College Counseling Handbook
2016-2017
Table of Contents The Benjamin School Information Sheet............................... 02 Grades 8 & 9............................................................................ 03 Grade 10.................................................................................. 04
Calendars
Grade 11.................................................................................. 05 Grade 12.................................................................................. 06
Standardized Testing.............................................................. 08 Standardized Tests Dates...................................................... 09
Testing
Extended Time Testing........................................................... 10
Books and Websites............................................................... 11 Athletics................................................................................... 12 Campus Visits......................................................................... 13
Resources
Interview Tips.......................................................................... 16 Paying for College................................................................... 18
Getting Organized................................................................... 20 Essay Tips............................................................................... 21
Application
Sample RĂŠsumĂŠ...................................................................... 22
2016-2017 Profile.................................................................... 23
Appendix
Notes....................................................................................... 27
I
The Benjamin School Information Sheet High School CEEB Code: 101239 Mailing Address:
The Benjamin School 4875 Grandiflora Road Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Fax: 561.626.9143 School Website: www.thebenjaminschool.org School Profile: www.thebenjaminschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling Head of School:
Mr. Robert Goldberg
Head of Upper School:
Mr. Fletcher Carr
College Counselors:
Mrs. Kristen Lambert Director of College Counseling
Mrs. Lynne Feyk College Counselor
561.472.7045
561.472.5998 x2115
kristen.lambert@thebenjaminschool.org
Mr. Ray Edmond College Counselor ray.edmond@thebenjaminschool.org 561.472.3454 Naviance:
lynne.feyk@thebenjaminschool.org
Mrs. Linda Twitchell Administrative Assistant
linda.twitchell@thebenjaminschool.org
561.472.3453
www.naviance.com Naviance is the School’s college counseling website.
Password: _________________________________________________________
02
Calendars Grades 8 & 9 EIGHTH GRADE January • College counselors meet with the eighth grade.
NINTH GRADE Fall • From day one, “The Meter Is Running.” If you do it in Upper School, it counts. • Grades come first. Do your homework. Show up on time. Ask for help. • Invest yourself in activities, arts and athletics; depth means more than breadth. • Attend the annual Club Fair and join a club or two. • Attend annual College Fair in October. • Attend Grade 9 Family College Program in November. • During the fall, you will be assigned a college counselor. • Student Services and College Counseling will hold class meetings and visit biology classes throughout the school year. • Complete the Naviance Learning Style Inventory. • Take the PSAT in October. • Check your habits: Turn off the television and your phone. Then READ.
Spring • The College Counseling office will send students information about summer program opportunities. • Visit college campuses while traveling; sample a variety of sizes and locations. • During a biology class meeting, set-up your Naviance (college counseling website) account and add your clubs, community service, sports and arts to the resume section. • Take good care of school. When you need help, see your teachers.
Summer • Use summer well: get a job, travel, take courses, do service and hone arts and sports skills.
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Calendars Grade 10 August - December • Take the most challenging courses that are right for your abilities and interests. • Attend the Club Fair in September. • Deepen your commitment to activities, athletics and the arts. • Take the PSAT in October. • Review the PSAT score report. • Attend the College Fair in October, sample different options, fill out postcards, listen and learn. • Attend the College Counseling/Student Services orientation with your advisor. • Review your high school transcript and see your college counselor with questions. • Complete the Naviance Personality Type Inventory with Student Services. • Attend the Grade 10 Family College Program in November.
January - August • Grades come first; do well, work hard, let your teachers know you care. • Stay involved in activities. Make an impact. Show your leadership. • Take the mock ACT/SAT offered at school. Think about a plan for test preparation; see your counselor for advice. • Meet with your college counselor to review your eleventh grade course selections. • Talk to your subject area teachers and your college counselor about a possible SAT subject test in June. • Use summer wisely; volunteer, work, take a class or travel. Do something you are passionate about. • Visit college campuses when you travel during breaks and in the summer; talk to your counselor if you are planning a trip and want some recommendations.
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Calendars Grade 11 August - November • College representatives visit The Benjamin School. When possible, students attend these meetings. Representative schedule is on Naviance and in The Chronicle. • Take even more challenging courses, as appropriate, and do your very best. • Grades always matter, but so will recommendations; get to know your teachers and get your teachers to know you. • Seek leadership roles wherever you have invested your time. Distinguish yourself. • Students and parents attend Paying for College Program in September. • Students and parents attend the College Fair. Come with good questions, fill out the postcards and make an impression. • Counselors hold class meetings to present information about the college admission process. • Students take the PSAT in October at The Benjamin School and top scorers move ahead into the National Merit and National Achievement Scholars pool. • Students take the Practice ACT/SAT offered at Benjamin. Attend the score return program approximately three weeks later.
December • Parents attend 11th Grade Parent Breakfast in Kirkwood Library. • Register for the ACT, SAT, and (if needed) the Subject Tests. Speak with your counselor to develop an individual testing plan.
January - March • Attend the Grade 11 College Night in January - learn first hand how gatekeepers think. • Class meetings and small group meetings will be held to explain the college admissions process. • Complete your Naviance Milestones. • Take ACT and/or SAT. • Meet with your college counselor, along with your parents on at least one occasion, to discuss your goals and begin developing an appropriate college list. • March - If possible, students visit colleges during Spring Break. • Ask two adults and one peer who know you well to write comments to the college counselors. This will help the counselors as they write your letters of recommendation. • The college counseling office will send students information about summer programs.
April - May • Students continue to meet with their counselor and attend class meetings. • Take ACT and/or SAT. • If needed, take SAT Subject Tests. • May - Students take AP Exams.
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Calendars Grade 12 July • Registration deadline for August SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests.
August • Seniors attend College Application Boot Camp the week before the start of the school year. • Take the most challenging course load of your career, and work for your best results ever. • Execute the responsibilities that go with your leadership roles. Be indispensable.
August - September • Seniors continue individual meetings with their college counselor to tailor their list of colleges. • August - registration deadline for September ACT • August - SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests • August - Back to School Night for Students and Parents • Return the Pink Sheet, the transcript release form to Mrs. Twitchell. • Confirm teacher recommendation writers and accompanying paperwork, Green Card and Yellow Sheets. • Turn in Blue Sheets, transcript requests for colleges and universities 14 working days prior to the application deadline. • Take care to write your applications well, especially where essays are concerned. • Register for CSS PROFILE financial aid form at www.collegeboard.com • September - registration deadline for October SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests • September - ACT Test
September - November • College representatives visit The Benjamin School. When possible, students visit with the representatives visit schedule is posted on Naviance and in the Chronicle. • September - Paying for College Program for Upper School Parents and Students • October - Seniors and families may begin filing Financial Aid applications. File FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov • October - SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests • October - The Benjamin School College Fair • October - Registration deadline for November SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests • October - Transcript requests are due 14 school days before all November 1 deadlines • October - First application deadline for Florida State University - applications must be received by the deadline, not postmarked • October - Senior Application Workshop • October - ACT Test • November - Most Early Decision or Early Action applications have November 1 or November 15 deadlines. • November 1 is the only deadline for University of Florida applications - any applications submitted after November 1 will be processed on a space available basis. • November - Registration deadline for December SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests • November - Registration deadline for December SAT Test or SAT Subject Tests • November - SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests
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Calendars
• November - Transcript Requests are due 14 school days before all January deadlines and remaining deadlines. • Turn in remaining Blue Sheets, transcript requests.
December-February • Seniors can now submit a completed Florida Financial Aid Application to qualify for a Bright Futures Scholarship.This should be completed with Mrs. Twitchell in the college counseling office. • December - SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject tests • December - ACT • December - registration deadline for January SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests • Finish applications prior to the start of Winter Break. • Keep working hard, pray to your local deity and celebrate when the time comes! • January- registration deadline for February ACT Test • January - Second deadline for Florida State University - applications must be received by the deadline, not postmarked • January - SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests • February - ACT Test
March • Receive remaining admission decisions from colleges and universities.
April • Make campus visits and attend admitted student programs.
May • May 1 - College deposit due. Remember that students may send ONLY ONE deposit and Benjamin will only send ONE final transcript. • May - Advanced Placement Examinations • May - Graduation
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Testing Standardized Testing Ninth Grade • Take the PSAT in October.
Tenth Grade • Take the PSAT in October. • Take a Practice ACT/SAT test during the second semester. This will be offered at Benjamin. This will assist students in determining if they have a preference for one of the two admissions tests. Colleges and universities accept either test and do not have a preference. • If appropriate, take the Subject Tests in the spring. • If appropriate, take AP exams in May.
Eleventh Grade • Take the PSAT in October. • Take the Practice ACT/SAT in October. • Speak with your counselor to create an individual testing plan. • Beginning in December, take the real ACT and/or SAT. Typically, students test twice. Some students will test three times. Please speak with your counselor before registering for a fourth test. • If appropriate, take the Subject Tests in the spring. • If appropriate, take AP exams in May.
Twelfth Grade • Take the ACT and/or SAT for the second or third time. • If appropriate, take the Subject Tests. • If appropriate, take AP exams in May. For more information about the tests and dates: PSAT, SAT, Subject Tests, and AP exams: www.collegeboard.org ACT: www.actstudent.org Subjects Tests are offered in the following subjects. Please touch base with subject area teachers about the best time to test. Math 1 Math 2 Biology E/M Chemistry Physics Literature US History
World History Spanish Spanish with Listening French French with Listening Chinese with Listening Italian
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German German with Listening Modern Hebrew Latin Japanese with Listening Korean with Listening
Testing Standardized Tests Dates ACT and SAT Test Dates: 2016-2017 School Year The Benjamin School Code, also known as the CEEB Code: 101239
ACT: www.actstudent.org/start TEST DATE September 10, 2016* October 22, 2016 December 10, 2016 February 11, 2017* April 8, 2016 June 10, 2017
REGISTRATION DEADLINE August 5, 2016 September 16, 2016 November 4, 2016 January 13, 2017 March 3, 2017 May 5, 2017
LATE DEADLINE August 16-19, 2016 September 17-30, 2016 November 5-18, 2016 January 14-20, 2017 March 4-17, 2017 May 6-19, 2017
SAT & Subject Tests: www.collegeboard.org TEST DATE October 1, 2016 November 5, 2016* December 3, 2016 January 21, 2017 March 11, 2017** May 6, 2017* June 3, 2017
REGISTRATION DEADLINE September 1, 2016 October 7, 2016 November 3, 2016 December 21, 2016 February 10, 2017 April 7, 2017 May 9, 2017
LATE DEADLINE September 20, 2016 October 25, 2016 November 22, 2016 January 10, 2017 February 28, 2017 April 25, 2017 May 24, 2017
*The Benjamin School is a testing center • **SAT Subject Tests NOT administered on this date Please see Student Services for accommodations, if needed
PROPOSED ACT and SAT Test Dates for Fall, 2017 ACT: www.actstudent.org/start TEST DATE September 9, 2017 October 28, 2017 December 9, 2017
REGISTRATION DEADLINE Registration deadlines will be posted on the web in Spring of 2017
SAT & Subject Tests: www.collegeboard.org TEST DATE August 26, 2017 October 7, 2017 November 4, 2017 December 2, 2017
REGISTRATION DEADLINE July 28, 2017 September 8, 2017 October 6, 2017 November 3, 2017
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LATE DEADLINE August 11, 2017 September 22, 2017 October 20, 2017 November 17, 2017
Testing Extended Time Testing All requests for standardized testing are the student’s responsibility. The school will assist in every way possible to help students with the process; however, the College Board and ACT will determine eligibility.
Policy In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with documented disabilities are eligible to apply for accommodations on standardized testing. Since there are different provisions under the law, having a diagnosis and/or receiving accommodations in school, does not guarantee approval of those accommodations on standardized testing.
Guidelines for Eligibility/Documentation Both the College Board and the ACT have specific guidelines for eligibility and documentation that include, but are not limited to, a statement of the impairment, current documentation of the impairment by a licensed professional, evidence of a 504 Plan utilizing requested accommodations, and a demonstrated need.
Process to Request Accommodations Students with current professionally diagnosed and documented disabilities may request accommodations. All College Board requests (PSAT, SAT, AP) are done online and must be done with the help of Student Service personnel. ACT requests require a form that can be obtained through Student Services or directly from ACT.
The Benjamin School Contacts Dr. Amy Taylor, Director of Student Services Mr. Ron King, Guidance Counselor amy.taylor@thebenjaminschool.org ron.king@thebenjaminschool.org 561.472.5998 x2410 561.472.5998 x2427
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Resources Books and Websites Websites
Books
The College Board www.collegeboard.org
The Fiske Guide to Colleges
“Get connected to your college. Find official college planning and
leading guide to 320+ four-year schools, including quotes from real
“...for more than 30 years, the Fiske Guide to Colleges has been the
preparation tools to help you succeed.”
students and information you won’t find on colleges’ websites.”
Niche www.colleges.niche.com
The Best 381 Colleges “The Princeton Review started publishing The Best Colleges in 1992 with surveys from 30,000 students. A quarter-century and
“Find a college that’s right for you. Search college reviews and
more than a million student surveys later, we stand by our claim
compare lists of colleges by state and major.”
that there is no single “best” college, only the best college for you… and that this is the book that will help you find it!”
FairTest: The National Center for Fair & Open Testing www.fairtest.org
College Admission From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step
“A nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to preventing the misuse of standardized tests.”
“Robin Mamlet has been dean of admission at three of America’s most selective colleges, and journalist and parent Christine Van
The College Application www.commonapp.org
DeVelde has been through the process first hand. With this book, you will feel like you have both a dean of admission and a parent
“With instant access to nearly 700 colleges and universities around
who has been there at your side.”
the world, the Common App is the most seamless way to manage the application process.”
Colleges That Change Lives
Colleges That Change Lives www.ctcl.org
to further promote this philosophy of a student-centered college
“Many of the colleges featured in the book began working together search”
“The Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) story begins in 1996
The College Finder
when a book by the same name — Colleges That Change Lives
“Essentially a book of lists, this is the way to identify colleges where
— was published by retired New York Times education editor and
students will get in and fit in. Hundreds of lists are presented,
journalist Loren Pope...Many of the colleges featured in the book
including best schools in fields like pre-med and business, hidden
began working together to further promote this philosophy of a
gems, best dorm food, great low-cost colleges, best places to
student-centered college search.”
study abroad, and activist campuses.”
The College Atlas & Planner “This easy-to-use spiral-bound atlas includes the location of every four-year accredited college in the country, a full index of contact information for every college, valuable admission information, a campus-visit checklist, and a glossary of common college admission terms.”
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Resources Athletics If you are planning to play sports at the college level there are a few steps you should take: First, assemble your “team” consisting of your coach, your college counselor, your family and Mr. Smith, our Athletic Director. These are the people who will be helpful as you go through the process. Keep in mind that Division I and II sports offer sports scholarships and require that you are cleared to play by the NCAA; your counselor will help you create an account and check your status. Division III sports do not require you to be NCAA certified, nor do they offer sports scholarships, but sports may be an important part of your application process. A smaller number of schools are regulated by the NAIA. Your “team” can help you navigate the various requirements.
General Planning for Students Hoping to Play College Sports Grade 9
• Work hard in the classroom and talk to your college counselor to make sure that you are meeting the eligibility requirements
• Take the right courses and earn the best grades you can.
to play sports in college.
• Play your sport with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
• Prepare for and take the SAT or ACT and submit your scores
• Alert your coach and Mr. Smith that you have an interest in
to the NCAA Eligibility Center by using code 9999.
playing college athletics.
• At the end of the year ask the College Counseling office to upload your official six-semester transcript to the NCAA (or
Grade 10
NAIA if applicable).
• Check with your college counselor to make sure that you are
Grade 12
on track to meet eligibility requirements. • Keep your coach and Mr. Smith informed about your interest;
• Stay in touch with your “team.” Be sure you are in compliance
they can help recommend the proper time to start reaching
with NCAA regulations regarding visits.
out to coaches.
• Sign letter of intent if applicable.
• Register for the NCAA Eligibility Center at www.ncaa.org/
• Complete your final NCAA core courses and finish strong
student-athletes/future/eligibility-center.
academically.
• Visit the College Counseling Office if you have questions.
• Take the ACT or SAT again if necessary and send your scores
Please see your college counselor if you need information
to the NCAA (code 9999)
about fee waivers.
• Request your final amateurism certification after April 1st. • Ask the College Counseling office to send your final transcript
Grade 11
and proof of graduation to the NCAA.
• Work with your “team” to prepare a list of schools that are the best fit for your academic and athletic goals. • Keep in touch with Mr. Smith regarding visits and contact with coaches; he can keep you up to date about the rules for official visits and contact with coaches.
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Resources Campus Visits Making the Most of Your Campus Visits
Visiting a college campus is a great idea, even if you are unclear about your intended major or what type of college is best for you. College visits can give you a sense of what might be important to you in a college and what college life is all about. Talk to as many people as possible, including admissions representatives, professors, students and community members. This can help you decide whether the college is right for you. Below are some things to keep in mind when planning and making your visits.
Before the Visit • Pick up a copy of The College Atlas & Planner. This is a great resource to help you see which colleges are near your desired location. • Contact the admission office to register for an information session and campus tour as it may earn you points in demonstrating interest. Each school has a place on their website to register for these events, or you can call the campus visit line. • If possible, schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor to introduce yourself. This is a great opportunity to speak directly with someone who will be viewing your college application. • Research the school’s website, campus blogs and social media handles. • Seniors: If the college requires OR recommends interviews, set up your interview time well in advance.
During the Visit • Make a positive first impression! Dress appropriately, be respectful and ask thoughtful questions. Keep in mind that the people you meet will be discussing your application if you decide to apply. • Take part in an information session at the admissions office. • Take a campus tour. • Talk to students about life on campus and the college. Ask what they think of their classes and professors. Get a feel of what they like best about the college. • Sit in on a class that interests you. If school is not in session, take a look at the classrooms. • Meet a professor who teaches a subject that interests you, if possible. • Check out the freshman dorms and stay overnight with a student, if possible. • Visit the dining hall, fitness center, library, career center, bookstore and other campus facilities. • Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus. • Talk to the coaches of sports that you may want to play. • Go to the career center and learn what services it offers.
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Resources
• Get the names of the people you meet and their business cards so you can contact them later if you have questions. • Pay attention to campus media, such as the college radio station, student newspaper, department newsletters and bulletin boards.
Questions to Ask the Admissions Office • What type of high school background are you looking for in an applicant? • What are the best reasons to go to this college? • Can a student be mentored by professors, graduate students or upperclassmen? • Must I apply to a specific major? • What is the four-year graduation rate? What is the retention rate? • Will my cost go up when your tuition goes up, or can we use the same tuition rate I started with so I’ll know the costs for four years? • How easy is it to get the classes you want at registration? • What do students do after graduation? • How many students usually graduate in the major that interests me? How long do these students usually take to get their degree? • In what way does the college help students graduate in four years? • What is the average income of graduates who had the same major that interests me? • How safe is the campus? • Is there any kind of shuttle service: How late does it run? • How large is the campus security police force? How often does it patrol the campus?
Questions to Ask Students • What do you love about this college? What made you decide to attend this college? • How was your transition into college? • What’s it like to live on campus? • Do the rooms have access to internet? • How many students are in freshman classes? • How many of your courses are taught by the real professor and how many by a teaching assistant? • What do you do in your free time? On the weekends? • Do fraternities and sororities dominate the social life?
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Resources
• Is it easy to get involved on campus? How do you find a network of friends? • What do students do on weekends? Do they all go home or hang around on campus? Are they dominated by a few groups? • How is the quality of food in the cafeteria or dining hall? • How safe do you feel on campus? • What surprised you?
Questions to Ask Yourself • How did the staff members interact with students? Were they friendly? • How would you feel about being in a classroom with these students? • Did the students try to make you feel at home? How did they interact with one another? • Does the campus seem like a good size for you? • Are the dorms too quiet? Too noisy? Too crowded? Is there a place to study? • Is there a supermarket nearby to stock up on snacks and soda? • Does it look like there is much to do outside of campus?
Questions to Ask Yourself • Take notes of your visits, both good and bad, to compare and contrast for future discussions. • Follow up with a thank you note or email to admission staff members and students you meet. • Email the admission office with any follow up questions if you need clarification of more information.
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Resources Interview Tips Preparing for College Interviews
A number of colleges require or “recommend” an interview as part of their admissions process. The interview is a great opportunity to inform colleges of who you are outside of the application that you submit. Admissions offices will most likely arrange for you to be interviewed by an alumnus of the college if the institution isn’t near your home. The interview is another evaluation opportunity for colleges, so it’s important that you take it seriously and come prepared! Here are some tips to help you navigate through the interview.
Tips for the Interview • Familiarize yourself with information from the college’s website, viewbooks, catalogs and social media outlets. • Arrive early and read some of the publications that are laid out to help you become more familiar with the school. • If possible, glance over the application essays in case they are referenced. • Make sure you wear appropriate clothing; a polished version of yourself. • Before you meet with a representative, please remember to turn off your phone and refrain from chewing gum. • Look the interviewer in the eye, introduce yourself and give a firm handshake. • Sit straight and have good posture; this shows you are engaged. • Have clear goals that you are able to discuss (Example: Know what makes you excited about this college). • Listen to the question. It’s okay to collect your thoughts and process the question before you answer. • Lead with your strengths. Example: Speak to your love for reading, sports, positive attributes; try not to lead with excuses as to why your grades aren’t the way you envisioned. • Be honest and be yourself with your responses; there is nothing worse than being caught in a lie and leaving a bad impression for not just you, but future Benjamin students. • Don’t feel as though you have to answer questions based on what you think your interviewer wants to hear. • Have a conversation with the representative. Don’t feel the need to memorize a script; be authentic. • Don’t worry about the time. The interviewer will let you know when it is time to move on. Remember this is an opportunity for you to provide information about yourself that the interviewer may not see with your application. • Be aware of current events. • Ask questions that you have prepared in advance. If something comes up during the conversation that you want to learn more about, feel free to inquire about it.
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Resources
• Write down the interviewer’s name or ask for their business card. Send a thank you note or email. • Relax and be confident!
Sample Interview Questions to Help with Preparation (collegeapps.about.com) • Tell me about yourself. • Tell me about your college search process. What are some of the important factors for you as you visit schools? • Why are you interested in our college? What makes our college a good fit for you? • What is your intended major? • Why do you want to major in ____________? • What will you contribute to our campus? • Tell me about a challenge that you overcame. • What do you do for fun in your free time? • Tell me about your high school. • What classes are you currently taking? • What are your academic strengths and weaknesses? • Does your high school record accurately reflect your effort and ability? • If you could do one thing in high school differently, what would it be? • Tell me about your progression as a student from freshman year to where you are now. • What attributes would your friends use to describe you? • Tell me about a teacher who inspired you. • What questions do you have about (name of school) and its programs? • What have been your favorite classes in high school and why? • Why are you a good fit for our campus environment? • Recommend a good book to me. These are just a sample of questions, but it’s a great way for you to practice on your own. Please feel free to conduct a mock interview with anyone in the college counseling department. Being prepared is essential to having confidence in your abilities. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel going into the interview.
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Resources Paying for College Financial Aid Information • The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), is required for you to receive any grants or aid from the government, including federal work study. Additionally, many schools require the FAFSA to be filed before they will consider offering school sponsored financial grants or aid. Available October 1st for seniors. https://fafsa.ed.gov • The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is a more detailed form required by some (generally private) institutions. Check the Financial Aid website of the schools to which you are applying to see if the CSS Profile is needed. https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile • This is the federal government’s website on financial aid and it will link you to the FAFSA. It also explains different types of aid and loans available and gives tips on managing loans. Very helpful! https://studentaid.ed.gov • Feel free to contact a college’s financial aid office with questions, even if they are general questions about aid or scholarships. They are the experts and it is their job to help you. Never hesitate to ask.
TIP
You should fill out the FAFSA, even if you think you don’t qualify for aid. Many schools will require the FAFSA for scholarships and future aid.
For Students Attending Schools in Florida Two scholarships to know about
FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES Academic Scholars: $103 per credit hour. Requires
FLORIDA RESIDENT ACCESS GRANT Available for students attending private universities in Florida.
3.5 GPA, 100 community service hours and 1290 SAT or 29 ACT. Medallion Scholars: $77 per credit hour. Requires 3.0 GPA, 75 community service hours and 1170 SAT or 26 ACT.
For more information, visit www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/
TIP
Benjamin Students can sign up for Bright Futures in the College Counseling Office.
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Resources
Scholarships (Institutional) • Look under Financial Aid or Scholarships for information about school sponsored scholarships. If you are having trouble finding something on a website try a general search (ex: Scholarships University of Florida)
TIP
Pay attention to deadlines. Some schools require applications to be filed by a certain date for scholarship consideration.
Scholarships (General) • When possible look for local scholarships. Register at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin counties. www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/scholarship-program • Use one or two search engines to look for scholarships that are right for you. Two sites that students have used in the past are fastweb.com and scholarships.com • Pay attention to your email and to The Chronicle. Scholarship information is sent out regularly from College Counseling.
TIP
When you use a scholarship search engine you may get ‘spammed,’ so you may want to create a special email account for general searches. Set up a time each week to spend a few minutes looking at scholarships, so you aren’t overwhelmed. Also, NEVER pay for a scholarship search. If it isn’t free, don’t do it!
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Application Getting Organized Here’s a checklist to help you stay organized during the college application process Name of College or University _______________________________________________________ Application Deadline (EA/REA/ED/EDII/Rolling/Priority/Regular) ______ / ______ / ____________ Scholarship Deadline (if any) ______ / ______ / ____________ Financial Aid Deadline FAFSA ______ / ______ / ____________ CSS Profile (if required) ______ / ______ / ____________ Demonstrated interest Interview/Campus Visit/Open House/School Visit Testing Which tests are needed? (ACT/SAT and/or Subject Tests) ______________________________ Test Optional:
Yes
No
Scores sent: (MUST BE SENT BY STUDENT) _______________________ Teacher Recommendations
Yes
No
(if yes, Yellow Sheet to recommenders/Green Card to office) Thank you note to recommendation writers Request Materials from CCO Blue sheet (transcript request for EACH application) Essay(s)
Yes
Supplements
No Yes
No
(complete supplements, even if marked ‘Optional’)
Naviance Complete FERPA and link Common Application to Naviance (one time) Application Fee or Fee Waiver sent ______ / ______ / ____________ Confirm receipt of application materials (Online portal/email confirmation)
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Application Essay Tips • “Your essay reveals something important about you that your grades and scores can’t - your personality. It can give the admission officers a sense of who you are, as well as showcasing your writing skills.” (collegeboard. org) • Be yourself. Do your own work. Remember, colleges want to hear your 17 or 18-year-old voice. • Share your essay with your college counselor as well as a friend who knows you well. Ask them, “does this sound like me”? • Proofread and edit. Include a few trusted editors. Too many opinions may create confusion. • Ask yourself: what do I want colleges to know about me and what I value that is not conveyed in other parts of the application? • Show, don’t tell in your writing. • Consider your audience. • Brainstorming helps you find your story. • Once you finish your essay, read it aloud. • Start with an opening sentence that will grab your reader’s attention. • The message is more important than the topic. • Write about something that matters to you. • Skirt controversy; keep in mind that colleges are diverse and several people may be reading your essay. This is not the time for political statements or too much personal information. • This isn’t a formal essay.You do not need a formal introduction and conclusion, but a good hook to open is very helpful. • Try not to rewrite your list of activities. There are sections in the application that allow you to highlight your involvement both inside and outside the classroom. • Make sure you answer the prompt. • Don’t overthink it. Colleges are not trying to trick you with their questions. There are no right or wrong answers. Colleges can usually tell when you are trying to over-strategize your message.
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Susan Smith
112 Bower Dr. Northport, FL 33408 (561) 555-5555 susan.smith@gmail.com
Education
The Benjamin School Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33408......... August 2013- May 2017
Academic Honors & Awards
Sa Ré m su pl e m é
Head of School List/ Honor Roll (9, 10, 11, 12) National Honor Society (11, 12) Student Ambassador for People to People Organization (10) Contender for the Gold Medal Congressional Award (12) For completing 400 hours in voluntary public service, 200 hours in personal development, 200 hours in physical fitness, and completion of expedition/ exploration goal
Community Service
Sarah’s House (11, 12) - Treasurer, Events Coordinator, Camp Counselor, Fundraiser - A non- profit organization that promotes social and emotional wellness through education, leadership and mentoring programs Jupiter Medical Center (10, 11, 12) St. Mary’s Hospital (9) Basketball Game Referee (9, 10) Basketball Camp Assistant (11, 12)
Athletics & Awards
Varsity Basketball (9, 10, 11, 12) Captain (12) Coach’s Award (12) District Champions (9, 10) Travel Basketball Captain (9, 10) Varsity Track (10, 11, 12) Captain (12) Coach’s Award (11)
Leadership & Activities
Student Council Class Representative (11, 12) Red Cross Club (9, 10, 11, 12) Fellowship of Christian Athletes (9, 10, 11, 12) Sunshine Club (11, 12) A club devoted to community service and hospitality projects Habitat for Humanity (10, 11, 12) Buc Ambassador (9, 10, 11, 12) School tour guide, assistance in new student orientations
Work Experience
Hostess at Popular Restaurant.......... Summer 2015, Winter 2016 Babysitter (9, 10, 11, 12)
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2016-2017 Profile THE SCHOOL
PROFILE FOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS 2016-2017 CEEB# 101239
The Benjamin School, founded in 1960, is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school that enrolls approximately 1125 students in our Worlds of Wonder (three-year-old) program through Grade 12. There are 443 students in the Upper School, 100 in the senior class. Admission is highly competitive and open to all students without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability. One hundred percent of the School’s graduates are college-bound.
CLASS OF 2017 Robert Goldberg Head of School Fletcher Carr Head of Upper School
MISSION STATEMENT
The Benjamin School provides a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment. The School motivates students to master the skills of learning, communicating, and evaluating choices, and encourages them to grow intellectually, socially, morally, aesthetically, and physically to their fullest individual potential. Benjamin inspires its students to develop a coherent set of values that includes love of learning, personal responsibility, selfmotivation, concern for others and a commitment to serve society.
Kristen Lambert Director of College Counseling 561.472.7045 kristen.lambert@thebenjaminschool.org Ray Edmond College Counselor 561.472.3454 ray.edmond@thebenjaminschool.org Lynne Feyk College Counselor 561.472.5998 x2115 lynne.feyk@thebenjaminschool.org
ACCREDITATION
The Benjamin School is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Membership is held in the Southern and National Associations for College Admission Counseling, the National Association of Independent Schools, the Educational Records Bureau, and the College Board. The Benjamin School complies with the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice, including disciplinary reporting. The Benjamin School is a founding member of the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools.
Linda Twitchell Administrative Assistant 561.472.3453 linda.twitchell@thebenjaminschool.org 4875 Grandiflora Road Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 Fax: 561.626.9143 www.thebenjaminschool.org
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GRADING SYSTEM: A+ (97-100) A- (90-92) B (83-86) C+ (77-79) C- (70-72) D (63-66) F (Below 60)
4.33 3.67 3.00 2.33 1.67 1.00 0
A (93-96) B+ (87-89) B- (80-82) C (73-76) D+ (67-69) D- (60-62)
AP RESULTS
4.00 3.33 2.67 2.00 1.33 0.67
Of the 428 examinations taken in 22 subjects in May 2016, 351 (82%) were scores of three or better. 64% of the Class of 2016 took an AP exam. • 84% of Benjamin students scored three or better on one or more exams • 233 (54%) were scores of four or five • 125 (29%) were scores of five • 108 (25%) were scores of four
CLASS of 2016 Average G.P.A. = 3.40 CLASS of 2017 Average G.P.A. = 3.31
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Note: An additional .33 for Honors courses and .66 for AP courses is added to a student’s total quality points for each Honors and AP course being taken. All science courses are laboratory courses. AP = Advanced Placement HON = Honors Course
AP COURSES (23 offered): English Language English Literature Calculus AB Calculus BC Statistics Biology Chemistry Physics C Comparative Govt. European History Human Geography Macroeconomics
All students in grades 9-12 take a minimum of five academic subjects per year and must meet the following credit requirements: English...................................... 4 Science..................................3.5 World Lang............................... 3 Fine Arts................................... 1 PE.............................................. 1
Microeconomics U.S. Government U.S. History Chinese Language French Language Spanish Language Computer Science Computer Sci. Principles Art History Music Theory Studio Art
TOTAL............................ 24
Seniors must perform a two-week business or professional internship in an area of career interest prior to graduation. Each senior must complete a minimum of forty hours of work during that time in order to receive his or her diploma.
TESTING
HONORS COURSES (15 offered): Honors Amer. Literature Honors Biology Honors Chemistry Honors Physics Honors Algebra 2 Honors Geometry Honors Pre-Calculus Honors Mandarin Chinese 3
Math.......................................... 4 Social Studies.......................... 3 Computer..............................0.5 Electives................................... 4
SAT Class of 2015 Middle Fifty % Range: CR: 510-650; M: 500-620; WR: 490-650 Mean: CR: 575; M: 568; WR: 581
Honors Mandarin Chinese 4 Honors Spanish 3 Honors Spanish 4 Honors Spanish 5 Honors French 3 Honors French 4 Honors French 5
ACT Class of 2015 23-30 Class of 2016 22-27
HEAD OF SCHOOL LIST:
Class of 2016 Middle Fifty % Range: CR: 510630; M: 530-620; WR: 530-650 Mean: CR: 578; M: 580; WR: 601
MEAN: 26 MEAN: 25
SAT II: Subject Tests Mean Scores of tests with 9 or more test takers
Students with a G.P.A. of 3.67 or higher
HONOR ROLL:
Students with a G.P.A. of 3.33 to 3.66
Class of 2014
Eng. Lit.............. 589 Math 1............... 664 Math 2............... 649 US History......... 635
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Class of 2015
Eng. Lit.............. 633 Math 1............... 628 Math 2............... 683 US History......... 641
Class of 2016
Eng. Lit.............. 639 Math 2............... 686 US History......... 681
Upper School Curriculum 2016-2017 English
Intro to World Literature American Literature & Composition* Western Literature & Composition Expository Writing Film Analysis The Bible Speech Contemporary Literary Fiction Detective/Mystery Genre From Page to Stage Humor, Satire and Memoir Literature of the City Reading & the “Reel� World Science Fiction, Fact, and Fantasy The Arts of War AP Language & Composition AP Literature & Composition
Mathematics
Algebra I Geometry* Algebra II* College Algebra/Trigonometry Statistical Thinking Pre-Calculus* Calculus AP Statistics AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC Multivariable Calculus Differential Equations
Science
Biology* Chemistry* Physics* Human Systems Biology Astronomy Biotechnology Biotechnology II Marine Science Meteorology Oceanography AP Biology AP Physics AP Chemistry
Engineering
Intro to Engineering Structural Design Electronics Design and Fabrication
Social Studies
World History Intro to Economics Intro to Government US History Economic Issues History and the Olympics History of Florida & the Caribbean Introduction to Law Modern Asian History Modern Middle East AP US & Comparative Government AP Economics (Micro & Macro) AP European History AP US History AP Human Geography
World Languages
French 1 French 2 French 3* French 4* Honors French 5 French Conversation & Culture AP French Language & Culture Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Spanish 3* Spanish 4* Honors Spanish 5 Spanish Conversation & Culture AP Spanish Language & Culture Mandarin Chinese 1 Mandarin Chinese 2 Honors Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors Mandarin Chinese 4 AP Chinese & Culture
Computer Sceince
Intro to Computer Science Game Design Computer Programming AP Computer Science Principles AP Computer Science Adv. Research in Computer Science
Fine Arts
Foundations in Art Ceramics Intermediate Ceramics Advanced Ceramics Graphic Design Introductory Photography Intermediate Photography Intermediate Studio Art Intro to World Crafts 21st Century Art Appreciation Print Productions Portfolio AP Art History AP Studio Art
Performing Arts
TV Studio & Field Production TV Broadcasting & Journalism 1 TV Broadcasting & Journalism 2 Film Production Concert Band Chorus Chamber Ensemble Piano I Piano II AP Music Theory Introduction to Theatre Acting Techniques Dance Technique Modern Dance and Composition
Other Electives
Physical Education Independent Study * Honors level option available in this course Single-semester courses in gray
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Texas Christian University The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale The Catholic University of America The Culinary Institute of America The George Washington University The Ohio State University The University of Alabama The University of Arizona The University of Georgia The University of Iowa The U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Tampa The University of Texas, Austin Tufts University Tulane University Union College University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Santa Barbara University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Florida University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Kentucky University of Maryland, College Park University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of New Hampshire at Durham University of North Florida University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of South Carolina University of South Florida, Tampa University of Southern California University of Tennessee , Knoxville University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Madison Valencia College Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Wake Forest University Warner University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College West Virginia University Wofford College Yale University
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PK3-12 Co-ed Independent Day School North Palm Beach / Palm Beach Gardens, FL thebenjaminschool.org / 561.472.3451