EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION SINCE 1890

College Search Handbook 2017

MacDuffie College Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

School Mission and College Counseling Statement of Purpose……………. page 2

Timeline……………………………………………………………………………

Senior Timeline ……………………………………………………….... pages 3-4

Junior Timeline …………………………………………………………. page 5

College Application Responsibilities……………………………………….….. pages 6-7

College Search Process………………………………………………………… pages 7-11

Campus Visits…………………………………………………………… page 10

Interviews………………………………………………………………… pages 10-11

The College Application…………………………………………………………. pages 11-12

Standardized Testing……………………………………………………. pages 12-15

The Essay………………………………………………………………... pages 15-16

Your Transcript…………………………………………………………... pages 16-17

Letters of Recommendation…………………………………………….. page 17

Extracurricular Activities………………………………………………… page 17-18

Application Deadlines……….............................................................. pages 18-19

The Application Review and Decision Process………………………………. . pages 19-21

International Students………………………..………………………………….. pages 21-22

Student Athletes & NCAA……………………………………………………….. pages 22-23

What Colleges Look for in Students……………………………………………. pages 24-25

College Essay Guidelines………………………………………………………. pages 25-27

Financial Aid…………………………………………………………….……….. pages 27-31

Internet Resources………………...…………………………………………….. page 31

Glossary………………………………………………………………….……….. pages 32-33

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School Mission The MacDuffie School is a rigorous college preparatory school whose mission is to foster in all students the intellectual habits of mind, high ethical standards and respect for diversity required for becoming effective individuals in their personal and work lives and moral and responsible participants in the world beyond.

The CIRCLE School Values The MacDuffie CIRCLE values stand for: Community, Integrity, Respect, Creativity, Leadership, and Excellence.

College Counseling Statement of Purpose The mission of the MacDuffie College Counseling Office is to help students and families navigate the increasingly complex college admissions process by providing our families with the individual guidance, support, encouragement, and information they need. Our goal is to ensure all students are matched with institutions and programs best suited to help them achieve their specific career and life goals.

College Counseling Contact Information Bill Morris Kareem Nulan College Counselor College Counselor bmorris@macduffie.org knulan@macduffie.org Phone: (413) 255-0000, ext. 219 Phone: (413) 255-0000, ext. 220 Fax: (413) 467-1602 Fax: (413) 467-1602 The MacDuffie School CEEB Code: 222045

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The MacDuffie College Preparatory Program: Senior Timeline

DATE ACTION PERSON(S) September Mandatory ED Meeting:

Any student applying ED,EA, Restricted EA or to State School must attend.

Students, Families, and College Counselors

September College Fair: NEACAC: Western New England University

Students and Families

September Complete College Essay Students, College Counseling, and Teachers

October Common Application: Complete all applications

Students and College Counselors

October NCAA Clearinghouse: Complete Application online

Student Athletes (ONLY)

October Financial Aid: Domestic families begin the FAFSA

Families

October Summit Test Prep: No cost test prep offered at MacDuffie on weeknights and weekends

Students

First Semester Individual Meetings: Answer questions about college process mandatory bi-weekly

Students and College Counselors

First Semester Standardized Testing: SAT, ACT and TOEFL

Students

First Semester College Visits: Meet and speak with Admissions Representatives at MacDuffie

Students

First Semester School Visits: Student Athletes (college sponsored, max. 5): Participate in College Fly In Programs

Students, Families, College Counseling, and Coach

October-November

SAT Subject Tests: If necessary

Students

End of November Finalize Applications: Essay, Common Application,

Students, Families, and College Counseling

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Letters of Recommendations, Resume

December SAT, Subject Tests, ACT If necessary

Students

December 15th Materials Submission: Final date to request application materials sent to colleges and universities

Students and College Counseling

January SAT (last date available for seniors) Financial Aid Documents: Domestic and International Families: Submit CSS Profile, and Certification of Finances

Students Families and Students

April Visit Colleges: Visit colleges you are most interested in attending and at which you have been accepted

Students and Families

April Update Naviance: Accepts, Waitlist, Denies, Scholarship, etc.

Students

April-June

Waitlists Only: Hold and submit additional materials

Students and Families

May 1st Deposit: National deadline for one college/university

Students and Families

May AP Testing Students

May Naviance Clean Up: Make final updates and where you will be attending

Students

June Certification of Finances, Visas, Passport: Please make sure that your university has all the information they need to issue your new I-20.

International Students (Only)

June Graduation

June Final transcript submission College Counseling

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The MacDuffie College Preparatory Program:

Junior Timeline

Date Action Person(s) September College Fair: NEACAC Families and Students

October Mountain Day: Register for special interest, service or academic clubs and programs.

Students

October PSAT: This test is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholars Program.

Students and Families

First Semester College Visits: Meet and speak with Admissions Representatives.

Students and Families

February-May Individual College Kick Off Meetings: Meet with students and families to discuss Junior and Senior year college planning.

Students and Families

February-May NCAA Athletics: Register with NCAA through the national clearinghouse.

Student Athletes

February-June Standardized Tests: Register and take the ACT, SAT, and/or TOEFL at least once

Students

March Spring Break: Visit schools and research institutions

Families, Students, and Guidance

April Recommendations: Request teacher recommendations

Teachers, Students, and College Counseling

April NACAC College Fair: Hartford, CT and/or Springfield, MA

Families, Students, and College Counseling

April- May College List: Create a list of colleges you are interested in applying to

College Counseling, Families, and Students

August TOEFL International Students

Summer College Preparation: First draft of essay, college list, visit colleges, research

Students and Families

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COLLEGE APPLICATION RESPONSIBILITIES

The college application process is a cooperative effort involving students, parents, and the School. Since we are dependent upon each other, it is important to understand what these responsibilities are and whose duty it is to fulfill them. THE STUDENT

● Adhering to MacDuffie’s CIRCLE values, Honor Code, and Code of Conduct throughout the college admissions process.

● Researching and selecting colleges (in collaboration with the College Counseling Office) to

which he or she may apply.

● Meeting deadlines and completing and submitting all application materials and standardized tests scores to each college or university on their list.

● Communicating with the College Counseling Office on a regular basis through regular one-on-

one college meetings and maintaining an up-to-date college list on Naviance.

● Asking teachers, coaches, or employers for letters of recommendations to support applications at least one month in advance.

● Registering for standardized testing that is in line with individual college requirements (SAT,

SAT Subject Tests, ACT, TOEFL).

● Making appointments for tours, information sessions, and interviews at colleges they wish to visit.

● Continuing to meet all academic and extracurricular responsibilities throughout the course of

the college admissions process and academic year. THE PARENT

● Reinforcing MacDuffie’s expectations in regards to School CIRCLE values, academic work, and personal conduct.

● Helping students make contact with colleges through visits, college fairs, or school visits.

● Completing financial aid forms and meeting all deadlines established by each college or

university.

● Maintaining communication with the College Counseling Office.

● Providing emotional support and encouragement throughout the college admissions process.

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THE COLLEGE COUNSELOR ● Being available to students for counseling and support with all phases of the college

application process.

● Maintaining communication with parents and guardians. (see below)

● Sending school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials to each college or university on the student’s list. (see below)

● Maintaining relationships with various colleges and universities and staying current with trends

in college admissions, regionally and nationwide.

STUDENT AND PARENT CONSULTATIONS

Juniors’ families meet with the College Counseling Office in the spring of junior year, both in groups and individually. As seniors, students again meet with the college counselor regularly throughout the year. In addition, students will receive information via email, announcements in assembly, and at class meetings. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to call, email, or schedule a meeting with the College Counseling Office. SUPPORTING MATERIALS Students submit their applications and standardized test scores to each college or university on their list. However, College Counseling will oversee the process. In addition, the College Counseling Office provides an official letter of recommendation to support each student’s candidacy. College Counseling also submits transcript(s), secondary school reports, a MacDuffie School Profile, and teacher recommendations.

The College Search Process INTRODUCTION There are over 3,400 schools in the U.S., ranging from highly selective to open access community colleges. Almost anyone who wants to attend college can. Do not assume a less selective or lesser known college is inferior in quality. The selectivity of an institution depends on the size of its applicant pool, which may be influenced by its name, geographic location, media popularity, and reputation, as well as its academic quality. By looking beyond the latest “Rankings” you can find many high quality colleges that may be the best fit for you. The process of applying to college is a learning experience. You’ll learn about yourself, your family, and financial realities. You’ll meet new people and travel to new places. Whatever the final outcome, make the most of the process. Choosing where to apply and which college to attend can be scary, as can the idea of leaving home. However, don’t let these fears keep you from moving forward in the

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college search process. Be realistic. Pinpoint the range of colleges that meet your needs and where you also have a chance for admission. You will land at the college that is right for you. -Adapted from The One Hour College Applicant, by Lois Rochester and Judy Mandell, pp. 12-14. RESEARCHING COLLEGES 101 Begin by determining what you want in a college. Think about your interests and future plans. Consider which aspects of college life matter most to you. For example, does location mean more than the chance to create your own major? Is size more important than quality of housing? Below are a few of the more important factors to consider while searching for colleges. ACADEMICS More than anything else, you go to college for the education. So, academic atmosphere and courses offered are important. Colleges offer a variety of majors or courses of study. If you know what you want to study, choose a college with a strong program in that field. If you are unsure, choose a liberal arts college or university with a variety of options. Try to match your abilities to the college’s selectivity so that the college you choose is stimulating but not overwhelming. SIZE Colleges can range in size from less than 1,000 students to over 50,000 students. Small schools may offer more personalized attention. Large schools could have more options and resources. To determine what is right for you, ask yourself a few questions: Will I feel closed in at a small college, or will I welcome the personal, friendly atmosphere? Will I feel overwhelmed at a large university, surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces? Is meeting new people more important than seeing faces I know? When visiting colleges, make sure to visit ones of varying sizes to see what environment might be best for you. STUDENT BODY A student body can be comprised of all men, all women, or both. Dormitory privileges, social activities, and extracurricular involvements vary by the type of student body. Some colleges may be primarily comprised of students from that state or geographic area, while others may have students from across the nation or world. Some colleges are commuter schools and have few, if any, dormitories with very few campus activities on nights and weekends. Other colleges have multiple dormitories, and students are on campus throughout the school year. LOCATION When considering location, think about the cost and ease of travel as well as your need for independence versus your desire to be near your family. For some, weather might be a deciding factor. Some people like the bright lights and fast pace of bigger cities, while others prefer the seclusion of suburban or rural areas. Note that colleges like geographic diversity; you may be more attractive to a college because of where you are from.

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COST Obviously, cost is a major factor. The total cost for a year–including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses—varies from one college to another. Do not limit your college choices to only those you can afford. Many expensive private colleges have solid financial aid programs, which may cover anywhere from 10% to 100% of your tuition and fees. Additionally, home state public institutions offer less expensive tuition rates. However, financial aid can be uncertain, so it is a good plan is to choose several colleges, including ones you can afford and ones where you will need aid. NAVIANCE The college search process can be stressful. However, it is less stressful when you have up-to-date and thorough information about the universities you are considering. Naviance is the primary and best tool we have to research universities. Through Naviance, families can use a few tabs to assist them in their search. Under the “My Colleges” Tab, students have several options: During the school year we have colleges that are visiting. “Upcoming College Visits” lists college information sessions that will take place on campus or college fairs in the area. Under the “College Research” Tab, students can do an in-depth search using factors such as location, college majors, number of students, and cost. Students can also visit a college’s website, view their overlap schools (those schools that share a significant number of applicants), and obtain other useful information. College Research provides a multitude of ways that a student can research colleges and gain a sense of how their applications may fare. “Colleges I’m thinking about” gives students the ability to enter the names of colleges they are most interested in. Students can indicate their interest in each college and the college counselors can enter the appropriate selectivity category (Reach, Possible, Probable). When students have finalized their list, they will put it into the “Colleges I’m applying to” section. This allows students to create their final list of colleges they will apply to. The College Counseling Office will use that final list to send transcripts and other required materials by each school’s individual deadline. OUTSIDE RESOURCES

In the college search process, information is key. The internet has tons of information about the college admissions process and the many different colleges and universities. Below we have listed a few sites we recommend for use in the college search and preparation process. This information is written by the experts or those have spent several years researching and working with students in the college admissions process.

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http://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search

https://www.cappex.com/

https://www.unigo.com/

http://www.nacacnet.org/ For those families who enjoy having hard copy information at their disposal, a resource that many college counseling offices use is the Fiske Guide to Colleges, which gives a good three-page snapshot of each college along with a list of similar colleges. The College Board’s College Handbook is another useful guidebook that has a very short summary of each college with helpful data. CAMPUS VISITS Before committing to any college, you must visit first. No matter how much you think you know about a school, there is no substitute for a campus visit to help decide whether a college is a good fit for you. Prior to visiting a college, schedule an information session and tour. Additionally, some colleges offer interviews, which can be beneficial in deciding if that institution is a good fit. Visiting a college is also a great way for students to show demonstrated interest. Demonstrated interest refers to quantifiable signs that a student has a strong interest in attending a particular college or university. The most effective ways to show demonstrated interest include: scheduling an official campus tour and information session through the admission office, scheduling an interview (for colleges that offer them), registering for and attending an open house or other official campus event, and meeting with an admission representative at a college fair or high school visit and filling out an information card. Many colleges track demonstrated interest, and it can play an important role during the admission process. Colleges are interested in admitting students who meet their qualifications and have shown that they are likely to attend. The early fall of your senior year is a good time to visit, but it is also a particularly busy for you and for admissions officers, so plan ahead. The second semester of junior year, during spring break and the summer prior to your senior year are good times to visit. The fall of your senior year, MacDuffie allows each senior a limited number of school day absences for the purpose of college visits. Requests for such visits must be made in advance through the College Counseling Office. INTERVIEWS The interview is a good way to learn more about a particular college and for that college to learn more about you. After interviewing, your application goes from being paper and words to a person. Interviewing also displays demonstrated interest, meaning that you would seriously consider attending that school if accepted. Prior to planning to interview, here are few very important tips.

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BE ON TIME: Most interviews are scheduled for less than an hour; don’t waste your time, or the interviewer’s, by arriving late. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment to give yourself time to get comfortable for the interview. BE DRESSED TO IMPRESS: First impressions set the tone for the interview and the interviewer’s impression of you. We are not advocating you wear a tie or business professional attire, nor do we want you to show off the newest fashion trends. Dress neatly and appropriately. BE POSITIVE: Emphasize what attracted you to the college, what you are interested in, and how you hope to contribute to your college community. Be your own best advocate. Talk about your special interests, talents, experiences, and accomplishments. You can show pride in your achievements without being boastful. BE HONEST: If there is anything in your academic record that you feel needs explanation or clarification, this is the time to discuss it. If you are concerned about your test scores, or a poor grade in a certain subject, don’t be afraid to address the issue while you have the chance to talk it over in person. Remember, no one has a perfect record. BE PREPARED: Know something about the college prior to arriving. Using the college’s website is the best, easiest, and most effective way to learn about the college, what it offers, and what makes it unique. There is nothing more frustrating to an interviewer than a person who knows nothing about the college. Also, have a list of college specific questions to ask your interviewer. If you can easily find the answer on the website, it is probably not a good question. QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT ASK: What is this school’s greatest asset? Are there current student issues on campus? Do admission standards vary according to academic program? (Is it more difficult to gain entrance to the pre-medical or engineering programs than to the school of arts and sciences?) What career counseling services are offered to students? Are there opportunities to gain work experience while in school?

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION

INTRODUCTION

The process of filling out your college applications might seem long and tedious, but the care with which you approach the application will undoubtedly influence the Admission Committee’s final decision. The quality of your application is a direct reflection of you. It is crucial that you use the application process as an opportunity to help the college know you better and demonstrate your personal interest. Remember, a strong application can be a pivotal factor in gaining admission to a college. Careless mistakes or sloppiness can hurt your chances considerably, so take your time and proofread. The responsibility of putting together an application, writing essays, and meeting deadlines are also indications of your maturity and readiness for college.

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THE APPLICATION To apply to a college or university, the first thing to do is to consult the official website for each school and review their procedures. Some college applications need to be accessed directly from the admissions website. However, there are many colleges and universities that exclusively use the Common Application for admissions purposes. The Common Application allows students to submit their application to multiple schools using one application. Although students can fill out the Common Application at no cost, each college may require a fee to submit the application. In addition, students may be required to fill out a “supplement” when applying to a particular school. The supplements often vary from school to school and can range from a 500-word essay to a series of questions to assist the college in learn more about that particular student. It also gives the student an opportunity to demonstrate their interest or knowledge in that particular college or university. Take note of the following when filling out college applications:

1. DO YOUR OWN WORK: You are responsible for completing the application. Who better to tell your story than you?

2. BE ACCURATE, METICULOUS, and COMPLETE: Give the college the most accurate

information so they may easily contact you. Giving more information, in many cases, is better than being vague. Do not let the admissions committee make assumptions.

3. BEGIN THE COMMON APPLICATION EARLY: Common Application and other college

applications generally begin to open in August. While they are not difficult to complete, they can be time consuming. The sooner you start and submit your application, the better off you will be as the senior year becomes more hectic.

STANDARDIZED TESTING Most colleges and universities use standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT as a tool that helps assess a student’s academic readiness for college. However, there are other colleges that do not require standardized test scores and give students the option of whether to submit them or not. The College Counseling Office will help students design a testing schedule to suit their individual needs. PSAT/NMSQT - The PSAT is a test administered by the College Board in October to high school Sophomores and Juniors. The test is used as preparation for the SAT and is composed of:

1) Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (including passages relating to Science & History/Social Science)

2) Mathematics (focus on algebra and some applications of geometry)

All MacDuffie students will take the PSAT in grades 10 and 11 on campus, and the School will handle the ordering and registration. (There is a fee associated with the PSAT.) However, these scores are not reported to colleges as part of the application process. Rather, the scores are used to help

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students gauge their level of preparation for the SAT, which is commonly taken during the second semester of junior year. Students who perform exceptionally well on the PSAT during their junior year may be invited to participate in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Selected students will be notified at the start of their senior year. Black American students may also qualify for the National Achievement Scholarship Program, and Hispanic and Latino American scholars can qualify for the National Hispanic Recognition Program. SAT As of March 2016, the SAT is comprised of Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing, Math, and an optional essay (we highly recommend that all students take the essay portion). In similar fashion to the PSAT, the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing section includes passages relating to Science & History/Social Science. The Math section will draw from concepts studied in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Both the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing and Math sections are scored from a minimum of 200 points to a maximum score of 800, resulting in a total score between 400 and 1600. The optional essay section will have a separate total score range of 6-24. The test is approximately three and a half hours for the SAT (without essay) and four hours and fifteen minutes for the SAT with the optional essay. A large number of colleges and universities will require students to take either the SAT or ACT. Day students should register for the SAT at a test center of their choosing, while Boarding students will need to register at a pre-approved location (supplied by the College Counseling Office). The SAT is offered each year in October, November, December, January, March, May, and June. It is recommended that students take the SAT during their junior year in May or June, or as early as January if they have already completed math through the Algebra II level or above. There will be additional opportunities to take the exam again in October or November during senior year. SAT Website: www.collegeboard.org/sat ACT The ACT is comprised of four sections: Math, Science, English, and Reading with an optional essay (ACT Plus Writing). Students will receive four separate sub scores for each section ranging from 1 to 36. The scores are rounded up with an average composite. We strongly recommend that each student take the ACT Plus Writing. The test is approximately three hours and five minutes for the ACT without Writing and three hours and fifty minutes for the ACT with Writing. A large number of colleges and universities will require students to take either the ACT or SAT. Day students should register for the ACT at a test center of their choosing, while Boarding students will need to register at a pre-approved location (supplied by the College Counseling Office). The ACT is offered each year in September, October, December, February, April, and June. It is recommended that students take the ACT during their junior year in April or June, or as early as February if they have already completed math through the Algebra II level or above. There will then be additional opportunities to take the exam again in September or October during senior year. ACT Website: www.act.org

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SAT SUBJECT TESTS: The vast majority of colleges do not require SAT Subject Tests. However, there are a small number of highly selective colleges and universities that require as many as two or three different subject tests. Students, along with their college counselor, should review the testing policies for each school they are applying to for more specific details. SAT Subject Tests are each one hour in length, and a student can take a maximum of three tests on a given administration date. A student can score between 200-800 on each test. It is most advantageous to take the test after completing the corresponding course, preferably at the Honors or AP level. Below are the subject tests offered by College Board.

1. Math Level 1: Is recommended for students who have taken Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.

2. Math Level 2: This test is recommended for students who have taken Pre-Calculus or higher,

preferably at the Honors or AP level.

3. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology E/M: These tests may be taken after completing the corresponding year-long Honors level or AP course. Consultation with the instructor is strongly encouraged prior to taking any of these exams.

4. U.S. History: Recommended for students who have taken AP US History and successfully

completed the year-long course.

5. World History: Recommended for students who have taken AP World History and successfully completed the year-long course.

6. Literature: This test is recommended for students who love to read, write, and study literature.

It is most ideal for students who have successfully completed AP English 11.

7. Foreign Language: This test is recommended for students who have completed three or more years of a foreign language, with at least one year preferably at the Honors or AP level. Native speakers or students who have taken several years of the language may also take the test. (Note: language exams with listening are ONLY offered in November.)

Day students should register for SAT Subject Tests at a test center of their choosing, while Boarding students will need to register at a pre-approved location (supplied by the College Counseling Office). SAT Website: www.collegeboard.org/sat TOEFL iBT The Test of English as a Foreign Language is an Internet-based test (iBT) and is for students whose native language is not English. The test measures one’s ability to use and understand English at the college/university level. It consists of four different sections in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

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Each section is scored from 0-30, with a maximum score of 120 points for all four sections. Every college or university has different standards regarding a minimum score and which students should take the TOEFL. A general rule is that a student who has studied less than four years at an English-speaking school must take the TOEFL. However, please contact each school to understand their individual guidelines regarding non-native English speakers. The TOEFL is offered at various dates on the MacDuffie campus. The TOEFL must be taken by non-native speakers by August before the start of 11th and 12th grade. Students may take the TOEFL in their home country or on the MacDuffie campus towards the end of the year. There are additional opportunities to take it again during senior year if necessary. TOEFL website: www.ets.org/toefl THE ESSAY Your essay can you make you come alive in the admissions process. It allows you to reveal your intelligence, talent, sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm, maturity, creativity, expressiveness, sincerity, and writing ability. It gives students the opportunity to communicate to the admissions office about themselves in their own words. It can be used by a college to confirm their decision if your other credentials are clear; in close cases, a good (or a poor) essay can make a difference. By late May or early June, Common Application has picked its essay topics for the next school year. Please keep in contact with the College Counseling staff and regularly check the Common Application Website to see the topics.

a. WHERE TO START?

i. Brainstorming with people that know you best. ii. What beliefs, philosophies, experiences do I have, and how do they

relate to the topics? It is less about what you are saying and more about how you are saying it.

b. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

i. Is my essay important for the admissions committee to know for the

purposes of admitting me to their college? ii. Does this essay help the admissions committee get to know me better? iii. Does this essay sound like me? iv. Does my introduction catch the reader’s attention quickly? v. Am I boasting about my accomplishments, or are they an important part

of the essay?

c. THE BASICS i. Spelling - Use the correct words, spelling, and grammar. Spellcheck

does not always work. ii. Support - If you make general statements, follow them up with an

explanation or anecdote.

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iii. Length - Keep it concise and clear; the person reviewing your application reviews dozens of essays daily.

iv. Language - Is my sophisticated vocabulary clear enough for a wide audience to understand?

v. Anecdotal - Does your essay tell a story? vi. Consistency - Make sure you develop your introduction. vii. Drafts - Rewrite your essay and check again for spelling and

grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, inaccurate usage, and unnecessary words. Read your essay aloud to locate anything that is rough or may not sound right.

d. ESSAY WRITING COMPANIES OR ADDITIONAL WRITING ASSISTANCE

An increasing number of students and families are using outside consultants, tutors, or writing experts to complete the college essay. This practice is not tolerated by our office or by college admissions offices. Moreover, these essays are easily identified by trained admissions officers. Students who have been identified as having their essay or other parts of their application completed by a third party are typically not the students who are admitted, as the practice is seen as deceitful or unethical. The essay writing process is an important part of the educational process in which students are learning to articulate to others pertinent information about themselves in their own unique way. It is up to the students to take ownership of the college application process from start to finish.

YOUR TRANSCRIPT

The most important piece of information about you that a college receives is your transcript. It serves two purposes: to outline your academic history and to enable the college to evaluate your ability to do the work at their institution. In looking at your transcript, most colleges will consider the following. RIGOR Did you take Honors, Advanced or Advanced Placement courses when possible? Did you take more than the required number of classes? Did you pursue independent study opportunities if a course you wanted was unavailable? The more rigorous the program of study, the more impressive, assuming you are capable of doing the work. GROWTH How are your grades trending since the ninth grade? Have they slowly improved, remained consistent, or declined? All of these speak to the growth, maturity, and potential for success of an applicant. They also look to determine your areas of strength and weakness. In which areas have you taken Honors or Advanced Placement courses? Do you have a special area of interest (e.g., drama, dance)? REQUIREMENTS Most colleges specify that applicants must have completed a specific number of years of studying certain courses, for example, four years of English, four of math, three years of laboratory science, social science, and foreign language, and courses in the arts and electives. These are only minimum requirements. However, colleges want to know if you took advantage of other courses available in

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your school’s curriculum. For example: If you are applying as an English major, did you take other elective courses such as Creative Writing or Journalism? If you are a prospective engineering major, have you taken higher level math and science courses? CONSISTENCY Most colleges require that you provide them with official score reports from the College Board or ACT. In particular, they look for discrepancies between these scores and your grades. For example, if you have high scores on the reading and writing sections of the SAT, but low grades in English, they may wonder why you have failed to work up to your potential. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Colleges often ask for two or three recommendation letters from teachers or counselors. These should be people who can speak to you as a student. There are a couple of reasons why colleges are asking for recommendations. One, to reveal things about you that your grades and test scores cannot. Two, to provide personal opinions on what you will bring to their community (leadership, academic promise, athletic ability, etc.) Three, to speak to your character—colleges want good people on their campus. Students should select two teachers from their junior year and your college counselor will write you a third letter of recommendation. Unless you are applying to a special program (i.e., drama, music), most colleges would prefer to have a teacher from junior year in one of the five “core” academic fields (English, history/social science, math, science, and foreign language) be a recommender.

THINGS TO REMEMBER: ● Any time you request a letter of recommendation from a teacher, you should do so in person. ● If your teacher agrees to write you a letter of recommendation, select the teacher’s name from

the list in Naviance and send an electronic request. ● Always give your teacher at least a 30-day notice before the recommendation is due. ● Ask for a recommendation from at least one teacher who will discuss you as a student in your

area of interest or strength. To choose a teacher, think about your performance in each class, your level of challenge, struggle, mastery, and which teachers know you as a student and an individual.

Supplemental Letters of Recommendation You can also ask for a recommendation from those teachers outside of your core academics. You can ask administrators, coaches, supervisors, or anyone who can speak to you as a person outside of the classroom. These letters should emphasize your personal strengths, such as dependability or creativity. They should not overlap with those of your teachers. It is recommended that you keep supplemental letters to a minimum. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Outside of your grades and test scores, colleges want to know what type of people they are admitting. What better way to learn about you than learning about the activities you are doing at school, after school, during weekends, and over summers? Your extracurricular activities demonstrate that you have had accomplishments, taken initiative, made a commitment, or became a leader. While colleges

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are not extremely concerned about exactly what you do outside of class, they want to see that your time is spent productively. You do not need a long list of mind-blowing accomplishments, and doing nothing is not the key. Clubs, sports, community service, dance, art, government, religion, technology, after-school jobs, or culture clubs are just a few of the many ways you can demonstrate your involvement. No matter the activity, colleges look for quality of involvement rather than quantity of activities. It is better to be consistently involved in one, two, or three activities over a number of years, than to be superficially involved in seven, eleven, or thirteen activities for a short amount of time. APPLICATION DEADLINES Regular Decision – Regular decision is the normal process by which students apply by the stated deadline, with the promise of receiving an admissions decision no later than April 1 of their senior year. Some colleges will give admissions decisions well before April 1, but the student is under no obligation to make a decision about whether to attend until the common response date of May 1. Rolling Decision – Students can apply at any point during the year and are informed of the college’s decision roughly a month after the application is completed. Rolling admission favors those applications that apply earlier. The later you send in your application the more selective the school becomes because they have fewer spaces available. Rolling admissions is typically a plan used by state colleges and universities. Many colleges have admission programs that allow students to apply to college early in their senior year and learn whether they are admitted before traditional notification dates. If they have early decision deadlines, they are typically Early Action, Restricted Early Action, or Early Decision. If you are interested in applying early to a college, please review their individual websites for further details. Early Action (EA) – you apply early and are notified in roughly 30 days whether you have been accepted, deferred, or rejected. If you are accepted, the decision is not binding. You may still apply to other schools and decide which college you will attend by May 1. Early Decision (ED) – Early Decision plans are an option for applicants who are sure of the college they want to attend and have a likelihood of being accepted by that college. ED applicants are notified of the college’s decisions much earlier than usual, often by December of the senior year. An early decision application is a commitment on the part of the student to attend that college. An admitted student must withdraw applications submitted to other colleges. Advantages of applying ED/EA

● A well-qualified student may be more likely to be accepted, especially since you are demonstrating interest in the college. (This is more true of early decision than early action.) It is also important to note that a reach college will still be a reach if you apply early or regular decision. ● Any benefit of applying early is most likely to occur in schools where you are a serious candidate. ● Students who apply and are accepted are finished with the college process much earlier in their senior year.

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● Students who are deferred or rejected receive feedback early enough to fine-tune their applications and list of colleges.

Disadvantages of applying ED/EA

● Students applying early will have to rely on junior year teachers, coursework, and testing; however, colleges may want to see senior year work. ● Early Decision is binding; many students change their minds during the course of the senior year. ● Students applying for financial aid lose the opportunity to compare financial aid packages. (Although a college will release a student from a binding ED contract for financial reasons, you must say yes or no to that package without seeing what you might have gotten from another college and without being able to tell your first choice college that you have received more aid from another school.)

If you think, “I know I want to apply early decision, but I don’t know where,” you should not apply early. THE APPLICATION REVIEW AND DECISION PROCESS Once you submit your final college application, a major portion of your responsibility ends and shifts to the college admission offices. Admissions officers have the very difficult job of thoroughly, methodically, and quickly reading through a large number of applications. Sorting through a qualified and diverse applicant pool while taking into consideration the varying needs of the college is difficult. Understand that at times a decision may rest upon a small detail. LARGE VS. SMALL Typically there is a difference between the way larger and/or state institutions read applications versus smaller and/or private colleges. The sheer volume of applicants at larger universities tends to drastically change the way decisions are made. For instance, state institutions must adhere to state or national standards while larger institutions may have a limited amount of time to make a large number of decisions. That said, it would be very difficult to take lots of factors into consideration when making decisions. Decisions tend to be more formulaic where GPA, test scores, and at times, academic rigor are the largest factors. However, at a smaller and/or private school, they tend to receive fewer applications and read the applications using a holistic review process. In this type of process, all information submitted to the college is considered in the application review and decision-making process. Outside of the grade point average, academic rigor, and test scores, the extracurricular involvement, quality of the essay, letters of recommendation, special talents, and diversity in all of its forms (i.e., geographic, ethnic, first-generation college student, sexual orientation) are all factors considered by admissions officers. Whether you are applying to a small or a large institution, put forth your best work and effort. It is important that you begin the process early and invest the time into preparing your application, writing your essay, and staying in consistent communication with your college counselor.

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DECISIONS Typically, most colleges release decisions upon your return from spring break. It could take between 3-6 weeks before most people have heard from all of the colleges to which they have applied. When you receive your decision, it is critical that you record your decisions in Naviance. Once in Naviance, the only person that has access to that information will be you and your college counselor. The more your college counselors know, the better they will be able to guide you in making the best decision. Also, we use the information you place in Naviance for future MacDuffie students. WAITLIST Often times, a waitlist offer means that the college sees a student as being admissible but does not have enough room for all qualified applicants. If a student is waitlisted, they have two options. If a student remains on the waitlist, they should send back the accompanying card or follow the directions on the website. If you remain on the waitlist, you should contact the admissions counselor for MacDuffie and express further interest and provide updates on activities or grades since initially submitting your transcript. In most cases you will not hear from after the May 1 notification date. If a college does not meet their admission goal as of May 1, they will go to the waitlist and begin contacting students. While some colleges may maintain their waitlists into the summer months, they will often indicate those plans to students who choose to remain on the waitlist. Because waitlist activity is often unpredictable, it is critical that a student accept his or her most appealing offer of admission and pay a deposit by the May 1 deadline. If a student is later accepted off the waitlist of their top choice school, he or she may contact the original college to request that they be released from their enrollment. Most enrollment deposits are non-refundable. It is permissible to enroll at a college but maintain a spot on another college’s waitlist. AFTER DECISIONS DEPOSITING After carefully considering their acceptances, a student must decide upon one college and pay a deposit there in order to hold a spot in the first-year class. Most colleges require this financial commitment on May 1. As indicated in the CCO Policies section, placing a deposit at more than one college (“double depositing”) is unethical, can jeopardize a student’s spot at all schools, and should never be done. MacDuffie will send the required final transcript to only one college. GAP YEAR

“Gap Year” programs are designed for high school graduates taking time off before college to recharge, work, travel, study, or participate in internships, community service, or even academic programs in new settings. The idea is to give students more time to transition than summer vacation provides and to have a meaningful experience during this year of discovery. Taking the year off to study abroad, volunteer, or pursue guided internships is often seen as a positive choice by a college; typically students who do so are more mature and better adjusted when starting college. Students may want to apply to colleges and then defer their enrollment. Most colleges are open to deferment, especially when the student is able to present a well-planned and thought-

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out interim year program. However, students should not disclose plans for a potential Gap Year to prospective colleges until an admission decision has been made.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The college admissions process is generally different for international students or students. Depending on the institution, the differences can be significant.

An international applicant is defined as a “non-immigrant” visitor who comes to the U.S. temporarily to take classes. A non-immigrant is someone who does not have U.S citizenship or legal Permanent residence. Those student who have dual citizenship or have studied most of their lives outside of the United States are not considered international for financial aid purposes. If you fall under the below mentioned, you are considered an international student.

● A student who has an F-1 or J-1 student visa. ● A student who intends to stay in the U.S. temporarily. ● A student who applies for a visa to be allowed entry into the U.S. ● A student who does not have US documentation or a social security number. For more information consult the U.S. Department of State website: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange.html What do international students need when applying to college?

● Copy of your current F-1 visa page ● Certificate of Finance or, if you are applying for financial aid, parent tax and salary documents ● Copy of your passport biographical information page and photo ● Copy of your current I-94 form ● TOEFL (depending on the ACT or SAT scores) if the student has studied in English for less

than five years. Each college has their own testing policies; please visit their site for details. The TOEFL website is as follows: http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/faq/

Financial aid for non-U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents ● Student will be eligible for merit-based scholarships, grants, and aid. They are not eligible for

federal aid. Colleges will typically ask you to submit a certificate of finance. This form’s primary purpose is to certify that students can meet the cost of attendance. If so, the student is then eligible to receive a student visa. The form requests a bank signature, which banks rarely agree to do. Most people write “see attached” on the form in that section and submit a letter or account statement from a bank proving the amount of funds available.

● The cost of attendance is different for each institution. It may be easiest to prove that you can

afford the most expensive institution on your list and make multiple original signed copies of that form and the accompanying bank documents.

● Many colleges make this form due with your application; an equal number will ask for it to be

done once you are admitted. You need to check each college website for their requirements.

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● The College Board Certification of Finances (typically available each spring) is used by most colleges. However, many colleges have their own form. It is up to the student and his/her family to check requirements of each college and to complete the appropriate forms by the deadline.

● While some institutions offer need-based aid to international students, it is typically very

limited. Those that do offer it cannot fund every international student with need. STUDENT ATHLETES & NCAA Athletic ability can provide student athletes an opportunity to compete at the collegiate level, possibly earn a scholarship, and/or broaden a student’s college or university options. Understand that athletic recruitment can present many advantages and challenges. We hope the information we provide will help answer basic questions about the recruiting process and assist you in navigating collegiate athletics. NCAA (National Collegeiate Athletic Association) “The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes. The Association shares a belief in and commitment to the seven core values of:

1. The collegiate model of athletics in which students participate as an avocation, balancing their academic, social, and athletics experiences.

2. The highest levels of integrity and sportsmanship. 3. The pursuit of excellence in both academics and athletics. 4. The supporting role that intercollegiate athletics plays in the higher education mission and in

enhancing the sense of community and strengthening the identity of member institutions. 5. An inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career

opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds. 6. Respect for institutional autonomy and philosophical differences. 7. Presidential leadership of intercollegiate athletics at the campus, conference and national

levels.” INITIAL STEPS For any student hoping to compete at the collegiate level the best place to start is at the NCAA website (www.ncaa.org). This site contains a step-by-step guide, “The Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete”: (http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/CBSA17.pdf)”. If you intend on competing in athletics at the Division I or II level, you must first register with the NCAA. Start the process by registering through the NCAA Clearinghouse. The NCAA has detailed information about recruiting regulations and eligibility requirements that student athletes must complete: http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/eligibility-center

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JUNIOR YEAR If you hope to play sports at the collegiate level, speak to your MacDuffie and/or outside coach. Ask your coach for an honest and realistic assessment of your prospects at the collegiate level; you want to know at which level he or she believes you can realistically compete. After speaking to your coach, use their assessment to create a preliminary list of schools based on your athletic ability and academic profile. Next, contact the schools on your list by visiting each school’s website and completing a prospective-athlete questionnaire. Not all schools have online questionnaires. In addition to the questionnaire, you can complete an introductory letter and prepare film and an athletic resume that you will send to the coaching staff. Thousands of student-athletes fill out questionnaires and send letters and film. Due to the volume and time restraint in many cases, coaches are not able to respond to everyone, but it is necessary to place yourself in their recruiting pool. After you have identified schools, attending summer camps or showcases may be the next step. Athletic camps are one way coaches learn about potential student-athletes. Coaches evaluate students who attend their summer camps, but they do not limit their recruiting to those students. So you must, notify coaches when you have contests so they can have the opportunity to evaluate your ability during a game. Note that for many student-athletes the only time before the application process you will be able to be seen by college coaches will be in the summer or during their off season. SENIOR YEAR Since every student-athlete’s recruiting experience is unique, and recruiting varies from sport to sport and from college to college, it is critical that students remain in close contact with the college counselor and high school/outside coaches. COMMUNICATION If you notice that a coach encourages communication, you are likely being recruited. Be aware that coaches are in contact with many student athletes, most of whom will not be offered a spot. Also, during the recruitment process, a coach’s recruiting list may change. This could happen as a result of the teams shifting needs, other recruits’ interest or lack of interest, academic standing of other recruits and current players, or even a complete coaching change. So if you notice that communication is not reciprocated or stops, you may no longer fit into the coach’s current recruiting plans. ADMISSIONS DECISIONS Coaches do not make admissions decisions, admissions office do. Therefore, the recruiting process is not finalized until you receive an official letter of acceptance from the admissions office. It is imperative that you continue to work with all parties involved in your college process to craft a balanced list of schools that you believe will offer you a successful and enjoyable experience.

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WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR IN STUDENTS? This is the question most frequently asked any college counselor. While answers vary from college to college, the philosophy of most selective colleges may resemble the notion expressed by a former Dean of Admissions at Amherst College: “Our ultimate goal is a class that will have an educational impact on itself--that is, a class which contains the richest possible variety of talents, interests, accomplishments, backgrounds, career goals, and personalities.” The following are often important factors in evaluating candidates for selective colleges.* ● Degree of difficulty of the student’s high school course load ● School grades, GPA, class rank (MacDuffie does not rank, but we do send grade distribution

information that puts your grades in the context of your classmates.) ● Standardized test scores (SAT, Subject Tests, ACT, TOEFL, Advanced Placement) ● The application essay(s) ● The interview ● The depth of extracurricular involvement and achievement ● The student’s employment and/or volunteer achievement ● Recommendations *Playing the Private College Admissions Game by Richard Moll Other factors also considered may include the following: ● Reputation of the student’s high school ● Geographic diversity (it can be to your advantage to venture away from home) ● Student’s relationship to alumnus ● Membership in a minority group and/or international student ● Intended major or special talent in athletics, music, fine, or dramatic arts Depending on the college, the factors listed may be weighed differently, but each may play a part in the final admission decision. Your attitude toward learning, your interests and enthusiasm, and the care with which you undertake the admission process will all have an impact on the college’s decision, so give it your very best effort. The college counselors, faculty, and the staff are all here to help you along the way. The Ideal Candidate According to admissions officers at a variety of colleges and universities, the ideal candidate would possess all or most of the following qualities: ▪ Exceeds the admission standards set by the school ▪ Has a love for learning ▪ Demonstrates academic motivation by taking the most challenging courses available ▪ Maintains above average performance in class and on standardized tests ▪ Is a good writer or communicator ▪ Is a leader in the school or community ▪ Participates in activities outside the classroom that contribute positively to the community

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▪ Shows a keen interest in the college, its mission or environment, and in becoming involved in campus activities and organizations

-from the Unofficial Guide to College Admissions by Shannon Turlington

THE APPLICATION ESSAY

The essay you write as part of your application will be used by the colleges to judge ● the depth of your understanding of intellectual or social issues ● the quality and freshness of your mind ● your writing style, technical correctness, fluency, etc. Admission officers often pay close attention to essays. The care and attention you give the essay expresses to them how interested you are and how much you care about their college.

ESSAY WRITING TIPS

1. “If you ask what ‘they’ are looking for, you’re already on the wrong track.” They want to know what you have to say and who you are. Write something that only you can write.** 2. It may help to make lists of your aspirations, accomplishments, shortcomings, and the things you value. You should not include this information in the essay if it already appears elsewhere in the application, but it may help you find a thesis. To focus your essay, develop a one-sentence thesis from this information. 3. Write a draft. Set it aside and read it at least 24 hours later, looking for clichés, vagueness, triteness, dullness, grammatical errors, and misspellings. Is your essay focused on your theme, or does it ramble? Does the introduction grab the reader? 4. Rewrite your essay. Ask someone whose opinion you respect to read it and give you his/her candid impressions, but do not let this person rewrite your essay. See if they can tell you what they think you are trying to say. Ask the reader how you come across as a person, whether there are any confusing areas, where you may need more details, if any parts are boring, and what sections they liked best.

**from Harry Bauld, On Writing the College Application Essay

SOME ESSAY DO’S AND DON’TS FROM A COLLEGE ADMISSIONS OFFICER

DO ● Answer the question and demonstrate how well you think as well as how well you write ● Be anecdotal (tell a story) ● Be concise, specific, personal, and honest ● Use wit and imagination ● Use nouns and verbs, use adjectives and adverbs judiciously (avoid thesaurus syndrome) ● Proofread and ask someone else to proofread ● Be able to say, “this sounds like me”

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DON’T ● Be cynical, trite, pretentious, or maudlin ● Make the essay a second resume by repeating what is included in other parts of the application ● Try to be funny if that isn’t you ● Select topics that bore (the social problem of the year), irritate, or suggest that you don’t see the

world beyond high school ● Make careless errors “A good essay should get to the core of the person. It should expose something about the writer. Students try too hard to impress with $100 words. We certainly want proof that the student can use the tools of language to express his or her thoughts. But when it is most effective, the essay will help us get to the heart of the person.” – Carol Wheatley, The College of Wooster

MORE EXPERT ADVICE ON ESSAY WRITING

Essay readers want writers who will speak to them directly from personal experience. The best approach is to write about something you care about, not something you think a college expects you to care about. PROCESS FOR WRITING GOOD ESSAYS

1. Copy down some essay topics before you start your essay. Take time to walk around with them in your head. 2. Be open to the tiny mental sparks that will provide the specific details you are after, details that will bring your essay to life. Get some index cards for this walk-around phase, and jot down ideas as they come to you. 3. When it comes to choosing which essay to write, the cards will lead you to the ones that evoke the richest material. 4. Write in your own voice. 5. Be careful about openers. Your reader plans to spend three and a half minutes with this essay. Lead into it quickly and cleanly. Less is usually more. 6. Assume your first draft will be a (very) rough draft. Rewrite. 7. Show your draft to a sympathetic, literate, friend, parent, or teacher for feedback. Take their criticism gratefully and get back to work. But be careful about enlisting too many critics (and viewpoints). 8. Get going on the project far enough ahead so you can put it aside for a day or so to gain perspective and have more time to rewrite. Learning to mess around with a draft is when you will really learn how to write. 9. Be very careful about grammar and spelling. In addition to showing who you are as a person, your essay will show who you are as a writer and a thinker. 10. For all the pressure you feel, try to have fun with this. It’s your chance to say your piece. -Bill Mayher, The College Admissions Mystique When faced with essay questions like “Tell us about yourself,” make a list of the personal characteristics that you’d like to convey, pick the most important one, and then choose a specific event in your life that most effectively communicates that characteristic.

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ON CHOOSING AN ESSAY TOPIC: Try to avoid clichéd moral lessons, whether about winning the big game, dealing with the death of a relative, or traveling to a foreign country. Take your time picking a topic, and think it through. Think about your special talents or skills, the accomplishments of which you are most proud, your favorite things to do outside of class, the best or worst day of your life, your most embarrassing experience, events that have changed you, difficult decisions, interesting people you have known. Eliminate topics that don’t seem original, aren’t important to you, or don’t reflect your personality. “Not everyone has had the great triumphs or tragedies in their life... Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to write about some earth-shaking event. A poignant, detailed essay about an ordinary event can be more powerful and more illuminating of the personality behind the writer...Simply tell an interesting story.” THE INTRODUCTION The most important part of your essay is the introduction. The opening is where you have to catch the admission officer’s attention and hook him or her into carefully reading the essay.....Start with a surprise or mystery..., raise an intriguing question or dilemma..., use memorable, specific descriptions. . . [and] forget long- -winded introductions--launch into the story right away.” ON REVISING ESSAYS “Look for ways to add more detail, cut repetition and awkward phrasing, show instead of tell, and connect ideas in a smooth flow. Delete everything that doesn’t relate to your main theme.” You don’t have to write a standard 5-paragraph essay; don’t gush, don’t use stock phrases, don’t make spelling or grammatical errors, don’t use a thesaurus or Bartlett’s quotations, don’t use a distant academic tone. - Shannon Turlington, The Unofficial Guide to College Admissions “No matter how technically correct your essay is [and it must be], it’s your creative intelligence that the college is trying to measure…your unique way of putting ideas and events together…your life of the mind.” “It doesn’t matter what your topic is. Colleges want to know: What does this 17-year old think? What has she learned about herself and the world given the opportunities she has had in life? What kinds of learning attitudes and intellectual curiosity does he have? The answers to these questions can come from any topic.” - Joyce Slayton Mitchell, Winning the Heart of the College Admissions Dean

FINANCIAL AID The cost of a college education can be staggering, and the expense is certainly overwhelming to some families. So for many students, financial aid will be necessary if they hope to attain a college education. Although it would be impossible to review all the sources of state, federal, and private aid here, some basic facts about financial aid are summarized below. Note that changes are constantly being made, and information that was pertinent a few years ago may not be now.

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Financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need, as determined by the College Scholarship Service (CSS) and the college itself. You may have several forms to complete. Everyone applying for any aid must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is necessary to receive any federal government aid. Some colleges also require that the CSS Profile forms be completed; they use the information on these forms to dispense their own institutional aid. All forms are available online. Application must be made by the date required by the colleges to which you are applying. Many colleges also have their own applications for aid which you submit directly to the college. No aid will be granted unless all required forms are complete and submitted on time. It is especially important to submit aid forms on time because colleges have finite amounts of money. If you are late, they may not have funds for you, no matter how deserving you are. The best sources of information on financial aid are the Financial Aid offices at the colleges to which you are applying. Because every school’s resources and policies regarding aid are different, you should go straight to the source for accurate and complete information on scholarships, loans, grants, work-study opportunities, and alternative payment plans. Don’t hesitate to ask the colleges for an explanation of their financial aid policies. You have every right to honest, accurate information. Financial aid packages usually consist of grants, loans, and work-study. These packages will vary according to the college and its individual resources. Ideally, applying for financial aid should not affect your chances for admission. However, economic conditions and budgetary constraints have forced many colleges to alter their financial aid policies and to consider financial need in making some admission decisions. If you intend to apply for financial aid, it is a good idea to schedule a meeting with a Financial Aid officer in addition to your college interview so that you can find out more about the college’s financial aid policies and ask any specific questions pertaining to your personal financial circumstances. Information on federal loan programs, such as Guaranteed Student Loans (Stafford loans) or Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), is available at your local bank, savings and loan, or credit union, at many libraries, and on the Internet. Some colleges offer special merit or academic scholarships, awarded on the basis of outstanding academic scholarships or a particular talent, rather than on need. Make sure you understand the terms of a merit scholarship before accepting one. Do not assume that you will not qualify for aid. Every family’s situation is unique, and it is hard to predict what, if any, aid you qualify for. If the cost of a college would prevent you from enrolling there, because of the financial hardship it would place on your family, or because of your family’s lack of resources, then you should apply for aid. FINANCIAL AID: BEGIN BY GETTING ORGANIZED Start keeping records of the following:

● The colleges to which you are applying

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● Forms that need to be completed ● Dates these forms are due ● Who (student, parent, other) is going to complete them ● Where forms should be mailed ● Communications from the colleges ● College policies and financing options

Questions to ask about your aid package:

● Are there strings attached? (maintaining a certain GPA, taking a minimum number of credits…) ● Could my aid package change after the first year? ● Is the aid package based on all costs (including travel and books) or only billed expenses (tuition, room, board, and fees)? ● What happens if my family’s financial circumstances change? ● Will scholarships from an outside organization change this award? ● Are there installment plans for tuition payments? ● What are the options for student employment?

FINANCIAL AID TERMINOLOGY

College Scholarship Service (CSS) – a service of the College Board that assists colleges, the federal government, state scholarship programs, and other institutions to distribute student financial aid funds equitably. By measuring a family’s financial resources and analyzing its ability to contribute to meeting college costs, CSS offers a standardized method to determine need. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – The FAFSA is the application required to apply for Federal Pell grants, Federal Stafford loans, and Federal campus based programs (work-study, loans, grants). In some states and at some colleges, it may also be sufficient to apply for state and institutional aid. Grants – Grants or scholarships are outright gifts that need not be repaid. Many colleges award a combination of federal grants, such as Pell grants or Federal Supplemental Education Grants (SEOG), state grants, and college grants. Loans – Loans are money that must be repaid, often with a lower interest rate. Perkins Loans are low-interest loans on which repayment need not begin until completion of the student’s education or after limited periods of service in the military, Peace Corps, or ACTION. The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) provides one application for three programs by replacing and renaming aspects of the Stafford Loan and PLUS Loan programs and incorporating the Consolidated Loan Program. Loans are also available from most states, colleges, banks, and organizations such as College Board and the Education Resources Institute (TERI). Profile- The CSS Profile (PROFILE) is offered by the College Board and is required by some colleges, universities, and scholarship programs in order to award funds. Applying for aid with the Profile Service is a two-step process. First you complete a brief registration form, then a more detailed, customized CSS form. CSS processes that form and sends the information to the

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colleges you have listed on your Registration form. There is a charge for the Profile service. Those colleges which require the Profile are listed on the Profile Registration form, or you can find out from the college itself. Work-study – Part-time jobs on campus are part of most students’ financial aid packages (usually along with grants and loans). Through the College Work Study Program, students receive jobs on campus or in non-profit agencies, generally at the minimum wage. _____________________________________________________________________________ SOME MYTHS REGARDING FINANCIAL AID ● “My parents can’t afford to help me, so I can’t go to college.” Many students receive student

aid. To assume aid is not available is to close a door to educational opportunity unnecessarily.

● “If you own a home, you cannot get financial aid.” Home equity may not be considered at all; even if it is, the existence of home equity rarely excludes a student from receiving aid.

● “A computer makes the financial aid decision.” While computers assist aid personnel, decisions are made by people who try to understand as much as possible about each individual situation.

● “First year students should not work.” Research has shown that students who work part- time do better academically than those who don’t, and they are more likely to stay in college.

● “I shouldn’t apply to an expensive school because my family can’t afford the cost.” The most expensive colleges often have the most aid. Students should apply to colleges that meet their academic needs, apply for aid, and then decide if the amount of aid offered makes the college affordable.

● “Loans are not financial aid.” Most student loans are subsidized so that students are not charged interest while they are in college, and even after graduation, interest rates are lower than those of other consumer loans.

● “I need high grades to get financial aid.” Much aid is awarded on the basis of financial need. Grades are most important in college admission decisions, but admitted students with need often receive aid.

● “Financial aid is not available to middle-income families.” Not necessarily. A substantial amount of aid is available. Some middle income families demonstrate high levels of need, while others don’t. Each family is different; apply and see.

● “Lots of scholarship money goes unawarded because people don’t apply.” Colleges maximize the use of their resources, and many private scholarship funds are deluged with applications. But you should still apply, and apply early.

--from “Planning to Meet College Costs,” in Counseling for College by Eileen Mattay, p.59-62 FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET The FAFSA and PROFILE (forms you complete to get money for college) both have sources on the Web that can help you to fill out the forms and answer questions. PROFILE www.collegeboard.org FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov

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Comprehensive site reputed to be a great source for all kinds of financial aid information: Financial Aid Information Page: www.finaid.org More helpful sites: Government Student Financial Assistance www.studentaid.ed.gov National Assn. Student Financial Aid Administrators nasfaa.org US News Financial Aid information http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/financial-aid-101 Scholarships: Fast WEB Scholarship Sources www.fastweb.com Cappex www.cappex.com CollegeNet www.collegenet.com Financial Aid Calculators www.collegeboard.org/parents UNIGO www.unigo.com/scholarships Loans: Sallie Mae www.salliemae.com www.estudentloan.com (compare loans, search scholarships, learn about aid) www.teri.org/ (the Education Resources Inst.) www.amsa.com/ (American Student Assistance Inst.) www.nelliemae.org/ Massachusetts residents can find information and assistance through the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority. MEFA is a non-profit organization that provides in information about college financing options, saving for college, loan programs: www.mefa.org

INTERNET RESOURCES

The College Board (SAT, PSAT, AP) www.collegeboard.org ACT www.act.org The Common Application www.commonapp.org Peterson’s College Information www.petersons.com Princeton Review http://www.princetonreview.com/ U.S. News and World Report http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges Colleges That Change Lives www.ctcl.org College Confidential http://www.collegeconfidential.com/

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GLOSSARY

The following is a list of terms and abbreviations commonly connected with college application, although some terms may vary from college to college. Check specific college catalogs or websites for more detailed information . Advanced Placement Program (AP) – a College Board program that provides high schools with course descriptions and examinations in college subjects. High schools implement the courses and administer the exams to interested students who may then be eligible for advanced placement, college credit, or both on the basis of satisfactory grades. American College Testing Program (ACT) – a curriculum-based exam that tests skills in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science. A composite score is compiled from the student’s scores on the four tests. There is also an optional writing section that many colleges will require, and MacDuffie students are strongly advised to take this section. The ACT is accepted in place of the SAT by nearly all colleges, and some colleges will accept the ACT with Writing in place of SAT Subject tests. Deferred Admission - the practice of permitting students to postpone enrollment for a year after being accepted at a college. Early Action - A non-binding early application, generally due by November 1st or 15th. Students are typically notified of the college’s decision by mid-December to early January. Some schools have restrictions on students applying to more than one early action application (Restrictive Early Action). Early Decision - A binding early application, generally due by November 1st or 15th, with decision notification in mid-December to early January. Students admitted under Early Decision must attend the college to which they are admitted. Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) – a shorter version of the SAT administered by high schools in October. It gives students a chance to practice the SAT and serves as a qualifying test for scholarships awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Rolling Admission- An admissions procedure whereby the college considers each student’s application as soon as all the required credentials, such as the application, school record and test scores, have been received. The college usually notifies applicants of its decision within one to two months. SAT – The College Board’s test that measures skills in the areas of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and mathematics. There is also an optional Essay section and it is highly suggested that all MacDuffie students take it. The SAT (or the ACT) is required by most colleges and sponsors of financial aid programs. SAT Subject Tests – College Board tests in specific subjects, given at test centers at certain dates throughout the year. Colleges may use them not only to help with decisions about admissions, but also in course placement. Highly selective colleges may require at least two subject tests, and there are some that will require three.

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Student Search Service - a College Board program designed to help colleges identify potential applicants. It also provides students with an opportunity to learn about colleges with programs and characteristics they want. Information gathered through the Student Descriptive Questionnaire and the biographical section of the PSAT/NMSQT is sent to participating colleges with names of students who have the academic and personal characteristics the college specifies. Test of English as a Foreign Language - (TOEFL) –This test helps international students demonstrate whether their English language proficiency is at the level required for study in colleges and universities in the U.S. Most colleges require international applicants or students whose first language is not English to take the test.