For The. A Comprehensive Guide of Facts, Procedures, Strategies, and Encouragement To Successfully Complete The College Application Process!

Transcription

1 CRYSTAL BONDS, PRINCIPAL College Preparatory Handbook For The Graduating Class Of 2016 A Comprehensive Guide of Facts, Procedures, Strategies, and Encouragement To Successfully Complete The College Application Process! Written and Compiled by: Wade A. Klein, M.A., Ed.M., M.S.Ed. Director of College Services & School Counselor Wade A. Klein, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

2 CCNY Counseling Department Mailing Address: Wade Klein, Director of College Services & Counselor High School for Math, Science, and City College Baskerville Hall 240 Convent Avenue New York, NY Location: Baskerville Hall, Room B20 Corner of 140 th Street and Convent Avenue Phone: ext Fax: Website: College Board High School/CEEB/ACT Code: School Counselors Ms. Sujeidy Cedano scedano@hsmse.org 9 th & 10 th Grades, Special Education Mr. Wade Klein wklein@hsmse.org 11 th & 12 th Grades, Director of College Services Counseling Department Assistant Ms. Ivette Ortiz 7:00 3:00 (M-F) iortiz@hsmse.org Counseling Department Graduate School Interns Honor Society Advisor Senior Caseload Intern Intern Abraham, J. Freeman, E. Carla Espinoza cespinoza@hsmse.org Garcia, I. Islam, A. Laura Li lli@hsmse.org Jenkins, Z. Rai, A. Morgan, Karese Kmorgan@hsmse.org Ramirez, K. Zilkic, D. Wu, Ting-Yi twu@hsmse.org Please use the name@hsmse.org addresses as the address and on all documents and applications. 2

3 Guidance Department Schedule FALL Semester 2015 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Ivette Ortiz 7:00 3:00 Sujeidy Cedano 8:45 4:00 Wade Klein 7:45 3:00 Ivette Ortiz 7:00 3:00 Sujeidy Cedano 8:45 4:00 Wade Klein 7:45 3:00 Ivette Ortiz 7:00 3:00 Sujeidy Cedano 8:45 4:00 Wade Klein 7:45 3:00 Ivette Ortiz 7:00 3:00 Sujeidy Cedano 8:45 4:00 Wade Klein 7:45 3:00 Ivette Ortiz 7:00 3:00 Sujeidy Cedano 8:45 4:00 Wade Klein 7:45 3:00 Karese Morgan 9:30-4:30 Carla Espinoza 9:30 4:30 Karese Morgan 8:00 3:30 Carla Espinoza 8:30 4:00 Ting-Yi Wu 8:30 4:00 Laura Li 8:00 3:00 Karese Morgan 8:30 4:00 Ting-Yi Wu 9:30 4:30 Laura Li 8:00 3:00 Ting-Yi Wu 9:30 4:30 Ms. I. Ortiz Guidance Dept. Assistant Ms. S. Cedano 9 & 10th Grade Counselor Special Education Mr. W. Klein 11 & 12 Grade Counselor Director of College Services th th Graduate School Guidance Interns Carla Espinoza Laura Li Karese Morgan Ting Yi Wu Junior and Senior Caseloads Intern Intern Senior Caseload Carla Espinoza cespinoza@hsmse.org Abraham, J. Figuero, M. Laura Li lli@hsmse.org Finkel, J. Konforti, N. Morgan, Karese Kmorgan@hsmse.org Lam, M. Regan, R. Wu, Ting-Yi twu@hsmse.org Rivera V., E. Zilkic, D. 3 Junior Caseload Abir, A. Elbargoury, Y. Esseks, W. Lin, J. Lin, S. Powpour, K. Queener, C. Zheng, S.

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter/Topic Page Chapter 1: Getting Started 6 How to Use this Handbook 7 Where to Begin 8 New York State Graduation & HSMSE Diploma Requirements 9 10 Steps to Completing the College Application Process 10 Individual Questionnaire 15 College Major & Career Inventory 16 Chapter 2: Keeping Organized 20 College Application Due Dates & HSMSE Deadlines 21 SAT, SAT Subject Exams, & ACT Testing Dates 22 Class of 2016 College Application Deadline Online Form (Google Doc) 23 Senior Year Calendar 24 College Choice Worksheet 39 College Choice Spreadsheet 40 College Application Checklist 41 Chapter 3: Pertinent Information 43 Frequently Used Numbers and Websites 44 Internet Resources 45 College Guides 46 College Prep Glossary 47 Types of College Degrees 53 Types of Colleges 55 SAT and SAT Subject Exam Schedule and Fees 61 ACT Exam Schedule and Fees 62 SAT, SAT Subject Exams and ACT Reports 63 Formats for Standardized Exams (SAT vs. ACT) 64 HSMSE Test Prep Resources 65 Suggested* SAT/ACT Plan 66 Score Choice Option for the SAT and ACT Exams 66 Free and Low-Cost SAT and ACT Exam Prep Services 67 Testing Arrangements for Students with Disabilities 68 Testing Arrangements for Saturday Sabbath Observers 71 TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 71 Top Nationally Ranked SAT-and-ACT-Optional Liberal Arts Colleges 72 Top Nationally Ranked SAT-and ACT- Optional National Universities 73 4

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Continued Chapter/Topic Page Chapter 4: Completing Your Applications Part I: Submitting Applications 74 College Application Procedures 75 Common Application 78 Application Fee Waivers 79 Completing Senior Year Courses on the Common Application 82 How to Invite or Assign Letter of Recommendation Writers 83 How to Address Envelopes for Recommendation Writers to Mail Letters 84 How to Use Naviance & The Common Application to Apply to College 85 SUNY (State University of New York) Information 97 SUNY Application Procedures 98 CUNY (City University of New York) Information 99 CUNY Application Procedures 100 CUNY Macaulay Honors College 101 City College of New York (CCNY) Honors Program 103 CCNY Grove School of Engineering 104 CCNY Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture 104 Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education 105 CUNY Teacher Academy 106 Brooklyn College Coordinated BA-MD Program 107 How to Order Official City College of New York (CCNY) Transcripts 108 Audition and Portfolio Review 109 NCAA Clearinghouse Information 109 Chapter 4: Completing Your Applications Part II: Employing Effective Marketing Strategies 110 Strategies to Market Yourself to Colleges 111 Factors that May Be Used in Making Admissions Decisions 112 Effective College Essay Writing 114 Short Answer Question Writing 118 The College Resume 119 Sample College Resume 121 Visiting Colleges 122 The College Interview 123 Possible College Interview Questions 124 College Interview Questions to Ask College Representatives 127 Teacher Rave Form 129 Brag Sheet 130 Parent/Guardian Brag Sheet 138 5

6 CHAPTER 1: Getting Started 6

7 HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK This is a reference manual look up the exact information you need! This handbook is a guide to help you understand the facts and procedures of the college application process. The table of contents will help you locate the exact information you need. This handbook will inform you of the tasks that need to be completed to apply to college and suggestions on how to complete these tasks. This handbook will enable families to initiate conversations regarding the college application process. The websites and books that are listed as additional resources. If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, use public computers at HSMSE, CCNY computer labs, or your local library. 7

8 WHERE TO BEGIN Applying to college can be an enriching, interesting, and enlightening path to discover and explore your career and personal goals. If you spend at least a half hour every day to complete the required tasks, you will be able to successfully manage the college admissions process. The college application process may seem overwhelming, but if you divide or break-down the process into parts or a series of manageable tasks, you will complete each task in an organized, step-by-step manner. Thinking about the college application process as a class, and each task as a homework assignment may help you devote the time and thought each step requires. To begin to successfully begin and complete all the parts of the college application process, please start with the next page, 10 Steps to Completing the College Application Process. Remember: You do not have to complete all the requirements overnight; however, you must dedicate many hours during the fall semester to completing the applications so that you can accomplish your goals! You are not alone! Speak to your parents, counselors, and friends for help and support. Meet with Mr. Klein regularly to: Get started and get organized Keep him informed of your goals and progress Seek his expert advice and ask them any of your questions Inform him of any contact or correspondence that you have with a college Don t be shy college representatives want and like for you to contact them! Now is one of the few times that you get to brag about yourself! Be proactive, not reactive = more success, less stress Applying to college is all about YOU! Be sure to inform your teachers, counselor(s), and admission representatives about your talents, achievements, and goals. Use this handbook this resource has been designed especially for you! 8

9 New York State Graduation Requirements Current as of May 2015 Subject Area Regents Diploma Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation Minimum Number of Credits English 8 Social Studies 8 World History: 4 US History: 2 Government: 1 Economics: 1 Mathematics 6 Science 6 Life Science (2 credits: Biology) Physical Science (2 credits; one Subject: Earth Science, Chemistry, or Physics) Laboratory Science (Physical Science or Senior Year Elective) Languages Other Than English (LOTE) 2 6 Art & Music 2 Physical Education 4 7 semesters Health 1 Elective 7 3 TOTAL 44 New York State Diploma Requirements Regents Diploma (4+1 Option) Regents Diploma with HONORS Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation 9 Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with HONORS English Language Arts English Language Arts English Language Arts English Language Arts Global or US History Global History Global History Global History Mathematics (one exam) US History US History US History Science (one exam) Mathematics (one exam) Mathematics: Integrated Algebra, Geometry, AND Algebra II/Trigonometry +1 Option: One additional exam in Social Studies, Math, or Science Minimum Grade: 65 on each exam Science (one exam) Minimum 90 average for mean of all exam scores Science: Living Environment Physical Science Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Minimum Grade: 65 on each of the nine exams Mathematics: Integrated Algebra, Geometry, AND Algebra II/Trigonometry Science: Living Environment Physical Science Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Minimum 90 average for mean of nine exam scores HSMSE Endorsement Requirements Advanced Engineering Program Mt. Sinai Biomedical Research Program Mathematics Concentration Advanced Regents Diploma Advanced Regents Diploma Advanced Regents Diploma 10 Math credits 10 Math credits 12 Math credits 8 Science credits 8 Science credits 8 Science credits 10 Engineering credits 4 Mt. Sinai credits 8 Engineering credits 200 hours of community service 200 hours of community service 200 hours of community service

10 10 STEPS TO COMPLETING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS 1. Think about what YOU want and need when examining your college choices. To focus your college search: Use the Individual Questionnaire in this handbook Use online college search features (see the Search and Search and Apply features of the Internet Resources section of this handbook) 2. Explore and think about your possible college major(s) and career(s). To discover which college majors and careers you might enjoy and will be successful at you need to explore, think, and reflect about your: Interests: activities that you enjoy Aptitudes (skills): activities in which you excel Personality Type: Do you prefer to work in a group or by yourself? Do you prefer to learn facts or ideas? Do you make decisions based on facts or on your feelings? Do you prefer to be spontaneous or make organized plans? Values: What is important to you? What motivates you? Learning Style: How do you learn best? Do you learn best in a smaller class or a large lecture center? Do you prefer to express your answers using a multiple-choice format or in a problem solving or essay format? Do you find it helpful to have a lot of contact with your teachers or do you prefer to learn independently? Complete the College Major & Career Inventory in this handbook to help you learn about college majors and your interest in them. Complete online college major, career, and personality assessment devices to determine which college majors and careers you may enjoy the most and may attain the greatest amount of success. A list of websites is in the Internet Resources section of this handbook. Review and analyze the results of these tests. Discuss the results of these tests with your family, Mr. Klein, and the Graduate School Interns. Do the results reflect, confirm, or contradict any previous ideas that you had about college majors and career ambitions? Did the results introduce any ideas about possible college majors and careers? Are you more confused about your choices now that you have explored your interests, aptitudes, personality type, and values? If the answer is Yes see Mr. Klein and the Graduate School Interns. 10

11 3. Research colleges 10 STEPS TO COMPLETING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS Continued Begin your research by utilizing search functions on many excellent websites listed in the Internet Resources section of this handbook. Many of the websites feature information about each college and links to individual college websites. You may also research individual colleges by reading about them in college guides. Speak with your counselors about which of the colleges HSMSE alumni attended that were good choices for them. Continue your research by reading and learning more about specific colleges from college websites and by contacting the admissions offices of those colleges. 4. Make Good College Choices After completing steps 1, 2, and 3 you will have the self-awareness and information about colleges to make good college choices. The process of making good college choices is one of the most important and crucial steps in applying to college! So take the time to do it well! Use the College Choice Spreadsheet to help you organize and compare your potential college choices. A printed copy is in this handbook. It is also available online at the HSMSE website. Think about your personal, academic, and financial needs. Review the college majors and careers that match your interests, aptitudes (skills), personality type and values. Ask yourself which colleges that you researched using online searches, guidebooks, or your family s and counselors advice will satisfy your needs and offer the majors which match your career choices. Your College Major and Career Choices Academic Needs Personal Needs Financial Needs + Research about Colleges Good College Choices Make 15 first choices! To make good college choices you should apply to 15 schools (including their Reach Schools, Target Schools (Core/Confidence Schools), and Most Likely Schools) that are good fits for them. Below you will find a formula to apply this principle: 6 CUNY Colleges 4 SUNY Colleges and Universities + 5 Private and Out-of-State Public Colleges 15 Good College Choices 11

12 10 STEPS TO COMPLETING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS Continued Taking the time now to make good choices will save you time and money in the future by possibly preventing you from transferring from a college that was not a good match or fit for you. Worried about the high cost of tuition and sticker shock? Do not base all of your college choices on your financial situation and the cost of attending a college. You should apply to more affordable colleges such as CUNY and SUNY schools; however many expensive, private colleges are very generous to students from low-income families. Private schools may become a more affordable option because these colleges may provide them with generous amounts of grant and scholarship money. It is often a reasonable option for students and families to borrow money to finance a college education. 5. Ask Teachers, Counselors, and Mentors for Recommendations Please see the Recommendation Letter section of this handbook. Ask your letter writers as early as possible because some staff members will refuse to write letters after a certain date. Present each recommender with your transcript and a completed Letter of Recommendation and College Resume Worksheet (Brag Sheet). This is available on the HSMSE website as a Microsoft Word document. You can complete it on the computer and it to your teachers and counselors. 6. Read, Review, and Complete Your College Applications Please see each section in this handbook to learn how to apply to: CUNY SUNY Private and Out-of-State public colleges Make a file for each college to which you plan to apply to store a copy of your application and any other important information. Read and review the directions and requirements for each application. Bring in your 2013 income information (tax forms, pay check stubs, Social Security statements, and/or public assistant documents) to determine if you qualify for financial aid programs that assist highly qualified, lower income students to gain admission to college: Type of College Degree Program Financial Aid Program CUNY CUNY SUNY Private Colleges in New York State Four (4) Year Bachelor s Degree Two (2) Year Associate Degree Two (2) & four (4) Year Degrees Two (2) & four (4) Year Degrees SEEK Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge CD College Discovery EOP Education Opportunity Program HEOP Higher Education Opportunity Program 12

13 10 STEPS TO COMPLETING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS Continued 6. Read, Review, and Complete Your College Applications, continued Use the College Choice Spreadsheet and Application Spreadsheet Checklist to track your progress of every part of each application. These forms are available on the HSMSE website as Microsoft Excel documents or as a printed copy at the back of this handbook. There are several ways to submit applications to colleges. Decide whether you want to apply using paper applications or online applications. See the respective sections in this handbook about using the different methods. 7. Write your Essay(s) and Responses to the Short Answer Questions Please see the Effective Essay Writing Section of this handbook for suggestions and resources to enable you to write an outstanding essay. Many college applications have the same or similar essay topics. Determine how many different essays you need. You may reduce the amount of different essays that you need to write if use the Common Application ( to apply to college. Most well written essays: Convey the uniqueness and individuality of the writer Are clearly organized and possess a defined structure Use detailed wording to create vivid imagery to move the essay Use correct grammar, sentence structure, and spelling Most colleges suggest that essays should be about 500 words. The Common Application requires essays to be between 250 and 650 words. Selective colleges may request longer essays. Please see the individual college s application for details. Selective schools may ask for multiple essays and short answer questions. Ask family members, English teachers, and counselors for ideas and assistance. Remember to proofread your essay(s) for spelling and grammatical errors. 13

14 10 STEPS TO COMPLETING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS Continued 8. Market (Sell) Yourself to the Colleges Marketing yourself to the colleges will enable them to learn more about you as an individual and not just as another applicant. Give yourself a competitive edge over the other applicants by becoming your own public relations representative. Use the Marketing Strategies section of this handbook for practical interview questions and strategies. Write your Resume Do not just provide a list of activities. Write a college resume to highlight your accomplishments! See the College Resume section of this handbook. Use the Brag to help organize your achievements and skills. Practice Your Interviewing Skills Some schools require an interview; other schools recommend it. It is usually to students advantage to interview at a school. You may also request to interview at a college that does not require or recommend it. Use The College Interview section of this handbook for practical interview questions and strategies. Practicing interviewing skills and questions will also help you impress admissions representatives if you meet them during a high school visit or college fair. 9. Apply Early for Financial Aid Use the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for Financial Aid by February 28 th to maximize your potential to receive the most financial aid. 10. Make Your Choice Review and analyze the financial aid packages from the colleges to which you were accepted, to make the best college choice. Arrange a meeting with your family and counselor to discuss the final decision. 14

15 INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONNAIRE COLLEGE INFORMATION Check all answers that apply. Answering these questions will enable you to narrow your focus on the type of schools to which you want to apply. Academic Information: G.P.A. (weighted) SAT Verbal (highest) G.P.A. (4.0 Scale) SAT Math (highest) / Rank SAT Writing (highest) SAT Total GPA Conversion Chart A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A C B C B C B C B C B ACT English ACT Math ACT Reading ACT Science ACT Composite ACT English/ Writing Geographic Preference Location School Size Northeast Urban Very Large (20,000 +) Mid-Atlantic Suburban Large (15,000 20,000) Southern Rural Medium (7,500 15,000) North Central No Preference Small (2,000 7,500) Northwest Very Small (under 2,000) West No Preference International No Preference Type of Institution Specific Population Specific Services Community/Junior College Co-educational (both M & F) Learning Disabilities Liberal Arts College All Women s Colleges Visual Disabilities University All Male Colleges Hearing Disabilities Private Institution Historically Black Colleges Physical Disabilities Public Institution and Universities (HBCU) Wheelchair Accessibility Out-of-State Colleges Hispanic Serving Medical Services Technical Schools Institutions (HSI) Psychological/Counseling Art School/Conservatory Religious Affiliation Military Academy 15

16 COLLEGE MAJOR & CAREER INVENTORY Check ALL areas that you are interested in pursuing. M= College Major m=college minor or explore major Name: A M m B continued M m Accounting Biometrics & Biostatistics Actuarial Science Biophysics Acupuncture Biopsychology Advertising/Marketing Biotechnology Aeronautical/Astronautic Engineering Botany Aerospace Engineering Broadcasting Aerospace Science Business Administration African Studies Business Communications African-American (Black) Studies Business Economics Agricultural Business Business Education Agricultural Economics Agricultural Engineering C M m Agriculture Cell Biology Agronomy Ceramic Art & Design American Literature Ceramic Engineering American Studies Chemical Dependency Studies Anatomy Chemical Engineering Animal Sciences Chemistry Anthropology Child Development/Psychology Applied Mathematics Chinese Aquaculture/ Aquatic Science Civil and Environmental Engineering Arabic Civil Engineering Archaeology Classical Languages Architectural Engineering Classics Architecture Clinical Laboratory Technician Art & Design Commercial Art/Graphic Design Art History/Appreciation Communications Art Management Comparative Literature Asian Languages Computer Art/Graphics Asian Studies Computer Engineering Astronomy Computer Math Astrophysics Computer Programming Atmospheric Sciences Computer Science Audio/Sound Technology Computer Systems Engineering Aviation Creative Writing Aviation Administration Criminal Justice Culinary Arts B M m Bacteriology/Microbiology D M m Banking Dairy Science Behavior Sciences Dance Bible Dance/Movement Therapy Biblical Languages Dental Hygiene Biochemistry Developmental Psychology Bioengineering Dietetics/ Dietary Science Biological Sciences Drafting/Design Biology Drama/Theater/Theater Arts Biomedical Engineering Drawing and Illustration 16

17 E M m F M m East Asian Studies Film/Video East European Studies Finance Economics Fish/Game Management Education - Early Childhood Food Sciences/Technology/Nutrition Education - Learning Disabled Food Service Management Education - Art Forensic Medicine Education - Bi-Lingual Education Forensic Psychology Education - Deaf & Hearing Impaired Forest Technology Education - Elementary Forestry Education - Emotional Disabled French Education - English as a Second Language Education - General G M m Education - Gifted and Talented Gay and Lesbian Studies Education - Health Genetic Engineering Education - Physical Education Genetics Education - Secondary Geochemistry Education - Special Education Geography Education - Visually Impaired Geological Engineering Engineering - Aerospace Geology Engineering - Architectural Geophysics/Seismology Engineering - Automotive Geosciences Engineering - Biomedical German Engineering - Ceramic Gerontology/Geriatrics Engineering - Chemical Greek Engineering - Civil Guidance and Counseling Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical H M m Engineering - Geological Health Information Administration Engineering - Industrial Health Information Technician Engineering - Metallurgical Health Sciences/Allied Health Engineering - Mineral Health Services Administration Engineering - Nuclear Hebrew Engineering - Ocean Historic Preservation Engineering - Textile History Engineering - Welding Home Economics Engineering Design Horticulture Engineering Mechanics Horticulture Therapy Engineering Physics Hotel and Restaurant Management English Human Environment/Housing English Literature Human Resources Entomology Human Services Entrepreneur/Small Business Mgmt Humanities Environmental Health Environmental Sciences Environmental Design Environmental Engineering Environmental Studies/Ecology Equestrian Studies Ethnic/Cultural Studies Ethnomusicology European Studies Experimental Psychology 17

18 I M m L M m Industrial Arts/Vocational Education Labor and Industrial Relations Industrial Design Landscape Architecture Industrial Engineering Landscape Management Industrial Hygiene Languages Industrial Manufacturing/ Technology Latin Industrial Operations/Management Latin American Studies Information Science Liberal Arts/General Studies Insurance Life Sciences Interdisciplinary Studies Linguistics Interior Design/Decorating International Business International Relations N M m Islamic Studies Nanotechnology Italian Natural Resource Management Naval Architecture Near/Middle Eastern Studies J M m Neuroscience Japanese Nuclear Engineering Jazz Studies Nursing Journalism/Mass Communication Nutrition Judaic/Jewish Studies O M m K M m Occupational Therapy Kinesiology and Movement Science Ocean Engineering Office Administration/Management Operations Research M M m Ornamental Horticulture Management Management Information Systems Manufacturing Engineering P M m Marine Biology Painting/Drawing Marine Engineering Parks Management Marine Sciences Pathology Marketing/Advertising Peace/Conflict Studies Materials Science and Engineering Performing Arts/Visual Arts Mathematics Petroleum Engineering Mechanical Engineering Philosophy Medical Technology Photography Medieval/Renaissance Studies Physical Therapy Metallurgical and Materials Physics Metallurgical Engineering Physics Engineering Meteorology Plant Sciences Military Science Plastics/Polymer Sciences Mining & Mineral Engineering Political Science/Government Molecular Biology Portuguese Music Psychology Music Education Public Relations Music Therapy 18

19 R M m U M m Radio & Television Studies Urban Studies Religious Studies ROTC-United States Air Force ROTC-United States Army V M m ROTC-United States Navy Veterinary Science ROTC-United States Marines Voice Russian Russian/ Slavic Studies W M m Western European Studies S M m Wildlife / Conservation Studies Scandinavian Languages Women's Studies Sculpture World Studies Slavic Languages Social Psychology Social Sciences Z M m Social Work Zoology Sociology South Asian Studies Southeast Asian Studies Spanish MAJORS/CAREERS NOT LISTED M m Speech Pathology/Auditory Speech/Debate/Forensics/Rhetoric Sport/Athletic Management Sport/Exercise Studies Sports Medicine Statistics Surveying/Cartography/Mapping Systems Engineering T M m Telecommunications Theology Third World Studies Therapeutic Recreation Transportation 19

20 CHAPTER 2: Keeping Organized 20

21 HSMSE COLLEGE APPLICATIONS DUE DATES & DEADLINES You must invite Mr. Klein, interns, and your other letter of recommendation writers by the HSMSE Deadline. You may submit your apps to your colleges by the College Due Date! Brag Sheets Application College Due Date to Mr. Klein, Guidance Interns, Letter of Recommendation Writers HSMSE Deadline September 1 Questbridge Scholarship September 28 September Early Decision (ED) 2. Early Action (EA) 3. Public Colleges & Universities November 1 October 1 4. Recommended submission date for all college applications All Applications including: 1. CUNY and CUNY Selective Programs: 2. Macaulay Honors College 3. Brooklyn College BA/MD Program 4. City College Spitzer School of Architecture December 1 November 1 5. City College Grove School of Engineering 6. Applications that are due on December 1st - January 1st Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education January 8 January 3 Applications that are due on January 15th February 28th January 15 - February 28 January 7 Last day to submit applications! March 1 February 1 21

22 ACT REGISTRATION & TESTING DATES fee waivers are deactivated after the registration deadline TESTING DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE September 12, 2015 August 7, 2015 October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015 December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 February 6, 2016 (Not offered in New York State) January 8, 2016 April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 June 11, 2016 May 6, 2016 SAT & SAT SUBJECT EXAM REGISTRATION & TESTING DATES fee waivers are deactivated after the registration deadline Testing Date Tests Given Registration Deadline October 3, 2015 Current SAT & Subject Exams September 3, 2015 November 7, 2015 Current SAT & Subject Exams October 9, 2015 December 5, 2015 Current SAT & Subject Exams November 5, 2015 January 23, 2016 Current SAT & Subject Exams December 28, 2015 March 5, 2016 Redesigned SAT & Subject Exams February 5, 2016 May 7, 2016 Redesigned SAT & Subject Exams April 8, 2016 June 4, 2016 Redesigned SAT & Subject Exams May 5,

23 College Application Deadline Form To access this Google Form, click the image of the form below or the this link: Class of 2016: College Application Deadline Form This form is also linked to the HSMSE website: HSMSE.org à College Office à College Information & Handbook 23

24 SENIOR YEAR CALENDAR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Application College Due Date HSMSE Deadline Brag Sheets to Mr. Klein, Guidance Intern, Recommendation Writers September 1 Questbridge Applications September 28 September 10 Early Admission Plans: Early Decision (ED) & Early Action (EA) November 1 October 1 Public Colleges & Universities Recommended submission date for all college applications! Exam Testing Date Registration Due Date Current SAT & SAT Subject Tests October 3, 2015 September 3, 2015 Current SAT & SAT Subject Tests November 7, 2015 October 9, 2015 ACT September 12, 2015 August 7, 2015 ACT October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015 o Complete the HSMSE Brag Sheet 2016 before you start the doing any of the necessary paperwork. The Brag Sheet will help you organize your information and thoughts that will make completing the application, essays, resume, and interviews much easier AND effective! o the Brag Sheet to Mr. W. Klein (wklein@hsmse.org) and your other letter of recommendation writers by September 1! o Keep researching colleges! o Schedule a visit! Take campus tours, and meet with admission representatives. Look at the interview questions and questions you can ask college representative in this handbook in preparation. o Have a family meeting Discuss your application plan with your parents or guardians. o Financial Planning Develop a financial plan with your parents or guardians that explores how you will pay for your college education. o Start completing the Common Application and CUNY application! 24

25 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER CONTINUED o Brainstorm, write, and re-write your essay and short-answer questions. See the Effective Essay Writing section of the HSMSE College Prep Handbook. o Write your resume. See the The College Resume and Resume Worksheet sections of the HSMSE College Prep Handbook. o Rehearse interview questions. See the The College Interview section of the HSMSE College Prep Handbook. o Organize Early Create a file (either a hard or electronic file) for each college and keep all important information in this location. Application Planning & Completion Activities: o Complete the Individual Questionnaire, College Major & Career Inventory, and online career assessments, and personality tests to see which college majors you will prefer! All of these tools are available in the HSMSE College Prep Handbook. o If you choose to apply to a college using an early admission program, select your Early Decision (ED) and/or Early Action (EA) colleges and complete the applications. Early Decision and Early Action applications are usually due November 1st. The Counseling Office deadline for these applications is October 1 st! That means you must invite you recommenders to your applications. Some schools have more Restrictive EA programs, which limit the number of schools to which you may apply under Early Action programs. Please consult individual colleges for this information. If you apply to a school(s) through an Early Admission candidate (either ED or EA) you MUST apply to other schools under the regular decision programs. You MUST apply regular decision to other schools so if you are not accepted under an Early Admission program (ED or EA), you will not miss the deadline for applying to other colleges. o Prepare for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and/or ACT. See information on the Test Prep Resources section of the HSMSE website. Don t forget that all HSMSE students have free access to online SAT Exam preparation via Method Test Prep. If you are pleased with your scores and you do not need to take any additional exams o Send SAT, SAT Subject Exam, and/or ACT scores to your colleges. o English Language Learners (ELL) and native foreign language speakers should determine if they qualify and need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). This test is for non-native speakers to measure their use and understanding of English. For more information, please visit the TOEFL website: o Recently naturalized citizens and Permanent Residents should copy all of their documents to verify their status to the college admissions and financial aid offices. Please note that only students who are naturalized citizens and Permanent Residents are considered eligible noncitizens who may receive financial aid. o Student athletes who plan to participate in Division I and/or Division II sports in college should register with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Clearinghouse. To ensure that the NCAA and the colleges receive your information you MUST inform Mr. Klein that you are submitting the NCAA Clearinghouse form! 25

26 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER CONTINUED o Meet with Mr. Klein and the Counseling Interns to discuss your plans for college and attend your individual family appointment with Mr. Klein. o Attend high school visits by college representatives and attend open houses. o Attend the HSMSE College Night presentation on September 30! o Attend the Lunch Time College Prep Workshops! o Check the open house/school visit postings on Engrade, the HSMSE Facebook page, and the HSMSE Website. o Arrange college visits, campus tours, and meetings with admission representatives. Look at the interview questions and questions you may ask college representative in this handbook. o Many colleges sponsor free, visitation weekends. Register today! NACAC National College Fair Long Island National College Fair Suffolk County Community College Health, Sports, & Education Center, Grant Campus Sunday, October 4: 11:00am 3:00pm Student Registration o Finalize your college list! Academic Activities: o Check your transcript for diploma requirements, errors, or missing information. Speak with Mr. Klein immediately if you have any questions. o Improve your grades. Colleges will see them throughout your senior year! Your admission to college may depend on them! DO NOT CATCH SENIORITIS EVER! Colleges will see your report card and transcripts for the fall AND spring semester grades. Colleges may rescind or defer an acceptance and/or financial aid if an accepted student fails or receives poor grades. 26

27 OCTOBER Application College Due Date HSMSE Deadline Brag Sheets to Mr. Klein, Guidance Intern, Recommendation Writers September 1 Early Admission Plans: Early Decision (ED) & Early Action (EA) November 1 October 1 Public Colleges & Universities Recommended submission date for all college applications! Exam Testing Date Registration Due Date Current SAT & SAT Subject Tests November 7, 2015 October 9, 2015 Current SAT & SAT Subject Tests December 5, 2015 November 5, 2015 ACT October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015 ACT December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 Financial Aid Due Date CSS Profile Available October 1 Completing Your Applications: o Send scores (especially to Early Decision/Early Action college choices.) Contact the College Board to send SAT, SAT Subject Exams and contact the ACT to send ACT scores to your colleges. Send the scores early because it takes at least three (3) weeks for your scores to arrive at the colleges. Upon your request, Ms. Ortiz can send your scores to SUNY and CUNY colleges. o Determine if you qualify for application & financial aid programs (see below and the 10 Steps to Complete the College Application Process section (#6) for details: CUNY: 4 year study: SEEK Program (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) 2 year study: CD Program (College Discovery) SUNY: EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) Private colleges in New York State: HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) 27

28 OCTOBER Continued Completing Your Applications: o Finalize and perfect your college essays, short answer questions, resume, portfolio materials, and all other documents required by the colleges by meeting with the interns. o Complete private and out-of-state college applications. Don t forget to complete required supplemental essays, short answer questions, and forms! See the Common Application and the individual colleges website for details. On the Common Application, to gain access or see the writing supplement (if offered) you must first complete all the college specific questions. Some writing supplements differ depending on the major/program you select on the school's specific page. Financial Aid: o CSS Profile: To receive financial aid, some private and public colleges require you to complete the CSS Profile to provide them with more detailed financial information. Check to see if your school requires the CSS Profile. The fee for the initial application and one college or program report is $25. Additional reports are $16. Payment may be made via credit or debit card. Fee waivers are granted automatically based on the information entered on the PROFILE application to students who are first-time college applicants and are from families with low incomes and assets. International students are not eligible for fee waivers. This waiver covers the application fee and the reporting fees for up to eight colleges or scholarship programs. Not available until October 1. NACAC Performing & Visual Arts College Fair Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 655 W. 34th Street New York, NY Hall 1D 212/ Fair Hours: Tuesday, October 27, :00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Arrive at 5:30pm! 28

29 NOVEMBER Application College Due Date HSMSE Deadline All Applications including: CUNY and CUNY Selective Programs: Macaulay Honors College CCNY: Spitzer School of Architecture CCNY: Grove School of Engineering CCNY Honors Program Brooklyn College BA/MD Applications that are due on December 1st - January 1 December 1 November 1 Common Application invitation Deadline: You must invite Mr. Klein and all of your letter of recommendation writers to the Common Application by November 1 Exam Testing Date Registration Due Date SAT & SAT Subject Tests November 8, 2014 October 9, 2014 SAT & SAT Subject Tests December 6, 2014 November 6, 2014 ACT December 13, 2014 November 7, 2014 Financial Aid 29 Due Date CSS Profile Available October 1 Please note: Selective colleges and universities usually will not accept SAT, SAT Subject Exams, and ACT scores after January 1 Completing Your Applications: o Finalize and perfect your college essays, short answer questions, resume, portfolio materials, and all other documents required by the colleges by meeting with the interns. o Complete private and out-of-state college applications. Don t forget to complete required supplemental essays, short answer questions, and forms! See the Common Application and the individual colleges website for details. On the Common Application, to gain access or see the writing supplement (if offered) you must first complete all the college specific questions. Some writing supplements differ depending on the major/program you select on the school's specific page. o CSS Profile: To receive financial aid, some private and public colleges require you to complete the CSS Profile to provide them with more detailed financial information. Check to see if your school requires the CSS Profile. The fee for the initial application and one college or program report is $25. Additional reports are $16. Payment may be made via credit or debit card. Fee waivers are granted automatically based on the information entered on the PROFILE application to students who are first-time college applicants and are from families with low incomes and assets. International students are not eligible for fee waivers. This waiver covers the application fee and the reporting fees for up to eight colleges or scholarship programs. Not available until October 1.

30 NOVEMBER Continued Completing Your Applications: o Submit CUNY and/or CUNY Selective Program Applications: CUNY on-line application: CUNY offers many selective, honors programs. Admission to these programs are, as the name implies, more difficult and often require additional application requirements and materials. Please CUNY Selective Programs: Macaulay Honors College (CUNY Macaulay Honors Program Fact Sheet) CCNY: Honors Program CCNY: Grove School of Engineering (CCNY GSOE Application Supplement) CCNY: Spitzer School of Architecture (SSA Creative Challenge Application Form) CCNY: Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Brooklyn College BA/MD (Brooklyn College BA-MD Handbook) o Submit SUNY Colleges and Universities: Most SUNY schools use the Common Application! You MUST use the Common Application if the SUNY schools to which you are applying accept it. Not using the Common Application will create significant delays in processing your application. This is the list of SUNY Colleges and Universities that use the Common Application: Binghamton University Buffalo State University SUNY College at Brockport SUNY College at Geneseo SUNY College at Old Westbury SUNY College at Oneonta SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry SUNY Cortland SUNY Fredonia SUNY Institute of Technology SUNY Maritime College SUNY New Paltz SUNY Oswego SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Potsdam SUNY Purchase College Stonybrook University University at Albany University at Buffalo ONLY use the on-line SUNY application for the SUNY schools that DO NOT accept the Common Application. Check if your SUNY application requires a Supplemental Forms to their applications. For a list of schools that require a supplemental application, please visit: 30

31 o Attend college visits at school. NOVEMBER Continued o Maintain excellent grades. Many colleges may request a 2 nd marking period report card. o Send scores (especially to Early Decision/Early Action college choices.) Contact the College Board to send SAT, SAT Subject Exams and contact the ACT to send ACT scores to your colleges. Send the scores early because it takes at least three (3) weeks for your scores to arrive at the colleges. Upon your request, Ms. Ortiz can send your scores to SUNY and CUNY colleges. Student Athletes: o Student athletes who plan to participate in Division I or Division II sports in college need to complete and submit the NCAA Clearinghouse Form (National Collegiate Athletic Association). The NCAA Clearinghouse website will also inform you of your rights and responsibilities as a student-athlete. o Student athletes should discuss their options with their athletic coaches and college advisors. You will need these individuals to work together to assist in your application. You may be eligible for a fee waiver. If you do qualify for a fee waiver, your counselor can submit the request electronically. o Student athletes should also check with their counselor to see if their high school has an updated 48H Form on the NCAA Clearinghouse website. Financial Aid Tasks: o Investigate scholarship opportunities: Colleges to which you want to attend Local organizations Religious organizations o Apply for scholarships through scholarship search engines: College Board Fastweb.com Google Sallie Mae Scholarships.com Yahoo! 31

32 DECEMBER Application College Due Date HSMSE Deadline All Applications including: CUNY and CUNY Selective Programs: Macaulay Honors College CCNY: Spitzer School of Architecture CCNY: Grove School of Engineering CCNY Honors Program Brooklyn College BA/MD Applications that are due on December 1st - January 1 st December 1 November 1 Common Application invitation Deadline: You must invite Mr. Klein and all of your letter of recommendation writers to the Common Application by November 1 st Exam Testing Date Registration Due Date Current SAT & SAT Subject Tests December 5, 2015 November 5, 2015 Current SAT & SAT Subject Tests January 23, 2016 December 28, 2015 ACT December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 Financial Aid Due Date CSS Profile Available October 1 Please note: Selective colleges and universities usually will not accept SAT, SAT Subject Exams, and ACT scores after January 1, 2015 Completing and Submitting Your Applications: o Take the FINAL SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and/or ACT. o Send scores (especially to Early Decision/Early Action college choices.) Contact the College Board to send SAT, SAT Subject Exams and contact the ACT to send ACT scores to your colleges. Send the scores early because it takes at least three (3) weeks for your scores to arrive at the colleges. Upon your request, Ms. Ortiz can send your scores to SUNY and CUNY colleges. o Submit college applications by the due dates posted above! Submitting late applications late may delay the processing of your applications! o Follow up on any additional information requested from any of your schools. 32

33 DECEMBER Continued o Finalize and perfect your college essays, short answer questions, resume, portfolio materials, and all other documents required by the colleges by meeting with the interns. o Complete private and out-of-state college applications. Don t forget to complete required supplemental essays, short answer questions, and forms! See the Common Application and the individual colleges website for details. On the Common Application, to gain access or see the writing supplement (if offered) you must first complete all the college specific questions. Some writing supplements differ depending on the major/program you select on the school's specific page. o CSS Profile: To receive financial aid, some private and public colleges require you to complete the CSS Profile to provide them with more detailed financial information. Check to see if your school requires the CSS Profile. The fee for the initial application and one college or program report is $25. Additional reports are $16. Payment may be made via credit or debit card. Fee waivers are granted automatically based on the information entered on the PROFILE application to students who are first-time college applicants and are from families with low incomes and assets. International students are not eligible for fee waivers. This waiver covers the application fee and the reporting fees for up to eight colleges or scholarship programs. Not available until October 1. o Students who applied to colleges under Early Decision and Early Action programs should be receiving admissions decisions during December. Accepted students should follow any instructions requested by the college. Students whose Early Decisions have been denied or deferred to regular decision must submit applications to other colleges. o Students who are accepted into an Early Decision program must withdraw their applications to the other colleges to which they have applied. o Submit a copy of all acceptance letters, financial aid award letters, and scholarship notifications to the Counseling Office! o Attend the HSMSE Financial Aid Presentation in January! Financial Aid Tasks: o Investigate scholarship opportunities: Colleges to which you want to attend Local organizations Religious organizations o Apply for scholarships through scholarship search engines: College Board Fastweb.com Google Sallie Mae Scholarships.com Yahoo! 33

34 JANUARY Application College Due Date HSMSE Deadline Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Applications that are due on January 15th February 28th January 14 January 3 January 15 - February 28 January 7 Last day to submit applications! March 1 February 1 Financial Aid Due Date Date to submit the FAFSA (use 2013 tax statements, if you do not have updated 2014 income information) Parent(s)/Guardians receive W2 Wage and Income Statement from Employer(s) If applicable, please inform caseworkers form governmental social service agencies that you will need financial statements for 2014 Update the original FAFSA with the new 2014 income information using the SAR (Student Aid Report) January 1 January 31 January 31 As soon as the 2015 information is available Updated FAFSA (using 2014 information) February 28 CSS Profile Available October 1 Academic Activities: o Keep working on your grades. Colleges will review your spring semester grades. o Mid-year reports (mid-year transcript) will be sent out by February 15 th. Mid-year transcripts are not available until the beginning of the spring semester. o Confirm receipt of the Mid-Year Report with each college and scholarship program. o Update your colleges with any new academic or extracurricular accomplishment or award. Financial Aid Tasks: o Submit the FAFSA, beginning on January 1 st! You and a parent/guardian will both need an individual PIN (personal identification number) to sign the online FAFSA. o Submit the FAFSA (use 2014 tax statements, if you do not have your 2015 income information). The FAFSA will register your first submission of the FAFSA as your application date, which may enable you to receive more financial aid! o Confirm receipt of the Mid-Year Report with each college and scholarship program. o Update your colleges with any new academic or extracurricular accomplishment or award. o Submit the CSS Profile to those schools and scholarships that require it. 34