College & Career Planning Guide

Transcription

1 College & Career Planning Guide Rome Free Academy 95 Dart Circle Rome, New York 13441

2 Table of Contents I. The Path Through Four Years of High School a. Freshman Year 4 b. Sophomore Year 4 c. Junior Year 5 d. Senior Year 6 e. Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit Courses 8 f. College Credit Opportunities at Rome Free Academy 10 g. Opportunities for Career Preparation During High School: BOCES, New Horizons, and New Visions 12 h. NYS / RFA Graduation Requirements 13 II. III. IV. Post-Secondary Options a. The State University of New York (SUNY) 14 i. Two Year Community Colleges ii. Two Year and Four Year Technology Colleges iii. Four Year University Colleges iv. Four Year University Centers b. Private Schools 15 c. Military Programs 15 Choosing a Career & Post Secondary Education for Me a. Self Assessment 16 b. Career Exploration 16 c. Preparing to be a good candidate 17 d. College Exploration and Research 18 e. Applying to College 19 f. Making a decision 21 g. A selection of Colleges Attended by RFA graduates 23 Testing a. PLAN (Practice ACT/Career Interest Inventory) 24 b. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) 24 c. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) 25 d. ACT (American College Test) 25 e. SAT Subject Tests 25 f. ASVAB (Armed Services Aptitude Battery) 25 V. Paying for College a. Costs of a College Education 26 b. Types of Financial Aid 27 2 P a g e

3 c. Financial Aid and Admissions 27 d. The Financial Package 27 e. How to Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA) 28 f. Expected Family Contribution (EFC) 29 g. How to Evaluate Financial Aid Offer 30 h. Negotiating Financial Aid Offers 30 VI. Scholarships a. College Scholarships 31 b. Community Scholarships 31 The College & Career Planning Guide is also available on the Rome City School District website at From the homepage, go to Rome Free Academy, guidance, then click on the college & career planning guide icon. 3 P a g e

4 The Path - Four Years of High School As soon as you enter high school, the process begins for post-secondary planning. The following guide will help you to determine what steps you need to take during each grade to ensure a smooth transition to college or other post graduate pursuits. Your guidance counselor is able to assist you with all of these steps. If you have any questions, feel free to call the guidance office or you can your counselor. You will have the same counselor throughout your four years at Rome Free Academy. Class of 2013 & Class of 2015 A-F Mr. Michael Gzik mgzik@romecsd.org G-O Mr. Ryan Tuggey rtuggey@romecsd.org P-Z Mrs. Susan Bentley sbentley@romecsd.org Class of 2014 & Class of 2016 A-F Mrs. Maureen Nash mnash@romecsd.org G-O Mrs. Deborah Daskiewich ddaskiewich@romecsd.org P-Z Mrs. Michele Skibitski mskibitski@romecsd.org Freshman Year Become familiar with courses offered at the high school. Create a four year academic plan based on requirements and interests on Naviance Succeed. Understand the types of diplomas offered in New York State Utilize your Naviance Succeed account to keep track of activities as you build your resume. Explore extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, and community service. Learn about job shadowing Implement a plan to develop and improve study skills. Student athletes interested in playing Division I or II athletics in college should meet with their guidance counselor and coaches to ensure that they will meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Detailed information is available at Sophomore Year Evaluate current academic progress in terms of the four-year plan proposed in freshman year. Determine status in terms of graduation requirements and diploma type. Choose the most challenging courses available based on your ability, teacher recommendations, and career paths you may be considering. Continue to update your resume of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, community service, job shadowing experiences, and after school jobs. 4 P a g e

5 Attend the college fair at RFA, usually the second Wednesday night of October. Over 100 college representatives attend annually. Consider taking the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) in October. You can take the PSAT again in you junior year to become eligible for National Merit Scholarships. (See page 24 for more information on the PSAT) Consider taking the PLAN test (Pre-ACT and career interest inventory in March. This test is designed for sophomores and is only give once during the sophomore year. (See page 24 for more information on the PLAN test) Take advantage of the BOCES visitations for trade career exploration. BOCES will visit classrooms in early January. Individual half day visits are arranged through the guidance department to experience the BOCES technical area of your choice. Begin visiting college campuses to get an idea of your preferences of size and locations. You will also start to gather information on what sort of services, activities, experiences different colleges have to offer. Every college is different. Review criteria for admission to a variety of college programs. Student athletes interested in playing Division I or II athletics in college should meet with their Guidance Counselor and coaches to ensure that they will meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Detailed information is available at Junior Year Reevaluate academic progress, graduation requirements, and diploma status. Understand Regents exam requirements. Continue to expand upon resume of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, community service, job shadowing experiences, summer enrichment programs, and after school jobs. Seek leadership opportunities within your activities. Try to pursue a job shadowing experience. Continue to work with the Naviance Succeed program to fine-tune college choices and to explore majors and specific entrance requirements. Make sure to add the colleges to the college list in Naviance. Attend the college fair at RFA, usually the second Wednesday night of October. Over 100 college representatives attend annually. Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test), which is offered at Rome Free Academy one Saturday in October. This test is only offered once a year. It is an excellent preparation for the SAT, and the highest scoring students may qualify for a national merit scholarship simply by taking the test. Consider taking the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Assessment Battery) in November during the school day for additional career information/exploration. (See page 25 for more information on the ASVAB.) Meet with your guidance counselor in December to understand your PSAT test scores. Utilize the results to help prepare for the SAT in the spring of the junior year. The SAT exam is given seven times each year and students may take the exam multiple times. The May or June exam is optimum for juniors. Rome Free Academy is a test site for the May examination. 5 P a g e

6 Consider taking the ACT (American College Test) in April or June of your junior year. Spring ACT testing is offered at RFA in either April or June each year and is dependent on the timing of RFA s Spring Break. Make the most of the Career Day sponsored by the Rome Chamber of Commerce in March. Consider taking ACT or SAT preparation classes through Mohawk Valley Community Colleges Community Outreach Program or other local offerings. Attend Financial Aid presentations offered by area colleges for valuable information about how to pay for college and how to apply for financial aid. Determine whether SAT Subject Tests will be required in addition to the SAT to support college applications. (See page 25 for more information on SAT Subject Tests.) Take Advantage of meeting with college representatives who visit RFA during the fall months. Dates and time of college rep visits are listed on Naviance Succeed. You may obtain a pass from the guidance secretary or your guidance counselor to attend. Visit chosen college campuses. Gather financial aid information/scholarship information from the admissions offices of the colleges of interest to you. Student athletes interested in playing Division I or II athletics in college should meet with their Guidance Counselor and coaches to ensure that they will meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Detailed information is available at Seniors Maximize course selection for the senior year. Take as full a course load as you can. Since many seniors do not yet know what college major or career they will be pursuing it is important for them to take Math and Science all four years of high school. For example, if Chemistry or Physics is required by a college, students without the high school Regents course may need to enroll in a prep Chemistry or Physics class before they are permitted to take a college level Chemistry or Physics course. Finalize graduation and diploma status Maintain academic rigor and avoid senioritis. Your performance in this final year of high school is just as important as your performance in prior years. Attend meetings with your counselor Listen to announcements and check your for important senior updates Continue visiting the college reps that come to the RFA guidance office conference room. These visits are listed on Naviance Succeed. You may obtain a pass from the guidance secretary or your guidance counselor to attend. Retake the ACT and/or SAT exams, if desired. The ACT is offered at RFA in October and at other area schools in December. The SAT is offered at RFA in October, November, December and January. Apply to take the examination early as seating is limited. Revisit the need to take the SAT Subject Tests, one hour tests specific to subject area, which are required by many selective colleges. (See page 25 for more information on SAT Subject Tests.) 6 P a g e

7 The recommended target date for submitting completed college applications is Thanksgiving week. A good rule of thumb is to apply to five. Choose at least one school that is safe, which means you would likely gain entrance. Never apply to just one school, unless it is Mohawk Valley Community College or Herkimer County Community College (and still you might not be accepted into your intended major, if the college has limited seats for that major, e.g. nursing) Indicate which colleges you are applying to in Naviance Succeed. If applying through Common Application (recommended for ease), enter your Common Application user name and password in Naviance Succeed. Sign the waiver authorizing release of letters of recommendation, RFA transcripts, and academic updates electronically to the colleges indicated. Know the difference among Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admissions. (See page 19 for more information) If you have not already done so, request financial aid information and scholarship opportunities from the admissions offices of the colleges to which you are applying. Some have earlier deadlines if you wish to be considered for various scholarships or honors programs. Attend to supplemental applications, if required by the schools to which you have applied. For example, some SUNY schools will first ask for an initial application from candidates then require an additional supplemental application with questions specific to their college or an additional essay. Revisit the campuses of your final chosen colleges. Set up admission interviews and/or auditions, if recommended or required. Get a feel for each campus and make sure that the student body is present, because visiting in the summer is very different than seeing a campus in full swing during the fall. Try to sit in on a class and stay overnight in a dorm if possible. Review the admission requirements and deadlines. Perfect your resume and ask teachers, coaches, and/or significant people in your life for letters of recommendation, if required. Ask early! You will need to formally follow up through Naviance Succeed which allows those teachers to upload their letters of recommendation in support of your application. Be prepared to write an essay; you may need one to support your applications for colleges and/or scholarships. Be sure to ask your English teacher to proof read your essays to avoid grammatical errors. Apply for scholarships. There are both national and local scholarship applications and links posted on Naviance succeed. In general, the local scholarships are turned in to the RFA guidance office unless otherwise indicated on the application. Update Naviance Succeed with acceptances and decisions to attend. Indication of your final choice on the senior survey will indicate where the final RFA transcript will be sent following graduation. This document is required before you can be admitted to your college in the fall so be sure the survey is completed correctly. 7 P a g e

8 Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit Courses Students at Rome Free Academy are encouraged to challenge themselves by taking Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and/or Dual Credit courses. Students who have a special interest in a subject area or a strong aptitude for a particular subject should consider registering for these classes. Completing more advanced coursework in high school gives students the opportunity to become more competitive candidates for the college application process. Rome Free Academy offers a large variety of honors, AP, and Dual Credit courses each year, and interested students can discuss their options with their guidance counselor and classroom teachers. Honors courses are designed for students who are excelling in their studies and would benefit from additional academic challenge. Although some Honors courses are offered in 8 th grade, students can move into certain Honors courses at any point in their high school years. Honors courses are currently offered in English and Social Studies. Honors classes are weighted an additional 5% in the calculation of high school GPA (Grade point average). Weighted GPA is indicated on the official high school transcript and used for determination of rank in class. Advanced Placement courses, offered nationwide, provide students with a rigorous curriculum that allows them to experience college level work. Students can earn AP credit, which is transferrable to 90% of the colleges in the US, depending on the students individual performances on the national final AP exams in May. Currently AP opportunities are offered in Global History, US History, English Literature, Biology, Physics, Calculus, and Computer Science. Grades for AP classes are weighted an additional 10% in calculation of the high school GPA (grade point average). Weighted GPA is indicated on the official high school transcript and used for determination of rank in class. Dual Credit courses, offered through Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Albany, SUNY ESF, RIT, and Syracuse University, allow high school students to earn college credit while meeting requirements for high school graduation. These courses are taught at the high school during the regular day by Rome Free Academy teachers who have been trained and approved to teach the college curriculum. An official college transcript is maintained as credits are earned. Mohawk Valley Community College dual credit courses are free. Students must pay tuition for courses from the other colleges, but at a fraction of the usual cost. 8 P a g e

9 College Credit Opportunities at Rome Free Academy Course Title English Literature AP SUPA English World History AP The cost amounts are correct at the time of document creation and are subject to change. (5/29/2012) Sponsoring College H.S. Tuition/Fee Tuition Costs Prerequisites College/Agency Credits Credits Required College Board Varies* 1.0 Yes Test Fee: $87.00 English 3 (reduced fee for free/reduced) Syracuse University Yes $ (20-60% English 3 WRT 105/Studio I: reduction for Practices of Academic free/reduced Writing AND lunch students ETS 142/Narratives of who apply to SU Culture:Intro to Issues for assistance) of Critical Reading College Board Varies* 1.0 Yes Test Fee: $87.00 (reduced fee for free/reduced) US History AP College Board Varies* 1.0 Yes Test Fee: $87.00 (reduced fee for free/reduced) Economics MVCC Government MVCC Adv. Physics (AP optional) ESF Global Environment MVCC BM 101 Survey of Economics MVCC PS 101 American National Gov t No None Global History No None US History College Board Varies* 1.0 Optional Test Fee: $87.00 (reduced fee for free/reduced) SUNY ESF EFB 120 Global Environment and the Evolution of Human Culture Yes $ ($75.00 if Free/Reduced Lunch) Adv. Biology College Board Varies* 1.0 Yes Test Fee: $87.00 (reduced fee for free/reduced) Pre-Calculus Calculus AP Computer Science AP MVCC MA 150 Precalculus Mohawk Valley Community College MA151 Calculus 1 College Board 4.0 Upon passing MVCC benchmark 4.0 Upon passing MVCC benchmark Varies* Physics Earth Science Living Env Chemistry (can be concurrent) Living Environment Chemistry 1.0 No None Alg II/ Trigonometry 1.0 Yes Test Fee: $87.00 (reduced fee for free/reduced) College Board Varies* 1.0 Yes Test Fee: $87.00 (reduced fee for free/reduced) PreCalulus Alg II/Trig 9 P a g e

10 Course Title Sponsoring College H.S. Tuition/Fee Tuition Costs Prerequisites College/Agency Credits Credits Required French 4 MVCC FR 192: No None French 3 Review French French 5 MVCC FR 202: No None French 4 Inter. French 2 Italian 4 MVCC It 191: Yes None Italian 3 Review Italian 1 & IT 202: Intermediate Italian 1 Spanish 4 SUNY Albany Yes ($70.00 if Spanish 3 ASPN 103 Int. Spanish 1 free/reduced lunch) Spanish 5 SUNY Albany Yes ($70.00 if Spanish 4 ASPN 104 Int. Spanish 2 free/reduced lunch) Integrated MVCC No None Computer Apps (MOUS) Intro to MVCC BM No None Business Introduction to Business Marketing MVCC BM No None Principles of Marketing Personal MVCC BM No None Finance DDP/PLTW POE/PLTW DE/PLTW Personal Finance Rochester Institute of Tech. Rochester Institute of Tech. Rochester Institute of Tech avg., fee, and National exam Same as DDP/PLTW Same as DDP/PLTW $ $ DDP/PLTW $ POE/PLTW CIM/PLTW Rochester Institute of Tech Same as DDP/PLTW $ POE/PLTW *AP Examination Credit equivalence is determined by the individual college that the student attends and the scores attained on the examination. When a student selects a college to attend following graduation, the student needs to request an official transcript from each sponsoring college be sent to their college of choice. The college will then verify the credit and add it to their college record. AP Score Report Requests: (888) SUNY ESF: MVCC: Syracuse University: (student, forms) RIT: SUNY Albany: 10 P a g e

11 Opportunities for Career Preparation During High School Madison-Oneida BOCES Students in 11 th and 12 th grade can begin studies that prepare them for a career upon completion of high school. Trades at BOCES prepare students for entrance into the work force (unions) with certification, or advanced student at two year technical colleges. Career/Vocational training can begin at BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) during the school day. Rome Free Academy transports the interested students to our area BOCES center in Verona each day for 3-4 periods For more information on BOCES opportunities, speak to your Guidance Counselor at any time, visit attend the fall or spring open house, and scheduling an individual visit in February of your sophomore year. BOCES Courses Agriculture and Natural Science Conservation Equine & Animal Science Construction Trades Carpentry Electricity & HVAC Heavy Equipment Operation Health Careers Health Professions Pre-Nursing Nurse Assisting Mechanical Trades Auto Body Repair Automotive Technology Outdoor Power Equipment Human & Public Services Cosmetology Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Early Childhood Education Technology Computer Programming Graphic Design Technology IT Systems/CISCO Engineering Science New Horizons New Horizons, sponsored by BOCES, is a career exploration program for highly motivated sophomores and juniors looking for an opportunity of shadow professions in their areas of career interest. There are limited slots in the program so priority is given to those excelling academically. Eligible students are briefed on the program and must complete an application and interview for the opportunity to shadow professionals. Student complete 75 hours of shadowing. The students present their experiences to others upon completion of the program, New Visions New Visions, sponsored by BOCES, is a career exploration program for motivated seniors looking for an extra challenge in their senior year. There are opportunities for Allied Health Partnership, New Ventures, and New Visions Engineering. Students spend their mornings at the New Visions site, shadowing and observing professionals in the field and pursuing coursework, which includes 12 th grade English, 12 th grade Social Studies. Students spend their afternoons at Rome Free Academy, completing requirements and elective courses. For more information on New Vision Opportunities, speak to your Guidance counselor during your junior year and visit 11 P a g e

12 Total Credits Required: 22.0 Specific Course Requirements: NYS/RFA Graduation Requirements English (4 credits) Social Studies (4 credits), including Global History, US History, and Econ. & Gov t Science (3 credits), including one life science and one physical science Mathematics (3 credits) Foreign Language (1 credit)* Art or Music (1 credit), either Studio in Art, Music In Our Lives, Band, Orchestra, Choir, DDP or DDP/PLTW Health (1/2 credit) PE (2 credits), including swim competency criteria *Three credits of Foreign Language are required for the Adv. Regents Diploma or a fiveunit sequence may be used in lieu of the second and third credit of foreign language. Diploma Type: determined by NYS examinations Regents Diploma Students must pass five Regents examinations with a 65 or higher: Science Regents Integrated Algebra Regents Global History Regents (upon completion of Global History I and II) US History Regents Comprehensive English Regents If the average of all of the above exams is 90.0 (un-rounded) or higher, an annotation of with honors is added to the diploma type. Regents with Adv. Designation (Adv. Regents) In addition to the five examinations required for the Regents, students must pass four additional exams with a 65 or higher: One additional Science Regents Geometry Regents Algebra II/Trigonometry Regents Foreign Language Regional Exam (taken after level III) or a five unit sequence as described in NYS Part 100.2h If the average of all of the required exams is 90.0 (un-rounded) or higher, an annotation of with honors is added to the diploma type. Local This diploma is available to special education students who use Regents competency exams or low pass scores (55-64) on the required Regents examinations and to general students who are granted appeal on two or more required exams (62-64) 12 P a g e

13 Post-Secondary Options State University of New York (SUNY) Many students choose to study at a SUNY school campus. SUNY schools offer lower tuition to New York State residents. There are many different learning opportunities at SUNY schools. The SUNY view book, updated and published each year, explains in detail the great variety of SUNY campuses and academic programs available to prospective students. To obtain a copy of the SUNY view book, go online at Two Year Community Colleges SUNY s thirty community colleges offer programs of study that usually take two years to complete. Locally, Mohawk Valley Community College, offers open admission, providing all high school graduates with the opportunity to study at the college level. Some students complete their course of study in two years and advance to a career. Others transfer the credits earned at a community college to a four year course of study at another learning institution. The usual admission requirement for SUNY s community colleges is a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. Admission does not guarantee that a student will be enrolled in the program of his or her choice. For example, admission to Health Sciences programs can be very competitive. Be aware that student must meet the specific requirements for admission into each particular program. SUNY community colleges have many of the same opportunities for participation in sports and extracurricular programs that other colleges offer. Some community colleges offer on-campus housing but many do not. Two Year and Four Year Technology Colleges SUNY s eight technology colleges are located through New York State. They offer approximately 300 academic options, including certificate programs, Associate and Bachelor s degrees. The Technology colleges include Alfred State College, College of Technology at Canton, College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, College of Technology at Delhi, Farmingdale State College, Maritime College, College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville, and SUNY Institute of Technology (SUNYIT). Areas of study include engineering, agriculture, business, computer science, hospitality management, auto trades, construction, health and medical technologies, and many more. SUNY Technology Colleges offer on-campus housing, student clubs and organizations, and intercollegiate sports teams. Students wishing to attend these schools must hold a high school diploma and meet the requirements for admission into their chosen course of study. Four Year University Colleges SUNY University Colleges offering Bachelor s degrees include Brockport, Buffalo State, Cortland, Fredonia, Geneseo, New Paltz, Old Westbury, Oneonta, Oswego, Plattsburgh, Potsdam, and Purchase. Admission to these schools is competitive. Students must take the SAT or ACT exam and have their scores submitted. Admissions counselors also look closely at all applicants high school programs of 13 P a g e

14 study to ensure that students completed courses at the high school level that will help them to achieve success in college. The University colleges are located mainly in small cities and towns, and they provide on- campus housing, student clubs, intercollegiate sports teams, and study abroad opportunities. Four Year University Centers University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, Cornell University (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Human Ecology, and School of Industrial and Labor Relations), College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), and Stony Brook University comprise the University Centers in the SUNY System, offering Bachelor s degrees. University Centers have competitive standards for admission. Students who are admitted into one of these University Centers have usually demonstrated academic strength by selecting a challenging program in high school, maintaining a strong grade point average, and scoring well on the SAT or ACT exams. On-campus housing, student, clubs, intercollegiate athletics, study abroad, and internships are available to students at the University Centers. Private Schools Schools not funded by the State government are considered private schools. Categories of private schools include both large and small universities, liberal arts colleges, technical colleges, religious colleges, and other specialized schools that focus on business, performing arts, fine arts, and allied health. Locally, Utica College, Hamilton College, Syracuse University, Colgate, and LeMoyne are examples of private schools. While most private colleges charge more for tuition, many offer strong financial aid packages that allow students attend at a reasonable cost. Private schools offer great diversity in admission requirements, academic programs, location, cost, and campus life. Take the time to research all of your options. Military Programs Some students may choose to begin a military career by enlisting after high school. Other students may choose to continue their education, entering the military after completing their college degree. Those wishing to attend a United States military service academy may choose to look at the United States Air Force Academy ( in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Naval Academy ( in Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Coast Guard Academy ( in New London, Connecticut; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy ( in Kings Point, New York. These military academies provide merit based full scholarships for their 4 year Bachelor s degree programs, requiring students to serve in the military for five years or more after graduation. These programs are highly selective, and students are encouraged to begin the application process in their junior year. There are also private military schools to consider, such as The Citadel-The Military College of South Carolina ( in Charleston, South Carolina and Virginia Military Institute ( in Lexington, Virginia. 14 P a g e

15 Army ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) is another military program that offers students two, three, and four year tuition assistance based upon merit, not financial need. This program requires students to complete an elective curriculum that includes leadership coursework, along with a regular college course load. Army ROTC is available at a large selection of colleges and universities. Upon graduation, ROTC participates become officers in the Active Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard for a required period of years based upon the aid package received. For more information, visit Similar programs are offered for the Naval ROTC ( and Air Force ROTC ( 15 P a g e

16 Choosing a Career & Post Secondary Education for Me Finding the path that will meet your specific needs is not a quick and easy process. Do not wait until your senior year of high school to begin your college/career search. By utilizing an organized approach, pursuing the resources available to you now with your Guidance counselor, and dedicating significant time to your search, you can locate all the information you need to prepare for your future. STEP 1: Self Assessment To begin an efficient and successful career search, take the time to first identify key qualities that are unique to you. When you have a clear vision of who you are and who you want to become, you can use that information to find a variety of colleges that will match your needs. Self Assessment can be accomplished by answering the following questions: What are my strengths and weaknesses? What subjects in school do I enjoy most? What do I enjoy doing outside of academic work? What skills do I possess? What motivates me to do my best? You will begin the self-assessment process early in your high school career through your personal Naviance account. The guidance counselors will supply you with the registration information needed to get started. There are three different assessments available under the Careers tab: Personality Type (Do What You Are); Career Cluster Finder; and a career interest profiler. You may not have clear answers to every question, and your answers may change as you move through high school, but it is essential that you work to identify those qualities that combine to make you who you are. Although you are the only one who can complete the self assessment step, there are resources to assist you: Guidance Counselor Computer Inventories (Naviance Succeed) Library Resources STEP 2: Career Exploration After discovering which career areas might be the best match for your personality and interests, it is important to take some time investigating those careers to see if the skills, training and education required are something you are willing to pursue. Through Naviance, you can find out the job outlook, the courses you should take in high school, and possible college majors (if required) for every occupation. Add the careers you are considering to your list of Careers I am considering in Naviance. As opportunities in the community for internships become available, you will be notified immediately if you have listed a matching career interest. 16 P a g e

17 STEP 3: Preparing to Be a Good Candidate Colleges and employers will concentrate on your four years in high school when they evaluate you as a candidate. The following are categories of information that admissions representatives or employers may consider: Academic Coursework & Grades: Colleges want candidates to pursue the most challenging high school curriculum appropriate for them, and they want students to do well in their classes, as reported by grades. Outside of music and other arts-related college programs, admissions officers will most closely examine your performance in the core subject areas: English, Social Studies, Math, Science, and Foreign Language. All credit bearing courses are reflected on your official high school transcript. Standardized Test Scores (See testing section on page 24) Honors (Academic and Non-Academic) Include on your resume in Naviance (About Me tab) Extracurricular Activities Include on your resume Students should demonstrate an interest in activities outside of the academic classroom. Participation in sports, music, dance, and school clubs are a few examples of activities of interest to colleges. An important thing to realize is that colleges are seeking a dynamic, varied student body. Each student does not need to be involved in many activities, but overall the college seeks to put together a diverse student body. Quality and longevity of involvement in outside pursuits is much more attractive to admissions personnel than pure quantity of activities. Do not be a member of an organization in name only. Demonstrate dedication of time and energy to your outside interests. Showing leadership in an organization is admirable. Remember that an activity does not need to be sponsored by the school to be important. Even a hobby that you pursue can be intriguing to an admissions representative or employer. Community Service include on your resume. Community service not only demonstrates that you care about others and the community in which you live, but it is also a valuable opportunity to gain real work experience. If you are pursuing a career working with the elderly, volunteering in a local nursing home might be ideal. If aspire to work in the medical field, volunteering in the hospital might be helpful. Volunteering with Rotary or the Lion s club will put you in contact with numerous area professionals and community leaders. Leadership include on your resume. Employment include on your resume Special Travel Experiences include on your resume Special Circumstances: Colleges understand that some students may experience certain challenging situations in their high school years. At times, these challenges may affect a student s performance in class. Examples may include a family member s illness, a personal injury or illness, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or financial hardship. Speak to your Guidance Counselor to discuss how to best address your special circumstances in your application. It is up to you to research different colleges to discover what each one may be seeking in candidates for admission. 17 P a g e

18 STEP 4: College Exploration & Research Once you have done some basic self-assessments and career exploration (also through Naviance), you are ready to begin to research your college options. There are many information sources available to you: Published college guides such as Peterson s Four Year Colleges, Fiske Guide to Colleges, and Kaplan/Newsweek How to Get Into College College Searches on Naviance Succeed via SUPERMATCH college search and College Match Other computer websites (e.g. or College and University websites College and University literature, such as view books and course catalogs Admissions Representative visits to RFA posted on Naviance Succeed College Fairs College visits, including campus tours and interviews Family, Friends, Teachers, etc. Guidance Counselors As you find colleges that you may consider, add them to the list in Naviance of the schools you are considering. This is helpful because you will be notified via if any of the colleges you are considering are visiting RFA during the day. You can add or delete colleges from your list throughout your exploration process. It is a great way to keep track too so you don t have to re-do searches. From Naviance you can find out what grades, SAT scores, and courses are needed to apply to various colleges. You can also go directly to their college website through Naviance to get first hand information from the school. The amount of information available to you is vast. Starting to research colleges early in your high school career allows you to spend the time necessary to accurately gather the information that you need to find the best college matches for you. It may be helpful to review pages 22 for a selection of colleges and universities that have been attended by Rome Free Academy high school graduates. Just remember that this list is only a small sample of the colleges and universities attended by our graduates and in the United States. Do not limit yourself to this list. Questions you will want to answer when researching colleges may include: Do I want a large, medium or small-sized college? Where in the country would I like to go? Do I prefer an urban, suburban, or rural setting? Is a certain climate important to me? Am I interested in a liberal arts curriculum or a professional course of study? Do I need to declare a major course of study at entrance or can I decide later? Do I prefer a public or a private institution? Would I feel more comfortable in small classes or larger classes? What are the selection criteria for each college? What campus activities (e.g. sports, music, clubs) do I want to pursue? 18 P a g e

19 What is the cost of attending different colleges? Does the college offer study abroad opportunities? What career/job placement services does each college offer? What are the housing options? If I require special services for learning or other disabilities, which colleges offer programs to meet these needs? Please note that your research questions should be based upon your own needs as identified in part during step 1: Self-Assessment. You must determine which areas of information are most important to you as you explore your options for college study. STEP 5: Applying to College When deciding upon specific colleges to which you will apply, it is important to select a group that varies by selectivity. Plan to apply to colleges that range from reach options to realistic options to safety options. You will want to work with your Guidance Counselor and utilize the research you have completed to compile a list of possibilities. You are looking to match your profile and your interests with what the colleges state they are seeking on their campuses. Stay organized with the assistance of Naviance. Meeting deadlines on time are essential to successfully completing college applications. Different colleges will have varied deadlines by which all application materials must be submitted. There are four common ways to admit an applicant to college or university: Regular Admissions, Rolling Admissions, Early Action, and Early Decision. Admission offices set which types of decisions they want to offer. 1. Regular Admission means that a student submits an application by the stated deadline. This date varies by college; usually the deadline is between December 1 and February 15. Soon after the deadline, a committee of Admissions Officers at the school will review each application and admit those students that they feel will be successful at their institution. 2. Rolling Admission indicates that the school will review applications as they come into the Admissions Office. If the student fits the profile, he or she will be accepted or rejected immediately. With this type of admission, it is most advantageous to get your application in as early as possible because certain programs will fill up very quickly. 3. When a college or university offers Early Action, and not every school does, it means a student must be willing to submit his or her application early. The deadline is usually a date prior to Thanksgiving and could be as early as late October. The school will review the applications and let the students know typically in January whether they will be admitted. Early Action decisions are not binding for the student, and it can be helpful for students to know well in advance of Regular Decision if they will gain entrance. 4. Early Decision is offered by many colleges. It is a binding commitment on the part of both the college and the applicant. The student must apply by the early deadline which can be as early as late October. 19 P a g e

20 The rule is that a student may apply to only ONE school under the Early Decision plan because the student is entering into a binding agreement with the college. If a student applies Early Decision, the student is promising the school that he or she will indeed attend, if admitted. This type of plan should only be used by students who have a clear first choice for a school. Early Decision applicants may apply Regular Decision to other schools in the meantime, but they are required to withdraw all remaining applications if the Early Decision application is accepted. Acceptance is usually granted by mid- December to early January. Students may check to see what types of decisions are offered by colleges in several ways. Decision options are noted on individual applications, whether paper copy or online versions. A typical application may include the following requirements: Application Form: Each college will require a completed application form. Many institutions now accept the Common Application, a standard application form that you complete one time and then submit to multiple colleges and universities. This form is available at The majority of the NYS Colleges subscribe to Common App but an exclusive State University of New York (SUNY) application is available at Note: most SUNY community colleges have a free online application available directly through their website. Do not pay to apply through the suny.edu site if there is a free application Supplemental Application: In addition to the generic application, many colleges will require an additional supplemental application to get more specific information about your intended major or information that might assist with scholarships at that institution. An additional essay may be required. Some colleges will provide the supplemental application after the initial application is received whereas others include it as part of the initial application. Academic Transcript: All colleges will require submission of your official transcript generated by the Guidance Office that lists all courses completed and grades earned for the 9 th -12 th grade. For students who completed accelerated courses in 8 th grade, those grades will be included in the high school transcript as well. Students who completed coursework through dual credit or college connection options must also request official transcripts directly from those institutions. Students must request transcripts through Naviance Succeed for all transcripts whether they are to be sent to colleges or for scholarships. Test Score Reports: Rome Free Academy does indicate SAT I, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT standardized scores on the official transcript. Some colleges will accept the information unofficially via the high school transcript, others require you have the information sent directly to the college from college testing. If so, you must request SAT and SAT subject scores from and/or ACT scores from 20 P a g e

21 Essay: Some colleges will require a written essay based upon a provided choice of topics. This essay should be one of your best works. Before submission, ask others to proof-read your essay to make sure it is clearly written and grammatically correct. Letters of Recommendation: If the college that you are applying requires letters of recommendation, choose your recommenders carefully, and make sure to give each writer at least two weeks to complete the recommendation letter. Most colleges require one letter from your guidance counselor. For other requested letters, you should consider asking teachers, coaches, or employers. Remember to thank each or your recommenders for assisting you in your college application process. All letters of recommendation from Rome Free Academy staff will be transmitted directly to the colleges through Naviance Succeed. In addition to asking the recommender personally, you will need to indicate the recommenders for each college in Naviance Succeed. It is recommended that you ask the recommender in person and supply them with a copy of your resume then immediately add them to Naviance as a recommender for each college so that the process can be completed. Application Fee: You must pay an application fee determined by each college for each application you choose to submit. Generally you must pay via credit card on-line at the time of submission or the application is placed on hold until a money order is received. Students may be eligible for five fee waivers if they receive free or reduced lunches. See your guidance counselor for more information regarding fee waivers. Portfolios and Auditions: Some programs, including art and music, may require the submission of samples of your work or a performance audition. Each college will provide information on how to submit materials or arrange an audition. Keep copies of all application materials you complete so that you can easily replace materials if necessary. You will be able to check Naviance Succeed to confirm the date that letters of recommendation, school reports, and transcripts were submitted and electronically sent to the colleges indicated. Again, all requests for information must be made at least two weeks before the college deadline. STEP 6: Making a Decision Each college to which you apply may notify you of its decision at different times. As discussed in Step 4, if you apply to a college through Early Action, Early Decision, or Rolling Admissions, you will have your answer sooner. Other Colleges have set deadlines and another date by which they make final decisions. Colleges will mail either and acceptance or a denial letter to each candidate. Some colleges are now posting decisions for candidates online, in addition to mailing letters. Your letter will fall into one of the following categories: Acceptance Letter: This letter congratulates you on your acceptance and provides you with further information, such as financial aid awards and how to accept or decline your offer of admission. 21 P a g e

22 Denial Letter: This letter will arrive if the college has decided not to accept your application for admission. Wait-List Letter: This letter lets you know that you are neither accepted nor denied admission to the college. As other accepted applicants make final decisions, if spaces are left for the incoming class, you may be offered a spot. These spots may become available through the summer, even into August. If you choose to remain on a college s wait-list, you must make a nonrefundable deposit at one of the schools to which you were accepted to ensure that you have a spot. If the college at which you are waitlisted offers you a spot, you can then rescind your original acceptance and decide to attend the new school. You will lose your original deposit, and you will need to make a new deposit to hold your spot at the new school. Once you have received answers form all of the colleges to which you have applied, it is time to carefully consider your options. Remember that your goal is to identify the college that is the best match for you. Remember also that no college is perfect; and more than one college may meet your needs. If you applied for financial aid, carefully review your award letters from each college. If you do not understand something, contact the college s financial aid office for clarification and consult with your guidance counselor. For more information on evaluating financial aid offers, see page 29. Once you have made your final decision, follow the instructions regarding accepting the offer and making a deposit. At many colleges, housing is assigned as deposits arrive. It may be to your benefit to mail your deposit as soon as you can. Indicate acceptances, denials, and your final decision in Naviance to ensure that your final transcript is sent to the college of your choice in a timely manner. 22 P a g e

23 Colleges Attended by Rome Free Academy Graduates Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Adelphi University Alfred State Alfred University Bates Berklee College of Music Berkeley College NYC Binghamton University SUNY Brockport (The College at Brockport) Boston College Boston University Brown University Buffalo State College Canisius College Cazenovia College Clarkson University College of St. Rose Columbia University Cornell University Culinary Institute of America Cobleskill SUNY Cortland Daemen College Dartmouth College Delhi College of Technology Drexel University D Youville College Elmira College SUNY ESF (College of Environmental Science & Forestry FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) SUNY Fredonia George Washington University SUNY Geneseo Hartwick College Harvard College Haverford College Herkimer Community College Hobart and William Smith Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales Keuka College LeHigh College LeMoyne College Marist College Massachusetts College of Health Professions and Pharmacy Misericordia University Mohawk Valley Community College Monroe Community College Morrisville State Nazareth College SUNY New Paltz New York University Niagara University SUNY Oneonta Onondaga Community College SUNY Oswego Paul Smith s College Penn State University SUNY Plattsburgh Princeton University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology Siena College Skidmore College Springfield College St. Bonaventure University St. John Fisher College St. Lawrence University Syracuse University Tompkins Cortland Community College University at Albany University at Buffalo University of California at Berkeley University of Massachusetts at Amherst University of Michigan University of New Hampshire University of Rochester Utica College 23 P a g e