THE COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE

Bernards High School
Department of Guidance Services

Dr. Richard Charwin, Director of Guidance
Ms. Bernice Hornchak, Contributing Editor *

* Our thanks to Ms. Bernice Hornchak, Guidance Counselor,
Bridgewater-Raritan HS for her contribution to this web page.

Remember, college planning is a process with a beginning, middle, and end. Approaching college selection with this perspective will lead to better decision-making.

Because the process of selecting a college is very personal, it must begin with self-reflection. You must consider many things about yourself: your goals, your values, your strengths, weaknesses, and reasons for going to college. Then, consider the many criteria you will use in choosing which colleges to explore.

Throughout the process of making a college decision, one of your best resources is your school counselor. Your counselor knows the various steps in the admission process and can help you establish a logical approach. Just as important, your counselor can help you better understand yourself, your abilities, your interests, and your needs.

Even before you speak with your counselor, begin to draw up a list of questions that will affect your plans.

Here are some of the questions that you and your counselor may wish to address:

3   Am I interested in a liberal arts institution or a technical institute with more specialized training?
     Do I want a two- or four- year institution?

3   Do I want to stay near home, or am I prepared to visit my family only a few times each year?
     Am I interested in a certain locale? Urban, small town, or rural?

3   Do I want to attend a small or large institution? Am I interested in a diverse student body?

3   Have my grades been good enough to be considered by a very selective school?
     Do I want a demanding academic environment? Do I plan to go to graduate school?
     Am I comfortable with a curriculum that offers a great deal of independent study?
     Do my learning needs require more specialized facilities?

3   Do I prefer on or off-campus housing? Am I interested in fraternities or sororities?
     How important are intramural or intercollegiate sports?
     Do I want a campus that offers many social/cultural events?

3   How important will costs be in my final choice?
     What kind of financial assistance will I need?
     Are opportunities for part-time jobs important? What qualifications do I have for scholarships?

Discuss the answers to these questions with your school counselor in relation to your academic "profile" (courses, grades, rank-in-class, test scores, activities). Using the information from these discussions, you and your counselor can begin to develop a list of colleges which meet your criteria.

Remember, the Guidance Staff at Bernards High School are dedicated to helping you fulfill your college and career plans. Through a developmental counseling model and client-centered approach, your counselor can assist you with personal assessment, academic enhancement, career identification and college admission. Also, our Career Resource Center houses college guide books, catalogues, videos, financial aid information and specialized computer software programs. All of these resources are designed to make your college search easy, efficient and effective!

Finally, should you need more detailed information on any of the topics discussed in this Guide, we invite you to obtain a copy of the ABC's of College Planning from your counselor. This is a comprehensive "hands-on" manual published by the New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling.

The road to college lies before you. It's time to begin your journey!

  KNOW YOURSELF AND YOUR REASONS FOR ATTENDING COLLEGE

l  Recognize your strengths and weaknesses

l  Analyze your interests and values

l  Achieve a personal goal

l  Increase your earning power

l  Prepare for a career and expand learning

l  Develop extracurricular activities/social life

Take responsibility for your future!

  THE COLLEGE PREP CURRICULUM

If you're planning to go to college, it's important to take the right classes in high school. Some universities may require fewer years in some subjects than we've recommended here, but for "strong preparation," you should plan to take the following:

4 4 4 4 English
4 years of college prep English are required. This will give you the skills you'll need to understand literature and write effectively.

4 4 4 4 Math
4 years will give you the best possible preparation. Students
who take math in each year of high school are far more successful in
college than students taking only three years.

3 3 3 Science
3 years of lab sciences are recommended, even if you don't plan to pursue a science-related field.

3 3 3 Social Studies
3 years will give you the ability to understand and
contribute to the world you live in.

3 3 3 Foreign Language
3 years of the same language are
recommended. Many universities require their students to study a
foreign language. Strong preparation in high school will let you go
further, faster in college.

1 Art
1 year of a visual or performing art is required. This includes courses in art, music, theater or dance.

Strong preparation
Many colleges will require students to meet certain college prep curriculum
standards. But just meeting the minimum is not necessarily the best way to
prepare for college. Strong preparation means going beyond the minimum -
taking honors or advanced placement courses where appropriate. Remember, be
the best you can be!

We thought you might be interested to know...

What Counts Most with Admission Directors?

Survey of Members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling

Degree if Importance

Considerable

Moderate

Limited

l  Keep in mind that colleges have other priorities that impact student admission
    such as minority recruitment; geographical mix, talent mix, athletes, diversity of student body.

l  A total SAT score of 1000 to 1200 is a match for 90% of all four-year colleges.

l  A total ACT score of 21-23 is a match for 90% of all four-year colleges.

l  Some colleges may require one, two or three SAT II Subject Tests, one of which is usually
   Writing or Literature.

  CONSIDER COLLEGE CHARACTERISTICS

l  Majors and educational programs

l  Type of school and degrees offered

l  Admission policy

l  Location and size

l  Costs and financial aid

l  College affiliation and accreditation

l  Campus activities

l  Support services

Refer to College Guide Books

College guide books can be extremely useful in identifying colleges, especially when you have decided on geographic location and the curriculum you will study. Use these reference guides to begin to develop your list of prospective colleges. Bear in mind however, that there are two basic types of college guides: the objective, factual guides and the subjective, anecdotal guides. The former provides necessary information and is generally quite reliable, but rarely give you a feel for a college. The latter frequently give you a sense of the intangibles of a college or of college life but may be biased or inaccurate. You should therefore use both to get the most comprehensive overview.

Use Computer Software and the Internet

Computer software can save you time and effort in the college search and application process. You can use the software to give you additional information on a particular college or help you find other colleges that have the characteristics you selected as important. College selection programs may be found in your guidance office, career center, school or community library, or you can access them directly via the Internet. Some packages may be purchased at bookstores and computer stores.

On-line services are available for registering for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I); sending the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and completing the CSS Financial Aid Profile. You can review entire college catalogs, access college applications including the Common Application, and send applications electronically to colleges. Many colleges also provide you descriptions of their institutions on CD-ROM and copies of their application on disk.

Some college selection software and information systems have a variety of components which allow you to do the following: 1) conduct a personalized search for colleges that meet your criteria 2) tour colleges interactively to sample majors, student life, and activities 3) access college catalogs 4) send inquiries to colleges and receive responses 5) apply to the college on-line.

Computer Software Programs

*All are available in the Career Resource Center located in the Bernards High School Guidance Office.

Refine Your List

After following the suggestions above and developing a preliminary list of colleges which fulfill your requirements, you should meet again with your counselor. At this time, you'll need to reduce your list to a more workable number for further investigation. In order to do this, take the following steps:

1.  Send for literature such as viewbooks, catalogs and application packets to get comprehensive
     information on particular schools.

2.  Review audio-visual material from colleges if available. This includes CD-ROM, computer disks, 
     videos, laser discs, etc. This is a good way to get a sense of the general atmosphere on campus.

3.  Make informal visits to different kinds of college campuses. Attend Campus Tour Days, 
     Open Houses, Financial Aid Workshops, etc.

4.  Attend college fairs, college nights, and individual meetings with college representatives. 
     The following questions are a sample of important areas to discuss:

l  What programs of study does the college offer?

l  Is the location of the school rural, urban or suburban? 
     Is public transportation available?

l  How many students attend the college full-time/part-time?

l  What is the average class size for freshmen?

l  What are the admission criteria?

l  What are the application deadlines?

l  How much is tuition? How much is room and board?

l  What types of financial aid are available? 
     What scholarships are available, academic and/or athletic?

l  What counseling services are available? 
     What tutoring or other support services are available?

l  What is unique about the college?

l  What percentage of students graduate in four years/five years?

l  What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?

Your Street Address
City, State ZIP Code
Date

Office of Admission
Name of College
Street Address
City, State ZIP code

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a student at (name of high school) and will graduate in (month, year).

Please send me an application for admission and information about your college - a general information bulletin, college costs, and program descriptions. I am considering (name of program) as my major field of study.

My parents and I also want to investigate all possible sources of financial aid. Please send us an application form, instructions about how and when to apply, and any other information might be helpful.

I am interested in visiting your campus, taking a campus tour, and meeting with an Admission Counselor. I would also like to meet with an advisor in (name of department), if possible. Please advise me of a time on (month, day) that would be convenient.

Thank you

Sincerely,
(Your signature)
Name

l  General Information

l  Application Forms

l  A Campus Visit

You can modify this letter to accommodate your unique needs.

Note About
College Majors

It's okay to be undecided
about a major--most 
colleges provided services
help students select a
major during the first and/or
second year.
colleges

Sample College Guide Book

Barron's Profiles of American Colleges
Barron's Guide to the Best, Most Popular and Most Exciting Colleges
Barron's Educational Services, Inc., Woodbury, New York

College Admission Data Handbook
Louis Mazzani, Orchard House, Inc., Concord, Massachusetts

The College Handbook
Index of Majors
College Entrance Examination Board, New York, New York

The Fiske Guide to Colleges
Edward B. Fiske, Times Books, New York, New York

The Insider's Guide to Colleges
Yale Daily News Staff, St. Martin's Press, New York, New York

The Internet Guide For Collegebound Students
Ken Hartman, College Board, New York, New York

The K & W Guide to Colleges for the Learning Disabled
Marybeth Kravets and Imy F. Wax, Harper Perennial, New York, New York

Lovejoy's College Guide
Charles T. Straughn II and Barbara Sue Lovejoy Straughn, Monarch Press, New York, New York

Lovejoy's College Guide for the Learning Disabled
Charles T. Straughn II, Monarch Press, New York, New York

Peterson's Annual Guide to Undergraduate Study
Guide to Four Year Colleges/Guide to Two Year Colleges
Andrea E. Lehman, Peterson's Guides, Princeton, New Jersey

Peterson's Guide to Colleges With Programs For Learning Disabled Students (2nd Edition)
Charles T. Mangrum II and Stephen S. Strichart, Peterson's Guides, Princeton, New Jersey

Ruggs Recommendations on the Colleges
Frederick E. Rugg, Atascadero, California

Paying for College
The Princeton Review

College Cost & Financial Aid Handbook
The College Board

Scholarships, Grants, Prizes
Peterson's

Internet Sites

Exploring College

On-line Applications

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Loan Information

Athletics

Scholar Athlete Info	http://www.hevanet.com/imbh/
NAIA	http://www.naia.org/
NCAA	http://www.ncaa.org
Univ. Sports Programs	http://www.universitysports.com/

Test Prep

Careers

Study Skills

The Campus Visit

You're now ready to visit the college campuses remaining on your list. Taking a campus tour will allow you to experience the campus first-hand. What is the atmosphere like? Do you feel comfortable there? The impressions you gather on your campus visit will help you decide if you and the institution are indeed a good match!

In general, the college visit usually consists of three parts: a student-conducted campus tour, an interview, and wandering. Each can be a valuable source of information and insight if you have done your research and are properly prepared.

The Campus Tour

Arranging a campus tour is easy. Simply call the Admission Office and ask when tours are offered. Confirm your visitation date over the phone. While arranging your tour, try to schedule time to speak with an admission counselor at the conclusion of the program. You may also want to make arrangements to sit in on classes, stay overnight, or meet with faculty members and coaches.

In addition to seeing and hearing about programs and facilities, student-conducted tours offer at least three other benefits: first, the opportunity to ask the guide questions on any and all subjects and get the student view; second, the chance to exchange information with others on the tour; and third, the opportunity to meet students who may be your future classmates.

Campus Considerations

Consider the following as you tour the facilities of each campus you visit:

Library

1. How extensive are the hours?
2. How extensive are the resources?
3. Are tutoring services available?

Laboratories/Studios

1. Are there sufficient computer labs?
2. Are there foreign language labs?
3. Are labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology?
4. Are there art studios, music studios, dance studios?

Theatre

1. What is the size and scope of the theatre?
2. Are productions open to non-theatre majors?
3. How many productions are scheduled each year?
4. There a campus repertory company, choir, band or orchestra?

Athletics

1. What intercollegiate and intramural sports are offered?
2. In what athletic division does the college participate?
3. Are athletic scholarships available?
4. What are the facilities for men and women?

Housing

1. Where are the residence halls located on campus?
2. Are rooms singles, doubles, triples or suites?
3. Are residence halls coed or single-sex?
4. Where do freshmen live?
5. How are roommates selected?
6. What are the residence hall rules?
7. Are there quiet study hours?
8. Is there a visitation policy for guests?
9. Are there sufficient rooms for all interested students?
10. Can freshmen live off-campus?
11. Are there fraternity or sorority houses?
12. Is housing guaranteed for four years?

Dining

1. Where are the dining halls located?
2. Are there apartment-style dorms where students do their own cooking?
3. What types of meal plans are available?
4. Can special diets be accommodated?
5. Are there restaurants on or near the campus?

Health Services

1. Are clinical facilities available on-campus?
2. During what hours are doctors and nurses available?
3. Are counseling services available to students?
4. Is there a charge for medical care?
5. What hospitals are near the campus?

Security

1. Is the campus patrolled by an effective security staff?
2. Are parking lots and walkways well lit?
3. What are the campus crime statistics?

The Interview

Most colleges state that the interview, whether individual or group, is to be an information exchange wherein the applicant (and parents) may have questions answered and doubts relieved. Also, the interview gives the Admission Office a chance to learn something about the applicant. Therefore, it is essential that you be prepared with questions to ask and issues to discuss.

In general, your questions should go beyond information offered in the first few pages of the college catalog. Direct your questions at topics YOU care about - availability of faculty, accessibility to computers, campus activities, the food, the social life, campus - community relations, transportation, campus safety and security, facilities, residence life, medical services, or anything else that YOU want to know. No question is out of place if it is sincere!

On some campuses, an interview is required as part of the evaluation process. In this situation, you may be confronted with thought-provoking questions from the interviewer. Some routine questions might include:

l  What's one of the best books you've read?
l  Describe some events that have had a major impact on your life.
l  Discuss one of the best teachers you've had.
l  What are your favorite classes and why?
l  How would you describe yourself as a person?
l  What are your personal strengths and weaknesses?
l  What is the most significant contribution you've made to your high school?
l  What are your favorite activities outside of class?
l  What unique qualities can you bring to the college?
l  Why are you considering this institution?

Give careful thought to your responses. Don't be afraid to fall back on humor, but let the interviewer know how your answers relate to your educational goals, abilities and interests.

Whether the interview is informational or evaluative, you should have an unofficial copy of your high school transcript reflecting the courses you've taken through senior year, grades achieved, rank in class and grade point average, SATI/II or ACT scores, Advanced Placement grades, etc. Be ready to discuss and explain any unusual aspects of your record - good or bad! Have a list of all your activities and major accomplishments. Whenever possible, toot your own horn! If you've got it, use it!

Finally, your demeanor and dress should be normal. Do not try to impress the interviewer with your vocabulary or wardrobe. Dress neatly but be comfortable. Be honest and relaxed. Remember, the interviewer wants to see the real you!

College Comparison Worksheet

College Name:
Location· Distance from home
Size· Enrollment· Physical size of campus
Environment· Type of school (2 yr., 4 yr.)· School setting (urban, rural)· Location & size of nearest city· Co-ed, male, female· Religious affiliation
Admission Requirements· Deadline· Tests required· Average test scores, GPA, rank· Notification
Academics· Your major offered· Special requirements· Accreditation· Student-facility ratio· Typical class size
College Expenses· Tuition, room & board· Estimated total budget· Application fee, deposits
Financial Aid· Deadline· Required forms· % receiving aid· Scholarships
Housing· Residence hall requirement· Food plan
Facilities· Academic· Recreational· Other
Activities· Clubs, organizations· Greek life· Athletics, intramurals· Other
Campus Visits· When· Special Opportunities

The Admission Application

How do colleges make admission decisions? Let's take a look at the six main components of an applicant's folder.

1. Application - The application includes simple biographical information such as your birthday and your parents' names. Frequently you will need to write essays, which are intended to acquaint the admission committee with your experiences, strengths and weaknesses, and writing ability.

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 specific courses and the grades you received are the two most important aspects of your high school record or transcript.

Most colleges require class rank and/or GPA to assist the admission office in making decisions.

The Somerset Hills Board of Education policy precludes the reporting of class rank for the college application process. Because the academic environment at Bernards High School is very challenging, we believe the comparisons among students inherent in class rank calculations unnecessarily increase competition within the school. Please be advised however, that class rank will be made available upon college acceptance if requested to determine college financial aid and scholarship eligibility.

2. Test Scores - Standardized testing has come under a great deal of scrutiny and criticism in recent years. Many colleges have stated that they are not concerned with applicants' test results; a few have even made submission of test scores optional. However, any college that requires the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) or American College Test (ACT) will use the scores in its admission process. How much emphasis is placed on test results depends on the college's policy. It is important to remember that test scores are a part of the total applicant profile, and, at most institutions, test scores alone do no exclude a student from admission, nor do scores alone guarantee admission.

3. School Recommendation - The official recommendation or statement prepared by your school counselor is also a very important part of the folder, but is not as critical as your record itself.

4. Teacher Recommendations - These tell the readers of your application about your classroom performance in terms that are not represented by grades. Teachers may comment on the type of contributions you make in class, the written and oral work you have presented, and your potential for success at a particular college.

5. Activities - Although your academic credentials are the primary factor 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.

A Word About Essays:
As previously stated, many colleges require essays as part of the application. Think of the essay as a vehicle for conveying your "personal side" to the college. Your essay is a chance for you to "talk " with anyone that reads your application and makes a judgment about you.

Steps in preparing essays: 1. Make a rough draft of each. 2. Make sure your essays answer the questions but interpret the topics in your own style. 3. Check for errors. 4. Have someone proofread your work, but don't let someone else write your essays!

The Personal Factor

All parts of your admission folder are supplemented by your uniqueness as an individual. The quality of the individual often creates exceptions to all rules of the process. Two of the more common personal factors that may create exceptions are the fact that parent(s) and/or other relatives have attended the college or that the applicant has a superior talent (athletic, musical, dramatic) that the college is seeking.

The Decision Process
The most important concept to keep in mind when assessing admission criteria is the level of selectivity at the college in question. The more applicants a college has for each place in its entering class, the more selective that college can be. At the highly selective colleges (more than three applicants for every place in the class), virtually all of the application folders contain outstanding credentials. Consequently, the applicant whose folder contains some weakness in relation to the general qualities of other applicants will stand out on the basis of that weakness.

At the less selective colleges, the admission criteria generally are geared toward presentation of the most positive application folders relative to the other applicants. That's not to say that the highly selective colleges select their classes by merely rejecting the poorest students. Rather, the highly selective colleges simply use the same search for-the-best techniques as everyone else, except that the student with weaknesses rarely gets the change to be reviewed a second or third time in the way the more qualified candidates are scrutinized.

Large public institutions and community colleges are likely to have different admission policies. Some large schools determine admission by entering applicant data (i.e., GPA, rank-in-class, test scores) into a computer formula. The computer recommends what students to admit and deny; the admission committee then studies the applications and the computer recommendations before making decisions. On the other hand, some large institutions read applications and determine admission in the same way that smaller schools do.

There may be different admission standards for individual colleges within one university, in which case your application will be considered with others for the same college. Keep in mind that some state schools give preference to state residents and in some cases must admit state residents if they apply by a certain date.

Most community colleges have open-door admission, that is, any resident of the community college district and some out-of-district residents are able to attend. In these instances, the application process is relatively simple, usually including only biographical data. Some of these schools have specific programs that practice selective admission, and require test scores and essays. All programs will require proof of high school graduation or its equivalent.

Golden Rule of the College Admission Process

Don't file an application for admission to a college which you would not gladly attend if offered the chance. Make sure you have visited the campus before applying!

Choosing the College You Will Attend

If you have completed the admission process carefully and have chosen colleges which you like with a clear understanding of how your credentials compare to those of other applicants, you will be faced with the following decision at the end of the process: Which college do you choose now that you have been admitted to more than one of those to which you applied? Don't panic! Trust your instincts and return to the list of criteria which you put together to begin your search. Choose the ONE COLLEGE, which you like best and send in the tuition deposit. Once you determine that a college which has offered you admission is not longer a school you will attend, notify that college of your decision, so that they are able to offer your place to someone else.

The Admission Folder: What's In It?

Application Academic Record Admission Test Scores

Recommendations· Teacher· Counselor Admission Folder Student Activities

The Financial Aid Process

The actual cost of attending college consists of the tuition and fees charged by an institution less the amount of financial aid awarded to the individual. But how is financial aid awarded? Let's examine the process?

1. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed before any federal, state or campus-based aid can be awarded. Students should obtain a copy of the FAFSA from their high school Guidance Office after December 1 of the senior year.

2. The FAFSA should be submitted to the Federal Processor after January 1 and no later than April 15th of the senior year. If exact personal financial information is not available when completing the FAFSA, families should use estimates. Delays in submitting the form may affect your financial aid award.

3. The Federal Processor uses information from the FAFSA to compute the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Savings, assets and income of the family are taken into account. The Federal Processor uses Federal Methodology to determine EFC.

4. The Federal Processor sends this information to the federal and state government and to six institutions to which the student applies. The student is informed of the analysis through the Student Aid Report (SAR). Please note the Federal Processor does not award funds.

5. The federal government uses the Federal Needs Analysis for determining eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, the Federal Perkins Loan, the Federal Stafford Loan and Federal Work-Study funds. The State of New Jersey uses the modified version of the Federal Needs Analysis to determine eligibility for Tuition Aid Grants and Educational Opportunity Fund Grants. New Jersey also awards money for the Distinguished Scholars Program to academically talented students. Scholarship awards are not dependent on financial need. It is important to remember, however, that most grants provided by the State of New Jersey are only awarded to students who attend college in New Jersey. Therefore, students should list New Jersey colleges first when indicating where the Needs Analysis should be sent.

Some colleges may ask you to verify information on the FAFSA by providing them with a copy of your income tax forms. In cases of divorce or separation, a college may also ask for financial information from the non-custodial parent. Individual colleges may take into consideration the income or assets of the non-custodial parent when awarding their own institutional funds.

Shortly after you receive your acceptance letter from a particular college, a Financial Aid Package will be mailed to you. This package will list the initial cost of tuition, fees, and on campus room and board at the institution and how they will be reduced by any grants, loans or scholarship you are receiving. The final cost of attendance should be clearly marked. In comparing financial aid papers from different colleges, it is important to note not only how financial costs compare but also how much the student and parent will have to borrow in the form of loans. It is also important to know whether the financial aid awarded by the college is renewable for subsequent years and whether a certain level of satisfactory progress is necessary to renew the award.

If the financial aid award at the college you most want to attend is insufficient to meet your needs, it may be useful to contact the Financial Aid Office at that specific institution to see if personal circumstances warrant reconsideration. Parents may also apply to their local bank for a Parents Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), to help meet college costs.

Scholarships

Another primary source of money for college are merit scholarships. These are generally awarded by colleges and universities based strictly on an applicant's academic achievement. Typically, the college considers the student for a merit award at the time of application and financial need is not a factor.

In addition to merit scholarships, many foundations, corporations, unions and religious organizations sponsor scholarships. The local Chamber of Commerce may have a list of businesses, civic and professional groups such as Elks, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs which offer substantial awards for students in their community. Specific details on national, state and local scholarships are sent to the Guidance Department and a comprehensive file is maintained in the Career Resource Center. Seniors are encouraged to check this file on a regular basis.

A huge source of scholarship aid is the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students must take the PSAT in October of their Junior year to participate. Many large corporations make funds available to those who score well on this exam.

Also - use the Internet! The most fruitful scholarship sites on the Internet are those with searchable databases; you enter personal information such as age, gender, class rank, field of study and end up with a list of awards that fit your profile. By searching two of the databases listed below, one can find a full range of scholarship programs they may qualify for. Finally, be aware of scholarship scams. These usually come in the form of letters inviting you to pay a fee for a list of scholarship sources. The same information is available to you free - via your own computer!

Web Resources

College Planning Calendar

Junior Year

September · Inquire about PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) date, time, and place in October. · Meet with your school counselor to review your courses for this year and plan for your senior year.

October · Take PSAT/NMSQT.

November · Keep your grades up.

December · Receive results of PSAT/NMSQT. Read material sent with your scores and consult your school counselor to determine how you might improve. This can be excellent preparation for your SAT I.

January · Begin to think about which colleges you'd like to explore. · Sign up for Spring SAT I.

February · Meet with your school counselor to begin preparing a list of colleges to explore. · Begin to prepare for your SATs.

March · Write to colleges on your list and evaluate the literature sent to you. · Begin to visit campuses.

April · When selecting your senior courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself. · It's time to take the SAT or ACT; double check date, time and place. · Continue to evaluate colleges, begin eliminating some choices from the original list.

May · Attend a College Fair to get more information about colleges on your list. · Take SAT II tests (if appropriate). · Look into summer jobs. · Consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program, or working as a volunteer.

June · Plan visits to colleges during summer.
· Take SAT II tests (if appropriate).

July - August · Visit colleges, take tours, and have interviews. 
· Continue to refine your list.

Senior Year

September · Sign up for Fall SAT I/SAT II or ACT.
· Meet with your school counselor to be sure that your list 
includes colleges appropriate to your academic and personal
record. · Review your personal records with your school
counselor to ensure their accuracy. · Write to the colleges
still on your list and request applications. · Plan visits to
colleges (if you didn't get to them during the summer or if you
want to return to a campus for a second time).

October · Take SAT I/SAT II or ACT if registered.
· Attend a regional college fair to investigate further those
colleges to which you will probably apply. · Begin to gather
the information needed for applications. · Line up your
teacher recommendations. · If applying for early decision,
send in your application now.

November · Take SAT I/SAT II or ACT if registered.
Have scores sent to college on your list. · Be sure that first
quarter grades are good. · Continue filing applications to
colleges.

December · Take SAT I/SAT II or ACT if registered. Have
scores sent to college on your list. · File your last college
application. · Consult your school counselor again to review
your final list of colleges. Be sure you have all bases
covered. · If you applied for early decision, you should have
an answer by now.

January · Take SAT I/SAT II or ACT if registered.
· Courses continue to count throughout the senior year.
· Obtain the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student
Aid) if you plan to apply for financial assistance.

February, March, April · Remember to monitor your
applications to be sure that all materials are sent and
received on time. · Enjoy your final year in high school
but don't catch senioritis.

Before May 1 · Decide on the one college which you
will attend. Send in your tuition deposit. BE PROUD -
you've completed a difficult task. · Notify the other colleges
to which you have been admitted that you have selected
another college.

May · Take Advanced Placement exams.

June · Request that your counselor send your final
transcript to the college you will attend.
Congratulations, you've made it through high school!
Enjoy your graduation and look forward to college.

July · Look for information from the college about
housing, roommate(s), orientation, course selection, etc.
August and September · Pack for college. Have a great year!

Statement of Students' Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admission Process

Your rights entitle you to:

l  Receive full information from colleges and universities about their admission, financial aid, scholarship, and housing policies. If you consider early decision, obtain complete information from the college about its process and policy.

l  Wait to respond to an offer of admission and/or financial aid until you have heard from all the colleges and universities to which you have applied or until May 1, whichever comes earlier.

If you think that your rights as a student have been denied, you should contact the college or university immediately to request additional information or the extension of a reply date. In addition, you should ask your counselor to notify the president of your state or regional Association for College Admission Counseling.

If you need further assistance send a copy of any correspondence you have had with the college or university and a copy of your letter of admission to: Executive Director, NACAC, 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 430, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Your responsibilities are to:

l  Understand the admission, financial aid, and scholarship policies of the colleges and universities to which you plan to apply. This includes being aware of deadlines, restrictions, and other criteria.

Before you apply, you should understand the policies and procedures of each college or university regarding application fees, financial aid and scholarships, and housing. You should also be sure that you understand the policies of each college or university regarding deposits that you may be required to make before you enroll and the dates when refunds of those deposits are available.

l  Complete all material that is required for application, and submit your application materials on or before the deadlines.

l  Follow the process recommended by your high school for filing college applications.

l  Arrange, if appropriate, for interviews and/or visits to colleges of your choice.

l  Notify each college or university who accepts you whether you are accepting or rejecting its offer. You should make these notifications as soon as you have heard from all the colleges to which you have applied or by May 1, whichever is earlier. Also, if you are accepted under an early decision plan, which requires you to attend that institution, you must withdraw the applications submitted to other colleges or universities at the time of that acceptance and make no additional applications. If you are an early decision candidate and are seeking financial aid, the previously mentioned withdrawal of other applications presumes you have received notification about financial aid.

l  Confirm your intention to enroll and submit a deposit, if one is required, to only one college or university by its required notification date, usually May 1.

If you are put on a waiting list by a college or university and are later admitted to that institution, you may accept the offer and send a deposit. However, you must immediately notify any other college or university where you previously applied your intention to enroll elsewhere.

Terms

Collegiate Degrees

Associate Degree - The degree awarded after the successful completion of a two-year program, usually at a junior or community college.

Bachelors Degree - The degree awarded after the successful completion of a four-year program of study at a college or university.

Masters Degree - The degree awarded at the completion of the first post-graduate program.

Doctoral Degree - The degree awarded after intensive study in a particular field such as Philosophy (Ph.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Education (Ed. D.) or Law (J.D.)

Collegiate Calendars

Semester System - The most common calendar, where the academic year is divided into two
relatively equal periods of approximately 16 weeks.

Trimester System - A calendar which divides the academic year into three equal periods.
Quarter System Similar to the Trimester System, but usually includes a fourth, summer
session.

4-1-4 System - A system where students carry four courses during the fall session, one
course during the "January Term" (sometimes in an off-campus situation), and
four courses in the spring session.

Three-Two Program - A combined degree program at two cooperating institutions, the first three
years at an undergraduate school and the final two years at an institution
providing specialized study; degrees are awarded from both.

Admissions Plans

Matriculation - Admission to a college as a degree candidate.
Early Admission - Admission to a college following completion of the junior year of secondary
school.

Early Decision - A plan where students make application in early fall of senior year and
notification is sent by mid-December; if accepted, a commitment-to-attend is
usually required along with withdrawal of other college applications. A
Student may apply to only one college under Early Decision.

Early Action - Similar to Early Decision except that if accepted, the applicant is not

Early Notification - committed to attend the institution and other applications may be made.

Wait List/Alternate - A response to an applicant indicating that his/her application is acceptable, but
List the limit of accepted students has already been reached; wait listed students
may be admitted after May 1, if space becomes available.

Rolling Admission - A procedure by which admission decisions are made on a continuous basis
and sent within about 3-4 weeks after receipt of completed application
material.

Admissions Dates

College Notification - The date by which colleges not using rolling admission notify applicants of the
Date decision on their applications, usually by April 15.

Candidate Reply Date - The date by which applicants must reply to college offers of admission and
submit a tuition deposit to secure a place in the freshman class, usually by May 1.

Testing Termonology

Preliminary Scholastic - Two-hour tests - usually taken in fall of junior year in preparation for
Assessment Test SAT I or ACT. The PSAT score serves as the basis for selection of
(PSAT) and PLAN National Merit Scholars who receive public recognition and financial
awards.

Scholastic Assessment - A three-hour test given on specific dates throughout the year at testing
Tests centers and required by most colleges for admission. The scoring has
two components: SAT I Reasoning Test 1) Verbal- which indicates
an understanding of words, skill in dealing with word and thought
relationships, the ability to read with understanding and discrimination
2) Math- which measures ability to handle numbers and do quantitative
reasoning. Scores on each section range from 200-800.

SAT II Subject Tests - One-hour tests given in specific high school subjects and scored 200-
800 to demonstrate level of accomplishment. A number of colleges
may require these tests in addition to SAT I.

American College - A four-part test consisting of English, Mathematics, Social Studies and
Test (ACT) Natural Science used largely by midwestern, western, and
southwestern colleges for admission. Individual and composite scores
range from 1 to 36.

Advanced Placement - Subject-oriented college-level tests given in May and usually taken by
Examination (AP) high school students completing advanced pla