[PDF] THE COLLEGE PLANNING PROCESS What to do and when to do it!

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THE COLLEGE PLANNING PROCESS What to do and when to do it! This manual offers you, the college-bound student, an organizational framework from which to approach the process of planning for your education after graduation from high school. It essentially covers what you will need to do and when you will need to do it. Suggestions are offered on a grade-by-grade basis throughout your high school experience. The manual also focuses on four key aspects of the process (preparation, selection, admissions, and financial aid). Be advised that you must challenge yourself, and you must work hard during all four years of high school. It is recommended that you read the entire manual prior to addressing the items for the grade in which you are currently enrolled. You will need to plan carefully and to work diligently on this adventure, but keep in mind that your counselors are available to assist you. A word of advice-What you know…will only help you! If you should need more information, Guidance would like to encourage you to visit the following website: www.educationplanner.org Go to the site map in the upper right hand corner for hundreds of articles about college preparation! Compiled, Edited and Revised 1985, 1987,1991,1995,1996,1999,2000,2004, 2008 G. Worley, M. Alessandroni, K. Hach, E. Bierker NORTHEASTERN HIGH SCHOOL Northeastern School District Manchester, PA www.nhsbobcats.org (CLICK “GUIDANCE”)

TABLE OF CONTENTS THE COLLEGE PLANNING PROCESS ................................................................. 2 IS COLLEGE FOR ME? ............................................................................................. 5 AN OVERVIEW FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS.......................................................... 7 E-CHOICES ................................................................................................................ 10 TIMELINE: GRADES 9-12....................................................................................... 11 NINTH GRADE .......................................................................................................... 11 TENTH GRADE ......................................................................................................... 13 ELEVENTH GRADE................................................................................................. 15 TWELFTH GRADE................................................................................................... 19 COLLEGE RESOURCES IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE.................................... 23 GENERAL COLLEGE PLANNING WEB SITES ................................................. 24 UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE WEB SITE LISTS .............................................. 27 CAREER RESOURCES ON THE WEB ................................................................. 29 SELF-ASSESSMENT................................................................................................. 31 HOW TO FIND YOUR COLLEGES ....................................................................... 32 SELECTING A SCHOOL ......................................................................................... 34 FACTORS INFLUENCING COLLEGE SELECTION......................................... 35 WHAT DO I DO WITH MY LIST? ......................................................................... 37 ADMISSIONS GUIDE KEY TERMS from www.fastweb.com............................. 39 PICK YOUR COLLEGE: MORE QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ....................... 40 ACTIVITIES/PINK CARD ....................................................................................... 42 COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS............................................................................ 43 PSAT/NMSQT- Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test....................................................................................... 43 SAT I-Scholastic Assessment Test............................................................................. 43 ACT-American College Test...................................................................................... 44 SAT II-Scholastic Assessment Tests (subject tests) ................................................. 44 AP tests-Advanced Placement Exams....................................................................... 44 TOEFL-Test of English as a Foreign Language ...................................................... 44 CLEP-College Level Exam Program ........................................................................ 45 COLLEGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST ............................................................. 46 ADMISSION POLICIES AND DEADLINES ......................................................... 48 APPLYING FOR ADMISSIONS.............................................................................. 49 WRITING ESSAYS FOR YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS.......................... 51 GET NOTICED: 10 COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS ....................................................... 55 ADMISSIONS SAMPLE LETTERS/EMAILS ....................................................... 56 PROCESSING YOUR TRANSCRIPT THROUGH GUIDANCE ........................ 59 THE PARTS OF AN ADMISSION FOLDER......................................................... 60 THE COLLEGE CAMPUS VISIT - SUGGESTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 62 SELECTIVE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ................................................................ 63 THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE COLLEGE PROCESS...... 66 THE COLLEGE INTERVIEW................................................................................. 68

QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY ADMISSIONS OFFICERS............................ 68 THE COLLEGE INTERVIEW - QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO ASK .................. 70 THE FINAL DECISION: COLLEGE CHOICE from www.fastweb.com ........... 72 MAKING THE FINAL DECISION ......................................................................... 74 FOCUS ON FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS: TERMINOLOGY................ 77 MILITARY SCHOLARSHIPS & SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS...... 82 FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION TIPS................................................................. 83 SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE from www.fastweb.com .................................................. 84 MORE FINANCIAL AID TERMS from www.fastweb.com.................................. 87 FAFSA GUIDE from www.fastweb.com .................................................................. 90 FAFSA ON THE WEB Q & A from www.fastweb.com ........................................ 92 FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES ON THE WEB ................................................... 94 SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES ...................................................... 98 RESOURCES FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE ................................................... 99

IS COLLEGE FOR ME? REASONS FOR GOING TO COLLEGE: • To train for a position which requires a college education • To increase opportunities for success in life, economic and otherwise • To provide greater economic security for you and your family • To develop independence and self-discipline • To use your mind to the limit of your ability • To acquire a greater appreciation for the world • To cultivate an awareness of social problems and having a desire to help solve them. WHO SHOULD GO TO COLLEGE? • Those who possess the intellectual capacity to complete the high school program successfully • Those whose standard aptitude and intelligence tests indicate the capacity for success in college work • Those who possess an intellectual curiosity and interest in some particular field of learning and work that requires a college education • Those who possess or can develop the self-discipline and independence which college study requires • Those who are willing to work hard and make many sacrifices in order to attain the goal of a college education • Those who, through the means available, will be able to finance college education without incurring insurmountable debts • Those who have a career goal for which college is appropriate WHO SHOULD NOT GO TO COLLEGE? • Those who realize, through inspection of the high school record and test scores, that they do not possess the capacity for college level work • Those who are definitely interested in an occupation which does not require a college education • Those who are not yet sure whether or not to attend a college but could profit by delaying the decision until a more mature choice could be made • Those whose maturity level is such that they are not yet ready to cope with the independence, self-discipline, and hard work necessary for college • Those who have examined all sources of financial aid without success and who cannot finance a college education without incurring and insurmountable debt REASONS FOR FAILURE IN COLLEGE: • Poor study habits • Lack of motivation for success • Too many non-academic activities

• • •

Lack of maturity to adjust to the college environment Lack of self-discipline and the ability to study when necessary Difficulty in getting along with other students

Compliments of Gordon Bateman, Elizabethtown College Admissions, Elizabethtown, PA. 17022

AN OVERVIEW FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS Success in challenging college preparatory courses is not the best preparation for a selective college. The more demanding your high school course of study, the better your chances for admission to and success at the selective college of your choice. Nearly all selective colleges demand a minimum of 16 units (full year courses) of college preparatory work. Use the descriptions below as a guideline for selecting courses.

The nation’s selective colleges demand more than a high school diploma.

Whether you are a freshman or a senior, there are important choices that you can make now to prepare for college or post-secondary school. Suggestions will be offered here to assist you based on the grade level in which you are currently enrolled, but these are suggestions, not requirements. Your career path and track (academic or technical) are excellent guidelines to follow when selecting courses, along with recommendations from your teachers and counselors. Most selective colleges (those with the highest admissions requirements) prefer to admit students who have taken courses in certain subject areas. For example, many colleges prefer that high school students have taken challenging science courses and mathematics courses beyond general math and algebra. Basic computer skills are now essential, and some colleges prefer three or four years of a foreign language. Your guidance counselor can help you determine the courses required or preferred by different types of colleges. If you are interested in specific colleges, you can contact those schools and ask about their admissions requirements. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, college admission committees primarily focus on the strength of the curriculum taken and performance within that curriculum. GPA, class rank and SAT scores are considered but often the kinds of classes taken can make the difference in being admitted to your first choice college. Often juniors and seniors slack off after taking the number of core courses required for graduation. Don’t give into this temptation! Your competition in the selective college admission game is taking that extra year or two of foreign language or that AP course in one of your strongest academic areas. The following is a list of recommended classes for those students considering a four-year college. Even if you are interested in attending a community college or trade/technical school, you should consider taking most of these courses since they provide the preparation necessary for all kinds of postsecondary education.

ENGLISH-4YRS (ex. American Literature, Composition, English Literature, World Literature) MATHEMATICS-3-4YRS (ex. Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, College Math) HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY-2-3YRS (ex. Civics, US History, Geography, Global Studies, Economics) LABORATORY SCIENCE-2-4YRS (ex. Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics) FOREIGN LANGUAGE-2-4YRS VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS-1YR (ex. Art, Dance, Drama, Music) CHALLENGING ELECTIVES-1-3YRS (ex. Speech, Computer Science, Psychology, Sociology) ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES: Advanced placement courses demonstrate your ability to handle advanced work. Selective colleges view advanced placement courses as a sign of your willingness to accept a challenge and as evidence of your intellectual curiosity. The members of most college admissions committees will take special note of students with at least one advanced placement course on their high school transcript. However, this does not mean that you must take advanced placement courses to be admitted to a selective college. Honors, Dual Enrollment, are also desirable choices. OTHER COURSES: Courses such as music, art, business, and computer courses are valuable supplements to those previously listed. They develop personal skills, promote aesthetic awareness, and foster recreational interests. However, they should not be chosen instead of college preparatory courses. WHAT COUNTS MOST? Success in a demanding college preparatory program is the first priority for a selective college when it reviews an application for admission. Yet, it is the combination of courses, grade-point average and rank, standardized tests scores, out-of-class experiences, and even the essay on the application that determines your preparedness for a selective college. APPLICATION: You cannot be admitted if you do not complete an application to the college (or use the Common Application Form available for some colleges and universities). Colleges review the application to learn about your in-school and extracurricular activities. Selective colleges also require an essay. They use the essay to learn about you

and also to judge your ability to express your thoughts in writing. (Usually submitted in the fall of your senior year of high school.) SECONDARY SCHOOL RECORD: Your high school record carries a great deal of weight. Slightly lower grades in more rigorous courses may be more important than higher grades in an easier program. (Transcripts usually submitted after first semester of your senior year in high school.) SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TESTS: The SAT’s (or ACT’s) are required by more selective colleges. However, the importance a college places on the tests varies greatly. Standardized test scores are seldom the most important factor in an admissions decision, and most colleges do not have cut-off scores. (Usually taken no later than fall of the senior year). SAT II – SUBJECT TESTS (formerly Achievement Tests): Selective colleges usually require or recommend specific Subject Tests. Some colleges consider them as factors in the admissions process; others use them to place students in the appropriate level of work when they enroll. RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommendations from your high school guidance counselor, principal, headmaster, and/or teacher(s) are taken seriously by most selective colleges. The colleges use these as evidence of your potential, character, and classroom effort. Key people at your school who know you well are best able to give the college a fair and valuable assessment of you and your work. (Must be sent to the college prior to the application deadline.) OUT-OF-CLASS ACTIVITIES: Selective colleges seek students with a wide variety of interests and experiences. These colleges realize that the intellectual ability and the varied perspectives of their students contribute to the overall educational climate. Community service, student government, athletics, overseas study, unusual hobbies, as well as participation in theatre, music, art, dance, or academic clubs are viewed positively by selective colleges. However, participation in out-of-class activities will not compensate for a poor academic record. THE INTERVIEW: If a college you are considering encourages interviews, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. The interview is an excellent way to determine if a college will really “fit” you. Admissions counselors at the college can answer most of your questions. In some cases an interview may make the difference in whether you are admitted or not. If you believe you may be a “marginal” candidate for admission to a specific college, request an interview. However, do your homework before you go. Have good questions and be sure you can explain why that college is attractive to you.

E-CHOICES The e-choices program will allow you to make a very personalized search of your career and post-secondary school choices. Using this program you will be able to make your selections as narrow or broad as you choose. To access the CHOICES PLANNER, students can go to www.echoices.com and create an account. This account can be accessed in school and from home, and allows students to explore all the available features included in the CHOICES program, plus the benefit of a personal portfolio! To login you would enter the web address. Once at the site ID you enter the 1035044 and the password-bobcats. You will also be able to create your own personal sign in portfolio name and password to save your searches to, all you will need to do is click on “create a profile” and answer the questions. Here are just some of the highlights of the content of this program organized into three sections-WORK, LEARN, and YOUR PORTFOLIO. WORK 9 Browse careers, including comprehensive career reports 9 Assessments-comprehensive tools for interests, skills, aptitudes and work values 9 See relationships with careers, college majors, and college choice 9 Resume building 9 Interviewing tips and tricks 9 Job search skills LEARN 9 School Finder-a search using an extensive selection of school characteristics 9 Browse programs that connect users to combined undergraduate and graduate school databases 9 Compare two schools or compare a school to a student’s needs 9 Financial aid information using the Scholarship Finder and scholarship reports 9 Prepares students with high school course planning and post-secondary transition planning YOUR PORTFOLIO 9 Always available user storage for use at school and at home 9 Review assessment results and career plans 9 Career Plan Builder-interactive tools to confirm choices for education and career 9 Personal career plan journal A few ways you will be able to narrow things down is with the many different characteristics you are able to choose from. In the career finder you will make decisions on items such as education level, money and outlook, skills, and career facts. The school finder will allow you to decide on characteristics such as key facts, admissions, tuition and costs, programs offered and many more.

TIMELINE: GRADES 9-12 NINTH GRADE 1.

Each college-bound student needs to be aware of some key facts at this time: A. College selection is a process that begins at this point in your high school career and will continue through the next four years. B. A high school academic transcript (record) accompanies each college application. Your transcript will display all courses, grades for each course, cumulative grade point average, rank in class, and all college entrance exam scores compiled over a four-year period (grade 9-12). C. It is wise to tentatively project your course selections over your entire high school career. D. There are many terms and concepts about the college selection process that students and parents do not understand. Your counselors are available to answer your questions. Do not hesitate to contact them.

2. Tell your counselor the activities in which you are involved. This is the beginning of a very important part of the college process-your activity profile. This profile is part of your permanent record folder that is kept in the counseling office. Not only does the activity profile become a vital part of the college application process, the information in your profile enables your counselor to get to know you better and serves as an aid in advising you accordingly. At this time students can investigate a few activities that they may wish to pursue in depth (it should be noted that the pursuit of a few activities in terms of both quality and depth is better than minimal involvement in many activities). Ask your counselor about the role of extracurricular activities in the college process. 3. Begin to explore potential career fields. Resources may include the CHOICES program on computers in the library and writing lab, information in the guidance office library and the librarian. Subject area teachers may be able to provide you with additional information regarding career opportunities in their respective fields. Websites that provide career information are listed on pages 19 and 20. . 4. The courses you choose for grade ten become important during this year. Your teachers, parents and counselor can provide important information regarding the selection of an appropriate, college-preparatory schedule of courses for next year. 5. Understand that you will probably need to take college entrance examinations in order to get into most colleges (especially four-year colleges). These tests are designed to determine whether or not you can be successful with college level studies. The content of these tests is from material that you are supposed to have learned from college-oriented courses in high school. Therefore, it is important that you take the appropriate courses and that you do your best to learn the information and concepts that are being taught to you in those courses. While

most students’ first experience with a college entrance exam is the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) taken in the fall of the sophom*ore or junior year, it is not too early for freshmen to be aware of this upcoming event. 6. Finally, work to establish a good academic profile. Many students who are juniors and seniors regret that they did not study seriously during their ninth and tenth grade years. Now is the time for you to work on a solid grade point average (GPA). Ask your counselor what GPA means, what RANK IN CLASS means, and what role they play in the college process. Ask if your rank and GPA are available for your freshman year. Also ask what kinds of information (academic and other) college admissions officers will consider when looking at you as a potential student at their college. PREP FOR COLLEGE CALENDAR (Freshman Year) ¾ Build strong academic, language, mathematics and critical thinking skills by taking challenging courses. ¾ Study hard and get good grades. ¾ Strengthen your vocabulary by increasing your reading. ¾ Become involved in extracurricular activities. ¾ Meet with your counselor and discuss your plans for the next four years. ¾ Browse through college literature or surf the Web to get an idea of what kinds of schools may be of interest to you. ¾ Check out what high school courses colleges require. ¾ Know NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) requirements if you want to play sports in college. ¾ Keep an academic portfolio and activities record. ¾ Research career possibilities. ¾ Start saving money for college! Reprinted from NACAC’s PACT Guide, 2000

TENTH GRADE 1. By law you are required to have a social security number (SSN) at birth. This number is an important part of the college process. You do have the right to not release your S.S.N. number to colleges but you will need it for employment and financial aid. See your counselor immediately if you need an S.S.N. number. 2. Investigate career information using the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) and the CHOICES career exploration program on the computers in the library and the writing lab. Pay particular attention to the information about education requirements in the event that you are able to schedule some courses during your junior and /or senior years that reflect these requirements. Do not forget your subject teachers and the librarian for any information or insights that they may provide. The computer based career-planning program, CHOICES, is another excellent resource and is user-friendly. A fact sheet on the features of this program is found on page. Also, there are websites listed on pages 19 and 20 that may assist you in getting more information on certain career. 3. Become familiar with college guidebooks. This is one of the fundamental resources in the college search process and serves as a starting point for students and parents in their search for appropriate colleges. Guidebooks provide general information about four-year and two-year colleges throughout the United States. Peterson’s Guide to Two-Year Colleges and Guide to Four Year Colleges, Talbot’s Student Planning Guide and School Guide Publications are all available in the guidance office. This is a great time for students and parents to browse through these resources to learn the types of information provided there. Other resources that provide general information about colleges are college websites (a list on pages 15-18) and the CHOICES computer program. 4. Understand the varieties of college entrance examinations that exist for college admissions purposes. The exams you need to be familiar with are the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT I, SAT II, and the ACT. a. PSAT- Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. b. SAT I-Scholastic Aptitude Test (general entrance exam) c. SAT II-Scholastic Aptitude Test II (specific entrance exam, formerly called the achievement tests) d. ACT- American College Test The purpose of college entrance tests is to determine your ability “to succeed at college level work.” You will only need to take certain tests listed above. The key is to learn which tests you will need to take and when you will need to take them. This is referred to as a personal testing plan/strategy. Ask your counselor to explain the above tests to you and to discuss a general testing plan for you to follow.

5. Be prepared to tell your counselor the activities in which you are involved both in and out of school. This should simply be an update of the activity profile that you started last year. Understand that letters of recommendation that accompany college applications will reference these activities as well as your academics. Keep in mind that the quality of your activities, and not just the quantity of activities in which you are involved, is important. 6. Analyze and adjust the schedule of courses you will take throughout high school to prepare you for the career area that interests you. If you are uncertain about perspective career fields (which is not at all uncommon at this stage in your life), an academic track in any of the Career Pathways would be suitable for most students. It is wise for you and your parents to consult with your counselor for input regarding the course selection for eleventh grade as well as the possibilities for twelfth grade courses during this year. Your counselor will be meeting with you individually during the spring semester to help you with course selection. 7. Continue to check on your academic profile. Know your GPA and class RANK. If available, compare your sophom*ore GPA and RANK to last year’s data. Keep a record of this information on file. 8. Consider visiting a college campus to get an idea of what a college is like. Perhaps during the summer months or during a family vacation you could arrange to do this with your parents. PREP FOR COLLEGE CALENDAR (Sophom*ore Year) SEPTEMBER ¾ Consult your guidance counselor about taking the PSAT in October. Listen for announcements for information on registering for this test given during the school day. OCTOBER ¾ Take the PSAT for practice. The results will not be used for college admission. ¾ Sign up, if you have not done so already, for extra-curricular activities that interest you. NOVEMBER ¾ Make sure you are “on top” of your academic work. If necessary, meet with your teacher for additional help. Save your best work for your academic portfolio. You will meet with your counselor when the results come in for the PSAT. REST OF YEAR – Keep your grades up and stay involved in activities.

ELEVENTH GRADE (Junior Year) FALL SEMESTER September Plan to take the PSAT/NMSQT exam in October. This is a practice exam for the SAT I and the scores on the exam taken this year (and this year only) are used to determine winners of the National Merit Scholarship. Pay attention to the daily announcements for information on when and where to register for the test. Do not miss this exam-it is only given once a year! Plan to attend the Post-Secondary Opportunities and Financial Aid Night with your parents/guardian. This evening presentation is very informative and is an opportunity for you to officially begin your college planning. Listen to daily announcements and check the district calendar for the date. October Attend college fairs and financial aid seminars offered at local high schools and colleges. Check with your counselor for dates and times of these events. Continue to explore career possibilities using the resources in guidance and the CHOICES computer program. Establish and begin to add information to your own account using the Daily Planner offered through this program. Remember that your account can be accessed through your computer at home too! Sign up to meet with college representatives who visit our school in the fall November Sign up to meet with college representatives who visit our school in the fall. Sign up sheets are in the guidance office and your attendance will be monitored so that students are not abusing this opportunity. Listen to announcements for dates and times or check with your counselor if you are interested in a certain college or university that has not scheduled a visit. You will meet with your counselor when the results come in for the PSAT. Junior year grades are extremely important in the college admission process, because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced, upper level courses. Grades are also used to determine scholarships and grants for which you might be eligible. So put in the extra effort and keep those grades up!

December Results of the PSAT should be available this month. You will meet with your counselor to review the results and get suggestions on how to improve your scores on standardized tests. Make plans to take college entrance exams. This would include the SAT I, the ACT, and the SAT II tests. Learn the differences between these different tests and ask your counselor to help you decide which tests to take, when to take them and how often. There are SAT study guides and sample tests available in the guidance office and on-line information is available at www.collegeboard.com. In addition, SAT preparation courses are offered by Northeastern School District, York College and Penn State York in the fall and spring. See your guidance counselor for more information about these programs. When you begin to explore different colleges and universities, double-check to see if they prefer or require the ACT, the SAT I and/or the SAT II subject tests. Our CEEB Code is 392-380 SPRING SEMESTER January Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you would like to investigate further. Use the resources available in the guidance office to start the college search process. This is where you will find college guidebooks (general information), college catalogs (detailed information), information files on in and out of state colleges and the CHOICES computer program (also available in the library and the writing lab). Information on Open Houses and college visits for many different colleges/universities are posted in the main hallway across from the library. Resources in the guidance office must not be taken out unless permission is given by one of the counselors. The office is open before and after school, during homeroom and in the summer. Plan to attend the PHEAA Financial Aid Night with your parents to get information on how to fill out the federal financial aid forms required during your senior year if you are applying for financial aid. February Meet with your counselor to discuss your preliminary list of colleges. Discuss whether your initial list meets your needs and interests and whether you are considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted. You should be optimistic and realistic when considering colleges. Register for the March SAT I if you have completed the math courses (Alg 1, Int. Alg, Geom, Alg 2) covered on the SAT I. If not, plan to take the SAT I in May or June.

March Write, telephone or use the Internet to request admission literature and financial aid information from the colleges on the list. There is no charge and no obligation to send for information about admissions and financial aid. April You will be meeting individually with your counselor to begin senior course selection. When selecting courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically. Topics that may be addressed during your meeting include GPA/RANK, career information and the college selection process. If you are enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) course, talk to your teacher about taking the AP Exam. You may sign up for these exams through the guidance office if your AP teacher feels this is a wise step for you. May Attend a college fair to get more information about colleges on your list. Visit the NACAC’s Web site (www.nacac.com) to check out the schedule for the National College Fairs held in the fall and spring. Get a jump on summer activities- consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program, applying for an internship, working or volunteering. Begin visiting colleges. Phone to set up appointments. Interviews are always a good idea. Many colleges will tell you they are optional, but an interview will show interest, enthusiasm and initiative on your part and provide an excellent opportunity to have your questions answered. Do a practice interview with your counselor, teacher, employer, or a senior who has had college interviews. Set up interviews as early as possible-interview times become booked quickly! If you wish to attend one of the military service academies, see your counselor for the application. If you are interested in any of the military branches, see your counselor to set up an interview with one of the recruiters. SUMMER June After school ends, continue plans to visit colleges. Seeing the college firsthand, taking a tour and talking to students can be the greatest help in deciding whether or not a school is right for you. Although it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going in the

summer will be valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give tours and answer questions from prospective students and their parents. July Establish a “final” list of colleges (4-6 including to safe picks) by narrowing your working list down to the schools that best fit your interests and needs. These are the schools to which you will apply. It is understood that you may add or delete schools from this list, but this is generally your list of target colleges. August Begin preparing for the actual application process: draft application essays; collect writing samples; and assemble portfolios or audition tapes. If you are an athlete and plan on playing in college, contact the coaches at the schools to which you are applying and ask about intercollegiate and intramural sports programs and athletic scholarships. Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you hope to play Division I or II sports. (This form cannot be mailed until you finish your sixth semester of high school). Go to: https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/student/index_student.html

TWELFTH GRADE (Senior Year) FALL SEMESTER SEPTEMBER ¾ Make sure you have all applications required for college admission and financial aid. Applications for local colleges are located in the guidance office but you may need to write, call or check the Internet for addresses or to request applications. Most colleges encourage you to apply on line due to the ability to process your application in a more timely fashion. You can apply to any or all of the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities on-line by visiting their web site at. https://www.applyweb.com/aw?passhe ¾ Plan to attend the Postsecondary and Financial Aid Information Night in September if you missed it in your junior year. Listen to announcements or check the district calendar for dates and times. ¾ Check on application and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you plan to apply. They may vary and it is essential that you meet all deadlines! ¾ Register for the October/November SAT I and /or SAT II or the September/October ACT. OCTOBER ¾ Be ready to meet with your counselor for your senior interview. Your transcript and activities will be discussed along with your progress in the college selection process. Bring your list of possible colleges along to this meeting so that your counselor can determine how well they fit with your academic and personal record. ¾ Complete each application in plenty of time prior to the deadline date. Processing applications requires considerable time and counselors receive numerous applications to complete each day. A MINIMUM of two weeks (10 school days) is required to process your applications. You are encouraged to complete your applications prior to the beginning of second semester. ¾ Remember to complete and make changes to your pink activity card. You can see Mrs. Weirich (Guidance Secretary) or your counselor to update your card as changes occur. ¾ A transcript request form should accompany every transcript request. If you have 3 applications, you must have 3 request forms. Forms are found on the counter in the guidance office. You will be asked to write in the address of the institution you are applying to, so make sure you have that information available. Transcript forms need a parent/guardian signature (if under 18yrs old) and should be given directly to Mrs. Weirich along with your application, reference letters, check for application fee and any other forms you are to send along with your transcript. You must

collect all of these forms and submit them together to be mailed. We will not make multiple mailings for missed information in your application packet, so make sure everything is together before submitting it for processing. ¾ If applying for early decision or early action, send in your application now. Also prepare applications for back-up schools. Remember, if you are accepted under the early decision option, you are expected to enroll at that college and to withdraw all other applications. Submit financial aid information if requested from early decision/action candidates. NOVEMBER ¾ If colleges require recommendations, ask the appropriate people to write on your behalf. At least three weeks before the due date, ask your counselor and teachers, employers, or coaches to write letters of recommendation. Provide recommendation forms, any special instructions and ask them to return them to you or send them directly to the guidance office to be mailed with your application. Be thoughtful! Write thank-you notes to those who write recommendations and keep them informed of your decisions. ¾ Register for the December/January SAT I and or SAT II. Don’t forget to have test scores sent to colleges on your list. ¾ Consult the monthly Scholarship Bulletin for available scholarships and financial opportunities. This bulletin is printed every month with updated information about scholarship opportunities. Bulletins are given to the senior homeroom teachers for distribution and posted on the high school website. Applications are available in the black file box on the counter in the guidance office and/or available on-line. Make sure you check deadlines and requirements closely. DECEMBER ¾ Keep all records, test score reports and copies of applications for admission and financial aid. Do not throw anything away until at least the end of your first year in college. Having detailed records will save you time and effort should anything be lost or should you decide to apply in the future to other colleges and scholarship programs. ¾ Consult your school counselor again to review your final list of colleges. Be sure you have all bases covered. It is a good idea to make copies of everything before you drop these envelopes in the mail! If for some reason your application gets lost, you will have a back-up copy. JANUARY ¾ Keep working in your classes! Grades and courses continue to count throughout the senior year. ¾ Request that the guidance office send mid-semester grades to the colleges to which you applied.

¾ Attend Financial Aid Night held in January by PHEAA to help students and parents complete the FAFSA (federal financial aid form). Bring your completed tax information and return your FAFSA form as soon as possible. You can also complete the FAFSA on-line by logging on to www.fafsa.ed.gov. This presentation is held annually to discuss financial aid as a process, to explain financial aid terminology, and to address both general and specific questions about financial aid. Understand that school counselors are generalists who can provide basic information about financial aid but who are limited in assisting students and parents with information regarding situations that are unique to them. Therefore, this program also attempts to provide students and parents with the opportunity to ask specific and unique questions of the financial aid specialist presenting the program. FEBRUARY ¾ Continue to apply for various forms of financial aid and/or scholarships for which you are eligible. Know the deadlines for submitting applications and consult the monthly Scholarship Bulletin for the most current opportunities. ¾ If you completed a FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after submitting the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully and check for any inaccuracies. If necessary, correct any items on the SAR and return it to make any necessary changes to college reports. ¾ If more than four weeks have passed after sending in your FAFSA and you have not received an acknowledgment, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (319) 337-5665. MARCH ¾ Stay focused and keep studying! ¾ Do not take rolling admissions for granted. These schools may reach their maximum class size quickly –the earlier you apply, the more availability there may be. ¾ Review your college acceptances and financial aid awards. Be sure to compare financial aid packages in your decision-making process. If you are positive you will not enroll at one or more of the colleges that accepted you, please notify those colleges that you have selected another college. Keeping colleges abreast of your plans might enable those colleges to admit someone else. If you know which college you will attend, send your tuition deposit and follow all other instructions for admitted students. You must decide which offer of admission to accept by May 1. MAY ¾ By May 1st, decide on the one college that you will attend. Send in your tuition deposit to the college and notify your counselor and/or the guidance office of your decision.

¾ If your first-choice college places you on their waiting list, do not lose all hope. Some students are admitted off the waiting list or are offered admission in the spring semester. ¾ Take AP exams and request that your scores be sent to the college you will attend. JUNE ¾ Request that your counselor send your final transcript to the college you will attend. Notify the college of any private scholarships or grants you will be receiving. ¾ Know when the payment for tuition, room and board, meal plans, etc. is due. If necessary, ask the financial aid office about a possible payment plan that will allow for you to pay in installments. ¾ CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You’ve made it through high school!!!! Enjoy your graduation and look forward to college and your future.

COLLEGE RESOURCES IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE COLLEGE PREPARATION-general procedure/information THE COLLEGE PLANNING PROCESS-Northeastern High School student manual COLLEGE GUIDES-provide general information about colleges Peterson’s GUIDE TO FOUR YEAR COLLEGES Peterson’s GUIDE TO TWO YEAR COLLEGES Talbot’s-STUDENT PLANNING BOOK School Guide Publications-SCHOOL GUIDE Asher-COOL COLLEGES CHOICES-computer program

GENERAL COLLEGE PLANNING WEB SITES A listing of sites that offer general information about the college search and admission process. Adventures in Education adventuresineducation.org All About College: Links www.allaboutcollege.com American Council on Education's Center for Adult Learning www.acenet.edu/calec/ AskERIC: Education Information ericir.syr.edu CampusTours www.campustours.com Channel 4000 www.channel4000.com/education/fouryear/ College Board (SAT’s) www.collegeboard.com College Bound Network www.collegebound.net College Connector/CollegeNET www.c3apply.org College Is Possible www.collegeispossible.org CollegeLink www.collegelink.com CollegeNET www.collegenet.com College Planning Network www.collegeplan.org

College Prep 101 http://www.collegeprep101.com/ College Quest www.collegequest.com College and University Newspapers www.yahoo.com/News_and_Media/College_and_University/newspapers CollegeView www.collegeview.com College Visits www.college-visits.com CollegeXpress www.collegexpress.com Collegiate Choice Walking Tours Videos www.collegiatechoice.com Common Application https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx Educational Resource Network www.ernweb.com Embark.com www.embark.com Kaplan Educational Centers www.kaplan.com Making College Count www.makingcollegecount.com My College Guide www.mycollegeguide.org My Footpath www.myfootpath.com Next Step Magazine www.nextSTEPmagazine.com

NIEP College Preview http://www.college-preview.com/new/html/index.htm Octameron Associates www.octameron.com New Jersey School Counselors Association's College, Career & Financial Aid Site www.jnsca.org/col Peterson's www.petersons.com Princeton Review www.review.com School Guide Publications www.schoolguides.com Time Out Associates www.timeoutassociates.com TransWorldEducation www.transworldeducation.com U.S. News and World Report Education Page www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/eduhome.htm

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE WEB SITE LISTS www.yahoo.com/Education/Higher_Education/Colleges_and_Universities www.clas.ufl.edu/CLAS/american-universities.html www.globalcomputing.com/universy.html www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state Braintrack University www.braintrack.com Foundation for Independent Higher Education www.fihe.org National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities www.naicu.edu/ International Colleges and Universities Association of Canadian Community Colleges www.accc.ca Australia Education Network www.edna.edu.au/ Canadian Universities www.uwaterloo.ca/canu/index.html Education International www.eiworldwide.com General Education Online www.findaschool.org IES Worldwide Student Placement Service www.ies-ed.com International Student Resource Center www.InternationalStudent.com Study In Canada www.studyincanada.com Community Colleges www.utexas.edu/world/comcol/alpha/

Community College Web www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/cc/ League for Innovation in the Community College www.league.org

Religiously Affiliated Institutions Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities www.accunet.org Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities www.ajcunet.edu Christian College Search www.christiancollegesearch.com Rankings College Rankings www.library.uiuc.edu/edx/rankings.htm U.S. News and World Report College Rankings www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/corank.htm

CAREER RESOURCES ON THE WEB

America's Job Bank www.ajb.dni.us Cal Career Center career.berkeley.edu Campus Career Center Worldwide www.campuscareercenter.com Career Choices www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.html Career Guidance Foundation www.cgf.org Career Intelligence Solutions www.obik.com Career Web www.careerweb.com ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career and Vocational Education ericacve.org Experience Network www.experiencenetwork.com JobBank USA www.jobbankusa.com Jobtrak Corporation www.jobtrak.com Kiersey Temperament Sorter www.advisorteam.com/user/ktsintro.asp Monster.com www.monster.com My Future www.myfuture.com

National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education www.specialedcareers.org Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco/ Planning a Career www.adventuresineducation.org School-to-Work Internet Gateway www.stw.ed.gov UK/ International Careers www.hobsons.co.uk/

SELF-ASSESSMENT Use the questions and your answers below to get a better idea of who you are and what type of school will best meet your needs 1. Why do you want to go to college?

2. What do want from college?

3. What subjects in school are interesting and exciting for you?

4. What are your strengths?

5. What do you want to study?

HOW TO FIND YOUR COLLEGES 1. Where do you want to study? Some things to consider are how far away from home, how often would you like to see your family during the school year. ___ Northeast (Ex. Pennsylvania) ___ Southeast (Ex. Florida, Virginia) ___ Midwest (Ex. Illinois) ___ Northwest (Ex. Washington State) ___ Southwest (Ex. Texas) ___ West (Ex. California) ___ Specific States ________________________________________________________ ___ Another Country ______________________________________________________ 2. Where would you like the campus to be located? ___ Urban – Students who attend colleges in a city can enjoy restaurants, museums, theatres, concerts, and professional sports ___ Rural – Students who attend college in a rural area enjoy a quiet setting with the opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, skiing, and mountainclimbing ___ Suburban – Students who attend college in a suburban area enjoy the best of both worlds with a campus setting that is country-like but with a city only a short ride away 3. What type of college would you like to attend? ___ Four-year college or university (award a Bachelor’s degree) ___ Two-year (usually a two year program that offers an Associate degree) ___ Trade (one or two year program that offer a certificate or diploma on a vocational level)

4. What size college would you like to attend? ___ Very Small (Under 1,000 students - Offers a lot of personal attention and guidance) ___ Small (1,000 to 4,999 – Professors and students work closely together. A lot of personal attention is given to students. The athletic teams are not usually well-known, however they offer the opportunity to play on a varsity team) ___ Midsize (5,000 to 9,999 – This size college will offer less personal attention. However, more activities and resources will probably be available for the student) ___ Large (10,000 to 20,000 – A large college may offer faculty members who are better known and have impressive facilities) ___ Very Large (20,000 and above – A large college may offer abundant research facilities and successful athletic teams. It may offer studies that cannot be found at smaller colleges and have classes taught by world-famous professors) 5. How competitive do you want the school to be? ___ Non-competitive – Usually all applicants are accepted ___ Minimally Difficult – Up to 95% of applicants are accepted. Most students are in bottom half of their high school class ___ Moderately Difficult – 85% or fewer of all applicants are accepted. Most the students are in the top half of their high school class and have average SAT scores ___ Very Difficult – 60% or fewer of all applicants are accepted. Over half of the students are usually ranked in the top 10% of their class and have above average SAT scores ___ Most Difficult – 30% or fewer of the applicants are accepted. Three quarters of the students were in the top 10% of their class and have significantly above average SAT scores

SELECTING A SCHOOL There are thousands of colleges to choose from, which can make finding and selecting a college a difficult process. There are several steps that are involved in the college selection process. 1.Self Assessment – Jennifer Gross, from the National Association for College Admission Counseling, states that the best place to begin the college selection process is with yourself. To find a college that meets your needs, interests, and goals, you have to follow several steps. -

Use computer programs – Use the information that you learned from the self-assessment and plug it into the CHOICES program here at school. Acquire more information – The goal at this stage is to have 15-20 colleges that have most of the characteristics that you are looking for and you have a shot getting accepted by. Make a file for each school you are researching that includes college bulletins, applications, personal notes, copies of emails with the college, and copies of financial aid information

2. Final List – You will need to narrow down your list to five to eight colleges you will applying to. 3. College Visits – No matter how attractive the brochure, how exciting or prestigious the reputation, you will never know what the college is like until you see it for yourself. 4. Applying to College – Now that you have your list narrowed down and you have visited the colleges, you are now ready to fill-out the applications. Guidance recommends doing the applications on-line if you have internet access and your parent/guardian has a credit card. 5. Final Decision - You now need to select the school that you plan to attend. Generally, you must let your schools know no later than May 1.

FACTORS INFLUENCING COLLEGE SELECTION In order to determine which college or other post-secondary educational opportunity meets the student’s needs and expectations, the following characteristics should be examined and researched. 1.LENGTH OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Is the student interested in a one, two, three, or four-year educational program? Does a technical school, community college, or a four-year college program satisfy the student’s goals? Does the student wish to pursue a diploma, certificate, associate, or baccalaureate degree path? Will the student need to transfer from one institution to another? 2. SELECTIVITY Does the student want a highly selective or less selective college? How do grades, choice of high school curriculum, and college testing of the student compare with the student population at the college? 3. CHOICE OF MAJORS National studies indicate that nearly 80% of beginning high school freshman change their major at least once in four years of college. Does the college or university under consideration offer a range of majors if the student wishes to reconsider a field of interest? 4. COST Private and public school costs vary greatly; so do financial aid packages. Have the student and his/her family researched the cost of various institutions? Has the student (and parents) attended the financial aid seminar offered at Northeastern High School? 5. DISTANCE Has the student realistically examined the distance he/she wishes to go from home? Have the student and family visited the college to determine the cost of transportation and related expenses? The question of climate or any other pertinent factor should be addressed. 6. SIZE What size of school is the student considering? Research indicates that student involvement (at the college) and information gathered prior to attendance are the two major factors that determine whether or not students like the college they have selected. What opportunities for

personal contact with the faculty and other students at the college are available to the student? 7. LOCATION Urban, suburban, rural? Will the student be comfortable in this setting? Does it afford the opportunity for new experiences? 8. RELIGIOUS ORIENTATION Thirty nine percent of all colleges have some religious affiliation. 9. SOCIAL/ATHLETIC CONSIDERATION Intercollegiate sports, activities, musical involvement, dramatic opportunities, sororities and fraternities assure students of holistic development. Compliments of Frank Basehoar, former Counselor, Big Spring High School Newville, PA 17241

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY LIST? Your adventure is just beginning! You now have a list of 15-20 colleges and in the next coming weeks and months you will explore each of the colleges, visit a few college campuses, and take certain colleges off of your list. So let’s get started! Your Counselor If you do not know your counselor very well now is the time to get to know him or her. It is important to talk to your counselor about your goals, personality, and academic record. The more information you provide, the more your counselor can aid in the college selection process. Be sure to stay in contact with your counselor throughout your college search to help you in clarifying your goals, see whether your grades and courses are good enough for the colleges you are considering, and develop a plan for the rest of the admission process. Internet The internet can help you in nearly every part of your college search. The primary way to research colleges online is through individual web sites. There are sites that provide links directly to college home pages. You can also type a college name into a search engine such as www.google.com . The website will offer an abundant amount of information, such as size, majors, setting, etc. Jennifer Gross from the National Association of College Admission Counseling offers strategies to make the most out of a college’s website. 1. Look at the home page of individual faculty members in majors that interest you, description of their research interests, some detailed syllabuses of their classes, and e-mail addresses. 2. Read the pages for prospective students thoroughly. They will give you basic information about the college, as well as some sense of mission and priorities of the college. 3. Visit the home pages of student organizations. 4. Look for the home pages put up by current students at the college. If students list their e-mail addresses, send short email messages to a few of them asking questions about their college experiences. But don’t take a few complaints on one student’s home pages as a gospel; try to look at a good sampling of student pages.

College Visitations (Representatives visiting Northeastern) College representatives come in usually during the first semester to talk to interested juniors and seniors. This can provide you with the opportunity to talk to the representative about the college and ask any questions you may have. There is a signup book located in the guidance office with the dates and times of visitations. The book changes regularly as representatives call in to schedule a visit. College Fairs College fairs are helpful to those who have not had the opportunity to visit many college campuses or talk with college representatives. There are college fairs located in neighboring school districts. There are also college fairs in Baltimore and Philadelphia where colleges come from all over the United States. See your counselor for dates. College Catalogs College catalogs can be found in the guidance office or sent to you upon request to the school. They offer a basic source of information, such as admission requirements, majors offered, degree requirements, course descriptions, costs, and financial aid. Guidebooks Guidebooks such as Peterson’s Guide to Four Year Colleges and Two Year Colleges are located in the guidance office. Additional books can be found at your local bookstores, public library, school library, and on the internet. Choices The Choices program located on the computers in the library and the computer labs offer basic information about four year, two year, and trade and technical schools. Family and Friends Talk to your parents, brothers, sisters, teachers, coaches, and friends about their experiences and recommendations. Try to find an alumni from the schools you are interested in attending. Your counselor can provide you with a list of schools your teachers have attended.

ADMISSIONS GUIDE KEY TERMS from www.fastweb.com Defining Key Terms Award Letter: A letter telling you what financial aid (if any) your college is offering to you (includes types and amounts of aid offered, specific program information, etc.). You may choose to accept some or all of what is offered. Credit (or Credit Hour): A unit of measurement institutions give for fulfilling course requirements. Most colleges require that you complete a certain number in order to graduate. Cost of Attendance: Includes any cost associated with attending college: tuition and associated fees, room and board, books and supplies, etc. Expected Family Contribution: Amount students and their family are expected to contribute toward cost of attendance. FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students must fill out the FAFSA to find out how much federal aid they are eligible to receive. Visit www.fasfa.ed.gov for more info. Out-of-State Student: Generally applies to students attending public university. Out-of-state students must pay a higher tuition rate until they have established legal residency for that state. Rolling Admissions: There is no set admissions deadline date; qualified students are accepted until classes are filled. Undergraduate student: A student who has not completed a baccalaureate or first professional degree. Early Decision (ED) vs. Early Action (EA) ED and EA allow students to apply early to schools they know they want to attend. What’s the difference? Early Decision is binding. If accepted, you must attend the college or university and withdraw any applications sent to other schools. You won’t be able to compare financial aid offers. Early Action is not binding. Even if you are accepted, you may compare admissions and financial aid offers and wait to commit to the college until later in the year. Many ED or EA deadlines occur in the fall. Verify with the college whether you are allowed to apply early action to other schools. Speak to your guidance counselor and ask your prospective school for more information.

PICK YOUR COLLEGE: MORE QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Financial Aid Questions What type of financial aid packages does the school offer? Are there a variety of options? What tuition increases are planned in the next few years, if any? What has been the average tuition increase in years past? What kind of work opportunities are available? Academics/Career Questions How easy is it to get the courses you want at the times that are convenient for you? How does the school help graduates find jobs? What percentage of graduates from the school find jobs in their field of study? How many computers/computer labs are there? Are they up-to-date and accessible to all students? What is the retention rates (how many students come back after their freshman year)? What is the classroom environment like? Is there much interaction between teacher and students? Room/Board/Lifestyle Questions How easy is it to get on-campus housing and what are the off-campus alternatives? What student organizations are on campus? What percentage of the students are in fraternities or sororities? How does the school provide safety for its students? Are there late night escorts? Is there a campus security team? What is the crime rate on campus and in the surrounding neighborhood? How diverse is the campus? How does the school promote diversity. Opportunities for students of color? How easy is it to switch roommates or dorms?

What are the hours of the student health clinic? What about 24-hour emergency care? How does the college handle leaves of absence? What kind of food and meal plans does the cafeteria offer? What are the options when the café is closed? What options are there for student parking? Is there a fee to park in designated places?

ACTIVITIES/PINK CARD Every student has a “pink card” in his or her academic file kept in the guidance office. This card lists all the activities a student has participated in during their four years of high school. It is strictly the student’s decision on what items will be entered on this profile. The student is responsible for updating this profile throughout the course of their senior year so that the most current information is included on transcripts sent out for scholarships, college applications and employment. The following is a list of typical activities/honors often identified on the activity profile or “pink card”. See Mrs. Weirich (guidance secretary) or your counselor if you have questions or want to make any changes to your card. CLUBS-Varsity Club, Ski Club, Interact (Rotary) Club, Web Club etc. INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS-This category includes athletic trainers and/or managers. OFFICES HELD-STUDENT GOVERNMENT-Student Senate, Class Officers and any office held in other activities/clubs. AWARDS RECEIVED-National Honor Society, Student of the Month, National Art Honor Society, Rotary Student of the Month, PA Governor’s School, Future Leaders of York, etc. (also includes Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll) CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES-Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Thespian Society, Newspaper, Yearbook, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Educators, Literary Magazine, BBC, Envirothon etc.

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS Most students who are planning to further their education beyond high school begin to take exams related to college admissions in grade 10 or 11. It is the student’s responsibility to identify which tests are necessary for specific college or university admissions. This information can be found in any college guidebook. Typically, the first test to be taken is the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which is administered in October each year. General information on this exam and other tests is included in this section. Specific information on test dates, registration deadlines, and fees can be obtained in the high school guidance office. In addition, it is imperative that each student review admissions requirements to determine which exams are needed to apply to their chosen college. In most cases, deadlines require that students register about six weeks prior to actual test dates. Registration information is available in the guidance office. TEST DESCRIPTIONS PSAT/NMSQT- Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test Administered only one time each year on a Saturday in October, the PSAT/NMSQT is the result of a merger of two testing programs. It is one test that has a dual purpose. First, it is a two-hour version of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). The results of this exam are useful in assessing academic strengths and weaknesses, in predicting how you will perform on the SAT, and in preliminary college planning. Second, the PSAT/NMSQT is the first step necessary to be considered for scholarships offered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. While most testing programs require the student to be registered by mail or on-line, registration for the PSAT/NMSQT is arranged through the high school guidance office, usually in late September or early October. SAT I-Scholastic Assessment Test The SAT is a 3 hour 35 minute test designed to provide a standard measure of the critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing abilities of candidates for college admission. The SAT I includes three different sections each scored from 200-800. The Critical Reading section includes shorter reading passages and sentence completions. The math section includes content through Algebra 2. The section called Writing includes multiple-choice questions on grammar and usage along with a student written essay. If you are really serious about entering college, you should take this test more than one time (at least in the spring of your junior year and in the fall of your senior year). The two scores will provide you with an index of improvement in your skills and many colleges will combine your highest scores on individual sections from different testings to determine your highest combined score. Like the PSAT, this test can provide helpful data when planning for your academic future. Most colleges require this test. Registration is by mail, telephone or online at www.collegeboard.com

Northeastern High School is a test center for this exam in the spring. ACT-American College Test Like the SAT, this test is used in determining your aptitude for college work. It is a battery of tests that yields a score of 1-36 in each of four areas (English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning) and a composite (total) score. Scores from the ACT are required by many mid-western and some southern colleges and are accepted interchangeably with the SAT by many schools across the nation. The ACT is suggested for admission to certain special programs such as nursing and health care at Harrisburg Area Community College. If you are instructed by a college guidebook or college catalog to take the ACT, you should consult your consider taking it in April of your junior year and in December of your senior year. Registration is by mail, by telephone or online (www.act.org). SAT II-Scholastic Assessment Tests (subject tests) Unlike the Sat I, the SAT II tests measure the student’s knowledge in specific subject areas and are often used by colleges in making both admissions and placement decisions. While there are some exceptions, it is recommended you take the achievement tests in late spring of your junior year and in December or January of your senior year. The college catalog will clearly state whether or not you are expected to take one or more of these tests. Check carefully. Selective colleges tend to value the results of these achievement tests even though they may not require them. Students who earn high grades in English and mathematics, but have scored low on the SAT, may want to use the English composition and/or the mathematics assessment tests to provide colleges with a more accurate indication of their abilities. Registration is by mail, telephone, or online (www.collegeboard.com). AP tests-Advanced Placement Exams These tests measure college-level knowledge and are designed to help colleges judge the qualifications of candidates for advance placement and/or college credit. Although any student may register to take the AP tests, in general they are recommended for students who have completed one or more of the AP courses in high school. Registration is through the guidance office. The exams are given in May during the school day and are administered by one of the guidance counselors. TOEFL-Test of English as a Foreign Language The major purpose of this test is to determine the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. The test is currently given six times each year in several locations in Pennsylvania as well as in other states. TOEFL is made up of three sections: Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Comprehension, and Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension. For further information, contact the guidance office.

CLEP-College Level Exam Program Recognizing that humans learn in different ways and from many kinds of experiences, some colleges offer advanced standing based on results of an academic standardized testing process prior to college entrance. Offered by the College Board, the CLEP program consists of standardized exams, the scores from which colleges frequently base decisions on granting credit. CLEP tests are given the third week of each month at designated college test centers. If you would like further information go to the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com or write to ETS (Educational Testing Service) at CLEP, Box 592, Princeton, NJ, 08540. RELEASE OF TEST SCORES TO COLLEGES The student is responsible for having test scores sent directly from the testing organizations (College Board/ACT) to the colleges. ¾ This is usually done on the same form that is used to register for the tests. ¾ Additional scores may be sent to other colleges by obtaining an Additional Score Report form in the guidance office. This form, along with a fee, must be mailed to the appropriate testing agency. The testing agency will then forward the scores to the colleges. This process is also available by phone or on-line. ¾ The guidance office will release SAT I, SAT II, ACT and other college tests as part of the transcript package. Please note that some colleges will not accept any scores unless mailed directly from the testing agency. ¾ The Northeastern High School CEEB code is 392-380. You will need to have this number when you register for exams.

COLLEGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST Application Checklist Remember to ask about deadlines. _____ The General Application: Is all information accurate and legible? Don’t leave questions blank unless the application allows it . _____ Academic Transcripts: Make sure they are sealed. _____ Letters of Recommendation: Do you have the number of recommendations required? Also, check with the admissions office if they need to be sealed. _____ Work Samples/Portfolios: Include your name, contact information and the project title on every item. Send copies, not originals. _____ Application Essays: Make sure your name, social security number, date of birth, contact information and essay title are on each page. _____ Reply Cards: Include these for your prospective college to mail back to you as receipt of delivery. They should be stamped and self-addressed. _____ SAT/ACT Scores: If you need to send test scores to additional schools, contact the testing company immediately. Scores are mailed about three weeks after your request. _____ Signatures: Before mailing, verify that all necessary forms have been signed. _____ Keep Copies: Create a file to hold copies of all documents in case you need to refer to them later. Common Application Errors “I’ll start the application next week.” Don’t run out of time to complete the application. Give yourself at least two weeks to find mistakes. “I already ran a spell-check on my computer.” Words can be spelled correctly but used incorrectly. Ask a counselor, teacher or family member to proofread the application to catch any errors or poor phrasing.

“One copy is enough.” Print out any online forms and keep copies of all paperwork. “I can send my application as soon as I’m finished.” Before you seal the envelope or click “Send” on your computer, double- and triple-check that you have included all necessary materials. “I assume this is right.” If you’re confused by a question or any part of the application, ask someone. A quick call to the admissions office can save you from making an embarrassing

ADMISSION POLICIES AND DEADLINES Admissions applications may be requested by mail, by telephone, or online by contacting the college’s admissions office. It is to the advantage of the student to complete applications in the summer or early fall of the senior year. You should apply no later than the days before Thanksgiving…the longer you wait, the harder it will be to gain admission. Most applications request that the high school transcript, including SAT results and references, accompany the applications. Some colleges request names of faculty, clergy and/or employers as references. The student should ask the person in advance if they might be used as a reference. Written recommendations from teachers should be included with your application packet and given to Mrs. Weirich in the guidance office to be processed. Your application should be typed or printed in ink, unless the college requests that it be handwritten. Correct grammar and spelling are also important. Information, references, and transcripts that the high school counselors are to complete should be brought to the guidance office well in advance of the application deadline. Make sure a signed transcript request accompanies each application. The following represent the most common types of admissions policies used by colleges and universities: 1. Rolling Admissions-policy whereby no strict application deadline is specified; applications are reviewed and decisions are rendered as received. 2. Deadline Date Admissions-policy whereby there is a strict application deadline and all applicants are notified of their admission status at the same time. 3. Early Decision-policy whereby admissions review, decision and notification are made in advance of the college’s usual notification date. Usually under this plan, the student must agree that this application is the only one he/she will make, and if accepted, will attend the institution. 4. Early Admission-enrollment of high school juniors in college prior to their graduation. There exists what is known as a Candidate’s Reply Date Agreement. This is an agreement sponsored by the CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) whereby colleges subscribing to this program will not require a candidate for admission to reply to the college regarding acceptance until May 1. Other groups of colleges have a similar agreement but use a different date. If the student has been given a deadline date to either accept or reject an admissions offer and is not yet in a position to make that decision, it is very appropriate for that student to contact that Admissions Office and ask for an extension until all responses from other colleges have been received including financial aid packages.

APPLYING FOR ADMISSIONS This is it! You have worked hard deciding on a career and researching colleges that are right for you. Now is the time to start narrowing down your choices and filling out the applications. Every step in the application process is saying something about you as an individual. Be sure to take your time in preparing your application. Step 1: Narrowing Your Choices ● Narrow your choices to 3-6 schools *#1 your ideal choice *#2-3 schools that will challenge you academically *#4-6 schools you know will accept you Step 2: Obtaining an Application ● There are some applications located in the guidance office – check the file in the office. ● Request an application by phone or email. ● Complete an application online. Step 3: Deadlines ● Determine deadline dates for each college. ● College applications should be sent as soon as possible, certainly before January 1st. ● Students considering Early Decision should apply before November 1st. Step 4: Filling out the application: • • • • • • • •

*Read all questions carefully before you start filling them out. *Answer ALL questions. Do not leave blanks. *Accentuate your activities – Include volunteer work, internships, part-time jobs. *List activities you have played an active role. *Sign it. *Make a copy in case it gets misplaced.

Step 5: Documents You May Need – Check the college’s application requirements ● SAT Scores – How do I send my scores to the college? You can either: 1) Fill in the score reports box 11a on the SAT registration form. 2) Send additional score reports by using 49

the SAT Score Sender service at www.collegeboard.com or complete and mail the Additional Request Form included in the admission packet 3) Some colleges accept scores that are printed on the transcript. ● Recommendations: Determine the requirements for the recommendations because colleges give specific instructions about who they want to write the letter of recommendations for a lot of their students. When you ask teachers for recommendations give them a short summary of your academic achievements and activities both in and outside of school. Make sure your teachers know you appreciate their efforts – write them a thank you note. ● Essay: Some colleges require a personal essay or autobiographical statement. See your guidance counselor for information on writing the college essay. ● Application Fee: Enclose your application fee. ● Transcripts: The final document needed to complete your application is the transcript. Bring all applications to the guidance office, fill out the transcript request form, and turn all paperwork into Mrs. Weirich. Let her know if you are waiting for a recommendation to come in from a teacher. ● We will check your application, complete any “Guidance” reports, enclose an official transcript, and sent it out for you. Please be considerate and give us time to complete the application…at least 5 days.

WRITING ESSAYS FOR YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS At the 1982 convention of the National Council of the Teachers of English, I had an opportunity to hear a speaker who reads application essays for William and Mary (College). From her own experiences and from her contacts with other readers, she offered suggestions for writing the kind of essay that is likely to help students gain admission to the school(s) of their choice. Her ideas are summarized below. They should be helpful to you as you prepare to write your own application essays. D.W. Schuettler* English Department Coordinator(former) Carlisle Area School District 1. Avoid repeating what the readers will find listed on other parts of the application. The essay is not the place to list the courses you took or the extracurricular activities in which you participated or the honors you received. You may, however, talk about a course or an activity or an honor that is especially important to you or helps you make a point that you want to make. 2. Focus your essay on something that is special to you and that reveals the kind of person you are. Never write a this -is-my-life-from-the-beginning-until-now kind of autiobiography. 3. Remember that you are writing for readers who do not know you or have a personal interest in you. It is your responsibility to arouse their interest. That interest will grow as the reader’s begin to see you as an individual who is writing sincerely about something of personal importance. Be honest but avoid unpleasant boasting or aggressiveness. 4. Try to become a voice and a face for your readers. Sound like yourself, not like some teenage stereotype. 5. Remember that your readers also want to find out if you can write. Your essay should show your ability to say something worth saying, to organize your ideas well, to be clear and fluent, and to control the mechanics of writing. Do not send that first draft. Rework it until it is as good as you can make it. 6. In highly competitive colleges the essay is assuming increasing importance in determining which of the well

-qualified candidates are admitted. To submit an essay that is dull, phony, or badly written can jeopardize your acceptance. Remember that through your essay the readers will gain their impression of you. Take time to make that first impression a good one. EDITOR’S NOTE: Should you have any questions about writing your essay, please feel free to contact your English teacher. You may also want to check with the counselor’s for any information that they may have on this topic. * Dilys W. Schuetter served as a distinguished Chairperson of the English Department as well as an outstanding teacher of Honors English prior to her retirement from the Carlisle Area School District. 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: ● It enables the college admissions office to evaluate your communication skills. Through your essay they can access the clarity of your thinking and your ability to convey your thoughts in written form. ● 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 ways to approach your topic: ● Narrow your topic and try to be as specific and illustrative as possible. ● 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 the most revealing of characters 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 any 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 tone. 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:

DON’TS. ● Don’t write what you think others want to read. ● Don’t exaggerate or write to impress. ● Don’t use a flowery, inflated, or pretentious style. ● Don’t neglect the technical part of your essay (grammar, spelling, sentence structure). ● Don’t ramble – say what you have to say and conclude. DO’S. ● Do think “small” and write about something that you know about. ● Do reveal yourself in your writing. ● Do show rather than tell. By giving examples and illustrating your topic, you help bring it to life. ● Do write in your own “voice” and style. Your college essay, along with your high school record, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement, will provide the basis 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. Conkright Dean of Admissions

GET NOTICED: 10 COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS 1.

Don’t “recycle” essays. An essay that sounds like it has been used before will blend with everyone else’s .

Captivate your audience. Make your essay engaging and memorable. Include a quick, enticing intro; give a reason to finish reading it.

Be yourself. Choose a topic that is meaningful to you. Use your own voice. How off a side of yourself that your application does not; don’t simply write what you think an admissions office wants to hear.

Accentuate the positive. When writing about a personal experience, emphasize how the experience changed you for the better.

Write in the active voice. Doing so will make for a clearer, more concise essay.

Don’t overextend. Your essay isn’t a term paper. Stay focused on your topic.

Ask people for input. Whether it’s a teacher, counselor, friend or parent, ask someone you respect for some candid feedback. Is it confusing? Boring?

Leave time for rewriting. Look for weak or dull spots and spelling and grammatical errors. Never let your first draft be your final draft.

Revise, reword. Improve on your first draft through various rewrites. Read the essay aloud to find awkward sentences or problems.

10. Pursue perfection: Have someone else look it over. Quadruple-check the spelling. Type your essay carefully.

ADMISSIONS SAMPLE LETTERS/EMAILS #1 TO THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS OFFICE REQUESTING MATERIALS Your Name Your Address Date Office of Admissions Name of College Address of College Dear Admissions Officer: I am a (junior or senior) at (Northeastern High School) in Manchester, PA, and will graduate in June 20__. I am interested in obtaining information about your school. Please send me application forms for the class entering in September 20__, a view book and any other descriptive material, which may be helpful regarding scholarships and other types of financial aid. Your consideration of this letter will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely (Signature) Your Name (typed) #2 REQUEST FOR AN INTERVIEW Your Name Your Address Date Name, Director of Admissions Name of College Address of College Dear (Mr. or Ms. And Name): I am a student at Northeastern High School in Manchester, PA. I have completed the (grade) and expect to graduate in June 20__. I would like to see your campus and to have an interview with someone in the admissions office. The best time for my family and I to visit would be the week of ___________. If a time within that week is not satisfactory to you, please submit other dates for our consideration. I may be reached by phone at (phone # including area code).

Sincerely, Your signature Your name (typed) #3 WITHDRAWING AN APPLICATION (VERY IMPORTANT) Your Name Your Address Date Name, Director of Admissions Name of College Address of College Dear (Mr. or Ms. And Name): I am a senior at Northeastern High School, Manchester, PA. My application for admission to your school has been filed with you. Since my educational plans have changed, I would like to withdraw my application at this time. Please accept my sincere gratitude for your consideration. Sincerely, Your signature Your name (typed) #4 REGRETTING ACCEPTANCE Your Name Your Address Date Name, Director of Admissions Name of College Address of College Dear (Mr. or Ms. Name): On (date of acceptance) I received notification of my acceptance at (College or University). I am very grateful for your consideration. However, since my college plans have changed, I want to inform you promptly that I do not plan to attend your institution.

Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Your signature Your name (typed)

PROCESSING YOUR TRANSCRIPT THROUGH GUIDANCE A high school transcript must accompany every college application. Your TRANSCRIPT consists of the following information: 1. A copy of your courses and grades (from ninth through eleventh grade) as well as your courses in progress and those grades, if available. 2. Your cumulative GPA and class rank. 3. Your extracurricular and co curricular activities for all four years of high school. 4. Your PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT II and AP test scores. 5. Your PSSA scores. 6. Your counselor’s signature and official school seal. 7. A school profile with an explanation of our grading system and information on last year’s graduating class. When you are ready to apply to the colleges of your choice, please follow this PROCEDURE to ensure the smooth and prompt handling of your request. 1. Acquire a transcript request form in the guidance office. The school must have written permission from a parent to release a copy of your school records if you are less than 18 years of age. If you are 18 or over, you may sign this form yourself. 2. Complete your college applications neatly. Be sure to sign your name. If an application fee is required, include this with your application. 3. Make sure you have a transcript request form for each application that you submit. You will need to provide the name and mailing address of the college or program to which the transcript should be sent. 4. Mrs. Weirich will then add your high school transcript to each application ad will give the application to your counselor for completion. 5. Any teacher recommendations should be collected by the student and submitted with the application packet before mailing. 6. The guidance office will then file your transcript request and mail the completed package directly to the college. To be official, your transcript must be mailed from the school. You may, however, request an unofficial transcript to take with you for college visits. PLEASE ALLOW TWO WEEKS (10 SCHOOL DAYS) FOR THIS PROCESS TO BE COMPLETED. ADVISE THE GUIDANCE OFFICE OF ANY DEADLINES PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF YOUR APPLICATIONS. It is recommended that students send their applications through the guidance office as opposed to sending them on their own. This way all materials will arrive at the same time (this is referred as “packaging your application”). Remember to allow 10 school days for the guidance office to prepare your transcript package.

THE PARTS OF AN ADMISSION FOLDER When you apply to college, the college admission office collects a folder of information to consider as it makes a decision about you. There are five main areas of an applicant's "folder": 1. Application The application includes simple biographical information such as your birthday, family members and addresses. Frequently you will need to write essays, which are intended to acquaint the admission committee with your experiences, strengths and weaknesses, and writing ability. Check out the section "The Personal Factor" later in this chapter for advice about essays. A Word About Electronic Applications: An ever-increasing number of colleges are turning to advances in technology to make the application process easier. When you access a college's Web site, you will usually find two ways to complete the application: Download and print out the application, to be completed by hand and mailed. o Complete the application online and submit it electronically (via the college's Web site). o

If you fill out the application and submit it online, be sure to print out a copy of what you send, and follow-up with a telephone call or email to confirm that your application has been received and processed properly. 2. Academic Record Regardless of a college's admission policy, the most important factor in an applicant's folder is the academic record in secondary school. Your curriculum, your specific courses, and the grades you received are aspects of the record admission officers consider in appraising a transcript (another term for the academic record). When your record is compared with your classmates' records, you may be assigned a class ranking relative to the others in the class. Class rank is important as a means of showing the admission officer the level of competition you have encountered and how well you have achieved relative to the competition. Some high schools do not compute class rank for a variety of reasons. Those schools that do not compute rank generally make provisions with colleges that require rank so that their students are not adversely affected in the admission process. Usually, high schools calculate students' grade point averages (GPA) as a step in preparing class rank; many schools use the GPA instead of class rank as a means of presenting a summary of a student's overall academic record. Most colleges require class rank and/or GPA to assist the admission office in making decisions.

A Word About Activities: Although your academic credentials are the primary factors in determining admission, your record of involvement in activities can be a significant supporting credential. Mere membership is not the important factor; it is, rather, the level of involvement and accomplishment that is important. It is better to be involved in one activity and to be a significant contributor to that activity than to be involved superficially in several organizations.

THE COLLEGE CAMPUS VISIT - SUGGESTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 1. If you are requesting an interview with the admissions office, DO write or telephone two or three weeks beforehand and provide several, possible dates. 2. Do arrive promptly, dressed in a manner that you feel represents your “best foot forward.” If definitely will be helpful if you bring a personal record chart and a list of questions you want to ask (see page 34). 3. Do conduct yourself in a friendly, inquisitive and interested manner. Phonies are easy to spot, but the person with neither enthusiasm nor questions can be equally unimpressive. 4. DO bring mom and dad along. They probably won’t sit in onthe interview but they, too, may have questions and concerns which may be answered on campus. 5. DO take advantage of the campus tour which is often provided by the admissions office. The library, student union, freshman housing, music, drama and athletic facilities are areas to consider in addition to the academic classes and labs. 6. Do read the bulletin boards, a campus newspaper, the yearbook, and other publications which can tell you as much as the catalog did before you arrived on campus. 7. DO talk to students in the dorms, in the student union, at the bookstore, or wherever they congregate. A graduate of your own high school can be very helpful in describing his/her experiences. 8. DO sit in on classes if you are given the opportunity. 9. DO avoid being impressed by a “super sales pitch” in the admissions office. On the other hand, don’t be tuned off if the admissions office appears unimpressive. Try to gain information as opposed to being unduly influenced by a personality. 10. Above all, DO spend enough time when you visit. Take awhile to find out where you will be happy and successful. 11. When YOU arrive home, DO talk about your visit with your high school counselors and share your impressions with them. Searching for the best college for you involves research, counseling, and campus visits. Compliments of Gordon Bateman ,Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

SELECTIVE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS by Ann S. Cook – ACT Teacher Are you a student who has your sights set on attending a highly selective college or university, one that may only admit 10, 15, or 20% of the applicants? If so, then you will have to plan your application process with great care and attention to detail. Every year there are more applicants for admission to highly selective colleges, which means that the competition to “get in” becomes increasingly more difficult. It is not enough anymore to be the class valedictorian or the star soccer player in high school. In fact, at many highly selective colleges, valedictorians are literally “a dime a dozen.” Admissions officers at these schools are looking for unique qualities in applicants that set them apart from the crowd. ADVICE As much as possible, applicants should try to tailor their applications to the specific schools to which they are applying, which requires a high degree of planning and research. It should go without saying that you must not only visit the campus, but also you must make yourself known to the admissions office. Seth Allen, Admissions Director at Dickinson College, calls this process “making substantive contact with key people on campus.” How does one accomplish this task? If you already know a key person atyour target school, such as a dean, professor, admissions counselor, or an active alumnus/alumna, you are a step ahead.You should cultivate that relationship by expressing yourinterest in the school with specific reasons as to why you would be a “good fit.” Chances are, however, that you do not know a key individual ahead of time, and therefore you must try to build that relationship with an appropriate person, who can then act as an advocate for you with the admissions office. Request admissions materials from your chosen school(s) and read them carefully, making notes about what you want to learn about when you visit the campus. Don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office if you want more information or you want answers to specific questions. Schedule a comprehensive visit to campus, including a tour, and learn as much as possible about the college/university as you can. Talk to students, professors, etc. For example, if you are interested in the biology department, go to the biology classrooms and labs, and chances are you will find someone who is willing to discuss the department with you. Share your passion for the subject and mention your biology achievements, especially any independent study or projects you have completed. Explain why you want to attend this particular college and make sure the person with whom you are talking writes down your name. Ask that person if he/she is willing to mention your name to the admissions office. Ask for that person’s telephone number and ask if you may call when you have questions. Just like coaches, professors can be important advocates for students whom they would like to have

in their classes. Faculty members at many schools are very interested and involved in the admissions process, they want the best students in their disciplines to be admitted to their institutions. Plan to make a second visit to your target school(s) and ask to meet with someone in the admissions office. ■ Even if your college(s) do not schedule official interviews, ask for one. Prepare carefully. ■ Know the school and the specific departments in which you are interested; ask intelligent questions, and present yourself as realistically as possible. ■ Bring your high school transcript, test scores, and documentation of academic achievements with you. ■ Inquire about your chances of being admitted. ■ If you have one school that stands out above the rest, discuss the pros and cons of early decisions with an admissions counselor. Often, your chances will improve. However, never apply for early decision if you are uncertain about attending that particular school. Early decision is usually binding and is implemented for students who have their minds made up prior to or at the beginning of their senior year. ■ Factors that make you a unique candidate should also be stressed, but not egotistically. ■ If you have a positive meeting with an admissions counselor who remembers you, that will work in your favor. Your strong interest in attending that college is important for you to communicate. Obviously, this advice assumes that you are a viable candidate for admission to a selective school. Your viability would include the following details: ■ A high level of high school courses, epecially AP courses. ■ Grades in your courses. ■ Your extracurricular activities. ■ Your writing ability. ■ Indications that you care about important issues, such as community service. Allow yourself adequate time to write interesting, grammatically perfect and selfdescriptive essays. Have someone proofread for you. It is very important when you ask for recommendations. Discuss with your teacher or counselor the specifics that you would like your writer to include. Give your writer your resume and take time to discuss it. Be courteous. Give the individuals who are recommending you plenty of time (3-4 weeks) to complete this task. Provide a labeled envelope for their recommendation and tell them what you would like them to do with it (return to counseling center, mail it- if

so, address and stamp the envelope). Always thank those who have written recommendations for you, they have given you a gift of valuable time. Remember that applying to college is vital part of your life process; give it the time, attention, and care that it deserves, and chances are you will be enriched by the outcome.

THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE COLLEGE PROCESS by Ann C. Cook Background Information For selective colleges and universities, evidence of an applicant’s character is a primary consideration for admission. Perhaps the best way to demonstrate this is by documentation and evaluation of the applicant’s community service. This service may take place through school, church, scouts, etc., but it should be service to one’s local community and show initiative, creativity, and dependability on the part of the student. It should also be supervised by a knowledgeable adult who may be asked to document and evaluate the student’s performance in a separate letter or as part of the application itself. If a student recognizes a need in his/her community and then takes action to meet that need, designing a new program or addition to an existing program would be outstanding. However, it is also significant if a student joins a group of people who are already engaged in some type of service and becomes an active, contributing member of that group. Let’s look at some examples. Example There was a student who became involved with the PEER program at Dickinson College through a mentorship set up by her high school while she was in tenth grade. The PEER program is a summer program that offers needy elementary students daily opportunities, which they would not otherwise receive. School counselors recommend students for the program. Following her first summer as a volunteer with PEER, this student designed a program for preschool children at the local homeless shelter to teach basic education skills to them prior to kindergarten. She then recruited, trained, and coordinated volunteers to deliver the services. This initiative was incorporated into her high school’s National Honor Society projects, which ensures that her work will be carried on. She was accepted by a prestigious university and continues to work with impoverished children while a student there. The university obviously recognized the potential contributions that this student would make to the quality of life at both the school and the larger environment. Virtually all colleges and universities have committed themselves to the enrichment of the communities in which they are located. They need students who have the passion and the experience to lead these efforts. Closing Statement Many students develop this passion for community service from experiences through high school activities such as Key Club, SADD, Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, etc. When students seek leadership roles in these activities and then work to make worthwhile events happen and to educate the high school student body about relevant issues, they contribute to a positive, caring atmosphere in both their school and community.

There are several alternatives to address the issue of documentation and evaluation of these efforts. All competitive schools require one or more personal essays a part of the application process. The applicant may want to choose his history of community service as an essay topic to illustrate his/her commitment to others and willingness to reach out to meet critical needs. Another alternative, or addition, would be to request that the community service supervisor write (or call) the college or university admissions office to give his or her perspective on the applicant’s contributions. A third alternative would be to have the high school counselor inform the college. In other words, the student should certainly make the college or university to which he/she is applying aware of the community service, but it is equally important to have that service evaluated by an adult who has first hand knowledge of it. Quality of high school courses taken, test scores, and other extracurricular activities are all important, but the added character information supplied by an applicant’s community service history may make the difference between “getting in” or not.

THE COLLEGE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY ADMISSIONS OFFICERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

What is your class rank? What major (field) are you interested in? Why did you pick this college? Do you need scholarship help? What are your extracurricular activities (both in school and in the community)? What were your scores on the college boards? What are you interested in doing after college and why? What subjects are you taking in high school? What books, magazines, etc. have you read during the past year that were not required by classroom teachers? What are your favorite school subjects? What have you done with your summers? What do you like about the college? How many people are in your family? How large is your (high school) graduating class? Do you have any scholastic problems? What is your average grade? What questions would you like to ask? Why do you want a college education? What do you think a college education is? Who or what influenced you to choose this college? What have you done in your proposed major field? Do you know any alumni or present students? What other colleges have you visited? Have you definitely decided upon your future plans, and do you think you can accomplish these plans? Have you written any long term papers? On what subjects: Do you like challenge? Have you entered the early decision plan? What other schools have you applied to? What do you know about the college? Is this college your first choice? Do you intend to work while in college? Do you have much composition writing in high school? What do you cover in English class? What subjects do you dislike most? Tell us about yourself? How would you describe yourself? Describe yourself in one word? List some adjectives that describe you? Tell how your friends would describe you? What would you consider to be your major strength? What would you consider to be your major weakness? What do you see yourself doing 20 years from now? What has been the most important event in your life?

41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52.

How do you spend your leisure time? What do you do for social activities? Do you know the career for which you wish to prepare? What do you think your contribution can be to our college? How do you explain this low grade on your high school transcript? Is your math score a true reflection of your ability? What work experiences have you had? What have you done during your summers? How much time do you devote to studying? What individual most influenced your life? What would you consider to be the major problems college students face today? Do you think your high school grades are an accurate yardstick for your abilities? 53. If you were conducting this interview what questions would you ask? 54. Why should we select you for admission? 55. What is the biggest problem in the world at present?

THE COLLEGE INTERVIEW - QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO ASK ACCREDITATIONS Is the college accredited? By whom? Has it lost any accreditation? Any pending? ADMISSIONS CRITERIA What are the admissions requirements: SAT I or ACT I? High school academic units? Interview? Class rank? High school grade point average? Recommendation? SAT II (achievement) tests: Any special requirements for certain programs: portfolio? Audition? Interviews? Tests? What are the admissions deadlines? Early admissions? Deferred admissions? What is the application fee? What percent of applicants are accepted? What are the average SAT or ACT scores for incoming freshmen? What are minimum acceptable scores? ACADEMIC PROGRAM What degrees are offered? Majors? Minors? Electives? What core courses are required during the freshman year? Following years? Any special programs such as: independent study? Off-campus study? Study abroad? Joint programs with nearby colleges? Which programs is the college noted for? How intense is the academic pressure on students? FACULTY What is the size of the faculty? Full time? Part time? What percentage hold Ph.D.’s? What is the student/faculty ration? Do graduate students teach? What is the average class size? Any outstanding faculty members? COSTS What are your charges for tuition? Rooms? Meals? Are different plans available? Is a down payment required? When? What is the payment schedule? Any specific payment plans? FINANCIAL AID What financial aid programs does the college have? How many students received financial aid? What are the requirements? Does the college place students in jobs on or off campus? CAMPUS What is the campus setting: Urban? Suburban? Rural? How large? How many buildings? When were they built? Are other colleges nearby? What are the local cultural and social attractions? STUDENT BODY How many students? Boarders? Commuters? Undergraduates? Graduate students? Where do they come from? What is the mix of men and women? Ethnic background? Religious background? Academic abilities? How many flunk out?

LIVING ACCOMODATIONS Are dormitories available? How many? Are the men and women separated? How many students per room or suite? What condition are the rooms in? Any restrictions? Phones? TV’s? Stereos? What are campus regulations for boarding students? RELIGION Is the college religiously affiliated? Are students predominantly of one religion? What facilities are available for religious services on campus? Off campus? Are there religious organizations? COUNSELING Are faculty advisors provided? Student advisors? Personal or psychological counseling? Financial counseling? Career counseling? Placement counseling? ACTIVITIES Newspaper? Magazine? Yearbook? Other publications? Dance? Drama? Debate? Band? Radio Station? TV Station? Orchestra? Fraternities? Sororities? Political Organizations? Ethnic Organizations? Community Service Programs? SPORTS What are the college’s athletic facilities? What sports is the college involved with intercollegiately? What intramural sports? Any athletic scholarships? SOCIAL LIFE Events on campus? What kind of spirit do the students have? ALUMNI What percentages of graduates enter graduate school? Which schools? What occupations are alumni employed in? What companies? Any outstanding alumni? How well do the alumni support the college? HANDICAPPED SPECIAL SERVICES Does the college have any special programs and facilities for persons with handicaps? What are they? TRANSPORTATION What public transportation is available? Is there ample parking on campus?

Compliments of Gordon Bateman, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

THE FINAL DECISION: COLLEGE CHOICE from www.fastweb.com You’ve already narrowed your college choices. Here are some tips to help you make a final decision. 10 Questions To Ask Before Picking a College l. What different financial aid packages does the school offer? Remember to factor in costs such as transportation home, long distance calls, etc. 2. Is the program you’re interested in offered? 3. How many graduates find jobs in their field of study? 4. How does the school help graduates find jobs? 5. How easy is it to get the courses you want at the times that are convenient for you? 6. How much does housing cost, and is finding off-campus housing difficult? 7. What is the quality of academic resources (library, research facilities, computer labs, etc.)? Are they up-to-date and accessible? 8. What is the retention rate (how many students come back after their freshman year)? 9. What student organizations are on campus? 10. What sort of career planning or job placement services are available? _________________________________________________ College Tours: Deciding Factor? Before You Go: ● Pick a typical day (preferably a weekday) to visit where you can get a feel for the environment. ● If possible, stay overnight. You can talk to other students and see what life on campus is really like. ● Create a list of questions specific to each school. On Campus: ● Take a guided tour and go to informational sessions to get an overview of what the school is all about. ● Go to class. Note size, instructors, competition. ● Do the dorm rooms, cafeteria and campus facilities such as the library, computer labs and health and recreational facilities meet your expectations?

● Explore the college surroundings and ask yourself if it’s an environment where you’ll be comfortable. Do you feel safe? “Not-So-Obvious” College Questions Asking about these potential issues early could mean not dealing with them later in the year. Academics: Are there any tutoring services available? Check when they’re available. How easy is it to switch majors? Switching majors could mean spending more time in school. How will your AP/previous college credits transfer over? Can previously earned courses take care of lower level requirements? College Cost: How much are books and other materials going to cost? Are used items available? What is the average increase in tuition and other costs from year to year? View at least three years’ worth of data to chart past increases. Can you get a refund if you have to drop out? Find out the procedures if you unexpectedly have to miss class time. What are the opportunities for employment on or near campus? Finding a job close to campus could mean doing without the expense of a car. Living on Campus: What is the policy on dorm room wear and tear? What damage are you responsible for? What kind of food is served in the cafeteria? Check out your options when the cafeteria is closed. What is the school’s method of matching roommates? What if you want to switch? What kind of health facilities and services does the college offer? 24-hour emergency care? Nearest hospital?

MAKING THE FINAL DECISION After a year or more of working and worrying, it's done: you've received word from all the colleges to which you applied. All that remains in your college quest is making the final decision. Which college will you attend? This decision may be easy for students who were accepted to their first-choice college. But for the majority of students--those whose first choice denied their application and those who never had a clear first choice--that final decision can be difficult. If you're agonizing between two or more colleges, read on for help in making that big decision with confidence. Back to Basics Before you look at the colleges themselves, go back to where you started--yourself. Think about what you want out of college. Have your priorities changed since you began the college search? Some students find that their preferences and goals change somewhat over the course of their college search, as they learn more about college and about themselves. Take a few minutes to jot down the top five (or more) things you want out of your college experience. If you're feeling more ambitious, write a description of your ideal college. What do the classes look like? What kind of things do you envision yourself doing on the weekends? What interests do you plan on pursuing (academic or otherwise) while at college? The more details you can think of, the better. Then sit back and look at what you've written. Do one or more of the colleges you're considering match your description? Is there one college that has most of the characteristics that interest you? Dare to Compare Every college has different strengths and weaknesses. One college might have a better reputation in your preferred major--but not the extracurricular activities you want. Another may have a strong program in your favorite extracurricular activity--but also a higher price tag. A third may seem like it has everything, except for the fact that it is much farther away from home than you're really comfortable with. It's easy to start thinking in circles when you try to compare two or more colleges that you genuinely like. Here's one way to help get your thoughts in order. "Spread out all the acceptance letters and financial aid offers out on the dining room table," Laurice Sommers, coordinator for college partnerships and curricular enrichment for the Los Angeles Unified School District, said. On one blank sheet of paper for each college, make two columns-"like" and "dislike" (or "pro" and "con"). Then list the positive and negative aspects of each college.

"This exercise helps students to look at the colleges objectively and provides a starting place for the family conversation," Sommers said. On the Road One of the best ways to clarify your choices is to visit the colleges, even if you've been there before. "Colleges often look different once you are accepted versus when you are 'just looking,'" Carla Shere, director of educational services at PureAdvice, said. During these visits, spend as much time as possible talking to people--current students, faculty members, coaches, and others. Many colleges allow prospective students to stay overnight in a residence hall to get a taste of student life. Read the student newspaper, attend a class or two, work out in the gym. Stand in the middle of campus, look around, and try to imagine yourself spending the next few years here. "A visit can go a long way toward helping a student feel that the fit is right," Dave Fletcher, associate director of admission at Barry University (FL), said. Financial Check If you need financial aid to afford college, cost may be the deciding factor. "Often, a student's choices come down to money," Amy Thompson, college and career counselor at York Community High School (IL), said. "Who is offering the best deal?" Compare financial aid offers carefully. If you'd be paying about the same at each college, look at what kind of aid each college offers. Colleges can vary widely in how much of their packages are grants (free money) versus loans (that you pay back). Also, discuss with your parents the real cost of attending each college. Two colleges may have similar costs, but you may end up spending more to travel to a distant college versus one nearer home; or you may spend more at an urban campus, since living in a city is usually a bit more expensive. But don't feel obligated to go to the least expensive school just because it is the least expensive. It may be worth it to you and your family to pay a bit more if the college is a better match for your needs. "[Finances] are usually weighted along with how much students like a particular school," Thompson said. Consult with Others--but Make Your Own Decision Talk about your options with your family, friends, high school counselor, and teachers. Often, just discussing your choices and your thoughts about them can help you make up your mind. But don't let others make up your mind for you. What's right for your friends or impressive to your teachers is not necessarily right for you.

"Although [others] shouldn't tell you where to attend, they can often offer insight you haven't thought about," Shere said. The Gut Factor When it comes down to that final decision, many experts advise students to go with their gut feeling--that indefinable confidence that a particular college just "feels right." After all, you've done the research, you've put in the work of applying, and several admission offices have given you their vote of confidence. So go with the college that you feel comfortable with, the one that you're excited about--the one that makes you think, "THIS is college." Don't Stress You may feel that there's only one "right" choice, and that choosing "wrong" dooms you to four years of misery. In reality, you chose the colleges you applied to very carefully-and you'd probably be happy at any of them. Remember, too, that your choice is not necessarily final: a good number of students transfer every year. Of course, many more students don't transfer--which is a good sign that the majority of college students are happy with their choice. Written by Jennifer Gross.

FOCUS ON FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS: TERMINOLOGY Part I. The Application Process FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid. A detailed form that is the first step in applying for federal aid, offered by the U.S. Department of Education. The FAFSA is available from colleges, high school guidance counselors, public libraries, and on the Internet. Only one FAFSA needs to be completed each year, even if you are considering several different colleges. You may be able to use the FAFSA to apply for state and college aid as well. Contact your state agency and financial aid administrator to find out whether you can use the FAFSA to apply for state and college aid, and to learn what types of aid may be available to you. The FAFSA is available in two formats: paper and electronic. If you complete a paper FAFSA, you will mail it directly to the application processor listed on the FAFSA. If the school you plan to attend participates in the Department of Education's electronic application system, you can give your completed FAFSA directly to the school. The school enters your FAFSA information into its computer system and electronically transmits the data for you to the Department of Education. You can also apply electronically for federal student aid by using FAFSA on the Web. You can complete the application online, at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The site also contains useful information about the electronic process and what to expect after completing it. CSS Financial Aid PROFILE-A supplemental need analysis document used by some colleges and private scholarship programs to award their non-federal aid funds. Early in your senior year, participating colleges may ask you to file a PROFILE so that a predetermination can be made of your financial aid eligibility at that school. The PROFILE does not replace the FAFSA-you must still file a FAFSA in order to be considered for federal student aid. You should file a PROFILE only for those colleges and programs that request it. PROFILE registration forms, which are processed by the College Scholarship Service (CSS), are generally available from high schools or colleges. Financial Aid Package-Describes the total amount of aid that a student receives. A package generally consists of several parts: grants/scholarships, loans and jobs. Grants and scholarships are considered "gift aid." Loans and jobs are considered "self help." Part II. Types of Financial Aid Grants and Scholarships-Money given to a student that carries no stipulation of repayment is known as a scholarship or a grant. Scholarships and grants can originate from the federal or state government, private sources or the college itself. Grant eligibility tends to be based on need; when need is high, the grant aid tends to be high as well. Scholarship eligibility is often based on financial need, academic achievement, particular talents or skills, or a combination of one or more of these factors. In some cases, the terms "grant" and "scholarship" are used interchangeably.

Loans-Any program described as a loan requires repayment, usually with interest, to the source of the funding. Loans often come from the institution or private lender. Generally, the greater the financial need, the larger the loan. A variety of repayment options are usually available, and sometimes permit payment to be deferred while the borrower is enrolled in school. The time frame for loan repayment can be as little as two to three years, or as long as twenty years. Many banks and lending institutions now make special loan programs available to help parents finance their student's education. These loans are not based on financial need, but can help stretch the family's budget over the years of schooling. Loans may be referred to as "self-help" aid. Jobs-On- and/or off-campus employment for hourly wages during the academic year. In some cases, the jobs are designed to complement the student's field of study. Jobs may also be called "self-help" aid. Part III. Federal Student Aid Programs Eligibility for federal student aid programs, except the Federal PLUS loan and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, which we'll describe later, is primarily based on financial need. Families demonstrate need for federal student aid by completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from colleges, high school guidance counselors, public libraries, and/or the Internet. Federal Pell Grant-The largest single aid program. Grants are awarded to students demonstrating high financial need and are not required to be repaid. Using FAFSA data, financial need is determined according to the Federal Methodology, a formula established by Congress to assess the family's ability to contribute to the student's educational costs. For each eligible student, the Department of Education forwards funds to the school, which are then delivered to the student's account at the school, or are paid directly to the student. Federal Perkins Loan (formerly National Direct Student Loan)-A federally funded campus-based loan that is administered by the college aid office. Students do not apply separately for the Federal Perkins Loan-it is awarded to eligible students as part of an aid package at the college. A five percent interest rate is charged annually after completion of studies, and a grace period is specified in the promissory note. The maximum Federal Perkins Loan that most colleges can award to an undergraduate is $4,000 per year. In order to distribute limited funds to as many students as possible, most schools make awards that are smaller than the maximum. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)-A federal campusbased grant awarded to students who demonstrate significant financial need. Like Federal Perkins Loan, students do not apply separately for FSEOG-it is awarded to eligible students as part of the aid package at the college. Federal Work-Study (FWS)-A part-time work program awarding on- or off-campus jobs to students who demonstrate financial need. FWS positions are primarily funded by

the government, but are also partially funded by the institution. FWS is awarded to eligible students by the college as part of the student's financial aid package. The maximum FWS award is based on the student's financial need, the number of hours the student is able to work, and the amount of FWS funding available at the institution. Federal Family Education Loan Program-This term encompasses two separate loan programs: a student loan known as the Federal Stafford Loan; and a parent loan known as a Federal PLUS Loan. A FAFSA must be filed for Federal Stafford Loan consideration. Federal Stafford Loan-A long-term, low interest rate loan administered by the Department of Education through private commercial lending agencies (banks, credit unions, etc.). Students can borrow Federal Stafford Loan funds regardless of financial need. However, if financial need is demonstrated, the federal government may subsidize (i.e., pay to the lender) part or all of the interest while the student is in-school and during grace and deferment periods. If the student does not demonstrate financial need, part or all of the loan will be unsubsidized-that is, the student, rather than the federal government, is responsible for the interest during in-school, grace and deferment periods. An additional cost of borrowing is an origination fee up to 3 percent and an insurance premium up to 1 percent that are deducted from the loan. Federal PLUS Loan-A long-term, variable interest rate federal loan that is capped currently at 9 percent and is available to the parents of dependent students. Like Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS loans are administered by the Department of Education through private commercial lending agencies. There is no set limit on the amount of Federal PLUS funds that a parent may borrow; however, the maximum loan cannot exceed the student's portion of the cost of education minus any other aid the student receives. Federal PLUS loans are not subsidized, and eligibility is not based on financial need. Repayment usually begins immediately after the entire loan is disbursed. Federal PLUS Loans, like Federal Stafford Loans, have a maximum 3 percent origination fee and 1 percent insurance premium that are deducted from the loan. William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program-A program almost identical to the Federal Family Education Loan Program, except that the federal government is the lender and the funds are delivered directly to the school. If the college the student plans to attend participates in the Federal Direct Loan Programs, he or she will apply for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan and/or a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, rather than a Federal Stafford or Federal PLUS Loan. Federal Direct Stafford Loan applicants must file a FAFSA, and if eligible, must complete a promissory note provided by the college. Federal Direct PLUS Loan applicants must complete an application available at the college. Part V. Institutional Aid Institutional Scholarships and Grants-Non-federal gift aid programs administered by the college. Institutional grants are generally based on financial need. Institutional scholarships are often awarded based on particular abilities or skills in areas such as athletics, music or academic achievement. These scholarships are often renewable for each college year, usually contingent on the student continuing to engage in the activity

that prompted the award, or, in the case of academic achievement, maintaining a certain grade point average. Unfortunately, there are relatively few scholarship awards available through institutions. In many instances, it is the college that controls the scholarship process, inviting only certain students to become candidates. Institutional Loans-Non-federal loan programs administered by the college. These loans usually bear low-interest rates and have favorable repayment terms. In many cases, loan payments are deferred while the student is enrolled in school. Colleges have individual application requirements for institutional loans. Applicants should contact the college to learn the types of loans that are available, the criteria that must be met to qualify, and the terms and conditions of the available loans. Institutional Student Employment-On- or off-campus employment programs, similar to the Federal Work-Study program. These positions may be awarded based on financial need, the student's job qualifications or a combination of the two. In some cases, these positions may be related to the student's field of study. The financial aid office should be contacted to learn what types of student employment are available through the school. Part IV. State Aid Programs Various states have different financial aid programs for residents of their own states. To determine the programs available in your state, consult your guidance office or email the department of education in your state. Part V. Private Aid Sources Private Scholarships-Non-federal scholarships that originate outside of the college, and generally require the student to file a separate application. Although academic standing or financial need may be conditions for some private scholarships, these funds may also be awarded based on such qualifiers as field of study, religious affiliation, ethnic background, leadership skills, place of residence, or other criteria. Because these scholarships are from private funding sources, the criteria can reflect whatever qualities their benefactors wish to reward or encourage. You should seek out and apply for as many of these awards as you can. High schools, Dollars for Scholars, churches, local businesses, and civic service organizations frequently have scholarship programs. So may the company where a parent works. Information about private awards, including how to apply for these funds, is usually available at the high school or local library. Private Loans-Like private scholarships, private loans originate outside of the college and usually require a separate application. Some private loans are awarded based on the same factors as private scholarships. Others, particularly those offered through commercial lenders, are approved according to the family's ability to repay the loan. Nonfederal loans through commercial lenders are often available only to the student's parents. Amounts, interest rates and repayment terms, and application procedures vary according to the individual loan program. Before considering a private loan, students should be certain they understand their rights and responsibilities under the loan program, including

how interest is assessed, when repayment begins, and what repayment options are available.

MILITARY SCHOLARSHIPS & SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS These scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit rather than financial need.

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships are offered at hundreds of colleges. Application packets, information about eligibility, and the telephone number of an ROTC advisor in your area are available from: Web site: www.armyrotc.com Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) college scholarship program targets students pursuing technical degrees, such as certain engineering and science programs, although students entering a wide variety of majors may be accepted. Information about AFROTC scholarships is available from: Web site: http://www.airforce.com/education/enlisted/rotc.php Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) four-year scholarship is available to students with no more than one year of college credit. For information about the NROTC scholarship program, contact any college that offers NROTC www.nrotc.navy.mil Scholarships require recipients to serve in one of the U.S. Armed Forces after graduating. Going to a Service Academy – Congressman Todd Platts http://www.house.gov/platts/services/academy-top.shtml Each member of Congress, either in the House of Representatives or the Senate, is allowed five appointees in each service academy per year. For each of those five vacancies, I am permitted to nominate no more than ten young men or women. All of the U.S. Service Academies, except for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, require a Congressional nomination for admission. If you would like to be considered for a nomination, please follow the directions outlined at right. The deadline for submitting all application materials is October 1 (counselor note: the application process is very time-consuming. Let your counselor know that you are considering an academy your junior year) . Throughout the fall, I will interview top candidates as part of the nomination selection process. Please remember, the appointment process to a service academy is lengthy, and receiving a Congressional nomination does not guarantee your acceptance to an academy. The final decisions for appointments are made by the individual academies.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION TIPS Seniors who are applying for Financial Aid 1. If you are going to apply for financial aid, know the deadline dates and submit your applications by those dates. 2. Make sure the financial information you provide on all applications is complete and accurate. 3. If you are going to visit the college, make an appointment to speak with the FAO (Financial Aid Officer) as well as the admissions officer. 4. Keep records of material sent to the college or financial aid processing center. 5. Use certified mail to make certain all documents reach the proper destination on time. 6. Do not wait for your tax forms to be completed before you file. You are allowed to make “reasonable” estimates. 7. Make certain to respond to any and all inquires and requests as quickly as possible. 8. Call before you visit the college to be certain the person you want to visit will be available. 9. Understand the terms and conditions of all assistance offered to you. Make sure the offer is a solid commitment and not just an estimate of preliminary assessment of eligibility. 10. If you have been dealing with an intermediary, such as a coach, department head, or other college official who seems to be making some kind of offer, make certain the person has the authority to do so. 11. Inform the financial aid office of any outside scholarships, grants, or other assistance you will be receiving. . 12. When in doubt, ask.

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE from www.fastweb.com Scholarships from Scratch Remember: Scholarships are available for all kinds of reasons – activities, academic performance, grades, athletics and more. Where should I look? - Search online at www.fastweb.com - Check the financial aid pages on your prospective colleges’ Web sites. - Search your community for organizations offering awards. - Ask your guidance counselor about private and corporate sponsorship opportunities. Guidance does a monthly scholarship bulletin that comes out around the 15th of every month (Oct – April). The District’s Scholarship Foundation/Community applications (with 40 different scholarship profiled) generally are available early to mid-March What can I do to prepare? - List the scholarships by deadline. Focus on the ones with earlier deadlines. - Financial information. Prepare family income and tax forms ahead of time to document finances for need-based scholarships or other types of aid. How should I prepare the essay? - Make an outline. Pick one main theme and based on the essay question, outline a few ideas that support your theme. - Check spelling and grammar. Have a teacher, parent or counselor read over your essay to provide feedback and catch errors. •

Pick up a FastWeb flyer from your counselor’s office for “Top 10 Scholarship Tips.”

5 Scholarship Letter Tips Below are some essential tips for letters associated with scholarships, including the application request letter, cover letter and thank-you letter. 1. Be brief and to the point in asking for the needed materials -- you’ll have the chance to sell yourself in your application. 2. Request the materials early to leave enough time to prepare a strong application packet. 3. In your application request, tell the provider where you

heard about the scholarship and concisely explain why you’re eligible. 4. Provide your correct address and other contact information where you know you can be reached. Include a self -addressed stamped envelope, if applicable. 5. If you win a scholarship, be sure to thank the provider and your recommender. Scholarship Quiz Think you know scholarships? Prove it by taking our short quiz: 1.

When applying for a scholarship, sponsors are most interested in: A. Depends on a variety of possible factors B. A high GPA C. A quality essay D. Extracurricular activities

The best place to find scholarships is: A. Using an online search such as www.fastweb.com B. Clubs, groups or organizations in your community C. Your guidance counselor’s office D. All of the above

If I’m asking for a letter of recommendation, I should: A. Ask for letter one week before the letter is due B. Drop off my request and hope I get it back on time C. Give my recommender no less than three weeks to complete the recommendation and provide clear instructions on what is needed and when D. Not worry about it – it isn’t important

Merit scholarships are given based on: A. Good looks B. Achievements, academic performance and leadership abilities C. Financial need D. The mood of the scholarship provider

The best time to search for scholarships is: A. It’s always a good idea to be looking for scholarships B. Not after the school year starts – it’s too late C. Only over winter break D. Scholarships? Who needs those?

Answers: A: 1. A, 2. D, 3. C, 4. B, 5. A How did you do? 4-5 correct: Scholarship whiz!; 3: Time for review; 1-2: Meet with your counselor!

MORE FINANCIAL AID TERMS from www.fastweb.com Financial Need: The difference between a student’s educational costs and the EFC (Expected Family Contribution: amount a student’s family is expected to pay). Financial Aid Package: The total financial aid a student is offered, including scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form the federal government uses to determine the amount of aid for which a student is eligible. Federal Aid: Aid that comes from the U.S. government. disbursed through your college.

This aid is sometimes

Private Aid: Financial aid that comes from sources that are non-government related. Award Letter: List of aid that the school is offering to you. You are not required to accept all aid. Dependency Status: Based on government standards, if you are considered a dependent student, colleges will consider parent financial resources when awaiting financial aid. Gift Aid: Financial aid that does not need to be paid back: - Grants: Typically based on financial need - Scholarships: Typically based on achievement or talent Search 600,000 scholarships & 4,000 colleges www.fastweb.com Loan Terms Annual percentage rate (APR): Amount of interest (fee for borrowing money) associated with a loan. It can change or remain the same during the year and term of the loan. If the interest rate is variable, the rate can change: if it is fixed, the rate will not change. Commercial lender: A financial institution that lends loan funds to students and their families. Consolidation loan: Loan that allows borrowers to lower their monthly payments by combining their original federal loans into a single loan. You may only consolidate once. Visit your financial aid office for more information.

Co-signer: A person besides the borrower who signs a credit agreement and is legally obligated to repay the loan if the borrower does not make payments. Financial Aid Terms: True or False? Test your knowledge on the following true/false aid questions. 1. If I win a scholarship, I have to pay it back. However, I can make payments interest free. False: Scholarships do not require you to pay anything back. Once you are awarded a scholarship, there is nothing to pay back, as long as you meet the terms of the scholarship. 2. I must accept all the aid listed on my financial aid award letter. False! You are not required to accept all of the aid. Your award letter lists the aid that the school is offering to you. Speak to your counselor or financial aid office if you have questions. 3. PLUS stands for “Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students.” True! The Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students loan is available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to cover costs not already covered by the student’s financial aid package. Interest rate is variable. Generally, repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. 4. All federal loans have the same repayment terms. False! Federal loan terms vary by the loan and recipient, For example: - Federal Stafford loan: for students, currently 3.42% (cap: 8.25%) - Federal Perkins loan: for students, fixed at 5% - Federal PLUS loan: for parents, currently 4.22% (cap: 9%)

Default Failure to repay your loan; it may lead to legal action to recover the money and can affect your credit rating. Delinquent: When at least one loan payment is late or missed. Serious delinquency results in default.

Disbursem*nt: The release of funds by a lender. Grace period: The time between when you leave school and before repayment begins. Principal: The full amount borrowed. During repayment, it refers to the portion of the original amount still owed (not including interest). Promissory note: A contract between the borrower and lender that reflects the terms and conditions under which the borrower promises to repay the loan.

FAFSA GUIDE from www.fastweb.com What is the FAFSA: FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the form the federal government uses to determine your eligibility for aid, which can include: scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. Where You Can Get It: ● Complete the FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov ● At your high school or local library ● Call 800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243) The Process: FAFSA →EFC→School Award Filling out the FAFSA will determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), or the amount of money your family can be expected to contribute to your college costs each year. Your school will then try to meet your needs through a financial aid award made up of grants, student employment and loans, which can come from federal, state, school and private sources. When To Fill It Out: -

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 of each year. The FAFSA is available on January 1. Since funds are limited at many schools, early submission of the FAFSA maximizes your chances of receiving aid. Remember to keep copies of all submitted documents.

Submit the FAFSA even if you don’t think you qualify for aid. Sometimes being rejected for federal aid is a prerequisite for receiving private awards.

FastTip: Review all of your data on the FAFSA. It is important to send in a form that is accurate and reflects your current situation. Common FAFSA Errors: Dos and Don’ts • • •

Do remember to file on time. Students who file as soon as possible after January 1 many times are given priority if funds are scarce. Do take the time to read the instructions and answer questions carefully. Do sign the application. If you are filing as a dependent student, make sure your parents sign too.

• • • •

Do use the 1040 Federal tax return (2008 version) for reporting income and taxes paid, not the W-2. If this is not available, estimate your income for 2008 using paycheck stubs and asset information. Do include yourself in your parents’ household size. Don’t leave a field blank. Use a zero if the question does not apply to you. Don’t forget to report ALL required sources of untaxed income: e.g., Social Security or child support.

If you have any questions, contact your high school counselor and/or call 800-4FED-AID. What’s Next: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) carefully. The SAR is proof that your FAFSA was received. When should I receive it? -

4-6 weeks after you submit a paper FAFSA 1-2 weeks if filed electronically Errors? Follow the directions from your aid administrator.

What if I don’t receive it? Call the federal processor at 800-433-3243 if you do not receive your paper SAR in 4-6 weeks. Provide your name, Social Security number and date of birth. What does the asterisk (*) mean? If an asterisk appears next to your EFC, your SAR has been selected for verification (about 1 in 3 SARs are selected). Your college has to verify your financial status. If asked, submit the information requested to your prospective college’s financial aid office ASAP, or your aid may be delayed.

FAFSA ON THE WEB Q & A from www.fastweb.com What is FAFSA on the Web? Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Web is an Internet-based version of the paper FAFSA. The federal government uses this form to determine your eligibility for aid, which includes grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. How do I fill it out? Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and click “Before Beginning a FAFSA” to get started. If you want a paper copy to use as a guide, use the pre-application worksheet, not a paper FAFSA. To download a copy, click “Print a Pre-Application Worksheet.” Also, print a completed FAFSA for your records! Click “Print” before you click the “Submit” button at the end of your FAFSA. Can I save my FAFSA on the Web? -

Yes! To do so, you must remember the password that you entered at the beginning of your application. If you forget it, you cannot look it up. You will have to start your FAFSA over.

To save your FAFSA application online, click the “Save” button at the bottom of each step. Your info will be saved for 45 days.

What are the benefits of FAFSA on the Web? By completing the FAFSA on the Web, you can: - Allow the federal processor to do a “final check” of your information and alert you of any mistakes. - Speed up the FAFSA process. Receive your SAR in 1-2 weeks (or 3-5 days if you include an e-mail address) vs. 4-6 weeks if you fill out the paper version. - Cut down on postal service problems or delays What else should I know? *Whether you complete a paper or electronic FAFSA, you will be required to provide your signature (and parent’s signature if you are a dependent student). There are three different ways to do this: 1.

Use your 4-digit PIN (read more on the PIN below) issued by the U.S. Department of Education to electronically sign your FAFSA. (Your parents will also need their own PINs to electronically sign your FAFSA.)

Print the signature page, get the required signatures and mail the form to the address listed on your signature page.

The third option is the slowest and is not recommended. Wait until you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), get the required signature(s) and return it via the U.S. Postal Service using certified mail.

What is a PIN? The Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the code that the U.S. Department of Education uses to identify you online. A PIN allows you to: -

Electronically sign your FAFSA to speed up the process Check the status of your electronic FAFSA Make corrections to your personal information online

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Keep your PIN private, as it allows you (or someone else) to electronically sign federal documents and access confidential information.

How do I get a PIN? Students and parents who are eligible to receive a PIN can visit www.pin.ed.gov and click on “Apply for PIN” at the bottom of the page. You can choose to receive your PIN via e-mail or regular mail. You will need to submit your name, date of birth and Social Security number. It takes about three business days to receive your PIN electronically. Questions about FAFSA on the Web or your PIN? Call 800-4-FED-AID.

FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES ON THE WEB Air Force ROTC Scholarship www.afrotc.com American Student Assistance www.amsa.com ARTS Program - Scholarships for Performing, Visual and Literary Artists www.ARTSawards.org College Board www.collegeboard.com/paying College Connection Scholarships www.collegescholarships.com College Savings Plan Network www.collegesavings.org College Scholarship Search www.college-scholarships.com Educaid http://www.wachovia.com/personal/page/0,,325_496,00.html The Education Resources Institute www.teri.org eStudent Loan www.estudentloan.com FastAid www.fastaid.com FastWeb www.fastweb.com Federal Trade Commission: Scholarship Scams www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship/ FinAid www.finaid.org Financial Aid Resource Center www.theoldschool.org

Financial Aid Supersite www.financialaidsupersite.com Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov www.studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa Free Search www.freschinfo.com Fundsnet Online Services www.fundsnetservices.com Gates Millennium Scholars Program www.gmsp.org Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center Financial Aid Page icpac.indiana.edu/finaid.html International Education Finance Corporation www.iefc.com International Education Financial Aid www.iefa.org Jack Kent Cooke Foundation www.jackkentcookefoundation.org LoanStar Lenders www.loanstar.com Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority www.mefa.org National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs www.nassgap.org National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators www.nasfaa.org National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs www.nchelp.org Nellie Mae Loan Link www.nelliemae.org

Sallie Mae www.salliemae.com Saving for College savingforcollege.com Scholarship Resource Network www.srnexpress.com Smart Money www.smartmoney.com/college Southwest Student Services Corporation www.sssc.com Student Financial Aid Resources by State wwww.ed.gov/Programs/bastmp/SHEA.htm Student Guide: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide Super College www.supercollege.com Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation www.tgslc.org TIAA-CREF Saving for College www.tiaa-cref.org/tuition United Negro College Fund www.uncf.org U.S. Bank Student Loans www.usbank.com/studentloans U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid www.studentaid.ed.gov U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid Download a poster reminding students that information about federal student aid is free www.studentaid.ed.gov/stung U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education Service www.gibill.va.gov

USA Group Loan Services www.usagroup.com Wiredscholar www.wiredscholar.com

SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES It is suggested that all college bound student athletes carry out the following steps if they are interested in pursuing participation in an intercollegiate sport. 1. Send a letter to the college coach for whom the student would be playing when submitting the application to the admissions office of the college. 2. The letter to the college coach should mention the following: a. The student’s intent/plans to participate in the sports program b. The fact that an application is on its way to the admissions office. c. The student’s experience in the sport. d. Any honors or awards received in the sport. e. The names, addresses and telephone numbers (if possible) of any high school coaches who could be contacted for a recommendation. f. The name of the student’s current high school coach(es) and whether or not a personal recommendation is being written by this coach to the college g. The student’s availability and request for an interview h. The student’s interest in an athletic scholarship (if desired). 3. Conclude by re-emphasizing the student’s interest (Be certain the home address and telephone number are listed). There is a vast difference between the NCAA Division I, II, and III sports programs. Although a student may be academically gifted and, therefore, qualified to attend a Division I athletic college/university, he/she may not be able to participate in athletics at that level. If the student is of Division I athletic caliber, recruiters will, most likely, contact him or her after November 1 of the twelfth grade year. Information prepared by the National Collegiate Athletic Association can be found by logging onto https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/ This website offers information about academic eligibility for students who plan to participate in athletics n Division I, II or III colleges and universities during their freshman year. It also provides an application form for students who will attend Division I or II colleges to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. High school students should meet with their counselor prior to their senior year to discuss their involvement in college athletics and to gain an understanding of what they must do during high school to be academically eligible to participate. Compliments: Gordon McK. Bateman, Elizabethtown Co…Edited for students at NEHS.

RESOURCES FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE American College of Sports Medicine Free Online Directory of College and University Program Information www.acsm.org/student/pl/user/userlogon.asp American Sport Education Program www.asep.com National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics nacda.fansonly.com National Collegiate Athletic Association www.ncaa.org National Recruiting Network www.nationalrecruits.com National Scouting Report www.nsr-inc.com Varsity Edge www.varsityedge.com

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