Weston High School 115 School Road Weston, CT 06883

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1 Weston High School 115 School Road Weston, CT To Our Students and Parents: Welcome to a very exciting time in your lives! As you to begin to explore the many options available to you following graduation, be assured that your guidance counselors and the staff of the College and Career Center (CCC) are here to support you and help you through this process. Through your studies and extracurricular activities you have learned how dedication and perseverance are important if you want to succeed. This same type of commitment will enable you to reach a decision concerning your post high school plans. At times the process can seem overwhelming, like a roller coaster ride with its peaks and valleys. Be assured, it is possible to enjoy the ride. It does require, however, that you are pro-active in gathering and evaluating information that will help you in the decision making process. The College and Future Planning Handbook is your guide and the CCC is your home base for exploring your future plans. In the CCC, information and resources are constantly updated and are readily available. Here you will find computer programs that offer comprehensive search lists, information on colleges, the military, thirteenth year options, vocational and technical programs, and visual and performing arts programs. As you become aware of what educational options are available, you will begin to identify those factors that are most important to you. The friendly, knowledgeable staff in the CCC is here to assist and guide you in your search. The College and Future Planning Handbook provides you with an overview of factors that must be considered as you plan for your future. Used wisely, this handbook will serve as a foundation on which you will build your future plans and will supplement your most valuable resources; other family members, your guidance counselors and the CCC staff. Review this guide often and use it as your personal road map to an exciting future. We can assure each of you that there are many schools where you will be happy and that want you to be part of their community. We look forward to having the privilege of assisting you in this exciting process. Sincerely, Marilyn D. Moks Marilyn D. Moks, Director, College and Career Center

2 Weston High School 115 School Road Weston, CT Dear Students and Parents: Each time we have the opportunity to work with students and families in the college search and selection process, we are reminded of the special responsibilities we share. No less than the next generation of learners and contributors is at stake, as decisions are made regarding post-secondary schooling, and planning gets underway preparing for a future profession. At Weston High School, we have assembled an experienced and eager team to assist our students in realizing their goals. Given the breadth and depth of the information available and the unique needs and interests of each student, it is necessary to assemble critical components, update and coordinate a complicated process and monitor progress toward a specific goal. The guidance counselor, registrar, secretary and dedicated volunteer has the same objective in sight; help the student match his/her dream with an individual set of interests and abilities and then complete a process that fulfills those high aspirations. This College and Future Planning Handbook has been compiled with careful attention to the priorities of the research and selection process. Hours of editing and rewriting have resulted in a handbook that we believe will be of invaluable help as students and families work through the cycle. Special thanks go out to Marilyn Moks, Director of the CCC as well as to the many volunteers who have helped produce this handbook. The Process offers many rewarding opportunities for family discussion and travel. To the students and families beginning this important effort, I wish you a successful and satisfying result. Regards, Meredith Starzyk Meredith Starzyk, Director of School Counseling 1

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS WHS COLLEGE AND FUTURE PLANNING 6 Group Seminars Group Seminar Topics College and Future Planning Calendar Junior Year Senior Year POST HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS...14 Types of Colleges Two-Year Colleges Four-Year Colleges and Universities Technological Schools Art Schools U.S. Military Academies Other Options 13 th Year Programs Gap Year Vocational/Technical Schools Armed Services Students with Learning Differences Facts and Myths About Colleges What Does College Do for You? EVALUATE YOURSELF.22 Prioritizing Your Values College Attributes Rank Order Survey In What Type of School Environment Do You See Yourself? ASSESSING YOUR CREDENTIALS...27 Course Choice and Academic Rigor Grades GPA (Grade Point Average) Admissions Testing ACT PSAT 2

4 SAT I SAT II A.P. (Advanced Placement) Notification of Test Results Reporting Scores to Colleges Extracurricular Activities Work Experience Other Factors Legacy Minority Status Athletic Recruitment GATHERING INFORMATION...33 Introduction to Investigating Colleges and Other Future Plans College and Career Center (CCC) Gathering Information Resources Available in the CCC Sample Letter Requesting Information HOW TO NARROW YOUR LIST...37 Read Visit Trust Your Instincts and Feelings The College Visit Planning the Visit Things to Do Before and During Your Visit Questions to Consider Asking While on Your Visit College Evaluation Sheet APPLYING FOR ADMISSION.42 Obtaining and Completing Applications The College Essay/Personal Statement Sample Essay Questions & Topics From Recent College Applications The Interview Preparing for the Interview During the Interview Questions Frequently Asked During the Interview Alumni Interview 3

5 PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION AT WESTON HIGH SCHOOL...49 Recommendations Putting Together Your College Application Packet WHICH DECISION PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?...52 Admission Decisions Pros and Cons of Early Decision THE COLLEGES DECISION MAKING PROCESS How Colleges Evaluate Your Application Decisions Colleges Can Offer Appeals Transfers WAYS TO FUND YOUR COLLEGE EDUCATION.56 Financial Aid Pre-payment of Tuition Forms FAFSA CSS Profile Financial Aid Package Grant Loan Work-Study Scholarships Merit Need-based Capitol Scholarship Weston High School Scholarship Athletic ROTC The New England Regional Student Program (Apple) Tuition Savings Other Options to Defray the High Cost of Education Community College Acceleration Co-Op Programs Financial Aid Glossary LIFE BEYOND WHS..64 4

6 COLLEGES THAT ADMITTED OUR STUDENTS.65 RESOURCES..70 Internet Sites GLOSSARY.71 Revised

7 WHS COLLEGE AND FUTURE PLANNING Group Seminars The School Counseling Department assists students in researching and developing their college and future plans. During the spring semester all junior students are required to attend small group seminars that provide the following information: Outline of the planning process including methods for setting personal goals and career decision-making Overview of the college research and application process Review of students academic and non-academic credentials Orientation to the College and Career Center (CCC) resources Assistance, direction and continued communication throughout the process In addition, students may have individual appointments in the CCC to explore post high school options. The director of the CCC and the staff will work with the students using the computer programs, as well as the numerous resources available, to aid in this process. 6

8 Group Seminar Topics Student credential review (includes transcript accuracy, check and review graduation requirements, completion of all forms, and the activity sheet) Student calculation of GPA Discussion of post high school plans and options (including two and four year colleges, technical schools, etc.) Testing for college admissions; SAT, ACT (which to take and why) College visits, procedures and policies, interviews and recommendations Discussion on how to target interests, values, priorities and abilities (as related to college and future planning search activities) Orientation to the College and Career Center (CCC) Introduction to the college research process The application process and opportunity to meet the registrar How to make the best use of your counselor and the resources available Discussions on writing your college essay How to use the results from The Personality Profile and the Interest Inventory Test Questions and answers Individual Appointments An individual meeting with your School Counselor is scheduled to continue the exploration of college and future planning options. Individual appointments may be made with personnel in the CCC to assist you in the college and future planning search process. All the resources available in the CCC will be used. 7

9 COLLEGE AND FUTURE PLANNING CALENDAR First Semester Junior Year College representatives visit the CCC throughout the fall. These sessions are open to all juniors and seniors. Students must sign up in advance on Naviance. The date and time of each college visit is posted throughout WHS and on Naviance. This listing is updated frequently. Attend local college fairs held around the area. The biggest one is at the Danbury Mall in mid October. Sign up for the PSAT review course sponsored by the PTO, given at Weston High School, in the beginning of October. Take the PSAT test in mid-october at WHS. PSAT results are returned in December. Review the results with your school counselor. Plan to visit colleges as your schedule permits. Attend Student and Parents Early College Planning Night Plan your Junior/Senior Test taking calendar. Review course registration and test dates for SAT I, SAT II and ACT found in the CCC. Remember the best way to register is on-line. Register for January SAT or February ACT during December. Note: We have not listed all of the possible dates to take these tests throughout this calendar. The choice to take a specific test is a highly individual decision. SAT/ACT testing is most commonly completed January through June of your junior year and September through December of your senior year. January Parents should attend the evening program at WHS on Financing a College Education. Take SAT if registered. Plan your winter break college visits. If possible, try to take the organized tour and information session. Some schools require reservations, so make sure you call in advance. Remember to pick up appropriate materials (view book, applications, etc.) when visiting a school. 8

10 Junior Year continued February Register for SAT review course sponsored by the PTO held at WHS in April. Individual appointments may be made by juniors/parents to come to the CCC and explore colleges or other post graduate options. Take ACT if registered. Register for March SAT I. SAT II is not offered in March. Register for April ACT. Visit colleges during winter break. Schedule courses for senior year with emphasis on a challenging senior schedule. Consult with your school counselor. March Check the Summer Opportunities/Programs in the CCC. Register for May SAT. Start planning college visits for Spring Vacation. April Take SAT/ACT if registered. Visit colleges. Prepare preliminary application to the Military Service Academies. Register for June SAT. May/June Attend Junior Group Session in CCC to discuss future plans. Take the A.P. test if qualified and registered. Register for June ACT. Take SAT/ACT if registered. Request letters of recommendation from two teachers. Plan your summer college visits. Senior packet is handed out to students. July/August Register for September ACT. Read to improve verbal skills for SAT/ACT. Review college information. Visit colleges to get a feel for campus styles (Keep notes about colleges visited). 9

11 Junior Year continued Begin to narrow college list with parents and counselor. Plan fall college visits and schedule interviews (if required/recommended). Start brainstorming ideas for college essay; check individual essay topics on college applications, see sample topic in this planning guide. Athletes planning on playing a varsity sport in college need to obtain the NCAA Application from the WHS Registrar or on-line. Senior Year DEADLINES ARE IMPORTANT: Keep a list of all your college application deadlines, as well as the WHS mailing deadlines for completed applications. The WHS Registrar includes the WHS mailing deadline list together with the parental release of records form in the senior packet. The senior packet is handed out the end of junior year. September/October/November Students may meet with college representatives in the CCC. Check the College Visit Schedule frequently on Naviance, and sign up for any visits you plan on attending. Visit colleges, have interviews, if required, and file applications. September Request letters of recommendation from two teachers. Register for October SAT/ACT and November SAT. Check out scholarships in CCC. Visit colleges. Begin writing a college application personal essay. Consider working on applications to schools that have rolling admissions. It is best to get these in as early as possible. Finalize Early Decision/Early Action plans. Continue to narrow your list of prospective school choices. Check CCC Bulletin Board and Naviance for dates of college representatives visits to WHS. Sign up on Naviance to attend these sessions. 10

12 Senior Year continued Make an appointment with your school counselor to review the progress you have made regarding your college and future plans. October Check CCC Bulletin Board and Naviance for dates of college representatives visits to WHS. Don t forget to sign up to attend. Finalize Early Decision/Early Action plans, complete application and request test scores to be forwarded to the college. Take October SAT/ACT if registered. Register for December SAT. Attend local College Fairs (the largest one is at the Danbury Mall). Visit colleges. Work on College Applications and the essay for regular decision. CSS Profile (financial aid form discussed in Ways to Fund Your College Education ); complete this form for certain colleges. Check out scholarships in the CCC. November Check CCC Bulletin Board and Naviance for dates of college representatives visits to WHS. Sign up to attend these sessions. Visit colleges. Register for December ACT. Take November SAT. Early Decision/Early Action applications are due; deadlines vary, so check each school. IMPORTANT: First quarter grades will be automatically sent only for Early Decision/Early Action applications. Remember that for all other regular decision applications, first quarter grades are sent by students special request only. Finalize your college list; continue to work on the applications and essay. December FAFSA financial aid forms available online and in CCC. Register for January SAT. Take the December SAT/ACT. 11

13 Senior Year continued Parents should attend the evening program at WHS on Financing a College Education. Note the deadlines on WHS mailing calendar for timely submission of college applications, especially colleges with early January deadline. Notification of Early Decision/Early Action candidates. Notify the WHS Registrar of the decision. January FAFSA must be submitted after January 1. Note the deadlines on WHS mailing calendar for timely submission of college applications. February Mid-year semester grade reports automatically sent by the guidance office to all colleges to which students have applied. Don t fall into a SENIOR SLUMP!. Note the deadlines on WHS mailing calendar for timely submission of college applications. March/April Notification of acceptance and financial aid. Please inform the registrar immediately of all notifications received. Re-visit colleges offering admission in order to finalize your decision. Inform registrar of post high school plans. May Notify the School you plan to attend by May 1. Notify those colleges you do not plan to attend. Inform the registrar of post high school plans. 12

14 Senior Year continued Take the A.P. test if qualified and registered. WHS Scholarship need-based, deadline is May 31. June Year-end transcripts are automatically sent by the WHS Guidance Office to the college the students will be attending. Inform the WHS registrar of post high school plans. GRADUATION. You made it! Congratulations! Best of luck! 13

15 POST HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS Senior year arrives more quickly than you may realize. Start your investigation by answering the self-evaluation survey (See Appendix of Forms), and then take the personality profiler found in the computer search program. This will give you more insight into who you are, what you like, your strengths and your weaknesses. The more you learn about yourself and your post high school options, the better prepared you will be to make decisions that are right for you. Consider the following options: Types of Colleges Two-Year College After satisfactory completion of a prescribed program you will earn an Associate Degree. At this point you will be qualified to meet the specific demands of many careers in business, health, technology, and public service fields. Alternatively, you can transfer into a four-year Bachelor Degree program for an additional two years, provided that you have completed the requisite courses and have the required grades for admission. Community Colleges, Junior Colleges and some Technical/Vocational Schools are examples of two-year colleges. Four-year Colleges and Universities After satisfactory completion of a four-year program you will earn a Bachelor Degree. It can be earned at a college that has majors in many disciplines, or at a university, which is made up of many colleges. Schools / Institutes of Technology These institutions specialize in mathematics, computer science, information science, the physical sciences, and engineering programs. Some have majors in business and liberal arts. Arts Colleges These schools offer degrees in many creative disciplines such as art, music, graphic arts, dance, drama, etc. Most are four-year programs, awarding a Bachelor Degree upon completion of required courses. Be sure to check for national accreditation. Some schools may offer 1 or 2 year certification programs in addition to a Bachelor Degree. 14

16 U.S. Military Academies There are five schools representing the various branches of service: U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, CT U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY The application process needs to be started early; spring of your sophomore year or the fall of your junior year. In addition to meeting the academic requirements of each of the academies, a nomination from either your U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative or the Vice President of the United States is required, except for the Coast Guard Academy that uses a point system. Contact their individual office to apply for these nominations. The education is free, but a service commitment after graduation is required. Other Options 13 th Year Programs/Post Graduate For many reasons students may choose to enroll in an additional year of secondary school. These programs will help you improve the quality and content of your transcript, develop the skills and/or maturity required for a successful academic experience in college, or provide you with extra time to develop the skills necessary for a particular sport, instrument or other activity. Gap Year Students might choose to take a year off between high school and college for personal growth through travel, internship, work experience, and/or community service. Information regarding some of these opportunities can be found in the CCC. Vocational/Technical School These schools provide programs to develop special skills needed for various occupations. The length of the program can vary from 3 months to 2 years. 15

17 Armed Services Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Navy offer many options for high school graduates such as opportunities in a wide area of skills that later transfer into jobs and careers in civilian life. Alternatively, it is possible to make the Armed Services a life career. Information regarding some of these opportunities can be found in the CCC or discussed with a recruiter. Weigh carefully the options and commitments. Students With Learning Differences Each College and University must accommodate students with special needs by law. Programs and services vary greatly from school to school. Several publications listing colleges and universities with strong support programs can be found in the CCC. 16

18 FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT COLLEGE College catalogs, guides and view books tell you everything you need to know about the schools. Myth: Although college catalogs, etc. provide a wealth of information, they can t give you a feel for the school; only a visit can do that. Some college publications make noble and grand statements. Believe them only after you see the place for yourself. Trust your instincts. Colleges think high school grades/transcripts are important. Fact: Grades are important to colleges because they predict future success better than any other factor. Your final grade is the only grade colleges will see. The more selective colleges want you to be challenged by taking the most rigorous courses possible. For these selective schools, it is better to get a B in an honors course rather than an A in a regular course. Your entrance test scores are the most important things in deciding college admission. Myth: Test scores are usually the third criterion in determining admission. The first criterion is your transcript (courses taken and your grades). The second criterion is your G.P.A. (grade point average). The fourth and fifth criteria are essays and recommendations. Essay/Personal Statement in the application is not very important. Myth: Your writing shows a lot about you, your mastery of composition and your insight into your thoughts and feelings. This is a great opportunity to tell the colleges something about you that they cannot see from grades and test results. Make it your voice they hear. Keep it short, simple, and to the point. Remember, admissions officers are reading thousands of essays. Revise and edit until you are satisfied that the essay is your best effort. Ask someone to check the draft for errors before writing the final copy. Remember to proofread for spelling and grammar. If you have incorporated a college name in your essay and plan to use this essay for other schools, change the name to reflect where the essay is being sent. 17

19 Teacher/counselor recommendations are important in the college admissions process. Fact: Recommendations give colleges a more complete picture of you. Academic records and test scores only tell part of the picture. Your relationships with teachers and counselors will leave an impression that will be recalled later when you ask them to write college recommendations. Be sure the impression you leave is the one you want to make. It is important to request teacher recommendations early. Consider asking teachers at the end of your junior year and follow up with a request in writing. You must make a definite major/ career decision before entering college. Myth: Few people know exactly what they want to do for a career when entering college. In fact, the career-decision process is a life-long one that starts in kindergarten and continues long after graduate school. Most people change careers several times in their lifetime. Do not be too concerned if you cannot decide on a career right now. Attending college may help you do that. During the first two years of college, most students take a core curriculum of common courses. Then, during the last two years, students are asked to declare a major and begin specializing. Most college applications come in two parts. Fact: One part usually asks for a student s personal history, work experience, extracurricular involvement, area of study and references. You should complete this part. The other part usually asks for school records and recommendations and is filled out by your teachers and counselor. Many colleges use the Common Application as the first part of the application. In addition there may be a supplement to the Common Application asking for more information, a question and/or an essay. Colleges you have never heard of can be just as good as those whose names are easily recognized. Fact: Though some schools have established names and reputations for themselves, schools you have never heard of can be just as good or even better. These less well-known schools often have nationally ranked departments in many disciplines. Due to increased competition especially in the Northeast, it is wise to consider schools outside of this region. The most important thing when choosing a school is to make sure it is the right fit for you. 18

20 If you are in the top of your class, you belong in an Ivy League school. Myth: The eight Ivy League schools enroll about 10,000 freshmen. There are approximately 38,000 valedictorians every year. Do not choose a school just because it is an Ivy League ; choose a school that matches your interests, values, needs and abilities. Another option for academically strong students is an honors program at a university or college. Bigger colleges are better than smaller ones and visa versa. Myth: It is strictly a matter of personal choice. Large schools generally offer more majors, courses, and provide greater opportunities for meeting people. Smaller schools generally offer closer association with instructors, smaller classes and more personal attention. Colleges are easy to rate. The better schools are more expensive and more selective. Myth: College cost is determined by the budgetary needs and philosophy of the institution as well as the type (public or private). There is little or no correlation between the quality of education received and cost. For example, some of the most prestigious universities in the country such as the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Michigan cost far less than private schools of comparable quality. When comparing quality of schools with similar levels of selectivity, wide variations can be found in specific programs and sometimes in the overall rating of the college. You cannot have a satisfactory social life without belonging to a fraternity or sorority. Myth: Fraternities and sororities may play an important role in the social life of some schools, but you can still enjoy extracurricular activities without joining them. Joining depends on your preferences and your finances. 19

21 Junior colleges are not as good as four-year schools. Myth: Junior colleges offer a variety of programs for different students needs: vocational training, transfer programs, remedial instruction and non-credit continuing education. Some have an open door admissions policy and will take everyone who applies, even those with lower academic records. Junior or community colleges generally have lower tuition costs than four-year colleges. If you are planning to start at a community college, be sure the four-year college to which you plan on transferring will accept your credits. Generally, most community college credits are transferable, but some four-year schools put a limit on how many credits they will accept. 20

22 WHAT DOES COLLEGE DO FOR YOU College opens up many opportunities. During the years spent at college there will be significant changes in your life. Some reasons for attending college are: The depth and breadth of learning that will come from a college education is usually impossible to foresee while in high school. You will be able to choose from a vast array of courses, some of which will be totally new to you. Additional courses in a familiar subject will bring the realization that, no matter how good your high school courses were, you have only scratched the surface. College provides a transitional separation from the family. You will be largely on your own without having to take on the responsibility of supporting yourself. You will have an opportunity to be independent, make your own decisions, and manage your own time. It is a time for personal growth with the benefit of some safety nets. Contacts with people who may be influential in your life, both professionally and socially, are frequently made in college. 21

23 EVALUATE YOURSELF A thorough self-examination will help you determine what avenue you will pursue for your post high school plans. To assist you in this process, your answers to the following questions will help you to focus on factors to be considered as you undertake the college selection and future planning process. Knowing yourself as a unique individual is the most important first step to your future destination. This process is an ongoing one; so don t limit your self-evaluation to a one-time activity. Your continual growth and change may result in different answers to the following questions. What are your academic interests and career goals? Which courses have you enjoyed the most? Which courses have been most challenging for you? Do you prefer diversity; cultural, ethnic, liberal, conservative? What events or experiences have shaped your growth and way of thinking? How much academic challenge do you want? Do you want to feel that it is necessary to spend all of your time studying, or do you want a balanced social and academic life? What values are most important to you? Do you want an honor code? How important is religious affiliation to you? Have you worked up to your potential in high school? Is your academic record an accurate measure of your ability and potential? Do you believe that your SAT/ACT scores accurately reflect your ability? Are there any outside circumstances that have interfered with your academic performance? Consider such factors as: after school job, home responsibilities or difficulties, excessive school activities, illness or emotional stress, parental pressure, English not spoken at home, problems of course scheduling or other factors which are unique to your experience or background What activities do you most enjoy outside the daily routine of school and other responsibilities? Which activities have meant the most to you? Do you need these activities at college? What do your parents and friends expect of you? How have their expectations influenced the goals and standards you set for yourself? What pressures have you felt to conform? 22

24 Prioritizing Your Values Listed below are factors that should be considered in determining the colleges that may be of interest to you. This is the time to evaluate your self-knowledge, to identify your interests, and to learn about your options. Below is a list of values. Study the list carefully, then arrange them in order of their importance to you. Place a 1 next to the value which is most important to you, a 2 next to the value which is second most important to you, and so on. Work slowly and think carefully. If you change your mind, change your answers. Advancement Adventure Competence Creativity Getting ahead Doing something new, different or exciting Doing a good job; mastering a task; being skillful Designing something new, arranging or performing artistically, finding new solutions to a problem Duty Honesty Independence Doing what you know needs to be done Being frank and genuinely yourself with others Being free from constraints, able to make your own choices Interest Doing something just because you like to do it for its own sake Leadership Directing or showing others what or how to do something Material Comfort Power Security Enjoying money and possessions, economic security Having control, authority, or influence over others Being sure about your surroundings, feeling safe, having basic needs met 23

25 Service to Others Social Approval Socializing Doing something helpful for other people Gaining prestige, praise, approval from others Interacting with people you like, meeting new people Other 24

26 COLLEGE ATTRIBUTES RANK ORDER SURVEY Choosing a college is not an easy decision. It is important for parents to recognize their own expectations as well as those of their child. Students should be clear on communicating with their parents the sort of college experience that they envision for themselves. As you begin the process of selecting the right college, many factors come to mind relating to this difficult and significant decision. In order to gain an overall perspective, take a moment to rank the following factors, according to preferences. Rank each item from 1 to 5, with 1 as the most important. Listed below are factors to consider when selecting a college: Cost Location Status, reputation Size Composition of the student body (coeducational, religious affiliation, etc.) Course of study or major Financial aid Special athletic or extra curricular activities Testing requirements Special features (i.e., freshmen required to live on campus, ROTC, special needs programs) 25

27 IN WHAT TYPE OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF? Take a minute, close your eyes and envision your ideal college campus. Do I want to commute or live on campus? Do I want a campus or urban setting? What area of the country would I prefer? Do I want to be able to drive or fly home? What size college appeals to me? Small (<2,000); Medium (2,000-5,000); Large (5,000-15,000); Very Large (>15,000)? What kind of weather do I prefer? Would I prefer a single-sex or co-ed school? What type of dorm environment do I want: single vs. double/triple rooms? Suites? Coed bath/single sex bath? Do I want to participate in extra-curricular activities? Do I want to be able to attend sporting events and enjoy a spirited environment? Do I want an extensive athletic program with high involvement in intramurals? How much academic challenge do I want? Do I want to spend all of my time studying, or do I want a balanced social and academic life? Do I need a highly structured academic framework or can I work with a curriculum that allows for independent projects? Do I want a liberal arts or a professional curriculum (business, engineering, architecture, communication, nursing, teaching etc.)? Do my career interests require specialized facilities? Would I want to participate in an off-campus internship related to my field of study? Will my family be able to support my college costs, even at a more expensive private college? Do I plan to work part-time while I attend college? Am I looking for a coop situation where I can attend class part-time and work at job/internship? Traditionally, this situation may extend your total time in college by a semester or a year. Do I want an opportunity to participate in a foreign study program? Do I want a school that offers Greek life? Do I want a college campus where most people know me, or would I prefer more anonymity? Do I want a self-contained campus with all the cultural and social activities revolving around the campus? Or, do I prefer to find my cultural and social activities on my own? 26

28 ASSESSING YOUR CREDENTIALS Course Choice and Academic Rigor Colleges will look at the courses you have taken to see how far you have progressed in the five academic subject areas: English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Laboratory Sciences and World Languages. In other words, they will look to see if you have taken 4 years of English, History, and Math, up to level 3 of a Language, 3 years of Science (if you plan on any majors related to science, 4 years is advisable), and electives that reflect your interests and potential major. Those interested in the Creative Arts should also have depth in those areas; portfolios or auditions are extremely important in the admissions process. Have you started to work on these? Primarily, colleges want to see consistency and challenging classes that reflect your ability throughout all four years. Seriously consider honors or Advanced Placement classes if you are qualified. Review the course book carefully, examining the many classes/options available. Plan your schedule with these suggestions in mind. We cannot over emphasize how important your senior year is. Have YOU chosen a full and challenging course of study that continues through your senior year? It is acceptable to have one free period, but not two. See your school counselor to discuss your course selection. Grades Your Weston High School transcript includes all the courses you have taken for credit. Only the final grade you received for each course is on the final transcript. Bear in mind that many colleges will recalculate your average grade by omitting non-academic courses. However, colleges evaluate creative art majors differently; a strong emphasis is placed on portfolios and auditions, as well as courses in those disciplines. Note: Weston High School does not rank students. 27

29 GPA - Grade Point Average Many colleges do not publish the average GPA of admitted students, but when they evaluate an applicant, it is a very important criterion. So how do you honestly assess your chance of gaining admission to a college? By using the WHS Statistical Report, found in the CCC. There is a statistical report for every graduating class. It contains information about schools applied to; if admitted, deferred, or denied, GPA and test results. This will enable you to see what your chance of admission would be, based on previous WHS students profiles, if you applied to a particular college. Admissions Testing Check each college carefully for their testing requirement; which tests to take and deadlines for submitting scores. Most colleges require either the SAT I or ACT. The SAT II is required or recommended by many of the more selective colleges. More and more colleges require just the ACT in lieu of SAT I and SAT II. Check with each individual college for its requirements by calling, using its web site or when visiting. These tests may be taken junior year and/or fall of the senior year. Preparation is highly recommended; which method you choose is a personal decision. The options are test books (10 Real SAT s, 3 Real ACT s), computer programs, test preparation centers, and personal tutors. Registration materials and bulletins are available in the CCC. These materials will help you keep track of registration dates, understanding the format of the test, and interpreting scores. The easiest way to register for a college entrance examination is by using the Internet and visiting the respective website (see Resources in this guide). Be sure to be consistent in the way you register your name. If you insert a middle initial one time, but fail to do it the second time around, the computer could view you as two different students. WHS code to be included on the registration form is ACT American College Testing Program. This test is just as widely accepted at colleges as the SAT I. It is administered six times nation-wide Check the bulletin for dates. This test is similar to the SAT II in that it measures actual knowledge in specific content areas. The test has four sections English, Math, Social Studies and Natural Sciences, plus an optional Writing Section which may be required by some colleges. Many colleges are accepting the ACT in lieu of submitting the SAT I and SAT II, so be sure to check with each of the schools you are considering applying to for their testing requirements. Score Choice is an option. College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) is the organization which sponsors one of the widely accepted tests for college admission, the SAT I and SAT II. These tests cannot be taken on the same day. 28

30 PSAT/NMSQT Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (CEEB) is given in October at WHS to high school sophomores and juniors. The format of this test is very similar to the SAT I and is useful as an indicator of SAT I scores. It is the basis for some Merit Scholarships for juniors. The results of this test, taken by any student, are not officially reported to the colleges. SAT I is a three-hour forty-five minute examination. SAT now consists of a mathematics section, a critical reading section and a writing section. This test is designed to measure your ability to understand the English language, to interpret mathematical problems, to evaluate your reasoning ability and to assess writing skills. The SAT I is administered seven times a year. For an extra charge, students may obtain a copy of the test that they have taken. This will include test questions, the correct answers, and their answer sheet (check the bulletin for test dates these services are available). Score Choice is optional. SAT II Subject Achievement Tests (CEEB) measure actual knowledge in specific content areas. These tests are one hour in length and are given in fifteen different subjects. Up to three tests may be taken during one test session. It is not wise to take an achievement test until you have completed a subject, or have sufficiently advanced in it. Score choice is an option. Consult with your subject teacher and/or counselor as to the advisability of taking the SAT II, which tests to take, and when to take them. Many schools do not require SAT II tests at all. The most common tests required are Math 1 and/or 2, American History and/or a subject of your choice. If you plan to major in a science, then take one of the science tests. All the SAT II tests are part of one booklet, which you are given at the test center. When you actually sit down to take the test, you have the option of changing how many tests you take and in what subject areas. A.P. Advanced Placement Tests are three-hour examinations based on a full-year of college level study in high school. These tests are used for college credit and/or placement. You register and take these tests through WHS. 29

31 Notification of Test Results An American Testing Program (ATP) report containing your current test scores, along with previous SAT I and SAT II test scores, will be mailed to you and WHS. An explanatory booklet, Your Student Report, accompanies the report. Because all scores are not mailed to students simultaneously, you may receive yours later than some other students. In addition, the colleges and scholarship programs that you designated will receive your report as well. Each time you take an SAT I or SAT II it will become part of a cumulative report. ACT scores will be mailed to you and WHS (if you provided the code). Reporting Scores to Colleges Always check the latest SAT bulletin for Score Choice reporting. If you use Score Choice, only those scores from the test dates you choose will be sent. If you do not select Score Choice, all available scores will be sent. You cannot separate and select scores only for the critical reading, mathematics, or writing sections. Note the information below from the College Board Website April 2009: Designed to reduce student stress and improve the test-day experience, Score Choice is a new score-reporting feature that gives students the option to choose the SAT scores by test date and SAT Subject Test scores by individual test that they send to colleges, in accordance with each institution's individual score-use practice. This allows students to put their best foot forward on test day by giving them more flexibility in score reporting. Score Choice is optional, and if students choose not to use it, all scores will be sent automatically ( Remember, it is your responsibility to request that the testing program send your test scores to the colleges to which you plan to apply. At the time of registration for the SATs and ACTs you can request four colleges to be notified without any additional cost. If you need more than four reports, there will be an additional fee. After the test date you will be charged for all reports you request. You can make requests online, by mail, or by phone. 30

32 Extracurricular Activities Colleges look at how you spend your time. You can have a job, play sports, be involved in artistic pursuits, or be involved in community service; there is no one correct formula. Your extracurricular activities should be a reflection of your interests. Colleges are looking to admit students who will not only succeed academically, but will also contribute to the campus community outside of the classroom. They want a class of students who will enhance the quality of life and social atmosphere in addition to being academically qualified. Admission officers look more favorably upon a few activities that show a depth of commitment over time as opposed to many activities crammed in during junior and senior years. When listing these activities, begin with the ones that are most important to you. Be sure to emphasize leadership roles or contributions that you have made to your school and/or community. If you are an artist or musician, be prepared to submit a portfolio or a tape of your work. Athletes may want to submit a videotape showing highlights of the games which demonstrate your playing ability. Work Experience Jobs that you have held in high school or during summer vacations should also be included. Provide a brief description of positions held and job responsibilities. Other Factors Legacy If you have a parent, sibling or a grandparent that has attended a school to which you are applying, then you have legacy status. Many schools will give priority to a student with legacy than to a similarly qualified student with no prior family connections. Minority Status This refers to under represented minorities such as African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. Asian Americans are not considered an under represented minority. However, a school looking to increase the diversity of its student body may take this into consideration. 31

33 Athletic Recruitment If you have outstanding athletic ability and are considering playing in college, start this process early. Contact the coaches at the colleges to which you plan to apply. These coaches will give you a realistic assessment of your opportunities for playing on their varsity team. Division I and II schools are more competitive than Division III schools and have stricter NCAA requirements. In the summer between your junior and senior year, register for Division I & II schools with the NCAA. Registrations can be obtained through the WHS Registrar or online. Note: You do not have to be a recruited athlete to play sports in college. Many universities have walk-ons (non recruited athletes) as well as club teams. 32

34 GATHERING INFORMATION Introduction to Investigating Colleges and Other Future Plans There are numerous resources available to facilitate your college and future planning search, including online sources (see Resource Internet Sites in this guide), the College and Career Center (CCC), college web pages, guide books, view books, college and career fairs, and campus visits. These are just a few of the tools at your disposal. The more information that you gather, the more informed decisions you will make. College and Career Center The College and Career Center (CCC) is a library dedicated to providing current information and resources to assist students in making choices regarding their future after Weston High School. The CCC is staffed by a director and trained volunteers who provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for students and parents alike. They will explain the resources available in the center and assist you in gathering information. Gathering Information The first step in the future planning process is the gathering of information. The following suggestions will help you get started: This book is your future-planning handbook. Read it carefully. Visit the CCC often. Make an appointment for an individual meeting. The resources available here are listed on the following page. Students should attend fall information sessions with college representatives in the CCC. Representatives hold open discussions with juniors and seniors interested in obtaining more information about their schools. These representatives are often the first readers of your applications; they keep track of and encourage follow up communication with interested students. College representative visits, dates and times are posted in the following locations: 1. Naviance Computer Program; this is where students must sign up to attend these college sessions. 2. Weekly Updated List available in the CCC. 3. Bulletin Board opposite School Counseling Office in the Front Lobby. 4. Bulletin Board in the hall. 33

35 It is the student s responsibility to secure permission from the teacher of any class he/she may miss to attend these sessions. Attend local College Fairs. The largest fair is at the Danbury Mall in mid October. Make an appointment to visit with your school counselor to discuss future options available to you. Frequent communication and a close working relationship will allow for the most accurate, insightful and supportive assessment possible. Your counselor is required to provide a school recommendation for you and complete the school assessment portion of each application. The responsibility for building this relationship is shared by student and counselor. Resources Available in the CCC Computers: Naviance is the college program used in the CCC to assist students in developing their plans for their future. The program has a college search, a detailed profile of colleges, financial aid information, resume writing and a personal portfolio. The college search enables you to put in specific criteria; location, enrollment size, majors, student life, academic requirements, and sports. It then provides a list of schools that match your criteria. Remember, this is just the beginning of your search. The more time and effort you put into this, the more satisfying your end result will be Testing Information and Materials: Registration booklets for SAT I & II ACT, and testing guides College catalogs College view books Guides and files: o 4 Year & 2 Year college guidebooks o Art, dance, theatre and culinary schools o Trade, technical and vocational schools o Military academies and service information o Admission process getting in o Majors o Careers o Learning disability programs o Summer opportunities/study abroad/exchange programs o Postgraduate year options o Community service opportunities o Information for the student athlete o Canadian schools 34

36 o Travel guides with maps of college campuses available for copying o Graduate schools o Preparatory schools o Scholarship and financial aid forms and information Job Bank: Bulletin board where local job opportunities for employment are displayed. Friends on Campus: A listing of the colleges Weston High School alumni are attending. College Representative File: Contact information of college admissions representatives for WHS. College Applications: o Paper applications (limited in scope) o The Common Application Note that many more schools accept the common application than are listed on the form CD s of college campuses 35

37 SAMPLE LETTER/ REQUESTING INFORMATION Your Name Your Street Address Town, State Zip Code Date Director of Admissions Name of College City, State Zip Code Dear Sir/Madam, I am a junior (or senior) at Weston High School and I am interested in knowing more about College/University. I would be most appreciative if you would send me the following information: A general bulletin explaining entrance requirements, college costs, course offerings, and facilities available Application materials Financial aid information Special information related to (your special interests) Thank you very much for your assistance. Sincerely, (Your signature) Your name (typed or printed in full, with middle initial) 36

38 HOW TO NARROW YOUR LIST During the early stages of your college search you will have a large number of choices. It is important to take the time to prioritize those factors that are important to you. In the earlier chapters you were asked to be self-reflective and evaluate your credentials. Following are some suggestions that will help you to use this information to narrow down the number of colleges that will be a good fit for you. Read A good place to start is in the CCC. Here you will find an abundance of resources to help you with this process, along with friendly and knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. Familiarize yourself with the following: WHS Statistical Report (a listing by year of the schools applied to, the students data, and the admissions results) College catalogs Fiske Guide (A good source to acquaint yourself with the college environment and academics.) Rugg s Guide for evaluating majors. College websites Visit Take a campus tour and attend an information session. This affords you an opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting. If you have a specific interest (i.e. a major, sports, performing arts), you may want to make advance arrangements to meet with a representative from that department. Trust Your Instincts and Feelings If you have strong feelings, either positive or negative, you will need to evaluate these further. Begin by writing down your thoughts, asking questions, and discussing your reaction with your school counselor and parents. The College Visit When possible, visit each school you are considering. A visit to a college enables you to learn first hand about its academic programs, faculty, facilities, student body, spirit and atmosphere. 37

39 Planning the Visit If possible plan your college visit when the students are on campus and classes are in session. This can be done the spring of junior year or early fall of senior year. If this is impractical, visit colleges during the summer. Most admissions offices have someone on their staff available throughout the year. Things to Do Before You Visit Notify the high school attendance office of the days you will be visiting colleges. Plan the trip carefully, considering distance, time and cost. Consult How to Get to the College of Your Choice available in the CCC. This guide contains maps and directions. It is helpful to make copies of this information. Call, , or visit the website of the college for tour days and times, and if they have an information session. These sessions provide you with an opportunity to ask specific questions that would be of interest to you and might not be found in the catalog. Inquire if an appointment is necessary. Allow at least two to three hours for each visit. Try not to visit more than two schools in one day. Get a notebook to record your observations and feelings about the school. Write down questions you may have, avoiding basic questions that are readily answered by the catalog or on the college s website. During the College Visit Arrive promptly for your information session, tour and/or interview. It is essential that you sign in at each college visit in order that the college has a record of your interest in their school. (Also referred to as demonstrated interest ) It is important to leave a positive impression with the individuals that you meet on each college visit. Manners are important and noted. Be sure to greet and thank every individual that you come in contact with on campus. Dress appropriately to make a good impression. Your clothes should be neat, but comfortable. There is a lot of walking on a campus tour, so wear comfortable shoes. Bring a camera to give you a visual reminder of your visit. 38

40 Take note of places you may want to revisit on your own: residence halls, dining halls, library, athletic and fitness facility, faculty offices, bookstore, theater and art facilities. What is the physical condition of the buildings and grounds? If possible, talk with other students on campus. Interview with appropriate people (if recommended). See section The Interview found in this guide for more tips. Pick up a view book, and other information for each school you visit. If you really like a particular college, ask about the possibility of an overnight stay and the opportunity to attend a class or classes. Questions to Consider Asking While on Your Visit: o What are the department s course offerings within the major you are interested in pursuing? o What are the most popular majors on campus? o If it is a university, how hard is it to transfer from one college to another? o How many students are in the introductory classes, regular classes? o Who teaches these classes? How many classes are taught by teaching assistants (TA s)? o How important are fraternities and sororities on campus? o What percentage of students remain on campus during weekends? o What types of living accommodation does the school offer? What percentage of students live on campus? o How safe is the campus? What security provisions does the college provide? Is a late night security escort service available to students? o What percentage of students study abroad during their sophomore/junior year? 39

41 o What percentage of students are able to obtain internships during their junior/senior year? o Can you have a car on campus? o What percentage of students go on to post graduate studies? o What percentage of students have found full time employment within six months of graduation? o What percentage of students receive financial aid and/or grants / scholarships? 40

42 COLLEGE EVALUATION SHEET (Use After Each College Visit) What do you like best about the college? How is the college expected to change in the next few years? How do you describe the atmosphere on campus? Which departments appear to be the strongest and most popular? What are the burning issues on campus now (i.e., concerns voiced by student government or newspaper)? What type of person would be happy/not happy here? What values seem to be most important to the majority of the students? What new additions (i.e., majors, courses, buildings) are being planned in the near future? What is the biggest appeal to you about this college? Where would you place your ability, compared to the average student there? Does the college location (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) meet your needs? How significant is Greek life on campus? In a word or two, evaluate the college in terms of: Social life Athletic program Academic standards Cultural opportunities Rules and regulations School spirit Freshman life and program Quality of instruction 41

43 APPLYING FOR ADMISSION Obtaining/Completing Applications There are two types of applications: Online applications specific to a college/university The Common Application (also online) Obtaining the Common Application: Online at (Application can be filled in electronically or printed out) Before Submitting an application, remember to check spelling, neatness and factual accuracy; then have someone else proofread for you. Additionally, be sure to make copies of every application that you submit. If you have submitted electronically, print out a copy for your files. Also, when submitting a common application, check with the college/university to see if any supplemental forms are required. Note: If you refer to a specific college in your essay or application, make sure it is the college to which the application will be sent. Don t forget it is your responsibility to send your SAT/ACT test scores to the colleges. WHS does not do this. The College Essay/Personal Statement The college essay or personal statement provides you with an opportunity to communicate directly with the admissions officer reading your application. It provides them with an insight into who you are, how you think and what you care about. This is a good opportunity to express your personality. The content should represent you as an individual and should be a statement that could not have been written by anyone but you. Make it personal. It is not what you write about, but how you express yourself. Admissions officials use the personal statement as a measure of your writing ability and as an indicator of your personality, interests, how you think, and your general outlook on life. In some instances the essay can be used to explain or clarify an issue such as a poor academic semester or personal challenges. 42

44 Do not be intimidated by the essay. It is easier to write about something you are interested in and is meaningful to you. The essay should not contain any mistakes in grammar and spelling. The CCC has several books that contain successful sample essays. Additionally, some college web sites give examples of essays that work. See Connecticut College The Following Suggestions Will Aid You in Writing Your Essay/Personal Statement: Begin early. Become familiar with the types of questions colleges ask. Read the essay topic carefully and take some time to think about a response. Do not worry if writer s block appears the minute you sit down to write. Begin by making a list of things that you could write about then choose your top three. Choose one and begin writing. Let your ideas flow without censoring yourself. When you have finished, go back and revise. Now you have a rough draft. The best essays are those that reflect the voice of the writer. Although the tone of your statement can be informal, check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and organization. Avoid contractions. Be honest, natural and direct. Stick to the topic. Have you answered the question? If you choose to write about a person who has had an affect on your life, be sure the essay is about you and how you were influenced by this individual. Is your essay the required length? Could anyone else have written this essay? Leave it alone for a few days; then go back and revise it again. Read it aloud to yourself. Does the first line get the reader s attention and make him/her want to keep reading? Ask someone whose judgment you respect to read and/or listen to your essay. Proofread again after printing and before sending. Remember that through this essay/personal statement you are introducing yourself to a college admissions official who is looking for a reason to admit you. 43

45 The college is genuinely interested in obtaining information about you that will help them decide how happy and successful you will be on their campus and what contributions you will make to the class. They want insights on the following: How you think How you attack a problem How you communicate your thoughts How mature you are How you express yourself Your values, strengths, weaknesses, achievements, etc. 44

46 Sample Essay Questions & Topics From Recent College Applications The Common Application Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice. University of Connecticut Please describe what makes you a unique individual and how these qualities can benefit the University of Connecticut community. Questions From Other Schools Think back to what you were like as a student and as a person in your first year of high school. Consider yourself now. Tell us how you have changed, and why. We are more interested in learning about how you have changed or grown as a result of an experience rather than the details of the experience itself. Name a person who has integrity and explain why. What does integrity mean to you? Write a question of your own and respond to it. We encourage you to be thoughtful and creative. Have you witnessed a person who is close to you doing something that you considered seriously wrong? Describe the circumstances, your thoughts, and how you chose to respond. If you discussed it with the person, was his/her justification valid? In retrospect, what, if anything, would you have done differently and why? What has been your most profound or surprising intellectual experience? 45

47 The Interview Not all schools require an interview as part of the application process. However, if a school requires or strongly recommends an interview, it is best done on campus with an admissions officer. Some schools use seniors or graduate students to conduct the interview. When you call the office of admissions to arrange for an interview appointment, ask if it can be with an admissions officer. Your first college interview should be at a school that is not one of your top choices. This will give you confidence and experience. For those schools that do not hold interviews, try to arrange a personal appointment if there are items about your application that you would like to discuss (e.g. transcript, testing, personal information). Consider the entire interview experience as a fact-finding mission and not as an experience to be feared or avoided. Preparing for the Interview The purpose of the interview can differ depending upon the college. Some interviews are purely informative and enable the student to gain specific information about academic programs, faculty, student body, financing, and campus life. Others are evaluative and allow the admissions officer to consider what you will bring to the college community. The more that you know about the college ahead of time, the more relaxed and confident you will feel. Be familiar with the college catalog and web site. Consider writing down an opening remark and two or three questions beforehand to take with you to the interview. Know with whom you will be interviewing. Ask questions regarding academic and student life (see below). Academic Programs You may wish to explore a major you are considering studying at college. Are there any plans for new construction to support your major? What percentages of students go on to graduate/professional schools and in what areas? What programs support studying abroad for a semester? The Faculty Are freshman classes taught by professors or teaching assistants? students with special needs accommodated by professors? opportunities for undergraduates to do research with professors? How are Are there 46

48 The Student Body What is the student body like: spirited, conservative, liberal? Are there a large number of commuters? Do fraternities/sororities dominate student activities? Student Life What type of housing is available: dormitory style, apartment, special interest living? Is the campus wireless? Do students stay on campus during the weekend? What types of recreational activities are available for students? Is transportation available to events, other parts of campus and/or nearby towns? Are students permitted to have cars on campus? During the Interview Be punctual. Dress neatly, but comfortably. Address the interviewer by name. Make eye contact and offer a firm handshake when introduced. Stress the positive points about yourself in an honest and confident manner. You may be encouraged to just talk so be ready to express yourself on a question as general as tell me about your school experience. Be yourself and as relaxed as possible. Do not put yourself down, boast or appear to be timid. No admissions officer is out to make you feel uncomfortable. Regard them as interested in you as an individual. Remember they are looking to see what you will contribute to their school and community. Think before you answer (take time to process you thoughts). Be sensitive to your non-verbal behavior (eye contact, posture, tone of voice). Thank the admissions representative for his/her time spent with you. Follow-up by sending a brief thank you note, either hand written and mailed or by . 47

49 Questions Frequently Asked During Interviews What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Do you have an interest in a specific major? What are your career and professional goals? What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses? How would you describe yourself? What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort? How has your high school experience prepared you for college? Would you do anything differently? How do you determine or evaluate success? What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Describe your most rewarding high school experience? What interests you about our school? Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievements? What have you learned from your participation in extra-curricular activities? How do you work under pressure? In what part-time or summer jobs/activities have you been most interested? Why? What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it? What have you learned from your mistakes? How do you spend your spare time? What are your hobbies? What men and women have influenced your life the most and why? Alumni Interview Frequently, the admissions office will inform local alumni of students in their locale who have applied to the school. An alumni interview offers you a further opportunity to learn additional information about a particular institution. 48

50 HOW TO PROCESS YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION AT WESTON HIGH SCHOOL Get to know the WHS Registrar, since this person is your contact during the application process. Junior Packet At the end of Junior year, you will receive an application-processing packet from the registrar. The packet will include: 1. Deadline calendar to assist you in determining when you must submit your required registration forms to the Registrar s Office in order to meet the individual college s deadlines. Important: The high school s deadlines and the college deadlines are different. 2. Registration Slip 3. Educational Records Release Form* 4. Parent Brag Sheet * 5. Activity Sheet* * These forms are important and are to be returned to the registrar by the end of Junior year. Electronic Submission During senior year, applications are submitted by the registrar to the college being applied to and include the transcripts, recommendations, etc. They will usually be processed within ten school days from the date that the necessary and completed registration information is properly submitted to the registrar by the student. The necessary information due from the student is as follows: 1. Receipt proving that either the test scores or college application has been sent to the college. 2. College name has been added to Naviance account. Carefully check whether your college deadline date is a postmarked date or a received by date. Recommendations The teachers recommendations are crucial. While transcripts and grades are extremely important, it is the teacher who can inform an admissions officer in regard to your work ethic and contribution you made in the classroom, as well as the relationship you had with your fellow classmates. It may be better to ask for a recommendation from a teacher in whose class you worked hard, irrespective of the grade received. Request a recommendation from two teachers 49

51 (preferably someone from junior/senior year in an academic area or discipline), who know you really well and will say something insightful about you. It is preferable to request these letters at the end of your junior year or at the beginning of your senior year. The original of these letters is kept in your file in the registrar s office. Alternatively, at the college s or teacher s request the recommendation may be sent directly to the college, in which case you must provide the teacher with a stamped addressed envelope. Do not forget to write a thank you note to the teachers who are writing you a recommendation. Putting Together Your College Application Packet Weston High School s College Code Number (CEEB) is If not submitted at the end of junior year, submit the following forms with your first application: o Student Activities Form /Individual Data Sheet o Educational Records Release Form signed by a parent/guardian o Parent Brag Sheet (optional but highly recommended) o Registration Slip Note: Applications will not be accepted for processing without these completed forms. With every application packet complete the following steps: o Check that you have met the college s application deadline (received or postmarked) and WHS submission date. o Review your application packet for completeness. o Check for all required signatures, including your own. o Make sure your NAVIANCE prospective college has your colleges listed. o Make a copy for your files before bringing it to the Registrar. When your application is accepted for processing: o You will be told the date by which your application packet will be submitted and it will be noted on your Intake-Slip. Refer to the registrar s submission deadline calendar for a complete list of these dates in order to avoid missing deadlines. o The registrar will inform teachers that your first application has been submitted and that she will need to receive their recommendations by a specific date. 50

52 In the Registrar s Office or from home: o Complete the Registration Slip. o Submit registration materials to the registrar. First quarter grades will be sent automatically for all applications other than regular admissions. Mid-year grades are sent automatically. SAT I, SAT II and ACT Tests: o No official record of test scores is retained by WHS on the student transcript. It is the student s responsibility to have his/her test scores sent to the schools to which they have applied. Students must request their test scores directly from the respective testing agency. Requests can be made online or by phone. o AP scores can also be sent. Students must request their test scores directly from College Board. Requests can be made online or by phone. Sign Off: Before the promised submission date the student will be notified by ; make sure your is current. Students and school counselor are required to come into the school counseling office to review the application packet prior to it being submitted. The School Counseling Department includes the following materials in each application packet: o Student s official transcript consisting of courses completed to date, WHS activity record, honors and awards received, student s current course schedule o Counselor recommendation letter o Requested teacher recommendations o Secondary School Report o Weston High School Profile o List of Courses offered at Weston High School 51

53 WHICH DECISION PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Admission Decisions: There are four major plans used by colleges: Regular Decision: Application deadlines fall between January 1 and March 15. Notification traditionally starts the latter part of March through mid- April. Accepted applicants must reply by May 1, usually with a deposit to secure their place in the class. Rolling Admission: The application acceptance and notification process is on going. Some schools begin accepting students as early as September, with notification time ranging from three to six weeks, with some exceptions. It is to your advantage to complete your application as early in the year as possible as the class begins to fill as students are accepted. Most schools have priority dates for filing the application. Therefore, your chance of gaining admission is significantly improved if you file well in advance of that date. Early Decision: This application option commits students to attend the school if accepted. You can only submit one early decision application. If accepted, you must withdraw any other applications previously sent. Application deadlines are most often in November, with notification approximately four weeks later. The application must be complete and test scores sent by the deadline. All admissions testing must be completed prior to November 1. Early Action: This is a non-binding early application option. Application procedures and deadlines are similar to those of the early decision option. Some schools restrict you to early action single choice, whereas others allow you to apply to more than one early action program. It is important to check the specific early action policy of the school to which you are applying. If accepted you have until May 1 st to notify the college of your intentions. Pros and Cons of Early Decision Before Applying Know the difference between Early Decision and Early Action (see above). Consider deadlines. Understand decisions rendered accepted, deferred, wait listed, denied. Early Decision acceptance is binding. The college should definitely be your first choice; both for academic and social environment. 52

54 Pros Cons Depending on the college and the strength of the early decision pool, students may stand a better chance of admission. If accepted, students may spend senior year focusing on other things. Decision to apply may be made in haste before a thorough college search has been conducted. If accepted, other applications must be withdrawn. The student will never know what other schools would have admitted them. Early decision/action will be decided on three years of high school work. Senior year course schedule but not senior grades will be examined because of timing (sometimes colleges will request first quarter grades to help them make a decision). Colleges will not be aware of honors and awards received, and standardized tests scores taken during your senior year. If you need the senior year to strengthen your application, it is best to wait and do regular decision. If financial aid is going to be a consideration, applying early will not enable you to compare financial aid packages and awards from other schools where you have been accepted. 53

55 THE COLLEGES DECISION MAKING PROCESS How Colleges Evaluate Your Application Admissions officers take a personal interest in your application. You are not just sending your application to a computer, but to a person who will go through your application looking for things that will help them present you as a compelling applicant to the selection committee. When evaluating you these are the most important criteria: High School Transcript: Have you challenged yourself within your abilities? Are you taking the most rigorous course of study for you? Grades: What are your grades like? Is it better to get an A in a regular class or a lower grade in an honors/ap class? Take the appropriate course for your abilities, but do your best. GPA: How does your GPA compare to the colleges student profile? Admission Testing (SAT I, ACT): Good test scores can sometimes compensate partially for a weaker academic record, but remember, the opposite can also hold true. SAT II test results may be considered at some of the more competitive schools. The Essay: The essay can tip the scale in your favor. Colleges evaluate the writing as well as the content. It is your opportunity to communicate with the admissions officer. They learn who you are, how you think and what you care about, which can help them to decide if you would be a good fit for their school. Recommendations: Teacher recommendations are crucial. They will tell the school how hard you had to work for your grades and what kind of contribution you made in the classroom. Counselor recommendations also give the college insight into the students academic ability, personality and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Extra-curricular Activities: One activity is not better than another, whether it be a work experience, sports, music/art/drama, and/or community service. Colleges look for consistency, dedication and leadership. Demonstrated Interest: Most colleges will keep track of the number of contacts you have made with their school, and whether or not you have visited. This allows them to gauge your interest in their specific programs and school. 54

56 Decisions Colleges Offer Admission: If you are admitted to a school, you have until May 1 to notify the school of your decision to attend. Alternatively, you can be offered admission to a general studies program, a branch campus, or the option to start in the summer or January term. Deferred: With early decision/early action applications, colleges may choose to defer you to the regular decision pool. You will then be notified of a decision when the rest of the regular pool is notified. Do not be discouraged; you might be accepted at the later date. Wait List: The College is telling you it believes you can handle the work there, but the number of qualified applicants exceeded the places available in the freshman class. Call to find out where you are on the list if it is ranked. You may hear words of encouragement. It is important to let the school know if this school is your first choice, and if there is any new information to add to your application i.e. honors awarded, significantly higher grades. You can show the schools your interest by writing or e- mailing a letter of interest that highlights any new information. Rejection: Being rejected from a school does not mean that you have not met the admissions qualifications. There are a growing number of qualified applicants and a limited number of spaces. Appeals Talk with your school counselor about this possibility. The counselor may call the school to see if all facts were reviewed and whether it is possible for the decision to be appealed. Sometimes there are alternate routes that were not offered to you, such as a Basic Studies Program or another semester in which you can begin your studies. Transfers If you were not accepted at your first choice college, an option to consider is to go to a school that did accept you, achieve high grades in coursework, and then apply as a transfer student to your first choice. There may be a variety of other reasons why you may consider transferring to a different institution, including academics, majors or social environment. 55

57 WAYS TO FUND YOUR COLLEGE EDUCATION Financial Aid As a reminder, there is an excellent Financial Aid meeting held at WHS in December/January. All types of aid are discussed, as well as help in filling out the FAFSA and CSS Profile forms, which are the key documents colleges use in determining financial aid. These forms are available on line and in the CCC. As college costs continue to rise, especially for private schools, more and more families will be pressed to produce the total costs of college for their children. As a result, many will seek financial aid, which is customarily awarded on the basis of need. Scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded for various reasons (see section on Scholarships ). A high percentage of all financial aid is distributed through the college s financial aid office. It is extremely important to contact the financial aid officer of each school where you have applied, because the procedures, required forms and deadlines will vary from school to school. The FAFSA will determine if you qualify for financial aid. Once you are qualified, each college will determine the amount you receive. This financial package is the difference between the expense of attending a particular college and the financial resources of the family that are available to meet the expense. College expenses include tuition, fees, room and board, books, incidental expenses and transportation to and from home. The typical student s financial resources include savings, summer earnings, awards and scholarships from outside the college, parent support and loans. The primary source of parental contribution usually comes from savings, and parents are expected to make a maximum effort to assist in meeting the college expenses. In determining the expected family contribution, income, assets, expenses, number of children attending college, family size and special circumstances are taken into consideration. Pre-payment of Tuition If the family s financial situation is such that they are able to pay for college without assistance, many colleges have an option that will allow parents to prepay all four years tuition at the freshman year tuition amount. The advantage of this is that you can avoid the tuition increases, which often average about 6% per year. 56

58 Forms Remember to file your forms on time. Be aware of all deadlines; each school will have their own deadline dates. There are two standard financial aid applications used nationwide: the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. The FAFSA is required at all schools, whereas only certain schools require the Profile. Both analyze a family s relative financial ability to cover the expenses of college. They provide the college s financial aid office with an estimate of the expected family contribution so the financial aid office can determine the amount and type of aid that will be awarded. Colleges may also have their own applications to supplement the FAFSA or the Profile. All colleges require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It can be obtained on line at or by calling federal student aid information center at If you do not already have a U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN) you can apply for one at The FAFSA must be filed as soon after January 1 st (senior year) as possible. The FAFSA allows you to identify up to six schools to receive your application data. After your FAFSA is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which will tell you your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid (PROFILE). The CSS Profile is used by some colleges that require more detailed information than the FAFSA provides. It takes home equity into consideration, while the FAFSA does not. The CSS Profile can be filed in the fall of the senior year; so financial aid will be determined earlier, which is advantageous to students applying early decision. The bottom line of the analysis is the Estimated Family Contribution. This figure is the basis for determination of aid from colleges and from other sources. Though the analysis presented by the CSS Profile is objective, the financial aid official is in a position to be subjective and consider special circumstances, which would not be in the CSS Profile report. Diligence in completing the forms required by the college and persistence in dealing with the right individual can pay off in higher financial aid packages. Financial Aid Package The Financial Aid Package is the total financial aid awarded to a student from a combination of sources: 57

59 Grant: Is money that does not have to be repaid. It is a gift that is used directly to fund college expenses. Grant money may come from the federal government and/or from the college s private sources. Loan: A loan may be offered to pay part of the college expenses as part of a financial aid package. The interest rates, repayment schedules and forgiveness clauses vary from loan to loan. Work-study: This involves a student working at a job on campus as part of the financial aid package. Families may choose not to accept loans or work-study programs. They may opt to use other options such as a home equity loan, which may be fully tax deductible. Students may also choose to work off campus, which may pay a higher per hour wage. If the Financial Aid Package you receive is not as high as you think it could be, do not be afraid to ask the school to reconsider and see if they can offer more aid. Scholarships In addition to the scholarships highlighted below, the CCC maintains an up to date listing on the CCC website. Also in the CCC are many books listing even more scholarships. Merit (non-need-based): Are awarded by schools, and national, state or local organizations based on the following qualifications: o High academic performance/ strong GPA o High score on the PSAT/NMSQT taken junior year o Winning an essay contest o Talent o Presidential Scholarships (incentive scholarships offered by schools to attract students of a higher caliber than they usually admit) Need-based: These are awarded based on financial need which is determined by the FAFSA or CSS PROFILE report. The source of these awards can be from the schools or national, state and local organizations. For example: o Capitol Scholarship: Connecticut high school seniors who either have a cumulative rank in the top 1/5 of their class or who have scored 1800 or above on any SAT taken before November of the their senior year will qualify as eligible to receive consideration for an award. The deadline is February 15 th of the senior year. Applications are in the CCC. 58

60 o Weston High School Scholarship: Low and no interest loans plus a variety of grants are available to students who have graduated or will graduate from WHS. It is based solely on financial need. An application is filed and a personal interview is required. The deadline is at the end of May. Applications are available in the CCC. Athletic: NCAA Div I and II schools can give athletic scholarships to outstanding athletes. There are some academic requirements as well as minimum SAT scores. Scholarships usually do not continue if the student stops playing the sport due to injury, choice, or academic probation. ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) Scholarships: The four branches of the armed services offer full or partial scholarships. They cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees for all four years at participating schools. Admission is very competitive. There is also an obligation to serve in the military for a designated number of years, which varies with the amount of the award. With some research and time, numerous other scholarships, loans and fellowship funds can be found for students. The CCC has reference materials about many of these programs. There are also numerous Internet sites about these programs. The qualifications for these programs can be as varied as: Intended major Racial /ethnic origin or religious affiliation Fraternal organizations, unions, veterans or employers of parents Disabilities or other unique applicant characteristics The New England Regional Student Program (RSP) Apple Tuition Savings Plan Residents of the New England states pay significantly reduced tuition at out-ofstate public colleges and universities within New England if they pursue certain academic programs/majors not offered by their home state s public institutions. All 80 schools in New England participate voluntarily in the RSP. They offer hundreds of these academic programs and majors at reduced tuition to New England residents. Also, RSP undergraduate applicants receive admissions preference over other out-of-state applicants at the participating schools. Information on this program can be found in the CCC. 59

61 Other Options to Defray the High Cost of Education Community College: Complete your freshman and sophomore years at a nearby community college, then transfer to a four-year school for junior and senior years. The degree will have the prestige associated with the four-year school, but at a fraction of the cost. Additionally some community colleges have structured programs with local universities. For example, Norwalk Community College has an Engineering program associated with Fairfield University. A few community colleges now offer BA degrees also, mostly in teaching and nursing, although technology degrees are also being added. Acceleration: o Pick up college credits through Advanced Placement, Proficiency Examinations, or CLEP programs. o Take four years of studies in three. You ll save on the lower summer tuition and avoid the four-year inflationary cost increase. Co-op programs: Alternate a year/semester of studies with a year/semester of work (related to your major). 60

62 Financial Aid Glossary Award Letter: The letter sent to a student from a college or university s Office of Student Financial Assistance indicating how much financial aid and the types of financial aid the student qualifies for during an academic year. Campus Based Financial Aid: Federal funds that are controlled by the college or university and are distributed to those students who qualify for financial assistance. The campus based programs include: Perkins Loan, College Work- Study and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Capitol Scholarship Program: A state supported program of aid for academically qualified students. State scholar status is determined by SAT scores (1200+) or by placing in the top fifth of the high school class. Eligibility for a grant depends on financial need as shown on the FAFSA. The application is due before February 15 of the senior year. College Work Study Program: A federally sponsored program that provides jobs for students with demonstrated financial need. The jobs are available through colleges and public and private non-profit agencies. CSS Profile Financial Aid Form: A form used by the CSS (College Scholarship Service) to analyze the family s potential contribution toward college expenses. Also see section on Ways to Fund Your College Education. Expected Family Contribution: The amount of money that is expected from the family (via need analysis) to be contributed toward the cost of education. Family Education Loan Program (FELP): Students who are Connecticut residents or attending Connecticut colleges can borrow up to $20,000 per academic year. Applicant (student) and co-applicant must be credit worthy and must have a minimum annual income of $20,000. Only the interest is paid while the student is in school. Federal Parent Plus Loan for Undergraduate Student (PLUS): A loan for parents who have dependent students in school. Parents can borrow a sum of money equal to the cost of education less financial aid received. Parents begin making payments days after they receive the loan and must make payments of at least $50 per month. Parents may also take up to 10 years to pay back the loan. 61

63 Federal PELL Grant: A grant program from the Federal Government. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the Student Aid Report (SAR) will determine if you are eligible for a Pell Grant. Federal Perkins Loan: A low interest loan based on financial need that students may borrow up to $4,000 a year to assist in meeting the cost of receiving a college education. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The application required for determining eligibility for Federal Student Aid; you can get it online. A federal toll-free number can provide you with more information (800) 4-Fed Aid ( ) or at The FAFSA is processed by the Department of Education and the Student Aid Report is issued determining your Expected Family Contribution. A FAFSA needs to be completed each year the student is enrolled in school. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): A grant for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Financial Aid: The monies (either a grant, scholarship, loan or work opportunity) made available from a variety of sources (federal, state, institutional or private) to supplement the family s ability to meet the cost of education. Financial Aid Formula: The formula the Student Financial Assistance Office uses to determine student s financial need: Cost of Education Less: Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Equals: Financial Need Financial Need: The estimated amount of money a student needs in order to meet the cost of attending college, determined through the need analysis process. Grant: A sum of money given to a student based upon financial need rather than academic or other achievement. This does not need to be repaid. Loan: Money available for students or parents to borrow. Typically, loans must be paid back with interest. Usually, student loans do not require repayment until the student has graduated or left school. 62

64 National Direct Student Loan Program (NDSL): A federally funded program that provides loans for the undergraduate program. Repayment need not begin until completion of the student s education and/or military service or service with the Peace Corps. Repayment terms are favorable and repayment may be partially or wholly waived for certain kinds of employment. Need Analysis: The evaluation of a family s financial strength. The result of need analysis is an indication of the amount the family can contribute toward a college education. Stafford Loan Subsidized: Federally subsidized low interest loan made by a bank or credit union or savings and loan association, maximum of $2,625 first year. Borrowers must show need through the FAFSA and/or the CSS Profile. Repayment starts six months after graduation or leaving college. Stafford Loan Unsubsidized: This unsubsidized loan is available to all students regardless of need. The only payments made while the student is attending college are the interest on the loan. All other features of the program are the same as the subsidized Stafford Loan. Student Aid Report: The report received from the Department of Education indicating their Federal Family Contribution and eligibility for a Pell Grant. Weston High School Scholarship: Low and no interest loans plus a variety of grants are available to students who have graduated or will graduate from WHS. It is based solely on financial need. An application is filed and a personal interview is required. The deadline is the end of May. Applications are available in the CCC. 63

65 LIFE BEYOND WESTON HIGH SCHOOL Believe it or not, there is life beyond the hallowed halls of Weston High School. Whether you will be attending college or pursuing other interests, a new beginning awaits you. Young adults are often nervous about the transitions in their lives that graduation brings. Time management, new interpersonal relationships, roommates, financial management, and relocation are among the many issues you will face as you begin this exciting new phase. Helpful hints for you to consider as you prepare for this new chapter in your life: Communicate with your parents, older siblings, and friends about their experiences following graduation. Take advantage of the many publications and books that have been written on this topic. Be sure to attend the open houses for admitted students, freshman orientation sessions and other scheduled events, where you will have the opportunity to experience life on campus. All of these will help with the adjustment to college life. Whether you will be in a dormitory room, sharing an apartment or living at home as a young and independent adult, you will be faced with many transitions. The best advice is to be open to the challenges and expect to grow and mature as you embrace life s journey. All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education. Sir Walter Scott 64

66 COLLEGES THAT ADMITTED STUDENTS FROM THE LAST FOUR YEARS Academy of Art University Adelphi University Albany University -SUNY Albert A. List College (Jewish Studies) Albright College Allegheny College (PA) American International College(MA) American University Amherst College Antioch College Arizona State University Art Institute of Boston at Lesley Univ. Art Institute of Philadelphia Ashland University Assumption College College of the Atlantic Auburn University Babson College Baldwin-Wallace College Ball State University Bard College Barnard College Barry University Barton College Baruch College CUNY Bates College Bay State College Becker College Beloit College Bennington College Bentley University Berklee College of Music Binghamton University (SUNY) Bishops College (Canada) Boston College Boston Conservatory Boston University Bowdoin College Brandeis University Brown University Bryant University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University Burlington College Cabrini College Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Castleton State College Catholic Univ. of America Cazenovia College Central Conn. State University Champlain College Chapel Haven Chapman University College of Charleston Chestnut Hill College The Citadel Claremont McKenna College Clark University Clarkson University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Colby College Colby-Sawyer College Colgate University Colorado College Colorado State University Columbia University Columbus College of Art & Design Concordia University Connecticut College Cornell University Covenant College The Culinary Institute of America Curry College Dartmouth College 65

67 Davidson College Dean College Denison University DePaul University DePauw University DeSales University Dickinson College Drew University Drexel University Duke University Earlham College East Carolina University Eastern Connecticut State University Eckerd College Elmhurst College Elms College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ. Emerson College Emmanuel College Emory & Henry College Emory University Endicott College Eugene Lange College Evergreen State College Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising (CA) Fashion Institute of Technology Ferrum College Florida Atlantic University Florida State University Fordham University Franklin & Marshall College Franklin Pierce University Front Range Community College Full Sail University Furman University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Gettysburg College Gordon College Goucher College Green Mountain College Greensboro College Grinnell College Guilford College Hamilton College Hampshire College Hartwick College Harvard University Harvey Mudd College Haverford College High Point University Hiram College Hobart & William Smith College Hofstra University College of the Holy Cross Howard University Indiana University Iona College Iowa State University Ithaca College James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Johnson State College Johnson & Wales University Kalamazoo College Karol Marcinkowski Univ. of Med. Sci. Keene State College Kent State University Kenyon College Kutztown University of PA Laboratory Inst. of Merchandising Coll La Salle University (PA) Lafayette College Lasell College Lebanon Valley College Lehigh University Lesley University 66

68 Lewis & Clark College Liberty University Longy School of Music Loyola University (MD) Loyola Marymount University Loyola University of Chicago Lynchburg College Lyndon State College Lynn University Macalester College Manhattan College Manhattan School of Music Manhattanville College Marist College Marquette University Massachusetts College of Art McDaniel College McGill University Merrimack College (MA) Methodist University Miami University of Ohio Michigan State University Michigan Technological Univ. Middlebury College Millsaps College Misericordia University Mississippi State University Mitchell College Monmouth University Montana State University-Bozeman Mount Holyoke College Mount Ida College Mount St. Mary College Muhlenberg College Muskingum College Neumann College New College of Florida New England College New York University Newbury College Nichols College Northeastern University Northland College Northwestern University Norwalk Community College Norwich University Nova Southeastern University Oberlin College Occidental College Ohio University Ohio Wesleyan University Old Dominion University Pace University (NYC) Pace University (Pleasantville- Briarcliff) Pacific University Parsons School of Design Paul Smith s College Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins Pennsylvania State University (University Park) Pennsylvania State Univ.(Abington) Pennsylvania State University (Altoona) Philadelphia University Pitzer College Plymouth State University Point Park University Pomona College Portland State Univ. Post University Pratt Institute Princeton University Providence College Purchase College Purdue University Quinnipiac University Radford University Randolph Macon College Reed College Regis College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rider University Roanoke College 67

69 Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University Rollins College Rutgers (State Univ. of NJ) Ryerson University Sacred Heart University St. Bonaventure University St. John s University St. Joseph s University (PA) St. Lawrence University St. Leo University St. Mary s College of California St. Michael s College Salisbury University Salve Regina University Samford University San Diego State University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Anna College Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art & Design Seton Hall University Siena College Simmons College Skidmore College Smith College Southern Connecticut State University Southern Methodist University Southern Vermont College Stanford University State University of New York SUNY Buffalo Delhi College of Morrisville New Paltz SUNY Oneonta Stetson University Stevens Institute of Technology Stonehill College Stony Brook University -SUNY Suffolk University Susquehanna University Swarthmore College Sweet Briar College Syracuse University Taylor University Temple University Texas A & M University Texas Christian University Thomas More College of Liberal Arts Trinity College Trinity University Tufts University Tulane University Univ. of Alabama Univ. of Arizona Univ. of the Arts Univ. of Auckland (New Zealand) Univ. of British Columbia (Canada) Univ. of California (Berkeley) Univ. of California ( Los Angeles) Univ. of California (San Diego) Univ. of California (Santa Barbara) Univ. of California (Santa Cruz) Univ. of Central Florida Univ. of Chicago Univ. of Cincinnati Univ. of Colorado at Boulder Univ. of Colorado at Colorado Springs Univ. of Colorado at Denver Univ. of Connecticut Univ. of Connecticut-Stamford Univ. of Dayton Univ. of Delaware Univ. of Denver Univ. of Hartford Univ. of Hawaii at Monoa Univ. of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) Univ. of Iowa Univ. of Kentucky Univ. of Maine (Orno) Univ. of Mary Washington 68

70 Univ. of Maryland (College Park) Univ. of Massachusetts (Amherst) Univ. of Massachusetts (Boston) Univ. of Massachusetts (Dartmouth) Univ. of Massachusetts (Lowell) Univ. of Miami Univ. of Michigan Univ. of Missouri (Columbia) Univ. of New England Univ. of New Hampshire Univ. of New Haven Univ. of North Carolina (Asheville) Univ. of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) Univ. of North Carolina (Charlotte) Univ. of North Carolina (Greensboro) Univ. of North Carolina (Wilmington) Univ. of Notre Dame Univ. of Oklahoma Univ. of the Pacific Univ. of Pennsylvania Univ. of Pittsburgh Univ. of Portland Univ. of Puget Sound Univ. of Redlands Univ. of Rhode Island Univ. of Richmond Univ. of Rochester Univ. of San Diego Univ. of San Francisco Univ. of Scranton Univ. of St. Andrews(Scotland) Univ. of South Carolina Univ. of Tampa Univ. of Texas (Austin) Univ. of Vermont Univ. of Virginia Univ. of Washington Univ. of Wisconsin (Madison) Union College Unity College Ursinus College Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Intermont College Virginia Poly Tech. Institute Wagner College Wake Forest University Washington & Lee University Washington College Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Wentworth Inst. Of Technology Wesleyan University West Virginia University Western Connecticut State Univ. Western Michigan University Western New England College Western Oregon University Westfield State College Wheaton College (ILL) Wheaton College (MA) Wheelock College Whitman College Widener University College of William and Mary Williams College Wittenberg University (OH) College of Worcester Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale University 69

71 RESOURCES USE THE INTERNET FOR INFORMATION NAVIANCE-- Exploring College Options Exploring Financial Aid Student Athletes Financial Aid from the US Dept. of Education Test Registration Web Sites Careers Resources 70

72 GLOSSARY Accreditation: Recognition of a college or university by any of the regional or national accrediting bodies indicating that the institution has been judged to be meeting its objectives. ACT: Standardized test, see section Assessing Your Credentials. Advanced Placement Program (APs): Standardized test, see section Assessing Your Credentials. Associate Degree: A degree granted by a college or university after the successful completion of a two-year, full time program of study or its part time equivalent. Bachelors Degree: A degree received after completion of a four-year, full time program of study (or its part time equivalent) at a college or university. CEEB Code: Weston High School C.B. Code: A College Board code number that students use to designate colleges or scholarship programs they wish to receive their standardized testing score reports. Career Oriented Program: A group of courses that prepares students primarily for employment, often in a specific occupation. Such a program, which can last a few months or more than two years, may lead to a certificate, diploma, or an associate degree. College Calendars: Traditional - two semesters Trimester - school calendar year divided into three equal parts Quarter - four equal terms of about 12 weeks each two equal terms of about 16 weeks, one month term in between Common Application: The common application is accepted by numerous colleges (check with the college to which you are applying; not all colleges are listed on the common application form). The original may be filled out on-line and submitted electronically, or printed out and mailed. Be sure to always print out a copy for your personal file. Consortium: A plan by which colleges within close proximity of each other share the resources of their libraries, courses, physical facilities, special cultural and occupational opportunities. Co-op Work Study Education: A program in which a student alternates between full-time college study and full-time paid employment related to the area of study. Under this plan the bachelors degree often requires five years to complete. Deferred Admission: With early decision/action the admission committee can choose to place the applicant into the regular application pool. Deferred Enrollment: The practice of allowing an accepted student to postpone enrollment for one year. Distance Learning: An option for earning course credit off campus via cable TV, Internet, satellite classes or other means. 71

73 Early Admission: Admitting students of exceptional ability into college courses and programs before the completion of high school, usually after junior year. Early Action: Type of admission decision, see section Which Decision Is Right For You. Early Decision: Type of admission decision, see section Which Decision Is Right For You. GED: A series of five tests that individuals who did not complete high school may take through their state education system to qualify for a high school equivalency certificate. Grade point average (GPA): An indicator of the student s overall scholastic performance. The GPA is computed by totaling the number of grade points earned in each course by credit (generally A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) and dividing the sum by the total number of credits carried. Honors Program: Any program offering opportunity for qualified students to enrich their educational experience through independent, advanced or accelerated study. Independent Study: An arrangement that allows the student to earn credit through individual study, usually planned with and supervised by a faculty advisor. Major: The subject of study in which the student chooses to specialize. A series of related and required courses necessary for the chosen degree. Minor: A series of courses in a secondary field of study. Open Admissions: The policy of some colleges, i.e., community colleges, of admitting virtually all high school graduates, regardless of academic qualifications such as high school grades and standardized test scores. PSAT: Standardized test, see section Assessing Your Credentials. ROTC - Reserve Officer Training Corp: Air Force, Army, Marine and Navy programs on campuses which combine military education with baccalaureate degree study, often with financial support for those students who commit themselves to future service in the armed forces. Rolling Admissions: Type of admission decision, see section Which Decision Is Right For You. SAT I, SAT II : Standardized test, see section Assessing Your Credentials. School Code: Weston High School Technical/Vocational School: Are post high schools with a specialization, see section Post High School Options. Test Center: A location at which the major tests for college admissions may be taken. The list of testing centers can be found on-line and in the registration booklet for the SAT and ACT exams. Transcript: Official record of high school or college courses and grades generally required as part of an application procedure 72

74 NOTES 73