| 2009 - 2010 Counseling Guide |
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| Written by Sara Scrofani | |||||
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NHS Counseling Guide 2009-2010 Naugatuck High School - Guidance Department H.S. CEEB Code 070440 Click on the READ MORE below to access the full Guide
A Note to Parents
The period during which your child is considering college options and making future decisions is one of tremendous excitement. However, it is equally often characterized as stressful and overwhelming. It generates feelings of empowerment, yet also anxiety and helplessness. Like all major milestones in your child’s life, it is a time for parental involvement and support. Parents can insure that the student allows time to plan and complete the many application tasks. Parents can, and should, encourage students to talk about their decisions and help them analyze the vast amount of information they will amass. Most of all, you can ease the stress for them by keeping them on track and helping them learn to manage their time efficiently. Never forget that you are probably the most influential factor in your child’s life. As such, here are some specific things that you can do for them:
A Note to Students Well, you’re finally here. It’s time to engage in the college admissions process. For some of you, it’s something you’ve been dreading. For others, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. In either case, approach it with optimism and an open mind. It’s not really about college at all…this process is about YOU.
Who are you? It seems like a silly question, doesn’t it? But by stepping back having a candid dialog with yourself and those who know you best, you may better prepare yourself for a successful college application process. What do you love? What do you despise? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Above all, why do you want to go to college? You are making decisions now that will have a significant impact on your future. And your own unique characteristics need to be accurately reflected in your choices. An honest assessment of your aptitude, interests, values, goals and personality will assist you as you navigate college admissions. Select colleges that are compatible with your traits. Be true to your self and celebrate what makes you YOU. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Choosing a College
College Vocabulary
Types of Post Secondary Schools
Military Academies
Timetable for College Bound Juniors
Timetable for College Bound Seniors
Application process
Student Resume
College Admission Tests
The College Essay
Eight Common Errors………
Writing Your College Essay
Helpful Hints for College Visits/Interviews
Letters of Recommendation
Financial Aid Information
NCAA Clearinghouse Information
Appendix (Sample Letters, Worksheets) Sample letter – College information Sample letter – Not attending Sample letter – Requesting a congressional nomination Sample transcript request form Release of Information Form Activity Card Information Organizational Checklists Websites Senior/Junior Calendar Class of 2006 Post-Secondary Choices
Handbook compiled with thanks to getin2college.com NHS Guidance
Step 1: Know Yourself
ü Take a self-inventory. The choice of a college that is right for you will depend on your individual goals and characteristics. What are your goals: knowledge? Public service? Money? Creative freedom? Prestige? ü What kind of person do you wish to become? ü Of your particular gifts and strengths, which would you most like to develop? ü What are your academic strengths and weaknesses? ü Where do you excel? ü Do you excel in any extracurricular or non-school activities? ü What social interests do you have? ü How do you spend your free time? ü How do you relax? ü What are your work habits? ü Would you expect to thrive at a highly competitive college or one where the program is less demanding? ü What kind of academic extracurricular balance would help you to grow academically and socially? ü How do you learn best? ü Do you work best independently or with others? ü Are you self motivated or do you need close personal attention from your teachers?
Step 2: Get to know the colleges Ø Establish a list of criteria for the college you would like to attend.
TYPE: Ø Do you want to attend a 2 or 4 year college, university, or technical school? Do some reading about each type.
SELECTIVITY: Ø How selective do you want the college to be? Admission decisions vary widely from institution to institution. Ø On the basis of your grades, college admission tests, and special talents, develop a range of colleges that might accept you. Ø Remember, no single factor (particularly a SAT), will, by itself, determine admission.
MAJOR:
Ø What majors are you looking for? If you are like many students, you aren’t sure. That’s all right. Seek colleges that offer a broad curriculum so that you have flexibility to change majors as your interests change. Of course, if you’re anxious to pursue a certain specialty, such as engineering or architecture, be sure you look for schools with strong programs in those areas.
PRICE RANGE:
Ø With your parents, decide what you can afford to pay. Total expenses vary greatly among schools. Don’t rule out a college simply because of cost. Most institutions have scholarships, loans, grants and jobs to help you pay bills.
SIZE OF COLLEGE:
Ø Does the idea of a large school appeal to you, or is a smaller campus move to your liking?
LOCATION:
Ø Do you want to be near home or distant? Ø Consider the mode of transportation to and from school, climate and environment. Ø What types of surroundings appeal to you? Ø Remember, you will be living there for four years. Do you want to be on an urban or rural campus?
RELIGIOUS ORIENTATION:
Ø Many schools are church-related, but the degree of student involvement and the percentage of students practicing the predominant religion vary widely. Look for a place where your value system will allow you to feel at home.
FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES AND SPORTS: Ø Do you want to be a part of a Greek system, or would you prefer a social climate where most students are independent?
SCHOOL POPULATION:
Ø Does the type of student population matter to you? Ø Do you want a co-ed, state school (most students are from within the state), private school (a deliberate attempt is made to admit students from a variety of cultures, countries, and socio-economic backgrounds)?
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS:
Ø Do you want to study abroad? Ø Are you interested in a co-op or internship experience where you can combine practical work experience with education? Ø What other factors are vital to you?
COLLEGE VOCABULARY TERMS AND PROCESSES
Many college admissions office timetables call for applications to be filed during the fall or early winter of the senior year. Supporting data (standardized test scores, high school records, and recommendations) are sent to the college at the student’s request. Members of the admissions office or admissions committee review the applications and make the decisions. Decisions are mailed to applicants from early to mid-April, and the accepted applicants are required to notify the college that they choose to attend not later than May1st (the CRD or Candidate’s Reply Date.). BECAUSE THESE DATES CAN VARY WIDELY, BE SURE TO CHECK FOR DEADLINES AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE YOUR APPLICATION. Rolling Admissions: A college using rolling admissions will review applications as the “Folders” (the application form and all supporting data) are completed and will return decisions within a few weeks. Some colleges send decisions as soon as the folder is completed and reviewed; other colleges will accumulate applications and send decisions only after a certain date.
Early Admission: Many colleges have a program under which a student may apply for admissions during the junior year of high school. The Early Admission program at most colleges is reserved for truly exceptional students whose academic preparation and maturity level are sufficient for early entrance to college. You should seek the advice of your guidance counselor early in your junior year if you are considering Early Admission.
Early Decision: Not to be confused with Early Admission, Early Decision is a plan under which a student applies to his/her first-choice college early in the fall (usually by November 1st) of the senior year and agrees by contract to enter that college if offered admission. Decisions are rendered to Early Decision applicants in early December. If not accepted under Early Decision, a student is usually reconsidered for admission later in the senior year. A student should not apply to more than one college as an Early Decision candidate, since the student is usually required to withdraw any applications that might have been filed at other colleges while awaiting the decision of the “ED” college. Early Decision applicants are judged on the basis of their junior year test scores, class rank and grades. The advantages to being accepted to a first-choice college under an ED Plan are obvious (no more pressure, no more applications to do or essays to write). It is also important to note that, if you have a definite first-choice college, you might apply ED to signify the level of interest in that college. Check the catalog of the college you want to attend to see if it has an Early Decision Plan.
Early Action: Early Action is offered primarily in highly selective colleges. Early Action follows the same application/notification timetable as Early Decision but allows the accepted candidates until May 1st to accept or decline the offer of admission. Under Early Action programs, it is possible for an applicant to be denied admission outright and not automatically deferred for later consideration. If your junior year credentials are not truly superior, you must be careful about applying under a plan which could harm your chance for admission IMPORTANT NOTE: There are several variations of Early Decision and Early Action at various colleges. Read the literature of each college carefully, and ask questions if you do not understand the program entirely.
Common Application: The Common Application allows a student to fill out one application and recommendation forms for filing at more than one college. You should check with the admissions office to see if a college will accept the Common Application and if any supplements are required. The Common Application is available from your guidance counselor.
January (Spring Term) Admissions: Some colleges admit freshmen to begin study in the middle of the academic year. January admission may be an option worthy of investigation for students who might graduate a term or semester early from high school.
Deferred Admission: Many colleges offer an opportunity for a student who has been admitted to delay or defer enrollment for a year or a semester. A student who defers admission may choose to work for a while to earn money for college, or to travel, or to pursue special programs. A deposit is often required by the college to hold a place in the next entering class, and it is the college’s right to ask the student for information regarding the time spent between high school graduation and matriculation (full or part-time enrollment) at the college. The student who defers admission to a college cannot attend another college during the time off, unless the college is notified in advance and agrees to the plan.
Open Admission: Some colleges do not practice selective admissions and offer admission to all students who apply. Such colleges usually have extensive programs designed to provide remedial or developmental help to students who enroll with academic deficiencies.
Cooperative Education Programs: The Cooperative Education Program provides an opportunity for students to gain invaluable study-related experience in a variety of areas, namely business, industry, and government. As sophomores, students alternate periods of study with periods of employment. At most schools such a program requires five years for the bachelor’s degree, which means an additional year to finance.
Accredited: Approval given by an outside agency or association to an institution or program administered by an institution. This means a lot when you are looking for a job after graduation, especially for programs that are technically or professionally oriented.
Admission or Application fee: A non-refundable charge for screening applications.
Fee Waiver: Cancellation of cost required for College Admissions tests or application. If needed, ask your counselor for details.
Full-time Student: One who carries twelve or more credit hours; part-time is one who carries less than twelve hours.
The preceding definitions were taken from “A Guide to the College Admissions Process,” published by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors TYPES OF POST SECONDARY SCHOOLS
University: An academic institution that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields and supports at least two degree-granting professional schools that are not exclusively technological (such as medicine, journalism, or agriculture). It is composed of a number of “Schools” or “Colleges,” each of which encompasses a general field of study.
Liberal Arts College: A four-year institution that emphasizes a program of broad under-graduate education. Pre-professional or professional training may be available but is not predominant.
Junior College: A two-year private institution of higher learning that provides vocational and academic curricula. Upon graduation some students will transfer to a four-year college.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering programs similar to those at junior colleges. Many vocationally oriented programs of two years or less in duration are available.
Engineering or Technological College: An independent professional school which provides four-year training programs in the fields of engineering and the physical sciences. They are often known as Institutes of Technology or Polytechnic Institutes.
Business College: A four-year program with the primary focus on business, management and accounting.
Business School: Business schools fall into two categories. Some colleges allow one to specialize in business administration or in a two-year secretarial course in conjunction with supplementary liberal arts courses. Other institutions offer predominantly business or secretarial courses and may or may not be regionally accredited.
Business and Technical Schools: A one or two-year institution which offers terminal occupational programs intended to prepare students for immediate employment These schools may also offer certificate programs.
Military Academy: A federal military academy prepares officers for the Army (U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY), Navy (U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD), Air Force (U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO) and Merchant Marines (U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY). These require a recommendation and appointment by a member of Congress. Application process should begin in spring of the junior year.
Military Institute: A private and state- supported military institutes, such as the Coast Guard Academy and Virginia Military Institute, which operate on a college application basis. They all offer degree programs in engineering and technology with concentrations in various aspects of military science.
Military Training and Educational Opportunities: The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard provide job training in many technical fields as well as opportunities to take some college level courses during and after the training period. The services also help an enlisted person accumulate a college fund during military service. Check with a military recruiter for specific information. MILITARY ACADEMIES Admission Fact Sheet
Junior Class
Almost 40,000 young men and women per week seek admission to the service academies. Basic eligibility criteria for admission to these academies are United States citizenship, good moral character, between 17 and 22 years of age, unmarried, not pregnant, no dependent children, good health and with 20/20 vision, approximately 1200 on the SATs, and successful completion of the following high school courses: q 4 years of math including geometry and advanced algebra q Physics and chemistry q 2 years of a modern foreign language
MAY Ø Write the academy(ies) of your choice, requesting that a Prospective Candidate file be opened
JUNE Ø Write the President, Vice-President or member of Congress requesting an application for nomination to the military academy of your choice. These are the congresspersons who represent the people of Connecticut:
SENATORS The Honorable Christopher Dodd The Honorable Joseph Lieberman Putnam Park One Constitution Plaza 100 Great Meadow Road 7th Floor Wethersfield, CT 06109 Hartford, CT 06103 1-860-258-6940 549-8463
Or contact your US CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Ø Dependents of disabled veterans and children of medal of honor recipients may also apply directly to the academy of their choice. Students should use all avenues of nomination available to them.
Ø Forward a transcript to nominator.
Ø Take the SATs and have those scores forwarded to the nominating congressperson.
TIMETABLE FOR COLLEGE-BOUND JUNIORS
March
v Register for the May SATs. Students pick up registration booklets in Guidance, complete registration forms preferably on-lineor mail them to ETS. Check registration deadlines on the last page of the booklet. v Search colleges, using the computer program, CHOICES, as well as college guide books and college catalogs in the Guidance Office. Choose five to ten colleges/universities to write to for more information and possibly to visit. v Write to your U. S. Senators and Representatives for nomination applications to service or military academies.
April
v Check to see if any of the colleges/universities that interest you require SAT Subject Tests. Register for the SAT Subject Test(s). Registration is by on-line or by mail. Centers administering the June SAT are listed in the registration bulletin. v Visit colleges/universities during April vacation.
May
v Take the SAT at Naugatuck High School v Begin researching volunteer opportunities for summer vacation.
June
v Take the SAT Subject Test(s) if applicable. v Make plans to visit colleges/universities during summer vacation. v Write essays for college applications v Develop/write your resume for use with college recommendations (see appendix). v Do some community volunteer work. It will enrich you as a person, as well as “look good” on your resume.
SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR
ü Complete remaining requirements for a congressional nomination. These may include: 1. Complete Civil Service Designation Examination. 2. Complete Congressional Questionnaire/Application. 3. Forward letters of recommendation to nominating congressperson. 4. Have a medical examination. 5. Have an interview with the Congressperson’s Selection Committee.
TIMETABLE FOR COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS
September v Read all senior bulletins thoroughly for information about scholarships, college representatives’ visits to Naugatuck High School, college fairs, etc. v Narrow your choices. Three to six applications will probably be adequate if you have researched carefully.* However, regardless of the number of colleges you decide to apply to, you should balance your list in the following manner: (All of which you would like to attend) First choice: a long shot, i.e., the college has actually admitted a few people with credentials similar to yours or you have a special talent important to that institution. (Keep in mind that once you are admitted, you must compete academically with fellow freshmen. How hard are you willing to work?) Second choice: Should be a 50/50 proposition. Third choice: Your chances seem likely. Fourth choice: You are certain you will be accepted and would be happy if you attended.
*If your first choice is quite likely to accept you, you may not need to apply to as many colleges as you do if you are choosing more selective ones. v Write or go on-line to obtain college application and financial aid forms. v Analyze application instructions for due dates and required information. v Complete forms for required college tests: register for the first fall SAT if you are planning to take it. For some colleges you may have to submit SAT/ACT scores directly from the College Board (ETS). A form called “An Additional Report Form” can be obtained on-line to request test scores from College Board if your scores are not forwarded as part of your original SAT report. Some colleges will accept your SAT scores as submitted on your high school transcript. Plan to take all required admissions tests at least six to eight weeks before you must submit scores. See your counselor this month for test dates and registration materials. If you cannot afford to pay a college’s non-refundable application fee, please notify your counselor as the College Board provides for a fee waiver where circumstances warrant it. v Request letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, counselors, other appropriate persons. v Write or revise your college essays. v Write or ‘polish” your resume. v Investigate early decision availability at the colleges you plan to apply to and check deadlines. v Continue college campus visits. v Plan your extra-curricular involvement carefully. Colleges like to see involved, well-rounded students who participate in activities, but over-extending can lead to grade disaster. v Meet with college representatives who visit NHS.
October v Early Decision applications are due around early to mid October. v Begin filling out college applications. v Register for SAT Subject Tests if they are required by any of your colleges. v Continue reading senior newsletters and be aware of scholarship deadlines.
November v Set up a chart with application deadlines and lists of supporting documents that are needed. v Your goal should be to have all college applications mailed by December 1st. Remember to allow ten days for Guidance to process transcripts and letters of recommendation. v December v Pick up federal financial aid forms in Guidance, and with your family, begin filling them out. They cannot be mailed until January 1st. To avoid delay or rejection, be sure you sign the form and provide your social security number and correct income information. v Attend FREE workshop on financial aid at NHS.
January v Complete the FAFSA (Free Applications for Federal Student Aid) on the web. v Mail your financial aid application forms ASAP. v Request that transcripts of your first semester grades be sent to the colleges to which you have applied.
February v Men who are 18 years old or older must prove draft registration in order to receive financial aid. Inquire at the post office.
March v If you are applying to more than one college, do a final assessment, ranking your preferences by location, academic program, social and cultural environment, opinions of parents and friends, costs, and other criteria.
April/May/June v Tell your counselor about any college acceptances or scholarship awards you receive. Also, confirm your attendance at the school of your choice by completing a confirmation form and submitting a room deposit. v If you have been accepted by a school that you are not attending, inform the Admissions Office that you will not be attending. The college can then release your spot to another applicant. v Send thank you notes to all your references, letting them know where you will be attending school. v Request that a final transcript be sent to the college you are planning to attend. v Offers of financial aid are generally made in April and May, if applications were mailed in December or January. If these offers do not cover all college and personal expenses, discuss loan possibilities with your family, including the Stafford Student Loan (SSL) and the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). v Send thank you letters to all scholarship sponsors offering you scholarship awards.
NHS GUIDANCE WISHES YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK!
APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLICATIONS -- The Counseling Department has applications for the University of Connecticut, the Connecticut State Universities and the state technical and community colleges as available. Various other school applications are available. You may need to request an application directly from your school of interest. MOST applications are available on-line and will be completed on-line.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINES -- Your application is a reflection of you. Remember to do your applications neatly. Once the application is completed return it with a check for the fee made out to the institution you are applying to, to your counselor or to the counseling secretary. Your counselor will then mail the "complete package" including the application, transcript and counselor recommendation to the college. Please do not wait until the colleges' application deadlines to give your applications to your counselor. Allow as much time as possible for the Counseling Office to complete the "packages". For applications completed on-line please submit the appropriate form to the counseling office so that other necessary information will be sent.
Don't wait to start the college application process. You will only hurt yourself by procrastinating. As you make decisions and complete applications, submit them to the Counseling Office. There are many things that still have to be done to complete the "package" once you turn in your application or notify us that you submitted it on-line. We hope that you will return the applications on a steady basis and we ask you to have all applications submitted to the Counseling Office by NOVEMBER 1st.
CAMPUS VISITS AND INTERVIEWS – We encourage all students to visit the colleges you are considering. Calling the admissions office well in advance, is all that is necessary. Have a few dates ready in case they can't accommodate your first choice. See your counselor for visiting and interview suggestions. (see appendix)
COLLEGE VISITS TO NAUGATUCK HIGH SCHOOL -- Various colleges will send admissions representatives to the high school to meet with interested students. Meeting with these representatives is the next best thing to actually going to visit the campus. Watch for sign-up notices on the Naviance Family Connection site. Passes are required to meet with a college representative and will only be available through signing up on Naviance.
PERSONAL ESSAY OR AUTOBIOGRAPHY -- At times, students are asked to write an autobiography or personal essay as part of the application process. Give yourself ample time to do this. You may want to seek advice from a present or former English teacher. Also, see your counselor for suggestions.
REFERENCE BOOKS -- The Counseling Library has several books for use by students. Examples are the College Handbook, Index of Majors, and the College Money Handbook. In addition, the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook is available which enables you to do some research on employment trends in your major field. Please note that reference books must be used in the Counseling Office.
RELEASE OF INFORMATION -- Before any of your school records can be sent to colleges, your parents must sign a Release of Information if you are under eighteen years of age. Students who are eighteen or over may sign their own release. Release of information forms will be distributed to seniors early in the school year. Please return them to the counseling secretary as soon as possible!!! If not returned transcripts cannot be sent to schools.
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS -- Some colleges require teacher recommendations as part of the admissions process. When requesting recommendations from teachers, give them a copy of your Naviance/Family Connection resume. Also, make sure that you give teachers sufficient time to write the recommendations. Please avoid last-minute requests!!!
TESTS -- You should be familiar with the following tests:
SAT I: REASONING TEST -- This test is required by most colleges as part of the admissions process. It measures critical reading, writing and mathematical abilities you have developed over many years.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS -- Subject tests are required by some "selective" colleges as part of the admission process. Some colleges use them for placement purposes only. The Subject Tests are tests in specific subject areas which measure the knowledge you have acquired in each area. Colleges may require up to three Subject Tests. Check your college catalogs for details.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS (AP) -- These exams enable students to gain college credit, qualify for advanced placement in an upper level course or both. Exams are required of students in the all of NHS’s AP courses, English, Calculus, Psychology, USHistory, European History, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish and Art. Exams are given during the month of May. College policies on Advanced Placement are detailed in the specific college’s catalog.
AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT) - Many colleges in other sections of the country use the ACT rather than the SAT as an admissions assessment. The ACT includes tests in English usage, mathematics usage, social studies reading and natural science reading.
TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL) – This test is required for students whose primary language is not English. It gives colleges a method of evaluating a student’s English readiness for college.
SHARING THE COUNSELING HANDBOOK -- Please share this booklet of information with your parents and urge them to call your counselor if they have any questions.
SAMPLE STUDENT RESUME - Remember, this is only a sample. Add or delete headings as they apply to your high school activities! Review with your counselor for the final polish. (other samples in appendix)
JILL A. STUDENT
HOME ADDRESS DATE OF BIRTH 10 South Main Street April 29, 1990 West Country, CT 06000 Telephone (860)623-0000
STUDENT ACTIVITIES (Including leadership roles) GRADE Student Council 9 – 12 Reporter for school newspaper 11 Assisted at Blood Drive 11 Class Secretary 12 Editor of yearbook 12 Assistant Editor of school newspaper 12
ATHLETICS (Indicate leadership roles) Varsity Cross Country 9-12 Varsity Basketball 11-12 Varsity Softball 10-12 Captain of Softball team 12
EMPLOYMENT Child care for one summer 9 Frankies 10 Cashier-Super Stop & Shop 11 Office Asst. – Attorney 12
AWARDS All-NVL Softball 12 Art Honor Society 9 Honor roll 9-12 National Honor Society 11-12
VOLUNTEERISM Waterbury Hospital 11 Soup kitchen 12
OTHER Babysitting for two brothers 9-12 Tutor Spanish after school 10
HOBBIES Playing guitar, skiing, biking, walking, reading, films COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS
Your high school academic record is a good indicator or your potential for success in college. However, because high schools throughout the country differ widely in course offerings, academic standards, and grading policies, colleges need some standard measure of academic ability when they compare the applications of candidates for admission. Scores on the college entrance tests, along with your academic and extra-curricular record are used by colleges in the admissions process. Tests give you an opportunity to display your knowledge. To be prepared for college admissions tests, your high school program would include upper level English, Social Studies, Lab Sciences, and World Language courses in addition to Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Be sure to check which college tests are required for the institution you wish to attend.
SAT I: The Scholastic Assessment Test is made up of critical reading, writing and mathematics sections. These abilities have been shown to be related to successful academic performance in college. Students may take the SAT more than once; and it is often desirable to do so, particularly if you feel that you can improve your scores because of confidence, background, etc. Students are encouraged to take the SAT in the spring of their junior year, especially those considering academy appointments, R.O.T.C. programs, early admission programs at colleges and universities, and special scholarship programs.
SAT Subject Tests: Achievement tests are examinations that measure what you have learned in one of fifteen specific subjects in the areas of English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and language. Not all colleges require achievement test scores as part of the admissions process. Sometimes they are just used for placement. Consult the catalogue of the college being considered to be sure which tests, if any, are required.
ACT: The American College Testing examinations are required for admission at many colleges, especially in the West and Mid-West. Students should check carefully the admissions requirements at prospective colleges to determine: ·Whether ACT tests are required ·Whether the ACT would be an acceptable alternative to the SAT The areas of study that are tested on the ACT: ·English Usage – a measurement of the ability to understand and manipulate language. · Mathematics Usage – a measurement of the ability to reason with mathematical abstractions. · Social Studies Reading – a measurement of reading comprehension, special study skills, and problem-solving reasoning. · Natural Science Reading – a measurement of evaluative, critical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It is advisable to take the ACT examinations as early as possible in the senior year of high school. Those juniors who are applying to colleges or scholarship programs requiring earlier ACT score reports, may take the test in April or June. THE COLLEGE ESSAY
Many colleges and institutions that formerly did not require essays are now asking for them. The summer after your junior year is an excellent time to dream and write an essay. The essay is an opportunity to write about your values, hopes and ambitions. It requires a great deal of thought and many revisions. The essay gives admissions officers an opportunity to evaluate your writing and to make an estimation of your ability to contribute to the nonacademic life of the college.
If the college does not indicate a specific topic, you have the opportunity to focus on an aspect of your life that might be memorable to just ordinary but with a special “twist.” Below are some topics to consider and perhaps generate thought: ¨ Describe a job that you have had. From that job experience did you learn about yourself and others? If it is appropriate, be sure to comment on how a job influenced your choice of a career or college major. ¨ Describe any special responsibilities or circumstances at home which have affected your school performance. Examples might be two full-time working parents or a single parent, a share of the cooking and housework, the care of younger siblings, aged relatives, the financial need to work, a second language spoken at home, or a past history or schooling in other countries. ¨ Select an incident that was important in your life and indicate how it affected and will affect your future. Avoid autobiographical formats, such as “I was born in Waterbury, Connecticut…..” ¨ Write about a special person who has had a great influence on you. ¨ Evaluate a significant experience or achievement that has special meaning to you. ¨ Discuss some issue of personal, local, or national concern and its importance to you. However, avoid general, impersonal topics, such as the nuclear arms race. The college wants to know about you. ¨ Describe fully your participation in a single extracurricular activity that has been especially meaningful or important to you. ¨ Describe a humorous personal experience. Everyone, even a stodgy admissions counselor, enjoys humor. ¨ Discuss a creative work—novel, film, poem, musical piece, painting, or other work of art--that has influenced the way you view the world and the way you view yourself.
NOTE: Be sure to read essay questions or directions carefully. On first glance directions for the essay may seem more general than they are. Capable students often reduce their own chances for admission to college by misreading or misinterpreting essay questions. While some students make mistakes because they do not read carefully, others create problems for themselves when they assume that questions from different applications on similar topics can be answered in exactly the same way. HintsØ Grab attention. The first two sentences are critical. Ø Be positive. Colleges look for students with a positive approach to life and learning. Ø Convey substance, not flash. College professors like students who can write in concise, understandable English. Ø Avoid an egotistical tone. Let your accomplishments and personality speak for you. Don’t supply a lot of adjectives; the reader can do that. Ø Get beneath the trivial. Let the essay show how you can think on paper. Challenge yourself to go in-depth on a few ideas rather than spitting out long lists. Ø Don’t be afraid to recognize your weak-nesses. Even admission counselors know no one is perfect, so don’t try to come off that way. Try to tackle your weaknesses-- tell what you are doing to overcome them. Ø Don’t use cliches or slang. Ø Poor organization and little or no thought development are common problems in unsuccessfully written essays. Ø Use specific, vivid words, strong verbs, and few adjectives. Avoid vague phrases such as “meaningful experience” and the superficial, “It was incredible.”
Check your essay carefully: misspellings and grammatical errors can jeopardize your chances of admission.
Eight common errors made on applications:
1. Allowing mistakes in grammar and spelling to slip through on the application 2. Sending in an application marred by erasures, crossed out words, and white-outs. 3. Selecting a major the institution does not offer. Students can find out what majors a college does offer by looking in the college catalog. 4. Mentioning every school-sponsored club or activity the applicant ever had contact with, instead of only those in which he or she participated. 5. Failing to say in the personal essay or cover letter why certain grades or semesters are poor. 6. Failing to send the processing fee with the application. 7. Submitting the application after the stated deadline. 8. Not following up to make certain that all credentials required by the college are received: transcript, recommendations, and test scores, in particular.
Writing Your A Service of RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE A coeducational, liberal arts college in Ashland, Virginia
Introduction
If you are like most students, you see the college essay as another hurdle that you must jump on the way to being accepted at the college of your choice. In fact, the essay is not a hurdle but a rare opportunity: it is a chance for you to “talk” directly to the college’s admissions committee and to help them “see” you as a thinking and feeling person, rather than simply a set of impersonal statistics. Except for the interview, it is your only chance to share your thoughts, insights, and opinions; to highlight your accomplishments: and to convey your maturity and outlook on life. If you see the college essay in this way – as an opportunity – then it is clearly worth the effort to put some extra time, thought, and energy into writing it.
Purpose of the Essay
The college essay is extremely important for two major reasons: 1. It enables the college admissions office to evaluate your communications skills. Through your essay they can assess the clarity of your thinking and your ability to convey your thoughts in written form. 2. It enables the admissions office to learn more about you as a person, beyond what grades and SAT scores can convey. A well-written essay can speak worlds about your attitudes, feelings, personal qualities, imagination, and creativity. For the admissions staff, it adds another important piece to the puzzle because it distinguishes you as an individual, different from any other student who is applying.
Choosing a Topic
The choice of a topic is frequently not an issue, because many colleges and universities will either give you a topic to write about or present several rather specific topics from which you must choose. Other colleges may simply “suggest” broad general topics or give you total freedom to write about something that interests or concerns you. Regardless of whether you must respond to a prescribed topic or come up with one of your own, here are a few general hints about the most effective way to approach your topic: § Narrow your topic and try to be as specific and illustrative as possible. § Relatedly, the easiest topic to write about is yourself. No one knows more about you than you. Since one important purpose of the essay is self-revelation, it is no place to be shy or modest, although you should not exaggerate. If you choose to write about yourself, remember that little incidents and facts are often he most revealing of character and outlook. § Do not be afraid to write about something you think is a little different. A unique topic or approach is often refreshing to a college admissions officer who has been reading applications all day. Further, an unusual or off-beat essay is an excellent way to show your creativity.
Preparing to Write
Before actually sitting down to write a first draft of your essay, spend some time organizing your thoughts. Develop a framework for your essay so it will have a smooth and logical progression from one idea or incident to the next. Consider your purpose in writing what you want to convey, and the tone that you think is most appropriate for the topic. Decide on a style that is comfortable for you, not one that you think the college admissions committee prefers. Finally, remember that organizing your thoughts and deciding on a framework does not mean you must be overly rigid at the start; leave room for flexibility and creativity as you actually begin writing.
Writing the Essay
You do not have to get it right the first time! Instead, write the first draft of your essay with the main focus on content – communicating your thoughts. Then set it aside for a day or two, reread it with a fresh perspective, and make any necessary changes. This is also the point at which you should consider matters of organization, style, grammar, spelling and form. Once you have rewritten your first draft, you may wish to try it out on your family, friends, English teacher or guidance counselor. While the final product and final “voice” should be yours, they may be able to offer helpful suggestions for technical or other improvements.
Within this general outline for actually writing the essay, there are some do’s and don’ts which I would like to highlight:
Do’s
ü Do think “small” and write about something that you know about. ü Do reveal yourself in your writing. ü Do show rather than tell. By giving examples and illustrating your topic, you help bring it to life. ü Do write in your own “voice” and style.
Don’ts
ü Don’t write what you think others want to read. ü Don’t exaggerate or write to impress. ü Don’t use a flowery, inflated, or pretentious style. ü Don’t neglect the technical part of your essay (grammar, spelling, sentence structure). ü Don’t ramble – say what you have to say and conclude.
Your college essay, along with your high school record, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement, will provide the bases upon which the college makes its admissions decision. A thoughtful, well-written essay can affect in a very positive way that final decision. Keep this in mind and take full advantage of the opportunity which the college essay affords you.
John C. Cookright Dean of Admissions Randolph-Macon College
HELPFUL HINTS FOR A CAMPUS VISIT
A campus visit is highly recommended. Before you visit the campus, consider some of the options below. It is also important to develop a list of questions and plan specific activities in order to accomplish your goals.
v Schedule an interview in the Admissions Office v Inquire about admission requirements (tests, high school grades, etc.) v Discuss your chances for success. v Learn about the college environment. v Determine the placement record for graduates in your field of study. v Talk with students. v Talk with faculty members. v Investigate your academic program. v Consider attending a class – witness class size, teaching style, academic atmosphere. v Check the student residence halls and dining facilities. v Ask about financial aid opportunities (deadlines, forms required, etc.) v Obtain a school calendar and fee schedule. v Take a campus tour. v Identify career planning services for undergraduates. v Visit the library. v Ask about the amount and kind of study necessary for success. v Investigate transportation options. v Find out how students use their out-of-classroom time. v Become aware of students’ activities (clubs, organizations, Intramurals, etc.) v Inquire about campus life in terms of dating and social activities.
Interviews An interview with a college admissions office may serve any of three purposes:
q Evaluation: When an interview is required of all applicants, a college is using an interview to test the student’s ability to think and relate to questions posed in the interview. Additionally, the college is trying to better understand the applicant as a person: his/her values, goals attitudes, etc. DON’T INTERUPT THE INTERVIEWER. LISTEN TO EACH QUESTION!
You Should Talk About: ü Your fields of interest: How do you like to spend your time when you are not in school? Discuss your hobbies and pastimes. ü Your plans and objectives: What do you want out of a college education: What would you like to be doing 20 years from now? Do you plan to go on to graduate studies? ü Reason for interest in this school: Let your interviewer know that you’re applying for specific reasons. Know what the school has to offer and how you might fit in. ü Your values and ideals: What things in life are important to you…and what do you do about them? Whom do you admire and why?
Typical questions are: Warm-up Questions: ¨ Which subjects interest you most? ¨ Which extra-curricular activity is most rewarding to you? ¨ How do you spend your spare time? ¨ What kind of reading do you like best ¨ What are your favorite books? ¨ Why is a college education important?
More Challenging Questions: ¨ What are your career plans? ¨ Why do you want to go to this college? ¨ What are your major weaknesses? How can you overcome them? ¨ How have you prepared for college? ¨ What would you change about yourself?
Surprise Questions: ¨ If you decided not to go to college now what would you do instead? Why? ¨ If you had a million-dollar grant to give away, who would get it? Why? ¨ What have been the most important events in your life? ¨ What’s the one most important impression of yourself that you would want me to report to the admissions committee?
q Information Exchange: The student or the college may initiate an interview to find out more information. For example, the college may want to know more about a student’s extra-curricular involvement. A student may want to become familiar with the educational facilities or special programs. When the student initiates the process, he/she should become more familiar with the college catalog and ask about things not already covered in it.
· Recruiting: Colleges attempt to recruit students through informal interviews arranged through visits to high school counselors or special programs that bring students on campus. These are conducted essentially to attract prospective students. Hence, the college recruiter stresses only the strong features of the college.
It is important that a student consider the purpose of the interview and plan his/her objectives and questions. Use the interview time to learn something about the school or to have the admissions office learn something about you.
Interviews conducted on school time are excused absences if prearranged through the school. Call or write in advance to make sure that the college admissions office is open the day that you wish to visit and that an interview appointment is available.
Tips on Your Campus Interview
Your interviewer may ask you about….. · Scholastic standing: Grades, rank in class, entrance exam scores (it’s a good idea to memorize these statistics.). · Course Work: Why did you take each subject? What subject was covered? How are you doing at present and how did you benefit from your studies? · Extra-curricular Activities: Vocational and otherwise, special interests, sports – all non-academic activities may be discussed. · The Personal You: Don’t let these questions surprise you. Be frank about your weak points as well as your strong ones. Answer all questions completely and honestly – the interviewer will know if you are bluffing or trying to impress. Remember…it’s important that you ask questions, too! The questions you ask tell the interviewer as much as your answers to the questions. · What are the students like: Do you anticipate that you would fit in? How is the food? What do the kids do to relax? What type of entertainment is available to you on and off campus? · Read the school newspaper (preferably several issues): What does it tell you? · Your impressions: What were they at the end of the visit to a college? What was good? What was bad? · Compare: Using the charts provided in the appendix, and your set of prioritized characteristics, compare colleges on your list. By this time, the list should be getting smaller. Letters of Recommendation
ü The recommendations of teachers, counselors, coaches, and possibly work supervisors are a very important factor in the admissions process. Care should be taken to select people to write letters who are very familiar with your strengths and accomplishments. Generally your eleventh grade teachers are the best choice. Senior teachers may not know you well enough, unless they have had you as a student prior to senior year, and going back to ninth or tenth grade teachers may give the appearance that it was difficult for you to find someone to recommend you.
ü When you request a letter of recommendation from a teacher, ask him or her to give it to a Counseling Secretary to include in your application packet. Occasionally, especially for scholarships, the teacher might want to or need to mail it directly. In that case, provide the teacher with a stamped envelope, addressed to the recipient.
ü Some colleges and universities do not use letters of recommendation in the selection process. In this case, you may make one available if you feel there are some extraordinary or unusual circumstances that need to be addressed (e.g., family situations, special honors, personal information, etc.). A letter should complement what is already known about you from your transcript and application. Avoid redundancy. Do not drown your college application with too many letters of recommendation. If a college asks for 3, give only 3. More is NOT necessary; it may indicate to the college that you cannot follow directions!
ü If you want a letter from your counselor included, even if the college requests it specifically, please indicate that on your transcript request form. If you think there is some-thing extraordinary about you or your circumstances that might affect the way a college views you as an applicant, it is good to discuss this information with your counselor, who might want to include it in the letter of recommendation, with your permission.
ü Avoid letters of recommendation from family “friends” unless your relationship with them was as an employee, coach, etc.
ü After you have received your letter(s) of acceptance from the colleges, is a good time to write a thank you note to teachers and others who have taken their time to write recommendation letters for you. Share your good news with them!
ü NOTIFICATION
ü Acceptance: Colleges have various dates for notification, depending on the type of application (Early Decision, Rolling Admission, etc.). Generally, however, the notification from selective colleges will come in April and students will have several weeks to choose from colleges offering admission. Students should inform the Guidance Office when they receive an acceptance. Also, inform all schools to which you have been accepted as to whether or not you plan to attend. Most acceptances are contingent upon satisfactory completion of your senior year courses.
ü The Waiting List: Depending on the college, being placed on a waiting list can mean a polite refusal of a candidate or a delay while the college waits to hear from all students who have already been offered admission. To find out exactly what the waiting list status means at a particular school, contact the admissions office. Students placed on a waiting list should realize that such lists often number up to 1,000 and should avoid putting all their hopes on acceptance at that school. Instead, they should hold a place at the most preferred school that has already admitted them by returning the acceptance and a deposit. FINANCIAL AID
DEFINITION OF FINANCIAL AID Financial Aid is a broad term referring to scholarships, grants, loans and student employment. Financial aid may be used at approved trade and technical schools, as well as two and four year colleges and universities.
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
The Federal and State government, schools, banks, savings and loan associations, and community and private organizations, make money available to help finance post-secondary education. Here are some of the different types awarded.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS 1. Need Based: All colleges have available funds through Federal grants (Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) and private endowments to meet some of the financial need of student applicants. These funds are generally awarded as part of a total financial aid package.
2. Merit/Achievement Grants & Scholarships Many colleges award scholarships based on academic achievement rather than financial need. These may take the form of Presidential Scholarships and are based on minimal grade point averages and SAT scores. These scholarships are often incentives to attract bright, high caliber students to colleges that may not routinely draw such students.
EDUCATIONAL LOANS 1. Stafford Loan: Educational loan to student, obtained through a bank or directly through the college, that generally has lower interest rate and is repaid after the student graduates or leaves college.
2. Parent Plus Loan: Parent educational loan that usually has lower interest rates and longer repayment periods than conventional bank loans.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
1. Work Study: Colleges offer work opportunities on campus to students who are receiving financial aid. These jobs are often not available to the student not receiving financial aid.
2. Cooperative Education: Colleges offer work opportunities on campus to provide students an opportunity to alternate periods of classroom studies with work experiences. The students are paid a salary commensurate with their work opportunity.
PRIVATE & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS There are many financial aid programs, public and private, local and national that offer grants, scholarships and loans to students who qualify for any of a variety of reasons. (Academic achievement, religious affiliation, ethnic or racial heritage, community activities, parents’ employers, organizational memberships, artistic talents, athletic ability, career plans, or field of study.
SPRING SCHOLARSHIPS Our Counseling Department posts and announces to students scholarship opportunities that come our way. Applications for many scholarships are on our scholarship shelf in the Counseling Office.
A NOTE OF CAUTION: There are many people claiming to provide a scholarship finding service that guarantees a certain number of scholarship opportunities for some fairly exorbitant fees. Please remember that you have as much access to the information they are using as they do and it is free in our Counseling Department.
SAMPLE LETTER - COLLEGE INFORMATION
Your Address Naugatuck, CT 06770 Today's Date
Office of Admissions Name of College City, State, ZIP
Dear Sir:
I am a student at Naugatuck High School and expect to graduate in June . I am interested in the major offered at your college.
Please send me a bulletin of information and an application. Also, please forward any information available on your institutions financial aid.
Sincerely,
YOUR SIGNATURE
Your name (typed)
SAMPLE LETTER - NOT ATTENDING
Your Address Naugatuck, CT 06770 Today's Date
Office of Admissions Name of College City, State, ZIP
Dear Sir:
Thank you very much for accepting me to (name of school), beginning Fall 20__. I appreciate the time and consideration given my application. At this time, I have decided to attend (your choice) and would like to withdraw my name in hopes of providing an opportunity for another student.
Sincerely,
YOUR SIGNATURE
Your name (typed)
SAMPLE LETTER: Requesting a Congressional (or vice-presidential) Nomination
Honorable ____________________________ Honorable____________________________ House of Representatives United State Senate Washington, D. C. 20515 Washington, D. C. 20510
Dear ___________________________________
It is my desire to attend the United States Naval Academy. I respectfully request that I be considered as one of your nominees for the class entering in the summer of 20__.
The following personal data are provided for your information.
Full name _________________________________________________________________________________ (Print as recorded on birth certificate)
Name of parents ___________________________________________________________________________ Address: (Use Zip Code and phone number)
Permanent Mailing __________________________________ _____________________________________
__________________________________ _____________________________________
__________________________________ _____________________________________
My date of birth: ____________________ Place of birth: _______________________ Social Security: _____________________ Sex: ________________________________ High School attended: _____________________________________________________________________ (Name and address) Date of high school graduation: ____________________________________________________________ My approximate standing is _____________ in a class of ______________________.
I have/have not sent a Pre-candidate Questionnaire to the Naval Academy. Apply to Vice-President only if highly qualified.
I have requested my high school transcript of work completed to date be forwarded to your office as soon as possible. I have also listed on the reverse side the results of any ACT or College Board test scores that I have taken.
I have been active in high school extracurricular activities as indicated on the resume attached. I should greatly appreciate your consideration of my request for one of your nomination.
Sincerely yours,
Your signature
Your name typed
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| Last Updated on Sunday, 11 October 2009 22:54 |