WHAT COMES NEXT?
Dear NEIA Innovators, Parents and Guardians,
How do you develop a framework for your life after NEIA? What does it look like? Will you head directly to college or are you considering other options like a gap year program? Or maybe you have plans to go to work. This handbook was created to help our NEIA upper school innovators prepare for their own individual plans.
The NEIA College Counseling department believes that this process of self-discovery should mirror what you are already doing in your coursework—authentic self-reflection. The transition from high school to “What Comes Next” is a time of great discovery and development. As innovators make decisions about their future, they learn more about themselves and their needs. This process can lead to increased freedom and responsibility as well as a stronger sense of self-awareness, self-worth, and autonomy.
NEIA’s College Counseling department defines success in this transition as the achievement of four key goals:
CHOICES: Innovators should have a variety of options available to them so that they can choose a path that is right for them.
SELF-AWARENESS: Innovators should have a clear understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
SELF-WORTH: Innovators should believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals.
AUTONOMY: Innovators should be able to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their actions.
NEIA college counselors are experts in the field of college admission and counseling and regularly engage in professional development and networking with the college admission community. We are honored to be part of your journey.
Marie Assir Director of College Counseling New England Innovation Academy
WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR?
Achievement
Intellectual Curiosity
Time Management
Resiliency
Impact
Creativity
Community
A note about… INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS
Independent educational consultants (IECs) can be a valuable resource for students who do not have access to college counseling resources at their school. However, NEIA is fortunate to have a dedicated college counselor who works one-on-one with students and provides group guidance and support.
When to Use an IEC
In keeping with our counseling philosophy, we do not “nag,” track down, or complete work for students. If you are a true procrastinator or have severe organizational struggles, working with an IEC may be a good option for you. However, it is important to find an IEC who understands your needs and will not take over the college process for you.
Students who are pursuing a highly specialized program, such as dance, musical theater, or film, may also want to consider working with an IEC that specializes in that area. Our office will collaborate with students and IECs in those situations.
Disclosing Information to NEIA
If you decide to work with an IEC, it is important to disclose that information to our office. This is critical to maintaining full integrity in the work we do with colleges. By partnering with you about your intent to work with an IEC, we can ensure that your child does not feel like they are keeping a secret. We can also support your child so they do not feel uncomfortable if they receive conflicting advice, or if they are showing signs of application “burnout.”
Our Goal
Our goal is to help students find the best college for them. We believe that the college process should be an educational experience, not just an activity to be perfected. By working with our college counselor or an IEC who shares our philosophy, students can gain the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future.
NEIA COLLEGE COUNSELING TIMELINE
9TH GRADE TIMELINE
Explore and engage in extracurricular activities and explorations. This is a great time to take advantage of all that NEIA has to offer. Follow your interests and passions
Create an activity log to track all of your activities, academic achievements, awards, and summer experiences
Develop your time management and study skills
Attend some of the college visits on campus to learn more about university options and what you might be interested in
Plan your upper school classes
Meet with your college counselor to discuss your own individual plan for high school and your life after NEIA
Sign up for your SCOIR account
10TH GRADE TIMELINE
Sign up for your SCOIR account (if you have not already done so)
Continue participating in non-academic activities and see if you can deepen your involvement or take on a leadership role
Stay focused on your performance in the classroom
Take the PSAT in October
Attend college visits on the NEIA campus and attend an in-person or virtual college fair
Continue to meet with your college counselor to plan your high school schedule and your life after high school
Visit a college campus near your home or while you are on vacation
Take advantage of opportunities to do an internship or a summer program
Consider taking a diagnostic test to better understand your strengths for the SAT and ACT
Plan your summer, take advantage of work, internships, travel, language development, volunteer experience, self-designed projects, and summer camps/programs
Update your digital portfolio
NEIA COLLEGE COUNSELING TIMELINE
11TH GRADE TIMELINE
FALL
Stay consistent with your non-academic activities and explore opportunities for leadership roles. Look for ways to get involved in civic engagement… help others in your community
Update your activity log and your digital portfolio
Start your college search and meet regularly with your college counselor to define your individualized plan
Attend college visits on campus and visit a few local colleges
WINTER/SPRING
Plan your summer experiences
Meet with your college counselor to continue working on your plan
Continue attending college visits on campus and researching colleges
Continue to build your college list
Continue to look for scholarship opportunities and discuss finances with your guardians
Talk with your college counselor about teacher recommendations
Discuss testing options for SAT or ACT with your college counselor
Research, research, research - explore your options
Meet with your college counselor to get assistance in creating a list
Meet with your college counselor to create your testing schedule
Register for standardized testing if needed
Stay focused on your academic performance and continue to challenge yourself academically
Start researching colleges and begin to build a college list
Take the PSAT in the fall and stay on track with your testing plan
Register for SCOIR ( if you have not already done so)
Finalize your resume
Use your resume to create a draft of your activities list
Meet with your college counselor to discuss summer plans
Draft your common application essay due to your college counselor before summer break
Draft of your college list due to your college counselor
Identify scholarships as needed
Visit college campuses
Attend virtual events and college fairs
Schedule weekly meetings with your college counselor
Create a spreadsheet or document for tracking your college applications and deadlines
Discuss your college plans with your family
NEIA COLLEGE COUNSELING TIMELINE
WINTER/SPRING
(CONTINUED)
Use SCOIR to research colleges
Review the shared Google Drive
Attend workshops, webinars, and events hosted by college counseling
Check your email daily
Practice for college interviews
Work on your digital portfolio
SUMMER
Participate in summer experiences (research, reading, internships, fun stuff)
Refine and finalize your college list. Be sure it reflects a balance of admission probabilities (likely, possible, and reach schools)
Research the type of applications required for each school on your list
Write your personal statement
Begin work on the Common Application
Take a look at net price calculators to understand the true cost of attendance
Take a look at the resource board of MyNEIA and the announcement page of MyNEIA
Check out gap year programs
Plan your summer months with your college counselor
Visit more colleges
Research the admission requirements and deadlines for schools on your list and create a spreadsheet to organize information. Research to see if an interview is offered or required at each school
Create a scholarship spreadsheet to list deadlines and requirements.
NEIA COLLEGE COUNSELING TIMELINE
12TH GRADE TIMELINE
(Please see the college counseling internal deadline document in MyNEIA)
AUGUST + SEPTEMBER
Confirm your final college list, application deadlines, and requirements
Write your college-specific supplemental essays
Ask your college counselor to review your essays
Continue to research scholarships, adding requirements and deadlines to your list
Set up interviews when needed
Complete your brag sheet for your college counselor
Apply to scholarships throughout the school year
Start preparing financial aid paperwork and develop a list of deadlines
Request letters of recommendation from teachers
Check your email daily
Make sure your college counselor has your transcript from your previous school
Finalize your digital portfolio
Finalize your common app essay
Finalize your brag sheet
Plan any necessary standardized tests for the fall
Meet with your college counselor to finalize your college list
Notify your college counselor if you plan to apply for Early Action or Early Decision (deadline September 15)
Notify your college counselor if you have identified scholarships
Gather any financial documents—guardian salary statement and bank statements
Continue to use SCOIR for research and identifying prospective colleges
NEIA COLLEGE COUNSELING TIMELINE
SEPTEMBER—NOVEMBER
Complete and send out all EA and ED applications no later than late October. (These deadlines are typically around November 1)
Many portfolio-based arts programs have December 1 deadlines. And some universities require submission by December 1 to be considered for scholarship opportunities
Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA and CSS profile (if needed)
Send test scores to your colleges after checking whether they allow self-reported scores.
If you are applying early, turn in your transcript release form to your college counselor (deadline September 15)
Update your college counselor about any changes
Attend college visits at NEIA
Send official test scores to colleges (if needed)
Check your email daily
Finalize common application or any other application for early college applications
Attend any webinars, events, workshops offered by the college counseling office
Ask for help when needed
Schedule interviews as needed
Talk with your college counselor about digital portfolio materials for submission
Submit your brag sheet to your college counselor
Turn in your transcript release form for regular decision applications
Begin working on your FAFSA
Begin working on your CSS profile (if needed)
Submit financial aid forms by deadlines
Check email for additional requests for financial aid documents
Update your college counselor with any changes
Finalize supplemental essays
Start working on regular decision applications
NEIA COLLEGE COUNSELING TIMELINE
DECEMBER
Regular Decision (RD) deadlines are typically around January 1. Complete and send out all RD applications no later than midDecember. Give yourself a relaxing holiday break by completing your applications before December
Submit your regular decision applications by mid-December
JANUARY–MARCH
JANUARY: If deferred, send an email to your region/state/country admissions representative
Check your email regularly and complete all financial aid requirements
If you are applying to Canadian universities— check your deadlines
Submit any financial aid forms or documents
MARCH–APRIL
Colleges have until April 1 to release decisions
Plan visits to accepted colleges, if needed, in order to make your final college choice
Attend local admitted student events when possible
MAY
Notify your college counselor of your college decisions and scholarship opportunities
Sign up for campus housing if you plan to live on campus
Submit any financial aid forms/documents
Share any early decisions with your college counselor
Schedule any necessary interviews
Continue to apply to scholarships
Schedule any interviews needed
Follow up with any required documents
Notify your college counselor about any changes or updates
Continue to apply to scholarships
Evaluate financial aid packages and scholarship offerings to figure out how to pay for college
Students need to enroll and submit a deposit by May 1
Complete the required forms to accept an offer
Continue to check your email daily
Follow the process after accepting an offer
COUNSELING ADVICE + TIPS
✓ Ask for help when needed… even when you don’t know what you might need help with
✓ Have ALL your essays reviewed by your college counselor and a humanities teacher before submission (not at the last minute)
✓ Stay organized
✓ Great applications do not happen at the last minute. Start early
✓ Know your deadlines
✓ Know what is required by the colleges on your list
✓ Have your college counselor review and approve your college list
✓ Have your counselor review your common app with you before submitting
✓ Send standardized scores when needed (before the deadline)
✓ Check your email
✓ Discuss your plans with your family
✓ Have your counselor review your activities list
✓ Use SCOIR
COUNSELOR RESPONSIBILITIES
✓ Your college counselor will submit your transcripts, school profile, teacher recommendations, and counselor recommendation
INNOVATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
✓ Complete and submit applications by the college deadlines
✓ Submit financial aid forms and documents by the deadline
✓ Pay attention to internal NEIA deadlines and procedures
✓ Check email and respond as needed to colleges
✓ Ask for help when needed
✓ Stay organized
THE COLLEGE SEARCH
The first and most important step in your college search is to define your priorities. What is important to you in a college experience? Do you want a large or small campus? A rural or urban setting? A school with a strong academic reputation or one with a vibrant social scene? Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start narrowing down your options.
Don’t eliminate a school simply because it’s outside your comfort zone. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be a great way to grow as a person. If you’ve always lived in a small town, consider applying to a large university. If you’re not sure what you want to study, look for a school with a wide range of majors. The challenge of dealing with the unfamiliar can be a rewarding experience.
Here are some additional tips for your college search:
✓ Visit campuses in person. This is the best way to get a feel for a school’s atmosphere and culture.
✓ Talk to current students and alumni. They can give you valuable insights into the school’s pros and cons.
✓ Read college rankings and reviews. But don’t rely on rankings alone. Use them as a starting point for your research.
✓ Apply to a range of schools. This will give you the best chance of getting accepted to a school that’s a good fit for you.
The college search can be a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting one. With careful planning and research, you can find the perfect school for you.
GETTING STARTED WITH SCOIR
SCOIR is a dynamic and visual college search, selection, and application tool for students, parents, and college counselors. The class of 2025 will be the second class to fully engage with SCOIR throughout the college search and application process. SCOIR gives each stakeholder in the college process their own individual account as there are features in the program that are uniquely tailored to the student and parent role in the college process. Students and parents will receive an email to “invite” them to initiate their SCOIR account, giving them access to this powerful and fun resource.
The MyNEIA college counseling resource board has additional information on navigating SCOIR. Students can use the COLLEGE SEARCH feature of SCOIR to research and identify colleges that meet their individual needs and preferences. Once a list of colleges is created, students can choose to follow a college on their prospective list. Comprehensive information and analysis about each college is available. Parents and guardians are an important part of the college search process. Students can invite parents/guardians to access SCOIR’s interactive tools. Parents can recommend colleges to students via SCOIR. SCOIR also provides a NET PRICE CALCULATOR to help families identify the cost of attendance for each university.
School-Specific Websites: Individual college websites are a great resource for information.
College Representative Visits: In its inaugural year, the college counseling department hosted about 40 colleges/universities on campus and we expect to host many more during the 2024-2025 academic year. The list of college visits is indicated on SCOIR and the MyNEIA College Visit tab. Upper School students receive weekly reminders about visits and registration. It is
HIGHLY recommended that all students in the upper school attend several visits each year. Attending college visits indicates demonstrated interest in a university but also is part of the exploration and research that is an integral part of discovering the options.
Using social media for research
✓ Consider creating a LinkedIn account to highlight internships and work experience
✓ Consider following colleges on Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date about college majors, programs, and events
✓ Watch YouTube videos about specific colleges
✓ Follow the College Essay Guy and check out his FREE resources
✓ Use NICHE to explore options
✓ Use CollegeConfidential to explore options
IN-PERSON COLLEGE FAIR TIPS
It is important to be organized and do a little planning before attending an event. Check out these tips from the College Essay Guy here on making the most of your college fair experience. Remember the college folks meet hundreds of people, make your interaction a memorable and positive experience. Visit colleges that you might not have already heard about; this is a great time to step out of your comfort zone.
VIRTUAL FAIR TIPS
Just like an in-person fair or visit, you also want to be prepared and professional when meeting college representatives in a virtual setting. Do your research in advance and plan which colleges might be of interest to you. Plan out some questions. This is a great opportunity to make a connection. Be ready to tell them a little bit about NEIA!
Questions for admission representatives
When you’re meeting with an admission officer from a college it’s always important to ask questions. Sometimes it can be hard to know what questions to ask,
especially if it’s early in the application process. Here are some good questions to ask college admission officers to help determine whether a college is a good fit for you. Reference this brochure by Colleges that Change Lives.
ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT
✓ What is the average class size? Who generally teaches first-year classes, professors or graduate students?
✓ What are some hands-on learning opportunities on campus?
✓ What opportunities do students have to do research, either with faculty or alone?
✓ What are some internships that students in my major have done in the past?
✓ What study abroad programs are offered? What are other opportunities for intercultural education?
✓ What percentage of first-year students return for their sophomore year?
✓ Does your school offer entrepreneurship as a major or in another capacity
✓ Can you tell me how innovation and design are integrated into your curriculum?
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY CULTURE
✓ Where are your students from geographically?
✓ What does diversity look like on your campus?
✓ What affinity groups exist on campus?
✓ What percentage of students live on campus?
✓ What are some of the popular events on campus?
✓ What are the most well-known campus traditions?
✓ What opportunities exist for community engagement and social justice work?
✓ What kind of student would NOT be happy on your campus?
✓ What is the area surrounding your campus like? What is there to do off campus?
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
✓ How safe is the campus? What safety services are available?
✓ What counseling and mental health services are available on campus?
✓ What academic accommodations are available for students who need it?
✓ What career planning services are available on campus?
ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID
✓ What do you look for when reading applications? What is most important?
✓ Are you test-optional?
✓ Do you offer scholarships?
Add your own questions too!
READING ROOM
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
“Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions” (2020) by Jeff Selingo
“The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting in and Staying Together” (2019) by Rick Clark and Brennan Bernard
“Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change The Way You Think About Colleges” (2012) by Loren Pope
“Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admission Mania” (2016) by Frank Bruni
“Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout your Life” (2019) by Michael Horn and Bob Moesta
“College Match: A Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You” (2022) by Dr Steven R Antonoff
INTERESTING ARTICLES
Parenting the Disappointed Teen: Brennan Bernard
College Admission Blog: Rick Clark - Dean of Admissions - Georgia Tech
Is the Ivy League Worth it
Fit over rankings
COLLEGE SEARCH RESOURCES
GENERAL COLLEGE SEARCH RESOURCES
College Xpress: fun and simple way for students to research colleges
Colleges That Change Lives: good information about the college process as well as CTCL schools
Fiske Interactive Guide: the online version of the Fiske Guide where you can research schools, create lists, and track deadlines ($20)
Big Future by The College Board
National Survey of Student Engagement
College Navigator
Niche
COLLEGE LIST BUILDING TOOLS
ScholarMatcher: awesome search tool for lowincome/first-gen students
College Equity Index: tool to help Black students build their college lists
The Hundred-Seven: searchable database of HBCU academic programs
I’m First: guide for first-generation College Students and their families
Campus Pride: resources for the LGBTQ+ community
Women’s Colleges: learn more about options for female-identified students
American Indian College Fund: list and descriptions of tribal colleges and universities
Catholic Colleges and Universities: list of U.S. based institutions
VIRTUAL CAMPUS VISITS
CampusReel
Virtual College Tours
YouTube
UC Campus Virtual Tours
GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITIES
AmeriCorps
BUNAC
Gapyearly
International Gap Year Programs
Jobs in Great Places
Employment, Cultural Exchange, and Volunteer
FINANCIAL AID
RESEARCHING “FINANCIAL FIT”
Check the college scorecard
✓ Search for colleges by name, size, location
✓ For each college you will see: the average annual cost, graduation rate, and average salary after graduation
✓ Check out cost
✓ Check out financial aid and debt
✓ Check out SAT/ACT scores
Use a school’s Net Price Calculator: available on a college website. This allows you to enter information about yourself to find out what families like you paid to attend the institution. Each college is different. Colleges that award merit-based aid may ask for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Colleges that award need-based aid will ask for family income and asset information
Read through the Admissions and Financial Aid Website
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
Research each college’s requirements
✓ Not all colleges require the same forms/documents. Check the websites. The items that you might need to submit are - FAFSA, CSS profile, institutional form, copies of tax documents
Research (and meet) deadlines
Complete the FAFSA
File other forms as needed
Complete a verification form if needed
COMPARING YOUR OPTIONS
What is the net cost for each school?
What will the cost be in year 2?
If you need to borrow money, how much will that be?
ASK QUESTIONS
Contact the financial aid office
Utilize online resources:
✓ Finaid.org
✓ Studentaid.ed.gov
✓ State Department of Education website
WHAT IS TOTAL COST?
This may be called budget or cost of attendance. The total cost includes billed expenses as well as unbilled expense estimates.
✓ Billed expenses
✓ Tuition and fees
✓ Room and board
✓ Health insurance (if purchased from college)
✓ Unbilled expenses
✓ Books and supplies
✓ Personal
✓ Travel
FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE
11TH GRADE TIMELINE
FALL
Discuss financial aid and priority list with your family. What are your top 3 priorities in affording college? What can your family contribute?
Examples of priorities, financial aid packages with:
✓ Full funding
✓ $0 family contribution
✓ In-state tuition
✓ Scholarships
✓ Work Study options
Identify your affordable net price range
SPRING
Create a preliminary college list that considers need - do the colleges on your list align with your financial aid priorities? Make sure that your list is balanced…not just for admission but also for aid
Use net price calculators to help create a framework for what is affordable.
Begin your scholarship search. Take a look at Fastweb and the app Scholly
Research state or federal funding
✓ Do you know the difference between grants, scholarships, and loans?
✓ Does your college list include colleges that offer merit scholarships?
✓ Do you know the difference between federal funding and institutional funding?
✓ Do you know the difference between the FAFSA and the CSS profile?
✓ Do you know what “need-aware” means?
✓ Do you know what it means when a college indicates that they meet 100% of demonstrated need?
Check out Tuition Break for students from New England here
Create a FAFSA ID: You and your parents/ guardians can get started by creating your FAFSA ID which will act as a digital signature to sign federal aid documents. Go to FAFSA here
Finalize your college list. Make sure to consider your financial needs. At least 70% of your list should consist of colleges that meet your needs
Check CSS deadlines for applications submitted EA, ED, and RD
Consider researching Questbridge which is a national college match program for low-income students
FALL
Submit your FAFSA and CSS Profile ( when needed). Check deadlines
Submit applications for scholarships
Use your financial aid needs to determine your applications: EA, ED, or RD
Submit required documents and forms to colleges
SPRING
Prioritize financial aid awards and admission decisions
Submit an appeal if necessary
Determine if loans are needed
12TH GRADE TIMELINE
FINANCIAL AID TERMS
Student Aid Index: SAI is replacing EFC (expected family contribution) and is a calculation of the amount of need-based aid a student is eligible to receive
FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Financial Aid: Money that is given, lent or paid to you so you can pay for college
Merit-Based Aid: Scholarships, grants and other aid awarded based on merit, leadership or other special talent
Need-Based Aid: Financial aid that is awarded based on demonstrated financial need
Need-Blind: An admission policy that does not use financial need as a factor in selecting applicants.
Need-Aware: An admission policy that takes into account students’ financial need before making admission decisions
CSS Profile: The application required by many schools to apply for institutional aid.
Work Study: A federally subsidized college program in which students hold part-time campus jobs
SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Tuition Break: NEBHE’s Tuition Break, formerly known as the Regional Student Program (RSP), enables thousands of New England residents to enroll at out-of-state New England public colleges and universities at a discounted tuition rate.
Massachusetts residents are eligible for more than 950 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through Tuition Break.
The programs are offered by public colleges and universities in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—all at a substantial tuition discount. Eligible students are charged a tuition rate that is significantly less than the regular out-of-state tuition rate.
College Essay Guy : finding scholarships here and how to write a scholarship essay here
View and search program offerings approved for 2023-24: Find all programs for Massachusetts residents
View information for each Tuition Break institution, including approved programs, tuition rates, and contacts: Participating colleges and universities
LEARNING SUPPORT + SERVICES
SOME QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER IF YOU HAVE SPECIFIC LEARNING NEEDS:
What kind of support does the college offer to students with different learning styles/needs?
Does the college have specific requirements (such as language or math) that might be difficult to fulfill?
Is there a program dedicated to supporting students?
Do students need to submit an updated educational testing evaluation?
What types of other support are available (such as a writing lab)?
READING ROOM
USEFUL BOOKS
“The Princeton Review’s K&W Guide for Students with Learning Differences”
“Guiding Teens with Learning Disabilities: Navigating the Transition from High School to Adulthood” by Amy Roffman
THESE COLLEGES ARE KNOWN TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING NEEDS.
Colleges with an asterisk also have special fee-based centers.
American University
Augsburg College
Baylor University
Beacon College *
Brown University
Clark University
College of Charleston
College of Wooster
Curry College *
DePaul University
Drew University
Earlham College
Hofstra University
Iona College
Landmark College *
Lynn University *
Manhattanville College
Marshall University
Marymount Manhattan University
McDaniel College
Mitchell College *
Muhlenberg College
Northeastern University
Skidmore College
Southern Oregon University *
University of Arizona *
Univ of Connecticut
University of Denver *
University of Michigan
University of Puget Sound
University of Southern California
Wheaton College
Xavier University
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
THE COLLEGE INTERVIEW
We know that interviewing can be daunting, but you will be talking about a subject that you are very familiar with- YOU! However, we do not often get a chance to talk about ourselves so that is why it is important to practice. Many colleges use interviews as part of the application process. Interviews can take place on the college campus or virtually. Not all colleges offer interviews but if they do, please make sure to register in advance and prepare for the interview. This is a great opportunity for the admission office to learn more about you.
The GOAL: The main objective of the interview is to learn more about you, and how you think, and give you an opportunity to share your experiences.
✓ Talk with your college counselor to get assistance in preparing for your interview.
Some questions to help you prepare:
✓ What are you looking forward to most in college?
✓ What career industry do you see yourself going into and why?
✓ What was your proudest moment?
✓ What do you hope to contribute to our college community?
✓ Tell us about a time that you had to be a leader.
Interview TIPS: Things to keep in mind as you prepare for your interview
✓ You should be prepared to discuss your academic record
✓ Share the reasons you chose to attend NEIA
✓ Be prepared to talk about assessments and competencies at NEIA
Working on the Common Application?
FAQ’S
What is NEIA’s School code: 220069
How many students are in your graduating class: 15
What grading scale do we use: A-F and a 4.0 overall GPA
Do we have unweighted or weighted GPAs: Unweighted
Do we rank students at NEIA: No ranking
What is my counselor's information: Marie Assir, Director of College Counseling marie.assir@neiacademy.org 508-205-4266
✓ Be prepared to talk about how NEIA is different from other schools you have attended
✓ Be prepared to talk about your extracurricular activities
✓ Be prepared to talk about your academic highlights
✓ Be prepared to talk about interests, potential majors or subjects that interest you
✓ Be prepared to ask some questions yourself (about the college and student life)
✓ Bring a resume to help explain your achievements
✓ Bring an iPad or laptop and show/explain some details in your digital portfolio
✓ Have CONFIDENCE! You are a great applicant
✓ Send a thank you note after the interview
ADMISSIONS TESTING
Test scores are one part of a student’s application but they can carry weight, depending on the institutions students are applying to. Admissions committees often consider various factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and personal achievements.
Practice helps students become more familiar with the format, timing, and types of questions on exams like the SAT and the ACT. By dedicating time to practice students can identify their strengths and weaknesses and build confidence.
There are many resources available to aid in test preparation. Many students find KHAN Academy very useful. Students should strive for a well-rounded application that showcases their unique qualities, experiences, and potential. Balancing test preparation with other aspects of their college application can help students present a comprehensive and compelling profile to admission committees.
At NEIA, we have partnered with Compass Education Group to provide diagnostic ACT and SAT testing for students in grade 10. These tests are helpful in highlighting which exam is preferred for each student.
Test-Optional Policies: Students applying to testoptional schools have the choice to submit test scores if they wish. Please check with your college counselor to decide if and when you should submit test scores.
TESTING RESOURCES
THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR FAIR AND OPEN TESTING (up-to-date list of test-optional/blind schools)
SAT REGISTRATION
FREE SAT PREP ON KHAN ACADEMY
ACT REGISTRATION
TOEFL TESTING
DUOLINGO
THE COLLEGE ESSAY
Most college applications will require either a personal statement or an essay. This is a great opportunity to make your application stand out by sharing information about yourself. The college essay is your chance to tell admissions officers who you are and what you care about. It’s a chance to show them your personality, your passions, and your unique perspective on the world. Don’t forget to check out the College Essay Guy for lots of FREE resources and sample essays.
Babson College also has useful information here about writing the college essay as well as some sample essays
Here are some tips on how to write a great college essay:
✓ Be honest and introspective. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so be honest about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
✓ Choose a topic that matters to you . This will make your essay more personal and engaging.
✓ Tell a story. Use vivid details and anecdotes to bring your story to life.
✓ Be specific. Don’t just tell admissions officers what happened, show them.
✓ Be clear and concise. Your essay should be easy to read and understand.
✓ Proofread carefully. Typos and grammatical errors will make you look careless.
Here are some additional tips:
✓ Start early and give yourself plenty of time to write, revise, and edit your essay.
✓ Get feedback from other people , such as teachers, friends, or family members.
✓ Don’t be afraid to be creative. The college essay is your chance to show admissions officers who you are, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Here are some potential topics for your college essay:
✓ A time when you overcame a challenge.
✓ A time when you learned something new about yourself.
✓ A time when you made a difference in someone’s life.
✓ A time when you were creative or innovative.
✓ A time when you took a risk.
✓ A time when you failed.
✓ A time when you had to make a difficult decision.
✓ A time when you were faced with a moral dilemma.
✓ A time when you were inspired by someone or something.
These are just a few examples, of course. The best topic is one that is meaningful to you and that you can write about with passion.
Here are some additional words of advice:
✓ Focus on one experience, event, or activity. Don’t try to tackle too much in your essay.
✓ Have fun! Writing your college essay should be an enjoyable experience.
✓ Ask for advice from people who know you well, but write the essay yourself.
✓ Be yourself! Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so don’t try to be someone you’re not.
SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS
In addition to the Common Application general essay, many colleges and universities require supplemental essays and questions that include institution-specific questions. These supplements can be found on the college’s website or on the Common App website.
Johns Hopkins University has a useful college planning guide here with application tips.
The content of supplemental essays varies, but some common items include:
✓ Biographical information
✓ Areas of academic, extracurricular, and/or athletic interest
✓ Contact with and continued interest in the school through visits, interviews, etc.
✓ Legacy or other connections to the institution
✓ Additional essay questions, such as “Why do you want to attend college X?”
✓ Request for a graded paper or assignment with teacher comments
✓ Invitation to submit supporting materials in the arts or documentation of other special talents
✓ Early Decision (ED) intent form
✓ Financial aid supplement
✓ Disciplinary inquiry
✓ Parent or peer recommendation
✓ Residency form
✓ Honor code commitment
When completing a college supplement, it is important to answer every question thoughtfully. Supplemental essays provide a great opportunity to showcase your individuality and creativity, and they are reviewed just as carefully as the main essay. Be honest and genuine in your responses.
Here are some additional tips for writing supplemental essays:
✓ Start early and give yourself plenty of time to write, revise, and edit.
✓ Get feedback from people who know you well, such as teachers, friends, or family members.
✓ Be specific and provide details. Don’t just tell admissions officers what happened, show them.
✓ Be honest and authentic. Admissions officers can spot a fake from a mile away.
✓ Be clear and concise. Your essay should be easy to read and understand.
✓ Proofread carefully. Typos and grammatical errors will make you look careless.
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations from teachers can help the admissions committee learn more about you than your test scores and grades can tell. When choosing teachers to write your recommendations, be sure to select two who know you well and can speak to your academic strengths and personal qualities.
✓ Ask two teachers for recommendations.
✓ Ask in person and then follow up with the Teacher Recommendation Request Form
✓ Add the teacher to SCOIR. This will allow the teacher to see your application deadlines and your college list
✓ Provide additional information. Some teachers may request additional information from you
✓ Write thank-you notes
Here are some additional tips for getting strong teacher recommendations:
✓ Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for recommendations
✓ Be specific. When you ask a teacher for a recommendation, be specific about why you are asking them. Tell them what you hope they will emphasize in their letter.
✓ Provide materials. Give your teachers any materials that they might find helpful in writing their letters, such as your resume, a list of your extracurricular activities, or a copy of your personal statement.
✓ Be patient. It can take some time for teachers to write recommendations. Be patient and understanding.
THE COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION
The counselor recommendation is required by many colleges and universities and is an important addition to the student’s application. The counselor letter will focus on aspects of the applicant that might not be highlighted in the teacher recommendation. Students are responsible for completing the brag sheet which will provide their college counselor with additional information to write an outstanding recommendation.
THE RESUME
Although a student might not have a lot of work experience, a resume or an activity sheet can be helpful when applying for summer programs, internships, jobs, and colleges. Check out the College Essay Guy for recommendations on building your resume and for some examples. Many students enjoy designing their resumes on CANVA for FREE.
RESUME TIPS
✓ START EARLY. Don’t wait until you’re applying for jobs to start thinking about your resume. Start gathering information and drafting your resume as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to get feedback from others and make sure your resume is polished.
✓ BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR GOALS. What are you hoping to achieve with your resume? Are you applying for summer jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities? Once you know your goals, you can tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant.
✓ HIGHLIGHT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
What have you achieved in high school? This could include academic honors, extracurricular activities, or leadership positions. Be sure to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “I was a member of the student council,” say “I served as president of the student council and increased student participation by 20%.”
✓ USE KEYWORDS. When you’re applying for jobs online, your resume will likely be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for keywords that match the job description. Be sure to include relevant keywords throughout your resume to increase your chances of getting your resume noticed.
✓ USE ACTIVE VERBS. When describing your skills and experience, use active verbs that show action. This will make your resume more dynamic and engaging.
✓ PROOFREAD CAREFULLY. Typos and grammatical errors will make your resume look unprofessional. Be sure to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.
DIGITAL PORTFOLIO
NEIA innovators will be building their own digital portfolios during their time at NEIA. These should be updated regularly and can be used to document and reflect on work. Some innovators include pictures, videos, a resume, essays, etc. It is encouraged to show a process whenever possible. For example, an innovator may want to document the beginning of an IS project, the prototype, the changes, and the final product.
WHAT COMES NEXT...
GAP YEAR IDEAS
Volunteer for a conservation project
Get a seasonal job abroad
Pursue a spiritual experience
Volunteer and travel
Intern
Learn Life Skills
Work and explore a future career path
Document your year
Learn a new language
At NEIA we know that our innovators will be considering 4-year colleges and universities as well as other options such as starting their own company, attending a community college, or taking a gap year.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES (sample in our local area):
Mass Bay Community College
Quinsigamond Community College
GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
Seamester at Sea
Carpe Diem
Pathfinder
CIEE gap year abroad
Dynamy - Internships
Searchable platform here for more programs
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACT exam: ACT test is taken to gain admission to college in the US (American College Testing)
Application Fee: A nonrefundable fee usually charged for applying to a particular college
Application for admission: A form provided by the college which must be submitted to be considered for admission
Award Letter: The notification of financial aid award. The award letter lists the types and amounts of financial aid the student is eligible for. To finalize the award package, the student must sign and return the award letter to the Financial Aid office
AA degree/Associate Degree: A two-year course of study in college
Art Portfolio: A digital folder that holds and displays an artist’s best work
Acceptance Rate: A school’s acceptance rate is the percentage of applicants who are admitted
BS degree: Bachelor of Science degree
BA Degree: Bachelor of Arts
“Best Fit”: The college search is not about finding the best school but the best fit for the individual student. Finding the best-fit school means considering a student’s preferences for size, proximity to home, urban versus rural, a university/technical institute/liberal arts college
Candidate Reply Date: May 1 is typically the date by which US colleges require an admitted student to commit to attending their school. Students can commit to only one school
Common Application (common app): Undergraduate college admission application used to apply to any of nearly 900 member colleges
Community College: Type of college with up to 2-year programs leading to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees
Conservatory: an advanced school of music
Cost of Attendance (COA): Total amount it will cost you to go to school (includes tuition and fees as well as personal expenses)
CSS Profile: An application distributed by the College Board in the United States allowing college students to apply for financial aid
Deferred Admission: Allows an admitted/accepted student to postpone enrollment for one year
Demonstrated Need: The difference between your expected family contribution and the total cost of attendance for a particular college
Denial: The decision by a college or university in which an applicant is refused admission. Denial should not be a reason to give up on a college education. There are a number of alternative college choices for a student who desires to pursue a college education
Early Action (EA): A college admission program that allows students to apply early to more than one school, but still choose whether or not to attend
Early Decision (ED): Early decision is a plan under which a student applies to the first-choice college early in the fall (usually by November 1 of the senior year) and agrees by contract to enter that college if offered admission
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The application required for US students to be considered for federal student financial aid
Financial aid: Methods of paying for education/ training, such as grants, scholarships, etc.
Loan: Borrowed, especially a sum of money that is expected to be paid back with interest TERMS AND VOCABULARY
Final transcript: A student’s complete high school academic record through the end of the senior year showing the date of graduation. It must be sent to the institution the student decides to attend
Grade Point Average (GPA): Average of grade points earned from grades made in high school classes
Graduate student: A student who is studying for a degree that is higher than the one received after four years of study at a college or university
Grant: A financial award given by a government agency to a private individual or group in order to carry out a specific task
Honors Program: University programs offering the opportunity for superior students to enrich their educational experience through independent, advanced or accelerated study
Internships and cooperative education: An internship may give you the experience you need to obtain employment
Liberal Arts College: A post-secondary school that focuses on broad skills in thinking and writing rather than pre-professional skills
TERMS AND VOCABULARY
Merit-based Financial Aid: Financial aid based on high academic, athletic, artistic, or community service achievement
Major: The academic discipline to which an undergraduate student formally commits. A student who successfully completes all courses required for the major qualifies for an undergraduate degree
Minor (college): An academic minor is a college or university student’s declared secondary academic discipline during their undergraduate studies
Need-Blind Admission: This means that an applicant’s ability to pay for their education will not be a factor in the admission decision
Need-Based Financial Aid: Financial aid is given to students with a demonstrated financial need
Personal essay: An essay that tells the writer’s personal opinion, beliefs, or ideas about a subject and/or reveals information about the student
Post-secondary school: An educational program beyond a high school degree. extracurricular outside the regular curriculum or course of study
Private College/University (US): An educational institution of higher education that is not supported by public taxes. May be independent or church-related.
Public University/College (US): A university or college funded primarily through the state government
UCAS: University and College Admission Service for researching and applying to colleges in the UK
Undergraduate student: An undergraduate is a student who is pursuing either a one-, two-, or four-year degree
Restricted Early Action or Single Choice Early Action: Used by a few very selective colleges. Students apply early and receive a decision usually by midDecember. Students are typically not allowed to apply to other colleges under ED or EA. They can apply to additional colleges under regular decision
Rolling Admission: The application process whereby a college reviews an application when the application is completed and communicates the admission decision within a few weeks of reviewing the application
Rank in class: This is the numerical ordering of students based on their GPA. We do not rank at NEIA
Reach School (Spicy): A college or university that you have a chance of getting into, but your test scores, GPA, and/or class rank are a bit on the low side when you look at the school’s profile
SAT exam: Scholastic Assessment Test; provided by the College Board, used to determine qualification to enter college
SCOIR: Platform used by NEIA for college counseling and sending documents to college
Study Abroad: When a student takes courses in a foreign country, usually for a semester or an entire year to immerse themselves in another country’s culture
Supplemental essays for the US: Additional essays that may be required when applying to US colleges
Safety School (Mild): A college or university where you clearly meet the admission requirements: minimum GPA, test scores, etc. It’s important, though, that the school also be one that you would want to attend, should you not gain admission to more selective colleges
Secondary School: High school
Teacher recommendation: A reference by a teacher
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A standardized test which assesses the English language abilities of students who are not native English-speakers
Transcript: An official document showing the educational work of a student in a school or college
Waitlisted: Colleges who’ve already accepted their max enrollment, but will offer a student a spot on the waitlist if an opening occurs, usually after May 1st
Work-study program: Program providing financial aid to a student of an institution of higher learning in exchange for employment services