materials to the Guidance Office to be photocopied. Students are to fill out the photocopy and have the high school guidance counselor check for errors.

• set an appointment with the High School Guidance Counselor after completion of filling out the copy of the application. The student and counselor will review each item together and make any needed corrections before the information is transferred the to the original form.

• write their own application essay. Then need to take time to produce a well written piece of work that provides college admission officers with some insight into who they are. The essay should discuss the students interests, abilities, goals, values, skill/talents, achievements and contributions. The essay should be completed in the Spring of the junior year and a copy placed in your Counselor File in the Guidance Office.

• register for and take the standardized admission tests that are required by the colleges that they are applying to. The necessary tests are listed in the reference books found in the Guidance Office as well as on the website of the university. Almost every university in an English speaking country will require the TOEFL (test of English as a foreign language). Some universities in the United States are accepting the APIEL (AP English test for students whose first language is not English) and/or the ELPT (SAT II English test for students whose first language is not English).

• insure that test scores are sent to the schools that they are applying to. They should list the code numbers of the universities they will be applying to on the registration forms for all tests. After the test date, it is possible to use an Additional Score Report Form or contact SAT on their website to request other colleges on student lists to receive their scores.

• It is important that students review their transcript before it is sent to colleges. It is important that the information about courses, grades and activities is accurate and complete.

• Check to see if the colleges you are applying to require or recommend interviews for admission. Not all colleges require or even offer interviews. If an interview is required, and you are able to travel to the United States, make an appointment in advance to arrange a campus visit and interview. If an interview is required and you cannot travel to the United States, phone the continue college to request alternatives. Often times, they will be able to grant you an alumni interview with someone who lives in Asuncion.

• Teacher recommendations will be handled by the Guidance Office. You are not allowed to ask all your teachers for recommendations and then pick the best two. Instead, you must choose two teachers that you feel will support your application to college as all letters are confidential. Your counselor is responsible for writing the letter of recommendation that covers your high school experiences. Therefore, it is important that you complete the Senior Questionnaire to provide information for the senior data base that is used to complete the School Report and the counselor letter of recommendation.

• If you are applying to certain programs such as art, music or theater, you may have to submit a portfolio demonstrating your ability and talent. Check the admission requirements for these programs and the policies and procedures for submitting a portfolio.

• All application fees must be paid in U.S. funds and turned in with each application. Inform the Guidance Office of all admission decisions as soon as you receive them. The Guidance Office will need to photocopy all offers of admission, scholarship monies awarded and rejections

Steps the counselor is responsible for:

• The counselor is responsible for preparing the school recommendation. The purpose of the school recommendation is to give an overview of the student. This comprehensive letter includes information about academics, extracurricular activities and a sense of the character of the applicant.

• Your counselor is also responsible for completing the Secondary School Report Form. This report is completed by your college counselor and includes a summary letter of recommendation, an evaluation of your academic ability and achievement and information about your personal skills and character. The information is based on the senior data base, counselor’s interaction with you and information provided by teachers, parents and administrators.

• To oversee that your transcripts are sent to the colleges you applied to.

• The School Profile will be included with all applications. The profile provides information about ASA so others will have educational data about the school that you have been attending.

• The Guidance Office will insure that the teacher recommendations reach the appropriate school. The completed application will be photocopied and the original will be mailed from the school. Transcripts and other data cannot be mailed by the student as all materials sent must be official.