WHAT ARE SSR MEETINGS?
Meetings that describe how to fill out the SSR forms and turn them in. The SSR is one of many supplements some private colleges may request.
WHERE AND WHEN DID THEY TAKE PLACE?
On Sept. 12 through 13, two of the many SSR meetings were held in the auditorium for seniors. More dates can be found on Naviance.
WHAT IS COVERED AT THE MEETINGS?
Counselor Sarah Hershey explained that SSRs are not required by the University of California system. The report gives colleges a holistic view of students and their academic — as well as extracurricular — achievements.
The SSR package itself consists of a school profile, official transcript, mid-year report, counselor or administrator letter of recommendation and an SSR evaluation form. Students must first obtain and complete an SSR request form, which requires separate senior and parent questionnaires and three teacher input forms.
WHAT ARE SOME SENIORS’ OPINIONS?
“For me, [writing the SSR] was a very laborious process. I found it was a lot of soul-searching,” senior Diane Chong said. “To fill out a five-page questionnaire about what you enjoy doing is [very] energy draining, and it’s a very reflective process.”
“For people next year, do [the SSRs] as soon as possible. I know lots of people had to stay up to finish it last minute and that was not good,” senior Priyanka Bapat said.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE SSR?
The SSR is the only college application form that includes a parent evaluation questionnaire. For many parents, it was the first time they were exposed to writing college documents like this.
“It’s kind of strange to see your parents fill out an evaluation form about you because they’re not used to writing this stuff,” Bapat said. “My parents were like, ‘We have to write this whole thing and whole questionnaire?’ But it’s nice to see what they think.”
