URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Transcription

1 Application for Admission 2016/2017 Admission URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

2 Founded in 1874, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic, college preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters. The mission of Ursuline Academy is the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community. Ursuline Academy educates young women for leadership in a global society.

3 URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS Application for Admission a c a d e m i c y e a r 2016/2017 Dear Candidate, Thank you for choosing to apply to Ursuline Academy of Dallas. I hope you enjoy answering the application questions; your responses will help the Admission Committee get to know you. Take your time and think about each question. Don t worry about giving a right answer we want to know about your thoughts and experiences. If you have any questions throughout the admission process, you can call the Admission Office at (469) or visit our website at Michele L. Snyder Director of Admission Admission Policy Ursuline Academy of Dallas is a Roman Catholic school. The Academy seeks a diverse student community and admits qualified students without regard to race, color, or national or ethnic origin. Acceptance of students is subject to the criteria set forth and to the Academy s ability to accommodate the number of students who meet its admission standards. The criteria that the Admission Committee uses for determining admission are: > The Ursuline Application The application includes a Candidate Questionnaire and a Parent Statement. > Entrance Exam Applicants are required to take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). > Official School Transcripts Completed first semester grades of the application year as well as grades from the previous year are required. In addition, the candidate s conduct and attendance history are reviewed. > Teacher Recommendations Recommendations from the candidate s current Mathematics teacher and English teacher are reviewed. > Interview Candidates who complete an application for admission will be interviewed. Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) Acceptable Test Dates ISEE Registration for Admission to Ursuline Deadline December 6, 2015 November 15, 2015 December 12, 2015 November 21, 2015 January 9, 2016* December 19, 2015 January 10, 2016 December 20, 2015 January December 26, 2015 January 23, 2016 January 2, 2016 January 30, 2016 January 9, 2016 * test to be administered at Ursuline Academy

4 Admission Checklist The following items are necessary to complete the admission process: Ursuline Academy Application Form and Fee Deadline: January 8, 2016 Complete all information and return it to Ursuline Academy with a $ non-refundable application fee. Registration for ISEE Test Test must be taken by February 1, 2016 Candidates may register by mail or online at Ursuline Academy s school code is Transcript Release Form Deadline: January 22, 2016 Complete the top portion of this form and mail or deliver it to the applicant s current school. Her school will send transcripts directly to Ursuline after the first semester (2015) grading. Transcripts received before the end of the first semester will be considered incomplete. Teacher Recommendations Deadline: January 22, 2016 Submit these forms to the appropriate school personnel after December 1, Completed forms must be sent directly to Ursuline Academy by the candidate s school. Optional Recommendation Deadline: January 22, 2016 The candidate may choose to submit one optional recommendation using the enclosed form. Additional recommendation letters will not be considered admission materials. Student Interview Interviews will take place at Ursuline Academy on January 23 and January 30, 2016 between 9:00 am and noon. Candidate may choose interview date and time online upon submission of online application. Financial Assistance To apply for financial assistance, submit your application online through FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment at Application Status: After February 1, 2016 The candidate will receive an indicating the status of her application. Decision Notification ed March 4, 2016 Decision letters will be ed to each candidate.

5 Application for Admission Academic Year 2016/2017 Applying for Grade 9 th 10 th 11 th Please attach a recent photo here. (optional) Candidate Information Full Legal Name Student Home Address Home Phone Number first middle last preferred street address city state zip Student Phone Number Date of Birth / / Student Religion Church Membership If Catholic, provide name of parish church that holds baptismal record. Ethnicity (optional): Caucasian African American Asian American Hispanic Native American Multiracial U.S. citizen? Yes No If no, permanent resident? Yes No Years resided in U.S. What is your current citizenship, visa status, and date of expiration? Is English the primary language spoken in your home? Yes No Primary language How did you become interested in Ursuline Academy? Family Information Mother s Name Dr. Mrs. Ms. Father s Name Dr. Mr. Home Address (if different from applicant) Home Address (if different from applicant) Telephone Ursuline may contact me at this address: Employer Position/ Title Business Address Business Phone Business Yes, Ursuline may contact me at this address. Telephone Ursuline may contact me at this address: Employer Position/ Title Business Address Business Phone Business Yes, Ursuline may contact me at this address. Stepparent Name Dr. Mr. Stepparent Name Dr. Mrs. Ms. Check if appropriate: Mother Deceased Father Deceased Parents Separated* Parents Divorced* *To whom should general school information be sent? Both parents Mother Father Other: *To whom should grades and academic information be sent? Both parents Mother Father Other: *Who has legal custody of this candidate? Both parents Mother Father Other: *Who has financial responsibility for school tuition? Both parents Mother Father Other: Please note: Any changes to the above information must be submitted in writing to the Registrar.

6 Application for Admission (cont d) School Information Present School Address city/state/zip Head of School, Principal, or Counselor Telephone Number Last three schools attended: Name of Former School From: / To: / month year month year Name of Former School From: / To: / month year month year Name of Former School From: / To: / month year month year Sibling Information Please list the names of sisters and/or brothers below. If additional space is needed, use a separate page. Name DOB Current School/Grade Name DOB Current School/Grade Name DOB Current School/Grade Educational Information Has the candidate (applying for grades 10 or 11) previously applied for admission to Ursuline Academy? Yes No If yes, what year? Has the candidate ever repeated or skipped a grade? If so, which grade and why? Yes No Has the candidate been dismissed from any school for any reason? If so, please give specific details: Yes No Does the candidate receive any tutoring or academic enrichment outside of the classroom? If so, please explain: Yes No If you feel it would be helpful, please provide additional information regarding the above items:

7 Application for Admission (cont d) Ursuline Academy Alumnae Information Relatives who have attended Ursuline Academy include: Name last first maiden name Location of Ursuline Class of Is Alumna Living? Deceased? city/state Alumna s Current Address city/state/zip Relationship to Candidate Sister Aunt Mother Grandmother Guardian Name last first maiden name Location of Ursuline Class of Is Alumna Living? Deceased? city/state Alumna s Current Address city/state/zip Relationship to Candidate Sister Aunt Mother Grandmother Guardian Name last first maiden name Location of Ursuline Class of Is Alumna Living? Deceased? city/state Alumna s Current Address city/state/zip Relationship to Candidate Sister Aunt Mother Grandmother Guardian Name last first maiden name Location of Ursuline Class of Is Alumna Living? Deceased? city/state Alumna s Current Address city/state/zip Relationship to Candidate Sister Aunt Mother Grandmother Guardian

8 Application for Admission (cont d) Parent Statement Ursuline Academy programs focus on academic excellence, spiritual formation, leadership development, and community service. How does the Academy s Mission Statement (see inside back cover) reflect your philosophy regarding the education of your daughter? Please limit your answer to the space provided. Candidate s Name I acknowledge that I waive my right of access to confidential information in my daughter s admission file. Parent/Guardian Signature Date / / Ursuline Academy, a Catholic school, seeks a diverse student community. The Academy admits qualified students without regard to race, color, or national or ethnic origin. Students attend Ursuline by invitation only. The school may decline to extend an invitation for admission or re-enrollment at its discretion.

9 Application for Admission (cont d) Candidate Questionnaire Please answer the following questions and limit your responses to the space provided. Responses may be handwritten or typed. Remember that members of the Admission Committee are trying to make a complete and accurate assessment of your interests, talents, and personality. We hope that you will give your fullest consideration to these questions. Candidate s Name Why is coming to Ursuline Academy important to you? One of the very best things about being an Ursuline girl will be... What is your special talent or skill? Tell us about what makes you unique. Imagine you have the opportunity to visit one of our sister schools in Chile, Peru, China, Brazil, England, Australia, France or South Africa. Which country would you choose and what would you hope to experience there? What do you think challenges you? How do you seek to overcome it? Please think about the organized activities in which you have participated (in school or out of school). Which activity is most important to you? Why?

10 Application for Admission (cont d) Writing is integral to an Ursuline Academy education. The Admission Committee will review a sample of your writing for clarity of thought and creativity. Please consider the prompt below and write a brief essay in the space provided. One of the advantages of coming to Ursuline is that you are immediately embraced by a sisterhood that is a mosaic of many different girls. Like a puzzle, you fit together to create a whole picture, but each with the freedom to celebrate your own idiosyncrasies and traits. Being true to yourself, tell us about your piece of the Ursuline puzzle. Share an experience, describe a passion, or reveal a quirk that makes you who you are. On my honor, I have answered the previous questions and written the essay on my own. Candidate s Signature Date / /

11 English Teacher Recommendation For Parent/Guardian: My daughter has applied for admission to Ursuline Academy of Dallas. I waive my right of access and that of my daughter to this teacher recommendation. I understand it will not become part of her permanent file, nor will it be forwarded to other institutions without my prior approval. I ask that the teacher complete this evaluation and mail it directly to the school. Recommendations should be completed between December 1, 2015 January 22, Applicant s Name Applying for Grade 9 th 10 th 11 th Parent/Guardian Signature To The Current English Teacher: All information shared will be considered strictly confidential. Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. Please mail this form directly to the Office of Admission no later than January 22, Teacher s Name Date / / Course Title I have known this applicant for years. Please assess the student as compared with her peers: Top 10% Above Below of Class Average Average Average No Basis Personal Characteristics Peer relations Attitude toward faculty and staff Assumption of responsibility Citizenship/conduct Management of conflict/criticism Emotional maturity Academic Performance Language Arts/English Reading skills Writing skills Oral communication skills Academic promise Academic achievement Motivation Would you recommend this student for an honors course? Yes No Study Habits Ability to work independently Ability to work with others Pattern of completing work on time Attention span Organization/care of materials Work ethic Health and Attendance Record General health Attendance Tardiness (continued next page)

12 English Teacher Recommendation (cont d) Please select one of the following recommendations: Highly Recommend Recommend Recommend with reservations because Do not recommend because Your insight helps us tremendously in the admission process, so please describe the applicant below. For instance, write about her personal or academic characteristics, any unusual life circumstances, or her potential to contribute to Ursuline Academy. Any comments that will differentiate this student from other applicants will be appreciated. Signature Date / / Please mail directly to: Ursuline Academy of Dallas Admission Office 4900 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, Texas 75229

13 Mathematics Teacher Recommendation For Parent/Guardian: My daughter has applied for admission to Ursuline Academy of Dallas. I waive my right of access and that of my daughter to this teacher recommendation. I understand it will not become part of her permanent file, nor will it be forwarded to other institutions without my prior approval. I ask that the teacher complete this evaluation and mail it directly to the school. Recommendations should be completed between December 1, 2015 January 22, Applicant s Name Applying for Grade 9 th 10 th 11 th Parent/Guardian Signature To The Current Mathematics Teacher: All information shared will be considered strictly confidential. Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. Please mail this form directly to the Office of Admission no later than January 22, Teacher s Name Date / / Course Title I have known this applicant for years. Please assess the student as compared with her peers: Top 10% Above Below of Class Average Average Average No Basis Personal Characteristics Peer relations Attitude toward faculty and staff Assumption of responsibility Citizenship/conduct Management of conflict/criticism Emotional maturity Academic Performance Mathematics Facts/computation skills Concepts/problem-solving skills Academic promise Academic achievement Motivation Would you recommend this student for an honors course? Yes No Study Habits Ability to work independently Ability to work with others Pattern of completing work on time Attention span Organization/care of materials Work ethic Health and Attendance Record General health Attendance Tardiness (continued next page)

14 Mathematics Teacher Recommendation (cont d) Please select one of the following recommendations: Highly Recommend Recommend Recommend with reservations because Do not recommend because Your insight helps us tremendously in the admission process, so please describe the applicant below. For instance, write about her personal or academic characteristics, any unusual life circumstances, or her potential to contribute to Ursuline Academy. Any comments that will differentiate this student from other applicants will be appreciated. Signature Date / / Please mail directly to: Ursuline Academy of Dallas Admission Office 4900 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, Texas 75229

15 Optional Recommendation Applicant s Name Applying for Grade 9 th 10 th 11 th Candidate: You may choose to submit one optional recommendation written by someone familiar with your personal or academic characteristics (i.e., current or past teacher, pastor, family friend, relative, coach, music teacher, or neighbor). Responses must be limited to the space provided below and only one optional recommendation will be accepted. Recommender: Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. Use the space below to comment on any academic or personal characteristics of this candidate which you would like to share with the Ursuline Academy Admission Committee. Specific examples and anecdotes are especially useful. Responses may be handwritten or typed. Please mail the completed recommendation form directly to the Office of Admission by January 22, Name Date / / Relationship to applicant Years known Please mail directly to: Ursuline Academy of Dallas Admission Office 4900 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, Texas 75229

16 Transcript Request Parent/Guardian Instructions: Please give this form to an official or registrar at your daughter s current school after completing the information below. For this application to be complete, the sending school must return the form with an official school transcript that includes first semester grades no later than January 22, Name of Student Date of Birth / / I hereby authorize the release of information to Ursuline Academy of Dallas. Parent/Guardian Signature Date / / Registrar s Instructions: This student has applied for admission to Ursuline Academy of Dallas. Please send a transcript that includes final fall 2015 grades, grades from the previous school year, and any available test scores and comments directly to our school. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. The Admission Office must receive the transcript no later than January 22, Please mail directly to: Ursuline Academy of Dallas Admission Office 4900 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, Texas 75229

17 Financial Assistance Program a c a d e m i c y e a r 2016/2017 The Ursuline Academy of Dallas Financial Assistance Program is designed to offer assistance to students who are in need of financial support. In , the Academy will grant approximately $1,065,000 in financial assistance and merit awards to 205 students, representing approximately 24% of the student body. Admission to Ursuline and the awarding of Financial Assistance are two separate decisions. If a student is accepted, Ursuline then determines the student s need, the family s ability to pay, and the availability of financial assistance funds. When a student demonstrates need, it is the intent of this program to share the cost of education with the student and her family. Historically, Ursuline Academy has been able to provide 50% of financial need. Eligibility To be eligible for assistance, a family/student must demonstrate financial need, meet the entrance requirements of the Academy, and be current with all financial obligations due to the Academy. Renewals Every effort will be made to award some tuition support to eligible candidates. Students may be eligible for a grant each of their four years at Ursuline, however, the students must apply each year. Awards are not automatically renewed. How to Apply Submit your application online through FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment at Please note the following important deadline: January 11, 2016 Deadline for submitting the completed FACTS Grant and Aid application form, fee and a complete, executed copy of your 2014 Federal Income Tax return to FACTS. The return must include all tax schedules and copies of your W-2 forms. Your application will not be considered until all information is received. Notification Decisions regarding financial assistance will be mailed beginning on March 4, If you do not receive a notification letter, contact the Finance Office to check on the status of your application. Important Telephone Numbers Finance Office (469) FACTS Grant and (866) tel Aid Assessment (866) fax

18 Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Financial Assistance How are financial assistance decisions made? Once all required documentation is submitted to FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment, including your Federal Income Tax Return and W-2 s, the Chief Financial Officer will prepare recommendations to the Financial Assistance Committee members. Recommendations are based on the report from FACTS, the tax return, and the amount of funds available that year for financial support. Do I apply for financial assistance before I learn if my daughter is accepted to Ursuline? Yes. You should begin the process of applying for financial assistance by mid-october (or as soon as possible afterward). How am I assured that my application is handled in a confidential manner? Reports generated from FACTS are available only to the Finance Office through a secure login and password system. In addition, completed documents are kept only in Finance Office files. When recommendations are submitted to the Financial Assistance Committee, all names are withheld. What is the maximum amount of financial assistance awarded? The amount of financial assistance awarded varies from year to year. The annual proceeds from the Mardi Gras Ball comprise the largest contribution to the scholarship fund. An amount is calculated on the FACTS Grant and Aid Application for the family contribution. This amount is deducted from the tuition obligation and a percentage of need is applied. The total amount of funds available and the total number of students applying determine the percentage. Historically, the Academy has been able to provide 50% of financial need. If my family s financial situation changes during the year, can I apply for financial assistance, or do I have to wait for the following year? You may apply for assistance at any time. However, because there is a limited pool of funds, the funds may already be allocated when you apply. You will be put on a waiting list in case funds become available at a later date. If we are divorced or separated, do both parents need to apply for financial assistance? Yes. Both parents need to submit financial assistance forms and tax information. When is the financial assistance award applied to my account? The approved award is applied on a per semester basis. Once an application has been approved, an Acceptance Letter will be mailed to the family to be completed and returned. When the Finance Office receives the Acceptance Letter, the funds will be applied to your tuition balance, based on the tuition payment that you selected. Are financial assistance awards renewed annually? No. Applications must be submitted annually with current information in order for a family to be eligible for assistance each year. What if my tax return does not agree with the information provided to FACTS? If the amount on your tax return does not agree with the information provided on your FACTS Grant and Aid Application, any approved award may be adjusted accordingly.