OLD SAYBROOK HIGH SCHOOL 1111 Boston Post Road Old Saybrook, CT COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE for JUNIORS

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1 OLD SAYBROOK HIGH SCHOOL 1111 Boston Post Road Old Saybrook, CT COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE for JUNIORS Casey Weber, School Counselor Maureen Healy, School Counselor Debby Dwyer, Administrative Assistant High School Code Number CEEB and ACT January 2015

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Pages Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Junior Year College Planning Timetable Senior Year Timetable Preparing for the SATs College Search Kinds of Colleges Two Year Colleges What Are Your Chances of Admission College Visits College Entrance Examination American College Testing (ACT) Your College Interview Sample Questions College Interviewer Sample Questions Student Terms College Related Internet Sites Military Information Sheet College Visit Comparison Chart

3 College Planning Timetable Class of 2016 Junior Year December 2014 January 12, 2015 February 7 February 13 February April February/March March 14 April 6 Early April April, May, June April 18 April August May 9 May 9 May 5-16 June 6 June 13 Summer Activities: PSAT score reports distributed to all students Junior Parents Night 6:30 p.m. OSHS Auditorium Naviance website presentations through classes ACT Test Date Registration deadline for March 14 th - SAT I Meet with your school counselor for post-secondary planning Research schools, talk to college representatives who visit OSHS, Tour college campuses. Course selection for academic year begins SAT I Test Date Registration deadline for May 2 rd SAT I and II Take Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) at Old Saybrook High School, sign u with School Counselor Develop a preliminary list of colleges Write or call for applications and catalog ACT Test Date Visit colleges and schedule interviews Registration deadline for June 7 th SAT I and II SAT I or SAT II Test Date Advanced Placement exams SAT I or SAT II Test Date ACT Test Date Visit colleges, schedule interviews, request applications, and catalogs, start thinking about college essay topics; volunteer; do something extraordinary! Use your Family Connection on Naviance Account

4 CLASS OF 2016 SENIOR YEAR Timeline September 2015 September 16, 2015 September 21, 2015 September-October September 12, 2015 October 3, 2015 October 15, 2015 October 24, 2015 October/November November 7, 2015 Start senior year off strong academically -Review your lists of colleges -Plan college visits and interviews with admissions offices -Call or get on line regarding information, applications and campus information sessions and tours -Remember to send thank you notes to Admission representatives if they meet with you or interview you. -Start putting together resume -Open up a common application account THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS Evening Meeting for Senior Parents and seniors 6:30 p.m., OSHS Old Saybrook High School College Fair Old Saybrook High School Gym, 6:30 8:00 p.m. Finalize colleges to apply to with counselor -Remember always to have safety schools -Apply Early Decision or Early Action (if appropriate) -Update resume -Request letters of recommendation from teachers and coaches and add them to your Naviance page (Again, remember thank you notes!) -Review college representative visitation program in Guidance -Work on College Essays -Add your schools to your Family Connection page-naviance ACT Test Date Take SAT I or SAT II -Make sure colleges that you are applying for are receiving your SAT score report. Can be done at time of registration Resumes due from all seniors to Guidance Office ACT Test Date Submit college applications. Take SAT I or SAT II *send your scores to four colleges

5 December 2015 December 3, 2015 December 7, 2015 Monitor your deadlines -Research scholarship opportunities -Does your school require the CSS/Financial Aid Profile? Make sure you check into that on Take SAT I or SAT II -Continue applying to colleges and schools -Continue adding to you family connection/naviance account. Financial Aid Evening Program Old Saybrook High School Auditorium - 6:30PM **FAFSA information will be available that evening** December 12, 2015 January 1, 2016 January March February March-April ACT Test Date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be filed (see Local scholarship applications available Check Guidance Office for details and check daily announcements Have you sent all necessary forms and applications for financial aid? Profile, FAFSA and college financial aid forms/according to college deadlines Decide, which schools you want to revisit (Accepted Student Days) Make final decision and send deposit check deadlines* -Write withdrawal letters to colleges you will not attend -Inform the Guidance Office of any letters of acceptance/denial and your plans -Revisit your schools if necessary May June Still not sure what you want to do after graduation? Don t wait; come to the Guidance Office for help. -AP Exams -Continue keeping up with academics! Graduation! Have a great summer and good luck!

6 HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SATs Get to know the test: Do the practice tests in the SAT Registration Bulletin or collegeboard.com. SAT review books SAT preparation courses Take the test more than one time Visit for test taking tips and strategies Do the little stuff the day before: Set your clothes out the day before Put your pencils, calculator and admission ticket together Go to bed early the night before Have a good breakfast During the test: Listen carefully to all instructions and ask questions if you hear something you don t understand Focus your attention entirely on your work Before answering each question read it completely, as well as all of the possible responses When you are unsure of an answer, narrow your choices down and choose the one you think is best and go on to the next question Pace yourself throughout the test If you complete the test before your time is up, go back and check your answers REMINDERS: Be sure to list prospective colleges on your SAT registration form so these schools receive your scores (you may choose four colleges free within 8 days of your test date only) SATs are only one factor looked at by Admission Officers. Colleges admit people, not test scores.

7 THE COLLEGE SEARCH BEGINS WITH YOU 1) You need to ask yourself these questions: What is important to you? What do you value? How do you learn? What motivates you? What do you want to study? Do you like the city or natural beauty of the country? Do you want the diversity of a large university or the personalization of a small college? 2) What are my options? Four-year college or university Two-year junior, community college or technical school Full-time employment Military career 3) Set realistic goals for your future: Where do my personal strengths, weaknesses, and interests lie? What major am I interested in pursuing in college? What job opportunities does this major open up for me? What information can I gain from doing a job shadowing or internship experience? 4) Explore information sources: Look at school websites and use the search engine on Naviance-Family Connection College representatives, alumni, present college students Guidance resources: catalogs, individual school/university view books, videos Teachers, administration, school counselors where did they go to college? What were good academic programs at their alma maters? Interview people in your field of interest Visit college campuses - attend open houses or schedule a personal tour Attend college fairs 5) Size Up Schools: You are looking for the best match for you. Remember, no place is perfect! Consider these components when choosing a school: Academic majors Size Location Coed, only women, only men Atmosphere of school Campus life Social opportunities Athletics Costs Diversity Clubs/Organizations/Intramurals Admission chances (safety, reach, realistic)

8 KINDS OF COLLEGES College: An institution that offers educational instruction beyond high school level in a twoyear or four-year program. University: An academic organization which grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields and which supports at least two degree-granting professional schools that are not exclusively technological (such as medicine, journalism, or agriculture). It is composed of a number of schools each of which encompasses a general field of study. Liberal Arts College: A liberal arts college generally has fewer than 5,000 students and can be either a two or four year institution. The mission of most liberal arts schools is learning for the sake of learning with a strong emphasis on creating lifelong learners who will be able to apply their education to any number of careers. This contrasts with objectives of the profession-based preparation of specialized colleges. Engineering or Technological College: Independent professional schools that provide four-year training programs in the field of engineering technology or polytechnic institutes. Technical School: A two-year institution that offers terminal occupational programs intended to prepare students for immediate employment in fields related to engineering and the physical sciences. These schools may also offer one-year certificate programs in certain crafts and clerical skills. Nursing School: There are three kinds of nursing education. At schools affiliated with hospitals, students receive RN degrees upon completion of their training. At schools affiliated with four-year colleges students receive both a BS degree and a RN and have possibilities of entering the field of nursing administration. At schools associated with two-year colleges, students receive both an associate degree and a RN. Military School: Federal military academies prepare officers for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. These institutions, with the exception of the Coast Guard Academy, require recommendation and appointment by a member of Congress. Private and state-supported military institutes, however, operate on a college application basis. They all offer degree programs in engineering and technology with concentration in various aspects of military service.

9 Why a two-year college after high school? TWO-YEAR COLLEGES ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM Education and training for the student who wishes to complete his/her formal schooling in two years General education to prepare youth for effective personal and community living Orientation and guidance to help the student discover his best talents, find a direction in life, and prepare successfully for a vocation Courses equivalent to freshman and sophomore work in senior colleges leading to satisfactory accomplishment in further studies in liberal arts, education, science and engineering Opportunity to remove matriculation deficiencies. If a student s high school record does not meet the admissions standard of a particular four-year college, the student may prove himself in a two-year program after which a four-year school may be willing to accept him. Two Types of Programs: TERMINAL Designed for students who will enter an occupation or assume home civic responsibilities immediately after graduation. General Education: Social Studies, English, the arts, languages and literature but not working toward a bachelor s degree Vocational: Designed to prepare for immediate entry into one of the semiprofessional or technical fields TRANSFER Designed to prepare for immediate entry into one of the semi-professional or technical field Admissions Requirements: As with four-year colleges, admission requirements to a two-year college vary widely from one school to another. The entire school record, test results, and references are evaluated. Be sure to check the admissions requirements of any school you are particularly interested in. Generally speaking, entrance requirements for programs in the health field (dental, physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiation technology, and nursing) are more strict than for admission into other programs.

10 WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES FOR ADMISSION? Narrow your list of possible college choices down; select one or two colleges that fit into the following three categories: REACH: Presents an admission challenge for you. Your academic qualifications may not exactly match the profile of typical students admitted. TARGET/REALISTIC: Your academic qualifications closely match the requirements of the school, and those of a typical student they may admit. SAFETY: Your qualifications exceed the profile of the typical student admitted to the college. IMPORTANT POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING COLLEGES Give as much thought to your middle and safety schools as your reach schools Apply only to schools where you believe you would be happy for four years Visit all schools which make your final list Remember, you are looking for the best match for you! GAINING ADMISSION TO COLLEGE In evaluating the candidates for admission, the college considers the following: The student s academic record (transcript) THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR Standardized test scores: SAT I, SAT II, ACT Letters of recommendation Participation in school/community/activities Employment Interview Application essay

11 COLLEGE VISITS YOU SHOULD VISIT ALL SCHOOLS THAT MAKE YOUR FINAL LIST! -Go on college visits during junior/senior years -To get the best view of the college, you should schedule a college visit when school is in session. This allows you to get a sense of the school and campus life. -Make an appointment for a visit. This should be scheduled 2-4 weeks in advance. -Attend an open house sponsored by the college. Open houses are usually advertised on school websites 1) Go prepared: -Read the website on-line, catalog, and admission requirements -Have a few questions prepared before the visit -Bring an unofficial copy of your transcript and latest report card 2) Visit different parts of the campus: -Eat in the cafeteria -Visit a dorm room -Sit in on a freshman class -Visit the library and computer facilities -What other amenities does the school have to offer: gym, pool, field house, and student center? 3) Talk to people while on the campus: -Make appointments to meet with financial aid office, admissions office, coaches -Faculty members in your intended major -Talk to students in your intended major -Talk to students about campus life, how they like the school and weekend activities 4) Important information to come away with from your college visit: -student to faculty ration -parking availability/registration -housing availability options -student activities/clubs/social events -faculty availability -size of typical classes -campus safety -additional services available to students: counseling, career placement and planning, freshman and/or writing centers, computer assistance, internet access from your dorm room 5) Write impressions of college, campus atmosphere, available services and senses of student body immediately after you visit. How comfortable you felt on the visit could be a good indication of how you would feel on campus as a student.

12 COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS Entrance examinations are required for admission at most colleges. Students should carefully check the admissions requirements at prospective colleges to determine whether SAT I or SAT II tests are required or if the American College Testing (ACT) is an acceptable alternative. CEEB COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD 1) What is the SAT I? The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is an examination that measures mathematical problem solving, reading for understanding and writing using standard English. 2) What is the SAT II? SAT II is a one-hour examination that measures the student s level of achievement in certain subject areas. Some colleges require or recommend three subject Achievement Tests for admission or placement purposes. Up to three subject tests may be taken at one sitting. 3) How do I know which SAT II tests to take? You should take the SAT IIs in those subject area sequences which you are completing this year and in any one-year subject which you will want to offer in your college admission credentials or for which a particular college requires. For instance, if you are finishing your study of a foreign language, you would take the Achievement Test this year rather than delay it until your senior year, when you will no longer be studying the subject. Also, if you are currently taking Chemistry or a similar one-year course and wish to offer this test for college admission, you should take the Achievement Test in May. 4) Which Mathematics SAT II Test should I take? Most candidates take the Level I Mathematics Achievement Test regardless of the number of years they have studies mathematics. The Level II test is narrower in scope and concentrates on more advanced work. It calls for a greater depth of understanding and sophistication. Calculators may be used. Please consult with your present math teacher to get the proper placement. 5) When should I take the examinations? There is no need for a student to take the SAT I or SAT II more than once before senior year unless he/she must do so to meet the requirements of a specific college (early decision), or if his/her scores seem low and inconsistent with his/her academic record and/or PSAT scores. Then he/she may wish to repeat this test.

13 ACT AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING ACT examinations are required for admission at many colleges, especially in the west and midwest. Students should carefully check the admissions requirements at their prospective colleges to determine whether SAT tests are required or whether the ACT would be an acceptable alternative. 1) What is the ACT? The ACT is a four-part, two hour and forty minute test of the abilities which students will need to succeed in college work. It deals more with the use of skills than with specific subject matter. In addition, the student is asked to complete a 25-minute Student Profile Section to indicate his/her grades, background, goals, personal needs, and non-classroom activities. 2) What areas of study are tested? English Usage: Mathematics Usage: Social Studies Reading: Measures students understanding of conventional standard English and their ability to produce a direct writing sample Measures reading comprehension, special study skills, and problem solving Measures reading comprehension, special study skills and problem solving Natural Science Reading: Measures evaluative and critical reasoning and problem solving skills 3) When and where do I take the ACT Exams? In most cases it is advisable to take the ACT examinations as early as possible in the senior year. Sign up on the website. 4) Why does the ACT request my high school grades? ACT reports, to the colleges that you designate, a predictive correlation between your test scores and your grades to estimate how well you will probably do in college work. 5) May I repeat the ACT Examination? Re-testing is only recommended if the student were physically ill, emotionally upset, misunderstood directions, or attempted in any way to falsify his/her record during the initial examination. As scoring is weighted to compensate for different test dates, a later testing would be likely to improve scores.

14 The College Interview Purpose: To help the college gather further information about your suitability as a candidate and to help you determine if this college is a good match. Before the Interview: Evaluate yourself: identify your strengths, interests, weaknesses. Compose a list of questions about this college and its admissions process. Dress comfortably but appropriately. At the Beginning: Shake hands with the interviewer; look the interviewer directly in the eye; know the interviewer s name-ask him or her to repeat it if you did not hear it the first time; introduce your parents, if they are with you, and then invite them to leave. The Interview: An interview can last minutes and can be divided into different parts: Personal Background: Where you have grown up, your parent s occupation/interests, information about siblings and colleges attended by family members. The purpose is to put you at ease. Academic Background: Information about Old Saybrook and your curriculum. Why you have taken certain classes and any academic awards. Extracurricular: What activities mean the most to you and why? Have you had any specific roles within an activity? Academic Interest: What are you interested in studying and how have these interests developed? What are you future career goals? College Choice: Why this school: What are you looking for in a college/university? What brings you to this particular school? How does this school fit into your criteria? Questions to expect- one or more: Tell me about your high school what kind of environment does it have? What has been the most difficult course you have taken during high school? Is there a specific teacher or course that has really caught your interest? Can you explain why? What has been the most exciting academic project you done in high school? What has been your most significant academic accomplishment? Tell me what you have read outside of school lately. What has been the most significant personal challenge you have ever faced? If I were to visit your school and talk with some of your friends, how would they describe you to me? What specific questions can I help you with? After the Interview: Thank the interviewer, shake hands, say good bye. Write a thank you note to the person who interviewed you.

15 SAMPLE QUESTIONS ASKED BY COLLEGE INTERVIEWER The purpose of a college interview is two-fold: to give you a chance to meet personally with a representative and ask questions you have about the college; and to give the college representative an opportunity to see first-hand what you are like as an individual. It may help you to be at ease in the interview if you have some idea in advance of the kinds of questions you might be asked. While no two interviews will be the same, recent high school graduates report that the questions below were some of the most commonly asked: What major field are you interested in? Why did you pick this college? What are your extra-curricular activities, both in school and in the community? What were your scores on the College Boards (SAT)? What are you interested in doing after college? What subjects are you taking in high school? What books have you read not required by classroom teachers during the past year? What are your favorite school subjects? What have you done with your summers? What do you like about the college? How many are in your family? How large is your graduating class? Do you have any scholastic problems? What is your average grade? What questions would you like to ask? Why do you want a college education? What do you think a college education is? Who or what influenced you to choose the college? What have you done in your proposed major field? Do you know any alumni or present students? Have you definitely decided upon your future plans, and do you think you can accomplish these plans? Have you written any long term papers? On what subjects? What other schools have you applied to? What do you know about the college? Is this your first college decision? Do you intend to work while in college? Do you have much composition writing in school? What do you cover in English class? What subjects do you dislike the most?

16 QUESTIONS STUDENTS MIGHT ASK AT AN INTERVIEW What is the student-faculty ratio? What is the attrition rate at your college for the previous academic year? What is the size of the freshman class that you plan to accept for next year, provided your attrition rate remains constant? What is the size of the resident population that you can accommodate without overcrowding your facilities? Does the college anticipate an increase in the prices it will be charging next year? Does the college offer any programs that have a quota? What is the rationale for this limitation on numbers? What are the new majors/minors that have been added to the curriculum to meet job market needs in the last three years? Is the college researching any new concentrations that might be marketable? How has it expanded its physical plant within the last five years? What academic majors include work experience opportunities? How many students does a freshman advisor have as his/her official advisement responsibility? What was the total amount of money spent by the college on financial aid last year? Does the college award any scholarships on the basis of academic merit or talent? How many transfers were accepted into the college last year? How successful have graduates in my intended major been in getting jobs in their own or related academic areas? What is the placement rate in professional and graduate schools? What are the chances of being admitted based on my high school record? Don t forget: Research the college before your interview!

17 TERMS When you plan for college you will need to understand certain terms that are commonly used by colleges to describe their programs, admissions procedures, and financial aid policies. The definitions given here are necessarily general, and it is suggested that students consult the college catalogs of specific institutions in order to get more accurate, detailed and up-to-date descriptions of the procedures, programs and practices discussed. Admission Tests See SAT, SAT II Tests, and ACT Advanced Placement: Admission or assignment of a freshman to an advanced course in a certain subject on the basis of evidence that he/she has already completed the equivalent of the college s freshman course in that subject. In some cases the college may also grant academic credit for the college-level work that has been completed. Advanced Placement Program (APP): A service of the College Entrance Examination Board that provides schools with course descriptions in college subjects and Advanced Placement Examinations in those subjects. Schools administer that examination to qualified students and several hundred participating colleges offer advanced placement, college credit or both to students who obtain satisfactory grades. (See Advanced Placement) American College Test (ACT) Assessment: A battery of tests similar to the SAT Is offered by the American College Testing Program, given at test centers in the United States and other countries on specified dates throughout the year. It includes tests in English usage, mathematics usage, social studies reading, and natural sciences reading. The composite score referred to in some colleges descriptions and tables is the average of a student s score on these four tests. Associate s Degree: The degree given for completing certain undergraduate college programs of at least two but less than four years of study, usually in a two-year institution such as a junior college or community college. Bachelor s Degree: The degree given for completing certain undergraduate college programs that normally take four years. Also called the Baccalaureate Degree. Pell Grants: A federally sponsored and administered program that provides grants based on need to undergraduate students. The grants cannot exceed $2,200 per year but Congress often sets a lower ceiling. Calendar: The system by which an institution divides its year into short periods for instruction and awarding credit. The most common calendars are those based on semesters, trimesters and quarters. Candidates Reply Date Agreement (CRDA): A college subscribing to this agreement will not require any applicant offered admission as a freshman to notify it of his/her decision to attend (or to accept an offer of financial aid) before May 1. The purpose of the agreement is to give applicants time to hear from all of the colleges they have applied to before they have to make a commitment to any one of them.

18 Certificate Program: An educational program to prepare students for immediate employment after completing it. The term usually refers to a program that takes less than four years beyond high school to complete, such as many of the programs in junior colleges, community colleges and vocational-technical institutes. College Scholarship Service (CSS): An activity of the College Board that provides colleges and scholarship agencies with an estimate of the amount of money an applicant s family might reasonably be expected to pay toward his/her college expenses. This estimate is based on information that the family has given about its income and assets and is sent to the college scholarship agencies in determining how much financial aid, if any, an applicant will need in order to meet the full costs of attending particular colleges. Early Admission: Currently available in a limited number of schools. Students apply early, are notified of acceptance early are not obligated to attend. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A financial information collection document of the College Scholarship Service (CSS), used by independent students or parents of dependent students to supply information about their income, assets, expenses, and liabilities. The CSS uses this information in estimating how much money a family is expected to contribute to a student s college expenses. Most post-secondary institutions are requiring the use of this form. Early Decision: Candidates can apply in November or December and learn the colleges decision a month or so after deadline. Accepted students are binded to enroll at the college which accepts them. The Profile: Another financial aid form which must be completed by the students/parents if they want to be considered for financial aid. This form is used by a small number of colleges listed on the form. Honors Program: Any special program for very able students, usually offering the opportunity for educational enrichment, independent study, acceleration, or some combination of these. Independent Study: Any arrangement by which a student is allowed to complete some of his/her college program by studying independently instead of attending scheduled classes and completing group assignments. Typically the student plans his/her program of study, often on topics of his/her own choice, in consultation with a faculty advisor or committee, to whom he/she may report periodically and submit his/her final report for evaluation. Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT): Approximately a two-hour version of the College Board s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) measuring verbal and mathematical abilities that are important in many college programs. Schools administer the PSAT/NMSQT) each year in October.

19 Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC): Reserve Officers Training Corps program conducted by certain colleges in cooperation with the United States Air Force, Army and Navy. Local recruiting offices of the services themselves can supply detailed information about these programs, as can the participating colleges. Your Naviance account can help search colleges that have ROTC on their campus. SAT II Tests: College Entrance Examination Board tests in specific secondary school subjects, given at test centers in the United States and other countries on specified dates throughout the year. These tests measure a student s knowledge of particular subject areas. Colleges that require these tests of applicants may specify the subjects and dates. Used by colleges not only in deciding about admissions but also in course placement of enrolled students. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I): The College Entrance Examination Board s test of writing, verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities, given on specified dates throughout the year at test centers in the United States and other countries. Required of all applicants by many colleges and sponsors of financial aid programs. Semester: A period of about 17 or 18 weeks making up half of the usual academic year in colleges that follow this kind of calendar. See: Calendar, Trimester and Quarter Study Abroad: Any arrangement by which a student is enabled to complete part of his/her college program typically the junior year but sometimes only a semester or a summer of study in another country. His/her own college may operate the campus abroad or it may have a cooperative agreement with some other American college or an institution of the other country. 3-2 Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Combination: Program in which a student completes three years of study in a liberal arts college followed by two years in professional studies, usually in another institution. Transfer Student: A student who enrolls in a college after having previously attended one or more other colleges. Trimester: Three periods of about 15 weeks, with breaks in-between, which fill a calendar year. A student makes normal progress by attending two of the trimesters each year, and in some colleges he/she can accelerate his/her program by attending all three trimesters in one or more years. University Parallel Program: An educational program in a two-year college that is equivalent to the first two years of a similar program in a four-year college or university. The university-parallel program is designed to qualify a student for entrance to the third year of the four-year program with full credit for the two years already completed. Upper-Division College: An institution offering bachelor s degree programs that begins with the junior year.

20 Bookmark These College Related Internet Sites TEST PREP: RESEARCHING COLLEGES: Choices College Planner Virtual College Tours College Express College View College Link U.S. Dept. Of Education College Board Online Peterson s Miscellaneous Sites Google s University Searches FINANCIAL AID SITES AND SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH SITES: Nellie Mae Loans Federal Aid Form Federal Family Ed Prog. or Free Scholarship Search & Financial Aid info page Student Guide to your Education National Assoc. of Student Financial Aid Admin. Grants Other: Educational Opportunities in CT Educational Financing Authority In Mass. ATHLETES: NCAAclearinghouse.org

21 MILITARY ENLISTMENT Students planning to join a branch of the Armed Services upon graduation from high school are encouraged to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This battery is given at the high school at no cost and with absolutely no student obligation to the military. When individuals who took the ASVAB as high school seniors seek to enlist in one of the military services within two years of having taken the test, their results from the school testing program will be used to determine job guarantees for the enlistee unless the job he/she is seeking is one of those few which require additional qualifications. Military enlistees should also be aware of the fact that they are eligible for benefits under the Veteran s Educational Assistance Act, a voluntary program funded by the Veteran s Administration. US Coast Guard United States Air Force Recruiting Service USAF Recruiting Office Federal Office building Union Station 135 High St., Room 330 New London CT Hartford CT Navy Recruiting Station Connecticut Army National Guard 55 Church Street Suite 103 National Guard Armory New Haven, CT Bayonet Street New London CT United States Marine Corps United States Army 200 Main St. Recruiting Station Middletown CT Main Street Middletown CT United States Army New London Recruiting Station 78 Howard St. New London CT

22 College Visit Comparison Chart College Location State Surrounding area How far from home Academics has your major other majors of interest student/faculty ratio size of classes Housing residence halls size of rooms types of rooms food plan Activities sports intramurals clubs/activities social opportunities Greek life Costs financial aid tuition/room and board merit scholarships % that receive financial aid