TH E MOR E YOU LEAR N, TH E MOR E YOU EAR N
NAVIGATING COLLEGE
WWW.STUDENTADVISOR.COM
ADMISSONS
ADVICE FROM THE NATIONS TOP GUIDANCE COUNSELORS
FINANCIAL AID SECRETS THINGS THE PAMPHLETS DON’T TELL YOU
STRATEGIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 10 HELPFUL HINTS
BEST ADVICE FOR FAMILIES SURVIVING THE COLLEGE TRANSITION
TOP 10
QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
EDITOR GREG TITUS Chairman & Founder BRIAN EBERMAN Chief Executive Officer
COLLEGE ADVICE FROM THE PROS
W
BRIAN CARR Chief Marketing Officer bcarr@studentadvisor.com DEAN TSOUVALAS Editor-In-Chief dtsouvalas@studentadvisor.com ROB CARBONARO Vice President of Sales rcarbonaro@studentadvisor.com CLIFF W. LIBBY Director of Business Development clibby@studentadvisor.com ADDIE CONNER Vice President of Advertising aconner@studentadvisor.com TODD RODGERS Vice President of Engineering SANDRA PROULX Community Manager sproulx@studentadvisor.com CARLY RODGERS Marketing Associate crodgers@studentadvisor.com TRACEY TOPOR Marketing Associate ttopor@studentadvisor.com
S ANDR A PR OUL X
e conducted some significant research recently, and one of the major themes we uncovered was the power of influence of high school guidance counselors. These folks are some of the first people a college-bound student turns to for help on navigating the waters of researching schools, narrowing down the list, and getting in. In fact, 73% of parents who had been through the college research process with their child would recommend that other parents reach out to their child’s guidance counselor for assistance and timelines. Additionally, we received heaps of advice from high school guidance counselors and college advisors when we originally started putting together the Parents’ Guide to College; we quickly realized the need for a dedicated guide of all the words of wisdom from the professionals that are at your students’ fingertips. Guidance counselors across the country contributed their suggestions, and the result is this guide. You’ll notice that some suggestions repeat themselves throughout the articles; when great minds think alike, you benefit! How has your child’s guidance counselor played a role in the college research process? Connect with me on Twitter and let me know!
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4 • STU DE NTADVISOR.COM • G U I DANCE COU N S E LOR 411
CONTENTS
• PRINT THESE
006
• LET THE EXPERTS GUIDE YOU
012
• HOW TO NAVIGATE COLLEGE ADMISSONS
014
• FINANCIAL AID SECRETS
018
• STRATEGIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
020
• G ET THEM ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE
022
• H EY PARENTS: “VISIT, VISIT, VISIT”
024
• BEST ADVICE FOR FAMILIES
027
• AVOID APPLICATION PITFALLS
029
Seasonal H.S. calendar for all 4 years
PLUS: Top Questions to Ask Your Guidance Councelor
What Parents Can and Should Do to Help
PLUS: 6 Other Tips You Should Know
Things to Be on The Look-out For
G U I DANCE COU N S E LOR 411 • STU DE NTADVISOR.COM •
5
HIGH SCHOOL
FRESHMAN
SAVE THESE DATES
H.S. Freshman Seasonal College Prep Calendar { PR I N T TH IS PAG E}
FALL H.S. FRESHMAN Get to know your guidance counselor. See our Guidance Counselor Guide 10 questions you must ask Guidance counselors play a big role in the college search process and by developing a good relationship with them early on, they will be able to give you help when you need it.
SPRING H.S. FRESHMAN Take a foreign language.
Continue or begin a savings plan for college.
WINTER H.S. FRESHMAN Start talking about college and careers and explore your different interests and options. *Try College Match on StudentAdvisor.com Take advantage of career day opportunities. Start researching different colleges and get a feel for all of your different options.
Make sure that you enroll in the appropriate college-prep and tech-prep courses. Get involved in extracurricular activities.
SUMMER H.S. FRESHMAN Visit friends and relatives that are in school. Check out different summer enrichment programs. Talk to your parents about planning for college expenses.
ADVICE “ Don’t give up on school because it costs too much; financial aid may be available.” Brad MacGowan, Dir. of the College Counselling Center at Newton North High School in Newton , Massachusetts
PR I N T T HI S PA GE
H.S. Sophomore Seasonal College Prep Calendar { PR I N T T HI S PA GE }
FALL H.S. SOPHOMORE
SPRING
sk your guidance counselor about the A American College Testing program’s PLAN (Pre-ACT) assessment program. This test will prepare you for the ACT and will help determine your study habits and academic progress and interests.
H.S. SOPHOMORE Ask your guidance counselor about Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Continue to explore your interests and any careers you think you might like. Consider which type of school you would like to attend. For example, do you want to go to a 2 or 4 year school? Large or small? If you are interested in attending a military academy, start gathering information about different military schools.
ake geometry, biology, and another year T of foreign language.
Contact colleges to ask for academic requirements for admissions.
P articipate programs.
Visit a few college campuses.
in
career
development
Attend college fairs. tart to look at college entrance S requirements and make sure you are on track to meet these requirements.
Take SAT Subject Tests in the courses that you took this year. They are offered in May and June, so since the material is fresh in your mind, it could be a good time to take them.
WINTER H.S. SOPHOMORE alk to your guidance counselor about T your PSAT scores. Become involved in community service and volunteer activities. ork towards leadership positions in the W activities that you like best. Read as many books as you can! Work on your writing skills by getting advice from your teachers or other adults.
SUMMER H.S. SOPHOMORE Get a summer job to help save money for school.
ADVICE “ Ivy League schools are top rate institutions, true, but the best college match for you may not be a “name” school.” Rhonda Rivera, Co-Founder of Top-Tier Tutoring in West Orange, New Jersey. PR I N T T HI S PA GE
SOPHOMORES
ake the Preliminary SAT/National Merit T Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) in October to practice for the SAT. When you fill out your test sheet, you have the option to check a box that releases your name to colleges. Check this box if you want to start receiving information from different schools.
HIGH SCHOOL
S AVE THESE DATES
JUNIORS
SAVE THESE DATES
H.S. Junior Seasonal College Prep Calendar
FALL H.S. JUNIOR Meet with your guidance counselor to review the courses you’ve taken and what you still need to take. Print out 20 Q’s to ask your Guidance Counselor. Check your class rank. I f you haven’t already taken the PSAT, take it now. Or, if you want more practice, take it again! ake sure that you have a social security M number. Use StudentAdvisor.com’s College Match to compile a list of colleges that meet your most important criteria. Factors to consider include size, location, majors, academic rigor, additional learning opportunities, cost of tuition, etc. Weigh each of the factors according to their important to you. ontinue to visit any college fairs hosted in C your area.
HIGH SCHOOL
{ PR I N T T H ESE PAG ES}
Speak to college representatives who visit your high school. I f you are interested in participating in Division I or II college sports, start the certification process. You will want to check with your guidance counselor to make sure that you are taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements. If you are interested in attending a military academy, you will need to start the application process now.
WINTER H.S. JUNIOR Read reviews of possible college choices Take note of the application procedures, entrance requirements, tuition and fees, and room and board costs of the schools that you are most interested in.
Discuss your PSAT score with your guidance counselor. Consider enrolling in SAT prep classes or tutoring to improve your score. Begin to narrow down your college choices. Find out if the schools you are interested in require SAT I, ACT Assessment, or SAT II subject tests for admission. Register for the ACT Assessment if it is required by the schools you are interested in applying to. This test can be taken in April or June. Start studying for the tests that you need to take! Talk to your parents about the schools that you are interested in. Talk to your parents about financial resources and gather information about financial aid Organize all of the information you have collected so that you have it all in one place.
H.S. JUNIOR Your senior year will be just as important as your junior year, and will certainly not be a good time to slack off. Make sure you get plenty of rest over the summer so that you are fully prepared to finish your high school career stronger than ever. Also, you should:
SPRING H.S. JUNIOR
Visit the campuses of your top five college choices. After each college interview, send a thankyou letter to the interviewer. Talk to people who you know have attended the colleges that you are interested in.
egister to take the ACT Assessment and/ R or SAT I.
Read the student reviews for the schools that you are interested in.
tart thinking about your college admittance S essay. Talk to you guidance counselor or English teacher about any ideas you may have.
Practice filling out college applications.
tay involved and active in your extracurricular S activities. tart to think about who you will get to write S your college recommendations. You could ask a teacher who knows you well, or a coach, activity leader, or another adult whom you work with outside if school. ontact the schools you are most interested C in to inquire about personal interviews. If a school offers appointments for personal interviews, schedule an appointment for early summer and make all of the necessary travel arrangements.
Compose rough drafts of your college application essays. Have a teacher read and discuss with you your college application essays. Make any necessary changes to your essays, and then proofread your final essays at least three times! Prepare to apply for financial aid (links to guide). Take note of financial aid sources, requirements for each application, and financial aid application deadlines.
Apply for a summer job or internship. e prepared to pay for college application, B financial aid, and testing fees in the fall. equest applications from the schools that R you are interested in. You can do this by mail or via the Internet.
{ PR I N T T HE SE PA GE S}
JUNIORS
ake sure that you will meet all graduation M requirements.
HIGH SCHOOL
SUMMER
SENIORS
SAVE THESE DATES
H.S. Senior Seasonal College Prep Calendar { PR I N T T H ESE PAG ES}
FALL H.S. SENIOR Continue to take a full load of college-prep courses. Make sure that you have the courses necessary to graduate in the spring.
Register and take the ACT Assessment, SAT I, or SAT II Subject tests, as necessary.
Keep your grades up! C ontinue to participate in your extracurricular and volunteer activities and have fun with them!
Make sure to request that your test scores are sent to the colleges of your choice. If you have the time, visit colleges while classes are in session.
If you are a male student, you must register for selective service on your eighteenth birthday to be eligible for federal and state financial aid.
Remember that if you want to apply for a ROTC scholarship, applications are due December 1!
Make a calendar showing all of your application deadlines for admission, financial aid, and scholarships.
Make photocopies of all of the applications that you send out to keep track of everything that you have submitted.
Check out StudentAdvisor.com’s College Grant and Scholarship Guide to learn more about available college funding.
HIGH SCHOOL
Give your school report forms to your high school’s guidance office at least 2 weeks before they are due. Fill in the top with your name and contact information, and verify with your guidance counselor the schools to which transcripts, test scores, and letters are to be sent.
sk colleges about scholarships for which A you may qualify. Give your college recommendation forms to the teachers that you have chosen, along with self-addressed, stamped envelopes so your teachers can send them directly to the colleges.
WINTER H.S. SENIOR Take advantage of any college-preparatory nights that are held at your school or by local organizations. Continue to focus on your school work and keep those grades up! Send your midyear grade reports to colleges. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). For help, check out: How to Fill out the FASFA . Forms won’t be processed until after the first of the year, so don’t send them in prior to January 1. end out any remaining application and S financial aid forms before you go on winter break. Make sure that you have applied to at least one college where you know you will be accepted and you know you can afford. Meet with your guidance counselor to
HIGH SCHOOL
make sure that all of your forms and applications have been sent out. ollow up with colleges to make sure that F they have received all of the information you sent them including application info, recommendations and test scores.
SPRING H.S. SENIOR Check your mail regularly! Most college acceptance notifications and financial aid awards will arrive between March 1 and April 1. ompare the different financial aid packages C that each school offers you. isit the campuses of the colleges that V have accepted you if you have not done so already. Make your final choice and notify all schools of your intent by May 1.
equest that your guidance counselor send R a final transcript to that college in June. ake sure that you have received a FASFA M acknowledgement. If you applied for a Pell Grant, via the FASFA, you will receive a Student Aid Report statement. Review this statement and send it to the college you plan to attend. Just make a copy of it first! omplete the rest of the paperwork required by C the college of your choice. This would include scheduling, orientation sessions, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms
GRADUATE! â˜ş
{ PR I N T T HE SE PA GE S}
SENIORS
end your nonrefundable deposit to your S chosen school by May 1.
Let the Experts Guide You By Beth Fredericks, M.Ed. & Marcy Black
Y
our child’s high school counselor is your best guide through the thicket of the college admissions process. Each student blazes their own trail to college; parents may assist more than one child; but a school counselor, or private coach, has experience helping many students apply to numerous schools. We polled members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) for their best advice on helping students get accepted at the school of their choice. Here’s what the NACAC professionals advise:
LAY THE GROUNDWORK EARLY.
Jane Mathias at the Nardin Academy in Buffalo, N.Y., says parents should “help [students] develop a true love of learning by being interested in what they do in school.” (We have more advice on how to make learning a value in your family (insert URL).)
IT’S ALL ABOUT ACADEMICS.
RODNEY ALLRED Counselor. Johnston County Early College Academy Smithfield, NC.
It seems like a no-brainer, but course selection and grades matter. Sally Reed, editor of College Bound, says annual surveys have consistently found “the content of the academic courses and the high school grades are most important” in the selection process. Rodney Allred of Johnston County Early College Academy in North Carolina advises students to “take the most challenging courses for you... Study, go to school, pay attention, do your homework.” And
don’t ease off senior year.
FIND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES THAT INTEREST YOUR STUDENT.
If they are not available at the school, look in the community. Katherine Cohen, CEO & Founder of IvyWise. com and ApplyWise.com, says, “Colleges are not looking for ‘jacks of all trades.’ Applicants who are consistent in their commitment to a handful of activities or are specialists within a particular field have an advantage over serial club-joiners who show no leadership or dedication.”
COMMUNICATION IS KEY.
DR. KATHERINE COHEN
CEO and Founder of IvyWise & www.ApplyWise.com
Dan Rosenfield, of the American Educational Guidance Center (college-scholarships.com) in Lafayette, La., urges parents to “talk to your student throughout the college selection process, but far more important, actively listen to him/her throughout the process.” Find out what matters most to your student, suggests Lynda McGee of Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles, then “look for schools that match these characteristics.” Steven Roy Goodman, a private counselor in Washington D.C., says different members of a family may have different definitions of the “right fit.” Talking it out can help everybody get on the same page. Keep an open mind. Brad MacGowan of Newton North High School in Massachusetts says, “Have college in general as a goal — not a specific college, a specific group of colleges, or colleges of a certain rank.” Don’t rule out a school because it
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EXPERTS costs too much; financial aid may be available. Mathis says, “The college of choice may not be one whose name you all recognize at the beginning of the college search, but may ultimately be the best match in terms of a student’s talent, interests, and abilities.
KNOW THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOLS OF INTEREST.
in Massachusetts says, “Throwing the information in a box, writing things down on multiple calendars, or making notes in numerous places does not help retrieve the information when needed. And make copies of everything. Bardwell says, “You will never know when you will need something.”
SCHEDULE A WEEKLY TIME TO REVIEW APPLICATION PROGRESS. Loyce Engle from Cedar
STEVE SCHNEIDER School Counselor
Steve Schneider at Sheboygan Sheboygan South High School S o u t h H i g h S ch o o l i n Sheboygan, WI Wisconsin says he gets the most questions on this topic. The earlier you identify college requirements, the easier it is to ensure the student takes the specified classes and tests.
LEARN HIGH SCHOOL POLICIES FOR STANDARDIZED TESTING.
Find out the schedule for testing, when and where they will be administered. Try to determine which test is appropriate for your student. The main options are the SAT and ACT. At some schools, tests are part of the college prep program, while at other schools, testing is optional and paid for by parents. And don’t forget, hundreds of colleges do not require standardized test.
ENCOURAGE RELATIONSHIPS WITH TEACHERS AND SCHOOL COUNSELORS.
Remind your student to seek these people outside the classroom. Cohen, who has written two books about the college admission process, The Truth About Getting In and Rock Hard Apps, points out that, “Most likely, two teachers from your child’s junior year will be writing his or her letters of recommendation.”
KNOW YOUR SCHOOL HISTORY.
Most high school counselors have a record of working with certain colleges. Lynda McGee of Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles suggests that if your school uses Naviance , “get access to ‘Family Connection’ so you can see how students with GPA’s and test scores like your child fared in the admissions process.
GET ORGANIZED. LYNDA MCGEE
College Counselor Downtown Magnets High School Los Angeles, CA
Your student needs to figure out a system for keeping track of college literature, application deadlines, test reports, recommendations, etc. Robert Bardwell of Monson High School
Park High School in Texas was one of several counselors who suggested this. Planning a weekly check-in takes the anxiety out of the discussion.
CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE AT SCHOOLS OF INTEREST.
High school counselors can’t know the ins and outs of every college and university or trade school in the country. Schneider advises reaching out to the admissions office LOYCE ENGLE at the top three schools on Lead counselor. your student’s list with your Cedar Park High School specific questions. He says Cedar Park , TX. families which do so have more confidence as they maneuver through the admission process.
SCHEDULE
COLLEGE VISITS. Many counselors emphasize that college tours are vital to identifying campus environments where your student will feel comfortable in coming years. Does your high school offer chaperoned trips to various colleges? What is school policy on taking time off to visit campuses? (For more on college tours, see the upcoming StudentAdvisor Guide to Campus Visits.) SET ASIDE MONEY FOR APPLICATION EXPENSES.
Test fees, test prep, books, college visits, and application fees can pile up.
BACK OFF. Time and again counselors stressed that “we”
are not applying to college, and that parents have to take a step back during the admissions process. Judith Merritt, registrar at Noble and Greenough School, Dedham, Mass., uses a sports metaphor. She speaks of “curling parents — you know, those parents that try and get all the obstacles out of the way for their teens. They frantically sweep and sweep so the kids never have any bumps in the road... Parents need to provide guidance, and that means helping kids navigate the tough patches, not removing them.” Andrew McNeill of the Taft School in Watertown, Conn., says, that ideally, parents should be “cheerleader and chauffeur.”
STUDENTS SHOULD FILL OUT ALL APPLICATIONS, NOT PARENTS. (See “back off” tip immediately above.)
G U I DANCE COU N S E LOR 411 • STU DE NTADVISOR.COM •
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NAVIGATING COLLEGE
How to Navigate College Admissions
By Kathryn Fruh Post Secondary Counselor.
Doherty High School, Colorado Springs, Co.
1.
STARTING WITH YOUR STUDENT’S FIRST YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL, ease into learning about current college admissions by attending any and all presentations offered by your student’s school. Schedule an appointment with your student’s counselor to share useful insights about your child plus any issues that K ATHRYN FR UH might impact his/her school achievement. Encourage your son/daughter to make regular visits to the counseling center to learn about summer programs and volunteer opportunities in addition to getting to know the counselor well before the senior year. Help your child develop a relationship with the counselor who can be an ally in keeping you all informed about developmentally appropriate experiences that might enhance the student’s self-awareness, as well as interests.
2.
LEARN WHAT THE SCHOOL’S POLICIES ARE for the pre-ACT (PLAN) test and the PSAT (pre-SAT). Do all 10th graders take both the PLAN and PSAT? Do all Juniors take the PSAT? At some schools, the tests are a part of the college prep program and the school district pays for the tests. At other schools, the tests are optional and are offered on a Saturday for a nominal fee. Along with becoming familiar with the college admission testing time line, learn about general college application requirements for
your instate schools. Do they require an essay? Recommendations? Have early application deadlines? Use an “Index grid” that gives a general idea of admissibility based on grades and test scores?
3.
AS EARLY AS 9TH GRADE, START THIS PROCESS AS A FAMILY by visiting college campuses while on vacation or visiting relatives. The point is for students to start establishing a “baseline” of how colleges differ — big/ small, liberal arts/universities, urban/rural — basic characteristics that can be defined and thus becomes a part of the student’s college knowledge. The emphasis needs to be on “exploration” and helping the student start to learn about identifying a personal match, as opposed to being influenced by name recognition or other’s rankings.
4.
PARENTS ALSO NEED TO BEGIN HAVING HONEST CONVERSATIONS (between themselves and with their child!) about their expectations and limitations. Perhaps there are strong feelings about distance from home or type of school. Financial issues may also impact college options. It would be appropriate to share this information with the school counselor during a Junior conference (after already having the discussion as a family) so that there are no misunderstandings as the college search process begins in earnest.
5.
ASK THE COUNSELOR TO RECOMMEND SOME READING MATERIAL that can give insight to the world of college admission (which can be quite random!) There are excellent books that will help parents maintain a semblance of sanity during this sometimes stressful journey. Learning to tune out much of the media hype will become a
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C ON T I N U E S O N PG 17 >>
Top Questions to Ask Your Guidance Counselor By Steven Roy Goodman
hat are the school policies about taking W time off to visit college campuses? What is your advice about how to make the best use of campus visits? Do you organize trips to various campuses for juniors and seniors? hat if student, parents, and counselor W disagree about college choices? hat is the process for asking for and W submitting teacher recommendations?
Steven Roy Goodman A PRIVAT E E DUC AT IO N CO NSULTANT I N WA SHI NGTON, D. C. , CO -A UT HOR OF C O L L E G E ADMIS S I ON S TOGE T H E R : IT TAK E S A FA M I LY.
hat is the process for requesting a W counselor recommendation (especially if you don’t know your counselor particularly well)? hat should we do if our student’s best W friends’ families won’t be able to afford the same colleges that we will? Or vice-versa? What if our student wants to attend a college that traditionally doesn’t attract a lot of students from this high school? How will you (the counselor) help? or the student who is pretty sure they will be F going to graduate school, how much of the process should be focused on undergraduate admissions vs. long-range preparations for graduate school? hat if the university of our student’s W choice doesn’t offer a desirable financial aid package? Will you (the counselor) help us negotiate for more aid?
Bonus Question:
hat is the school’s time frame for various W stages of the admissions process?
NOTE: Bring this print out with you when you speak with your guidance counselor
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ARTICLE SUBJECT useful defense mechanism. (Nationally, the average acceptance rate for applicants is close to 70%, not including the highly selective colleges). If parents approach this with a sense of adventure and openness to colleges they’ve never heard of, the student is much more apt to discover multiple schools where he/she can be successful.
6.
DURING THE JUNIOR CONFERENCE, clarify with the counselor what kind of help with researching colleges and processing applications will be available to your student. Does the school subscribe to web-based tools such as Naviance that will help with the college search, upcoming college events and visits, access to scholarships, plus maintaining a transparent process once college applications have been submitted? What other ways will students be informed about important college information? Is there a handout of useful questions students can refer to when meeting with a college rep or on a college visit? Does the counselor have a generic “college calendar” that includes college testing dates, deadlines for ROTC, and recommended tasks to be completed during each month? What is the process for submitting college applications? Ordering transcripts? Getting recommendations?
Sometimes parents aren’t comfortable discussing their finances with their children, but at the very least, there needs to be an understanding of what role a financial aid package will play in the final decision.
10.
LASTLY, ALL COMMUNICATION WITH THE COLLEGES a student is interested in and/or applies to needs to be made by the student. This is perhaps the most difficult piece for parents to let go of, but the implications are significant. Colleges are far more impressed with a student who has the self-confidence to make inquiries concerning his/her future, and students gain valuable experience in self-advocating as well as perceiving the parents’ respect for the emerging young adult’s ability to do so. IF a student is procrastinating about making a college choice, including sending out any applications, a family conference to clarify the young person’s issues is strongly advised. Avoidance may be due to fear of rejection or ambivalence about continuing in a structured setting after high school. There are excellent GAP Year options that students benefit from and it’s not an uncommon path for today’s youth.
7.
DEPENDING ON THE STUDENT AND THE LEVEL OF SELECTIVITY of the schools he/she might apply to (if applying to highly selective schools, this step should be addressed by midway through the Junior year, otherwise, no later than the summer after Junior year), create a personalized calendar and define when each part of the process will be done. Agree on a schedule of college visits, a testing schedule, deadlines for when essay drafts will be completed and then the final essay, plus a time line for the completion of applications. The student needs to be in charge of this process and understand it is his/ her responsibility to keep track of upcoming deadlines. At this time, it’s appropriate for parents to offer their help while making it clear that they are quite confident in his/her ability to navigate this important process.
8.
PARENTS MIGHT OFFER TO RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES with an understanding that the student will complete an agreed upon number of scholarship applications. It’s certainly appropriate for parents to investigate crime statistics for the colleges that their child is considering. Some students might want a parent’s feedback on the college essay which needs to communicate who they are, how well they think, and how well they write. Parents need to resist the urge to offer more than general verbal suggestions.
9.
PARENTS SHOULD TAKE THE LEAD ON BEING INFORMED about the financial aid process. What forms are required by the colleges that their son/ daughter applied to? What are the deadlines for applying? There should be open communication about whether the student will be requesting financial aid and the implications of that decision.
BEST ADVICE FOR COLLEGE PARENTS
By Scott White, Director of Guidance at Montclair High School, Montclair, N.J. 1. Give support. 2. Pay application checks. 3. Fill out financial aid forms. 4. Stay out of the way.
ONLINE AT
scottwhitesworld.blogspot.com
G U I DANCE COU N S E LOR 411 • STU DE NTADVISOR.COM •
17
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid $ecrets By Lee Harrell Assistant, Vice President of Admission and Financial Aid, Ohio Wesleyan University
A
SK ABOUT FEDERAL PARENT PLUS LOANS. This allows parents to borrow money on behalf of their child. These are federal loans with simple terms, and there’s no deadline for applications. They are easy to apply for and require only a basic credit check. Parent PLUS loans do not require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). ASK ABOUT PRIVATE LOANS. In this case, loans will be made in your child’s name, and you may need to co-sign, so you’ll want to determine in advance whether they you are willing and able to do so. You may also wish to ask about a co-signer release following a specified number of on-time payments. ASK ABOUT INSTITUTIONAL LOANS. Some colleges set aside funds to loan to students who are unable to secure Parent PLUS or private loans. Institutional loans are not awarded as part of normal college financial aid packages and they often aren’t advertised. INVESTIGATE PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS. Check with your child’s college to obtain leads on possible funds. Many of these scholarships and grants have very specific requirements, but those requirements may lessen over time, if an exact match isn’t found. Visit web sites like www.fastweb.org for more information.
“ Institutional loans are not awarded as part of normal college financial aid packages and they often aren’t advertised.”
MAKE SURE TO COMPLETE THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA). This form may be the key to unlocking doors to otherwise inaccessible federal and state grants and loans. ASK ABOUT A “SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE APPEAL” if your family’s financial situation has changed since your FAFSA filing. This is another important reason to file the FAFSA, even if you don’t think you will qualify for aid at the time of filing. If something does happen, having the form on file provides a bit of an “insurance policy” that can be cited in the appeal process. MAKE SURE TO COMPLETE AN INTERNAL FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION for your child’s college. Not all schools have separate internal forms, but for schools that do, even filing the form may open up some additional aid opportunities.
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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS: WHAT PARENTS MUST KNOW By Lynda McGee, College Counselor at Downtown Magnets High School, Los Angeles, CA
4.
Your child’s chances of getting into the college of his/her choice have a lot to do with their high school and its history with the colleges in question. If the high school uses Naviance, get access to “family connection” so you can see how students with GPA’s and test scores like your child fared in the admissions process.
5.
The most selective colleges may not be best for your child. Remember that it’s always better to be a top student, regardless of the school. A C-student is not going to be inundated with job offers, even if they graduate from a highly selective school.
6.
Meet with the guidance counselors at your child’s school early in his/her high school career. Create a plan of coursework that will aim your child toward the types of schools he/she is considering. Be VERY open to modifying this plan as your child’s talents or challenges dictate.
“ Listen to your child’s reasons for liking or not liking a school, even if they seem trivial to you.” –LY N D A M C G EE
1.
7. 8.
2. 3.
9. 10.
Visit colleges. Starting with middle school, find a way to see a different college wherever you are. A tour can fit into any vacation. Be sure to see schools of different sizes, selectivity, and program emphases.
Don’t focus on the published tuition and fees of the schools unless you have an income above $150,000. What matters most to you is how much financial aid is available, and for higher income applicants, how much merit aid is awarded. Start putting money aside NOW. Even if your child is close to application time, there will be fees, deposits, and all sorts of costs you don’t even know about. Whenever you can squirrel away even $20, do so! Sit with your child to discuss what matters most to him/her. Once these priorities are on the table, look for schools that match these characteristics. Too many students try to fit themselves into the school, rather than looking for a school that fits them as they are.
When you do visit these schools, don’t be the parent who asks all the questions with the future applicant trailing behind you. You will not be the one attending. Listen to your child’s reasons for liking or not liking a school, even if they seem trivial to you. Resist the temptation to force your child to apply to a school you want for them, even though they do not agree. This is not a school they will want to attend in the end. Save the application fee and compromise. Remember that your child can thrive in a variety of settings. There is no one “perfect” school — there are many. Wherever they end up, it will work out if they love it there. Be happy for them; they’re going to college!
“ALL COLLEGE APPLICATIONS REQUIRE THE STUDENT TO SUBMIT AT LEAST ONE ESSAY. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE!”
R H O N D A & MI KE RI VERA TO P-TIER TUTORI NG C O -FO U N D ERS
Strategies for Student Success By Rhonda Rivera, Co-Founder of Top-Tier Tutoring in West Orange, N.J.
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TART EARLY — during freshman year. Make sure to get the best grades possible, and get to know your guidance counselor and teachers (who will be writing recommendations for your college applications). J OIN AND LEAD. Join (no more than three) clubs at school and aim to become a leader of the club by Junior/Senior years. Better yet, start a club!
VOLUNTEER. If possible, volunteer your time to something that interests you. If you want to become a doctor, volunteer at a hospital; lawyers can always use file clerks; marketing firms will be grateful for the extra hands. This shows that you are immersing yourself in your chosen field. Also, if possible, donate some of your free hours on a monthly basis to a soup
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STUDENTS STRATEGIES kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, or other local charity. This shows admissions officers dedication to the community. DON’T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE HYPE. Ivy League schools are top rate institutions, true, but the best college match for you (or your son or daughter) may not be a “name” school. OOK WITHIN YOURSELF. Before you start the college L application process, get to know yourself. Where, geographically, do you want to be? At what sized campus will you feel comfortable? What major(s) are you interested in pursuing? The answers to all of these questions will help you narrow down your college list. DON’T SHORTCHANGE THE ESSAYS. All college applications require the student to submit at least one essay. This is your chance to shine! Take the time to refine your essay so that it says exactly what you want it to say. In choosing your topic, you want to write about something that has an impact — it can make the reader laugh, cry, angry, sad, happy; your aim is to leave a lasting impression on the admissions officer. AKE COLLEGE TOURS. While the Internet offers the ability to T go around the world, literally, with just a few keystrokes, choosing a college should not be done simply by viewing websites. The only way to get a true feeling for the college is to visit the campus, talk with students, and observe the environment. As a bonus, college admissions officers like to see that you’ve taken the initiative to visit. If offered, you should schedule an interview with the admissions department while on campus. SCORE WELL ON THE SAT OR ACT. All colleges and universities now accept both the SAT and ACT. We recommend that you take practice tests for both and then study for the one you prefer. If possible, seek out tutoring to increase your score (even a small increase may help you qualify for a scholarship). TAKE CHALLENGING COURSES, and do well. Colleges like to see that you have taken a challenging course load, with Honors or AP classes when available. As a bonus, if you score well on the AP Exams, you may be able to place out of that class in college! TICK TO THE DEADLINES. Take note of the deadlines and S make sure you don’t miss them. We push our clients to submit their regular applications by Thanksgiving (earlier, if possible), even though the deadline isn’t until January or so. Also, make sure to ask your teachers and guidance counselor for their letters of recommendation and/or transcripts as soon as school starts your Senior year, as the best staff often have multiple letters to write.
ADVICE FOR PARENTS GOING THROUGH THE COLLEGE PROCESS
By Loyce Engle, Lead Counselor, Cedar Park High School, Cedar Park, TX 1. Have your student make a list of what is important to them, and discuss it with their high school counselor, who is a valuable resource. As a parent, you may attend also if you let your student do the talking! 2. Learn about your high school’s procedures for processing college applications before it is time to submit them. 3. Deadlines mean just that. Plan to beat the deadline, rather than meet it. 4. Research, research, research to determine “fit” for the college. Help your student research; don’t do it for them! 5. Allow your student to explore possibilities. 6. Re-think the “we.” Remember, they are not you! 7. Plan time with your student — weekly if possible — to talk about the possibilities and check on their progress. 8. Schedule campus visits for each school, with questions ready. You may request appointments with specific programs/ departments. 9. For the final list, have your student choose schools they would be happy to attend, if admitted. This way, they can’t go wrong! 10. Ensure that your student has a Serious Senior Schedule!
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HELPING YOUR STUDENT
Get Them Accepted to College By Jane S. Mathias, Director of Guidance at Nardin Academy, Buffalo, N.Y.
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NCOURAGE THEM TO DEVELOP a true love of learning by being interested in what they do in school.
HELP THEM DEVELOP good study skills by setting parameters and guidelines that eventually lead them to become independent learners. STRONGLY ENCOURAGE SCHOOL and community involvement from a young age. Not only will it heighten the experience of the student through school, but it will enhance what he/she has to offer a college. KEEP AN OPEN MIND that the college of choice may not be one whose name you all recognize at the beginning of the college search, but may ultimately be the best match in terms of a student’s talent, interests, and abilities. UNDERSTAND that the college process is an education in itself. WORK WITH THEM DEVELOP a good research protocol to find out about college options, and a realistic timetable for applying.
ALLOW STUDENTS TO DO their own applications. Support and encourage. One of the best ideas I ever heard was to have a set time each week when progress on college applications would be discussed, and the subject would not be mentioned otherwise, unless initiated by the student. PARENTS SHOULD EDUCATE THEMSELVES on the realities of college admissions today, a far cry from when they were applying. Obviously, it is up to the student once the parent has shown a son or daughter the correct path, but laying the groundwork early on helps. So, reading to young children, encouraging creative play, assisting but not doing, teaching them how to ask for help and access resources, praising good behavior and good decision-making as well as good achievement, all contribute to a healthy, successful student. BE REALISTIC about the investment of time in scholarship applications and the likelihood that the student has a realistic chance of winning (such as a national scholarship). Might the time be better spent studying and doing homework?
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HEY PARENTS: “VISIT, VISIT, VISIT” AND 6 OTHER TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW By Steve Schneider, School Counselor at Sheboygan South High School, Sheboygan, Wisc. rigorous courses throughout all four years of high school. No serious athlete or musician prepares for a big performance by ceasing to practice for an extended period beforehand. OUR-YEAR COLLEGES ARE NOT THE ONLY LEGITIMATE F PATHWAY TO CAREER SUCCESS. We know that the number of occupations which require a four-year degree or beyond is in the minority. There are many, many fulfilling careers that are better accessed through a two-year technical college education. Many families fight the stigma that going to a technical college is somehow an indicator of less intelligence. The reality (at least in my region of the nation) is that lots of students go to four-year colleges initially, discover they don’t like it after one year, and then enroll in a technical college to gain the knowledge and skills they need for their career.
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TART THE PROCESS EARLY. It’s not too soon to be considering colleges in 9th grade. Course selection throughout high school can be affected by which colleges a student would like to attend. NOW THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOLS OF K INTEREST. This may seem obvious, but it is the topic I receive the most questions about. Every school has entrance requirements including what high school courses must be completed, what college entrance exam is preferred (ACT, SAT, etc.), and what the target score is for that exam. Knowing these requirements early prevents missing an opportunity to attend a college of interest because a student doesn’t fulfill the entrance requirements. RIGOR CANNOT BE IGNORED. High school coursework lays the foundation for continued academic growth in college. Students need to take challenging classes in high school. If a student is searching for an “easy way out,” it’s time for a frank conversation about whether college is really the path they want to pursue. I use a sports or music performance analogy with students and parents (especially those students who want to take it easy their senior year) to highlight the importance of selecting
ISIT, VISIT, VISIT. There are so many factors that make a college V or university a “good fit” for a student. It’s important to physically spend some time on the campus of a school under consideration. Pay attention to what is appealing about the campus: the architecture, the physical layout of the campus, the size, the green space, etc. Visit while school is in session, if possible. Witnessing daily activity on campus can give a feel for what to expect on a day-to-day basis. It’s important to feel comfortable in the setting where the student will spend the next four or so years. In order to know that level of comfort, make a visit to the school. STABLISH CONTACT WITH THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE OF E THE SCHOOL OF CHOICE. As a high school counselor, I help guide the process of accessing college for all students. However, I don’t know everything about every school. Once a college or university makes it onto the top three of a student’s list, the next step is to make direct contact with the admissions office of that school. This is a far more direct way to obtain answers to specific questions. I find the families who maneuver through the college application process with the most confidence are the ones who have been in contact with the college directly. APPLY TO THREE TO FIVE SCHOOLS. Most students have that one school that they have been dreaming of attending. Applying to more than one school sometimes presents opportunities that otherwise might have gone unknown. Financial aid packages can differ widely from school to school. Although the dream school has a strong hold on the number one spot, having something to compare against helps affirm that the right decision is being made.
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TIPS & SECRETS
6 SECRETS TO COLLEGE PLANNING
By Brad MacGowan, Director of the College Counseling Center at Newton North High School, Newton, MA 1. Have college in general as a goal — not a specific college, a specific group of colleges, or colleges of a certain “rank.” 2. For academics and extra-curriculars, challenge yourself, but do what makes sense for you, not what you think that colleges want. Enjoy high school. 3. Don’t get too specific about colleges too soon. Middle of Junior year is
early enough to start to get specific. 4. In terms of testing, don’t over-test or overprep. There are options out there: what tests to take (SAT, ACT), when to take them, how many times, how to prep. Look at the options and make a plan. There are ways to avoid over-testing and over-prepping while still being able to send good scores to colleges.
5. College applications, where you can get a and the process involved, fabulous education. are a personal and private family matter. The more public they are, the more stressful the process can be. 6. If you apply Early Decision, don’t buy a sweatshirt for that college until you hear that you are in. I mean this literally and figuratively. Don’t get over-involved with that one college. If you get in, great, but there are plenty of others
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ADVICE FOR FAMILIES
Best Advice for Families By Robert Bardwell, Director of Guidance at Monson High School, Monson, Mass.
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tart the college search process early, but not too early. S The spring of sophomore year or fall of junior year is fine. Starting too early and putting pressure on the student is not helpful. Stay in close communication with the school counselor. Keep the counselor informed of what is happening and most importantly what questions you have. Take advantage of all of the programs that your child’s school offers, whether that is evening programs, morning meetings, individual appointments, or even a college fair. While this may require some sacrifice on your part, the college search and application process should be a priority come late junior year and early senior year.
4.
Set time aside each week to discuss the college process with your child. If you have a standard “family meeting” time, say each Sunday at dinner, then add the college admission piece to the discussion. Let your child know that this is the time to discuss options, schedules, or opportunities. Not that you cannot talk about college during the rest of the week, but knowing ahead of time when the conversation will happen, rather than just any time, can relieve your child.
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ADVICE FOR FAMILIES
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Encourage your child to make copies of everything. You never know when you will need something. ncourage or assist your child in developing an E organizational system to keep track of college literature received, college visits, activities of interest that you may want to attend, and the application itself. Throwing the information in a box, writing things down on multiple calendars, or making notes in numerous places does not help retrieve the information when needed. now when to push and when to take a step back. This is K a tricky one as some students need no help whatsoever and others need their hands held throughout the entire process. You know your child well enough to know what he or she will need from you.
A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
By Rodney Allred, Counselor at Johnston County Early College Academy, Smithfield, N.C. •T ake the most challenging courses for you. For some this may be honors and AP; for others it may be all standard courses. Study, go to school, pay attention, do your homework.
ever fill out an application for admission or for N scholarships. It is so tempting to give your child a bit of help, especially if they are very busy and stressed out with school, activities, and work. However, completing the application for them takes them totally out of the loop and does not teach them responsibility. Remember, your child is the applicant, not you.
•G et involved — community service, school organizations, etc.
ive direction and advice but not ultimatums. It makes G sense that you want to help steer your child towards a certain major or college, but the decision is ultimately theirs. The skills they learn from this process are lifelong and will have an impact in many other things that they do. Set limits (I will only pay $X for application fees, or I can only contribute $X towards the cost of your education) that support their goals while still holding true to your bottom line. I have many students that tell me the parent says that they can only apply to a state school because it is cheaper. In reality, some students actually pay less to go to a private school than to a public one. The bottom line is they will never know if they don’t apply.
•T ake the SAT and ACT at the end of your junior year and at the beginning of your senior year. Don’t spend money on test prep. Research shows the best way to improve your score is to take a practice test. They are free at CollegeBoard.com and ACT.org.
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on’t panic or stress out. When you show signs D of stress or panic, that inevitably filters down to your child and then you have even more stress and conflict. If you yell and scream will that likely get the desired result? If you start early and follow the guidelines provided by the school counselor, you will be able to get through this process. If your child is not motivated or can’t make a decision, this will undoubtedly create additional anxiety but remember 7, 8 & 9 above. While this is a big decision, it is not a life or death decision. Perhaps if they are not ready to assume responsibility and ownership of the college search and application process, then maybe they are not ready for college. Some time to work or do community service might be an option to consider.
•T ake the PSAT after you have completed Geometry. Use the free PSAT diagnostic report to prepare for the SAT.
•S it down with your guidance counselor who will look at your grades and test scores and recommend colleges that will accept you. Even with lower grades, a guidance councelor will assist you in finding the right school. Don’t get caught up in “I have to go to XYZ selective school.” The United States is full of great schools that take kids with “average” grades and test scores. •P arents should do nothing other than make sure their child does the things listed above.
VISIT THE STUDENTADVISOR.COM BLOG
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Avoid These Application Pitfalls By Ian R. Welham, CCFA, Co-Founder of Complete College Planning Solutions
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ISSING THE DEADLINE
This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many students drop the ball on this most basic protocol. It’s almost just as bad as waiting ‘til the night before to complete the application. Your student won’t be able to represent themselves well on the application if they’re cramming, so don’t be afraid to be a deadline nag!
POOR SPELLING
This is the number one pet peeve among admissions officers. It drives them crazy – and immediately signals that your child is a less desirable candidate. Spell check can’t tell if they’ve mistakenly typed “there” when they really meant “their.” Offer to read your student’s application thoroughly to catch any spelling problems.
LOUSY PROOFING
Imagine the surprise of the Notre Dame admissions officer as she reads, “Here’s why I really want to go to Boston College.” Most students just cut and paste their essays because they use them for multiple applications. Because of this, they sometimes forget to edit and indicate the right name of the university they’re applying to. Big oops. A good proofreader will also help catch grammatical errors, shoddy punctuation, incorrect word choices, etc. If that’s not you, Mom or Dad, find someone who can fill that role.
BEING TOO INFORMAL
Too much informality, including text-speak and slang, is a big turnoff to college officials, because they want to determine if your student can write at the college level. Check your student’s e-mail address -- hotbaby@xxxx.com can give a negative impression. Teach your kids to be smart.
TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE INFORMATION
Admissions officers have to go through stacks of applications and could very well lose interest in your child’s if it’s a lengthy journal on all of his or her activities. Conversely, rushing through the application usually results in leaving blank items, which is not good. Build in enough time to complete the application, and edit, edit, edit.
Ian R. Welham, CCFA is Co-Founder of Complete College Planning Solutions, an organization whose charter is to educate parents that college costs have spun out of control. Welham is one of New Jersey’s leading college funding advisors and specializes in solving cash flow problems for families. He holds a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in London which is equivalent to the CPA designation in the States.
NEXT STEPS You’re on your way to supporting your child’s journey to higher education. What’s next? Let StudentAdvisor be your guide. Go to StudentAdvisor.com Try College Match on StudentAdvisor.com Browse through the different schools that match your child’s selected criteria. Read reviews and ask questions! Request information directly from the schools of interest Read up on Federal Financial Aid & Student Loans.