The Application Process: College Admissions Criteria • The Application • Transcript • College Essay • Standardized Testing • Accommodations and Standardized Testing • Sending Scores to Colleges • Recommendation Letters

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: • If 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.

GPAs are calculated based on the following weighted system:

Letter Range College Prep Honors AP A 94-100 4.00 4.20 4.50 A- 90-93 3.67 3.87 4.17 B+ 87-89 3.33 3.53 3.83 B 83-86 3.00 3.20 3.50 B- 80-83 2.67 2.87 3.17 C+ 77-79 2.33 2.53 2.83 C 73-76 2.00 2.20 2.50 C- 70-72 1.67 1.87 2.17 D+ 67-69 1.33 1.53 1.83 D 64-66 1.00 1.20 1.50 F Below 64 0.00 0.00 0.00

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 CEEB Code for Sacred Heart is 070220

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.

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 meritbased 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 and ACT Comparison

SAT

Test Structure

Sections: · Reading · Writing & Language · Math · Essay (Optional) Sections: · English · Math · Reading · Science Reasoning · Essay (Optional)

Length

· 3 hours (without essay) · 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) · 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) · 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)

Reading 5 reading passages

Science

None 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)

Math

Covers: · Arithmetic · Algebra I & II · Geometry, Limited Trigonometry and Data Analysis Covers: · Arithmetic · Algebra I & II · Geometry and Limited Trigonometry

ACT

4 reading passages

Calculator Policy

Essays

How It's Scored

Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator. You can use a calculator on all math questions.

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

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 onsite 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.