College-Planning-Handbook-rev.-2016

Counseling College Planning Guide Dear Students and Parents: We are pleased to present you with our College Planning Guide It is specific to Bishop O’Dowd with references to our Family Connection/Naviance account, and to the way we work with and advise our students Providing a wealth of information, we hope this manual will guide you through the complex maze that is college admissions today We work closely with our students and guide them through every step of the college process, including helping you and your student through the maze of financial aid Please use this guide, and us, as your primary resources While we acknowledge there are many other sources you might access to help you, we ask that you start here and stay in close contact with your counselor While we feel our entire guide should be read closely and carefully, there are two sections to which we would like our Seniors to give special attention The section titled “Important Deadlines” is critical to making the process run smoothly Please meet them! Please also pay particular attention to the section titled, “Writing Your College Applications.” Included are our detailed instructions on the counselor and teacher recommendations Your attention to these details will help make this process run smoothly both for yourself and for the counselors and teachers From now until you graduate, we will be referring to this guide many times as we meet with you throughout the junior and senior years Please become familiar with it – the information is thorough, and many of your questions can be easily answered in the guide In fact, we will often refer you to the guide You will find this to be an exciting and joyous time that may occasionally cause you anxiety and self-doubt This is also a time for self-discovery, a time to deeply explore who you are You can relieve much of the anxiety if you read all your materials carefully, observe deadlines, and organize yourself early And take a deep breath! Work to the best of your abilities in all your classes and you should have no regrets Enjoy these final months of high school by making the most of your time here Wishing you well, Bishop O’Dowd Counseling Department TABLE OF CONTENTS Page COLLEGE PLANNING FOR SOPHOMORE YEAR……………………………………………………… .3 COLLEGE PLANNING FOR JUNIOR YEAR .4 COLLEGE PLANNING FOR SENIOR YEAR .7 DATES TO REMEMBER GOOD ADVICE TO KEEP IN MIND .11 IMPORTANT DEADLINES 12 TESTING PROGRAMS FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS 13 PSAT/NMSQT 13 ACT 13 COLLEGE BOARD EXAMINATIONS (SAT REASONING AND SAT SUBJECT TESTS) 14 REGISTRATION FOR COLLEGE BOARD EXAMINATIONS 14 SCORE REPORTS 15 REVIEW COURSES .16 GENERAL INFORMATION ON COLLEGES 17 THE UNIVERSITY VERSUS A LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE 17 SPECIAL PROGRAMS 18 COLLEGE CALENDAR SYSTEMS 18 GETTING READY TO APPLY FOR COLLEGE 19 THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS AND OPTIONS 20 ADMISSIONS OPTIONS .20 Regular Admissions 20 Early Decision .21 Early Action 22 Service Academies/ROTC 22 Candidates’ Reply Date Agreement 23 Wait List 23 THE COLLEGE ESSAY 24 WRITING YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS 26 COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS .26 TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS 27 FINANCING COLLEGE: COSTS AND RESOURCES 29 COST OF ATTENDANCE (COA) 29 FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES .30 COMMON MYTHS STUDENTS HAVE ABOUT COLLEGES .34 RESOURCES TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS .35 SOME COLLEGE GUIDES AND OTHER HELPFUL BOOKS ON THE PROCESS 35 USEFUL WEBSITES 37 A FEW PARTING THOUGHTS (Some famous college graduates and their colleges)…………………………… 40 COLLEGE PLANNING IN SOPHOMORE YEAR IN GENERAL: Ø Work hard in class If you were not serious in your freshman year, this is your “wakeup” year Though some have a rough freshman year, when colleges see lower grades on a transcript they look for upward trends in subsequent years Ø Develop good study habits It is not too late to develop good study habits They will carry you through college and will contribute to success in your working life – develop these skills now when you have the support of your parents and your school Don’t be afraid to ask for help – this is how students earn good grades and how you will be a success in a future career SPECIFICALLY: Ø Take classes that not only interest you, but that also challenge you At the same time, seek a healthy balance Ø Take the PSAT This is a practice SAT that you will take in mid-October on O’Dowd’s testing day Ø Consult with your counselor to determine if there are any SAT subject tests you should take in June Pay attention to registration deadlines for the June test Ø On your visit to the Counseling Resource Center you will complete the personality profile called “Do What You Are” as well as the career assessment called “Career Interest Profiler.” Continue to work on your resume SUMMER: Ø Review this College Planning Handbook! Ø You have many options Find something meaningful or restorative – volunteer work, paid work, travel, enrichment classes, or simply developing a passion Read – it will help you earn better scores on your SAT or ACT! Ask your English teacher or counselor for recommendations, or read something that connects you to a passion or interest (Sports Illustrated does have good writing) Ø Visit a college or two Begin to learn about the different types of colleges (small vs large, university vs liberal arts) by visiting schools close to home (UC Berkeley, St Mary’s, Santa Clara, USF, SF State, CSU Hayward, Sonoma State) or near where your family may be vacationing Don’t just walk around campus; book appointments for tours and go to information sessions Don’t get too serious about the search process yet, but make it fun and exploratory You will learn about different campus cultures, what you like (which can and often does change), and it may open you to possibilities you have not considered There is no pressure now; think about how you learn and what fits for you This is practice because next year you will take it seriously! COLLEGE PLANNING FOR JUNIOR YEAR September: Attend College Night at Bishop O’Dowd High School While it is still fresh in your mind, brainstorm what you liked (or not) from the information you gathered October: PSAT/NMSQT is administered Read what the College Board website says about it, and read the information booklet on the exam Pay particular attention to test taking strategy Get a good night’s sleep!! Jan/Feb PSAT results are distributed to students You are assigned a special ID number so you can review an analysis of your results at the College Board site Learn from your mistakes and speak with your counselor for further interpretation During the scheduling meeting with your counselor, make sure your course selections for senior year are in line with your college aspirations Take the most academically challenging classes that are appropriate for you Your counselor will work with you on setting up a testing plan Since we no longer administer a preACT, we suggest you take both an ACT and an SAT in your junior spring so we can determine which is the best test for you In Family Connection, under “Document Library,” you will find a chart differentiating the SAT from the ACT Sign up online for an SAT test (include the writing option) for March or May (or ACT, with Writing option, for April or June) and SAT Subject Tests in June, if applicable (see your counselor for this) UC’s no longer require SAT Subject exams Certain majors require a math and/or science exam Check individual UC campus websites for specific major testing requirements (applies primarily to Engineering and Chemistry majors but check those websites) Some highly selective private colleges/universities still require two or three SAT Subject Tests Mar-May: Review this booklet with an emphasis on: Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø General information on colleges Testing programs used for college planning and admissions The application process Bishop O’Dowd Counseling Department DEADLINES!! Financial aid information BECOME AN ACTIVE USER OF FAMILY CONNECTION! Meet with your counselor to create a list of prospective colleges and discuss strategies for visits, interviews, and applying Parents are encouraged to ask for meetings with the counselor to discuss the process from both the student and counseling perspectives, to discuss/create a list of prospective colleges, to understand where their child might gain admission and have a positive fit, and to gain a clear understanding of how our process unfolds April through August: Ø Complete the first round of SAT/ACT testing during the junior spring semester (if you are lucky, it may be your only round!) Ø Consider the type of college or university experience that might fit you best, keeping in mind factors such as location, size of student body, tuition, and courses of study Ø Research with the Naviance program, “Family Connection,” accessed through the BOD website In addition to the links from Family Connection, please also refer to the section in this book titled “Useful Websites.” Research college web sites for: Ø Campus life – diversity of student body; social options/activities provided by the college; community service opportunities; campus ministry options; are students active and involved beyond academics Ø Take a virtual tour Ø Academic programs; majors; opportunities to create your own major and/or possibilities for interdisciplinary majors Ø Research and internship opportunities for undergraduates Ø Libraries (most campuses have more than one) and the hours they stay open, the extent of their collections, is it a pleasant place to study? Ø What is the career placement center like – what types of career workshops and assessments are offered for juniors and seniors; who interviews on campus; availability of summer internships on or off the campus Ø Residence hall options; menus being served that week; are there options for vegetarians as well as for others with special dietary needs; social events (lectures, concerts, road trips, etc) Ø Read the school newspaper and learn what are the hot issues on campus Ø If you are an athlete, check out the facilities and gauge your abilities; contact a coach Ø Contact an admissions officer; ask to link up with a student ambassador who can tell you what life is really like on campus The admissions office will take this as another indication of your interest Ø What is happening in the town/city/region? Augment your research with college guides (we are partial to the Fiske Guide to Colleges) See other recommended books at the end of this booklet Use Family Connection as a primary source of information Under “Document Library” there is a description of the Naviance features that will help you understand how to use the program COLLEGE PLANNING FOR SENIOR YEAR July through December (broad picture): As you continue your research, e-mail colleges as to questions that might arise regarding their programs Write a rough draft of your college essays; topics can be found at college websites and at the Common Application site August: Meet with college representatives who visit BOD during the Fall semester – see the “Visit Schedule” in Family Connection, under the “Colleges” tab and sign up Write and rewrite essays; share with your counselor for help!! Attend College Night in September Complete applications Note requirements and deadlines Register to take October SAT, and others, if needed UC will accept SAT tests taken from junior year through December of senior year The same holds true for CSU, however Cal Poly SLO asks that your testing be complete by October test (and they often prefer the ACT with Writing option Many private schools will also accept a January test date, but verify this with the college Be very aware of each college’s test requirements for admission Fill out and turn in Senior Questionnaire if you did not it over the summer Counselors will meet with you regarding college after the questionnaire is returned, and in the order they receive them For ED/EA applicants (see section titled “The College Application Process and Options”) it is essential that you turn in your questionnaire early – no later than the end August The application portals for the UC and Common application open on August so you can get a head start on some applications! September: Attend College Night Narrow your college choices to a reasonable number of schools (6 – 10; count the UC’s as “one” school since it is one application) At Family Connection check to see if representatives from colleges on your list are visiting O’Dowd These are updated regularly Sign up to meet with them through Family Connection Why? Ø The college rep is usually the person who will be the first reader of your application She will be your advocate with the admissions committee Meet this person, ask intelligent questions, and help her remember you Ø If you cannot visit the campus, this may be your best chance to personally indicate your interest Ø Later, when your application is read, your rep will count meeting you as a plus in your favor (of course you want to make a strong impression) October: Early Decision/Early Action (ED/EA) candidates – it is absolutely essential that you turn in your counseling paperwork to your counselor by October 10, and you must observe the same deadline with your teachers If required at your ED/EA college, register for CSS Profile at the College Board’s website (link to CSS is at Family Connection) Write application essays and have them reviewed/critiqued by your counselor Regular decision candidates: Submit paperwork to counselors and teachers for recommendations by November 10 even if applications are not due until February If you know only one or two schools to which you definitely plan to apply, we ask you still submit the paperwork by November 10 You can ask that your recommendations be sent to additional schools at a later date in the semester Our deadlines are firm if you want a letter of recommendation that is thorough, complete, and well-articulated Senior grades are important – the work you in fall semester is crucial to your acceptance Admissions committees at private colleges will see the 7th semester grades of regular decision candidates before they make decisions on your applications, and they may ask for your progress report grades before they go to committee in the winter WORK HARD!! If you are an early ED/EA candidate, colleges may ask our office for your midterm grades – it is essential you work at a consistently strong level November: File UC and CSU applications by November 30 UC applications can only be filed only between November and November 30 CSU applications can be filed between October and November 30 Early decision/action applications have filing dates this month Remember – regular decision candidates request recommendations no later than November 10 Financial aid forms for ED/EA colleges (private schools who use the CSS Profile) will be due early as well December: Complete testing for UC/CSU applications When you are done with testing, order your official scores to be sent from the College Board to each college to which you are applying With score choice, take care that you are sending the correct number of scores that colleges need – they will vary Many schools will ask for all your scores They will pick your best to put you in the best light UC’s and some out of state publics will use your best sitting; CSU’s, and most privates will pick your best section scores from multiple sittings Remember: They are looking for ways to accept, not to deny you! Check Family Connection and scholarship bulletin board (in the Counseling hallway) for local and national scholarship information Begin compiling information for financial aid applications and their deadlines, which vary The FAFSA portal opens on December but cannot be filed until after January 1; CSS Profile opens earlier and may have an earlier date if applying ED/EA January: Parents complete and file the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) You must mail/file between January and March 1, however to be considered for some scholarships, earlier deadlines may apply Check each college for deadlines If you are also using the CSS Profile for private schools, due dates will vary, with some starting as early as January 15 Pay attention to deadlines If applying to colleges (public and private) in California, turn in a GPA Verification Form (for Cal Grants) to Counseling by the end of February February through April: Colleges will begin to inform you of their decisions Their deadline to notify is April 1, though some take longer You have until April 30 to decide which offer you will accept When you have made a decision, reply to that college It is a nice gesture to inform the others that you have accepted another offer and to thank them for their interest in you A note on housing: When accepted to colleges with limited housing, apply as soon as you receive notice, even if you are not sure you will attend While you may lose a deposit, it is far worse to not have housing your freshman year This is particularly critical for public colleges, some of which not have sufficient space to accommodate all freshmen During second semester, maintain or improve academic grades Remember, your acceptance is always conditional and can be rescinded if after you graduate, your college sees a significant drop in your spring semester grades In late June/early July we mail your final transcript to the college you chose Grades are of special significance to wait list candidates Dates to Remember College Night September UC Applications Due between November and November 30 CSU Applications Due between October and November 30 (may vary) Private Applications ED/EA varies by campus but usually in November Check dates Regular Decision varies from December to March Financial Aid Night Held at O’Dowd in early January CSS Profile Regular candidates can file as early as October 15 – ED/EA candidates must file early; often at the same time as your application Pay attention to dates set by each college – some merit scholarship programs require earlier filing FAFSA File between January and March but check deadlines for each college Some scholarship programs require earlier filing SAT Reasoning Test October (last test date for some selective CSU’s), November (last test date for most ED/EA applications), December (last test date for all UC and some CSU schools) SAT Subject Tests Same as SAT Reasoning dates Ø Recommendation instructions are also posted in the Document Library at Family Connection Ø Read this section before filing your application: Download a copy of your completed application before filing it electronically (or sending it in the rare instance a college does not allow electronically submitted applications) Having a printed copy on hand is the best way to proofread it and identify egregious errors If mailing it, ask the post office for a “Certificate of Mailing” (cost is $1.00) for each application Do not send the application by Fed Ex, UPS, Registered, or Certified Mail – colleges tell us that receipt of your application may be delayed if you mail in this manner Colleges are not equipped to sign for the applications, and they also not want to take responsibility if it does not arrive The Certificate of Mailing is sufficient Have your counselor review the applications before submitting and remember to download a hard copy of your application before pushing the “Send” button Ø Send your test scores to each college Bishop O’Dowd does not send your test scores You must ask College Board and/or ACT to send your scores (SAT and/or ACT) to every single college to which you apply This is absolutely essential – every single school wants an official report, and the reports should be sent with respect to application deadline dates More detailed instructions are in the Document Library at Naviance Ø If you have read this section, and adhered to this advice, you can safely assume that you have completed your applications in a timely fashion Please remember that if you miss deadlines, there is usually no recourse and your application will not be accepted It is essential you meet deadlines If you not notify your counselors or teachers in a timely fashion, their documents may be late While this will not jeopardize your application (assuming you mailed or filed your part on time), it will raise your anxiety level, wondering when everything will be mailed Your recommendations, SSR, and transcripts may be late, and the admissions committee may take this as a bad sign If you have not already learned to be organized, this is the best time to begin Ø The Counseling staff is eager and ready to help you and answer your questions – you are responsible for applying! 28 FINANCING COLLEGE: COSTS AND RESOURCES Cost of Attendance (COA) Financing a four-year college education today is a daunting experience Public institutional costs continue to rise and many private schools’ tuitions are inflating at a rate of 4% a year Regardless of whether you attend a public or private institution, families are often jolted by the realities of that expense when they read the financial aid packages that arrive with the acceptance letters More often than not, families are not prepared for all the expenses Students and their families are also consumers in the academic marketplace, and all good shoppers know the value of comparison-shopping Comparing colleges is a complex task but doing so will pay off Comparing the costs of colleges includes looking at several major factors: Tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses Most colleges publish a brochure that explains the typical expenses incurred by their students Information is also on the web at individual college financial aid office websites Tuition and Fees: These costs vary widely, but the basic dividing line is between the public and private schools While private schools are more expensive, public schools are no longer the bargain they once were The average cost of attendance (COA) for a UC school can exceed $25,000, and a CSU school can cost as much as $18,000 or more Fees continue to rise in the California public system as less and less state money is available to support the universities Other factors should be taken into consideration Because of overcrowding, often students cannot enroll in classes needed for graduation Some students change majors once or twice, and therefore continue their attendance for upwards of six years Finally, if you can factor in the cost of lost wages graduates might have earned for that extra one or two years, some private colleges, or out-of-state publics, begin to look more attractive Most private colleges guarantee that graduation in four years is realistic, and it is encouraged and facilitated by faculty, deans, and administrators, even when majors are changed Books and Supplies: These costs not differ much from school to school, but will vary depending on your area of study Room and Board: These costs can vary depending on the cost of living in any particular area Colleges offer meal tickets with different options and pricing, and after freshman year, many students move into apartments and cook their own food This option can save money (if you truly cook your own food), though parents might worry if their students are eating healthily Living at home does not necessarily cut costs as parents support their children financially even at home and a car and parking costs are probably also incurred in this plan – the costs are simply less well-defined Transportation and Personal Expenses: Travel expenses may include airfare for outof-state students or gas and a car for students who take a car to college (or live at home) Personal expenses include entertainment, laundry, road trips, eating out, and clothing required for a colder climate Don’t forget ski expenses for those colleges that have access to winter sports activities! Again, items such as entertainment will vary widely Schools in urban areas may not provide and/or subsidize concerts if they are already occurring in the general area However, schools in small towns and rural areas import entertainment for their students, and they subsidize the cost to make it affordable for student budgets 29 Financial Aid Resources There are many possible sources of financial aid for students The federal government sponsors some programs and states, local cities, businesses, associations, individuals, and other private sources sponsor others A note about the timeline for financial aid: Please check the Document Library at Family Connection for “Financial Aid Info for Seniors.” This outline gives you a basic “to do” list for senior fall Do not miss deadlines! Most students will need to seek financial assistance to meet their college expenses Remember this one important fact: Do not rule out any college on the basis of cost alone Many schools that have higher tuition costs are sometimes more able to provide aid than schools that have a lower cost Determining who will receive aid is the job of each college financial aid office where your financial aid applications are sent Family income alone will not predict eligibility Other factors considered are family size, indebtedness, or educational expenses for other family members In the past only sibling or parent college costs were factored in the equation, but in recent years, many colleges are taking into consideration the costs of paying private school tuition for siblings Take heart, it may not be as bad as you think “Need” is the difference between what it costs to attend a particular college and what a student’s family can afford to pay, as determined by the college’s Financial Aid office Need is defined differently at each college, depending on the costs of the college, their resources, and what they define as your resources The sum that you will be expected to pay is called “Expected Family Contribution” or EFC Use the Financial Aid Calculator at the College Board to determine your estimated need See the “Fin aid calculator” link at Family Connection Do both federal (public schools) and institutional (private schools) methodologies The guidelines by which college financial aid offices determine your package can vary yearly Be sure to get updated information Pay attention to deadlines – filing dates differ at each college and missing them can be very costly – you may not receive aid even if you are eligible Types of Financial Aid: Ø Grants or scholarships not have to be repaid Grants usually are awarded on the basis of need Scholarships may be awarded on the basis of need or on some other criteria such as academic achievement, community service, citizenship, or leadership In some cases they are awarded purely on merit without regard to financial need If you think you not qualify for need-based aid, you may still qualify for merit aid Most colleges will want you to file a FAFSA and /or CSS Profile in order to award you a merit-based scholarship Ø Loans must be repaid Repayment of federally subsidized loans is deferred until after a student graduates, usually six months Ø Federal work-study programs involve earning money through a job usually arranged by the college Your salary is paid partially by the college and partially by the Federal Government These are the best jobs to obtain as you usually will not work when the 30 college is recessed for vacation Some colleges not participate in work-study programs, but they still employ students and pay them a good wage – they simply are not a part of the federal program Do not be discouraged if a college says they not have work-study jobs Ask about other employment for students Federal Grants: Pell Grants are distributed based on family need and education costs at the school to which you apply The minimum and maximum amounts vary each year You are considered for a Pell Grant when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline date of March of your senior year The deadline date for some private colleges is much earlier – check individual applications Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) supplements the Pell Grants and not have to be repaid Federal Loans: Perkins Loans are made by the college with federal money and must be repaid These loans offer low interest rates Repayment begins several months after you leave college (whether you graduate or not) and you have up to ten years to repay the loan Stafford Student Loans are based on student need and are capped at different amounts each year In your junior and senior years you receive nearly twice as much as in your first two years of college PLUS loans are parent loans and you not need to have identified need for them However, you need to file the FAFSA, and therefore apply for the Pell Grant and Stafford Loan before you can apply for a PLUS loan Loan rates vary, and some states have money set aside for parents at lower interest rates, even if you are not a resident but your child goes to a college in that state Information about PLUS loans will be included in your financial aid package California State Aid: The majority of state aid to undergraduates is need-based There are three categories of state aid called Cal Grants A, B, and C Please refer to the Appendix for a copy of the current income ceilings and amounts available in each of these categories You must complete a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to receive Cal Grant money The GPA Verification forms are available in the Counseling Department in late December or early January The student completes Section B and then gives it to his or her counselor to complete Section A There is no need to make an appointment to this – give it to your counselor before school and pick it up later in the day Deadline for submission is March Please note that certain restrictions apply and only those who qualify by GPA, have a certain income level, and will attend college (public or private) in California will be eligible to receive money File this form even if you are not sure that you will attend school in California Individual College-based Funds: This money includes everything from athletic to academic or merit scholarships Schools that are heavily endowed often pass money on to students in the form of scholarships Certain 31 very wealthy schools have begun to replace loans in a financial aid package with money from their endowments, and although some of those schools base all of their financial aid decisions on need only, they will make sure you have as few loans as possible Some colleges offer long-term and short-term emergency loans out of their own funds Financial Aid Directly from a College: Within your application packet for a private school (or at the website), you may find an additional financial aid form, or a request to complete the CSS Profile (see the College Board website for the Profile) College financial aid offices may also require a copy of the parents’ most recent income tax return Most colleges and all federal and state aid programs use the FAFSA as a basis for granting aid, and all students applying for aid must fill out the FAFSA The FAFSA asks for a detailed account of a family’s financial situation After processing, the results are sent to the colleges indicated by the student You may complete the initial application for the CSS Profile online in October You will be sent the long form, which asks similar questions to the FAFSA The CSS Profile can be submitted in the fall, while the FAFSA cannot be submitted until January Once again, be aware of individual college financial aid priority dates – each one may be different Priority dates mean that if you not file your forms on time, you may not receive full financial aid February 15 is the deadline for submitting FAFSA for state scholarship programs Paper forms for the FAFSA are available in the Counseling Center, and the application is online as early as November or December – if you file electronically, remember to download a copy for your files, and not push the send button until January 1! National Merit Scholarship Corporation: The NMSC administers many scholarships for colleges and businesses Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis using the results of the PSAT you took in October of your junior year A student becomes a semi-finalist based on a high selection index score (usually the top 1% of those who tested) on the PSAT/NSMQT exam Although the amount of most scholarships is somewhat minimal and one-time only, the prestige of being named a scholar is significant Scholarships come from the National Merit Corporation (one-time only, non-renewable), individual colleges (may or may not be renewable), and corporations (usually renewable) that award to students who live in the vicinity of one of the sponsoring company’s place of business Private Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded by many private organizations that are local, state, and national They look for many attributes in a student, ranging from particular extracurricular activities, academic abilities, and personal qualities The Scholarship Board in the Counseling Center advertises many opportunities and is updated every few days The most valuable computer search every student should make is at www.fastweb.org (see the link at Family Connection) This is a free scholarship search that requires your registration Provide as much information as possible and you will begin to receive regular updates as to scholarships for which you might be eligible Parents should also explore scholarship opportunities that may be available through their own workplace, communities, and religious affiliations 32 Be very careful about private scholarship searches You should never have to pay money to obtain scholarships Most of these organizations have been reported to the Better Business Bureau, and there is a warning at the federal funding web page, www.finaid.org (link at Family Connection) for more information about scholarship scams Please also refer to the FastWeb Student Bulletin in the Appendix for a discussion of scholarship scams Other resources that can be used for college funding are home equity loans (tax deductible) Sometimes these rates and payment schedules are more reasonable than those offered on student loans from private sources and colleges 33 COMMON MYTHS STUDENTS HAVE ABOUT COLLEGES Colleges look at what you have done only in sophomore and junior years Senior year is “party time.” Not true If a college is interested in you, they may ask for your progress report grades both in your fall and spring semesters, before they make their decision They are looking for patterns If your GPA drops, admissions offices will be concerned, and if they have already accepted you, they will likely ask for an explanation, put you on probation, or require that you successfully repeat classes in the summer before you enroll in the fall They may also rescind your acceptance It is not worth sweating taking AP classes or hard courses like Chemistry or Physics, when a college’s academic high school assessment of you is only based on your GPA Not true The more prestigious colleges will be interested that you took AP classes and the other more challenging elective classes They know the difference between difficult and easy high school classes, and they want students who take the initiative to seek a challenge Many private universities and other small colleges throughout the country are considered too expensive Yes, many are among the most expensive in the country But many students receive a series of grants and scholarships, work-study plans, and delayed payments (loans) Many have internship programs with major companies, which hire intern students to work sometime during their junior or senior year summers After college these organizations often permanently hire students who interned There is a hidden value in many private schools that should not be discounted if you are competitive for the applicant pool I need to decide on a major now If I not, colleges will not be interested in me Most colleges not expect you to have a set major They know that most students change majors once in college There are certain instances when you should declare a major, e.g in an application to an engineering, business, or nursing school Most students will take a wide variety of classes and investigate new areas of study This is an exciting time, and the liberal arts student is at a distinct advantage – liberal arts study (includes English, math, science, history, social sciences, and the fine arts) prepares you for life and gives you the tools to be flexible in an ever changing job market 34 RESOURCES TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS Some College Guides and Other Helpful Books on the Process On choosing a college—The first three books on this list are favorites, and if you actually read them (or most of them) you will feel better about the process and be able to face the coming year of change and transition with calm and a positive attitude (we hope): The Fiske Guide to Colleges, by Edward B Fiske The most useful book to own and is the first book every high school counselor reaches for Not all schools are listed in here, but most of the schools to which O’Dowd students apply are listed The Fiske Guide to Getting into the Right College, by Edward B Fiske Another guide that gives a step-by-step process that is well written This book is very approachable if you are looking for a how-to book Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College that is Best for You, by Jay Mathews Similar in perspective to Loren Pope’s, this book offers insights into the admissions process and points out that the best college is the one that brings out the best in you Jay Mathews is the education writer for the Washington Post and a regular contributor to the Atlantic Monthly This book provides a very refreshing perspective College Unranked, edited by Lloyd Thacker Bob Laird, UC Berkeley’s former director of admissions, says “College Unranked is the most important effort yet to yank back the college application/admission process from the grasp of college rankings, commercial guidebooks, and expensive private consultants and to restore it where it belongs: in the hands of students and their parents.” A collection of essays from admissions directors, guidance counselors, and parents, this book will calm your nerves and give a realistic, rational picture of college and finding the best fit Available only from www.educationconservancy.org The College Handbook updated and published yearly by the College Board A complete listing of every college in the country, both 4-year and 2-year, this is primarily a reference book that lists merely data, but can be helpful when looking at snapshot factual data on a college Looking Beyond the Ivy League, by Loren Pope This book dispels myths and encourages students and their parents to consider schools based on how well they serve the growth and development of students He urges families to look beyond the prestige factor to find some true gems Colleges that Change Lives, by Loren Pope A companion book to Looking Beyond the Ivy League, Pope profiles 40 colleges that he believes are top quality but often overlooked Winning the Heart of the College Admissions Dean, by Joyce Slayton Mitchell This book provides a down-to-earth perspective and a step-by-step guide to all of the factors that go into the application process It is practical and insightful 35 First Choices, by Joyce Slayton Mitchell Wouldn’t it be wonderful to say you got into your first choice school? This is about looking for the best fit and falling in love with all the schools to which you apply It is also about being realistic The Multicultural Student’s Guide to Colleges, by Robert Mitchell This book offers a critical look at top schools and tells what is offered socially and academically to students of color The last printing was 1996, and in recent years, many schools have made strong strides addressing minority concerns Check college websites to receive the most updated information However, this can still be a valuable resource Cool Colleges: For the Hyper-Intelligent, Self-Directed, Late Blooming, and Just Plain Different, by Donald Asher This book offers a different perspective on what makes a great education that carries value beyond the college years For the student who has a different take on life this may be just the right guide The Hidden Ivies, by Howard Greene and Matthew Greene Written by a father and son who are well respected in the field of college advising, this book focuses on 30 liberal arts colleges and universities that are of comparable quality to the Ivy League schools They discuss the value of a liberal arts education and present the schools they feel have exceptional merit in providing their graduates a strong foundation for life after graduation For books that will help you sort through the financial aid maze: Discounts and Deals at the Nation’s 360 Best Colleges, by Bruce Hammond Although last published in August 1999, this book still delivers good information about merit-based aid Do verify the information with financial aid websites at various colleges The Ambitious Student’s Guide to Scholarships, published by Octameron and available through their website Part of their college admissions series, this book demystifies the process Many of the books in the Octameron series are excellent for their straightforward approach to college admissions and financial aid For help in improving study habits and techniques, this is also a valuable resource for studying in high school: How to Study in College, by Walter Pauk We recommend this book to everyone who wants to become a better student It covers a wealth of information and techniques, which can help any student understand how to study better, read better, write better, and learn more effectively Often recommended for students with learning disabilities, this book is an essential tool for every student While the author appears to be targeting college students, his suggestions are entirely applicable to high school students And one for the parents to help you understand the roller coaster you and your child are on: Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger This book is a particularly valuable resource for parents who will be entering a new phase of parenting when the first child ships off to 36 college The college years are a transition for teenagers and their parents, and the sage advice in Letting Go may provide understanding and relief Useful Websites www.bishopodowd.org * The Counseling Center’s own website, accessed through Counseling, we provide information on our process and links to many of the sites listed in this document as well as to college web pages We are continually updating and refining the information on the site http://connection.naviance.com/odowd * Bishop O’Dowd and our families are users of this site that complements the work that counselors with students around careers, colleges, and the application process Various assessments are assigned students, including a personality assessment based on Myers-Briggs, a learning styles survey, and the Holland assessment for career interests Testing www.collegeboard.com * Sign up for SAT Reasoning and Subject tests Bishop O’Dowd school code is 052185 www.act.org * Sign up for ACT (must include Writing option) Bishop O’Dowd school code is 052185 www.fairtest.org For a critical look on testing for college, visit this site You will find a current list of schools where submission of SAT’s is optional Perspectives on the College Process www.nacacnet.org The official site for the National Association of College Admission Counseling, there are web pages with plenty of information for students and parents www.ctcl.com * This is Loren Pope’s website that links to his book, Colleges That Change Lives The site has thumbnail sketches of those colleges, plus articles addressing issues of interest and concern to students and their parents This is a very interesting and informative site that also provides links to other sources important to your search www.womenscolleges.org Website established by the Women’s Colleges Coalition to promote the benefits of a women’s college Understanding these benefits should be a part of every woman’s college search Provides very valuable information and compelling presentation http://www.hbcu-central.com/ * The official Historically Black College and University homepage www.blackexcel.org/ This is a rich website that offers a valuable perspective on opportunities for minorities While it is primarily aimed at African-Americans, it also addresses 37 issues that Hispanics and Native Americans face, and it has a number of articles that are valuable resources to all students who conduct a thorough search into higher education College Research and Applications www.ucop.edu * This is the University of California home page Every campus can be accessed from this site You will file your application from this site Everything you need to know about UC can be found here www.csumentor.edu * This is the home page for the California State University System All the requirements for admissions are listed here, and there are links to each campus in the system You may also apply online to any of the CSU campuses www.commonapp.org * This is a one-stop site for applying to private colleges and universities Schools that are members of the common application organization have agreed to giving the same regard for the common application as they for their own college application Many use only the common application Pay particular attention to supplemental requirements http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/cdemello/univ.html A commercial website that provides direct links to college and university home pages http://www.ucan-network.org/ * This is a non-profit website that only posts information about independent colleges and universities (e.g no public schools) www.ncaa.org * Register here for NCAA Clearinghouse if you expect to play on an NCAA team in college In your junior spring, download initial and final transcript release forms and give to Mrs Soller in Counseling http://www.campustours.com/ * This is a commercial website that provides at-a-glance data about colleges, photo tours, webcams (what it really looks like in winter!), and summaries and information about colleges from a wide variety of sources Financial Aid and Scholarships www.finaid.org * This is a non-profit website that was established as a public service to aid parents and families in navigating the financial aid process You may complete the FAFSA online, access information on financial aid, read about financial aid scams Become familiar with this site as it will demystify financial aid and help you navigate this process www.fafsa.ed.gov * Families can apply for financial aid online in a secure, encrypted format http://www.calgrants.org * The California Student Aid Commission website with everything you need to know about Cal Grants – and more 38 http://www.parentplusloan.com/plus-loans/ PLUS loans are for parents and the rates are nicely discounted These loans are not need based – anyone can apply Often overlooked, this is a valuable resource for parents funding their child’s education www.fastweb.com * Use this free searchable database to find more than 400,000 scholarships The monthly newsletters have valuable, up-to-date information on scams, money for college, and the application process and is downloadable in Adobe Acrobat https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp * Apply online for financial aid from private colleges (some use only the FAFSA – check each college’s financial aid web page http://tuitionfundingsources.com/index.php * Tuition Funding Sources is a privately sponsored (Coca Cola) site that claims to hold the world’s largest scholarship database They accept no advertisers and collect no data on those who use it They claim to be safe and secure http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/401.html * Calculate your estimated family contribution (EFC) for college expenses Note: The federal methodology is for public schools and the institutional methodology will give you your EFC private schools The estimates are rough and aid will also depend on college resources * This site is linked from Family Connection Scroll down the left hand bar to “From your School” where links to other websites are listed 39 A FEW PARTING THOUGHTS As you begin your college search, you will discover some wonderful schools that have been unknown to you and your parents Are they any good, you wonder? They certainly can be – and always keep in mind, that the “cream always rises.” It is all up to you, following your passion, and making the most of your talents and resources Some of the most successful people with incredible careers came from schools that just might make you sit up and take notice These people found opportunity, support, and the freedom to pursue a vision Following are just a few we have gathered from various sources* Pearl Buck, author and Nobel Prize in Literature Agnes Scott College, GA Blythe Danner, Actor Chevy Chase, Actor Bard College, NY Bryant Gumbel, TV Newscaster Edmund Muskie, US Senator Bates College, ME Joan Benoit Samuelson, President of LL Bean and winner of first Women’s Olympic Marathon George Mitchell, US Senator and chief negotiator of the Irish peace settlement Bowdoin College, ME Emily Green Balch, first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (1946) Bryn Mawr College, PA Garrick Utley, ABC News Carleton College, MN General Colin Powell, Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff, Secretary of State City College of CUNY Robert Reich, economist, writer, UC Berkeley professor, commentator for NPR Theodore Giesel (Dr Seuss), writer and cartoonist Dartmouth College Michael Eisner, former CEO Disney Denison University, OH Barbara Kingsolver, Author John Glenn, Astronaut Vernon Jordan, Washington D.C lawyer and Clinton advisor DePauw University, IN Michael C Hall, Actor on Six Feet Under Earlham College, IN 40 Andrew Grove, Founder of INTEL Herbie Hancock, Musician Grinnell College, IA B.F Skinner, Psychologist Hamilton College, NY Joseph Taylor, 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics Juan Williams, Author of Eyes on the Prize, reporter for the Washington Post, and Senior Correspondent for NPR Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist Haverford College Debbie Allen, Dancer, Choreographer, Director, Actress Ed Bradley, TV Commentator, Radio host Edward Brooke, 1st African-American elected to US Senate Thurgood Marshall, 1st African-American US Supreme Curt Justice Howard University Bob Jamison, ABC News Ismat Kittani, Former President of the UN General Assembly Knox College, IL Lee Iacocca, former CEO Chrysler Lehigh University, PA Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General Walter Mondale, former US Senator and Vice President Macalester College, MN Lawrence H Summers, 27th President of Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA (he was rejected by Harvard!) Brad Pitt, Actor U of Missouri Samuel L Jackson, Stage and film actor, Academy Award Hominee Arthur E Johnson, President and COO Lockheed Martin Information Services Sector Shelton “Spike” Lee, Filmmaker and President, 40 Acres and a Mule Martin Luther King, Jr Morehouse College George Clooney, Actor Northern Kentucky University, KY Carl Rowan, Newspaper columnist Oberlin College, OH Steve Jobs, Founder of Apple Computers Reed College, OR 41 Harrison Ford, Actor Ripon College, WI Fred Rogers, Creator of Mr Rogers’ Neighborhood Rollins College, FL Milton Friedman, Economist Rutgers University, NJ Gwen Ifill, first African-American moderator and managing editor, PBS’ “Washington Week in Review” Simmons College, MA Laura D’Andrea Tyson, first woman to head White House Council of Economic Advisors Smith College, MA Oprah Winfrey, TV talk show host, Actress Tennessee State University, TN Barbara Jordan, Member US House of Representatives Texas Southern University, TX Hillary Rodham Clinton, NY State Senator Madeleine Albright, first woman Secretary of State Wellesley College, MA Christine Todd Whitman, Former NJ Governor, and former EPA Director Wheaton College, MA James Farmer, Civil Rights leader Wiley College, TX Glenn Close, Actor Scott Glenn, Actor Thomas Jefferson, US President Jon Stewart, TV host College of William and Mary, VA Arthur Compton, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics College of Wooster, MA Joe Morgan, ESPN analyst; Baseball Hall of Fame Scott Kriens, Chairman, Juniper Networks Mark Mastrov, Founder, 24 Hour Fitness CSU, East Bay *While we believe the above information is correct, we have not verified its accuracy 42