College Guidance Planning Book: 2022-2023

PLANNING HANDBOOK

COLLEGE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

Mrs. Alycia Peloso Crane

Co Director of College Guidance cranea@cshct.org (203) 532 3312

Mrs. Christine Gerrity Co-Director of College Guidance gerrityc@cshct.org (203) 532-3529

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Sacred Heart Greenwich 1177 King Street Greenwich, CT 06831 www.shgreenwich.org 203-531-6500 CEEB Code: 070220

**Information

in this Handbook is proprietary and produced for the sole use of the Sacred Heart Greenwich community.

Welcome to College Guidance!

Deciding where to attend college is one of the first major decisions in your adult life. The College Guidance program at Sacred Heart Greenwich aims to make this process as smooth as possible for each of our students and their families. We operate on the firm belief that the college process should focus on discovering schools that will be a good fit for the unique needs of each student. Working with an assigned counselor beginning in the fall of her junior year, each student will be guided from the exploration and planning phases through the application process and the ultimate selection of her college destination.

Through college counseling classes, one-on-one meetings and evening programs, our goal is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make educated decisions at each phase of this process and support them on their journey. We will address topics such as researching and exploring college options, interviewing, essay writing, scholarship search, standardized testing plan, and application options. Each year we welcome over 50 college admissions representatives to campus so as to provide an opportunity for students and counselors to learn more about individual colleges and universities and the many opportunities that await our students in their next phase of education.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Responsibilities

• Put forth your best efforts in and outside of the classroom.

• Be a student with a positive demeanor who contributes to the Sacred Heart community.

• Be proactive, informed and fully involved throughout the process.

• Research and visit schools when possible.

• Attend information sessions when college representatives visit Sacred Heart.

• Be self reflective. The better you understand yourself, the easier it will be to identify colleges that will be a good match for you socially, academically, and emotionally.

• Be open minded.

• Fully engage in the Sacred Heart college search and application process.

o Organize and follow through with tasks and appointments.

o Monitor and respond to all communications.

o Be timely. Deadlines are REAL. Sacred Heart deadlines precede college deadlines to ensure ample processing time. We want to help to insure your application is complete and presents your best self.

• Communicate with your counselor and your parents. Proactive, timely and responsible communications are paramount in the college application process.

• Register for and prepare for the SAT, ACT, and/or SAT Subject Tests.

• Read the College Guidance Newsletters.

• All Seniors are wholly responsible for:

o Submission of all applications.

o Keeping their Naviance account current.

o Timely communications with counselor.

o Self reporting Test Scores OR submission of Official Test Scores directly from the College Board or ACT to colleges and universities, if applicable.

Parent Role

Whether a parent is a veteran or a novice of the college process, a certain amount of stress is inherent in this process. Our department will strive to keep parents informed, included and engaged as an important collaborator throughout your daughter’s journey.

To this end we recommend that parents:

• Attend both Junior and Senior College Nights.

• Attend the initial introductory parent meeting with your daughter’s counselor in the spring of junior year.

• Communicate with your daughter’s counselor.

• Read the College Guidance Newsletters.

• Complete the parent questionnaire. Be thorough, honest, and candid, providing examples and details.

• Road trip! Starting early, visit a variety of colleges.

• Discuss any financial parameters or expectations with your daughter and her counselor. Managing expectations in this area is vital to this being a positive experience.

• Keep an open mind and encourage your daughter to do the same.

• Support your daughter. Remind her of her strengths independent of grades, test scores, and admissions decisions.

• Empower your daughter by letting her lead the process; encourage her to make the calls and to advocate for herself.

• Reach a mutual decision with her on ONE college before May 1st, submitting the deposit on time.

College Counselor Roles and Responsibilities

As college counselors, we are privileged to share in this important and transformative experience in your daughter’s life. We fully recognize our position as co collaborators with the student, parent, and collegiate communities in this process. We strive to afford each Sacred Heart student an experience that addresses her unique needs and aspirations. We will honor and respect the confidentiality of each applicant and, in turn, expect that our students and parents exercise the same discretion.

In summary, our department will:

• Foster relationships with our students rooted in respect, understanding and individuality to yield insightful, comfortable, and productive experiences.

• Encourage and inspire opportunities for self reflection and personal growth to help students make thoughtful decisions about their futures.

• Work collaboratively to develop individualized strategies to achieve each student’s college objectives.

• Provide the tools, information and framework to support our students as they make educated and informed decisions throughout the college selection and application process.

• Keep lines of communication open between the Sacred Heart, student, and parent communities.

• Process and submit all materials to accompany each college application, including transcript(s), teacher recommendations, counselor recommendation, and school profile.

• Communicate and serve as an advocating voice with college admissions representatives.

• When applicable, serve as a liaison with the Sacred Heart Athletic Director for student athletes.

COLLEGE PROCESS TIMELINE

Summer Prior to Junior Year

• Get a job/internship/do something to support your potential interests.

• Attend a sports camp, if applicable.

• Begin to consider college testing timelines and test prep scenarios

• Familiarize yourself with the College Board and ACT websites for prep and practice resources:

§ www.collegeboard.org (SAT)

§ www.act.org (ACT)

• Begin to develop a list of possible college choices.

• Visit colleges, if possible; perhaps as part of a family vacation. Make sure if you visit a college that you check in with the Admissions Office to let them know that you were on campus for a visit. (See “College Visits” page 18).

Junior Year FALL

• Continue to be involved in extracurricular activities and challenge yourself to move into leadership roles and take on more responsibilities.

• Continue your involvement in service activities.

• Attend your scheduled College Guidance class.

• Consider taking the PreACT offered in September in order to make a final thoughtful consideration of which test best suits your testing style.

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. Log onto your College Board account for more information about preparing for the PSATs.

• Attend the Junior College Night with your parents in November.

• College counselors will be assigned at Junior College Night.

• Review your PSAT and PreACT (if applicable) scores and standardized testing plan with your college counselor.

• Register for upcoming Standardized Tests in late winter and spring.

• Begin work on a resume of your academic, athletic, work, and extracurricular activities.

• Continue to familiarize yourself with Naviance and College Board and ACT websites. They will be essential tools for your college search process.

• Begin to do online research about colleges of interest. Keep current colleges on your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list in Naviance.

• Attend information sessions with college admissions representatives visiting Sacred Heart, schedule permitting.

• STUDENT ATHLETES: Please see your counselor for additional important information. (See “Athletes and the Admissions Process” page 40). If you have not already done so, athletes hoping to play or involved in the recruiting process should register with the NCAA at www.eligibilitycenter.org. You will be responsible for sending

your standardized test scores to the NCAA directly. Athletes should contact college coaches and keep the Sacred Heart Athletic Director, along with your counselor, informed about all contacts.

WINTER

• Parents meet with their daughter’s college counselor.

• Complete Student and Parent Questionnaires.

• PSAT/NMSQT results should be available in December in College Board accounts (www.collegeboard.org). Discuss and develop a testing plan with your counselor. Students may also link their College Board accounts with Khan Academy that will provide personalized test preparation for the SAT based on PSAT scores.

• Meet with your college counselor to develop a preliminary list of colleges to research and update your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list in Naviance.

• Continue researching colleges and plan college visits for upcoming Spring Break.

• Monitor local college events, open houses, information sessions, and large college fairs.

• Look into summer jobs/sports camps/internships/activities of interest.

SPRING

• Choose your senior course curriculum wisely.

• Ask two teachers in person to write college recommendations.

• Use school breaks to visit colleges, go on college tours, and attend college information sessions. Many colleges may schedule Junior Open Houses during the Spring.

• Learn about financial aid and discuss this aspect of the application process with your family and counselor.

• Register for and take standardized tests.

• Begin work on Videos/CD’s/Portfolios, if applicable.

• Continue to look into summer jobs/sports camps/internships/activities of interest.

• Plan college visits for summer months.

• Attend local college fairs to get more information from representatives from a variety of colleges.

Summer Prior to Senior Year

• Finalize your college essay.

• Be aware that the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) comes online/rolls over on August 1st.

• Work on your supplemental application essays as they become available after August 1st.

• Continue to prepare for and register for August, September, and October standardized testing, if applicable.

• Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

• Continue to visit colleges of interest.

• Be mindful of Early Decision/Early Action application deadlines.

• Continue to work on videos/CD’s/Portfolios, if applicable.

• Schedule interviews whenever offered.

Senior Year SEPTEMBER

• Continue college visits if necessary.

• Register and take final sitting(s) of standardized tests

• Meet with college representatives who come to Sacred Heart.

• Schedule interviews whenever offered.

• Deadlines are real! Be aware of application deadlines and those set by the College Guidance office. Remember our internal two week ahead rule.

• Attend your Senior College Guidance classes.

• Communicate with your counselor and meet to finalize your list of colleges.

• Discuss your application plan of action with your counselor (EDI, EA, EDII, Regular).

• Confirm with teachers from whom you’ve asked for letters of recommendation.

• Make sure you have registered with the NCAA for eligibility for college sports, if applicable (www.eligibilitycenter.org). Students are responsible for sending standardized test scores directly to the NCAA.

• Complete the Common Application.

• Do not request recommenders on the Common Application.

• Open and begin completion of any non Common Applications to schools.

• Attend the College Night for Seniors and their parents.

OCTOBER

• Communicate with your counselor.

• Continue college visits if necessary.

• Register and take final sitting(s) of standardized tests.

• Meet with college representatives who come to Sacred Heart.

• Schedule interviews whenever offered.

• Finalize your consideration of EA or ED options and discuss them with your counselor.

• Fill out your application traffic forms (page 40).

• Complete the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and other financial aid documents. (available October 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov and www.collegeboard.org)

• Monitor and manage all financial aid deadlines. These vary from college to college.

• Submit your signed and approved copy of your transcript to College Guidance.

NOVEMBER

• Communicate with your counselor.

• Continue college visits if necessary.

• Register and take final sitting(s) of standardized tests.

• Meet with college representatives who come to Sacred Heart.

• Schedule interviews whenever offered.

• Submit Early (ED or EA) applications.

• Work on Regular Decision applications.

• Work, as needed, to complete FAFSA and CSS Profile available October 1.

• Actively monitor all application portals and communications from colleges to which you have applied.

DECEMBER

• Communicate with your counselor.

• Submit your FINAL application list by December 1.

• Early Action and Early Decision results released.

• As you receive decisions, be sure to tell your counselor immediately.

• ONCE ACCEPTED UNDER AN EARLY DECISION PROGRAM, STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WITHDRAW ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS ASAP.

• Work to complete FAFSA and CSS Profile as needed.

• Actively monitor all application portals and communications from colleges to which you have applied.

JANUARY

• Communicate with your counselor.

• Regular and EDII Admission Deadlines.

• Actively monitor all application portals and communications from colleges to which you have applied.

FEBRUARY

• Make sure that you have submitted FAFSA and CSS Profile where applicable.

• Actively monitor all application portals and communications from colleges to which you have applied.

• Senior College Guidance classes conclude

• Regular and EDII Admission Decisions released (“Types of Admissions Decisions” page 47).

• If you receive a Waitlist, Guaranteed Transfer, January Admit, or other unique acceptance status, please discuss with your counselor.

• As you receive decisions, be sure to tell your counselor immediately. Inform them of any scholarships/awards received.

• Decisions about a financial aid package, if applicable, may or may not be included in an acceptance package. Individual colleges handle this part of the process differently. Contact the financial aid offices directly with questions.

APRIL

• As you receive decisions, be sure to tell your counselor right away. Inform them of any scholarships/awards received.

• Decisions about a possible financial aid package, if applicable, may or may not be included in an acceptance package. Individual colleges handle this part of the process differently so contact financial aid offices if you have questions.

• Visit colleges to which you have been accepted. Most colleges host an “Accepted Students” day. This may help you to make your final decision.

• Meet with your counselor to discuss your options.

• Work with your counselor to discuss waitlist strategies, if applicable.

MAY

• National Decision Day is May 1st. Students must submit a deposit to ONE school by May 1st. Counselors will submit only ONE final transcript for each senior.

• Inform your counselor of your final decision.

• Update Naviance to reflect the school you’ve made the decision to attend.

ORGANIZING YOUR COLLEGE PROCESS

The admissions process is time consuming and full of details. We recommend a separate folder or binder for the papers you receive in College Guidance class and for any information received from colleges.

All documents relating to college should also be saved to the cloud or backed up in some alternative manner. If your computer crashes, you will be happy that you have a backup of all of your essays, applications and resumes.

Get a calendar or create an electronic one. You will need to keep track of application deadlines, interviews, financial aid and scholarship deadlines, test dates, etc. Having a specific college calendar will make organizing all of that information much easier.

Make sure to have and keep track of:

• Notes on colleges you are considering, including your impressions from the campus visit.

• Names of the teachers you have asked to write your recommendations.

• Application deadlines.

• Financial aid deadlines.

• Scholarship deadlines.

• A record of all correspondence between you and the colleges in which you have interest.

• A record of interview appointments, including the name and contact information of the person who interviewed you.

•

The username and password for all of your individual online applications.

• A record of all requests to have SAT/ACT scores sent to colleges.

• Your social security number if you plan to apply for financial aid; if you have not done so already, memorize your social security number. It is NOT recommended that your social security number be written, typed or stored anywhere.

• After submitting your application, most colleges will send you log in information to an account so you are able to check on the status of your application materials. Make sure to keep a record of that information and passwords you may have used.

THE COLLEGE SEARCH: CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE

“Remember that the source of happiness is within ourselves. Nothing outside can give it, even if you make your circumstances ideal. You will be happy if you will it.”

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ

When generating an initial list of colleges, self awareness is key. As you examine different options through the exploration process, you will also need to constantly analyze your own needs, interests and values in order to make the most truly thoughtful decisions. It is important to take personal considerations into account: your interests and career plans, along with your academic aptitude, strengths, and weaknesses. There are over 3,600 four year institutions of higher learning in the United States that offer an excellent academic program. Look for a college that will challenge you, but will also offer you a chance to be satisfied and successful. Each student and her family should embrace this journey as a personal, individualistic process. No two pathways, approaches, or decisions are the same.

The following are factors that may help you put a list together:

Student Body

• Size of a school

• It is a good idea to visit both large and small campuses to see what size environment feels most comfortable to you.

• In very general terms, a small school is considered to be one with 2,500 or fewer students, medium is generally one that has approximately 2,500 10,000 students, and a college is considered large when it has a student enrollment of over 10,000.

• Do you prefer to attend a school close to home so that you can easily return home periodically for dinners and to do a load of laundry? Or would you rather go far away to experience a completely different type of environment or culture?

• Would the cost of airline travel pose a financial difficulty?

• Do you want to be in a city, just outside a city, or in a rural setting?

• Do you want to be in a cold climate where you can ski, or a warmer climate with access to a beach?

Academic Offerings

• If you have a sense of what you hope to study, research those programs at various schools to see what resources would be available to you in your chosen field.

• If you are looking to explore options as you begin to take college courses, look into liberal arts institutions or universities that offer a wide range of majors.

• Does the college have a study abroad program?

• Independent research programs.

• Strong pre professional programs.

• Look into how many students on campus have internships and whether internships are required for any programs or majors you may be considering. What does the college offer in terms of internship access or placement?

• What are the core requirements for graduation?

• What are the credentials of professors and how many classes are taught by teaching assistants?

• Will you need to declare a field of study at the time of application (i.e. nursing, engineering, or business schools)? What are possible academic pathways if I change my mind?

• When do students have to declare a major?

• What is the graduation rate? What percentage of graduates are employed or attending graduate school?

Campus Life

• During your visit, pay attention to the diversity of ethnic backgrounds, religions and political views present.

• Is it a private school with a particular affiliation or a public university with in state and out of state tuitions?

• Do you have your heart set on joining a sorority or intramural sports team or cheering at football games?

• Do you prefer a co-ed or all women school?

• Is housing provided for four years? What percentage of the students live on campus?

• Do most students stay on campus on the weekends?

• What is the freshman retention rate?

• Pick up a school newspaper written by the students and see what is happening on campus and what hot topics have the students talking.

• Caution: often students and families are heavily swayed by the campus tour guide. Do not let a flat, poor or unenthusiastic guide jade your impression of a school.

Cost and Financial Aid/Public vs. Private Schools

• How much does the school cost?

• What is the average amount of aid awarded?

• Is aid mostly given in the form of grants or loans?

• Would you be eligible for an academic or athletic scholarship?

• Is it a public school with in state and out of state tuitions? It is important to remember that “on paper” state universities are less expensive, but often a private institution can compete with these publicly funded colleges by offering generous financial aid packages.

• Use Net Price Calculators available on most college websites. Contact the financial aid office with questions.

Admissions Criteria

• What percentage of applicants were offered admission?

• What is the average GPA of the current freshman class?

• What are the average ACT/SAT scores of accepted students?

• Is this school test optional?

• Look at the required (or recommended) high school curriculum and standardized testing for accepted students.

• Competitiveness for a particular major, athletic recruiting, legacy, socioeconomic background, etc. are also factors of consideration for college admission committees when making final admission decisions.

BUILDING A COLLEGE LIST

College Websites

College websites (usually using the common format of www.collegename.edu) are an easy way to start a basic search. They are full of information and will answer most initial questions about a college.

The following are suggestions to guide your search:

• General information: How large is the college and where is it located? Is the school part of a consortium? What is the retention rate for freshmen?

• Entrance requirements: How many years of foreign language are required? What are the testing requirements? Do you need to take SAT Subject Tests? Does the school use the Common Application? Are there supplemental essays required? Is this a test optional school?

• Profile of the current freshman class: What is the average GPA and test scores of the current freshman class on campus?

• Degree requirements: Most college websites have online catalogs, allowing you to explore the course offerings and major requirements for different programs. What percentage of required credits is mandated as part of a core curriculum and what percentage are electives? Or, does the college have an open curriculum?

• Department websites: Do the required courses appeal to you? Are the courses offered each year or every other year? How many full professors are in the department? How many of the faculty are part time, adjunct professors? What is the student faculty ratio?

• Study abroad: What are the school sponsored programs? When can you go?

• Cost and Financial Aid: Is in state tuition a consideration? What merit scholarships and need based financial aid are available?

• Career Development: How many students engage in internships? What percentage of graduates have jobs or have been admitted to graduate school? What career services does the college offer to students?

• Videos, virtual tours and photo galleries of the campus.

Naviance/Student

Naviance/Student is the name given to the Naviance portal for a student and her family. Naviance/Student affords our students and families the opportunity to gather information, view statistical data relative to prior Sacred Heart applicants, research college information and create customized searches to support their individual process. A wealth of information is at one’s disposal via this user friendly, intuitive platform. Naviance is a national leader on the college application submission and informational tracking landscape. Through

Naviance, counselors can see where each student is applying, her standardized test scores and GPA, send documents to colleges electronically, and keep track of decisions (acceptances, deferrals, denials, and waitlists). Counselors can access scattergrams for additional historical acceptance data points of Sacred Heart students.

In freshman year, each student is given a username and password that must be changed when you access Naviance/Student for the first time.

Naviance also provides for a specific log in for parents who will be able to view and contribute to their daughter’s college search process so that they can then work together throughout the college process. Parent accounts are activated following the Junior College Information Night in November of junior year. As the selection and application process evolves, students will create, modify and finalize college lists and monitor application materials throughout their senior year. Naviance/Student is accessible at http://student.naviance.com/cshgreenwich.

Naviance Instructions:

• Setting up an account is simple:

o All Naviance/Student user accounts are activated by the College Guidance Department.

o Upon receipt of an activation email from Naviance/Student, please follow the links and the prompts in the email for the set up of your initial log on credentials.

• Once you have created a password for your account, Naviance can be accessed via:

o The website: http://student.naviance.com/CSHGreenwich;

o The Naviance tab located in the Guidance pages of the Sacred Heart website; or

o It is highly recommended that Naviance/Student be bookmarked as a favorite site.

• Should you experience any difficulties with this process, please contact your daughter’s counselor.

College Representative Visits to Sacred Heart

In the fall, representatives from admissions offices around the country will visit Sacred Heart. These meetings are a very good way to learn more about colleges while allowing the college to learn more about you. These are relaxed forums for students to ask questions and learn more about what a specific college is looking for in applicants. Seniors may attend as many of these sessions as they like during free periods. Seniors may also attend during a scheduled class but in advance of a scheduled session, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain permission from her teacher to be excused from class. Seniors are urged to limit the number of those they attend

during class and are responsible for completing all classwork and assignments missed in any class from which they were excused. Juniors may attend sessions during their free periods and/or lunch. College representative visits are posted on Naviance and emailed to the class.

If a college in which you are genuinely interested visits Sacred Heart, it is to your advantage to make it to the meeting, even if you have already visited the campus. Usually the representative who visits Sacred Heart is the admissions officer who will be the first to read your application. He or she is your advocate on the Admissions Committee. Be prepared to ask questions of the representative about aspects of the college that interest you. Treat these meetings with decorum and a serious attitude. Impressions are made and remembered during these exchanges.

DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALL UNTIL SENIOR YEAR!

Nothing can substitute seeing a college campus in person. The college search process comes alive in the college visit. You can discover the true vibe of a school when you are actually experiencing it for yourself. You gain a good sense of the student body by seeing the students as they make their way to and from classes or as they relax in common spaces or eat in the student dining hall. Do they seem happy or stressed? Are they friendly and even stop to brag about their school? Make sure to stop by the library; it is a great place to find out more about both the academic and social tenor of the school. If you can, eat in the dining hall or attend a class to see the campus and classroom dynamic.

Visiting colleges should be fun. Be sure to visit a range of schools large and small, urban and suburban, etc. In this way, you will have a solid basis of comparison to decide which schools are right for you. You must see the schools yourself and formulate your own opinion. Do not rely on word of mouth or the perspective of others.

When attending a college-affiliated event, either on or off-campus, dress conservatively, and be on time. Be polite, engaging and interested. Approach representatives with poise, shaking hands and looking them in the eye. Do not use your phone to text or check messages. However, it is appropriate to use your phone to take pictures of the campus so that you can use the photos to

College Visits

help you remember different aspects of each college. Please see the Appendix for a College Summary Sheet where you can record your impressions of your visits.

TIMING COLLEGE VISITS

Start college visits early, possibly even the summer before your junior year or during school vacations in your junior year. You may not be able to initially visit every college in which you are interested. Try to see enough different schools to make an informed decision about the type of school you like. Often students figure out what they do like by figuring out what they don’t like.

While it is certainly ideal to visit campuses when they are “alive” with students, it is probably impossible to explore all of your possible choices within the confines of the academic year without missing too much school at Sacred Heart. Make every effort to coordinate your college visits with our school holidays and vacations. You should also use the summer to schedule visits. Many colleges have summer programs so you can still get a general sense of their campus “in action”.

GROUP INFORMATION SESSIONS AND CAMPUS TOURS

College admissions offices are great resources for organizing your visit and arranging for accommodations and transportation. Most colleges will require that you register for any visits ahead of time. Group information sessions are usually about an hour long and are generally given by a member of the admissions staff. Campus tours, typically given by a current student, will give you a feel for the campus and are an opportunity to find out more about day to day campus life. If possible, you also should visit freshman classes, explore the bookstore, tour the dorms, read the college newspaper (one published by students) and eat the food. ASK QUESTIONS. Allow enough time to really get a feel for the school.

It is important to have registered contact with colleges since many colleges will track your level of “demonstrated interest”. Make sure to request the name of the Admissions Representative whose territory includes Sacred Heart and within a week, write a follow up thank you to anyone with whom you spent time an admissions rep, a tour guide, etc.

Things to look for and ask your tour guide during a visit:

• Get a sense of the student body. Does it seem like a community of people with whom you would have similar interests?

• What are the attitudes of the student body? Competitive? Cooperative? Are students serious about studies?

• Ask your tour guide where else she/he applied and why she/he chose the school that she/he now attends.

• Ask your guide what she/he would change about the school? What are its greatest shortcomings? What do students complain about?

• What are the most popular majors on campus?

• Who teaches most of your courses graduate assistants or full professors?

• When do you have to declare your major?

• Is there an Honors Program? Is there a separate application for the Honors Program?

• Is there a career center available to students? Do they only work with seniors? Do they help students find internships?

• What support services are available to students? Learning Disability Services? General counseling? Post Graduation planning? Tutoring, if needed? Help finding off campus employment during the school year and during the summer?

• What percent of students participate in a study abroad program?

• What research opportunities are available to undergraduates?

• Are club or intramural sports an option for students of varying athletic abilities? What percentage of the student body engages in some kind of athletics?

• Are the sports facilities restricted for varsity athletes?

• Is there construction on campus? When will it be completed? What kinds of living accommodations are available? Dorms? Foreign Language houses? Private apartments?

• What do students do for fun? What are the weekends like? Do most students remain on campus? Are there alternatives to the typical party scene?

• Do fraternities/sororities play a big role on campus? What percentage pledge/participate? When is rush? Are there alternatives to Greek life?

• What types of activities are available for freshmen involvement on campus?

• What kinds of cultural, sports, and literary events are offered on campus?

• Are there community service opportunities? How many students generally engage in community service?

• Is on-campus housing required? Is housing guaranteed for 4 years? Are first year students required to live on campus?

• What type of transportation is necessary/available on campus? Is there parking on campus? Can you have a car? Do you need a car?

• What is the city/town/surrounding area like?

• What is provided by the school in terms of safety protocol and security systems and are there any safety issues on the campus?

• What types of meal plans are available?

• What do students do after they graduate? Do they go on to postgraduate studies? What percentage is employed upon graduation?

Try not to ask questions about things that are easily found on the college’s website. Remember that your decision should not rest on the quality of the tour guide; one person does not represent the entire campus.

INTERVIEWS

“Nothing can replace a good conversation it’s the best way for us to really get to know you. We can understand that you are much more than test scores and grades. A personal interview is your opportunity to show us what you’re made of and to ask us the questions that matter to you. It’s a dialogue that can make a difference.” (Siena College)

Many colleges will offer the opportunity to interview to rising seniors and College Guidance encourages students to take advantage of any of these interview opportunities. Students will often schedule an interview when visiting a college in addition to an information session or campus tour, or will schedule an interview virtually with Admissions officers or alumni. It is important that students familiarize themselves with the various interview policies at colleges in which she is interested. College websites are a great place to start or students may contact college admissions offices directly to inquire as to whether a college offers interviews. Schedule interviews in a timely fashion when applicable.

Interview tips

• Make an interview appointment as far ahead as possible, either online or by phone.

• Dress comfortably, but appropriately.

• Be prompt. If you are going to be late, call and let them know.

• Turn off your cell phone or leave it behind.

• Have a firm handshake. If your parents are with you, introduce them to the interviewer.

• Many alumni conducted interviews are transcript blind. It is fair to ask your interviewer if he/she has seen your application and/or transcript. If you are being interviewed by an alumnus, have a copy of your resume to give to them.

• Be prepared. Familiarize yourself with recent accomplishments, activities and developments at the college. Study the social media pages of the college, read recent press releases and blogs, read the most recent messages from the school’s president. Read the mission statement. If possible, tour the school before interviewing. Don’t ask basic questions for which the answers can be easily found.

• Be ready to answer questions about your academic, extracurricular, work related, and social experiences. Be ready to discuss your interests, strengths and weaknesses.

• Be able to discuss books which you have read and enjoyed and know the authors.

• Be up to date on current events.

• Remember this is a conversation, not a speech. Be yourself, relax and breathe. As you converse with the interviewer, be appropriate, confident, and authentic.

• Think before you answer. Take your time and respond thoughtfully.

• Elaborate on answers to yes or no questions.

• Minimize excessive hand gestures, “ums”, “likes”, and “yeah’s”.

• Don’t be negative about yourself, others, or other schools.

• Don’t tell the interviewer that this is your safety school.

• Be prepared to discuss why you have chosen the college with specific details.

• If there is something unique about your educational or personal life that you think you should share, especially if it has impacted your grades, do so in a meaningful way. Don’t convey it as an excuse, but rather as something from which you are moving forward.

• Prepare some questions for the interviewer. It’s almost a guarantee that you will be asked if you have any questions about the school. The interview is a two way street for them to learn about you but also for them to try to persuade you that their college is the one for you. Asking questions shows interest and that you’ve done your homework about the school.

• Make sure that you get the interviewer’s complete name, work address and phone number. You’ll need it for future reference when you send a thank you note.

Questions you may be asked during an interview

• Tell me a bit about yourself.

• What three adjectives best describe you?

• What do you think of your school? Of an all girls, Catholic school?

• What is the best thing about your high school? What would you change?

• What was the best book you have read and why did you like it?

• What is one of your greatest frustrations?

• What are your interests? Why do you find them interesting?

• What are your academic and personal strengths and weaknesses?

• What has been the most difficult course you’ve taken during high school?

• Is there a specific teacher or course that has really captured your interest?

• What has been your most rewarding academic experience so far?

• Which of your activities has given you the most satisfaction?

• What has been your most significant accomplishment?

• How have you spent your summers?

• If you could do high school over, would you do anything differently?

• If you could choose only one person to write the ideal recommendation on your behalf, who would you choose, why would you choose that person, and what do you think that person would say about you?

• Is there something I didn’t ask you that you wish I had?

• What do you see as the most critical issue in our society today?

• Why are you interested in us and how do we fit into what you are looking for in a college?

• How do you see yourself contributing to our campus community?

• What other schools are you considering?

• How do you hope college will be different from high school?

• What experiences or people have had the greatest impact on your life and why?

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

Questions to consider asking during an interview

• What percentage of tenured faculty teaches first year courses?

• How often do undergraduates meet with their advisors?

• Are internship placements coordinated by the college?

• Where have students interned recently?

• What did you (interviewer) study when you attended?

• If you (interviewer) could change anything about your time at the college, what would it be?

• What percentage of freshmen transfer out of the school?

• How accessible is transportation to the airport? Train station?

• What are some of the current big issues on campus?

• What are some misconceptions about this school?

• What is the size of the largest class?

• What percentage of students stay on campus on weekends?

• What athletic opportunities are available to non varsity athletes?

• Can non music or non theater majors still participate in plays/orchestra?

• Does your college have their own programs abroad?

• Is housing available for all 4 years?

• How are freshmen advisors assigned to help with choosing courses?

• What types of career services are provided to undergraduates?

• How many students on campus are generally involved in Varsity, Club, or Intramural sports?

• What are some of the campus traditions?

• If you’re speaking with a current student, ask them why he or she chose this college. What was his or her favorite part of their undergraduate experience

INDIVIDUAL EXPEDITIONS

Many students may choose to visit campuses with a friend or to stay with someone they know who attends a current college of interest to them. Or, they may only be able to visit the campus at a time/date when the college is on break and the Admissions Office is closed. Regardless, it is important for all campus visits that you register your visit with the Admissions Office.

OVERNIGHTS

School policies differ on overnights. Some colleges are very willing to have potential applicants spend the night in a dorm and will arrange this if you indicate an interest. Some colleges only have overnights for athletes or for accepted students who are making their final decision in the spring. Make sure to inquire about the policy and call to set up a possible visit well in advance of when you hope to go. BE ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR.

ATTENDING CLASSES

Visiting classes and lectures is a valuable way to assess the academic rigor of a school and the interest level of its students. When you call to schedule a visit, ask the Admissions Office if you are permitted to attend a class.

FOLLOW UP AFTER A COLLEGE VISIT

• When you return from a college visit, it is of great benefit for you to keep a record on each college in which you are developing an interest.

• Organize your thoughts. See summary sheet on the next page as a possible way to reflect on each visit.

•

If a college impressed you and you feel as though it would be an ideal match, try to plan a more extended visit at another time, including an overnight, sitting in on a few classes, and arranging to spend time in any particular facilities or with any specific personnel connected with programming in which you may have a particular interest.

• If you had an interview, write or email a thank you note immediately to the person with whom you spoke. This will make an important impression on his/her memory. Feel free to ask any questions that may have occurred to you since your visit.

NARROWING YOUR LIST

Once you have completed all of your research, and built a list of colleges to which you would like to apply, in September of senior year, you will have an appointment with your counselor to discuss your likes and dislikes, your hopes and dreams, and the reality of your aspirations. At this time, and in subsequent meetings through November, you will work with your counselor to narrow your list to approximately 8 12 schools to which you will apply.

Your college list should contain a combination of the following:

Reaches: Colleges that truly appeal to you but whose admission standards or applicant pool size may make them difficult to get into and that do not align with your academic profile.

Targets: The major concentration of your list should rest here. These are colleges which both appeal to you and that closely align with your academic profile.

Likelies: Colleges for which your academic profile exceeds their admission guidelines.

APPLICATION OPTIONS

There are several different options for applying to colleges. It is important to note that each college will have its own set of policies and not every college will offer all application options. Students should check with each college to which they wish to apply for application deadlines.

Early Action (EA): an EA application will have an early deadline, usually in October or November, and will receive a decision much earlier than the regular decision response date. This decision is non binding.

Early Decision I (ED I): an ED I application will have an early deadline, typically in October or November. If a student is admitted through an ED I round, she is bound to enroll at that college and is obligated to withdraw all pending applications immediately. For this reason, this option should be reserved for a student’s first choice of college.

Early Decision II (ED II): an ED II application will have a deadline later than an ED I deadline, typically in January. If a student is admitted through an ED II round, she is bound to enroll at that college and is obligated to withdraw all pending applications immediately. For this reason, like the ED I application, this option should be reserved for a student’s first choice of college.

Restrictive Early Action (REA): a Restrictive Early Action application typically has an early deadline and is non binding. However, there will be restrictions on what other applications a student may file. Colleges have different Restrictive Early Action policies with varying rules and students must be mindful of the individual requirements of each college to which she is applying.

Regular Decision (RD): a RD application has a deadline typically in January or February that will receive a decision in late March.

Rolling Admissions: colleges with rolling admissions will accept applications and render decisions on a rolling basis until all spaces in the freshman class have been filled.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS: COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

It is important to remember that the goal for all colleges is to create a freshman class that is diverse in a variety of ways. Every college wants to admit students who they feel can and will successfully complete their academic program while also pursuing a variety of extracurricular endeavors. There are many institutional initiatives and priorities that contribute to the dynamic of a college. It is important to remember that while your scores and grades may seem to make you a perfect match for a given school, there are other components that influence and contribute to the decisions that a college is making about the profile of the incoming freshman class.

The Application

The goal of a college application is to demonstrate as much about the student as possible. All students are responsible for submitting the following within the deadlines set by each college:

• The application;

• Application fees (or waivers);

• Standardized test scores (if applicable);

• Teacher recommendations (you will not send these directly, but are responsible for ensuring that they are requested and recorded in Naviance);

• Any special items that may be requested as part of a particular application (portfolios, CDs, films, videos, etc.);

• Financial aid information.

You must sign the FERPA waiver in your Common Application account so that Sacred Heart is permitted to send your forms online. You must also match your Common Application to your Naviance Account.

Sacred Heart submits your transcript, secondary school report, senior grades, Sacred Heart profile, and all recommendations including a counselor recommendation. Students must use Naviance and the College Guidance traffic forms to let the counselors know to which schools they are applying and their deadlines. If the traffic forms and Naviance accounts are not current, the Sacred Heart components will be delayed. In the end, students are responsible for ensuring that colleges receive all of the necessary materials.

For all applications:

•

a school accepts the Common Application, we recommend that you use it, and that you submit online.

• Read ALL instructions before filling in an application.

• Be honest and be yourself.

• Answer the questions asked. In your eagerness to write about what you want a college to know, do not ignore the actual questions that need to be answered.

• Fill in the information requested on the application form itself, in the order requested. If you feel supplemental information will aid the admissions office in learning more about you, add what you need, but do not attach extra pages unless absolutely necessary.

• Allow yourself plenty of time. Have an adult look it over. Proofread everything!

• Save your application in your Common Application account and download a copy as well. In the very rare instance where you must mail an application, make copies of the completed application before you send it. This will make it easier to resubmit if it is lost.

Sacred Heart does not have access to your Common Application.

Transcript

The College Guidance office will send your transcript to all colleges listed on a student’s traffic form. The transcript includes a record of all final grades for freshman through junior year, along with a student’s senior year classes, a cumulative (weighted) grade point average (GPA), and our grading scale (as seen below). Your transcript is a key element of your application, and allows insight, not just into your academic achievement, but also into the ways in which you have challenged yourself within the context of Sacred Heart’s curriculum. We encourage students to select a challenging course load, seeking a balance of rigor and success where performance is optimal.

During an application cycle, colleges will receive the following academic grade reports:

• Initial Transcript (through the end of junior year);

• Mid 1st Semester Senior Year Grade Report (if required for early applications);

• Mid year Transcript;

• Final Transcript (only to college of attendance).

·

Transfer Students

If you entered Sacred Heart after freshman year, an unofficial copy of your transcript from your prior high school will be sent in addition to your Sacred Heart transcript. Your GPA from your former school is separate from your GPA based on the work completed here and the two will not be combined. The Sacred Heart profile is included with the transcript. The profile provides information about our school, the administration, our curriculum and course options, and awards/honors earned by our students. It explains graduation requirements and provides a profile of the most recent graduating class.

College Essay

The essay is the most important way for you to showcase your ability to write clearly and concisely on the selected topic and, most importantly, it helps you to differentiate yourself in your own way. It is your opportunity to creatively share with the college admissions staff what you want them to know about you as a person in addition to what is shown through your courses, grades, test scores, and teacher perspective. Consider the essay an opportunity to personalize and draw intrigue to “your story”, adding depth to your application. A quality college essay will be unique, authentic, passionate, captivating, well written, and honest. The essay is an opportunity for the applicant to write about something that is meaningful to her in a way that engages the reader’s attention and gives them reason to advocate for her admission to their institution. Therefore, it is important for you to reflect thoughtfully on the given prompt options and choose the one that best helps you captivate your reader’s interest. Most colleges require at least one essay. Many colleges also require supplemental essays.

Standardized Testing

The landscape of standardized testing has changed dramatically in the last few years with the arrival of Covid and the uncertainty of the availability of testing for many students. As a consequence, the overwhelming majority of colleges have adopted a test optional policy for the classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023. If a college is test optional, students have the choice of whether or not to submit test scores and they will not be disadvantaged if they choose not to submit. For the class of 2024 and beyond, several colleges have chosen to make their test optional stance permanent while other colleges will be reevaluating whether or not to revert back to a policy where testing is required. Students are encouraged to monitor the websites of those colleges on their lists and to meet with their counselors to discuss the submission of testing to individual colleges.

The CEEB Code for Sacred Heart is 070220

PreACT

A PreACT is offered as an option to sophomores and juniors in the fall at Sacred Heart. Similar to the PSAT, it is a practice test for the ACT and serves to introduce students to the format of the ACT, thus assisting them in discerning if the SAT or ACT is a test format that is more well suited for them.

PSAT 10

The PSAT 10 is given to sophomores in the spring of their sophomore year at Sacred Heart. It is an exam that has been developed specifically for sophomores and serves merely to introduce students to the format of the SAT and thus assist them in comparing the SAT to the ACT so that they can decide upon the test that best suits them.

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT is given to juniors in October of their junior year at Sacred Heart. The test offers more practice for the SAT and serves as a student’s entry into the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying program.

SAT and ACT

College Guidance recommends that most Sacred Heart students sit for either an ACT or SAT exam. Typically, the first official exam is taken in the spring of junior year and testing concludes by October of the senior year. When considering test optional colleges, make sure to consult with your counselor as to the best course of action. The test optional admissions process does not preclude a student from potentially needing a test score in the future. All potential NCAA student athletes must take either an SAT or ACT.

The format of the ACT and SAT have changed over the years with a relatively equal number of students taking each test and colleges hold both formats in the same high regard. Since colleges do not prefer one test over the other, students are advised to explore both tests to decide which one is right for you. The SAT and ACT generally test the same types of content. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions and merit based scholarships. One of the biggest differences between the tests is the format and pace of each and the fact that the ACT has a Science Section, while the SAT has one Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator. The SAT is an aptitude test as reflected in the name; it is a longer, more slowly paced exam. The questions are subtly structured to gauge how a student will perform at the collegiate level. It seeks to discover “college readiness.” The ACT

is an achievement test as reflected in the name. It is a more fast paced, multi sectional test. The content is intended to measure knowledge gained in high school.

For more Information: SAT/College Board www.collegeboard.org ACT www.act.org

SAT ACT

Test Structure Sections: · Reading

· Writing & Language

· Math

· Essay (Optional)

Length · 3 hours (without essay)

· 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)

Sections:

· English

· Math

· Reading

· Science Reasoning

· Essay (Optional)

· 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)

· 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)

Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages

Science None

Math Covers:

· Arithmetic

· Algebra I & II

· Geometry, Limited Trigonometry and Data Analysis

1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)

Covers:

· Arithmetic

· Algebra I & II

· Geometry and Limited Trigonometry

Calculator Policy Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator.

You can use a calculator on all math questions.

Essays Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.

How It's Scored Scored on a scale of 400 1600 Scored on a scale of 1 36

Accommodations and Standardized Testing

*From our Upper School Learning Specialist, Mrs. Catherine Butler (butlerc@cshct.org)

Even if a student is receiving test accommodations in school, it is possible that she may not be approved for the same test accommodations for standardized tests used in the college admissions process. Both testing organizations, the College Board (PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, Advanced Placement) and the ACT are required to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, each testing service may vary in its interpretation of this law that determines a student’s eligibility for testing accommodations. As a result, even if one of these testing organizations approves a student for accommodations, it is no guarantee that the other will approve the same accommodations. However, if a request is denied, there is an appeal process that can be initiated by the parent and Sacred Heart will assist you in this process. It has been our experience that parents are in the best position to advocate for their child if a request for testing accommodations is denied.

Basically, both the College Board and the ACT claim the ability to predict the chances that students will be able to succeed in their freshman year of college. These tests are intended to help colleges and universities compare the academic achievements of students from different schools where preparation and academic standards may vary. In order for a student to receive standardized testing accommodations, the student’s comprehensive evaluation report must include: a description of the degree of significance that the learning/motor disability, visual or hearing impairment, physical or emotional disorder, etc. is having on the student’s ability to learn; the specific accommodation(s) that are recommended; a detailed justification as to why each accommodation is necessary; and an explanation of how each accommodation will help compensate for the disability.

To obtain testing accommodations for either the College Board or ACT exams, applicants will need to demonstrate that the disability substantially limits their daily functioning and their ability to take the test under normal conditions. The accommodations requested must also fit the disability, for example, a student with a reading disorder may need extended time to complete the test or a student who has difficulty maintaining focus might benefit from extra breaks between test sections.

APPLYING FOR ACCOMMODATIONS ON COLLEGE BOARD EXAMINATIONS

The Upper School Learning Specialist handles the process of applying online for College Board testing accommodations for students with the appropriate documentation. Requests for ninth grade students are usually submitted in the spring of freshman year to ensure that they have testing accommodations in place when they take the PSAT practice test in tenth grade. A Parent Consent Form will be e mailed directly to the parent and must be signed by the parent and the student in order for the Learning Specialist to initiate the process. To find out more information about testing accommodations for College Board examinations, please contact the Upper School Learning Specialist. You may also refer the following College Board website address for information: https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/

APPLYING FOR ACT TEST ACCOMMODATIONS

Most students who choose to take the ACT sit for the test in their junior year. It is recommended that all students take advantage of opportunities to take practice ACT tests offered by the school, which can be helpful in determining if the ACT is the “right” test for the student. It is also strongly recommended that parents consult with the College Guidance Office at Sacred Heart to inform their decision as to which college admissions test is best suited to their daughter’s academic goals and strengths.

If you want your daughter to receive accommodations for the ACT, you must first register online at www.act.org for one of the ACT test dates. Click on the “Accommodations” link for information about extended time and other test accommodations. Once you have completed the registration, your daughter will be given an ACT ID number. You should forward the ACT ID number to the Upper School Learning Specialist who will apply for accommodations on your daughter’s behalf. The ACT usually requires that a student’s disability must have been diagnosed or reconfirmed by a qualified professional within 3 academic years prior to the date of the request. If your daughter wants to take the ACT test in September of her junior year, all paperwork related to the school portion of the application must be requested in early spring of her sophomore year, as we are unable to process requests during the summer.

Please keep in mind that there is no guarantee that, because your daughter has testing accommodations here at Sacred Heart and/or College Board accommodations, she will also be granted the same accommodations for the ACT. Each testing service has its own policies and requirements. A student’s long established history of learning needs, for which she has been receiving accommodations, is a major consideration in the ACT application process.

SPECIAL TESTING ADMINISTRATION OF COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

In certain cases, students may be approved for special testing accommodations for College Board and/or the ACT examinations. These accommodations require that the testing be completed on site at Sacred Heart Greenwich. We are committed to providing those students, who have been pre approved for these special testing accommodations, the support and resources to ensure a positive testing experience. With this in mind, we have implemented the following protocols for all standardized exams that warrant school based testing on site at Sacred Heart Greenwich for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT examinations:

• Students must be pre approved by the College Board or ACT for these special testing accommodations.

• Due to safety, staffing, resources, and procedural concerns, all school based standardized testing will be administered during the course of regular school days, Mondays through Fridays, when school is normally in session. Special Testing will not be conducted on weekends, holidays, holiday breaks, or the months of July and August.

• Sacred Heart administrators will designate appropriate testing time(s) for these examinations. The student and her parents/guardians will have sufficient prior notice of the testing day schedule.

• In the event that a student must miss class(es) because of special standardized testing, she is wholly responsible to make up any missed work within a reasonable amount of time to be mutually arranged with the class teacher.

• The Upper School Testing Coordinator will oversee special testing administrations with proctors arranged by the school. External proctors, tutors and the like are not permitted to proctor any exams.

Sending Scores to Colleges

It is important to note that students are wholly responsible for sending their SAT or ACT scores to colleges. There are different policies for sending standardized test scores to individual colleges. A college may require that students order an official report from the testing agency and in that case, scores should be ordered to be sent from student accounts on the SAT website (www.collegeboard.org) or the ACT website (www.act.org). Scores often take several weeks to arrive at colleges from the date of ordering; they are not sent instantaneously. Please allow for this extra time. Scores may be ordered and sent to colleges before a student’s application is submitted.

SELF-REPORTING Many colleges may allow students to self-report their scores through a variety of methods. Check the policy of each college to which you are applying to make sure that you follow the score reporting procedure for each of those colleges.

SUPERSCORING Many colleges superscore the SAT scores you submit with your application. They look at all the SAT scores you send, take your highest score from each test section, and combine those high scores from different test dates into a highest possible combined score or superscore. Many, but not all, colleges will superscore the individual subsections of the ACT. If students are submitting the ACT, it is best to understand the individual policy of each of the colleges to which they are applying.

SCORE CHOICE This refers to the ability to choose which SAT test dates or SAT Subject Tests to send to a college. For the SAT Subject tests, you may choose which individual test to send even if you took more than one Subject test on the same date. While most colleges permit score choice, there are several colleges that do not subscribe to the score choice option and who will require that students send all test dates.

Recommendation Letters

In addition to a comprehensive letter of recommendation from your college counselor, each student will request a letter of recommendation from two academic teachers. These letters will speak to the student’s performance in the classroom setting, so students are advised to carefully consider not simply the courses in which they earned the highest grade, but where they have shown the most growth and effort over time. Sometimes a story of perseverance and determination makes for a more compelling read than

one of easily found success. Decisions on which teachers you will ask to advocate for you will be made in conjunction with your college guidance counselor.

As a courtesy, teachers who will be writing on your behalf should be asked in person by the end of your junior year. There is no need to request a letter of recommendation from your counselor.

Sacred Heart is a Naviance subscriber school. DO NOT REQUEST ANY RECOMMENDERS ON THE COMMON APPLICATION. Additionally, students should remember to appropriately thank those who wrote their recommendations.

Extracurricular, Work and Service Activities

Colleges want to know what type of community member you will be. Admissions committees will look into the ways that you have contributed to your school and home communities through the lens of your extracurricular activities. How you spend your time is one way that they are able to discern what is most important to you. The number of activities in which you participate is not as important as the dedication you give to each of your commitments. Taking on increased responsibility or moving into leadership positions speaks to your level of maturity and independence necessary to succeed in college. Your interests should be cultivated in a genuine way; admissions officers can easily see through students’ attempts to package themselves artificially.

Quality over quantity: It is wise to include activities with a demonstrated commitment over time. Authentic activities, sports, employment, and service are those to which admissions committees will pay attention. The Common Application’s “Activities” section allows students to list up to ten activities along with a brief description. Some colleges will permit students to submit resumes through a student portal or directly to our admissions representative.

Interviews

One of the most glaring changes in the college admissions landscape is the significant decline in the college interview process. Colleges that do afford applicants the opportunity to interview have adopted various channels to conduct these meetings. Interviews can be evaluative or informational, alumni or admissions staff directed. Interviews can be held on campus, locally, or even via Skype. Interviews that are evaluative will be considered as part of a student’s application while interviews that are informational or non evaluative will not become part of the application and are solely for the benefit of the student. Interviews provide great opportunities for you to learn more about a college while also showing your interest. It is also an opportunity for colleges to learn more about you. At some colleges, the interview may have more substantial impact on the admissions process than at others. We strongly suggest that students take advantage of any opportunity to add a personal connection to her application. Students will learn more about best interview practices in College Guidance class.

For additional information, please see pages 21 23

Demonstrated Interest

Some colleges, although not all, will take into account the degree to which a student has demonstrated interest in the school. Some examples of demonstrated interest could include contact with an Admissions representative, a college visit, opening up emails from the college, taking advantage of an optional interview, and/or attending a visit by the college to Sacred Heart. However, there are many colleges who make it clear that they do not in any way consider demonstrated interest as part of a student’s application. It is up to the student to determine the importance of demonstrated interest, if any, to each of the colleges in which she is interested.

Checking on Submitted Applications

Once a student submits an application, colleges will notify her when they have received the application. They usually send students information about accessing a portal or account through which they can check on the status of their application and on what other materials that have been received such as transcripts, recommendations and test scores. Colleges will not begin to consider an application until it is complete and all these materials have been received. Typically colleges will not communicate with the counselor when a document is missing so it is very important that a student continues to monitor her application status at all the colleges to which she has applied and to let her counselor know if any documents have not been received.

Disclosures by Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart requires written permission from a parent if a student is less than 18 years of age and by the student herself if 18 or over, in order to share information with colleges concerning learning issues.

ATHLETES AND THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Each year, we have students who go on to play sports in college. If you have had serious discussions with coaches from Division I, II, or III schools, you may have the intention to play on college teams. If you have not heard from coaches, but hope to pursue collegiate athletics, you should speak with your coaches and our Athletic Director to see if you are ready for the next level of play.

The NCAA has an Eligibility Center that regulates the recruitment and eligibility of student athletes who play at the Division I and II levels. It does not apply to Division III athletes. If you think you may be a candidate for DI or DII play, especially if you want to make official visits to schools senior year, you must register with the NCAA by the end of junior year by completing an NCAA Eligibility Form online (http://eligibilitycenter.org). Students must inform the College Guidance office when they have registered with the NCAA. The Guidance Office will monitor your NCAA status. College Guidance will release any necessary transcripts to the NCAA. If you attended another high school, you MUST NOTIFY that school of your NCAA status as well. It is your responsibility to see that your SAT/ACT scores are sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center as needed. Use the code 9999 when sending scores.

THE ARTS AND THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

If you are an artist, singer, musician, filmmaker, or performer and think you may want to highlight your talents, you should begin documentation of your talent as early in your high school career as possible, but definitely by your junior year. Artists and performers should begin creating an arts resume that documents special talents in detail.

Artists and Photographers

It is vital that you create a portfolio of your strongest works both in and outside of school. Your teacher will help you to select your strongest work and advise you on how to best photograph them for showcasing purposes. Your portfolio should be continually updated as you create new work. You should store these images on your computer and the cloud or some other type of storage device so that you can be ready to upload them during the application process. Give each piece a title and know the size, height x width, and the medium. Each school has different requirements on uploading images including the number and type of artwork so you should know as soon as possible what the requirements are of the school to which you are applying. Generally, schools require 15 20 pieces of artwork that have been recently created. Most schools require several pieces of direct observational drawing no matter what specific program you may be interested in. You should also prepare an artist statement. Your art teacher will be able to help you and guide you through the process.

Instrumentalists/Vocalists

If you are applying to a conservatory program, you will be asked to audition in person or digitally and you should prepare for this with your instructor. Colleges only want solo performances. The first step is to discuss with your instructor which pieces to prepare. If you are a singer, you will need to line up an accompanist. If you wish to accompany yourself on the piano while you sing, allow time to practice both portions. Depending on the situation, sometimes the best CD’s are done professionally in a studio. Your performance should be accompanied by a description of the pieces and a short statement on why they were selected. All musicians should seek the advice of a music instructor at school or their private teacher in selecting pieces and for ongoing help with the process.

Performing Artists and Dancers

If you are applying to a conservatory program, you will be asked to audition in person or submit a recording. It takes time to work with your acting or dance teacher to prepare the works you will perform. Audition protocols vary from school to school. Students must assume responsibility for these schedules. This involves planning and should be done in consultation with your coach or dance teacher.

Filmmakers

You will be asked to share some of your video work if you are applying for a film school. We recommend preparing a Vimeo portfolio of your best work or utilizing the ZeeMee Platform. Include a brief bio about you and a descriptive sentence or two with each video. If you have won awards, include these in the text with your video. Some schools ask you to submit only one video (usually under five minutes). Take your time to make a video that represents your best work. You can edit together parts of different work for this video. Consider being on screen to introduce your video from the anchor desk if you are applying to a broadcast program rather than a filmmaking program.

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARHIPS

What is Financial Aid?

Financial Aid is monetary assistance for meeting two kinds of college costs that, when combined, represent the total cost of attendance (COA):

a. Direct Educational Costs: tuition and fees; and

b. Personal living expenses: room and board, transportation, etc.

Financial Aid can be given through grants, loans, or work study programs.

How Does a Financial Aid Application Impact Possible Acceptance?

Policies vary from school to school so it is important to know and understand the policies of each school to which you may apply. The following terms will be helpful:

• NEED BLIND: A process where the admissions office is “blind” to the financial need of its applicants. Admissions and financial aid are two separate offices and only accepted applications are sent to the financial aid office for review.

• NEED AWARE: A process where the admissions office is sensitive to the financial need of the applicant. Schools with limited financial resources must be aware of the university budget when accepting a freshman class. In most cases, this process affects a handful of students who are often placed on the waitlist until the budget can be further analyzed.

• GAPPING: A process of admitting a student while providing a financial package that does not fully meet calculated financial need.

How Does a Family Qualify for Financial Aid?

• In order to receive aid, a family must establish financial need.

• FAFSA: All students, parents and financially responsible guardians applying for aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

o The FAFSA can be filed using the online version (recommended and preferred) or the paper version and is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

o The annual FAFSA application becomes available on Oct. 1st.

o Students and families are encouraged to complete and file the application as soon as possible. This is an annual application process and must be completed each year.

• CSS PROFILE: Many private colleges will also require that the CSS PROFILE be completed in addition to the FAFSA as part of their financial aid review. The CSS PROFILE is processed by the College Board and available on October 1st on their website (www.collegeboard.org).

o In order to access the CSS PROFILE application, a student or parent must establish a username and password for the College Board’s website. After that step is accomplished, one must register by answering basic questions regarding the student’s situation.

o After registering with the College Board, the actual CSS PROFILE will be made available. This form should be submitted by the end of November.

• Many colleges have supplemental aid forms, filed directly with the college’s financial aid office. Most of these aid forms must be completed online. Divorced or separated parents as well as those who are self employed or have their own businesses will need to complete additional forms, such as the non custodial parent form.

• Most colleges will eventually require copies of Federal Income Tax forms (1040, W 2 and all schedules).

• Speak to your college counselor and see if you qualify for fee waivers for both applications and standardized testing.

What Types of Aid are Available?

Financial Aid comes in four basic forms. Most colleges will put at least two or three of the types into an aid package.

GRANTS: Funds awarded on the basis of need that never have to be repaid. These may come from:

• Federal Monies (i.e. Pell Grant)

• New York State Funds (i.e. Tuition Assistance Program), which can be used only at college and universities in the State of New York.

• Grant money from the college’s own resources.

LOANS: Borrowed monies to be repaid

• Government sponsored loans with interest rates lower than market rates

• Subsidized A loan that will not begin to accrue interest until post graduation.

• Unsubsidized A loan that will accrue interest while the student is in school.

• Private loans for education, which normally have higher interest rates and fees than the government sponsored options and have no in school subsidy. Unlike the deferral student programs, most students will need a co-signer.

COLLEGE WORK STUDY: Funded by the federal government, this program involves jobs arranged by the college on campus or close to campus. Students normally work eight to ten hours a week, receiving a paycheck that can be used to meet college expenses.

SCHOLARSHIPS

• Merit based aid: Outright awards given to honor a student who has demonstrated exceptional talent or abilities. They may not be based on need. Check the financial aid web page of the colleges to which you intend to apply to learn about such awards. Many times, they will require additional applications, essays, recommendations, or even an interview.

• Privately funded: Many businesses and associations will award scholarships to students each year.

• Athletic: If you have been recruited by a Division I or II athletic program, you may be awarded an athletic scholarship. A helpful website for athletes is www.eligibilitycenter.org

How does Financial Aid Work?

TOTAL COST OF COLLEGE ATTENDANCE (COA) FOR A YEAR (Tuition, Fees, Room, Board) MINUS

ESTIMATED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION AS ESTABLISHED BY THE COLLEGE BOARD AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (EFC)

EQUALS

FINANCIAL “NEED”

This table shows how “financial need” can change based on the cost of an individual college: State University (state resident)

Private College Ivy League University

Cost of attendance $30,000 $52,000 $60,500

EFC $25,000 $25,000 $25,000

Amount of need $5,000 $27,000 $35,500

Therefore, because of the varying tuitions of individual schools, the final “need” amount will vary. In a perfect world, colleges would meet all demonstrated need. However, at many colleges, resources are strained, so “gapping” often occurs. This means that a financial aid package is given that does not quite meet the full need, or a student is offered admission but no financial aid from the school. Regardless, it is always worth applying for aid. Some colleges will not provide as much aid as you think you need. Others may not be able to offer any institutional aid to candidates accepted off a waitlist.

Often the most expensive universities have large endowments. Therefore, a college choice should not be initially ruled out because of cost. We do advise those seeking aid to apply to a number of colleges that vary in their total costs. This plan usually means making a selection of private and public colleges (including public universities in your home state).

The following are informative websites regarding the financial aid process and scholarships: www.finaid.org www.gocollege.com www.fafsa.ed.gov www.studentaid.ed.gov

Scholarships

In addition to merit scholarships or other institutional scholarships offered by the colleges themselves, there are many independent scholarships available to students. There is an extensive amount of information about these scholarships available through a number of outside sources. Online search engines include:

• www.myscholly.com

• www.fastweb.com

• www.scholarships.com

• www.cappex.com/scholarships

The College Guidance office will post and share any scholarship information in Naviance as it becomes available. Be sure to routinely explore this sampling of scholarships. The following are additional possibilities for scholarship funds:

LOCAL Many community, business and civic organizations offer scholarships.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS If you have a particular religious affiliation you may want to inquire about scholarships that they may offer.

EMPLOYERS Many employers offer scholarship programs for dependent children of employees. The Human Resources Department would have information on the availability of this type of program.

TYPES OF ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

Accepted

Clearly, this is the answer that everyone desires. This notification calls for celebration, but keep in mind that your peers may not have received the same good news. Remember to tell the College Guidance office of your acceptance right away. The guidance office is not privy to the application decisions. If your acceptance was not a binding one, you may want to revisit any schools to which you’ve been offered admission before making your final choice. In April, many schools will host open house events for admitted students. These are great opportunities to gather information to help you make a final decision.

January/Spring Semester Admission

There are some colleges that will offer applicants admission to the class beginning in the second semester, or January. While you may not be as excited with this type of admittance compared to fall admittance, keep in mind that this is good news you have been admitted. There are many exciting and productive things that you could do in the interim. Depending on the college, students admitted for spring semester are given options as to how to spend the fall semester before joining campus study abroad through a university sanctioned program, work, pursue a personal or academic interest, or simply take time off to rejuvenate.

Deferred

If you have applied to a school using an Early Decision or Early Action option, you may receive an initial decision of deferment. This means that the college has neither accepted nor denied your application, but would like to take some more time, perhaps gather more information, and revisit your application with the Regular Decision applicant pool. If you get this news, hang in there, keep your grades up, continue with your other applications, and speak with your counselor about other possible strategies.

Waitlist

If you receive a waitlist notification, you will be given the option to either remain on the waitlist, or decline and remove your application. If you receive this decision and wish to remain on the waitlist, respond immediately and meet with your counselor about how to proceed. Typically, after National Decision Day on May 1, when colleges know how many accepted applicants have chosen to attend their college, admissions offices will begin to complete their incoming class with waitlisted students who have expressed continued interest in enrolling. In general, the possibility of receiving an acceptance after being placed on a waitlist is slim. While counselors will certainly advocate for any student on the waitlist, there is typically limited movement on waitlists and we encourage students to explore other acceptances.

Conditional Acceptance

A Conditional Acceptance typically asks for additional requirements or conditions tied to the acceptance that must be met before the student would be offered full acceptance. For example, the applicant may need to provide final senior year grades or take a summer course in a specific subject area and achieve a certain required grade. This type of acceptance may also limit the student to enroll full or part time and passing the first semester with a required GPA.

Denied

A denial is difficult to receive, but it is part of the college application process. Try not to take it personally, and focus on the schools that have offered you admission.

Gap Year

Some students may opt to take a year off after high school. They might travel, work, volunteer, or participate in an organized program. If you choose to go this route, it can present an amazing opportunity to recharge your batteries, gain perspective, and give more focus to your future path.

Deferred Admission

A student may decide for a variety of reasons, to defer admission to a school at which she has been accepted. In this case, a student would still need to respond to any offers of admission. Before May 1, be sure to determine the proper procedure for requesting “deferred admission” to the college you have chosen to attend following your gap year.

Guaranteed Transfer

As colleges are receiving increasing numbers of applications each year, a very limited number of colleges are offering an option of guaranteed admission. This type of admittance allows for a guaranteed admission at a future date if the student attends another institution for their freshman year.

COLLEGE GUIDANCE OFFICE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Class Rank

Sacred Heart does not rank its students. If you are asked to provide a rank, it is appropriate to say that your school does not rank.

Early Decision

Sacred Heart abides by Early Decision commitments. As outlined in the Early Decision agreement signed by the student, her parents and her counselor, a student who has been accepted to a college under an Early Decision plan MUST withdraw all other applications immediately. It is Sacred Heart’s obligation to notify colleges when a commitment has been broken. If a student is accepted to a college under a binding early decision plan, her transcript will not be sent to other colleges.

Final Transcript

Sacred Heart does not support “double-depositing” in May. A final transcript will be sent to only one college.

Disciplinary Disclosure

Sacred Heart may report all incidents in grades 9 12 that resulted in probation, suspension or expulsion, including incidents that occur after applications have been sent.

Recommendations

If specified policies and procedures have been followed, your counselor will send a confidential letter of recommendation on your behalf to each college to which you have informed your counselor that you will apply. Students must follow school guidelines for requesting and obtaining teacher recommendations.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are not disclosed by the school. Students are responsible for having the official test scores sent to colleges by the appropriate testing services.

APPENDIX

COLLEGE VISIT SUMMARY SHEET

COLLEGE:

VISIT DATE:

STUDENT BODY: General impressions of the student body in terms of appearance, style, degree of interest, enthusiasm, and diversity of their social, religious, ethnic background.

(Possible specific questions: What percentage of the freshman class returns for sophomore year? What kind of student is generally the most successful/happy at this college? What is the institutional policy and commitment to ethnic and cultural diversity?)

ACADEMIC FACTORS: General impressions of the academic rigor and the general scholastic seriousness of the staff members and students, how the facilities support the academic environment, how varied the curriculum is, and what the core requirements are. How do you compare academically with the students already attending?

(Possible specific questions: What is the average class size for freshmen? for upperclassmen? How large is the library and are all resources available to any undergraduate? What do students do after they graduate? Do they go on to postgraduate studies? What percentage is employed upon graduation?)

CAMPUS & SOCIAL LIFE: General impressions of how complete the dorms, dining rooms, student center, cultural center, and athletic facilities are.

(Possible specific questions: Is it a suitcase or commuter school? What kinds of cultural, sports, and literary events are offered on campus? What are each year’s biggest social events on campus? Are there fraternities and sororities? If so, what percentage of students join? What kinds of living accommodations are available? Dorms? Foreign language houses? Private apartments? What percentage of students lives in each? Is on campus housing required for any students? How do freshmen select roommates? Are sports available for the average player? What support services are available? What are the “hot issues” on campus recently?)

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: What did you like least and most; what seemed different or special about it; would you fit in here?

RATING: On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being the top grade) rate the college on the basis of your interest.

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