TABLE OF CONTENTS MISSION ..........................................................................................................................................................................................3 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................................3 PRIVACY AND REPORTING POLICY ..........................................................................................................................................3 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................................................4 COLLEGE CALENDAR ...................................................................................................................................................................5 JUNIOR YEAR PLAN ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 SENIOR YEAR PLAN..................................................................................................................................................... 8 PARENTS IN THE PROCESS ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 GRADES AND COURSES IN HIGH SCHOOL .............................................................................................................................. 12 SCORES ON STANDARDIZED TESTS........................................................................................................................................... 12 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES............................................................................................................................................... 12 COLLECTING INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................................... 13 COLLEGE GUIDES ................................................................................................................................................. 13 GREAT REFERENCE BOOKS ................................................................................................................................. 13 COLLEGE ADMISSION REPRESENTATIVES ......................................................................................................... 13 REQUEST INFORMATION FROM COLLEGES ....................................................................................................... 13 GET ORGANIZED................................................................................................................................................... 14 OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION........................................................................................................................... 14 DEVELOPING A COLLEGE LIST ................................................................................................................................................. 15 USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT CAMPUS VISITS.................................................................................................................... 16 TO SCHEDULE A COLLEGE VISIT ................................................................................................................................... 16 HELPFUL HINTS......................................................................................................................................................... 16 QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED ........................................................................................................................ 17 CONTACTING COLLEGES ........................................................................................................................................................... 19 COLLEGE APPLICATION CHOICES OF SENIORS .................................................................................................................... 20 TYPES OF APPLICATION DEADLINES ................................................................................................................. 20 COMPLETING APPLICATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 21 USEFUL TIDBITS FOR APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 22 WRITING COLLEGE ESSAYS ....................................................................................................................................................... 23 TESTING INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................................ 26 ACT/SAT TEST PREPARATION ............................................................................................................................. 27 TEST INFORMATION ON THE TRANSCRIPT ........................................................................................................ 30 LEARNING DISABILITIES AND COLLEGE GUIDANCE ........................................................................................................... 31 FINANCIAL AID ........................................................................................................................................................................... 32 THE STUDENT-ATHLETE ............................................................................................................................................................. 33 NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE ...................................................................................................................................... 33 RECRUITING: ......................................................................................................................................................... 34 OFFICIAL CAMPUS VISITS ..................................................................................................................................... 34 GLOSSARY OF COLLEGE ENTRANCE TERMS .......................................................................................................................... 35 THE FIRST ACADEMY GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 37
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BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION ................................................................................................................. 38 FLORIDA ACADEMIC SCHOLARS AWARD .............................................................................................................................. 38 INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.FLORIDASTUDENTFINANCIALAID.ORG/SSFAD/BF/FASREQUIRE.HTM... 38 FLORIDA MEDALLION SCHOLARS AWARD............................................................................................................................ 38 SAMPLE RESUMES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 39 COLLEGE VISIT & FAIR QUESTIONNAIRE ............................................................................................................................... 42 RECOMMENDATION LETTER REQUEST FORM ........................................................................................................................ 43 UF ACCEPTANCE 2014 ANALYSIS .......................................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION .................................................................................................................................................... 44
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MISSION The goal of The First Academy’s College Guidance program is to provide our students with the best available advice and information regarding their academic program at TFA and to assist them in choosing and gaining admission to the college or university most holistically appropriate for them. We seek to engage in the college search process through a three-way partnership involving the student, the guidance counselors, and the parents. Together we can assure that each student takes advantage of every possible opportunity and has countless prospects open for his/her future.
INTRODUCTION Making decisions about your post-secondary future can be both scary and exciting. It will test your patience and tolerance. We are committed to making the process as manageable as possible. Please know that colleges are becoming more and more selective. Remember, too, that being admitted to a college or university is only a small part of “the battle�. Being successful at that school is the ultimate goal. One of the Guidance counselors will meet individually with each student and his/her parent(s) on a yearly basis to review course selection, test scores, and the college application process. We will also discuss the criteria for acceptance into colleges that students are interested in attending. We can only offer suggestions and guidelines that merit consideration. The final decision should be a family decision. Although many colleges may be appropriate for each student, the key is finding the schools that match your abilities and needs. There are thousands of colleges and universities in the United States - and like the students who attend them, they are all different. They are private and public, large and small, located in cities and small towns. Some schools are church-related while others are not. Some offer the liberal arts and sciences, while others are specialized or technical. Understanding that there is not a perfect college also will make the application process more exciting. If you narrow your sights to only one college, you may spend too much time worrying about gaining admission to that particular school. This will keep you from seriously considering other colleges and universities. We urge you to look at a variety of options, and you will quickly find that each one has its own advantages.
PRIVACY AND REPORTING POLICY Each student has the right to complete confidentiality and privacy of his/her academic records, discipline records, and college choices. We will not send transcripts to any college, coach, scholarship, etc. without written consent. Most disciplinary actions do not need to be reported. However, we are required to report suspensions or incidences of academic dishonesty to every college to which a student applies. All letters of recommendation are considered confidential and will be given to the student only with the written permission of the writer. You have the right to see any other documentation being sent from this office. Please trust that we will never send a letter that is unfavorable to a student.
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RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Rights ·
When you are offered admission, you have the right to wait to respond to an offer of admission and/or financial aid until May 1st. (This does not include Early Decision candidates.) Colleges that request commitments to offers of admission prior to May 1 must clearly offer you the opportunity to request (in writing) an extension until May 1.
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These colleges must grant you an extension, and your request may not jeopardize your status for admission and/or financial aid.
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If you are placed on a waitlist, you have the right to be notified of that placement by the college or university. They should provide a history that describes the number of students on the waitlist, the number offered admission, and the availability of financial aid and housing. Waitlist candidates are individuals who have been deemed “acceptable” by the admissions committee but who are not fully “accepted” when other students are notified on or around April 1, the traditional notification deadline. Individuals may or may not be taken from the waitlist at a later date, which is largely determined by the college or university filling their new freshman class with the first round of accept letters. If a college foresees that it could fall any number of students short in filling their freshman class, they may, at that point, accept some or many of the students from the wait list.
Responsibilities ·
Before you apply, you have the responsibility to research and understand the policies and procedures of each college or university regarding application fees, financial aid, scholarships, and housing. You should also be sure of each school’s policy regarding deposits, which you may be required to make before you enroll.
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It is your responsibility to accurately and thoroughly complete all material required for an application and to submit your application on or before the published deadliness. Please allow the college counseling office 2 weeks to work on your application. You are responsible to seek assistance from the Guidance Office and to follow the process as outlined in this book.
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It is your responsibility to arrange for college visits, get applications, schedule interviews, and register for the SAT and ACT. It is your responsibility to send official copies of your SAT/ACT scores to each college.
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It is your responsibility to withdraw applications to other colleges when you receive an Early Decision acceptance.
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Once you receive your admission decisions, it is your responsibility to notify each college or university whether you are accepting or rejecting its offer. You should make these notifications as soon as you have made a final decision, but no later than June 1. Please remember that there may be students on a waitlist waiting to hear from that school.
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COLLEGE CALENDAR Junior Year Plan
Begin college selection process. Attend college fairs, financial aid seminars, general information sessions, etc., to learn as much as you can about the college application process. Make sure you are meeting NCAA requirements if you want to play Division I or II sports in college. September
Save samples of your best work for your academic portfolio (all year).
Maintain your extra-curricular record (all year).
Attend the Christian College Fair at TFA.
Be sure to check with the Guidance office or Naviance for the list of colleges visiting TFA throughout the fall.
October
Take the PSAT.
Junior year PSAT scores may qualify a student for the National Merit Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and the National Hispanic Scholars Programs. Even though these scores will not be used for college admission, it is still a good idea to take the PSAT. The more times you take standardized tests, the more familiar you will become with the format and the types of questions asked.
Attend the National College Fairs at the Valencia College (East, West, or Osceola campus).
Meet with the college representatives when they visit TFA.
November
Junior year grades are extremely important in the college admission process because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced, upper-level courses. Grades are also used to determine scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible, so put in the extra effort and keep those grades up!
If you will require financial aid, start researching your options for grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Make an appointment with your guidance counselor or start by visiting NACAC's Web Resources for the College-Bound at www.nacacnet.org for more information.
December
During December you should receive the results of your PSAT. Read your score report and consult your school counselor to determine how you might improve on future standardized tests. The PSAT is excellent preparation for the SAT, which you will take in the spring.
If you plan to take the ACT, register now for the February ACT. Many colleges accept the ACT or the SAT. Some colleges require the ACT or both SAT and the SAT Subject Tests. When you begin to explore different colleges and universities, double-check to see what they prefer. 5
January
Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you would like to investigate further. Surf the Internet and use the college resources in the guidance office or library.
Ask your parents for your Social Security number (required on many college applications). If you were never issued a Social Security number, contact the closest Social Security office as soon as possible to obtain a number.
Attend the GUIDANCE MEETING (for all Juniors & Parents)
Register for the SAT Reasoning Test in the Spring if you have completed the math courses covered by the test (Algebra I, Geometry, & Algebra II). If not, plan to take the SAT in May or June. Prepare for the SAT or ACT by signing up for a prep course, using computer software, or doing the SAT/ACT practice tests available in the counseling office or at bookstores. Do not spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that grades and extra-curricular involvement suffer.
February
Continue to be diligent in your academic and extracurricular work.
Check with the Guidance office on the amount of community service hours you have.
Consider taking college-related trips with friends and family.
March
Write, telephone, or use the Internet to request admission literature and financial aid information from the colleges on your list. Begin visiting colleges. Set up appointments. Interviews are always a good idea. Many colleges will tell you they are optional, but an interview will show interest, enthusiasm and initiative on your part and provide an excellent opportunity to have your questions answered.
April
When selecting your senior courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically.
Register for the May/June SAT and/or the May/June SAT Subject Tests. Not all SAT Subject Tests are given on every test date. Check the calendar carefully to determine when the Subject Tests you want are offered. Register for the June ACT if you want to take that test.
Look into summer jobs or apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge and developing their skills and interests.
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May
Get a jump start on summer activities: consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program, applying for an internship, working, or volunteering. If you work, save part of your earnings for college.
Take the SAT or the SAT Subject Tests.
Students must complete their NCAA Clearinghouse registration after completing their junior year. Transcript request must be made to the Guidance office.
June
After school ends, get on the road to visit colleges, if you have not done so already. Seeing the college firsthand, taking a tour, and talking to students can be the greatest help in deciding whether a school is right for you. Although it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going in the summer will also be valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give tours and answer questions from prospective students and their parents.
Take the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests and/or the ACT.
July
Visit colleges, take tours, have interviews and ask questions. Make college visits a family event. Involve your parents and siblings in every step of your application process. Choosing the right college is a tough decision; the opinions of those who know you best can provide helpful insight into which college is best for you.
Begin preparing for the actual application process: draft application essays, collect writing samples, and assemble portfolios or audition tapes.
August
Continue to refine your list of potential colleges and universities.
If you are an athlete and plan on playing in college, contact the coaches at the schools to which you are applying and ask about intercollegiate and intramural sports programs and athletic scholarships. *Attained from the National Association for College Counseling
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Senior Year Plan
Apply to colleges. Make decisions. Finish high school with pride in yourself and your accomplishments. September
Make sure you have all applications required for college admission and financial aid. Write, phone, or use the Internet to request missing information.
Check on application and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you plan to apply. They may vary, and it is essential to meet all deadlines!
Review your transcript and extra-curricular records with your school counselor to ensure their accuracy.
If needed, register for the October/November SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests, or September/October ACT.
If the colleges require recommendations, ask the appropriate people to write on your behalf. Provide recommendation forms, any special instructions and a stamped, addressed business envelope to the people writing your recommendation. Be thoughtful! Write thank-you notes to those who write recommendations and keep them informed of your decisions.
Do not take rolling admission applications for granted. (Some colleges do not have application deadlines; they admit students on a continuous basis.) These schools may reach their maximum class size quickly-the earlier you apply, the more availability there may be.
Plan visits to colleges and set up interviews (if you didn't get to them during the summer or if you want to return to a campus for a second time).
October
Mail applications in time to reach the colleges by the deadlines. Fill out the transcript request on Naviance to have your transcript mailed to the colleges.
If applying for early decision or early action, send in your application now. Also prepare applications for back-up schools. Remember, if you are accepted under the early decision option, you are expected to enroll at that college and to withdraw all other applications. Submit financial aid information if requested from early decision/action candidates.
Have official test scores sent by the testing agency to colleges on your list.
November
Be sure your first quarter grades are in good standing.
Continue completing applications to colleges. Make copies of all applications before mailing them.
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If you need financial aid, you can apply on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) website at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Check to see if the colleges to which you are applying require any other financial aid form.
Keep all records, test score reports, and copies of applications for admission and financial aid. Do not throw anything away until at least the end of your first year in college. Having detailed records will save you time and effort should anything be lost or should you decide to apply in the future to other colleges and scholarship programs.
December
Consult your school counselor again to review your final list of colleges. Be sure you have all bases covered. It is a good idea to make copies of everything before you drop those envelopes in the mail. If for some reason your application gets lost, you will have a back-up copy. File your last college application.
If you applied for early decision, you should have an answer by now. If you are accepted, follow the instructions for admitted students. If the decision is deferred until spring or you are denied, submit applications now to other colleges.
Apply for Bright Futures Scholarship
January
Keep up with your classwork! Grades and courses continue to count throughout the senior year.
Request that your counselor send an updated transcript (including your first semester grades) to the colleges to which you applied.
Complete your income tax forms as soon as possible. You will need those figures to fill out the FAFSA. Complete and return your FAFSA as quickly as possible after January 1. Check to make sure your colleges do not require any other financial aid forms. If they do, consult your guidance counselor or contact the college's financial aid office.
February
Remember to monitor your applications to be sure that all materials are sent and received on time and that they are complete. Stay on top of things and don't procrastinate; you can ruin your chances for admission by missing a deadline.
If you completed a FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after submitting the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully and check for any inaccuracies. If necessary, correct any items on the SAR and return it to the FAFSA processor. If a college transmitted your data directly, notify the college of any change.
If more than four weeks have passed after sending in your FAFSA and you have not received an acknowledgment, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or visit their website at www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information. They will need your name, social security number, address, and date of birth exactly as it was written on your FAFSA. 9
Complete scholarship applications. You may be eligible for more scholarships than you think, so apply for as many as you can.
Enjoy your final year in high school, but don't catch senioritis!
March
Stay focused and keep studying-only a couple more months to go!
Visit colleges to which you have been accepted to help you decide on a final choice.
April
Review your college acceptances and financial aid awards. Be sure to compare financial aid packages in your decision-making process. If you are positive you will not enroll at one or more of the colleges which accepted you, please notify those colleges that you have selected another college. Keeping colleges abreast of your plans might enable those colleges to admit someone else. If you know which college you will attend, send your tuition deposit and follow all other instructions for admitted students. You must decide which offer of admission to accept by May 1 (postmark date).
May
By May 1, decide on the one college you will attend and send in your tuition deposit to that college. Notify the other colleges that accepted you that you have selected another college.
BE PROUD-you have completed a difficult task!
If your first-choice college places you on their waitlist, do not lose all hope. Some students are admitted off the waitlist. Talk with your counselor and contact the college to let them know you are still very interested. Keep the college updated on your activities.
Take Advanced Placement examinations, if appropriate, and request that your AP scores be sent to the college you will attend.
*Attained from the National Association for College Counseling
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PARENTS IN THE PROCESS For many students, choosing a college is, up to this point in their lives, their most major decision. Parents know their students better than anyone else and, in most cases, will be paying the fees. So how much involvement should parents have in the decision? What is the role of parents in this process? The involvement of the student’s parents in choosing a college varies enormously and sometimes causes stress and tension within the family. Some parents give absolute freedom to their students to choose a college independently; others impose their own suggestion on the child. Together, students and parents must find the right balance. The parents’ role should certainly be more than just driving the student to the college visits, but giving support and suggestions to the students in preparing for the visits and asking questions. This will be one of the most stressful times for the students and it will be crucial that the parents walk along side to give positive support to them. This is not to say that parents should not play a significant role in the process. Parents have the right and responsibility to be involved in the decision and there are several ways to do this. Parents can be most helpful by providing a system of checks and balances and keeping the student on task. They can make sure that their student is asking perceptive questions and considering all aspects of the school. Some families may set limits with their student regarding things like cost, size, and distance from home. Talk about finances early in the process. This will not only avoid disappointment later, but it will also help to prepare students for the responsibilities they will face once they enroll. Initially, cost should not be a limiting factor because of possible financial aid awards. However, it is often wise to have one to two schools on the list that may be less costly. Overall, the adult perspective should not be undervalued in the college selection process, but parents should let students take ownership of the process. While students should preparing applications, calling for interviews, and following up independently, parents can assist during campus visits by noticing things students may not have, i.e., advising programs, campus security, availability of on-campus services, etc. Together, families can carefully evaluate possible choices and help their student choose an environment in which he/she will flourish.
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GRADES AND COURSES IN HIGH SCHOOL Your high school record will be the most important factor in admittance to a particular college or university. Good grades in all your courses throughout high school show a willingness to work hard and an interest in a variety of subjects. A poor grade or two in high school does not necessarily mean you will not be admitted to a selective college. If your grades improve, even late in your high school career, most colleges will notice. Likewise, if grades drop later in your high school career, most colleges will notice. Colleges also consider the diversity and difficulty of the courses you have taken. Success in the tougher courses (higher level math, language, or Advanced Placement) suggests you will do well in college. Colleges want students who are interested in learning and working hard. A weak schedule, regardless of your grades, will not speak well of you. Colleges are extremely interested in your senior year course schedule. They do not want students who have decided to “slack off” their senior year. Research suggests that senior year performance is a good indicator of success in college.
SCORES ON STANDARDIZED TESTS The widely used tests for college admissions are the SAT I, the ACT and SAT Subject Tests. After your high school record, test scores are the next most important aspect of your application. So just how much emphasis do colleges put on test scores? That depends on where you apply. College guidebooks and admission materials often list the average test scores of students at a particular college or university. Keep in mind that this is an average, not a minimum. The scores of students admitted to the school are in a range extending below, as well as above, that average. An increasing number of colleges list a range that shows the scores of the middle 50 percent of the students who attend the school. College admission officers are fully aware, too, that some students do not "test well.” Slow reading speed, unfamiliarity with the test format, or simple fear may cause a student to perform poorly on standardized tests. For these reasons, virtually all colleges also consider other factors when they select students. They look at grades, recommendations, essays, and a student's special talents and achievements. However, standardized tests are the great equalizer. Though receiving a low score on the ACT or SAT does not automatically eliminate you from attending the college of your choice, it is critically important to do your very best possible on these tests.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Most colleges look for students with many interests. Colleges notice students involved in theater, musical groups, special interest clubs (such as Chess Club), student publications, athletics, or student government. If you have “dabbled” in a lot of activities, you may want to focus only on those that you have put a great deal of commitment toward. The new word in college admissions is “angular.” An angular student is one who may have only one or two activities outside of academics, but they have been committed for four years and demonstrate increased leadership. Do what you enjoy! Schools do not look favorably upon participation in activities simply for the purpose of resume-building. Be sure to include any activity in which you have been elected to or assumed a leadership role. If the college asks for you to estimate the number of hours per week you spend on each activity, be careful not to overestimate. Part-time work, interesting summer adventure, or unusual experiences may also be important to some colleges. 12
COLLECTING INFORMATION COLLEGE GUIDES: There are many fine guidebooks to colleges and universities. They are available in the school library, public library, or at a bookstore. These books are good sources for objective information about enrollment, major fields of study, church affiliation, costs, and student life. There is also a search available through Naviance. Be wary of any guide that claims to rank colleges and universities. The quality of your educational experience will depend more on how well the college meets your needs and goals than on any criteria a guide might use to rank colleges. Also, no one guide can capture the spirit or strength of a college. If you compare several accounts, you can better judge a college's admission literature.
GREAT REFERENCE BOOKS: There are some great books out there to help you choose a college and gain admission. Here are just a few: ·
Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope
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Looking Beyond the Ivy League by Loren Pope
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The 100 Best Colleges For African-American Students by Erlene B. Wilson
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Winning the Heart of the College Admissions Dean by Joyce Slayton Mitchell
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Presenting Yourself Successfully to Colleges by Howard and Matthew Greene
COLLEGE ADMISSION REPRESENTATIVES: During the school year, admission representatives from a number of colleges and universities will visit our school. Be sure to seek out representatives from the colleges you are considering. This is a good opportunity to have your questions answered. You may even want to talk to representatives of colleges you haven’t considered. It will give you a sense of what a variety of colleges offer. Most of these representatives will be here during the school day. Use Naviance to sign up for these visits. If you are unable to miss class that day, please at least come to the conference room, introduce yourself to the representative, and complete an information card. Please remember that the person you meet is likely to be the individual who will read your application. Make a good impression! Listen, ask good questions, and be attentive.
REQUEST INFORMATION FROM COLLEGES: As you compile a list of colleges and universities you might be interested in, contact them for information. You can find the addresses and phone numbers in the college guidebooks or directly from the colleges’ websites. Most colleges allow you to request information on their website, usually located on the admissions page. It may take colleges several weeks to send you the information or an application; do not wait to request the information. If you want to find out about particular majors, sports, or activities, ask for that as 13
well. Most colleges allow you to download and print an application directly from their website. This may be the most efficient method.
GET ORGANIZED: To make the best use of all the information you gather from colleges, get organized. One good way is to keep a folder for each college. Keep all information you receive and notes on any conversations you have with representatives from each college. As the materials arrive, read them carefully, with a pencil at hand. Note the things you like about a particular college and the things you dislike. Make sure you note the deadline for each application. Ask yourself these questions: 1.
Does the college have the major or program I want?
2. Does the college have the activities and/or sports I want? 3. Do I meet the college's admission requirements? 4. Will the college help me achieve my educational and personal goals? 5. Does the college provide the environment I am looking for? The idea is not to make a final decision now. Instead, read and think about each college as carefully as possible, then figure out what other information you need to gather. Look at this as a research project. Collect as much information as possible from as many sources as possible.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION: 1.
Most of your questions should be answered in this manual. It is designed to give you the necessary specifics about the college application process. Please keep this in a location convenient for you and refer to it often.
2. We recommend that you limit your college applications by applying to 3-5 colleges. We encourage you to apply to 1-2 reach or dream schools, 1-2 colleges where you have a better than 50% chance of acceptance, and 2 schools that are pretty much guaranteed acceptance. ALL of these schools should be schools you have an interest in attending. 3. Students are allowed the opportunity for college visits junior and senior year as long as they are prearranged absences. You are required to submit to the school a note from the visiting college stating date and time of visit, written on official school letter head. 4. If you want to participate in athletics on the college level in either a Division I or II school, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse determines athletic eligibility. If you think there is even the most remote possibility that you might play in college, register with the Clearinghouse. 5. Students with DIAGNOSED learning disabilities may be eligible for extended-time testing on the ACT and SAT. The documentation must be on file at the school, must be recent (three years is the longest it may be used without needing a re-evaluation), and the school must be making similar modifications for you in order to qualify. It is very difficult to receive non-standard administration of the tests for a newly diagnosed learning disability.
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DEVELOPING A COLLEGE LIST One of the key goals of the college planning conference is the creation of a college list. This list will take into account those characteristics and trademarks you are looking for in a school, be it size, location, quality of particular academic or extracurricular program, etc. Naviance will also provide information on how past students with similar academic credentials have fared in the admissions process. As time progresses we will constantly work to revise this list, taking into account your reactions after visiting or researching particular schools, your changing interests and ideas, and your testing and academic scores. Even if you have outstanding credentials, you may not be offered admission by all the colleges to which you apply. The most highly selective colleges deny far more students than they accept, with several now accepting less than 12% of their applicants. Some may factor in your level of interest, which they ascertain by whether you have visited, interviewed, or remained in contact with the school throughout the admission process. The final goal is to come up with a balanced group, five to seven schools, which fall into three categories. The terms we use – reach, possible, and likely – are relative and not absolute. In determining whether a school is a reach, possible, or likely for any individual student, we factor in our best judgment based on experience over the years, with the trends we are now seeing at that particular school. If we feel that certain reach schools are unrealistic, we will tell you so. We offer this to assist you in evaluating your chances at a particular school, and not as a judgment of your performance during your time at The First Academy. In an ideal world we would like each student to be admitted to his/her first choice school. In reality, we know that some of you will not be admitted to your top choice. We are here to support you in any way possible and to serve as an advocate on your behalf at each school to which you apply. We define each of these groups in this manner:
REACH: There are two definitions of reach. First, your credentials are not as strong as those of students who are typically admitted. Second, the percentage of admitted applicants to this school is extremely small, thereby affecting the chances of admission for anyone.
POSSIBLE: Your credentials for admission are truly competitive, and you are qualified for admission. We would see this as a school where you might have a 50-50 chance of admission, as former students with similar credentials have often been admitted yet sometimes denied. This may also be a school where factors beyond pure academics may be factored into the decision.
LIKELY: These are schools where your credentials are very competitive and we are confident that you will
be admitted, assuming that your application has been well done and interest in the school has been demonstrated through an interview and/or a campus visit. We consider it extremely important for students to find the likely schools where they truly believe they can be happy and productive.
Final Thoughts: It is important to remember that our groupings are estimates; this is not an exact
science. These estimates assume continued strong course work and a thoughtful, well-presented application. In creating these lists for each of you, we are looking at you as an individual and not in the context of the rest of your classmates. Your “possible” may be a classmate’s “reach.” Most students have little difficulty identifying “reach” schools that they see as ideal matches for their needs. However, identifying schools for the “possible” and “likely” categories sometimes requires more thorough investigation. Our most disappointed students and families have simply not spent sufficient time and energy on their part of this process. Developing a well-balanced, informed list of colleges is the key to a successful process and a satisfactory outcome. 15
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT CAMPUS VISITS No publication, no matter how thorough, can give you a complete picture of a college or university. A campus visit is the best way to see for yourself what a college is like. Advance planning with the college’s admission office is important to help you make the most of your visit. Most colleges encourage campus visits, and many publish special brochures to help you plan one.
To schedule a college visit: ·
Call the college and let them know what date you plan to visit. They should receive your call at least two weeks prior to your visit. October is usually a busy month so phone well in advance. Phone numbers are available in any college handbook or the college website.
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Let the college know what major(s) and special interests you would like to pursue. Ask them to set up a visit with a professor or sit in on a class.
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Ask them what time you need to be there to receive a tour of their campus. Some schools have set times for tours.
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If you need financial assistance to pay for college, you will want to meet with someone in the financial aid office.
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If this is an institution that requires interviews, you will want to arrange for this to happen as well.
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If this institution does not require an interview, you may want to still stop in the admissions office and introduce yourself to the director of admissions or the representative for your region. Remember you want them to associate a name with a face.
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Many colleges assist families with overnight arrangements. If you need assistance, please ask. Friday and Saturday nights are usually NOT an option.
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Be sure to ask them what time you need to be on campus, where you need to go when you arrive, and how to reach any destination you are unsure of finding. Many colleges will send you a map with a confirmation letter prior to your visit.
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Arrange to meet with students and talk with them. They can give you the best perspective on a college.
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Eat in the cafeteria. It gives you not just a taste of the food but of the culture of the school.
Helpful hints: ·
Be prompt.
·
Dress appropriately. (You need not be in your Sunday best, but please do not wear your shortest shorts, worst jeans, or skimpiest of tops. If you do, you will be discussed and remembered in ways that will not be to your advantage.) 16
·
Have your list of questions ready.
·
Be prepared to talk about yourself and what is attracting you to the college.
·
Pay attention on the visit. Imagine if you can actually see yourself fitting in the environment.
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Generate a list of questions about things that are important to you and that you need to know to choose a college. Take the list with you on every visit. Write the answers to the questions down. You will never remember all of the information later.
·
Be prepared to ask questions and engage in conversation with the individuals with whom you come in contact.
INTERVIEWS: Some colleges require an interview, though many do not. If the college requires or recommends one, see if you can schedule it during your campus visit. As with any interview, be on time. If you know you will be delayed, call ahead. Also, review the information and notes you have on the college and prepare a list of questions ahead of time. Take the list along so you are sure to cover everything you wanted to know. In your interview, you will probably be asked about your background, interests, hobbies, goals, and why you are applying to the college. Mentally prepare answers to those types of questions. It is natural to be a little nervous. Try to see it as a conversation in which you ask questions, too. If you do that, you will be more likely to relax and enjoy the experience. Remember whether this is a formal interview or just a brief conversation, put your best foot forward. Avoid the use of slang and the word “like.” Speak in complete, expanded sentences. Avoid answering with just a yes or a no. Regardless of how difficult it is for you to carry on a conversation with a stranger – force yourself. Practice! Most of the admissions reps you will be dealing with may not be too much older than yourself. They are likely to be recent graduates of the college. Many interviews will be conducted by alumni of the school who live in the area. Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer.
QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED: ·
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
·
How did you become interested in our college?
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What do you plan to study at our college?
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Tell me about some of your extra-curricular activities. Which ones did you enjoy the most?
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What did you like/dislike most in high school?
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What strengths do you feel you have that will help you in college?
·
How do you picture yourself ten years from now? 17
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What extra-curricular activities are you interested in pursuing?
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Why do you want to be a student at our college?
·
What is your greatest accomplishment?
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What is your favorite/least favorite subject? Why?
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CONTACTING COLLEGES One of the most important things is to get your name in front of the college admissions officers as often as possible. Of course you want to always make a good impression, so letters are a great way to achieve both goals.
Write a note thanking the admissions director or representative for a college visit, tour, or interview.
Write a note thanking an alumnus for an interview.
Thank-you notes should be sent within a few days of the visit or interview.
Thank-you notes should be hand written.
Be certain there are no spelling errors (especially in the name of the addressee) or grammatical errors, and be sure that your handwriting is legible.
THANK YOU FOR THE COLLEGE VISIT: SAMPLE:
[Please hand-write these.] Dear (Use name, not title) Thank you for spending time with me when I visited your campus. I especially appreciated your arranging time for me to see (name of activity or interest). The students I met with were great and gave me good insight into life on (name of college/university’s) campus. I enjoyed sitting in on (name of class). It was extremely interesting. The visit increased my interest in (name of college/university). I am excited about the opportunity to attend (name of college). Once again, thank you. Sincerely,
Signature
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COLLEGE APPLICATION CHOICES OF SENIORS Many college handbooks show how the colleges rank themselves – by percentage of applicants accepted, high school class rank, and test scores. Do not confuse the level of admissions difficulty with how difficult it is to stay in that particular college or how competitive the students are with each other. Often it is more difficult to get into these highly competitive schools than it is to stay in. It is also quite possible for one program at a university to be extremely selective, while another program at the same university is much less competitive. Typically, there are three levels of difficulty regarding college admissions. These levels are listed below. These are to be used as a guideline only because admission standards are subject to change on an annual basis. MODERATELY DIFFICULT These are schools where the average ACT composites range from 21-25; combined SAT scores are 1050-1200 and students have at least a 3.0 grade point average (many are higher). The acceptance rate is usually above 65%. VERY DIFFICULT These are schools where the average ACT composites are over 26; combined SAT scores are over 1230; and students have at least a 3.5 grade point average. The acceptance rate is usually 60% or lower. MOST DIFFICULT These are schools where the average ACT composites are over 30; the combined SAT scores are over 1350; and more than 75% of the students are in the top 10% of their class or have a grade point average of at least a 3.8. The acceptance rate is usually 30% or lower. *For current college admission standards, check the college website under “Freshmen Profile.”
TYPES OF APPLICATION DEADLINES: Early Decision: Early decision, a plan offered by a select number of colleges and universities, allows a student to apply to only one school for an early admission judgment, usually in October or early November. The student will usually receive the decision of the college by mid-December. This is a binding decision and, if accepted, the student is obligated to attend. The student may submit other applications during this period, but only one can be Early Decision. The student must also withdraw these applications if he or she is accepted to his Early Decision institution. Pros: you are notified of the admissions decision earlier and there is often a higher acceptance rate from the early decision pool. Cons: you cannot change your mind and you cannot compare financial aid packages. Please check the college website for the exact date the application is due. Early Action: Early Action is a plan offered by schools that invites early application but is non-binding and does not require the student to attend if accepted. The student can file as many Early Action applications as he/she wants. Application deadline is usually October or early November, with decisions announced in mid-December. Pros: you are notified of the admissions decision earlier and there is sometimes a little higher acceptance rate from the early action pool. Cons: None noted. 20
Regular Decision: The deadline for regular decision will vary from school to school but usually falls between December 15 th and January 15th. All supporting information should be sent to the admissions office by the given deadline. Generally, admissions decisions are mailed from mid-March to the National Notification Date of April 1. Rolling Admissions: The college will notify the student of the decision as soon as the application has been processed (usually in four to six weeks) and the file is complete. It is to the student’s advantage to apply early before the admissions office gets busy with late winter applications. Some colleges will delay a decision pending seventh semester grades. Please pay attention to priority filing dates for scholarships or special programs. A university might continue accepting applications even though several of its premier programs are full. Please allow the Guidance Office three weeks to process the application. Open Admissions: Students are accepted upon application in Open Admissions (usually community colleges). Waitlist: This is a decision by a college where a student is neither rejected nor accepted. The college waits to see the yield from the accepted students to begin taking students off of the waitlist. Please work closely with the Guidance Office if you are placed on a waitlist.
COMPLETING APPLICATIONS: Step 1: When you receive an application, immediately check the due date. You need to give any teacher/pastor recommendation forms to the person you have asked to write a letter for you. Not all applications will have such a form. Do not turn these in to the Guidance Office. Step 2: Complete the application. Colleges prefer receiving applications online. If you are completing hard copy applications, be certain to fill them in neatly either by typing or printing legibly in black ink. Do not use pencil!! You may want to photo copy the application and write out your “rough draft” on the photocopy and then transfer the information to the real application. Double check for spelling errors, and have someone proofread for errors and missing information. Remember this is going to be the college’s first impression of you. Make it a good one. After you have completed all parts of the application, bring a College Application Checklist and a Transcript Request form to the Guidance office with a copy of anything that needs to be sent hard copy to the college. If you are completing the application online (strongly encouraged), you may turn in the checklist to the office before you have completed the application. That way, we can both be working on it at the same time. You may also want to be sure that someone has proofed it before you hit “submit.” Be certain that you print a copy of your application to keep in your file. Submit the counselor’s form and any teacher recommendation requests through Naviance. Nothing will be sent from the Guidance Office without a written request, including correct name and address of college and details of what should be sent. You do not need to include any envelopes or postage. Step 3: 21
Your application will be processed and mailed as a complete application packet. This will include the following: 1.
Your completed application and fee (unless submitted online)
2. Your transcript 3. The completed Secondary School Report (if there is one) 4. The counselor letter of recommendation 5. Any faculty letters of recommendation 6. Your resume (unless submitted online) 7. Your personal statement/essay (unless submitted online) 8. Your SAT/ACT scores (if requested) 9. A school profile
USEFUL TIDBITS FOR APPLICATIONS:
The Guidance Office will process applications in order by the date they have been received. (Please allow approximately 2 weeks).
Save yourself some time by using the Common Application for as many of your schools as possible. The Common Application is available online and is accepted at many colleges and universities. Double check to see if the school you are applying to has a supplement.
Feel free to apply online. Just make sure you complete the appropriate requests for the Guidance Office through Naviance. More and more colleges are favoring this mode of applying; some are even refusing to accept paper applications.
Be sure to follow directions. Example— If the application requests that the information given needs to be in all caps‌be sure to comply with that request.
Be certain to sign and date the application.
Be sure to pull out all teacher recommendation forms and give them to the teacher to complete.
Be sure to fill out all parts of every page that needs to have your name, address, social security number, etc.
Make sure your name and social security number are on EACH page you attach, and your check. Do not trust that the college admissions staff will not accidentally tear off pages. Please remember that they are getting thousands of applications.
Pay attention to details. Meeting deadlines and providing specifics you need for your applications are your responsibility. 22
WRITING COLLEGE ESSAYS INTRODUCTION: If you are like most students, you see the college essay as another hurdle that must jump on the way to being accepted at the college of your choice. In fact, the essay is not a hurdle but a rare opportunity; it is a chance for you to “talk” directly to the college’s admissions committee and to help them “see” you as a thinking and feeling person, rather than simply a set of impersonal statistics. Except for the interview, it is your only chance to share your thoughts, insights, and opinions; to highlight your accomplishments; and to convey your maturity and outlook on life. If you see the college essay in this way – as an opportunity – then it is clearly worth the efforts to put some extra time, thought, and energy into writing it.
PURPOSE OF THE ESSAY: The college essay is extremely important for two major reasons: 1.
It enables the college admissions office to evaluate your communication skills. Through your essay they can assess the clarity of your thinking and your ability to convey your thoughts in written form.
2. It enables the admissions office to learn more about you as a person, beyond what grades and SAT scores can convey. A well-written essay can speak worlds about your attitudes, feeling, personal qualities, imagination, and creativity. For the admissions staff, it adds another important piece to the puzzle because it distinguishes you as an individual, different from any other student who is applying.
CHOOSING A TOPIC: The choice of a topic is frequently not an issue, because many colleges and universities will either give you a topic or present several rather specific topics from which you must choose. Other colleges may simply “suggest” broad general topics or give you total freedom to write about something that interests or concerns you. Regardless of whether you must respond to a prescribed topic or come up with one of your own, here are a few general hints about the most effective way to approach your topic:
Narrow your topic and try to be as specific and illustrative as possible.
The easiest topic to write about is yourself. No one knows more about you than you. Since one important purpose of the essay is self-revelation, it is no place to be shy or modest, although you should not exaggerate. If you choose to write about yourself, remember that little incidents and facts are often the most revealing of character and outlook.
Do not be afraid to write about something you think is a little different. A unique topic or approach is often refreshing to a college admissions officer who has been reading applications all day. Further, an unusual or off-beat essay is an excellent way to show your creativity.
PREPARING TO WRITE: Before actually sitting down to write a first draft of your essay, spend some time organizing your thoughts. Develop a framework for your essay so it will have a smooth and logical progression from one idea or 23
incident to the next. Consider your purpose in writing, what you want to convey, and the tone that you think is most appropriate for the topic. Decide on a style that is comfortable for you, not one that you think the college admissions committee prefers. Finally, remember that organizing your thoughts and deciding on a framework does not mean you must be overly rigid at the start; leave room for flexibility and creativity as you actually begin writing.
WRITING THE ESSAY: You do not have to get it right the first time! Instead, write the first draft of your essay with the main focus on content – communicating your thoughts. Then set it aside for a day or two, reread it with a fresh perspective, and make any necessary changes. This is also the point at which you should consider matters of organization, style, grammar, spelling, and tone. Once you have rewritten your first draft, you may wish to try it out on your family, friends, an English teacher, or a guidance counselor. While the final product and final “voice” should be yours, they may be able to offer helpful suggestions for technical or other improvements. Within this general outline for actually writing the essay, there are some “do’s” and “don’ts” to highlight:
Do: ·
Do think “small” and write about something that you know about.
·
Do reveal yourself in your writing.
·
Do show rather than tell. By giving examples and illustrating your topic, you help bring it to life.
·
Do write in your own “voice” and style.
Don’t: ·
Don’t write what you think others want to read.
·
Don’t exaggerate or write to impress.
·
Don’t use a flowery, inflated, or pretentious style.
·
Don’t neglect the technical part of your essay (grammar, spelling, sentence structure).
·
Don’t ramble – say what you have to say and conclude.
Your college essay, along with your high school record, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvements will provide the bases upon which the college makes its admissions decision. A thoughtful, wellwritten essay can affect in a very positive way that final decision. Keep this in mind and take full advantage of the opportunity which the college essay affords you. John Conkright Dean of Admissions Randolph-Macon College (Reproduction Granted)
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Sample College Application Essays Here are some helpful websites to utilize:
https://www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in
http://collegeapps.about.com/od/essays/a/essay_tips.htm
http://college-admission-essay.com/
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TESTING INFORMATION The First Academy’s ACT/CEEB School Code Number is 101-316. This number will be necessary when registering for standardized tests.
STANDARDIZED TESTS: There are two different standardized tests used for college admission. The ACT consists of four parts - English, math, reading, and science reasoning. As of June 2014, there is an optional writing sample. Please register to take the writing sample at least once as many colleges will require it for admission. An average of the four subtests is reported as a composite score. The scores on the ACT range from a low of 1 to a high of 36 on each subtest as well as the composite. The SAT consists of three parts – verbal, math and writing. The scores for each section range from a low of 200 to a high of 800 with a combined high score of 2400. The Writing section will include a writing sample, in which students will write a 25-minute essay to a prompt. The essay will be scored on a rubric scale of 2 – 12 and will be calculated as approximately 40% of the overall writing score. The more competitive colleges will also require three SAT Subject Tests. Check with each college to see which tests they will require. The SAT Subject Tests measure your knowledge or skills in a particular subject and the score range is also 200 to 800. You may take as many as three SAT Subject tests on a designated test date or one SAT test. You may not take both the SAT and the SAT II on the same test date.
ACT Test Dates* All current ACT Test Dates are available online at http://actstudent.org
SAT Test Dates* All current SAT Test Dates are available online at http://sat.collegeboard.org/home
*There are fees associated with scheduling and registration for both the ACT and SAT tests. These fees are subject to change from year to year.
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USEFUL TIDBITS OF TESTING INFORMATION: There is great variance between colleges on how they will use the new SAT Writing section. Some colleges will use it only for research purposes for the first few years, while others are using it for admission. Check with each college to find out their intended use of the writing score. At this time there is no historical data on the writing section so it is safe to assume that a college’s expectations for a writing score will be similar to that of their expectations for Critical Reading and Math scores. Many colleges will use your best-combined score. Generally, schools will take your best scores on different SAT tests and combine them. This is called the Super Score. Do not panic if they see a score that is not your best. Virtually all but a handful of colleges/universities will accept either ACT or SAT scores. Go for your best. We recommend that students take both tests initially and then focus on their best test for retakes. You should take both tests at least once before the end of your junior year. The best time to take the SAT Subject tests is as close to the end of the related class. The latest ACT or SAT test is December of your senior year for most students. Even this will be too late if you are applying for early action or early decision at any institution. You are responsible for sending your test scores from the testing center to your colleges. Remember that you can specify the date you want for SAT and ACT, and only the score of that date will be sent. If you do not code your test results to be sent to a college, it will cost you additional money to have them sent later. The NCAA Clearinghouse needs to have all test scores for students on file. It will save you time and money to code them in when you register to take each test. It is best to have scores sent to the Clearinghouse directly from the testing center. The NCAA Clearinghouse code is 9999. Test scores are needed for eligibility reasons; students should not fear a low test score. More information regarding the Clearinghouse and athletic eligibility is included later in this booklet. Both ACT and SAT registration materials are available online or in the Guidance Office. You may register for both tests online. The SAT website is www.collegeboard.com and you must be able to pay with MasterCard, Visa, or American Express. The ACT website is www.act.org and you must be able to pay with MasterCard or Visa. In both cases you will be given a confirmation number or a receipt page. It will take them approximately three days to establish your record. Once you have registered you may not cancel your registration, however you can change test dates. Traffic on these websites is extremely heavy on the last days to register so you may have difficulty if you wait until the last minute. Students requesting a non-standard testing format may not register online.
ACT/SAT TEST PREPARATION: The First Academy does not endorse or support any of the following programs. However, parents often have questions regarding extra assistance in preparing for the ACT and/or SAT tests. Free or purchased self-help materials may be all that is necessary for a determined student working on his/her own. Natalie Holter (TFA) - SAT (PSAT) Test Prep (407) 206-8817
natalieholter@thefirstacademy.org
Wise Owl Tutoring - SAT, ACT, PSAT, etc. (407) 678-4945 A+ Tutoring of Central Florida – SAT, ACT (407) 678-8847
www.wiseowltutoring.net www.aplustutoring.net
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Advanced Learning Centers, Inc. – SAT, ACT (407) 645-2111
www.thinkALC.com
CORE Test Preparation – PSAT, SAT (407) 494-2673
www.coretutors.com
Elite Tutoring – SAT, ACT, AP (407) 851-5073
http://r_fikar.home.mpinet.net
Huntington Exam Prep Center – ACT, ACT (407) 644-0456
www.huntingtonlearning.com
Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions – PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP 1-800-KAP-TEST Master Scholars – Tutoring, SAT (352) 895-8092
www.kaptest.com www.masterscholars.com
Princeton Review – PSAT, ACT, SAT (888) 955-4600
www.princetonreview.com
Sylvan Learning – PSAT, SAT, ACT (888) 338-2283
www.sylvanlearning.com
UCF Test Prep (407) 882-8378
www.testprep.ucf.edu
ONLINE SAT / ACT Prep Resources FREE ACT & SAT Prep
http://www.number2.com/index.cfm?s=0
FREE ACT & SAT Practice Tests
http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=13 http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=6 http://www.testprepreview.com/act_practice.htm http://www.testprepreview.com/sat_practice.htm
FREE SAT Prep
http://www.proprofs.com/sat/
SAT Resource
http://www.saab.org/saab_org.cgi
SAT & ACT Prep
www.studyworks.com
Official ACT Sites ACT Test Agency
http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html
Official ACT Online Course
http://www.actstudent.org/onlineprep/index.html
FREE Sample ACT Test
http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html
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Official College Board Sites FREE College Board SAT Practice Test
www.colleboard.com/satpracticetest
The Official College Board SAT Online Course https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/loginAction.do
Information on Scoring the SAT https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/digital_assets/pdfs/eri/scoring_2009-2010.pdf
Advantages:
The student becomes familiar with the test and style of questions.
The student receives practice with the tests.
The student will feel more confident during the test.
Disadvantages:
The programs are usually quite costly.
They demand time and energy from the student.
If a student is not motivated, or is participating against his/her will, scores tend not to increase that significantly.
Questions to Ask:
Cost of the program
Length of time and dates of the program
Success of the program
Qualifications of the staff
Length of time they have provided this program
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FREE SELF-HELP OPTIONS: Several options exist for students who wish to improve their scores without enrolling in a formal program. The best preparation is a strong academic program throughout high school. Use your PSAT scores to help review for the SAT. Tutorials and other self-help materials are available online at the SAT and ACT websites. College Board (the people who bring you the SAT) offers the SAT question of the day on their site. It not only tells you if you are right or wrong, it also gives you an explanation of the question and how they expected you to reason through it. All students may take sample test booklets when they pick up their registration packets. We encourage students to take the practice test following the timed format, and then score them and see how they do. Teachers are available to clear up any confusion students may have about questions they could not answer. Study books and computerized programs are also available at any bookstore. These will have actual tests students can practice taking and scoring. There are some study materials available in the Guidance Office. Often, the key to success is simply becoming familiar with the test format style, and timing. Do not go into these tests unprepared!
TEST INFORMATION ON THE TRANSCRIPT: Many colleges will want an official copy of your scores sent directly from either the ACT or SAT testing center. This means that if you do not code the school to receive your test score at the time you take the test, you will need to request that ACT/SAT send the score to the college at a later date. This will cost approximately $8.00-$10.00 per school.
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LEARNING DISABILITIES AND COLLEGE GUIDANCE Juniors and seniors are often confused about the college process as it relates to their learning disability. This is especially true in the area of college admissions testing. Often the concept of timed tests is a stressful one. In an attempt for all of us to work together, and for students and their parents to have the necessary information, we need to be using the same guidelines. Students wishing to have extended time on the ACT or SAT test must adhere to the following criteria:
Students must have a DIAGNOSED learning disability.
Testing must be within the last three years.
Students must be receiving the same accommodations at TFA that they are asking the testing enter for (i.e., extra time on tests).
Students may be put in rooms with other students to be tested at the test site.
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FINANCIAL AID The best source of financial aid will come from the college you choose to attend. Be sure to meet all due dates and complete all forms to ensure eligibility for any and all scholarships or financial aid awards. There are two types of financial aid: merit-based and need-based. Merit-based aid is awarded to students based on academic performance, SAT/ACT scores, community service, leadership, athletic talent, special talents, or special circumstances and financial need is not taken into consideration. Need-based aid is awarded based on financial need as demonstrated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the CSS Profile. Need-based aid is often packaged based on academic merit considerations. In other words, better students will have more of their financial need met. All students, whether you believe you will be eligible or not, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15 at the latest. This form will be completed based on the previous year’s financial records. This form is filed with the federal government who uses a very “black and white” formula to determine the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC remains the same regardless of the college of attendance. As an example, if the EFC is $22,000 and the college’s Total Cost of Attendance is $30,000, then the student has an $8,000 Demonstrated Need. Colleges will work to meet that need through merit-based scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. If the student chooses a college with a $19,000 Total Cost of Attendance, then the student has no Demonstrated Need and the college will feel no obligation to offer need-based aid. However, this student could still be eligible for thousands of dollars in merit-based aid.
COLLEGE, FINANCIAL AID, AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION RESOURCES TFA does not take responsibility for any pop-ups or advertisements
College Information www.collegeboard.com www.collegenet.com www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool (links to college home pages) www.princetonreview.com/college
www.petersons.com www.collegeview.com www.eCampusTours.com
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information www.fastweb.com www.finaid.org www.students.gov www.irs.gov (tax relief information)
www.ed.gov/finaid.html www.srnexpress.com www.studentaid.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov (FAFSA on the web)
Helpful Publications Paying for College Without Going Broke / The Princeton Review The Scholarship Book / Prentice Hall Getting Financial Aid Handbook / The College Board College Money Handbook / Peterson’s Scholarships, Grants and Prizes / Peterson’s Scholarship Handbook / The College Board
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THE STUDENT-ATHLETE Only Division I and Division II colleges and universities can offer athletic scholarships. Division III schools have intercollegiate sports but cannot officially offer athletic scholarships. Although the Ivy League colleges are considered Division I, they cannot offer athletic scholarships since they award money on a need-basis only. If you are interested in playing for a Division III school, they can often find “attractive” financial aid packages to encourage you to attend their school.
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE The NCAA Clearinghouse needs to have all test scores for students on file. It will save you time and money to code them in when you register to take each test. It is best to have scores sent to the Clearinghouse directly from the testing center. The NCAA Clearinghouse code is 9999. Test scores are needed for eligibility reasons; students should not fear a low test score. You will need to register for the Clearinghouse online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. You must pay a $50 fee via a MasterCard or Visa. Be sure to download, print, and bring in the forms that the school needs to complete. We will mail the form, your transcripts, and your test scores to the Clearinghouse, and in June we will mail your final transcript. The ideal time to complete this form is at the end of your junior year or in the first month of your senior year. If you have attended more than one high school you will need to request a transcript be sent directly to the Clearinghouse from each school. The Clearinghouse will not accept another school’s information on our transcript. Make copies of your application form to send to the other high school. You should check in once a month to make sure the Clearinghouse has received the information. If you have a learning disability and are taking extended time ACT/SAT tests, be sure that all the necessary paperwork/documentation is sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse. Even though the College Board and ACT required students to submit paperwork in order to have a nonstandard test and learning accommodations, the NCAA Clearinghouse will not accept reports from College Board and/or ACT as official documentation. You must choose a four digit PIN for purposes of identification when you file your application. Keep that number handy, as this is the only way to access your file with the Clearinghouse. You can check to see how many or what coaches have asked for information on you from the Clearinghouse. Please give your PIN to the Guidance Office so that we may check with the Clearinghouse that all is okay with your eligibility. NCAA 301 ACT Drive Box 4043 Iowa City, IA 52243-4043
Division III*: Division III does not use the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Contact your Division III college regarding its policies on financial aid, practice, and competition. *Download complete guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
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RECRUITING: College coaches cannot contact you in person until July 1 after completion of the junior year. However, a student can initiate a call or letter to a college coach. Students interested in participating in college athletics should contact the appropriate college coaches by sending an introductory cover letter and resume including the following:
Personal information
Academic information/achievements
Athletic participation and achievements
Names of high school coaches
Names of references
OFFICIAL CAMPUS VISITS: During their senior year, student athletes may take up to 5 official college visits (invited by and paid for by the college). This restriction applies even if you are being recruited in more than one sport. Students may take as many unofficial visits as they desire.
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GLOSSARY OF COLLEGE ENTRANCE TERMS ACT: Separate scores are given in English, math, reading, and science reasoning with a composite score. The scores range from 1 to 36 on each subtest as well as the composite score. The national average composite score in recent years has been about 20.7. ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTS: National examinations given in May to high school students who complete AP courses. These tests are rated from 1 to 5 (superior) and sent to the college of the student's choice, the college itself deciding whether it will grant credit for work done in high school. BASIS FOR SELECTION: Essentially, every college is looking for evidence of the individual's promise as a student and as a person. Rank in class, total school record, SAT or ACT scores, grade point average, counselor's recommendation, and the student essay are among the usual criteria, but no two colleges weigh them alike, and the emphasis will vary from time to time. CEEB (COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD): A group of colleges, secondary schools, and educational bodies whose function it is to supervise the SATs, the SAT Subject tests, the AP Exams, and other projects. CLEP (COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM): A test program sponsored by the College Board that allows students entering college to obtain credit for knowledge learned in a non-college situation. EARLY ACTION: A student may apply to a college by October or early November and be notified of admission by December 15. The decision is not binding on the part of the student. (Dates for some colleges may vary.) EARLY DECISION: A student may apply to a college by October or early November and be notified of admission by December 15. The decision is binding on the part of the student. (Dates for some colleges may vary.) ESTIMATED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION: The amount that the Federal government believes that your family can contribute to the student’s education. This is determined by the FAFSA. The difference between the Cost of Attendance and the EFC is the demonstrated financial need. ETS (EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE): The organization in Princeton, NJ that writes and administers the College Board’s tests. FAFSA (FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID: A free form by which students may apply for financial aid in college. Some colleges may also require the CSS Profile. You can file the FAFSA in January of the senior year online at www.fafsa.ed.gov FINANCIAL AID: Money to help pay college costs. GRANT: Cash given for need rather than for record IVY LEAGUE: Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, Columbia, and University of Pennsylvania. These are institutions which are old, wealthy, well-established, and most difficult to get into. JUNIOR COLLEGE (COMMUNITY COLLEGE): An institution of higher education extending two years beyond high school. 35
LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE: An institution of higher education whose course of study is essentially four years long and leads to the BA or BS degree. It gives a broader base of courses than those dealing specifically with your major. Such a course of study does not prepare for a specific occupation, though it is often a prerequisite for postgraduate students in law, medicine, and theology. LOAN: Cash which has to be repaid after graduation MAJOR: Properly, the field of specialization of a college undergraduate. The student normally does from one quarter to one third of his/her total undergraduate work in his/her major field. MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALIST: A high school senior who has successfully survived the first two rounds of the National Merit Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in his/her junior year, and the SAT later. PSAT/NMSQT (PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST): A test administered to high school juniors in October. The test is in three parts— verbal, writing, and math. The scores range from 20 to 80 on each part. National Merit Semi-Finalists are determined by the Selection Index, which is the Verbal Score, the Writing Scores, and the Math Score. Normally one-half of one percent of the juniors in the state obtain this status. SAT: A four-hour assessment test yielding scores for critical reading, mathematical ability, and writing, including a writing sample. The scores range from 200 to 800 on each part. SAT Subject Tests attempt to measure what a student has already learned in the subject tested, such as English, Math, and Chemistry. SCHOLARSHIP: Cash grant for academic promise WORK STUDY: Provided by the college to help earn part of expenses
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The First Academy Graduation Requirements
Language Arts Mathematics Algebra I and above Science Biology Chemistry Beyond Chemistry Social Studies World History/European History/Human Geography American History American Government & Economics Physical Education Physical Fitness Physical Education elective
4 credits 4 credits 3 credits
3 credits
1 credit .5 credit .5 credit
Foreign Language Christian Studies Spiritual Formation Foundation of Theology World Religion Worldview Apologetics Practical/Fine Art Electives
2 credits 2.5 credits
Total
25 credits
1 credit 4.5 credits
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Bright Futures Scholarship Information This Florida Resident Scholarship program changes from year to year. Be sure that you are aware of the requirements and guidelines for eligibility based on student graduation year. Information is available at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/
Florida Academic Scholars Award This Florida Resident Scholarship program changes from year to year. Be sure that you are aware of the requirements and guidelines for eligibility based on student graduation year. Information is available at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/fasrequire.htm
Florida Medallion Scholars Award This Florida Resident Scholarship program changes from year to year. Be sure that you are aware of the requirements and guidelines for eligibility based on student graduation year. Information is available at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/fmsrequire.htm
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Sample Resumes
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Address City, State, Zip Home Phone Email Address
Name
Education:
The First Academy, Orlando, Florida Bilingual: English and Spanish
Academic Honors and Awards: Honor Roll (9-10) National Honor Society (11-12) National Spanish Honor Society (11-12) NSHS President (12) Florida State Spanish Competition: Superior and Excellent (10) Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award (10) AIU High School Diplomats Program Scholarship Princeton University (10) AIU High School Diplomats Program Scholarship to Japan (11) Christian Character Award (9-11) Fine Arts:
Varsity Pep and Concert Bands, Alto Sax (9) ACSI Concert Band Festival – Superior (9) Killarney Baptist Church Orchestra (10)
Extracurricular Activities: -Student Government: Class Chaplain (9) Class Homeroom Representative (10) Student Government Association Chaplain (11) SGA Service Before Self Award (11) Student Government Association Vice President (12) -Clubs: Spanish Club (10-12) Fellowship of Christian Athletes (10-12) FCA Officer (10-12) -Athletics: Varsity Baseball (9 – Lettered, 10 – Lettered, 11 – Lettered) Most Improved Player Award (10) Captain Varsity Team (11) Most Valuable Player Award (11) Fall Leagues: Rollins College (9-10), UCF (11), O-Town (12) Top Prospect Perfect Game Academic Showcase (12) -Community Service: Member of S.E.R.V.E. – Students Engaged in Recreation and Volunteer Efforts working with underprivileged children during community activities and interacting with children at the Lily House, a short term foster home. (10) -Work Experience: Altamonte Animal Hospital, Kennel Technician (summer before 11 th grade)
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Leia Smith 1234 Bayside Drive Orlando, FL 32819 Leia@gmail.com
EDUCATION: High School: The First Academy, Orlando, 2007 to 2010. EXPERIENCE: Child Care: Have been babysitting children of all ages on a regular basis since 2006 in Central Florida. Travel: Have traveled internationally on a regular basis since I was an infant. Since 2006 I have journeyed unescorted
each summer to and from India to visit relatives. Regularly travel unescorted by bus on weekends to/from Montreal to visit my Father.
Study Trip: In February 2007, participated with two teachers and 15 classmates in an eight-day "eco-excursion" to the tropical island, Belize. Business: Since 2006 I have assisted my Father with various aspects of his business in Orlando, including marketing, bookkeeping, and financial management activities.
Retail: In 2007 and 2008, I worked as a sales representative for Bass Pro Shop., a local sporting goods and fishing equipment store.
Volunteering: Two years as Camp Counselor for three weeks at First Baptis Church of Orlando working with children from 4-years to 12-years old.
ACHIEVEMENTS: Public Speaking Award: Orlando, 2008. Graduating Class Valedictorian: The First Academy, 2008. Piano: Grade Four Royal Conservatory, 2005, 2008. Track and Field: Competed successfully in preliminary meets and qualified for the State finals. Academic Honor Roll: All four years in high school
INTERESTS: Long-distance running, playing piano, roller-blading, traveling, creative writing, reading, viewing films.
LANGUAGES: English is my first language. Am functional in speaking, reading, and writing French.
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COLLEGE VISIT & FAIR QUESTIONNAIRE Questions to ask college students
What are the more popular extracurricular activities (or ask specifically about the activity you are interested in)? Are you able to study in your dorm room? Do many students go home or away on weekends? Are professors accessible outside of class? Are campus jobs available? Were you able to register for all the classes you wanted? If you were to do it again, would you choose this college? Did you receive financial aid? What is the social life like at this school?
Questions to ask an Admissions Officer
What are your most popular/distinguished programs? What type of student would be happy in this college? How many students will be in my first year courses? Are those courses taught by full-time faculty or by graduate assistants? Describe the college's resources for first-year students - computers, library, access to special equipment, such as in labs, etc. What kinds of work-study jobs are available? What are the midrange GPA & test scores of students accepted? Am I likely to be admitted? (show your transcript & test scores) What percentage of students receives financial aid and what does the typical package provide? Are there academic/talent scholarships available?
Questions to ask yourself on campus
Could I live in one of the dorm rooms I visit? Is there a campus ministry or a worship service I can attend? Are the buildings on campus in good shape? Are the computers and lab equipment plentiful and new? Are common areas of dorms comfortable and do the facilities meet demand? Are the grounds attractive? Is the campus close enough - or far enough away - from the city for me? How is it getting around campus?
Questions to ask yourself in the classroom
Do students appear to be interested in the material? Do students participate in discussion? Do the students seem to have a relationship with the professor? Would I feel comfortable as a student in this setting? Is the material challenging enough for me?
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Recommendation Letter Request Form Student Name: ______________________ Date requested: ______________________ (allow 2 weeks for completion) College/University: ____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Teachers: Use this form as a tool in completing the recommendation letters for the students. Feel free to pick up TFA’s letterhead stationary at the Upper School or the Guidance office. Students will provide you with the addressed & stamped envelopes. If you leave a signed copy with us, we can make copies and send it out to additional institutions per request. Students: Please complete this form and provide an addressed stamped envelope to the teachers. THIS IS A MUST! You must give teachers two weeks from the time of the request to complete your recommendation. **Adjectives that describe you & explain: This will give insights to the teachers to help write letters about YOU, aside from the test scores and grades. This section should also help the teachers to explain what you have brought to the classroom, the TFA, and/or the community. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
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God’s Plan of Salvation Admit “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Pray: Lord, I admit that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Believe “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Pray: Lord, I believe that Jesus died and shed His blood for my sins. I believe this in my heart and not just in my head. Call
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Pray: Lord, I call upon You to save me from my sins. I confess and repent of my sins. I know that Your Son, Jesus paid my debt on the cross, a debt I could never pay despite all my good works, and I thankfully accept Your gift of eternal life in Heaven that His death makes possible.
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THE FIRST ACADEMY 2667 BRUTON BOULEVARD ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32805 www.thefirstacademy.org