PORTLEDGE SCHOOL COLLEGE PLANNING HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 PORTLEDGE SCHOOL COLLEGE PLANNING HANDBOOK Elisabeth Mooney Jane Zisa Director of College Counseling Secretary (516) (Phone) (516) (516) (Fax) Eric Mathieu College Counselor (516)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION Introduction 4 The College Calendar 5 Junior Year 5 Senior Year 6 The College Counseling Office 8 What You Need to Do 8 Teacher Recommendations, Test Scores and Naviance 8 CHAPTER 2 - SELF-ASSESSMENT 9 CHAPTER 3 - COLLEGE RESEARCH 10 College Research 10 College Representative Meetings 11 College Catalogs, Viewbooks and Videos 12 Internet 12 College Visits 13 College Interviews 14 CHAPTER 4 - APPLICATIONS WHAT, WHEN, AND HOW MANY 17 Types of Applications 17 The Common Application 17 SUNY Applications 17 Number of Applications 17 When to Apply Early Decision I and II, Early Action, 18 Regular Decision, Rolling Admissions Self-Reporting Schools 19 The Essay 19 CHAPTER 5 SCHOOL MATERIALS 21 Counselor s Recommendation 21 Portledge School Profile 21 Teacher Recommendations 21 The Transcript 21 Extracurricular Activities 23 2

3 CHAPTER 6 STANDARDIZED TESTING 23 Standardized Test Scores 23 SAT Reasoning Test 24 SAT Subject Tests 24 ACT 24 TOEFL 25 Advanced Placement Tests 25 CHAPTER 7 STUDENT ATHLETES AND THE NCAA 25 CHAPTER 8 A WORD ON THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE PERSPECTIVE 27 CHAPTER 9 FINANCIAL AID 27 CHPATER 10 A WORD ON SUSPENSION 29 CHAPTER 11 DO S & DON TS; MYTHS & FACTS 29 CHAPTER 12 QUESTIONS 32 Questions for the Tour Guide 32 Possible Interview Questions 33 CHAPTER 13 FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM 34 NOTES 35 3

4 Introduction The purpose of this handbook is to answer the most frequently asked questions about the college admissions process. Please know that it is impossible to cover all aspects of the process in a brief publication. You should make note of any additional questions and concerns and discuss them with the College Counselor. Although supplementary materials will be used, it is important that students and parents carefully read the handbook. During the winter and spring of the junior year, I will meet with students and parents formally to initiate the search. Through individual and class meetings, students will become aware of a process to identify schools appropriate for their interests and capabilities; they also will become familiar with the standardized testing process. This handbook should serve as a handy reference throughout the college search and application process. As a student at Portledge School, you should realize that a full commitment to the process of college preparation is the best way to enhance your opportunities for acceptance at the colleges you choose. For most of you, this will be the first truly important decision of your lives. Consider your options very carefully; be realistic about what those options are and be honest both with admissions people and with those of us here who will assist you. In addition to academic promise, inferred largely from the record of your performance since the 9 th grade, colleges will assess your potential as a member of their community. They seek mature, responsible, low-maintenance individuals who will, on their own, understand what is expected of them as members of a community, fulfill all requirements, and conduct themselves in a manner that is both civil and ethical. Therefore, it is YOU, the applicant, who must direct the admissions process for yourself and indeed, who must be seen to be in charge of the process. In other words, you must be the person who contacts colleges and universities; you must schedule your interviews and campus visits; you must arrange for teacher recommendations; you must make sure that SAT test scores are sent out to each institution to which you have applied. Most of all, you must complete and submit your own applications. To permit anyone else to do this for you will lead admissions officers and others to conclude that you may not be ready to take on the challenges of undergraduate life. Entrance to the more selective institutions is dependent upon the successful completion of a number of variables. No two students are viewed the same, nor will they have the same credentials. College admissions is a human process subject to a number of considerations. Your best possible admissions profile would include four years of top grades in challenging courses, strong standardized test scores, solid letters of recommendation, and committed involvement (and leadership) in meaningful activities and significant commitment to some form of community service. Please remember that the goal of this process is to find a good match between you and a college or university. It is tempting to compare yourself with classmates, but a place where one person will thrive might be unpleasant or otherwise inappropriate for another. Your job throughout this process is to complete a careful self-analysis, to recognize both your strengths and weaknesses, and to approach, thoughtfully and seriously, the task that lies ahead of you. 4

5 The College Calendar - Junior and Senior Years Junior Year January February March April May June College Night for Juniors and Parents (Required) Log-in to Naviance: complete information and Junior Questionnaire Schedule individual student and parent meeting with Mrs. Mooney Weekly college counseling classes begin Register for March SAT Reasoning Test. (Subject Tests are not offered on this date.) Register for April ACT with writing test Presidents Weekend: Plan to visit colleges during this break (Make sure the admissions offices are open!) Meet with college representatives who visit Portledge. SAT Reasoning Test Spring Break - This is a crucial vacation in the college selection process because schools are in session. Most schools offer tours and information sessions; make sure to schedule an interview if it is suggested. Go to the websites for specific information regarding times and procedures for visiting. Register for May SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests Meet with college representatives who visit Portledge. ACT NACAC College Fair - Jacob Javits Convention Center NYC Nassau Counselors Assoc. College Fair-Hofstra Univ., Hempstead Western Suffolk Counselors Assoc. College Fair Register for June SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests and/or ACT with writing test. Meet with college representatives who visit Portledge. SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests Take AP exams Determine Teacher Recommendations - Ask teachers if they will write recommendations for you before the end of school so that they have time over the summer to write for you. If you are planning to ask teachers you will have senior year, it is fine to ask ahead of time. Give them a copy of the resume that we worked on during the spring. SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests ACT 5

6 July August Finish visiting colleges Start organizing and reviewing applications Work on personal statement and supplemental essays Work on portfolio, audition or sports CD if applicable Research scholarship opportunities; check Fastweb and specific colleges Review need to take SAT or ACT in the fall and prepare Register with CommonApp and begin filling it out Update Naviance Register for October SAT and/or ACT if needed Prepare copies of essays which are due the first day of school. Senior Year September October November College Night for Seniors and Parents (Required) Essays and supplements are due the first day of school. Weekly College Counseling classes resume Work on college applications Meet with college representatives who visit Portledge (see Naviance) Finalize Naviance application list Post on Naviance which applications are being filed ED/EA Submit official test scores to ED/EA and Rolling schools. Applications are not complete until official scores have been sent. They must be sent directly from College Board or ACT!!! Make sure the application list in Naviance is accurate; all school forms are sent electronically and without a complete and accurate list, we will not be able to send materials. If schools do not accept electronic submission, make sure to get the paper forms to Mrs. Mooney ASAP! CSS financial aid PROFILE form usually available. Finish essays and required interviews Identify possible scholarship opportunities; let Mrs. Mooney know so that she can complete necessary school forms Register for November SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests if needed for regular decision applications Finalize essays and supplements Complete the Common App SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests ACT ED/EA and Rolling applications should be submitted in advance of the November 1st deadline. University of California and Rutgers applications due Nov. 1 st 1st Trimester grades are sent out. Register for December ACT SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests Complete all ED II and Regular Decision applications SUNY applications should be submitted by December 1 st 6

7 December January March May 1 st June Deadline for submitting all ED II and Regular Decision applications is December 15th. EDI/EA notification period is December If you are accepted ED: you must withdraw all applications filed at other institutions as per your ED agreement. Please cc: Mrs. Mooney when you send the . FAFSA, the Federal Financial Aid forms available. These should be completed ASAP after January 1. SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests ACT Register for January SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests. Complete FAFSA, Federal Financial Aid form and CSS PROFILE SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests Mid-Year Reports sent out 2nd Trimester grades sent out Usual Regular Decision notification period begins March 15 th. Deadline to accept offer of admission. Deposit required to reserve place in next matriculating class. AP exams Senior Project Period Senior Project Presentations Senior Dinner Prom Awards Ceremony Graduation Day - you made it!! Final Transcripts will be submitted to matriculated college. (Make sure all accounts with Portledge are settled.) 7

8 The College Counseling Office Our job is to assist students navigate the college application process. If there are questions or problems, we are ready to help. However, the key to success is communication. It is vital for students to attend college counseling classes, complete the exercises and assignments discussed, meet all deadlines in a timely manner (see the calendar) and update their Naviance accounts. The latter item is critical because, in most cases, Portledge School materials such as transcripts, recommendations and the counselor letter can be submitted electronically. However, we can only do so if the list in Naviance is accurate. In cases where colleges only accept hard-copy, we will mail Portledge School materials. However, in order to do so in a timely manner, students will need to make sure that teachers have the necessary recommendation forms and Mrs. Mooney has the necessary counselor form well in advance. Documents from other schools or outside sources, such as other school transcripts, summer program transcripts, and outside letters of recommendations must be submitted directly from the source. Test Scores must be sent directly from College Board or ACT. They are not part of your transcript and applications will not be complete until you submit your official test scores Teacher Recommendations - You need to ensure you ask two teachers for recommendations well in advance of any deadlines. Ask them in the spring of junior year even if it is a teacher you will have in senior year. Give them a copy of the resume that you created in our college counseling classes. They might give you a sheet to complete. Once you have asked, it is our job to make sure they have been uploaded to Naviance in time for the submission deadlines. (You can also track submission on Naviance!) It is also a good idea to write a thank you note. Naviance is used in the college counseling office to assist in planning and processing college applications. It is critical for students to make sure that their accounts are current. Parents also find it a helpful tool because it allows them to see what is happening. On Junior College Night, all families receive the registration codes to get started on the Naviance system. Before scheduling a meeting with the College Counselor, it is important to log into Naviance, fill out all the pertinent family information and complete the Gameplan Survey. 8

9 Self- Assessment There are over 3000 accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Developing a list of colleges that is right for you is an involved process. The first step is self-assessment, or evaluation of your educational values, interests, and aspirations. You will use this assessment when you discuss schools with the College Counselor and when you write your college applications. The following questions may help you in your assessment: A. Goals and Values What kind of a student am I? What kind of a student would I like to become? What aspects of Portledge have I enjoyed most? What have I enjoyed least? How do I define success? B. Academic What are my favorite and least favorite courses? What do I choose to learn when I am on my own? Do my grades reflect my ability and potential? How well am I prepared for college? Are my SAT scores an accurate measure of my ability? What is the average number of hours I study each night? C. Activities, Interests and Aspirations What activities do I enjoy most outside of the classroom? What activities do I plan to pursue in college? What do my parents expect of me? Who has influenced me the most? What kinds of surroundings are essential to my well being? D. Personality and Relationships What adjectives do I use to describe myself? How would my best friend describe me? Which relationships are most important to me? Why? How free do I feel to make my own decisions? How do I feel about going to a college where the other students are quite different from me? How do I feel about going to a college very different from Portledge School? 9

10 College Research Once you have completed a self-assessment, you can start to investigate different colleges intelligently. You should start with basic questions first then move to more complex issues. Some of the basic questions you must ask are: What size school do I want? (small and personal, big and diverse, etc.) What type of school do I want? (Catholic, SUNY, liberal arts, etc.) Where do I want to go to college? (northeast, big city, suburb, etc.) Then you can move to more specific questions like: What type of students do I want around me? (Conservative, liberal, etc.) What type of social life do I want? (Big sports, sororities, intramurals, etc.) What academic programs do I want? (Business, pre-med., music, etc.) What type of financial aid is available? (Scholarships, need based, etc.) Any other questions you think are important to ask about a college. Research skills are essential for answering these questions and making a good college decision. That means collecting data from a broad range of sources and looking at this while not being judgmental before you learn for yourself about the college. You are urged to investigate a college fully and not rely on hearsay alone. Too frequently stereotypes are misleading and may prevent further exploration of an appropriate institution. ( Someone told me that Colby is too small; someone told me that Penn State is too big; someone told me that Miami is too far away, etc. ) Every college has something for someone. There are many colleges where you will be happy (fit in with other students, find the level of education you need and want, be productive, feel good on campus). Researching colleges means finding several schools where you really want to go. It does not make sense to have colleges on your list just because you can get accepted. Search for a list of colleges where you DO wish to go, even though you will prefer some colleges more than you do others. How can you learn about colleges? guidebooks college reps at Portledge college fairs catalogs internet viewbooks alumni college visits 10

11 College Representative Meetings Every year almost 50 college representatives visit Portledge. College representatives come to talk about their colleges and talk to you. COME TO THESE MEETINGS! Many of these people will be the first readers of your application: think of them as the Long Island advocates on the admissions committee at their colleges. Your attendance at these visits can be very productive encounters, and on occasion, in the past, have been very important components of students success in the admissions process. A dialogue can begin easily between you and the admissions office with this encounter. Should you be unable to attend because of a conflict in your schedule, take a few minutes to introduce yourself to the visiting admissions officer. Ask for his or her business card, or take a moment to fill out one of the cards that most of these individuals bring back to campus with them to put you on the mailing list of that college or university. There isn t a single admissions professional who would not appreciate your decision to miss that meeting to attend an important class session or to take a test. In short, make contact. Begin a dialogue with each admissions representative who visits from colleges in which you have an interest. Most representatives tend to correspond with applicants by . Parents should neither initiate this dialogue nor participate in it. Admissions officers want to hear from candidates NOT from their mothers or fathers. The schedule of college meetings will be posted on Naviance and reported in the daily announcements. A particular college might also contact you about a visit if you are already on its mailing list. Take a chance. Even if you have not heard of a specific college, or you do not know much about it, this is a great way to learn more. If you have a class at the time of the visit, and it is a school you are considering, ask your teacher if you may be excused in order to see the representative. You must have your teachers permission in advance to miss classes to attend meetings; it will be up to each teacher to decide how much advance notice he or she may require, but in no event should you make the request on the day of the meeting itself. Even if you have had an interview at the college, you can (and should) say hello to the representative and convey your enthusiasm. A good impression, a contact at the college, and a meeting informally on your own territory are helpful in your process for college admission. The mailings you receive from colleges themselves can be very informative. Almost all colleges have viewbooks that tell about their campuses. Catalogs are usually very dry to read, yet they are an excellent source of information, especially on specific academic programs. Obviously, much of this information is geared to sell a particular college, and only the strong points of a university are accented. Still, you should have all of this type of information on any college that you are considering. 11

12 College Catalogs, Viewbooks and Videos The Fiske Guide to Colleges (Time Books-Random House) This essay-style guide provides excellent information and evaluations for 300 competitive colleges. Highly recommended for students with good academic records. The 311 Best Colleges (Princeton Review). Another good guide with many interesting statistics and facts presented in an easy to read format. Colleges that Change Lives (Penguin Books) 40 Colleges you should know about if you are not a straight A student. The College Handbook (The College Board) The College Board collects the data each year from their own membership. Every college in the country is in this guide. Very useful to get the facts. Rugg s Recommendations on the Colleges (Fallbrook, CA) This guide will be able to tell you which colleges have strong academic programs. (i.e., you might ask, I wonder what schools are good for zoology? This book can help.) Barron s Best Buys (Barron s Education Series) The name explains it. The College Board Guide to 150 Popular College Majors (College Board Publications) This guide is helpful for explaining what is involved in a particular program. (What courses are typically taught; what careers are suited for particular majors; what background you need to be successful in a certain major, etc.) You might want to purchase your own copy of these books. Additionally, check at bookstores for special guides for Catholic colleges, Jewish students, gay and lesbian students, African- American students, women s colleges, athletics, and guides for students with learning disabilities, increasingly referred to as learning differences. Internet The Internet has become an invaluable resource for doing college research. There are two ways the Internet is valuable: Connecting directly to an individual college s home page. Today, colleges maintain excellent home pages where you can find all types of information, including admissions material, professors names, sports schedules, online campus tours, and much more. Visiting the website of colleges that interest you is highly recommended. Utilizing websites to do college searches, learn about financial aid, and do comparisons between different institutions. A few important websites are listed below. Also very helpful is Web Resources for the College-Bound compiled by the National Association for College Admission Counseling. These are also links which are posted on Naviance. 12

13 The College Board administers the SAT and maintains all records of scores. You can register for all SAT testing online (unless you require special accommodations). In addition, it has a useful search component where you can enter criteria (size, location, type, etc.) of colleges that you seek, and it will respond with a list of matches. It also contains valuable information regarding financial aid and scholarship opportunities. This is another useful site that performs searches for you. It also has video/audio clips of many schools. This site permits you to take campus tours of hundreds of colleges and universities online. It works by connecting you directly to the colleges that have online tours or photos on their websites. This is the official US Department of Education s website for completing the FAFSA online. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) All students must complete and submit this in early winter if they seek financial assistance toward college expenses. You can also link to other official USDE financial aid information regarding Pell Grants and Stafford Loans, for example. (Do not confuse this with another site " which connects you to a company that will complete the FAFSA for you online, for a fee.) Most college counselors agree this is the best site for financial aid and scholarship questions. It also has an excellent financial aid calculator to help you determine how much aid you might receive. Another site that can help you investigate sources of financial aid. College Visits Campus visits are the most important part of the college search process. Think about it: this is where you will spend the next four years of your life. You must visit; see the campus; ask questions; observe the students (your future schoolmates ;) get a feel for the dorms (where you will live,) etc. Plan now for possible visits. A great time to visit is over spring break. Most colleges will be in session during part of our spring break because their own vacations tend to come earlier in the month of March. It is very important to see colleges if you can when classes are in session. You might not be able to have an interview in the spring, but taking a tour and seeing the campus will make a huge difference. You may ask the receptionist at each admissions office which classes you may attend. Many schools have a schedule of classes for prospective applicants and other visitors. If you conclude that you truly love the school, you should return in the summer or early fall for an interview if on-campus interviews are available. Summer is the most popular time to visit a college and an important project for July and August. Fall visits should be scheduled on days we are closed. However, if you must miss a day of school, make sure you fill out a College Trip Planning Form and have it signed by your teachers and the College Counselor. Please remember that while it is possible to miss some school to look at colleges, it is crucial that you get good grades in the fall, your first priority has to be your schoolwork. 13

14 Most schools have information sessions and tours. Take advantage of both, if possible. When on the campus tour, be sure to ask the student guide many questions. Students are the best sources of information about a college. Ask questions you really want answered (What do you like best; what do you like least? Why?, etc.) Talk to him/her as a peer. Chances are that the tour guide is only a year or two older than you. (See Questions for the Tour Guide on Page 32.) Plan to visit overnight at the schools in which you are most interested. Almost all admissions offices will arrange a campus host for you, if need be, and if you make your request early. You stay with this person in his or her dorm and accompany that individual to classes. Always introduce yourself to the professor of each class you attend and thank him or her in person (and again via ) for the privilege. This is the best way you can really get to know a college. If you plan to apply somewhere Early Decision, you must spend some time on the campus. NOTE: Undergraduates who volunteer to host prospective applicants cannot receive visitors during exam periods or just prior to exams. These include both mid-term and final exam periods. College Interviews Interviews during the senior year must be scheduled well in advance at competitive schools. Call in August after clearing possible dates in the fall with your family. The most competitive schools that offer on-campus interviews will almost certainly be booked by the end of the first week in September. Other ways to maximize your visit include attending a class and having a meal on campus. A great way to find out about a campus is to read the student newspaper and the bulletin boards. Ask questions. Do not be bashful. Each college has its own interview policy. You will need to inquire about the interviewing procedures of each school The policy may be one of the following: 1) On campus interviews -. If the college does offer an on-campus interview, you should, by all means, take advantage of the opportunity. It may be very helpful to you, even if the admissions office insists that the encounter is non-evaluative. 2) Alumni interviews only - off-campus 3) Interviews are encouraged Translation: Your chances for admission are diminished by your failure to schedule an on-campus or other form of interview. These are always evaluative and are important components of the overall assessment of a candidate s suitability. 4) Informational or otherwise Non-evaluative interviews only. 5) No interviews - group information sessions only Making the most of each interview: (Parts of this section adapted from College Handbook, Hampton Roads Academy.) 14

15 Schedule a practice interview with the College Counselor. Be confident and assertive, but never overbearing or overly familiar. Shake hands firmly; maintain eye contact. Do not hide behind your parents when talking to the admissions counselor before and after the interview. You are there to represent yourself, just as you would at a job interview. Often parents are excluded from the interview. Increasingly, the interviewer may ask to meet your parents afterwards. But even if parents are welcome to participate, it is generally not to the student s advantage. Parents: This is a time to leave it entirely to your son or daughter. Dress well, in school attire or better. It is always preferable to be overdressed than to discover that your attire is too casual. Good grooming is essential. Treat every interview as if it were for your school of first choice. Be prepared to respond to something along the lines of tell me about yourself. Be familiar with the college before you interview. Read the most important section of its catalog thoroughly and check out the school s website ahead of time. Most admissions counselors will ask if you have any questions. This is perhaps the most important part of the interview because the questions you ask demonstrate how interested you are and your level of maturity and confidence. Carefully prepare a short list of questions and take it with you. If you need to refer to your written questions, the interviewer will note that you ve come prepared. Should you not need to refer to your list, it won t matter. You cannot go wrong either way. Some pertinent suggestions: Do not ask anything answered in the catalog. Do use the catalog as a springboard for questions, I noticed in the catalog that International Business is listed as a major in the School of Management. Can you tell me if many International Business majors usually have a minor in Economics even though it is listed in the School of Liberal Arts? Do ask questions that suggest your interests: I understand that you have a debate team. Can you tell me against what other colleges it competes? Has it won any awards? Do not ask what departments are the strongest. The answer is always All of them or We have many strong departments. What is important to you? Do ask for specific descriptive information about your particular department of interest. What percentage of your graduates applied to medical school? What percentage was accepted after their first try? Do you support all medical school applicants or only the top 10% of the pre-med. class? 15

16 Be expected to offer your reasons for interest in the particular college or university. Do not employ any form of the word prestige or any of its synonyms: you may not be taken seriously if you suggest that prestige or status are considerations in your search for an appropriate undergraduate institution. Avoid obsequiousness. Do not offer as fact what you do not know for certain. Do not tell admissions officials what they already know about their schools. You are not the expert on their institution. What interests you about it or attracts you to it is what matters. And the more familiar you are with the school and with your reasons for wanting to apply for admission to its next entering class, the more impressive will be your presentation. In interviews and on applications, you should relegate location to the very last consideration. Do not refer to institutional rankings of any sort. These are at best subjective. Any mention of them may suggest that your interest is more superficial than you would want anyone to believe it is. Be aware of current national, state, and local affairs. These are historic times, and you are approaching the age at which you will vote in national, state and local elections. Avoid posturing, however, as well as insensitivity, toward opinions that conflict with yours. Do not engage in political rhetoric of any sort as it is tantamount to striding across a mine field without a map. Never criticize your current high school. It is simply not good form. Regardless of your feelings toward Portledge or whatever school you may have attended recently, you won t come across well if you are negative about it. If you are visiting an institution with a large number of undergraduates, it would be better to say, After four years at a very small school, I feel that it is the right time for me to become part of a much larger community, rather than, I have had enough of everyone knowing my business and whereabouts at any given moment. Do not be afraid to mention your strengths, both academic and/or non-academic. How and when to do this depends more upon the interviewer and on the progression of the interview than on any particular suggestion of how to go about it. If you are thoroughly engaged in the discussion, you will know when the opportunity arises. If it does not, try to create the opportunity by steering the conversation toward this important topic. Remember that the most useful interviews for both parties are genuine dialogues -- not merely a series of questions and answers. Choose ahead of time at least one subject or interest that you know well and try to bring it up. Be prepared to discuss it at length. Be prepared to answer questions about your secondary school record, your SAT scores, your interests, current events, your career plans, and what you can contribute to the college. (A list of sample questions can be found at the end.) Ask for and write down the name of your interviewer. Most will give you their business cards. After the visit, always write a thank you note. Don t forget to end the interview 16

17 by thanking him or her AND addressing the individual by name: For example, Thank you very much, Mrs. Mooney. Applications There are a number of different questions you may have regarding college applications. Which application do I use (the Common Application or the college s own application?) Should I apply online? When should I apply? To how many colleges should I apply? What are the deadlines? What size school do I want? All these issues and more will be addressed in this section. The Common Application ( is exactly what it sounds like - a common application that is accepted by over 350 private and public colleges and universities across the country. Keep in mind that not every college accepts the Common Application. And those that do usually have a supplement, and the application is not considered complete until the supplement has been submitted. Some universities, such as Rutgers and UC schools, (and some SUNY schools) use a selfreporting system in which you will enter all your information, personal and academic, which will not be verified until after you have been accepted and matriculated. No additional materials are accepted. SUNY has a general application which allows you to apply to up to four SUNY colleges. Once completed, it is sent to a processing office in Albany where the information is then distributed to the colleges you selected. Some of the individual SUNY colleges will send you their own supplement which usually requires, among other things, an essay. You cannot get this until you complete the general SUNY application first. SUNY s suggested deadline is December 1 st. Since many SUNY colleges have rolling admissions, you should complete it earlier. The College Counseling Office recommends by October 15 th. On average, students should apply to eight colleges. You should research somewhere in the range of institutions, then select from that longer list of schools those eight or so that you like most and are consistent with the type of college you want. The schools on your list should differ in selectivity for admissions. Most students should not apply to more than ten schools. This is more than most will need if realistic about their prospects, and application fees can make it very expensive. You can divide your college choices into three categories: likely, reasonable, and reach relative to your chances for admission. Most of your choices should be in the reasonable category. You should have at least one institution at which your admission is likely : some call this a safety school, although experience has shown that no college or university is truly a safety, other than those which statistically do not reject applicants. (There probably are not many of those so-called non-selective schools that you would find desirable.) You can also have at least one reach school. Indeed, don t forget that dreams sometimes come true. Now, without denying the value of hopes and dreams, be realistic in your choices. My senior grades are going to be better, is not what the colleges want to hear. Students with a B-minus average and 2000 combined SAT scores will not have a reasonable chance at the extremely competitive colleges. Remember, however, that there can be perfect matches for everyone, 17

18 and that many of those may not occur to you without research. That you have heard of a college s name does not mean that you will feel at home on its campus; that its football team s games are televised nationally does not mean you necessarily will like the school s atmosphere. Without ignoring the fact that no student, parent, teacher, administrator or counselor can predict with utter certainty, we want to use our collective wisdom to try to achieve the best possible match for you. But this cannot occur without your serious and sustained input and participation, along with a substantial dose of realistic self-assessment. A word about likely schools: There is no sense in applying to a college if, in fact, you feel all but certain that you will never want to go there. Identify colleges that are consistent with your needs and objectives. You should pick likely schools with the same excitement as your reasonable chance or reach schools. The reason for this is that you would be very enthusiastic about enrolling at your safety school if all else does not go as hoped. There are factors in college admission major factors which are unquantifiable, and thus, tend to inject into the process an enormous element of risk. The acceptance last year of one student with grades less impressive than yours and with even fewer activities and accomplishments does nothing to render your admission this year likely, much less a certainty. Each year s applicant pool differs from the one that preceded it. And in this particular decade, owing mostly to demographics and the fact that students are applying to more schools, admissions have become more challenging each year. There are several basic admissions plans about which you should be aware. It is important that you carefully read the information supplied by the colleges when you begin the application process, because there are differences among various college programs. Early Decision I: (Also called ED I ) Most colleges have adopted plans whereby students can apply early in the fall, usually by November 1 or 15. One of three actions will be taken: acceptance, denial, or deferral to the regular applicant pool for later assessment. Most early decision applicants will hear decisions by December 15th. IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED TO THE COLLEGE OF YOUR CHOICE, YOU AGREE TO WITHDRAW ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS AND ATTEND THAT COLLEGE. This is a binding agreement. Financial Aid is estimated on the basis of information you supply. You may apply to only one college through the early decision process. Obviously, you must be absolutely sure that you want to attend this college. Note, too, that you will be expected to matriculate even if your financial aid package turns out to be less generous than you had hoped. Some colleges will, however, release a student from an ED I obligation because of extreme financial circumstances. Call each school to learn its policy. At many schools there is a slight statistical advantage to being accepted under Early Decision plans. At others, the advantage can be more significant. Any such advantage should be a consideration only if you are CERTAIN that this is where you will want to go if offered admission, because, in fact, that IS where you will go. Do not apply ED just to have what you feel may be a better chance at a school about which you are as yet unsure as to its suitability to your wants and needs. Early Decision II: Acts the same way as Early Decision I, except its deadlines come later in the process. ED II, as it is called, usually requires submission of all application materials by January 1st, depending on the school. The philosophy behind ED II is that it allows the 18

19 student more time to solidify college plans, and still gives him or her access to an early decision process and the binding commitment to the institution if admitted. The other reason is that it affords you a chance to apply under an early decision plan if you are turned down in ED I by your first choice college. Remember: All Early Decision options are tantamount to contracts. Do not even think of changing your mind once an offer has been made. Of course, you are released from the obligation if your candidacy is deferred to the next round. Early Action: Is similar to ED I and II, except that it is not a binding agreement. You may continue to apply elsewhere, and enroll elsewhere, if you wish. Increasingly, more selective institutions require that your request for Early Action be limited to one school; this is known as "Restrictive Early Action" and it is just that - you agree to apply early only to that school and may not submit any early applications to other private colleges or universities. Regular Decision: This is the usual way to apply to college. You can apply to as many schools as you wish. If financial aid is a principal consideration in your college search, it may be best to choose regular decision, even to your college of first choice, then compare the different financial aid packages you may be awarded. You will usually receive a decision on, or around, April 1 and will have until May 1 to reply. The sooner you say yes, however, the better your housing assignment usually will be. Financial Aid decisions are usually subject to appeal if you feel that the package, which usually includes components of grants, subsidized loans, and work-study, is insufficient. More substantial offers from competing institutions will afford you greater leverage for negotiation in the appeals process than you might have as an early decision admit. Rolling Admissions: This means that your application will be evaluated as soon as it is complete, and you will usually hear a decision within a month. Many state colleges utilize Rolling Admissions. Consequently, many popular public universities may have filled their classes as early as January 1st. Sooner is better for rolling admissions. To maximize your chances, applications for universities such as Penn State, Quinnipiac, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Michigan should be completed no later than October 1 st. Self-Reporting Schools: As mentioned previously, applications to the University of California, Rutgers and some SUNY schools must be submitted by November 30 th. They are completely self-reported and no school documents are sent until you are accepted and then matriculate. The Essay: is an extremely important part of your application. Most colleges will require you to write one or two essays, including a statement of academic interest. Think carefully about the questions asked of you and spend a fair amount of time formulating your answers. This is your opportunity to communicate to the admissions committee who the person behind the application is: the real you. It is also the one component of the written application over which you have complete control; it is the one that will be read, reviewed and discussed around the admissions table. A compelling, well prepared statement can keep you in the running. A poorly written statement, or one that is not well considered, will not serve you well in this regard. Indeed, your college essay provides a tremendous opportunity to distinguish yourself among the hundreds and thousands of other qualified applicants. It is a chance to show your ability to think and to write, and also to reveal your character, your beliefs, and your aspirations. Your essay should not be a description of events. Rather, it should express 19

20 how you feel about an event or activity and what you have learned from that experience. In other words, if you write about your trip last summer, do not spend the whole essay writing a travel log. Recount or summarize the events in a short paragraph, and use the rest of the essay to describe what you thought about the experience and how you were challenged and have changed because of it. Write what you learned about yourself, the world, and other people. Some suggestions for the preparation of essays: START WRITING EARLY: Your first opportunity will come before the end of your junior year, but that does not mean that you must or should use that essay when you apply. Ideas and perspectives can change with reflection and with visits to colleges over the summer. Count on writing several drafts before it is finalized. To begin early in the process allows you to put a draft away for a week. You then may feel differently about what you ve written and either modify it or change topics completely. Unless a specific word limit is indicated, your essay should be about two pages, doublespaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins. Enforcement of word limits is strict when you submit applications online. If the assignment is for a statement of words, yours will be edited abruptly at the five-hundredth word, whatever that may be and wherever in your statement it appears. There is no excuse for spelling or grammatical errors. Ask someone to proofread it for you. If you rely entirely upon your own skills as an editor to proof your own work, you may, as most do, tend to see what you THINK you have written rather than what actually appears on the page. Do not end sentences in prepositions. This is an extremely common error that is very annoying to admissions counselors. It reflects poorly on you as a writer. Be concise, be interesting, and use a grabber in the first line or paragraph to catch the attention of the readers. Begin with a brief paragraph: long-winded openings may cause the reader s attention to wander, and that can be fatal to his or her assessment of your work. Do not repeat the essay question in your statement. It is a waste of words and of space not to mention of the reader s attention and, in general, tends to be boring. The reader knows the question (or topic.) Answer it. Do not try to write what you think the committee wants to hear. The readers are not looking for anything in particular; they are looking to learn more about who you are and how you write. Second-guessing in this instance can lead you to misrepresent yourself, especially if teacher and counselor recommendations suggest opposing perspectives. DO NOT EVEN THINK OF HAVING SOMEONE ELSE WRITE IT. Admissions counselors are very skilled at identifying fake essays. Don t borrow ideas of other successful candidates to a particular institution, even if you intend to write your own statement. Portledge is too small a community for that ever to be regarded as mere coincidence. Your classmates can be of tremendous help to you in identifying possible 20

21 topics and approaches to your essay, but the work you submit, from conception through final draft, must be entirely your own. The topic does not have to be dramatic, bizarre or unusual. You can write about your most ordinary daily activity or a story you read. What counts is what you learned and observed, or how you changed. Good colleges expect good writers. Remember that the more selective the school is, the more likely they are to receive well written essays to review from a very talented pool of candidates. Most of them, including you, may be well qualified for admission, but the colleges are unable to offer a spot in the incoming class to each qualified applicant. Your essay can set you apart. Each admissions officer reads dozens every day. Make yours one he or she will remember one that will be worthy of mention to a colleague the next day. Do not write about SATs or the college process. Always emphasize the positive, even in a painful experience. Do not depress, worry or frighten your reader. Self-pity is one of the least attractive of all qualities. Cynicism that emanates from the pen of a teenager is even worse. Avoid it entirely. Make the reader conclude that you are strong in terms of both character and judgment. School Materials Counselor s Recommendation: This important component is written by the College Counselor after consultation with your teachers, advisors, and others. Of course, her own observations and understanding of you will inform and guide her more than perhaps any other single element. Be as candid with the counselor as you can be. She will be looking for the best in you. But often what you may regard as the worst can help the evaluator to explain you to his or her colleagues in admissions. (You may wish to take the same approach with teachers whose recommendations you request. The more they know beyond what they see in class and on assignments and tests, the more complete and potentially helpful to your candidacy the evaluation will be.) Portledge School Profile: This document, revised and updated each summer, includes a description of our school, information about test scores of your class, where previous classes have gone to college, and distribution of grades. Teacher Recommendations: Most colleges require one or two academic recommendations. This means they want letters from teachers in core subjects like math, English, languages, social studies, etc. It is very important that you choose teachers who know you best. Sometimes a college will specify that the recommendation come from particular teachers (English, math, science, etc.). Here are some suggestions on the process: As mentioned earlier in this handbook, ask your teachers sometime in the spring of junior year if they will write their recommendations for you, even if you have not yet finalized your college list. Choose teachers you have had as juniors or will have as a senior one of each, if possible. 21

22 Choose teachers who know you very well, not necessarily the teachers who gave you the highest grades. Indeed, some of you may want to consider asking a teacher in whose class you may NOT have performed very well because that teacher may be able to offer a perspective that would otherwise be missing from your application. You must ask all teachers whose recommendations you seek if they would be able to write one that will be helpful to your candidacy. Make sure that each one you ask clearly understands that he or she may say no to your request without dashing your plans. Remember that your teachers cannot write anything that is not true or disregard anything that is true but which, if submitted in a letter of recommendation, may not be helpful to your cause. If a teacher does say no, ask that teacher for suggestions of those who may be able to write a more positive statement. Remember that a recommendation that lacks enthusiasm may have an impact that is more negative than the teacher may intend. Remember, you need to give your teachers at least a month to write your recommendations. Do not expect anyone to write a letter for you over the weekend. You do not want a letter of recommendation that is rushed. Some teachers are extremely involved at college application time. There is a saying among admissions officers, The thicker the file, the thicker the kid. This means that it is usually not advantageous to pad your applications with recommendations from famous people, or well-placed friends of the family. Recommendations are only useful if they come from people who know you well. It is fine to get one or two extra letters of recommendation from someone who can add something to your file. Many letters from people who barely know you, however, will probably not make any positive difference in the process. In general, letters from alumni are not very useful. The Transcript: is the cornerstone of your application. It is a picture of your academic accomplishments and progress through four years of high school. Keep in mind: Obviously, colleges like to see strong grades. Colleges like to see a positive grade trend that shows consistent improvement over the course of your high school career or, better yet, a consistently outstanding performance. Colleges like to see solid grades in Advanced or AP level work. (A grade of C- in an A level or AP class will not help you at all, even though the class is advanced or regarded as a college-level undertaking. Rather, you will come across as perhaps ambitious but unequal to the task. Every Advanced Placement course has a standardized curriculum well known to admissions offices regardless of where it is offered. All are considered difficult, so that cannot be a justification for a mediocre or poor performance. Challenge yourself; but be realistic about what you can handle.) Junior and senior years are very important. They can make or break you. This does not mean that weak ninth or tenth grade results will be overlooked; the record of those years has acquired enormous significance. Work as hard as you can to ensure that your grades provide an accurate reflection of your academic ability and potential for success as an undergraduate. Note that your Portledge G.P.A. (grade-point average) that will be reported to the colleges and universities to which you apply will be based entirely upon your final grades for your 22

23 freshman, sophomore and junior years. Many schools will factor in the first-trimester grades of your senior year. Colleges will use grades including your first trimester senior year to make decisions. (ED decisions will be made on 9 th, 10 th, 11 th and possibly first trimester of senior year grades.) To ensure you do not get a case of senioritis, at the end of 12th grade, colleges receive your final transcript. If your level of work drops considerably, colleges can revoke admission. Extracurricular Activities are an important part of your application. Points to remember include: Do not be modest or shy. You must tell colleges all that you do; how else will they know? Include awards or distinctions, even if you may regard them as insignificant. Chances are they are more important than you might think. Accentuate any special skill or talent you have. Always list any type of leadership roles. Do you have a job such as a camp counselor where you have responsibilities over others? Include it. This shows responsibility and maturity. Colleges like quality, not quantity. They like to see consistent, sustained, dedicated, meaningful involvement. That means that active participation in a few clubs or sports for four years is better than membership in a dozen or more activities during senior year. It is even better if you have achieved positions of leadership. Extracurricular involvement does not have to be just Portledge-related. It can include community service, jobs, music lessons, summer activities, and anything else you do outside of school. Feel free to make a resume that explains your involvement in more detail and include it with your application. Do not use this, however, as a substitute for completion of the extracurricular section of the college s application. Standardized Testing SAT and ACT Although the colleges realize SAT or ACT scores do not tell much about you, they are still an important part of most college s admissions policies. You are responsible for sending your standardized test scores to the colleges. Portledge cannot send them for you. Portledge s CEEB code is You will need this code: memorize it, along with your Social Security number, as you would your own telephone number. You will also need your most recent registration number, and the college codes, found online or in the bulletin that you use to sign up for the SAT. Colleges will almost always combine your highest math, verbal and writing scores from different test dates in order to give you the best score possible. This means that you are not penalized for taking the SAT or ACT more than once. Most students sit for the exams two or three times. Although most schools allow you to select which scores will be sent, there are some schools which require all scores and you do not get the choice when submitting. 23

24 Register before the deadlines. (Usually about a month before the test.) Check the test centers for each test. Just because the SAT is offered at a high school one month, it does not necessarily mean it is offered there the next time. The earlier you register, the better your chances are of being assigned to the test center you want. It is very easy and expedient to register online at You can find out your score about two weeks after you take the test by calling the College Board. As with most CEEB Services, there is a fee for this one. Information is available online. Mailed score reports usually take 4 weeks. VERY IMPORTANT: If you are eligible to take the test with extended time, or have special testing needs, make sure you file the appropriate paperwork well in advance of any registration deadlines. The College Board website has information. If you have questions, see Mrs. Mooney. DO NOT DISCARD YOUR REGISTRATION TICKET after you take the test. Save each one. They are needed for releasing and sending scores at later dates. SAT Subject Tests: are one-hour examinations in specific subjects. As the name suggests, they measure a student s knowledge of particular subjects, such as foreign languages, mathematics, science and history. Students choose which subject tests they will take. Many colleges will require SAT Subject tests in mathematics and in one or two other subjects of the student s choice. The SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same day as the SAT Reasoning Test, with the exception of the March test date, when only the SAT Reasoning Test is offered. The registration procedures are the same as for the SAT Reasoning Test, except in this case you must register for specific subjects. As with the SAT Reasoning Test, any special needs testing requires application well in advance of the test date. Even though not all colleges require SAT Subject tests for admissions, many still use them for placement purposes if you are admitted and matriculate. If you have not taken them, you may have to take placement tests upon arrival on campus. Furthermore, if you want to transfer later to another college or university, sometimes SAT Subject Test scores are requested. You are advised to take three SAT Subject Tests before you graduate from Portledge. You should take tests in Math (Level One or Two) and, depending upon admissions requirements, one or two other subjects of your choice. The subject test in Writing, having been incorporated into the new SAT Reasoning Test, is no longer available. The ACT (American College Test): was established by a man who was dissatisfied with the SAT. He created a test that was focused on curriculum rather than aptitude. It offers a broader range of subjects than the SAT Reasoning Test; many colleges, but not all, will accept the ACT in lieu of both the SAT Reasoning AND Subject tests. It contains four tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. The test is also offered with a writing section; this is the test you should take as it is the one that colleges prefer. A separate score is reported for each of the sections and 24

25 there is a composite score given, as well. Scores are on a scale of 1 to 36. Nearly all schools now accept the ACT. You are welcome to take either or both tests (SAT or ACT). Similarly, you may submit either one or both tests to a college. As with the SAT, if you have special testing needs or require extended time, you must file applications with ACT well in advance of any testing date. Information and forms are available at They must be completed by the student and the Counselor before being filed with ACT. TOEFL: Measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings. If English is not the only language spoken at home, take the TOEFL. You are responsible for requesting that all SAT and ACT scores are sent to colleges. Portledge does not do this. You can do this online at the College Board s website and at ACT s website at You will need the code numbers for each college. You will also need Portledge s CEEB Code ( ) and your test registration number. Remember a credit card is necessary if you use the Internet. When you register for any form of SAT, you will have the opportunity to send your scores to four colleges at no additional charge. Additional reports will cost $10.00 per school. You must re-send your scores each time if you want a college to see each test you take. Advanced Placement Tests: are administered each year only in early to mid-may. These tests are designed to measure your mastery of college-level work in specific courses. Senior scores on these tests have no impact on the college admissions process, because the test is given after all admissions decisions have been made. Seniors may, however, be eligible for college credit based on their test scores. Enrolling and doing well in an AP course will show on your transcript, and a junior AP score of 4 or 5 is a strong academic credential for your college application. There is very little that helps more in the admissions decision than doing well in AP courses, which are, by definition, the most rigorous courses offered at Portledge School. Student Athletes and the NCAA Being an excellent athlete who wants to participate in intercollegiate athletics can enhance your chances of admission. Coaches can influence the admissions decisions by submitting lists of their top choices to the admissions office. Students at Portledge have been recruited in this way. Most student athletes, however, will not fall into this category. Still, athletic ability can give a college one more reason to admit you if you are well qualified academically. Ask your coach for a frank assessment of your ability. Show your college list to the coach and see what he/she thinks. Does he/she have any other college suggestions? If your coach is enthusiastic about your ability, and you intend to play in college, ask for a recommendation. Some coaches prefer to call; others prefer to write. During the spring of junior year, write the coaches at the colleges that interest you. Your letter should be brief, summarize your athletic accomplishments, mention your SAT scores and grades, and ask for more information about the team. There is an example of 25

26 such a letter in the documents file on Naviance. All potential Division I or II athletes must file with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearing House. It should be done during the summer. Do not delay doing this. Every Division I or Division II athlete must complete this. Portledge School Code is The Clearing House must see your SAT scores. As with the colleges, you must send them. The NCAA code number for ordering a report sent to their office is Simply list this code as one of your colleges and your results will be sent to the appropriate location. Make sure you inform the College Counseling Office that you are filing with the Clearinghouse. List them, as you would a college, in your Naviance application list. We will need to forward transcripts as they become available. If you are recruited by a Division I or II college team, be sure to obtain a copy of the NCAA recruiting rules and follow them carefully. If you are invited on an Official Recruiting Visit to a Division I or II college, you may ask the coach, politely, at the end of the visit, Can you give me an indication of where I rank among the students you are recruiting, to help me get a realistic picture of your interest? Look carefully at the college team and the graduating seniors; how much will the team need your specific talents? Do you like the members of the team? Do you like the coach s style? Will you play? You will be with this team for four years. Ask yourself these important questions. If coaches are telephoning you, keep a record of the calls to try to gauge their interest. Some coaches may contact a great number of students, while intending to recruit only a very few. Remember that college coaches are more Public Relations than Admissions. Their goal is to attract talented athletes; they may actually have less influence in admissions than they suggest. Just because they are interested or even say you are their number one choice, does not mean you are in. Try not to feel pressured too much by the recruitment process. Some coaches will encourage you to apply early decision to their school. If this is what you want to do, then it works to your advantage. If you do not want to attend a certain school, you should not feel pressured into applying, just because a coach likes you. It is a two-way process. You are making decisions about your future, while coaches are trying to structure their teams. If an athletic scholarship is a major factor in your college choice, do not be afraid to ask the coach what your chances are of being awarded one, and how much the scholarship might be worth. Some parents and students feel this is a taboo subject. It is not. If a coach cannot offer a scholarship, he/she does not want to waste his/her time, and yours, recruiting an athlete if there is no chance the athlete will come. Conversely, if a coach really wants a certain athlete, knowing early that a scholarship is essential, he/she can try and attain the maximum amount of funding for the athlete. 26

27 A Word on the Admissions Office Perspective When you write your application, consider what colleges seek when admitting their freshman class. While they differ in whom they take, they all use similar criteria to evaluate their applicant pool. While each college has its own process, generally each applicant is evaluated and given ratings for academic and personal achievement. The ratings are then brought to a committee meeting, where the decision is made by the admissions staff. There are usually six important parts of every applicant s file: Transcript and School (or Counselor s) Report Standardized Test Scores Application and Essays Recommendations Extracurricular involvement Notes from personal interview, coach s ratings, special talent. These parts are NOT EQUAL. Most important of all, as any admissions officer will tell you, is your transcript. Next, in most cases, come your standardized test scores. After that, the other factors are weighed. Counselor and teacher recommendations are important because we have direct contact with you and have witnessed your academic progress and personal growth. Your essay is also important because it is the part of the application over which you have the most control. As suggested above, it can be your chance to distinguish yourself. Extracurricular involvement receives much emphasis in particular because colleges seek wellrounded students or those with special gifts and talents. Increasingly, admissions directors emphasize a well-rounded class. Demographics and trends in the number of applications received each year increasingly enable colleges to turn down most of their qualified applicants. Applications are usually read in only minutes. Admissions counselors have thousands to read and they simply do not have much time to spend on any one folder. That is why you want to ensure everything is in order and presented in the best light possible. Note that with an ever-increasing number of applicants whose grades and scores meet any college s standards, your personality and your character will receive closer scrutiny than ever. What you tell colleges in essays, in interviews, in telephone conversations and s will be an enormously significant factor in the process. Financial Aid Paying for college is mostly an issue for parents. Increasingly, however, colleges are billing students, who are financially responsible for their college costs. Many government loans are for students, even though your parents may take upon themselves the costs of your education. Most financial aid is awarded on the basis of need. Merit scholarships have increased in recent years, but the criteria for many of these may not include financial need. Moreover, merit scholarships are usually not available to most admits to top schools, because they 27

28 generally are employed as an admissions strategy to attract better students than the school historically has. The top schools already attract top students. The best source for learning about possibilities for aid is with each college to which you apply. The Office of Financial Aid can be as important to you as the Office of Admissions. Familiarize yourself with the Financial Aid Office. Some colleges may have their own financial aid forms. Scholarships and loans may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis; meaning that applying early can count for dollars. Do not believe the hearsay that money is not available for middle and upper income families. Financial aid depends upon many factors, including number of siblings in college at the same time, number of children in a family, age of one s parents, etc. The first step in financial aid is to check with the college, even before you apply. Ask which forms are required for the college. You usually will need to complete the FAFSA and perhaps the CSS PROFILE form. Furthermore, some colleges might have their own forms to be completed. The second step is to obtain the proper forms. To apply for financial aid, most students will need to complete two separate items: All students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at to apply for federal Title IV student aid (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, College Work Study, and Perkins Loans). The FAFSA contains all information required by the US Department of Education, as well as a number of additional questions required by New York State. It is usually available in November and should be completed as soon as possible after January 1, after your family completes their tax return. Inasmuch as the financial aid program of virtually every public and private undergraduate institution relies to some extent upon assistance from the United States government, nearly all will require submission of the FAFSA, if only as one component of several in this process. Students applying to private universities might also have to complete the CSS PROFILE. This is provided by the College Scholarship Service (CSS) part of the College Board. You can complete the first part on their website which is This is usually available in September and you should start completing it ASAP. The results of these forms will be sent to you and to each school you listed. The colleges use these results as guidelines in determining a student s need. Note: If you apply Early Decision I, you will have to use last year s tax figures and you will receive an estimated award package. Do not worry. It is often an accurate estimate of what you will actually receive once you update the figures with this year s tax information. The rule with financial aid is to follow the deadlines. Apply as early as possible. Whereas some colleges may accept a late college application, the same school might not accept financial aid information after the deadline. Need blind Admissions: Admission to a school with a need blind policy does not consider financial aid as a factor in deciding whom to admit. The folders of those who are admitted and have applied for assistance are then sent along to the financial aid office. 28

29 Need aware Admissions: Admissions is connected to your ability to pay, if not entirely dependent upon it. Usually, this is used in admitting students off the wait list. As one college admissions officer explained one year regarding a Portledge student, We would have taken him if we d had a larger financial aid budget. The student was not admitted because it was assumed, due to need, that he would never be able to enroll. Net Price Calculator: When researching colleges, know the difference between full cost and tuition. Full cost is the whole package - tuition, room, meals, fees, books, etc. Tuition" is just that: the price charged for the classes and credits alone. Colleges are now required to provide a "net price calculator" which is usually posted on the website. It is an amazing tool which not only gives you a sense of the costs but also what sorts of aid might be available. Do not be afraid to call and speak to the financial aid counselors if an aid package seems insufficient. They might be helpful in locating additional sources of funding. Please note that no financial aid officer will be able to discuss these matters with anyone at Portledge, including the College Counselor. Finances constitute a family matter. The colleges are obligated to ensure your family s privacy. A Word on Suspension For the complete text on Portledge s policy regarding suspensions, please consult the current Student-Parent Handbook for the Upper School. As defined in this text, suspension is the gravest consequence, short of expulsion, that the school may invoke. As part of the application process, students will be asked to self-report disciplinary infractions, such as suspension or dismissal incurred during high school. The College Counselor is obliged to report all disciplinary infractions to all colleges where a student applies or plans to enroll. Do s and Don ts D O s DO respect all deadlines, including those of the College Counseling Office. DO read and follow this College Handbook. DO save everything. Every document, every letter, every and other correspondence between you and admissions offices. If you throw it away, you may discover later that you need it. DO register for the SAT under exactly the same name every time. Inserting a middle initial can confuse a computer and cause you needless and time-consuming difficulty. DO register early for all SAT and ACT examinations. Those who register just before the deadline may end up taking the test at an undesirable or distant location early on a Saturday morning. DO memorize the school CEEB code

30 DO memorize your Social Security Number and use it on all materials sent to colleges and universities. It is usually the number by which you are identified in college admissions offices. DO - if you have a special talent, pursue that interest with each college. This is not the time to be modest. If the admissions committee does not know about your talent, they cannot possibly react to it or otherwise take it into consideration when making decisions on your candidacy. DO make appointments for interviews early. Summer is a good time, even for fall interviews. By mid-september some schools are completely booked for on-campus interviews, and most colleges do not offer interviews after December. DO visit colleges during any long weekends, spring break, and the summer. Missing school for this purpose, in moderation, is permitted. DO arrange an overnight visit if you are considering Early Decision. The Admissions Offices of most colleges can and will help you to arrange this. DO your research. You can gain considerable knowledge about colleges and universities from the Internet and many guidebooks available in libraries and at bookstores. DO treat each application as if that school is your first choice. DO apply in a timely fashion to SUNY schools and other public colleges and universities. Most have rolling admissions. DON T send anything with spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. DON T lie on an application. REPEAT: DO NOT LIE DON T forget to follow up after you have submitted your application. Wait a week or two after you submit it, then go online to see if the college has everything. DON T ask How s your pre-med. program? (This is perhaps the most common question asked.) Ask instead, What percent of your medical school applicants do you support? (Many colleges only write letters of recommendations for the top 10% of their pre-med. class.) DON T go to an interview underdressed or under-prepared. Treat each interview like it is your top choice school. DON T send a sloppy application. DON T ignore college representatives who visit Portledge. Most of the time they are the people reading your applications. DON T wait until November of your senior year to start your essay. Begin early. DON T slack off academically during your junior and senior years. These grades are very important. 30

31 DON T forget to have the College Board or ACT send your test scores to each college to which you apply. Your applications won t be complete until all scores are received directly from the College Board or ACT. DON T ask your teachers for recommendations at the last minute. REPEAT: DO NOT ask your teachers for recommendations at the last minute. DON T be afraid to ask questions. DON T be afraid to ask for help. Your teachers and the College Counseling Office cannot help you if we do not know that you need assistance. DON T expect others to do everything for you. This is about you, so take charge. College Admissions Offices do not appreciate surrogates communicating for any applicant unless that applicant is physically unable to phone. And even in that event, it is better to phone late than to have anyone else do it for you. That includes parents. DON T allow your parents to do anything that you should do yourself. This is your effort to gain admission to college. Admissions offices may draw negative conclusions about you if your parents are the ones contacting them. Myths and Facts Myth: Colleges have limits to the number of students they will admit from any particular high school. Fact: Colleges want to admit the best class of students overall, regardless of how many they might enroll from any one high school. Myth: Colleges do not understand the different grading systems used at different high schools. Fact: Colleges admissions people spend much time visiting high schools, talking with counselors and reading school profiles so that they are in a better position to fairly evaluate each student s transcript. Myth: You must have an outstanding talent in some area to be admitted to a selective college. Fact: Many students admitted to selective colleges are appealing for the combination of talents and qualities they bring, not necessarily for one outstanding quality. Myth: There is one overriding factor that is used to determine admissions to a selective college. Fact: All factors which the colleges require as part of the application process are weighed and often discussed and debated. Myth: There is a way to predict with certainty whether or not you will be admitted to a certain college. 31

32 Fact: Because the nature of selective college admissions is subjective, it is impossible to predict with certainty the outcome of an application to any school. Myth: Children of alumni always have an edge in the admissions process. Fact: This is true at some schools but not at others. Even if an advantage is given, the degree of the advantage may vary widely. Myth: The interview is one of the most critical elements in the admissions process at any selective college. Fact: Although the interview can be important at some schools, it is not very important at others. Some selective colleges do not offer interviews. Myth: Expensive colleges are out of reach if you do not win a scholarship. Fact: Sometimes expensive colleges have more financial aid available than less expensive ones. Myth: The more recommendations you send the better your chances for admission. Fact: Remember what we wrote earlier, the thicker the file, the thicker the kid. College admissions offices get mired in a sea of papers. The officers will only review what they must. Send only what is requested or extras that will truly provide new, pertinent information. Questions for the Tour Guide What do you like best (or worst) about being a student here? How large are your classes? Who teaches you? Is it easy for you to get help from professors? Where do you study? Do students talk much about grades? Have you ever been invited to the home of a faculty member? Do you discuss national politics and issues very often? Are students politically active and aware? Where can I get a copy of the campus newspaper? Where do most students hang out? When do you declare your major? What are the most popular majors here? Tell me about the housing. Are some dorms better than others? Do many students live offcampus? Why? Do students study hard? What is the attitude towards working hard? What has been the biggest issue recently in campus politics? What impact do fraternities and sororities have (if there are any on campus)? Athletics? What are weekends like here? Do many students head home for the weekend? Are the arts supported here? Are they accessible? Where do students come from? Is this a diverse community? Why did you choose this school? Where else did you apply? What kinds of kids do you think are happiest here? Which ones are least happy? 32

33 Note: These are merely suggestions for topics that you may wish to raise with a tour guide not the precise form in which you should pose your own questions. Moreover, it would not be appropriate to interrupt that individual too often while he or she is showing you and the others in your tour group around campus. Each guide will have his or her own style and will let you know when to ask questions. Possible Interview Questions: Why do you want to go to college? Why do you want this college? Tell me about yourself. Who are you? Describe yourself. How would your friends describe you? Why should we admit you? We have many qualified applicants. Why do you think you are a good match for this college? What do we have to offer you, and what would you bring to this community should you find yourself here next fall? What political issue (local, national, or international) concerns you most? Why? How do you like Portledge? What has been the most positive experience you have had? The most negative? (Step carefully through the mine field of that last question. Negativity in anyone is never attractive, much less in a teenager who is there to present himself or herself as a suitable candidate.) If you could start high school again, what would you do differently? What books or authors have made a lasting impression on your way of thinking? If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why? If you could be (or meet) one historical figure, who would it be and why? What is your role in your school s community? What would your teachers say about you as a person? What is the most significant contribution that you feel you have made to your school? What are you looking for in a college? What are some of your long-term goals (personal and professional)? Tell me about a particular class or assignment in which you found yourself most stimulated intellectually? What is your reason for participating in athletics (or student government or the newspaper, or any other activity to which you have contributed for more than a year or two)? What are the satisfactions? What has been your favorite subject in high school? Why? What might you study in college? What events would you deem critical to your life thus far? Has there been a defining moment in your life? (This can be an opening to provide context to what the interviewer knows about you or to what he or she will want to learn about you) Has anyone influenced you more than anyone else? If so, who and in what way(s)? How have you spent your summers? How do you spend your free time? What would you choose to do if you had more free time? Do you have any questions? (It is crucial that you have some questions for the interviewer. This question will be asked in EVERY interview.) 33

34 Remember: Do not chew gum Arrive on time Repeat the interviewer s name when introduced, and shake hands firmly Maintain eye contact Be yourself, but avoid slang and do not become overly familiar with your interviewer, even if his or her manner is unexpectedly informal or otherwise puts you at ease. A good interviewer will usually do all that he or she can to make you feel comfortable. Always write a thank you note when you return home Final Words of Wisdom Colleges receive more applications from qualified students than they have room to admit. All selective schools turn down capable students. Do not link your sense of self-worth to a single admissions decision. They all explain that they can only accept a small percentage of the applicants and that most of the ones they deny would do very well at that school. To be competitive, you must first meet the general academic requirements. Even though most selective colleges have no specific minimum thresholds, most are happy to give you the profile of the students admitted the previous year. Each college has its own priorities and admits students based on these priorities (e.g., academic interest, talents, alumni ties, etc.) Each college is building a class. Highly selective admissions do not necessarily correspond to superior academics. Cost is not synonymous with quality. Selective colleges come in all shapes and sizes and in many locations. 34

35 NOTES 35