SHS COUNSELING
DEPARTMENT
-College Process-
TOP TEN FACTORS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
1. Grades in college preparatory courses
2. Standardized test scores
3. Grades in all subjects
4. Class rank
5. Counselor and teacher recommendations
6. Essay
7. Leadership/Honors
8. Extracurricular Activities, Community Service & Athletics
9. Employment/Summer Activities
10. Interview
Application Checklist
-
Common Application
-
Application for specific college (if applicable)
-
Common Application essay
-
Supplemental Essays
-
Personal Statement
-
Resume
-
Financial Aid Form from specific college (if applicable)
-
Supplemental materials (if applicable)
-
Application Fee
-
Make copies of everything for your file
You must request that these be sent:
-
Transcript (from your high school)
-
Recommendation (from high school counselor and/or teachers)
-
Standardized Test Scores (SAT, Subject Tests, ACT, & AP, each from applicable testing agency)
Overview of College Testing
Grade 10
- Take the PLAN test in the Fall
Grade 11
- Take PSAT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in the Fall
- Take SAT in the Spring
- Take ACT in the Spring
- Take SAT ll Subject Tests as appropriate
- Take AP exams for any AP classes completed
Grade 12
- Take the SAT in October*
- Take ACT in October*
- Take SAT ll Subjects Tests as appropriate
- Take AP exams for any AP classes completed
- (*May have to rush scores if applying Early Decision for Nov. 1 or Early Action)
The PLAN is taken to help prepare for the ACT
(See www.actstudent.org for information)
The ACT assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to do college level work. It has the maximum composite score of 36. The average is between 20 and 21. The three hour exam measures academic preparation in English, Mathematics, Scientific Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. The optional essay should be taken if colleges you are applying to require a writing test. The ACT tends to be more popular that the SAT in the Midwest.
The PSAT provides practice for the SAT. It also qualifies juniors for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
The SAT Reasoning Test is designed to measure your academic preparation in verbal and math reasoning as well as writing. It has a maximum score of 2400. (2055 averages were Verbal-519, Math-537, and Writing-516) The exam takes three hours and forty five minutes. The SAT tends to be used more than the ACT on the east and west coasts.
SAT II Subject Tests are designed to measure knowledge and skills in particular subject areas and the ability to apply that knowledge. They are one hour long and are all multiple choice. They should be taken as soon as possible after the relevant course is completed. Most highly selective colleges require up to three SAT II’s. See www.collegeboard.com for complete information.
FINANCIAL AID OVERVIEW
FUNDING SOURCES
Student and family contribution
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Financial aid from the individual college
Merit scholarships from the individual college
State grants (require FAFSA Application)
Work/Study programs
Loans
Merit scholarships from organizations
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID:
- GRANTS: Grants are given to students and do not need to be repaid
- SCHOLARSHIPS: Merit scholarships are for academic excellence and do not need to be repaid
- STUDENT LOANS: Student loans must be re-paid after a student graduates or leaves school.
- COLLEGE WORK/STUDY: Federal program whereby colleges hire students for a limited number of hours
HOW DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
- FAFSA – Any student may obtain information and an application by calling 1-800-433-3243, visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov, or through their high school guidance counselor.
- CSS/PROFILE – Students applying to a private or competitive college should also complete a CSS/PROFILE application. Information and an application may be obtained by visiting www.collegeboard.com or through high school guidance counselors. There is an application fee.
- COLLEGE - SPECIFIC – Individual colleges may require their own financial aid forms.
WHEN DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
- Apply for financial aid during your senior year of high school. Check deadlines at individual colleges. Send in your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.
- You must apply for financial aid every year. Check with your college for deadline information, Remember that private colleges offer significant amounts of financial aid and generally more that public or state colleges.
"GAP YEAR"
“Maybe I should take a year off after I graduate?!”
Is it wise???
Maybe not:
A recent John Hopkins study showed 10% of students who take a "gap year" or more complete college, compared with 51% who head straight to college.
Maybe so:
Good candidates are "academic but burnt out"
Many colleges allow deferment upon acceptance.
Most important:
"Have a specific plan that includes a budget"
Websites to help explore the gap year:
See your counselor for more information