TeenLife Guide to College Admissions - 2013 by TeenLife Media

2013

G U I D E TO

COLLEGE PLANNING

Calendar Checklist Consider College Online Understanding Financial Aid

A T E E N L I F E M E D I A P U B L I C AT I O N

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Presenting TeenLife’s 2013 GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS College—Deadlines, Details, and Unexpected Fun Whether you’re a sophomore, junior, or even a senior who is thinking of applying to college, working your way through the process can be both frightening (due to the work it entails) and exhilarating. This year’s TeenLife 2013 Guide to College Admissions can help you and your parents navigate through the entire process from start to finish, right up until you set foot on campus. Read a surprising and inspiring story of a “C” high school student, Michael Bloomberg, who found his calling in college, and see how you can choose a major and career path as you go through your college years. Along with using this guide, there are a lot of additional resources on TeenLife.com and other web sites. In fact, we have highlighted “Sites We Like” which showcase everything from tutoring and test prep to scholarships and virtual campus tours, where you can actually meet current college students at each school. This guide includes tips ranging from how to choose the right school to filling in your application, section by section. There are even hints on how to live with roomies— important if you’ve never shared your personal space before. The college admissions process is filled with deadlines and details, but also unexpected fun. We hope that our informative guide helps ease your journey from high school to campus. To view our 2013 Guide to College Admissions and all of our publications, go to www.teenlife.com/guides or download the free TeenLife App.

Marie Schwartz President & Founder TeenLife Media, LLC mschwartz@teenlife.com

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Table of Contents

5 12

WHAT IS COLLEGE LIFE LIKE?

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A MAJOR AND CAREER PATH?

SKILLS TEENS NEED IN THE 21ST CENTURY WORKPLACE

WHERE DOES A PARENT FIT IN THE ACADEMIC PROCESS?

COLLEGE RESOURCES

COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDAR AND CHECKLIST

2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION COUNSELING (NACAC) COLLEGE FAIRS

SITES WE LIKE

INDEX

COLLEGE IS A LIFE ALTERING EXPERIENCE 6 7 7 8 10

Guide to the College Admissions Process Where Do You Start? Choosing the Right School Create and Update a College Database Hit the Road—Campus Tours

DIVING DEEPER INTO THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS 13 14 14 16 16 17

Prepping and Taking the Tests Securing Recommendations Writing the Essays Showcasing Accomplishments The Campus Interview Completing the Application

PAYING THE BILL: FINANCIAL AID

23 Consider a College Degree Online

27 30 30 31 32

College Advisors College Funding College Research Colleges Tutoring and Test Prep

Timeline of the admissions process for Juniors and Seniors to print out and use.

Useful websites for students and parents.

40 Featured Listings 40 Advertisers THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

College is a Life Altering Experience Typically, if you ask an adult about their college experience, they’ll often say it was the best time of their life—exciting, challenging, interesting, and fun. But we also know you may be feeling overwhelmed just thinking about the whole process: looking for the right college, applying to schools, and making the transition to college life can be challenging and stressful. But it’s certainly worth the effort. This is just one example of how college transformed a very mediocre student: Michael Bloomberg. As described recently in The New York Times, Bloomberg was “a middling high school student from Medford, MA, who had settled for C’s and had confined his ambitions to the math club” when he arrived at Johns Hopkins University in the early 1960s. By the time he left, “he was a social and political star” that set him on the path to eventually starting the company that bears his name and made him a billionaire. In The Times article, Bloomberg, now the mayor of New York City, talked about his love for Hopkins in very personal terms. “I just thought I’d died and gone to heaven,” he said. As an extremely enthusiastic former student, Bloomberg recently donated $350 million to his alma mater, bringing the total amount of his donations to $1.1 billion. Bloomberg’s story exemplifies the power of a residential college experience: how an elite college like Hopkins takes a chance on an applicant which leads to success in life. While Jeff Selingo, who retold this story on LinkedIn recently, doesn’t believe that top colleges take chances on students like they once did for competitive reasons, the transformative power of college still exists today for those able to find the right fit and afford ever increasing tuition prices.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Guide to the College Admissions Process e know it can be a long and arduous process to get yourself from high school into the college of your choice. But don’t despair, there’s a method to the madness and you can successfully navigate through the journey. This guide includes useful ideas, facts, and resources that can help you and your parents move into this next big stage of life.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

College not only expands the type of work you can do and opens doors to more opportunities, but those with a bachelor’s degree will earn over their lifetime, on average, almost twice as much as workers with a high school diploma, according a Cal State University Long Beach study. That alone can make the process a worthy pursuit.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

SITES WE LIKE CollegeBoard.org For more than 100 years, the College Board has been and remains the granddaddy of organizations for parents and students to start college planning. CollegeBoard.org covers everything from searching colleges and applying for schools to test prep and scholarships—you name it.

Coaching4CollegeAdmissions.com Comprehensive resource to navigate the college admissions process from soup to nuts.

CollegeConfidential.com Self-proclaimed as the world’s largest college forum, this site serves as an interactive web community where college-bound students and parents can search more than 3,000 colleges and universities, ask questions, and share personal insights on campus life. It’s easy to join the conversation with comments, discussions, and photo and video sharing in its CampusVibe section.

WHERE DO YOU START? Talk to your high school guidance counselor early and often throughout your pre- and actual application process. And, if you want additional help, there are many web-based organizations with comprehensive information to help get you to your goal. There are also independent advisors who specialize in the process if you choose to hire one.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL It’s never too early to start researching colleges. Listen to the opinions of your college counselor and parents, and to what college students say about the schools they attend. In addition to going to each school’s website, there are also a variety of college search sites with college matching tools, and reviews by students currently attending a particular school. There are even virtual college fairs. You can also participate in online chats with current students and read a college’s Facebook page. But please, don’t pick a school because an uncle or a friend went there or because it made the NCAA Final Four, but because it is the one that is right for you.

SENIOR MOMENT If you are a high school senior and haven’t done much work on your college application process thus far, here is a list of priorities to help you get on track: • Get organized. Use a timeline like the one included in the College Planning Calendar and Checklist on page 33 in this guide to keep yourself on track. • Find a good college guidebook like The Fiske Guide or Princeton Review’s The Best 377 Colleges or a website which will help you begin to focus on at least six colleges you might like to attend. • Visit schools as early as possible to help you figure out what qualities you’re looking for in a college. • Consider colleges with rolling admissions. • Community colleges are a good place to start accumulating credit, which can be transferred later on. • Look for immediate deadlines, especially for the SATs and ACTs, which offer spring and fall test dates. • Ask teachers, counselors, employers, and personal family friends to write recommendation letters for you one month before their due date.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

CREATE AND UPDATE A COLLEGE AND CAREER DATABASE Along with utilizing college-planning websites, it can be really helpful to take an old-fashioned three-ring binder or open a desktop file to keep a database of all your information, website printouts, brochures, school contacts, important dates, etc. You’ll be surprised how quickly the characteristics of each school start to blend together. So, be methodical and orderly with your research and file everything right away. Organize it into three parts: 1) Use the College Planning Calendar and Checklist we’ve provided on page 33 and refer to it often. Mark all key dates on a monthly calendar too, and remember to look at it regularly. 2) Start a college file right now. Keep information and notes about colleges that you research and visit: what people say; what you think, and what you discover online. Document anything that may weigh in your decision later on. 3) Simultaneous to your college file, start a career file. This can be less systematic for now, but organized enough to be useful. Keep everything you learn about a particular major or career electronically, or even in your binder. But don’t just think about a potential job or industry, think about yourself.

HELPFUL HINTS Keep track of the same qualities about each university that are important to you, such as: • What are its academic standards? Will it be challenging enough— or too challenging?

CollegeProwler.com “By Students. For Students.” This site is filled with first-person reviews and opinions by college students who answer questions, share tips, and discuss campus life at more than 7,000 colleges and universities. And this is the best: You can join this “student community” to find colleges based on other relevant student criteria like off-campus dining and nightlife, local vibe, Greek life, parking— even the attractiveness of the coeds.

CollegeWeekLIVE.com This site is home to hundreds of virtual college fairs, where students can visit cyberbooths featuring electronic brochures, videos, webinars, podcasts, and real-time IM and video chat capabilities with school representatives, admissions counselors, and current students.

WiseChoice.com Here’s a comprehensive college-planning system that helps students and families stay organized and make wise, informed decisions when exploring colleges, considering careers, applying for colleges, and paying for school. But what’s truly unique? Students complete an interactive, five-part personality assessment and then receive an indepth report about who they are, what motivates them, and what they’ll need to succeed at college, as well as a list of “best-fit” schools based on its proprietary “WiseChoice matching algorithm.”

• Does it meet any special needs you have?

Unigo.com

• What are its rankings in national surveys?

Referred to as “a college resource built for the age of YouTube and Facebook” by the Wall Street Journal, Unigo.com is a free, gigantic, studentgenerated college guide for prospective applicants and their families. Now, teens trying to figure out where and how to go to college, benefit from Unigo’s central idea: that high school students would much rather learn about a college’s academics and student life from one another than from a book.

• What are the academic majors and minors? Does it offer your major? If so, what are the facilities and instructors like? • How big are the classes? • Does the campus seem like a good fit in terms of size, whether it is urban or rural? • As for school culture: How important are sports? How big are fraternities and sororities? Does it have activities and clubs that interest you? • College living: Are the dorms nice? Food excellent? How do you feel about the social life? • How many students commute or live very close? A “commuter campus” is typically quiet on weekends and holidays. • What is your gut feeling? How does the school—and the people there—make you feel overall? Do you see yourself eventually gracing the campus or not?

SITES WE LIKE

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Zinch.com This is the site for scholarships, colleges and grad schools, founded by Mick Hagen, a Princeton ’09 graduate who realized the admissions process didn’t give justice to who he was. “So I created Zinch, where students can showcase their talents, skills and passions in advance of the actual application process.” Plus, admissions officers can do comprehensive searches to find students who match their specified criteria.

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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

HIT THE ROAD—CAMPUS TOURS You can visit schools informally. You don’t have to wait until the spring and summer before your senior year. If you are visiting a college town, take the opportunity to check out the school. Just walk around. Get a feel for the campus with the idea that you’ll come back later for a formal tour. Even a school you’re not currently considering may give you ideas about what you really want—and you might change your mind about the school later. For a more formal visit, go to the school website and set one up. Ask for a personal tour of any part of the school that you want to see. And be prepared with plenty of questions. Remember, they will try to show you their very best side. So take your own tour as well. See if you think you’d fit in. Spend some time in the student center. Eat in the dining hall. Visit the gym. Check out the facilities and campus amenities. Casually talk to some students about the school, even if it might seem awkward. Read the student newspaper and look at the bulletin boards. Take your time and just explore. You might want to visit a few colleges that are not where you plan to apply. A big school, a smaller one, city or rural campus? You may find some surprises and/or help solidify where you really will be most comfortable and happy. From school brochures to notes you may have written on a napkin, remember to file everything you’ve gathered in your College and Career Database binder or desktop folder.

SITES WE LIKE CollegeConfidential.com Self-proclaimed as the world’s largest college forum, this site serves as an interactive web community where collegebound students and parents can search more than 3,000 colleges and universities, ask questions, and share personal insights on campus life. It’s easy to join the conversation with comments, discussions, and photo and video sharing in its CampusVibe section.

YOUniversityTV.com What’s better than taking a campus video tour before actually visiting the campus? That’s right, YOUniversityTV has the largest collection of college tour videos on the net to check out schools of interest.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Thinking about college? Start your college search online and get the latest chatter at collegeconďŹ dential.com

Customize your search through 4,000+ schools using our SuperMatch College Search Tool! TM

Diving Deeper into the Application Process The applications and admissions process is not as bad as people sometimes suggest. But it takes research, patience, and time. Colleges generally review six things when they consider your application: • Grades—your grade point average in high school • Standardized Test Scores—typically the ACT or SAT • Recommendations—from teachers and others who know you well • Personal Responses to Essay Questions—which gives you an opportunity to use your own voice • What you have accomplished and experienced outside of the classroom • A personal interview

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Each school weighs each of these criteria differently, so check their websites to see if admissions criteria are discussed. You’ll generally find data about the typical freshman class—such as high school class rankings and standardized test results. And they often specifically list what types of student they desire. “Remember, colleges want students who want them,” says Wendy Kahn, an independent counselor from Highland Park, Illinois, and associate member of IECA. “Make a campus visit, get on the mailing list, attend a local informational session, visit during a college fair, ‘friend’ a college on Facebook, join a blog, meet with an admissions rep who visits your high school, schedule an interview with an alum, and send follow-up notes or emails.” Helpful Hint: Representatives from the college are probably making notes every time you contact the school—so make a good impression.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

TAKING THE TESTS Most colleges require applicants to take one of two standardized tests: the SAT or the ACT. Some of the more competitive schools require two or three SAT Subject Tests. The SAT focuses on critical reading, mathematics, and writing. The ACT focuses on four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science and offers an optional writing test. Some students do better on one test or the other. So it may be worth taking both and comparing your scores. Sample test questions can be found on both websites.

SITES WE LIKE Act.org As you would expect, you’ll find plenty of test prep, college planning and application help, financial aid info and even online test registration.

CollegeBoard.org Your guidance counselor can tell you the complete testing schedule (it’s given in the College Planning Calendar and Checklist on page 33. They will also have a table to compare the scores on both tests to help you decide which to submit to the colleges. You should NOT submit both the SAT and ACT scores, just the better results. “The best way to get ready for the SAT is to take challenging courses, study hard and read and write in and outside the classroom,” says James Zika, marketing director for the SAT. “Cramming and short-term prep can’t substitute for hard work in school. The PSAT/NMSQT is one of the best ways to begin preparing because it covers the same subjects under timed conditions.” Students whose first language is not English should also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language.) Information can be found at ets.org/toefl. If tests are not your strength, you might want to consider applying to colleges that do not require standardized tests to apply. These schools are listed as “test optional.”

PREPPING FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS • Keep your perspective: Standardized tests are just one part of your application. While more selective universities will place more importance on scores in order to differentiate qualified applicants, grades and rigor of curriculum are always the most important part of any application.

For more than 100 years, the College Board has been and remains the granddaddy of organizations for parents and students to start college planning. CollegeBoard.org covers everything from searching colleges and applying for schools to test prep and scholarships—you name it.

Fairtest.org Did you know nearly 850 four-year colleges don’t use the SAT or ACT admit applicants? Check out the schools listed who don’t.

PrincetonReview.com Focused on test-prep services, tutoring and admissions resources, The Princeton Review has online courses and publishes a ton of study aid books to help you be college-ready.

TestRocker.com Taught by SAT private tutors with more than 12 years of experience, this ultimate online private tutor experience helps reduce anxiety and increase confidence with taking the SATs. It helps students answer questions in under a minute.

• Start studying four to six months before so you “feel like the exam is ‘second nature’”, says Sallie Oto, of ArborBridge. “This results in higher scores and stress-free test-taking.” • Check out the many websites in this Guide, starting with collegeboard.org and actstudent.org to gain an understanding of the tests. These sites both offer online courses for under $100. • “Prep should continue right up to the target test date,” says Steve Elefson of Summit Education group.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

SECURING RECOMMENDATIONS

WRITING THE ESSAYS

Recommendations are another way for the colleges to learn more about you. Think about who will most definitely give them a good impression: a teacher, counselor, employer or coach. You should choose someone who knows you well and knows your best attributes; someone who will take time with your recommendation. A few colleges even accept recommendations from parents or grandparents.

The college essay provides an opportunity for you to share something about yourself that the admissions office does not already know from the hard data (i.e., your GPA and test scores.) They differentiate you from all the other applicants.

Give each person who agrees to write a recommendation for you a large manila envelope. Write the name of each school on the front, along with the recommendation deadlines. Inside provide a stamped, addressed envelope for each school. Use your high school as the return address. Students with special talents such as a top athlete or a visual artist, may need to supply additional application materials to the college: a portfolio or video. Athletes should definitely consult with their coaches, who are often connected to universities.

Top Tips • Ask for recommendations early, before the rush. It’s fine even if you are still in a teacher’s class. Summer is also a good time.

Margo Bartsch of College Essay Coach, Shelburne, Vermont, explains that most colleges require two specific essays: a long one, up to 500 words on a significant experience chosen from the topics listed, and a short essay of 1,000 characters (about 150-175 words) that describes an extracurricular or work experience. Do not recycle these same topics or themes with supplemental essays. Being repetitive just makes the writer look one-dimensional and not very interesting. Each college has supplemental essays that are specific questions but, in some cases, the essays can be adapted around the specific theme. Bartsch refers to this as “bookending”, where the introduction and conclusion can be tailored to each question, but the body of the story can remain the same or be slightly adapted to the question. Finally, some colleges ask specific questions about your major or even want a quote from a professor. In this case, be sure your essay speaks directly to the question, but still highlights a story on how you are interested in the topic, and how it relates to your personal outlook.

SITES WE LIKE

• Ask the recommender if they need anything from you to help write the content, such as a copy of your resume.

AllCollegeEssays.org

• You can gently suggest topics you might want them to cover. For instance: “I wanted you to do a recommendation because I felt I did my best work on that video project on the Civil War in your class.”

CollegeEssayOrganizer.com

• Write a thank you note to each person who writes you a recommendation. Also, keep in touch with them to let them know the results of your applications and what college you plan to attend.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

A new one-stop app to help students collect and organize their college application essays.

What makes this site a standout? Its Essay Quickfinder— a search function that lists the exact essay questions currently used at each school. Plus, it’s free. Students can upload, edit, and track the status of their drafts, view winning essay samples, and get one-on-one expert guidance if needed. Although offered for a nominal fee, using its Essay RoadMap in the writing process is a no-brainer.

His post-high school plans: • Making billions in app development • World-class chef • Scuba instructor The future is exciting, but everybody needs a little guidance (some more than others).

You want your students’ dreams to come true— so do our experts.

CHOOSING Fiske Interactive: The #1 college guide in a handy online tool! From the going-to-college expert, Edward B. Fiske.

Help students explore their options with: • Detailed school profiles that shed light on what each school is really like—from academics to social life and more • Note-taking and list-building tools that let students personalize and organize their college search • Lists of each school’s major competitors that broaden the scope of the search

PAYING

TEST PREP

Financial Fit: Changing the way we think about paying for college! From Frank Palmasani, dedicated to helping families find affordable colleges for more than 30 years.

MyMaxScore: Driving the future of test prep! With exclusive test-taking strategies from Gary R. Gruber, PhD, leading expert on test prep and study skills.

Help students and families:

Help students prepare for standardized tests with:

• Figure out what they can afford to spend on college first • Discover the colleges that fit them best in every way—including financially • Expertly navigate financial aid and paying for college with guided videos and tips at every step

• Full-length SAT or ACT diagnostic test that students can take all at once or in multiple sessions • Detailed score reports that can be used to create customized study plans • In-depth answer explanations and subject refreshers for more than 80 topic areas

Access these tools at www.CollegeCountdown.com

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

THE CAMPUS INTERVIEW Interviews are perfect ways for colleges to learn more about you, and you to learn more about the school. Admissions staff, faculty members, and sometimes former students conduct interviews. To what degree the interview is weighted in the actual admissions process varies from college to college, but it is certainly an opportunity to show your interest in a school. Think of memorable ways to introduce yourself, such as through anecdotes that describe who you are. Go in with a list of questions that aren’t easily answered by the school’s materials or website.

SHOWCASING ACCOMPLISHMENTS Don’t be shy about promoting your accomplishments, but don’t embellish too much. Highlight your best qualities, such as leadership, character, energy, resourcefulness, and endurance, rather than just listing awards and memberships. Show specifics about how those qualities were evident. For example, rather than stating “President of Students for a Better Environment,” instead write, “As President of Students for a Better Environment, I led 35 students in 15 various complex projects to improve the environment in our community, gaining enthusiastic support and wide praise.” This phrasing speaks volumes about you.

If you’re nervous about a one-on-one meeting, practice with a parent or friend. But always be yourself, as interviewers will know if you are just reciting answers.

Top Tips • Make an appointment well in advance and arrive on time, if not at least fifteen minutes early. • Think about the impression you want to make. Dress for success and organize your notes. Turn off your cell phone before the interview.

Top Tips

• Make eye contact with the interviewer and give a firm handshake. If this greeting is not easy for you, practice beforehand.

• Make sure your essay answers the question asked and keeps within the word count with no typos, misspellings, or grammatical errors.

• An interviewer will probably ask questions like: “Why do you want to attend our college?” Be prepared.

• Be yourself. For example, don’t try to sound humorous if this isn’t your natural style.

• Take time to think about your answers. Interviewers are looking for introspective, not quick responses.

• Add anecdotes that explain your topic are very helpful.

• Don’t give one-word answers, but don’t ramble on either.

• Write a draft of the essay and come back to it the next day or so. Great writing doesn’t happen immediately. It may take a couple of rewrites before you feel as though it really expresses your idea. • Don’t get feedback from too many people; remember it’s called a “personal” essay for a reason. • Never plagiarize. No matter how tempting it may be to cut and paste or paraphrase another’s work, it’s not worth it. • Avoid the thesaurus. Using words you wouldn’t ordinarily use sounds clumsy.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

• Be honest. If there are weaknesses in your transcript or your test scores are low, explain why. Let the interviewer know how you have improved or plan to improve. • Write a thank you note after each interview. This will show both your appreciation and interest. Mention some part of the interview that was most helpful.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION The activities grid or list of your accomplishments is the primary way admissions officers learn about your outside commitments. So think carefully about the short answer questions as well as the major essays. Answer every question. • Don’t insert the name of a college in an essay that might go to multiple colleges. Save all your essays in separate Word documents. You might be able to use them again. • Leave the standardized test reporting section blank. Colleges get scores from the testing agency. This protects students applying to test-optional schools. • Preview your application before submitting it. Print out the Common Application before beginning to work on it so you will know what to expect and avoid mistakes. • Read directions, pay attention to word counts, deadlines, and formatting criteria.

SITES WE LIKE Collegedata.com A one-stop site with a 1,900 college database to match your profile, lets you calculate your admissions chances and suggests how you can improve the odds of your acceptance. It also shows who got in and how you compare.

Cappex.com A site for both students and parents, Your Cappex profile matches with scholarships and merit aid, college stats and reviews, has a campus visit planner and a “scatter gram” chart which shows how you stack up with other students in the applicant pool.

CONFUSED ABOUT COLLEGE?

What H.S. courses? What activities? Crucial timelines! How to pay for it?

You have questions. We know the answers. Contact 301.834.6888 or www.cklaar.com.

We also work with students via Skype!

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

PAYING THE BILL:

Financial Aid

College is expensive. The price tag varies widely depending on the school. State schools and community colleges tend to be less expensive, especially for students in that region. Most schools publish tuition and fees on their website.

HERE IS A ROUGH YEARLY AVERAGE OF TUITION AND FEES: • Four-year public schools charge an average of $8,655 for in-state students. • Four-year public schools charge an average of $21,706 for out-of-state students. • Four-year private colleges charge an average of $29,056. • Two-year public colleges charge an average of $3,13

THIS IS THE YEARLY AVERAGE OF YOUR TOTAL COSTS, INCLUDING TUITION, FEES, AND ROOM AND BOARD: • Four-year public schools charge an average of $17,860 for in-state students. • Four-year public schools charge an average of $30,911 for out-of-state students. • Four-year private colleges charge an average of $39,518. • Two-year public colleges charge an average of $10,550.

Source: The College Board

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There are two main kinds of financial aid available to help: • Merit-based—determined by the college based on your performance in high school, test scores, or a particular talent. There is usually no formal application for this type of aid, although some schools may have specific merit-based programs that require an application. This is money that you do not need to pay back. • Need-based—money you receive based on your financial need, determined by specific government or college formulas. It is generally awarded in three ways: 1. Federal, state, or school grants— money you do not need to repay.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

2. Federal loans—money you must pay back, usually after you graduate or leave school. 3. Work study—money you earn by working part-time, usually at a job on campus. It’s paid directly to you and can be used for books, supplies, entertainment, etc. There are three forms that may be used to file for financial aid: 1. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)—This form is required by all colleges to receive any federal money. It cannot be filed until after January 1st of the year the student plans to enter college. The form must be completed each year the student is in school. 2. PROFILE—This form is required by many private colleges and some scholarship programs. It originates from the College Scholarship Service (CSS), the financial aid division of The College Board, and can be found at collegeboard.com. After completing an initial application, PROFILE requires a more extensive application based on the schools to which you are applying. It can be completed whenever you begin the college application process. There is an application fee plus an additional charge for each college or scholarship that requests this document. 3. Individual college forms—some schools require that you also complete a financial aid form unique to the college. Eligibility for financial aid is determined by need, which is essentially the cost of the school minus what you can afford to pay. The FAFSA and the PROFILE have slightly different formulas for determining need. Once your need is determined, the college will present you with a financial aid package. It is rare that a school will meet your full need. It is critical that you file any financial aid forms by February so that you are part of the initial distribution of funds. Once your aid is awarded—usually shortly after you receive your acceptance—you can speak with the financial aid office if you believe that your package is not sufficient. The financial aid officer will consider any unusual circumstances for additional aid. In addition, many organizations, businesses, ethnic groups, or church affiliations offer scholarships to assist students with special interests or talents. One of the best resources to locate scholarships is your college guidance office, but there is also a lot of information online and sites that cater to finding scholarships.

SITES WE LIKE Studentaid.ed.gov This is your “must visit” most site for student grants, loans and work-study funds. As part of the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation, providing more than $150 billion each year to more than 15 million students. You can be one. Fill out the FAFSA forms…. you never know!

Fastweb.com This site matches your profile info with scholarships that are available from a database of more than 1.5 million scholarships, worth over $3.4 billion. That’s a lot of money from a variety of sources you never even knew existed. You never know, you just may qualify!

CollegeCountdown.com Order Financial Fit™, a 12-month subscription, at CollegeCountdown.com to find your maximum college budget and a list of schools that your family can actually afford. Plus, get advice on filing your financial aid forms and loan options.

Going2College.org The neatest thing about this site is that you can find resources available in your specific state to help you plan, find, apply, and pay for college.

Zinch.com Zinch is a Facebook-like site where students build comprehensive profiles of accomplishments, extracurricular activities, personal videos, and images that showcase “who they are”—beyond their SAT scores—to prospective schools. It’s also deemed the “hook-up” site that personally matches students to more than $2 billion in scholarships.

Kaarme.com Athletes can stand out among other recruits by creating a Kaarme profile containing physical attributes, statistics, highlight videos, and academic performance to market themselves to coaches. It also has the most advanced student database for college athletic scholarships.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

WHAT IS

College Life Like? Every college is different, but generally you’ll have more of two things: responsibility and freedom. You’ll have a great deal of flexibility with your schedule, social life, and adult responsibilities, but you will be accountable for handling everything at once. You must get to class, do your work, and completely live on your own. That’s big.

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY Often college professors don’t monitor a student’s work apart from giving them the final grade. You’ll have to study, stay organized, and manage your time well. Classes will meet at all different times and in different buildings. You have to register for classes and can choose how your schedule works.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

SITES WE LIKE YOUniversityTV.com What’s better than taking a campus video tour before actually visiting the campus? That’s right, YOUniversityTV has the largest collection of college tour videos on the net to check out schools of interest. Other fun features. Students can meet and share their own campus photos and videos as well as view exclusive “day in the life” career videos hosted by students asking various professionals what they do and why they do it. YOU can literally play videos and see what it takes to be a doctor, lawyer, biologist, marketing professional, etc.—career options in 11 different categories.

Naviance.com Does your school use Naviance? Used at nearly 6,000 high schools in the U.S. and abroad, this educational software helps students connect what they do in the classroom with their life goals, including finding colleges and careers based on their personal skills and areas of interests. Additionally, parents, teachers, and guidance counselors use Naviance to track a student’s admissions status. The Enrichment Program section lists thousands of summer and gap year programs, as well as community service opportunities provided by TeenLife. Participating in such programs may also lead you to a future career path.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

ATTEND ALL OF YOUR CLASSES Take advantage of optional seminars and tutorials. Always complete your assignments and stay focused. Academics is your primary reason for being in college. If you need help, talk to your professors. You will be surprised at how much they appreciate meeting you as their new student. Take advantage of the resources the college has available: study centers, advisor programs, writing and tutoring locations, mental health support, etc. Remember you are paying to go to school there; it is comforting to know that help easily available.

SOCIAL FREEDOM You will also have freedom for more activities and social gatherings, which is pretty cool. Again, this comes with responsibility. You’ll be responsible for everything from your money to the choices you make about friends and what you do for fun. Ask your guidance counselor if any other students from your high school will be attending your college and get in touch with them. It’ll be nice to know someone right off the bat. Once on campus, take advantage of the freshman activities, even if they seem pointless. You’ll meet people, hear about upcoming social gatherings, and feel more connected to student life. Talk to the people you sit next to in class. When in your dorm, leave your room door open so people will know you’re happy to meet new classmates. Most likely, you’ll live in a dorm with some supervision from an adult or upper class student. Not only will you have access to regular meals and privileges for other food and entertainment, but you will also have access to the student center, gym, and other recreational facilities. Take advantage of all that campus life has to offer socially. Join activities. Have fun, but remember to also take time for yourself, apart from your studies and your new friends.

WHAT’S UP WITH A ROOMMATE? Having a roommate can be new for you. Remember it is great if you become best friends, but if not, you do need to learn to live together. Your room should feel cozy and it’s fine to have pictures of family, your own linens, curtains, rug, fridge, and stuff. And it’s nice if you can both agree on the room’s neatness, who cleans what and when, a sleep and study schedule, and agree (or not) to having overnight guests, and sharing food if there is a kitchen involved, for example.

Since it is nice to be friends with your roomie, you can both join an intramural sports team, and do other things together when it fits both your schedules. Talk about any problems that crop up and if you can’t resolve the issue together, residence hall counselors can act as a sounding board.

HANDLING YOUR MONEY Learn how to handle the money you have, either a monthly allowance your family sends or the money you saved from summer jobs. Whether it’s a credit or debit card or writing checks, you really should know how to budget your money and spend it reasonably. It’s also not a bad idea to do your own laundry instead of bringing it home to your mother. Pizza and all-nighters aside, eating decently and getting enough sleep are critical to your health, your academic success and your overall college experience.

How Do You Choose a Major and Career Path? You don’t have to know what you want to major in or do with the rest of your life right now. You’re 16 or 17 and will probably change your mind many times. College offers you the time and room to explore and change in direction. Matter of fact, eight out of ten students change their majors anywhere from one to three times, on average. And complete career shifts are not unusual later on in life. Choosing a major can be a balance of synthesizing interests, skills, and personality strengths while acquiring experience outside of the classroom.

10 TOP

MAJORS 1. Business Administration and Management/Commerce 2. Psychology 3. Nursing

Here are some things to consider before choosing your course of study and eventual career path:

4. Biology/Biological Sciences

• Discover you first: What are your strengths: reading, writing, small groups, presentations? What are your favorite subjects? What activities do you enjoy? What is most important to you in a field of study? Ask others what they think you might like or be good at.

7. Economics

• Volunteer: Aligning yourself with one or more community service opportunities can not only fulfill your required hours to graduate, but is the perfect way to discover what your passions are. You just might find that you want to study international relations after spending time with

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

5. Education

8. Communications Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric 9. Political Science and Government 10. Computer and Information Sciences Source: The Princeton Review

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

underprivileged children. Or in politics after working on a local campaign. • Take a test: There are a lot of interesting selfassessment tests that may give you some ideas about majors and careers to explore. “Do What You Are” is one that parents, schools, or independent counselors can access. Don’t be pigeonholed by what “you’ve always wanted to do” or what someone else thinks you should do. • Discover a career: Research what different careers offer in terms of money, satisfaction, workload, or prestige? Is there a career that involves your curiosity? What are the other benefits? What are the downsides? What types of people work in this field? • Intern in High School: Many corporations are now adding teen “shadowing” internship programs in house. Remember, it is okay to give yourself ample time in both high school and college by taking a diverse set of classes and researching careers before deciding

CONSIDER A COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE A report from Marketdata Enterprises Inc. found enrollments in online education programs account for 30 percent of all post-secondary education enrollments—a number that continues to grow. By 2015, the Marketdata study predicts that 37% of all postsecondary enrollments will be in onlineprograms.

SITES WE LIKE OpenCulture.com Helps you find free cultural and education media you can download to your computer or mp3 player.

OnlineCourses.com Check out the latest information about continuing and online education, and find classes and colleges which match your requirements.

GROWING UP WITH VOLUNTEERING Most middle and high school teenagers are required to volunteer for about 40 community service hours as a prerequisite to graduating. At TeenLife we know the benefits of helping others or working with a worthy cause can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. Volunteering helps you discover the wider world, introduces you to community members beyond your own social circle, fosters meaningful relationships, and develops a heart for giving that can last a lifetime. It also builds your resume and adds value to your college application. TeenLife also knows that even when you don’t know how you might want to help others, just getting involved with an organization can grow your volunteer time into a passion— giving you an opportunity to make a difference on a local, national, and even international scale. You can truly gain satisfaction from doing something exciting and fulfilling, and expand your horizons with real-world experience. For opportunities, go to TeenLife.com/volunteer.

Many of today’s accredited online colleges are developing innovative learning platforms for different types of students. At the same time, most traditional colleges and universities now have courses which students can enroll and take online without matriculating on campus, or in conjunction with campus courses. Often called “distance learning,” individual college websites list the courses available online, and the cost can be very affordable as compared to live, in-person, on-campus courses. Many top universities even offer free online courses in the liberal arts and sciences, which are known as “massive open online courses,” or MOOCs. They are being offered by dozens of public universities for credit. These institutions are hoping that students who pass the free MOOCs will then enroll in the schools and pay tuition to earn a degree. So it can pay to take advantage of them now, and add them to your resume and college application.

GO TO TEENLIFE.COM/VOLUNTEER TO SEARCH THOUSANDS OF NON-PROFITS LOOKING FOR TEEN VOLUNTEERS.

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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Skills You Need to Succeed in the 21st Century Workplace What are the skills you need to succeed in the real world?

12 TIPS

FOR REAL WORLD SUCCESS

Communication: Listening and askingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;being interested and showing it.

1. Find your passion and follow it

Networking: Who you know is just as important as what you know.

3. Read everything you can

2. Ask a million questions

People Skills: 70% of people lose jobs because they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get along with their boss or coworkers. Learn how to get along.

4. Meet all kinds of people

Tolerance: Learn how to live and work with people from all walks of life.

6. Stay in touch with everyone (in person as well as on social media)

Choices/Consequences: Think about risk, weigh data, and take time to make the right choice.

7. Always do the right thing

Time Management: Organizing daily schedules and multitasking are keys to success. Use your smartphone calendar or old fashioned calendar to keep your tasks in order.

9. Discover your natural talents 10. Try a few jobs before and during college

Business Literacy: Employees who take initiative and deal with challenges before they become obstacles have great advantages. This is a key difference between success and failure.

12. Remember: Mastery of vital 21st Century skills leads to success

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

5. Fill your address book

8. Volunteer for community service

11. Pursue your dreams

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Where Does a Parent Fit in the Admissions Process? “Well,” says Randi M. mother of a college freshman who was accepted into the school of her dreams, “My husband and I didn’t have any preconceived notion about where we wanted our child to go, so it really was up to her. The only thing I did was to set the agenda to visit the schools. She did the research online, and I made the arrangements. “ Having just gone through the experience, Randi’s take-away is to start early. Even sophomore year is not too early to just begin thinking about it. “You don’t know where your grades are going, but having some idea of where you might want to go could help drive the desire for higher grades.” “Kids who are ‘B’ students want to be ‘A’ students. “A” students are looking to take more AP classes. No matter where you are on that ladder, kids are looking at other kids and thinking they have more of a shot at getting in if they have higher grades or more extra curriculars. Don’t let your child get frustrated or loose her self-esteem,” adds Randi M.

SITES WE LIKE Cappex.com A site for both students and parents, your Cappex profile matches with scholarships and merit aid, college stats and reviews, has a campus visit planner and a “scatter gram” chart which shows how you stack up with other students in the applicant pool.

Going2College.org The neatest thing about this site is that you can find resources available in your specific state to help you plan, find, apply, and pay for college.

By taking a step back, you will be helping your child gain independence and self-advocacy. During the college application process, parents should: • Listen to your child. Work hard at not projecting your own aspirations; listen to what your son or daughter wants from their own college experience. • Get to know the guidance counselor or independent educational consultant, but take a back seat: questions, work and deadlines flow between the counselor and the student. Remember, you are there as back up! • Provide support but don’t take over. Let your children discover their own way. The process teaches a high schooler to transition to adulthood, since he/she will be away at college on his/her own. • Have a sense of humor. There are many “firsts” in this process, so mistakes will be made. It is critical to remember that this is a long, two-year path and keeping things light can keep communication open and upbeat. • Maintain open communication. Teens may be wary of topics like financial responsibility, leaving home, living with strangers, and making new friends. Let them know you’re happy to discuss any topic they want. • Make sure your child understands the family’s financial resources. Help your son or daughter establish a monthly or semester budget that will cover necessities and practical expenses. • Hang up the phone! Parents should not be calling the office of admissions to set up appointments, plan visits, or check on the status of the application. These are all the student’s responsibility. When mom or dad calls the admissions officer, the message received is that the student is not mature enough to handle his or her own affairs. THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Mastering music is more than a destination. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about all of the experiences you have along the way. We give you the freedom to experiment, find your own solutions, and evolve. But we also give you a structured and demanding curriculum that will test even the most talented musicians. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be prepared to succeed in the world of music. Wherever it takes you. Learn more at berklee.edu

WHERE MUSIC TAKES YOU

College Resources Below you will find a variety of useful college resources that includes independent counselors, funding, and college leaders in tutoring and test prep.

College Advisors

ALL COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAYS

ACADEMIC DIRECTIONS, INC.

The one-stop APP for all college admissions requirements, including all application essay prompts. Quick and easy to use, this APP is perfect for parents, counselors, and students. Updated each year with all new requirements, All College Application Essays is now available on Google and Android devices as well as iPhones and iPads. Location(s): Online Contact: Dr. Rebecca Joseph Phone: (323) 646-5759 Email: rjoseph@allcollegeessays.org Website: www.allcollegeessays.org

As a Certified Educational Planner, Dr. Barry Sysler matches students to colleges while ensuring a successful and affordable fit. He is considered one of the foremost college funding experts in the nation. Academic Directions will file all financial aid forms for clients in order to receive maximum financial aid and merit scholarships. Every aspect of the college admission’s process will be addressed in order to enhance the marketability of your child’s application, and in so doing advance their candidacy for admission to the college of their choice. Location(s): Online Contact: Dr. Barry Sysler Phone: (215) 579-8281 Email: bsysler@academicdirections.com Address: 1701 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Newtown, PA 19047 Website: www.academicdirections.com

ALL-IN-ONE ACADEMICS All-in-One Academics is a comprehensive college admissions and tutoring company. They assist high school students with every aspect of their applications, providing expert guidance through individual, group, and online help and counseling. Location(s): Online Contact: Jessica Givens Email: jessica@allinoneacademics.com Phone: (713) 405-1193 Address: 1129 W. Pierce, Houston, TX 77019 Website: www.allinoneacademics.com

FOR EVEN MORE LISTINGS, VISIT TEENLIFE.COM.

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COLLEGE RESOURCES

COACHING 4 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS Coaching 4 College Admissions helps develop strategies for college admissions success. Developing a plan with each client to find the best college fit by looking at activities and experiences, advising on SAT/ACT Prep, college essay, application, financial aid and interpreting all award letters at the time of acceptance. Location(s): Online Contact: Bob Snow Email: coaching4collegeadmissions@ gmail.com Phone: (401) 495-5716 Address: 8 Andrews Drive, Lincoln, RI 02865 Website: www.coaching4collegeadmissions.com

COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE COUNSELING

THE ESSAY ADVISER

Anne Weisholtz, veteran private school college guidance counselor and English teacher, works closely with students and parents to guide and support them in all aspects of the college search and application process. Location(s): Tenafly, New Jersey Contact: Anne Weisholtz Phone: (201) 568-9326 Email: anne@comprehensivecollegecounseling.com Address: 157 Sussex Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670 Website: www.comprehensivecollegecounseling.com

Do you have a child applying to secondary school, college or graduate school? The Essay Adviser is dedicated to providing personalized essay advisory services for application to colleges and graduate programs, by helping each student convey in his unique voice what makes him a viable candidate for admission. All services are tailored to fit your child’s needs. Whether you are looking for individual advising or to enroll in one of the workshops, The Essay Adviser can help you through the application process. Location(s): Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, but with Skype, Google and IChat, distance is not an issue. Contact: Elly Swartz Phone: (617) 838-8084 Email: theessayadviser@gmail.com Address: 66 Cutler Lane, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Website: www.essayadviser.com

Worried about paying for your child’s college education? You need to speak to Dr. Barry Sysler Certified Educational Planner Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association

Call (215) 579-8281 or visit us at

www.academicdirections.com Solutions & Strategies • Financial Aid College Search • Career Planning • Merit Scholarships Victorian Commons 1701 Langhorne - Newtown Rd Langhorne, PA 19047 28

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COLLEGE RESOURCES

KLAAR COLLEGE CONSULTING

MARCIA MOOR, MED.

ZODDA COLLEGE SERVICES

Klaar guides students to college success by providing individual, personal attention to help students: choose the right high school courses and activities; discover colleges that will be the best fit for them; create the best possible application(s) for their desired colleges, and find the best options for making college affordable. Location(s): Maryland, Northern Virginia and Massachusetts Contact: Charlotte Klaar Phone: (301) 834-6888 Email: Charlotte@cklaar.com Address: 14 Fiona Way, Brunswick, MD 21758 Website: www.cklaar.com

Marcia’s unique practice specializes in independent school placement and college counseling. Families have used Marcia for high school and college searches. Marcia’s student-centered approach provides the infrastructure for successful educational pursuits. Students find the best fit for academic, cultural, and personal styles. Consultation is also available regarding educational problems or concerns. Location(s): Wellesley, Massachusetts Contact: Marcia Moor Phone: (781) 235-1707 Email: marcia@mooreducation.com Address: 350 Washington Street, Suite 319, Wellesley MA 02481 Website: www.mooreducation.com

Zodda College Services opens up the world of college possibilities with a knowledgebased, process-oriented, hands-on approach to finding the right college fit. Sub-specialties include student athletes, learning differences, creative/performing arts, and financial aid. Location(s): Framingham, Massachusetts Contact: Judy Zodda Phone: (508) 872-1947 Email: judy@zoddacollegeservices.com Address: 2 Willowbrook Drive, Framingham, MA 01702 Website: www.zoddacollegeservices.com

COME TO CANADA STUDY AT HUMBER Whether you choose to enter the job market or continue your education, Humber’s degrees and diplomas help you succeed. Recognized in Canada and all over the world, our well-rounded, hands-on programs are designed to give you expert knowledge in your field. Humber offers more than 150 degree, diploma and postgraduate programs, with world-wide transfer options. Humber is located in Toronto, Canada. Want to get in touch? Email us at international@humber.ca GAIN MORE THAN AN EDUCATION GAIN THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME.

INTERNATIONAL.HUMBER.CA

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COLLEGE RESOURCES

College Funding

College Research

WELLS FARGO

HOBSONS: COLLEGECONFIDENTIAL

High school and college students are automatically entered into the CollegeSTEPS sweepstakes for a chance to win $1,000 to pay for college when they enroll for education resources. There is no purchase necessary. See the Official Rules http:// wfefs.wellsfargo.com/jump/csrules.pdf for complete details. Location(s): Nationwide Phone: (888) 511-7302 Email: collegesteps@wellsfargo.com Website: wellsfargo.com/collegesteps2013

CollegeConfidential.com is the web’s largest college discussion community where you can: get expert advice for choosing a college, getting in, paying for it, and life after graduation; surf CampusVibe™, a treasure trove of user-made videos, photo, and campus visit reports; swap info with counselors, teachers, students, and parents on CollegeConfidential’s real-talk forums; stay current with topical blogs, like “Ask the Dean,” and “Admit This!” Location(s): Online Contact: Daniela Locreille Phone: (513) 985-4186 Email: daniela.locreille@hobsons.com Website: www.collegeconfidential.com

COLLEGE COUNTDOWN CollegeCountdown.com makes getting to college easier. America’s top experts help navigate the complete college process— from selecting schools to applying, to ACT/ SAT test prep, to paying for education— while helping families achieve their ultimate goals. Use the coupon code TeenLife to get 10 percent off your order, plus free standard shipping on books. Location(s): National Phone: (800) 432-7444 Email: info@collegecountdown.com Address: 1935 Brookdale Road, Ste. 139, Naperville, IL 60532 Website: www.collegecoundown.com

Helping Develop Strategies for College Admissions Success!

www.coaching4collegeadmissions.com • 401.495.5716 30

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

COLLEGE RESOURCES

Colleges ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY The serene campus is nestled on what is affectionately called “The Hill” in Normal, Alabama. The campus has the unique distinction of being laid out by Frederic Law Olmsted, Sr., designer of New York’s famous Central Park. Location(s): Normal, Alabama; Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; Online Phone: (256) 372-5245/(800) 553-0816 Email: admissions@aamu.edu Address: P.O. Box 908, Normal, AL 35762 Website: www.aamu.edu

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Make Washington, D.C. your summer classroom. Choose from international studies or communication, gain valuable skills and connections, and see first-hand how American University’s experts—kindly referred to as wonks—put those skills to work. Location(s): Washington, D.C. Contact: Page Hogan, Community of Scholars Program (International Studies); Sarah Menke-Fish, Discover the World of Communication Phone: (202) 885-2442 (Community of Scholars Program); (202) 885-2098 (Discover the World of Communication) Email: communityofscholars@american. edu and audiscover@gmail.com Address: 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 Website: www.summeratau.com/hs

Berklee was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music is through the study and practice of contemporary music. With a diverse and talented student body, Berklee is the world’s premier learning lab for the music of today—and tomorrow. Location(s): Boston, Massachusetts Contact: Office of Admissions Phone: (617) 747-2222 Email: admissions@berklee.edu Address: 1140 Boylston St, Boston MA 02115 Website: www.berklee.edu

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COLLEGE RESOURCES

COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO

HUMBER COLLEGE

Colorado Mesa University provides an exceptional education in state-of-the-art facilities. As western Colorado’s intellectual center and largest university, CMU serves students on its main and satellite campuses, its community college and online. Founded in 1925, CMU enrolls more than 9,000 students at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels. Location(s): Grand Junction, Colorado. Satellite campus in Montrose, Colorado Contact: Colorado Mesa University Admissions Office Phone: (970) 248.1875 Address: 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122 Website: www.coloradomesa.edu

Columbia College Chicago is the nation’s largest, most diverse, private non-profit arts and media college. Offered is a four-year liberal arts education tailored for gifted, highly motivated students who want to turn creative talents into rewarding careers. The curriculum gives students hands-on experience and practical, realworld understandings of their fields. Location(s): Chicago, Illinois Contact: Office of Undergraduate Admissions Phone: (312) 369-7130 Email: admissions@colum.edu Address: 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 301 Chicago, IL 60605-1996 Website: www.colum.edu/Admissions/ Undergraduate.php

Get an international education in Canada! Humber is home to 23,000 full-time students, more than 3,200 of whom are international. Offering over 100 programs including certificates, diplomas, and Bachelor’s degrees, Humber’s small class sizes and faculty dedicated to your academic journey make Humber your pathway to success. Make Your Move to Humber. Location(s): Two campuses in Toronto, Canada Contact: International Centre Phone: (416) 675-5067 Email: international@humber.ca Address: 205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5L7 Website: www.international.humber.ca

Tutoring & Test Prep THE SAT PROGRAM The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math—subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. The SAT can also connect you to college planning, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Location(s): New York, New York Phone: (866) 756-7346 Email: sat@info.collegeboard.org Address: 45 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10023 Website: www.sat.collegeboard.org

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDER AND CHECKLIST for Juniors and Seniors s you enter your final two years of high school and start thinking about college, don’t stress. Along with our handy guide, we have created this detailed checklist to keep your college application process moving along smoothly and on track.

JUNIOR YEAR

Thinking about college starts in your junior year.

FALL

SPRING

Take a challenging course load and all of the classes you need to graduate.

Look into summer jobs, internships, summer camps, and other career-inspiring programs that will boost your resume.

Attend college fairs in your area. It’s a great way to collect brochures and meet College Reps one-on-one.

Register for the PSAT in October. You can take PSAT online. Compete for the National Merit Scholarship (www. nationalmerit.org).

To begin your search for the right college, check out many of the websites included in this issue, ranging from video campus tours to athletics, to financial aid.

Talk to your counselor and consider an assessment test to explore potential careers you might like.

Visit the schools on your list. Explore the campus, its facilities, and what makes each college unique.

Get involved in your community, school activities, and clubs. Track your volunteer hours and add these experiences to your applications.

WINTER Begin researching colleges. Look at websites, search sites, online campus tours, student reviews. Take a free practice test for the ACT and SAT to see on which test you perform better.

SUMMER Request catalogs and admission information from your top-choice schools, if you haven’t already. If you took the SAT/ACT for the first time in May/June, but need to improve your scores, then take a summer prep course. If practical, visit and tour the rest of the schools on your list.

Brainstorm and outline a few essay ideas.

Investigate scholarship and financial aid options.

Schedule an appointment with your counselor or independent consultant to discuss your college plans.

Make a list of colleges that you might like to visit and prepare questions for upcoming tours.

Create a binder to keep all of your information and application forms organized. Start your applications before the stresses of senior year kick into full gear.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

SENIOR YEAR

It’s your last year of school! Now is the time to complete your college quest.

SEPTEMBER

JANUARY

Decide to which colleges you want to apply. Include schools that you believe will accept you, as well as some schools that may be a reach.

File for the FAFSA as soon as you can after January 1.

Work on completing your college applications.

Make sure that the colleges you applied to in December have received your complete application.

Find out if your target colleges accept the Common Application or Universal College Application, which can be submitted online. Decide if you will apply for early decision to your top choice schools. Start the framework for you college essays. Start asking teachers, counselors, or employers to write recommendation letters.

OCTOBER Last chance to take the SAT/ACT. Continue completing your applications. Submit early decisions. Fine-tune your college essays. Have them proofread for content and grammar. Submit a CSS/Financial Aid Profile. Many colleges use this to award financial aid.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Ask your counselor to send your mid-year grades to the colleges or universities that require them. Be aware of the deadline for your CSS/Financial Aid Profile if you haven’t submitted it yet. Check the policies on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests at the schools you may attend. These tests can earn you college credits in certain subjects.

FEBRUARY If you haven’t done so already, submit your FAFSA online at studentaid.edu.gov. Deadline is as soon as possible after January 1st. If you have submitted a FAFSA and you have not received your Student Aid report (SAR) within a month, speak to your counselor or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center directly. Confirm that all schools that you applied to have received your mid-year transcripts, exam scores, financial aid information, and any initial required documents.

Submit your completed college applications and essays. Check to see if your recommendation letters have been mailed. Search for scholarship opportunities.

MARCH If you are taking any Advanced Placement courses, ask your teacher or counselor how to prepare and when take the AP exams.

Obtain a copy of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) @studentaid.edu.gov for your parents or guardians to fill out.

Continue searching for scholarships that will help reduce your tuition expenses.

Look for early decision acceptance letters from schools.

Keep an eye out for admission decisions from colleges—and any additional information schools may request.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

APRIL Check your mail for admission decisions and financial aid letters. If you are added to a waiting list, notify the college or university if you are still interested, and ask them if there’s anything you can do to better your chances of being accepted. If you’ve made your final school decision, send in your enrollment form and deposit. You’ll be off to college in the fall! Notify other schools of your final decision, so they can offer enrollment to other students.

senior year through april

MAY Take any AP exams that you’ve registered for and make sure your scores are sent to your college. Write and send thank you notes to all involved in the college process including your counselor, teachers, and those who’ve written your personal recommendations. Let them know where you will be going to school. Double check on any deadlines and lastminute paperwork necessary to attend your college of choice.

SAT AND SUBJECT TEST DATES Registration Deadline February 8, 2013 April 5, 2013 May 2, 2013 September 5, 2013 October 4, 2013 November 8, 2013 December 27, 2013 February 7, 2014 April 4, 2014 May 2, 2014

Test Date Saturday, March 9, 2013 Sunday, March 10, 2013 Saturday, May 4, 2013 Sunday, May 5, 2013 Saturday, June 1, 2013 Sunday, June 2, 2013 Saturday, October 5, 2013 Sunday, October 6, 2013 Saturday, November 2, 2013 Sunday, November 3, 2013 Saturday, December 7, 2013 Sunday, December 8, 2013 Saturday, January 25, 2014 Sunday, January 26, 2014 Saturday, March 8, 2014 Sunday, March 9, 2014 Saturday, May 3, 2014 Sunday, May 4, 2014 Saturday, June 7, 2014 Sunday, June 8, 2014

ACT TEST DATES Registration Deadline March 8, 2013 May 3, 2013 August 17, 2013 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

Test Date Saturday, April 13, 2013 Saturday, June 8, 2013 Saturday, September 21, 2013 Saturday, October 26, 2013 Saturday, December 14, 2013 Saturday, February 8, 2014 Saturday, April 12, 2014 Saturday, June 14, 2014

Study for your final exams. Your scores are still important. Plan to attend a summer orientation at your college.

JUNE Have your counselor send your final transcript. Complete any last minute paperwork required for your school. Plan your transition and exciting move to campus. Graduate high school!

2013 National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National College Fairs Already looking at schools? Attend one of NACAC’s National College Fairs, where you and your teen can discuss admission and financial aid requirements, majors, and campus life with representatives from a wide range of colleges. April SPRINGFIELD NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, April 7: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Monday, April 8: 9:00am – 11:30am Eastern States Exposition (The Big E), West Springfield, MA DALLAS/FT. WORTH NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Monday, April 8: 4:00pm – 8:00pm Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, Irving, TX AUSTIN NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, April 9: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX WEST MICHIGAN NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, April 9: 8:30am – 11:30am, 6:00pm – 8:00pm DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI METRO DETROIT NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, April 11: 8:30am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Cobo Center, Detroit, MI HOUSTON NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, April 11: 12:30pm- 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Reliant Center, Houston, TX HARTFORD NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, April 11: 9:00am – 11:30am, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Friday, April 12: 9:00am – 11:30am Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT MONTGOMERY COUNTY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Wednesday, April 17: 9:45am – 12:45pm, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Thursday, April 18: 9:45am – 12:30pm Montgomery County Agricultural Center, Gaithersburg, MD

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Friday, April 19: 9:30am – 3:30pm Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, Landover, MD

PROVIDENCE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Saturday, April 27: 12:00pm – 3:00pm Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI

SAN FRANCISCO NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Saturday, April 20: 1:30pm – 4:30pm Concourse Exhibition Center, San Francisco, CA

NEW YORK NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, April 28: 11:00am – 4:00pm Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York, New York, NY

CLEVELAND NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, April 21: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Wolstein Center, Cleveland, OH

ORANGE COUNTY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, April 28: 1:30pm – 4:30pm Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

HONOLULU NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Monday, April 22: 8:30am – 11:30am, 5:00pm – 8:00pm Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu, HI

SAN DIEGO NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, April 30: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:30pm San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA

GREATER MEMPHIS NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, April 23: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Wednesday, April 24: 9:00am – 12:30pm Agricenter International, Memphis, TN

BOSTON NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, April 30: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:30pm Wednesday, May 1: 9:00am – 12:00pm Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), Boston, MA

VENTURA/TRI-COUNTY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, April 23: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, CA NEW JERSEY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Wednesday, April 24: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Thursday, April 25: 9:00am – 12:00pm Meadowlands Exposition Center (at Harmon Meadow), Secaucus, NJ GREATER LOS ANGELES NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, April 25: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA NASHVILLE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, April 25: 5:00pm – 8:00pm Belmont University, Nashville, TN

May INLAND EMPIRE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, May 2: 9:00am - 12:00pm, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Ontario Convention Center, Ontario, CA September BIRMINGHAM NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, September 15: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Birmingham – Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL TORONTO NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, September 22: 10:00am – 5:00pm Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario

MINNESOTA NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, September 24: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 4:30pm – 8:00pm Wednesday, September 25: 9:00am – 12:00pm Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN

KANSAS CITY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, October 10: 5:00pm – 8:00pm Friday, October 11: 9:00am – 2:00pm Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO

SPOKANE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, November 5: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Spokane Convention Center, Spokane, WA

CHICAGO NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Saturday, September 28: 11:00am – 3:00pm Navy Pier, Chicago, IL

JACKSONVILLE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Saturday, October 12: 9:00am – 1:00pm Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, FL

MILWAUKEE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, September 29: 12:00pm – 3:30pm Delta Center, Milwaukee, WI

ORLANDO NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, October 13: 1:00pm – 4:00pm University of Central Florida Arena, Orlando, FL

GREATER WASHINGTON DC NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Wednesday, November 6: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Walter E, Washington Convention & Trade Center, Washington, D.C.

CINCINNATI NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, September 29: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Duke Energy Center, Cincinnati, OH

GREATER PHOENIX NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, October 13: 11:00am – 3:00pm Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ

October INDIANAPOLIS NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, October 1: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN NEW ORLEANS NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, October 1: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA BATON ROUGE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Wednesday, October 2: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge, LA DENVER NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Saturday, October 5: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO LONG ISLAND NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, October 6: 11:00am – 3:00pm Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY

ST. LOUIS NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, October 20: 12:00pm – 4:00pm Saint Louis University – Simon Recreation Center, St. Louis, MO GREATER FT. LAUDERDALE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Wednesday, October 23: 9:00am – 12:00pm , 5:00pm – 8:30pm Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL BOISE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Wednesday, October 30: 9:00am – 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Idaho Expo, Boise, ID

SEATTLE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Friday, November 8: 9:00am – 12:00pm Saturday, November 9: 12:00pm – 4:00pm Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA PHILADELPHIA NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Sunday, November 10: 11:00am – 3:00pm Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA BALTIMORE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, November 12: 10:00am – 1:00pm, 5:00pm – 8:00pm Wednesday, November 13: 10:00am – 1:00pm Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD ATLANTIC CITY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Thursday, November 14: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ

November PORTLAND NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Friday, November 1: 9:00am – 12:00pm Saturday, November 2: 1:00pm – 5:00pm Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR

To scan the QR code, you must download a QR scanner App. The QR code links to www.gotomyncf.com

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Sites We Like In addition to listings and the useful sites highlighted throughout our College Guide, here they are in one handy place. Plus, a few others!

FAVORITE WEBSITES FOR STUDENTS act.org Test prep and registration and college planning allcollegeessays.org One stop App to organize college essays cappex.com Student information provided to colleges coaching4collegeadmissions.com Navigate the entire admissions process collegeboard.org Resource to apply and prepare for college collegeconfidential.com SuperMatch helps refine the college search collegecountdown.com Site where you can order Financial Fitâ&#x201E;˘ subscription collegedata.com Accurate, up-to-date information about every college collegeessayorganizer.com Essay requirements and assistance collegeprowler.com First-person reviews from students collegesolved.com Compare colleges, ask questions of students or IECA members collegeweeklive.com College fairs, access to school counselors and representatives fairtest.org A listing of schools not requiring SAT or ACT exams going2college.org Plan, search, and pay for college goseecampus.com Planning tools for campus visits insidecollege.com Teen-centric information about colleges kaarme.com For athletes who want to reach coaches mappingyourfuture.org College prep and career exploration onlinecourses.com Information about continuing and online education. openculture.com Free downloadable education media princetonreview.com Tutoring and test prep for standardized tests securityoncampus.org Data on campus security testrocker.com Fee-based online tutoring experience to help prep for SAT unigo.com Common questions answered by students, counselors, and IECA members wisechoice.com Matching student interests with college offerings youniversitytv.com Campus tour videos zinch.com Scholarship and college search information

FAVORITE WEBSITES FOR PARENTS academicearth.org Experience actual classes, virtually allcollegeessays.org iPhone and Android App to help organize essays collegeboard.org Information about the application process collegeconfidential.com Parent-to-parent Q & A collegeresults.org College graduation rates fastweb.com Scholarships and financial aid information finaid.org Scholarships and financial aid information goseecampus.com Planning tools for campus visits naviance.com Track your studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admission status nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator National Center for Education Statistics studentaid.ed.gov and fafsa.ed.gov Financing college unigo.com Commonly asked questions answered by counselors and IECA members

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Index

We hope the admissions advise, resources, and listings in our handy guide help you through the step-by-step process of applying to college. It was made possible by the support of these advertisers.

ALL LISTINGS 27 Academic Directions 31 Alabama A&M University 27 All-In-One Academics 27 All College Application Essays 31 American University (Media Works) 31 Berklee College of Music 28 Coaching 4 College Admissions 32 Colorado Mesa University 32 Columbia College Chicago 28 Comprehensive College Counseling 30 Hobsons: College Confidential 32 Humber College 29 Klaar College Consulting 29 Marcia Moor 30 College Countdown (Sourcebooks) 28 The Essay Advisor 32 The College Board (SAT) 30 Wells Fargo 29 Zodda College Services

ADVERTISERS ALLAcademic LISTINGS 28 Directions 39 Alabama A&M University 31 All-In-One Academics 26 Berklee College of Music 30 Coaching 4 College Admissions 9 Columbia College Chicago 11 Hobsons: College Confidential 29 Humber College 17 Klaar College Consulting 15 Sourcebooks (College Countdown) Opposite Cover The College Board (SAT) 41 Wells Fargo

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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* NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Sweepstakes runs on www.wellsfargo.com/collegesteps from 12:00 a.m. Central Time (“CT”) on 8/13/12 to 11:59 p.m. CT on 8/12/13 (“Promotion Period”). Open to full or part-time students who are in an accredited secondary or post-secondary educational institution or program (including, but not limited to, high school, college, university or trade school, or are home schooled in an accredited program) and are legal residents of the U.S., 13 years of age or older — born no later than 12/31/1998 — and who enroll in Wells Fargo’s CollegeSTEPS program or Student Education Resources (“Resources”). All eligible students who were enrolled in the Resources on or before 11:59 p.m. CT on 8/12/12 will be automatically entered in all drawings without having to re-enroll. See Official Rules at www.wellsfargo.com/collegesteps or a Banker for complete details. Void where prohibited by law. SPONSOR: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., P.O. Box 5185, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57117 © 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. ECG-810182