COLLEGE COUNSELING
GUIDEBOOK
Welcome to the College Process The College Counselors at Ursuline Academy of Dallas have developed this virtual guidebook to offer vital information about your college search and selection process in one convenient place.
MEET YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELING TEAM Alicia Estes, Director of College Counseling "Building relationships with my students is the most meaningful part about being a College Counselor. I enjoy guiding and supporting students, and hope that each one realizes what is important to them, develops stronger selfadvocacy skills, and has fun along the way. I view life as a journey and value the opportunity to walk alongside my students as they make decisions that help them move beyond Ursuline and begin the next chapter of their educational and personal journeys." Charleen Doan, College Counselor "I love getting to know each student personally, meeting with her and her family, and learning about her hopes, dreams, and goals. I love working with a team who is devoted to giving their best to the students each and every day. I enjoy bringing clarity to a process that can oftentimes be confusing and overwhelming. I hope each student discovers more about herself – who she is, what is important to her, and how she hopes to work toward her dreams. The college application process is much more than just an application. It's a great opportunity for students to reflect on their past, present, and future and I’m glad I get to be a small part of that journey. The College Counseling team is the best!"
MEET YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELING TEAM (Continued) Laura Harrington, College Counselor "Ursuline students are the best, and I love guiding them through the exciting journey of the college search, application, and decision process. After many years in this role, I still never know exactly what will happen in a given day. Students, colleagues, and college reps ensure that I’m learning something new all the time! I think it’s important to know that from day one of freshman year, each experience equals “college prep.” My hope for students is that they gain perspective, confidence, and independence throughout this process so they are ready to embark on the next step, and most importantly, that they feel great about it." Caroline Madel, College Counselor "I love helping students identify what they are really looking for in a college experience and working with them on every step of the process. My motto for approaching college is, “the grass will be greenest where you water it.” I want students to be prepared to invest in themselves and their college careers using the skills that Ursuline has helped them develop." Vandana Blankenship, College Counseling Coordinator "I enjoy providing support to help make the college process easier. I look forward to working with my Ursuline colleagues every day and hope our students know they are valued by the College Counseling Office. I hope students find the college application process exciting and are looking forward to their next steps. In addition to serving in the College Counseling Department, I am also the Testing Coordinator for PSAT, PreACT, and the AP exams."
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TABLE OF CONTENTS GUIDEBOOK PURPOSE
PAGE 5
TIMELINE FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL FRESHMAN TIMELINE SOPHOMORE TIMELINE JUNIOR TIMELINE SENIOR TIMELINE
PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 8 PAGE 9 PAGE 10
COMPONENTS OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS TESTING ESSAYS RESUME DEMONSTRATED INTEREST INTERVIEWS
PAGE 11 PAGE 12 PAGE 14 PAGE 16 PAGE 18 PAGE 20 PAGE 22 PAGE 23
TOOLS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS SELECTING A COLLEGE PREPARING FOR COLLEGE CAMPUS VISITS COLLEGE ADMISSION LINGO STUDENT, PARENT, & COUNSELOR ROLES MAIALEARNING TYPES OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
PAGE 26 PAGE 27 PAGE 29 PAGE 31 PAGE 33 PAGE 34 PAGE 35
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS SCHOLARSHIPS QUESTIONS FOR FINANCIAL AID OFFICERS SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES COST OF ATTENDANCE FINANCIAL AID CALCULATOR ONLINE RESOURCES
PAGE 37 PAGE 38 PAGE 40 PAGE 41 PAGE 44 PAGE 46 PAGE 47
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
PAGE 50
PAGE 48 PAGE 49
GUIDEBOOK PURPOSE The purpose of this guidebook is to provide an overview of the college admission process for Ursuline students, bearing in mind that each student is unique and guidance is always based on individual circumstances. The College Counseling Department makes every effort to provide accurate and relevant resources regarding college admissions. The guide is meant to supplement the group, individual, and family discussions you will have with your College Counselor during your four years at Ursuline. YOU ARE ALREADY A SKILLED APPLICANT! Although this process may seem daunting, remember that you have already successfully navigated a selective admission process when you applied to Ursuline. You have taken a standardized test, completed applications, requested recommendation letters, and interviewed; and here you are! FINDING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU Although you have many more choices for college, from colleges in the United States to universities abroad, you already understand the basics of college admissions. And even more beneficial to you is that Ursuline is preparing you for the next step. Because Ursuline is a college preparatory school, 100 percent of its students are enrolled in a rigorous curriculum, one which exceeds the expectation of most colleges and universities. Our Ursuline students graduate and are accepted into four-year colleges and universities. So the most important lesson you should take away from this guidebook is that you will get into college! The process will help ensure that you find the best match among the countless options you will have. Your College Counselors will work with you throughout this process to help you develop a list of colleges to which you will apply (an average number is eight per student), a list that should be balanced in terms of selectivity, geography, and cost. Based on research, campus visits, possible interviews, and admission decisions, you will find a great match. Choosing a college is an exciting experience, and we hope you are looking forward to it.
TIMELINE FOR
Each Grade Level
Freshman Timeline Transition to the high school experience and commit yourself to doing the best you can. Use your Ursuline Academy planner to keep assignments and homework organized. Build your organizational skills. Develop study skills. Develop time management skills. Commit to volunteer projects in areas that interest you. Get involved in extracurricular activities. What outside activities do you enjoy? Parents attend the Freshman Parent Night program in mid-Spring. Keep track of your honors and awards, extracurricular activities, community service experiences, etc. Explore future options. Talk to people about their careers. Talk to older students who are in college. Ask them what they would have done differently in high school. Talk to your teachers about your future. Ask them what college they attended. Ask them why they chose the career they did. Drive through and visit college campuses as part of a family vacation. You do not have to make an appointment; simply familiarize yourself with a campus if presented with the opportunity. Explore summer opportunities such as a job, internship, volunteer position, or summer school program for high school students. Take opportunities to read and challenge yourself outside of your preferred genre. Remember — readers make good students! Parents attend Parent Coffee. Stay connected with College Counseling through Remind texts and the College Counseling Class Team.
Sophomore Timeline Continue your strong academic performance. Continue involvement in volunteer service. Expand leadership opportunities through your extracurricular involvement. Attend college fairs during the year. Take the PSAT in October. Parents attend Sophomore Parent Night program in late Fall/early Spring. Visit with your Counselor in late fall. Investigate summer programs that focus on your interests. When traveling, consider visiting nearby colleges. Continue to keep track of information to add to student resume. Consider opportunities to take a practice SAT and/or ACT. Expect to see the College Counselors more next year for individual conferences during the fall, family conferences during the spring, more meetings during advisory time to discuss the college process, essays, resumes, etc. Take AP exams, if appropriate. Participate in Sophomore College Day. Use your Spring college visit day to visit a college or university. Stay connected with College Counseling through Remind texts and the College Counseling Class Team.
Junior Timeline Solidify your academic profile. Continue to expand leadership experience in extracurricular activities. Narrow the scope of activities to those of deeper interest. Continue community service and volunteer activities. Attend the Catholic High School College Fair in September and on-campus college fairs. Parents attend Financial Aid Night in the fall. Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT. Take the PSAT. Parents attend Junior Parent Night programs in the fall and spring. Develop a career interest profile on MaiaLearning. Visit with your Counselor in the fall. Attend the Junior Family Conference in the spring. Use MaiaLearning for college research. Develop a list of potential colleges. Make full use of your two college visit days each semester. Prepare for and take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring. Attend College Kickstart program in the spring. Develop college resume. Write at least one college essay. Identify one teacher from whom you can request a letter of recommendation. Take AP exams, if appropriate. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if a student-athlete. Research summer programs, internships, or activities. Parents attend Spring Parent Coffee. Stay connected with College Counseling through Remind texts and the College Counseling Class Team.
Senior Timeline Attend Senior Orientation in early fall. Continue high academic performance and extracurricular involvement. Participate in College Application Help Sessions. Meet individually for Senior Conference in early fall. Parents attend Senior Parent Night in the fall. Parents attend Financial Aid Night in the fall. Attend the Catholic High School College Night. Parents attend Parent Coffee in January. Decide on final list of colleges and determine application/scholarship deadlines. Finalize resume, essays, and testing (SAT/ACT). Submit transcript requests. Visit colleges: three days per semester allowed for college visits. Meet with college representatives who visit Ursuline. Stay updated on scholarship opportunities. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning January 1 for financial aid consideration. Complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® if your college requires it. Submit all admission decisions to the College Counseling Office. Submit all scholarship awards to the College Counseling Office. Make final decision and reply to college selected by May 1. Reply to remaining colleges to decline your offer of admission. Parents attend Senior Parent Night: College Transition Night in the spring. Take AP exams if applicable. Enjoy the summer as you prepare to head off to college! Stay connected with College Counseling through Remind texts and the College Counseling Class Team.
COMPONENTS OF
College Admissions
Admissions Applications There are several types of admission applications. Most colleges and universities use one primary application, although there are some schools that will allow you to select from several types of applications.
Before applying, you should always check with each college for their specific admissions requirements, including the type of application accepted. If there is more than one application type, pick the one that is most useful for you; there is no advantage to using one type over another. Several applications that you will probably encounter in your college admission process are:
Apply Texas Application This application is used solely for Texas public institutions and several Texas private universities. You can access this application through the university website, MaiaLearning links, and at www.applytexas.org.
Common Application1,0 There are more than 1,000 colleges and universities that use the Common Application, many of which are private universities. You can access this application through the university website, MaiaLearning, and at www.commonapp.org.
Coalition Application This application may be used for certain universities or as another application option. You can learn more at www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org.
Admissions Applications Institutional Applications Some universities outside of Texas and some private universities may use their own application. Always check with each college to verify which application is accepted.
Honors Applications There are different pathways to apply to an honors program that may be offered, either on the university level or through a department of a university. The following are possible pathways: From your application, you may be automatically considered for honors based upon your GPA and test scores. Your application may allow you to request an honors program. You may be required to apply for an honors program separately from your application for admission. You may be notified by the college that you qualify for honors and need to respond through additional requirements.
International Applications Applying to British & Scottish Universities To gather information about UK education, go to www.educationuk.org/usa. UCAS is the common application for all UK universities, although there are a few universities, such as the University of St. Andrews, which accepts the Common Application, and if applying to only one UK school, the direct application is encouraged. You can apply for up to 5 different universities on one UCAS application. Applications are made online at www.ucas.com. Most UK universities are FAFSA approved and can administer federal loans. International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours) while studying in the UK (Tier 4 visa). Use a Student Budget Calculator to estimate the cost of UK education. The educational structure is different for Scotland versus the rest of the UK (England, Wales and Ireland). Scottish universities are four years; the rest of the UK is three years.
International Applications In Scotland, a student has the flexibility to change majors. Most students in Scotland completed 12 years of education before enrolling in a university. In the rest of the UK, a student has relatively no flexibility to change from the original major selected. In the rest of the UK, students have completed 13 years of education before enrolling in a university. Universities make several types of offers to applicants: A conditional offer means you still need to meet the requirements usually exam results, and if you do so, you will be accepted into the university. An unconditional offer means you've got a place, although there might still be a few things to arrange. An unsuccessful or withdrawn choice means you are not accepted, but a university may also offer a place a student with an alternative course. Students must decide which offer to accept once they have received decisions from all the institutions. A student can respond in three ways to their offers: Firm acceptance: their first choice Insurance acceptance: act as a back-up (optional) Decline the offer View additional UK information on the MaiaLearning Resrouces Page: International Admissions
Testing During junior year, students will be preparing for and taking their college entrance exams, administered through the College Board or ACT. Many students opt to take both tests initially, and then may decide to take one of the tests again later, based upon their scores.
Although there are some schools that do not require the SAT or ACT, many universities do consider test scores, so you should plan on preparing adequately for this part of the process. The College Board administers the SAT and the ACT administers the ACT only. The website to register for the SAT is www.collegeboard.org. The website to register for the ACT is www.actstudent.org.
S A T The SAT will test students in two areas: Evidenced Based Reading and Writing and Math. Some colleges super score the SAT, taking the highest reading score and the highest math score. Other colleges take the highest score from one test date.
A C T The ACT tests students in five areas: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. Many colleges super score the ACT, while others use the highest composite score from one test date. Check with each college to determine their test score policy.
Testing TEST FEES Both College Board and ACT charge for their respective tests. The fee structures are located on their websites, and all payments are made online. In addition, when scores are sent to colleges, fees are assessed, based upon the number of test scores sent. If a student has a documented financial hardship, she should contact College Counseling prior to registering for any of these tests.
SCORE COMPARISON Once a student has received her test scores, she can use a concordance table to determine which test yielded better results. The College Board and ACT provide concordance tables to help compare SAT and ACT scores.
TESTING FOR UK UNIVERSITIES When applying to a UK school, specific majors may require a student to take the Cambridge Assessment, which is administered in October. Check your schools well in advance and let your Counselor know if you need to register for this exam. The exam will be administered at Ursuline.
Essays Essays are entirely in your control. By the time application season rolls around, your grades, GPA, and test scores won't change a great deal. The essay, however, is a different story. You have total control of how the essay will turn out.
A solid effort on your essay will go a long way toward making an impression on your desired college. You will write an essay second semester of junior year to submit to your College Counselor for review and feedback.
Distinguish Yourself The essay can help you rise above the crowd. Most of those applying to the colleges you are applying to have similar grades, gifts, and talents, but no one else will have your essay. The essay is the best way to distinguish yourself from the thousands of others who are applying. The essay can be a resource to explain and strengthen an implied weakness on your application, transcript, or resume. You will have the ability to subtly change the tone and perception of that weakness by emphasizing your strengths and thus re-directing the focus off a weaker area in your profile.
You are more than a number! Numbers don’t tell who you really are. Everyone talks about those three-letter words: SAT and ACT. But how important are they? While grades and test scores play a large role in meeting the minimum requirements for entry into a college, the essay may give a clearer understanding of your potential for success.
Essays The Power of You Essays bring the “real” you into focus. The essay can “bring you off the page” and help you become a real person to the admissions committee, or you can remain one of the thousands who are just blurred images in their minds. Through the power of the well-written essay, you could be the person who stands out sharply in the memory of the admissions officers. So, grab their attention with a great opening paragraph, “show” (as opposed to tell) who you are, and create a tight, clear essay. The reader should be able to follow your train of thought, and above all, your essay should address the prompt.
Links to more essay suggestions and methodology can be found on MaiaLearning.
Resume Your resume is an important element of your college application. You will not regret spending time compiling all the information about your high school involvement and developing a clear and well-thought-out resume.
Think of your college resume as an interview. Colleges do not know what you do not tell them.
RESUME CONTENT Items that you should consider in your resume are: Personal Data (full name, date of birth, address, & email address Awards, honors, & achievements Extracurricular activities Community & volunteer service Employment & internships Summer programs & travel
Resume RESUME FORMAT Formatting is an important aspect of the resume. Some formatting tips are: Do not use acronyms or abbreviations. Include a brief description of your activity. Identify any leadership roles held with your activities. Include your time commitment (hours per week, specific grade levels involved). Avoid using the first person – do not use “I” when describing your activities. Think of this as an interview. Colleges do not know what you do not tell them. Make yourself come alive on paper. Format should be easy to follow and easy to read. Maintain consistency with your style, headings, and other aspects of the resume. Choose a professional font type and size. Do not be overly creative. Maintain page flow if more than one page in length.
Links to student resume samples can be found on MaiaLearning..
Demonstrated Interest What is demonstrated interest? It is how you, as a student, have shown a college or university how interested you are in them. There are many ways to show this interest, with suggestions listed below: Take a campus visit, and if there is a sign-in sheet, be sure to register. Attend an off-site information session that may be at a hotel or other location in town. Attend a college fair that is hosted in the evening for students and parents. Attend a regional interview. It may be optional, but take advantage of the opportunity. Meet the college representatives who visit our campus. Ursuline has more than 250 representatives visit each year. Participate in an online chat. Contact the admissions counselor – via phone, email, or another method of correspondence – to keep the line of communication open. Submit additional non-required information to enhance your application.
Interviews A college interview is a chance to show that you’re more than just test scores and grades. It’s an exchange of information – you learn about the college, and the college learns about you.
Though most colleges do not require an interview, there are benefits to meeting face-to-face with a member of the college community. While the interview is rarely the deciding factor, if a borderline student turns out to be impressive, the interviewer can advocate for the applicant.
INTERVIEW TYPES Interviews vary depending on the school, student, and situation. You could interview with an admission officer, a student, or an alumnus. Less-formal interview situations include group information sessions, high school/local fairs, and online chats. You may want to meet with students or faculty members within academic and extracurricular areas that interest you.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW Evaluate yourself: identify your strengths, interests, and weaknesses. Compose a list of questions about this college and its admissions process. Dress comfortably but appropriately.
AT THE BEGINNING Shake hands and look the interviewer directly in the eye. Learn the interviewer’s name, and ask him or her to repeat it if you do not hear it the first time. Introduce your parents, if they are with you, and then invite them to wait outside the room.
Interviews THE INTERVIEW An interview can last up to an hour and can be divided into five different parts: Personal Background: Where you have grown up, information about parents and siblings, and colleges attended by family members. The purpose is to put you at ease. Academic Background: Information about your school and curriculum requirements and choices. Extracurricular: What activities mean the most to you and why? Identify leadership roles held. Academic Interests: What are you interested in studying? What are your career goals? College Choice: What are you looking for in a college/university? How does this school fit?
COMMON QUESTIONS Tell me about your high school – what kind of environment does it have? What has been the most difficult course you have taken during high school? Is there a specific teacher or course that has really caught your interest? Can you explain why? What has been the most exciting academic project you have done in high school? What has been your most significant academic accomplishment? Tell me what you have read outside of school lately. How would you use your talents at our university? What has been the most significant personal challenge you have ever faced? If I were to visit your school and talk with some of your friends, how would they describe you to me? What are your plans for after college? What specific questions can I help you with?
Interviews AFTER THE INTERVIEW Thank the interviewer, shake hands, and say goodbye. Write a thank you note to the person who interviewed you.
NERVOUS?
Don't be!
It’s not the third degree, and there’s no pass or fail. Be yourself and relax. As long as you are prepared, you’ll likely make a good impression!
TOOLS TO HELP
Understand the Process
Selecting a College Before you explore and compare different schools, first decide what you're looking for in a school. Ask your parents to do the same thing. Then compare your answers and come to some agreement as to what you want in a school.
CRITERIA TO CONSIDER Athletic offerings Campus safety Campus setting (urban, suburban, small-town, or rural) Diversity of student population Extracurricular organizations and events Faculty experience and expertise Financial aid availability and deadlines Geographic location Housing availability and cost Length, time, and location of classes Number of students enrolled Percentage of graduates employed within one year Percentage of students who graduate Percentage of students who return the following year Programs of study, majors, and course selection School facilities and equipment School or program reputation Student-to-faculty ratio (class size) Support services (dining, counseling, job placement, learning accommodations) Transportation availability and cost Tuition and fees
Search for a school that fits you well academically, socially, and culturally.
Selecting a College If you're still having trouble deciding, ask yourself: Why do I want to go to college? What do I want to get out of college? How will college help me work toward my goals? Which college will best/least help me work toward my goals? Does it matter how many students are enrolled with me? Do I want to be with students who have diverse ideas, viewpoints, and backgrounds? In which type of campus setting am I most/least comfortable?
Don't eliminate a school solely because it's outside your comfort zone. The challenge of dealing with the unfamiliar can help you grow as a person.
Preparing for College Campus Visits We want your college visit to be productive. Below are ideas and suggestions while you are on campus: Pack a camera or iPad, a notebook, and a pen. Review any materials the college sends. Spend some time browsing their website. Find out how often college tours run, and whether or not you have to sign up in advance. Before your visit, get a map of the school in order to identify parking and admissions office locations. If an interview is suggested, make an appointment. Also, consider meeting with the financial aid officer. If you are interested in a specific program, club, or sport, arrange to attend a class meeting, practice, or rehearsal.
QUESTIONS TO ASK What percent of your first-year class returns for the second year, and why do students leave before graduation? (This is a crucial question because it points out potential reasons for student dissatisfaction.) What new or unique programs/majors are available? Are there research opportunities or internships available? What are the student issues on campus? What are students talking about, excited about, working to change? Which are the most active extracurricular clubs and organizations? How active are sororities and fraternities? What do your students tend to do after graduation? What are the professional and graduate school opportunities for them? What do students do for fun on the weekends? Are students guaranteed housing for four years?
Preparing for College Campus Visits MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VISIT Take a campus tour. Participate in a group information session at the admissions office. Sit in on a class of a subject that interests you. Talk to a professor in your chosen major or in a subject that interests you. Talk to a student or counselor in the career center. Read the student newspaper. Read the "underground" student newspaper. Eat in the dining hall. Talk to coaches of sports in which you might participate. Scan bulletin boards to see what day-to-day student life is like. Wander around the campus by yourself. Ask a student where else he/she applied. Ask a student what he/she would change about the college. Ask a student what he/she loves about the college. Browse the college bookstore. Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus. Ask a student what he/she does on weekends. Try to see a dorm that you didn't see on the tour. Imagine yourself attending this college for four years. Attend a club meeting or sports practice, if possible. Check out campus media/blogs/social media.
College Admission Lingo When you begin researching the application process, you will see different types of application plans.
Colleges may use several types of application plans, so it is important that you familiarize yourself with these terms.
EARLY DECISION (ED) This type of decision is a binding offer in which the applicant promises that she will attend the school if accepted. A student can only submit one early decision application but can typically submit applications to other schools under other decision options. Once the student is accepted, the student must withdraw all other applications. In some cases, there may be two Early Decision dates offered, referred to as ED1 and ED2.
EARLY ACTION (EA) This type of application does not require the student to commit to attending the school if accepted. Early Action gives the student the benefit of early notification without the obligations of early decision. Students applying Early Action should take the ACT or SAT prior to November, but subsequent scores submitted after the deadline may be considered.
RESTRICTIVE EARLY ACTION (REA) This application specifically requires the student to make early application to only one school, although the student is free to apply elsewhere under the regular admissions route. This is sometimes called Single Choice Early Action. Some restrictive EA programs prohibit ED applicants but allow other EA applications. Read the fine print!
PRIORITY This application deadline is used by colleges that may have other deadlines but have a separate deadline for scholarship consideration.
College Admission Lingo ROLLING ADMISSION Colleges that use this process accept admission applications at any time (before the final deadline). A student should expect an admission decision within a few weeks from the time she has submitted her completed application.
REGULAR ADMISSIONS All colleges have a regular admission deadline. This is the final deadline for a university to accept applications.
DEADLINE EXAMPLES Rice University November 1 – Early Decision Deadline January 1 – Regular Decision Deadline Emory University November 1 – Early Decision I Deadline January 1 – Early Decision II Deadline January 1 – Regular Action Deadline Harvard /Stanford November 1 – Restrictive Early Action Deadline January 1 – Regular Action Deadline Oklahoma State University Rolling Admissions November 1 – Early Opportunity Scholarship Deadline Southern Methodist University November 1 – Early Decision I Deadline November 1 – Early Action Deadline January 15 – Early Decision II Deadline January 15 – Regular Decision Deadline
Student, Parent, & Counselor Roles Students, counselors, and parents play different roles but with the same goal of achieving a smooth and successful process.
Applying to college is a team effort.
Student The Student’s Role (what you are responsible for completing): Applications Resume Essays Transcript requests Sending official test scores Selecting a teacher for the teacher letter of recommendation Visiting college reps on UA campus
Parent The Parents’ Role (how parents can support the process): Support your daughter emotionally. Be mindful that this is your daughter’s process. Let your daughter direct you. Check-in periodically. Have open communication. Contact College Counseling with any questions or concerns.
College Counselor The Counselor’s Role (what the College Counseling Department does for each student to complete her application process): Meet with each student in groups, individually, and with her family. Send out all supporting documents to the list of colleges on the Transcript Request: Transcript Secondary school report School profile Counselor letter Teacher letter(s) of recommendation Be available to address any questions or follow-up.
PRIORITY
MaiaLearning You have many opportunities to research colleges. One specific site that is helpful to students in MaiaLearning. It provides information about our school applicants.
MaiaLearning is a software program used by Ursuline Academy to aid students and parents in the college application process, career planning, scholarships, and more. View MaiaLearning's "The Student Journey" for a MaiaLearning Overview for Families and Students, a Personality Assessment, Career Planning page, College Search, and much more!
The Student Journey
Types of College Admissions There are many types of admission criteria, and each college handles its process differently, so it is important that you learn what is required by each university. Think of this as different levels of information you present. In some cases, you may be submitting an application that doesn’t require a lot of information; on the other end of the spectrum, there will be application supplements that will ask detailed questions in order to get to know you better. So, what counts? It depends on the university, the weight that is placed on various assessment tools, and the level of selectivity. In all cases, the admission process is determining the preparedness of each entering freshman to be successful at her specific institution. Several of the most common types of admission criteria are:
“Automatic” or “Academic” Admissions Criteria The application decision tends to be straightforward. GPA and test scores are typical benchmarks for admission. Schools that have historically offered this type of admission are large public institutions. Usually, the application is relatively simple. Supporting documents typically required are the transcript and official test scores (SAT or ACT).
Types of College Admissions “Holistic” Review Admissions Criteria Academic achievement is thoroughly evaluated and includes: Transcript review – rigor and grades Test Scores (ACT, SAT) Extracurricular engagement becomes important: Leadership, Service, Talent (athletic, musical...) Personal qualities are strong considerations: Depth and breadth of leadership; sustaining interest or new passion Well-rounded or specialist Intellectual curiosity or engagement Point of view Local factors put the student “in context”: High school type – private, college preparatory Percentage of students who attend four-year colleges Socio-economic make-up of the community Institutional priorities are internal considerations by the university: What is this person going to add to the campus community? Gender balance Demographics – geography or origin, religious, political, non-college family history, racial diversity
PRIORITY
FINANCIAL AID &
Scholarships
Types of Financial Aid Financial aid opportunities exist to help make a college education affordable for students and their families. This section contains information about various types of financial aid, applying for financial aid, and resources available to assist families through the financial aid process.
Gift Aid Gift Aid is awarded to students based on merit or need and typically does not require repayment.
SCHOLARSHIPS
School-Specific Awards Awarded by a college or university Can only be used at the awarding institution Most do not require a separate application
Outside Awards Awarded by an outside organization such as a church, civic group, parent employer, etc. A portable award that can be used at any college or university the student attends
GRANTS Awarded on the basis of financial need after applying for financial aid. Some examples include the Federal Pell Grant, the Texas Grant, and institutional grants awarded by colleges and universities. Information about federal grants may be found at studentaid.ed.gov and information about grants offered by the state of Texas may be found at www.collegeforalltexans.com
Types of Financial Aid
Self-Help Aid Self-Help includes awards that require a student to contribute by either repaying assistance received through a loan program or by earning their assistance through an employment program.
LOANS Awards that allow students and parents to borrow to help pay for all or a portion of their college expenses. Repayment usually begins after the student graduates from college or is no longer a half-time student (taking fewer than six hours a semester). Families are encouraged to only borrow what is needed to pay for educational expenses. These loans are an investment in the student’s future. Examples of loans include the Federal Stafford Loan and the Parent PLUS Loan, federally-sponsored loans that offer lower interest rates than private loans and flexible repayment options, especially for student borrowers.
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS Work programs that allow a student to earn a part of their financial aid award to pay for college. Student earns up to the amount awarded. This is usually offered in the form of a paycheck or other compensation.
Financial Aid Applications Colleges may require students to complete one or more of the following financial aid applications to determine their eligibility for various financial aid programs: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Access FAFSA. This standard form collects demographic and financial information about the student and their family to calculate their Student Aid Index (SAI) — the amount the college expects the family to contribute to the student’s educational cost. The FAFSA is available beginning December 1 of a student’s senior year. The FAFSA helps a college determine a student’s eligibility for needbased aid by assessing the difference between the college Cost of Attendance (COA) and their SAI. College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile (CSS Profile). Access CSS. This supplemental application is used by many private and a few public colleges and universities to determine a student’s eligibility for nonfederal and institutional financial aid. The application is available through the College Board. Students can typically begin completing the CSS Profile in late fall of their senior year Families are required to pay an initial fee to apply and then an additional fee to report the information to colleges. Institutional Applications This type of application may be required by a college or university to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid programs. Students should check the financial aid policies of each institution to determine if they must complete an institutional application in addition to the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile.
Scholarships Types of Criteria for Scholarship Consideration Academic performance Athletic achievement Financial need Religious/ethnic affiliations Community affiliations A unique set of criteria that is important to the organization providing funds Scholarship Information Colleges can (and do) have many types of scholarships. You will be automatically considered for some, and others will require extra work. Seek out each and every scholarship by researching the college website for the criteria and instructions to earn a scholarship. Scholarship deadlines may be earlier than admission application deadlines.
Scholarships Colleges may require students to complete one or more of the following financial aid applications to determine their eligibility for various financial aid programs: Requirements for Scholarships You may be required to write an essay, complete a project demonstrating your potential, and/or interview. Programs may specify how scholarship funds must be used, set time restrictions for disbursing the funds, or set a ceiling on qualifying family income. Failure to meet certain requirements could jeopardize your ability to keep the scholarship. Organizations that Offer Scholarships High schools and colleges Companies or employers Professional associations Religious groups Federal and state governments
Scholarships Students may automatically be considered for scholarships by the college once they have applied for admission based on their GPA and test scores Pathways to Pursue Scholarship Opportunities Students may automatically be considered for scholarships by the college once they have applied for admission based on their GPA and test scores. Students might need to complete a scholarship component after they have completed the admission application section, e.g., the Apply Texas application or Common App Supplemental Question. Students might receive an email or notification indicating they qualify to apply for a scholarship after they have applied for admission. Students might need to complete a separate scholarship application and submit it by a priority deadline. Students are nominated for a scholarship by the school. Students may seek and complete other outside scholarships opportunities – corporate, private, etc. Additional Scholarship Resources Students can use the following resources to seek additional scholarship opportunities: MaiaLearning for a current listing of scholarships Scholarship postings in the Class Team Check email and text messages for reminders about scholarships Scholarship search engines: www.fastweb.com and www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/scholarship-search Refer to the list of online resources for additional information that can be accessed from the Resources page on MaiaLearning College Counseling Class Team Scholarships and Financial Aid Channel
Questions to Ask Financial Aid Officers Once you identify a college that is a good fit for you, you should investigate your financial aid options. Each college has its own financial aid policies — guidelines for deciding who qualifies for aid, what type of aid is available, and how they award financial aid. To be sure you understand what is available, check to see if the answers to these questions appear on the college’s website or in their print materials. If not, schedule a phone meeting or an interview with a member of the financial aid staff (if you’re going to be visiting the college). Financial Aid Officers can answer specific questions about costs, the financial aid process, and options for financing your education.
Questions to Ask Financial Aid Officers HERE ARE A DOZEN QUESTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED: What's the average total cost — including tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, travel, and other personal expenses — for the first year? How much have your costs increased over the last three years? Does financial need have an effect on admission decisions? What is the priority deadline to apply for financial aid, and when am I notified about financial aid award decisions? How is financial aid affected if I apply under an early decision or early action program? Does the college offer need-based and merit-based financial aid? Are there scholarships available that aren't based on financial need, and do I need to complete a separate application for them? If the financial aid package the college offers isn't enough, are there any conditions under which it can be reconsidered, such as changes in my family's financial situation or my enrollment status (or that of a family member)? How does the aid package change from year to year? What are the terms of the programs included in the aid package? What are the academic requirements or other conditions for the renewal of financial aid, including scholarships? When can I expect to receive bills from the college, and is there an option to spread the yearly payment over equal monthly installments?
Special Circumstances Families may wish to share financial information with a college that they cannot report on the FAFSA. In this situation, families should contact the financial aid office of the college or colleges to which they are applying to ask if they will consider these special circumstances. The college may ask for a letter of explanation and documentation describing the special circumstances. Some examples of expenses that may qualify for special circumstance consideration include: Change in income/employment status Medical expenses not covered by insurance Private school tuition Other unusual expenses
Cost of Attendance The Cost of Attendance (COA) represents an estimate of the total cost for a student to attend a college during an academic year. The COA will vary for each college a student considers. Items that colleges include to determine their COA include: Tuition and fees Room and board — may differ if a student lives on or off campus Books and supplies Transportation expenses Miscellaneous expenses Students typically cannot receive more financial aid than their Cost of Attendance. Colleges determine a student’s eligibility for need-based aid by calculating the difference between their COA and a student’s Student Aid Index (SAI). The following is an example of how to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based aid: Cost of Attendance (COA): $35,000 Student Aid Index (SAI): - $15,000 Need-based aid eligibility: $20,000
Financial Aid Calculators Financial aid calculators can assist families with many aspects of the financial aid process by estimating their family contribution, net price to attend a particular college, and general college costs. The following are examples of some of the most common calculators that may be useful throughout the financial aid application process. These calculators, along with other tools and calculators, are available through the Big Future: Calculate Your College Costs.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator Expected Family Contribution calculators estimate how much a family should contribute toward a student’s college costs. An EFC calculator considers information about the family size, income, and asset information when estimating the EFC. Net Price Calculator (NPC) Net price calculators can estimate the “net price” for a particular college or university. The net price is the “sticker” price (family cost) to attend a specific college minus any financial aid a student may receive. Every college and university is required to place an NPC on their website so students can estimate their “net price” to attend that particular institution and make informed financial decisions when comparing colleges they are considering. These calculators are also available on general financial aid information sites such as the College Board. College Cost Calculator College cost calculators help determine what a college may cost a family by the time their student is ready to enroll in college. How to Save for College College savings calculators help a family determine how much they should save to pay for anticipated college costs.
Online Resources The following is a list of some of the many websites available to assist you in your research of financial aid information and scholarships. Scholarship Information APIA Scholars Career One Stop Scholarship Finder Catholic Scholarships for College Students College Board Big Future Grants and Scholarships College Express Scholarship Search College Scholarships Fast Web Finaid: Scholarships Fisher House Scholarships: Helping Military Families Going Merry Scholarships Hispanic Scholarship Fund NCAA Questbridge Raise Me Scholarships for Women Scholarships.Com Society of Women Engineers Scholarships The Gates Scholarships UNCF Scholarships Women's Guide to Paying for College
Financial Aid Applications FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid CSS Profile Financial Aid Resources ACT Paying for College College Board Big Future Paying for College College For All Texans Finaid: The Go-to Guide for College NASFAA: National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Sallie Mae
POLICIES &
Procedures
Policies & Procedures Students and parents/guardians will find this section helpful in better understanding the policies and procedures of Ursuline Academy throughout the college process.
Communication Network Students and their parents/guardians are notified of events related to the college process through QuickLinks, MaiaLearning, the School Portal, the College Counseling bulletin board outside of Fox Dining Hall, College Counseling Class Teams, email, and text notification.
Conference Information Through group meetings with students during all four years, parent programs, and through individual meetings with students during junior and senior years, College Counselors make every effort to provide resources for our students and their families. They welcome students in all four classes who wish to consult with them regarding college admission questions.
Transcript Policy Official transcripts must be requested by completing the Transcript Request form that is available in the College Counseling Office. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the college or organization requesting it. For juniors and seniors, unofficial transcripts are available on Backpack. Sophomores and freshmen should request the transcript via an email to their College Counselor or to the College Counseling Coordinator.
Transcript Request Process During the fall of senior year, students will request that transcripts and recommendation letters be sent to colleges. They can obtain the Transcript Request Form in the College Counseling Office. Due to the high volume of requests, particularly approaching a major deadline such as November 1, students should allow up to four weeks for processing requests.
Policies & Procedures Transcript Limit There is no limit on the number of transcripts Ursuline will send on a student’s behalf. However, we highly encourage students to set a limit of ten. Students may have valid reasons to apply to more than ten schools, but they should discuss their plan with their parents and College Counselor first. This policy helps to ensure that students apply to schools they are truly interested in, while managing a reasonable number of applications.
Transcripts for Transfer Students A student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA), as reported on the Ursuline transcript, is the weighted average of all semester course grades and credits she has earned while at Ursuline Academy. When seniors who have transferred to Ursuline make their transcript requests, College Counseling will send unofficial copies of the transcripts from their former schools with their official Ursuline transcript so that admission officers may evaluate their complete high school academic record. Note: Some colleges might request for an official transcript to be sent to them directly from the previous high school the student attended.
Special Program/Scholarship Process Students should complete a request form, which is available in the College Counseling Office, and indicate what pieces of information they need. The office will send official transcripts and recommendation letters/forms directly to the organization requesting them.
Policies & Procedures Off-Campus College Visits First and second semester discretionary college visit days are pre-arranged days which a student may use for college visits or scholarship interviews during the admission process. To request a college visit day, a student must send one group email to all teachers for classes she would miss on her visit day. This email should be sent at least three school days before her planned visit, and should have her College Counselor, Attendance, and a parent/guardian copied on the email as well. The subject line should read “College Visit.” In the message, please include the date(s) class will be missed, along with the name and location of the college(s). A student must complete all her classwork prior to leaving for her college visit. Sophomores have two college visit days in the spring semester. Juniors have two college visit days each semester. Seniors have three college visit days each semester. College Visit Days may not be applied during the class retreats and special program days. College visit days are not approved through School Pass notifications. *Additional college visits days must be approved by the College Counseling Office and the Dean of Students Office
On-Campus College Visits Juniors and seniors are encouraged to visit with some of the 200+ college admission representatives who visit Ursuline each year. While seniors may attend as many sessions as they wish (pending teacher approval), juniors may visit with up to five representatives per school year. If a junior is on a free period, the visit will not count toward the limit of five.
Policies & Procedures Teacher Recommendation Process During junior year, students are encouraged to identify one or two teachers, depending on colleges' requirements, to write letters of recommendation on their behalf. Students should ask teachers at the end of junior year so that teachers may prepare and send their letters during the fall of the senior year. College Counselors will also prepare a letter of recommendation for each student.
Admission Decision Notification Students should notify their College Counselor when they receive admission decisions from colleges, either by bringing in copies of their decision letters or forwarding emails with the admission notification. Admission decisions are recorded in MaiaLearning so that future Ursuline students better understand the selectivity of the colleges they are considering.
Scholarship Award Notification Students should notify their College Counselor when they receive scholarship awards from colleges and other organizations, either by bringing in copies of award letters or forwarding emails with the award name and amount. They should also let their College Counselor know of any honors programs or special programs they are selected for.
College Choice Survey In late spring, seniors are asked to complete this survey on MaiaLearning so that the College Counseling office may send a final transcript to the appropriate college.