The Salisbury affiliate of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education organized a panel of individuals to talk about the college application process April 24 at Salisbury Middle School. The event was open to all families within the Salisbury School District.

Panel members included Julie Bolton, a parent who has gone through the college application process with her 2011 graduate, senior Megan Hrebik, explaining the process from a student's perspective, Krista Evans, senior associate director at Lehigh University and Salisbury High School guidance counselor Mike Anderson.

Bolton suggested parents learn as much as they can about the college application process. She suggested students obtain practice books for the SAT tests and attend SAT prep classes.

When looking for a college, Bolton suggests talking with the student about how far they want to be from home. "Encourage your children to think their choices through," Bolton said.

She also said to be careful where you take your child on their first visit as they will always compare other visits to that one.

Bolton talked about an early decision, regular decision and rolling decision and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

An early decision requires the application be received by the university early and signifies to that institution it is the student's first choice. Anderson said an early decision is binding. A regular decision suggests the application be received in the same timelime as other students and a rolling decision has a wider time frame for submissions but registration closes when spots are no longer available.

She said the students should familiarize themselves with what the colleges want to see on the application.

"Remember this is your child's choice," Bolton said. "They have to feel comfortable; they have to make it work."

Evans talked about Lehigh University and what they look for in students applying to the school.

She said Lehigh admits 30 percent of all students who apply.

"A student should have a balanced list," Evans said, "as the selectivity of schools is getting harder every year."

Evans said students should apply to eight to 10 colleges and should find a couple of schools which are their first choice schools. They need to find the right fit.

She said Lehigh looks for the rigor of the coursework which is the most important piece of a student's resume. "What classes are offered and what has been taken in grades nine through 12?" Evans said. She said most accepted students are in the A to B+ range. Lehigh looks also at the weighted grade and the SAT or ACT test scores.

Lehigh is also looking for students with a great work ethic. Base admission is not just on test scores; they want to see good grades which shows work ethic. Evans said with many colleges, test scores are optional.

Lehigh also looks for extracurricular activities and especially looks for leaders. They also require two recommendations from guidance counselors or teachers and an essay written by the student.

"Admissions counselors spend weeks visiting schools," Evans said. "If a college you are interested in is coming to your school, go to the visit. It could be the person reading your application."

Evans said she likes students advocating for themselves.

"The student is the driver. Let them drive. You can be the navigator," Evans told parents.

"It is a family decision; let the students learn to advocate for themselves."

Regarding the timeline, she said the sophomore year is not too early to begin college visits. During the fall of the senior year, essays and applications are due.

Evans said many schools are moving toward a common application which is only filled out once and available to the schools of your choice who participate. The common application is utilized by participating schools nationwide.

Hrebik advised students to start early, apply early and get accepted early.

"Stay organized," Hrebik said. She had a different folder for each college. Hrebik said she had an SAT tutor and took the test twice.

She advised students to get sample essays online and practice writing essays.

"Write down your clubs and all community service," Hrebik said. She said students should decide on a career, research schools, narrow it down, visit the campus, talk to someone who has done this already and apply for scholarships. She also said to consider the distance to the school from home. "Do you want to be in a city; do you want a big or small school," Hrebik said. She also advised the student to stay in touch with their guidance counselor.

"We have all the answers and not a lot of questions," Anderson said. "No one is using the technology available to them on the high school guidance website."

Salisbury has a robust guidance website with a wealth of information for students considering college. A program called "Career Cruising" asks 13 questions and helps guides students to career and school selection.

"I would encourage students to take the PSAT tests," Anderson said. The next test is scheduled for Oct. 19.

"Freshmen and sophomores should focus on academics," he said. "Schools are seeing ranks from ninth, 10 and 11th grades as senior year grades are not on the transcripts until later."

Anderson said schools don't believe in "senioritis" and want to see the senior year transcripts.

He said the guidance website has information on college visits, open houses, scholarships and testing dates.

"With the economy the way it is, parents are asking for more and colleges are giving less," Anderson said. "It is worth asking for more money."

Anderson encouraged students and parents to utilize the guidance website and to call the office with any questions.

P.A.G.E. is an organization dedicated to the growth and development of gifted and high achieving children. The Salisbury affiliate advocates for gifted education within the Salisbury Township School District, educates parents by providing resources at open houses and bi-annual presentations, collaborates with school administrators and provides support for parents of gifted and high achieving children.