COLLEGE GUIDE

Contact Information ____________________________________________________________

CEEB CODE: 330006

Equality Charter High School

2141 Seward Avenue Bronx, NY 10473

Phone: (718) 459-9597 Fax: (718) 824-6046

Lauren Ferrara

Class of 2019 and 2020 lauren.ferrara@equalitycharterschool.org

Room 424, ext. 4240

Julie Caso Class of 2018

Julie.caso@equalitycharterschool.org Room 424, ext. 4241

www.ecscounseling.weebly.com

https://connection.naviance.com/equalitycharter

College Planning Guide Table of Contents

_________________________________________________________________________

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 1

Overview of the Process ....................................................................................................................... 1College Search Calendar ...................................................................................................................... 3College Tests ........................................................................................................................................ 4What Determines College Admission? ................................................................................................ 5

Step 1 – Learning About and Visiting Colleges ....................................................................................... 6Choosing The Right College ................................................................................................................ 6Responsibilities In The Search And Selection Process ........................................................................ 7Resources Available ............................................................................................................................. 8College Information on the Internet ..................................................................................................... 9Opportunity Programs ........................................................................................................................ 10Campus Visit ...................................................................................................................................... 11Campus Interview ............................................................................................................................... 13How To Prepare For A Visit To A College Fair ................................................................................ 16

Step 2 – Testing ...................................................................................................................................... 17Overview of Standardized Tests ......................................................................................................... 17SAT vs. ACT ...................................................................................................................................... 18Tips For Writing The SAT I Essay .................................................................................................... 20The SAT Subject Tests ....................................................................................................................... 20SAT Prep Programs and College and Career Counseling .................................................................. 21Test Dates And Fees ........................................................................................................................... 22

Step 3 – Applying to Colleges ................................................................................................................ 24The Application .................................................................................................................................. 24How to Use the Common Application ............................................................................................... 25Types of Admissions Options ............................................................................................................ 28Recommendations .............................................................................................................................. 29Writing The College Essay ................................................................................................................. 30

Step 4 – Paying for College .................................................................................................................... 34How Financial Aid Works .................................................................................................................. 34Need-Based Aid ................................................................................................................................. 34Helpful Hints for Financial Aid and the FAFSA Form ...................................................................... 35Scholarship Realities .......................................................................................................................... 40

Step 5 – Special Circumstances .............................................................................................................. 41College Considerations For The Student Athlete ............................................................................... 41NCAA Fact Sheet ............................................................................................................................... 42Information for Students with Learning or Physical Disabilities ....................................................... 43Art/Music Majors ............................................................................................................................... 44

Glossary Of Terms Used In The College Process .................................................................................. 46

1

Introduction

Overview of the Process

1) Figure out what factors will influence your college choice: • Your specific needs • Geographic location • Size • Single sex vs. co-ed • Cost • Curriculum • Resources • Difficulty • Environment • Diversity

2) Research colleges that have the characteristics you desire by using various resources:

• College counseling staff • Individual college websites as well as those listed later in this handbook

3) Make a list of schools that interest you and do research on each individual school:

• Compare and contrast information in mailings and on-line • Visit campuses, meet with representatives, visit websites, talk to current students • From your list, choose approximately eight schools:

o 2 likely schools – your high school record exceeds admission’s requirements & the school accepts 70% or more of applicants

o 2-4 target schools – admissions requirements match your high school record & the school accepts about 40-60% of applicants

o 2 reach schools – admissions requirements may be higher than your individual high school record and/or school accepts less than 40% of applicants

• Bring this list with you to your college meeting to discuss and refine further

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4) Applications: • Submit Common Application at www.commonapp.org • Applications should be filled out on individual college websites if not on the Common App. • Meet with college representatives visiting ECHS in the Fall or at college fairs and make sure to

get their contact information. 5) Review essay topics from applications:

• If a specific essay is requested, be sure to follow directions (including word limits) • Try to pick an essay question that will work for most of your applications

6) Request two teachers to write recommendations by the end of junior year if possible (remember

teachers are extremely busy and you will not be the only one making this request): • Teachers should be from Junior or Senior year, preferably one English/history teacher and one

science/math teacher • Teachers should know you and your work • Teachers must have at least 4 weeks notice • Add your teachers to Naviance as soon as they have agreed to write your recommendation • Do not forget to thank teachers for spending time on your behalf

7) Fill in the application:

• BE AWARE OF DEADLINES – make sure your school list on “Colleges I am applying to” is up to date at least two weeks before your college deadlines.

• Ask a friend or family member to proofread your application for erros • Be sure to follow ALL directions • Certain schools require or recommend interviews as part of the application process – call the

admissions office to make an appointment Please note: The student’s part of the application does NOT need to be completed before submitting a transcript request to the school counselor. Act as soon as possible.

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College Search Calendar

SOPHOMORE YEAR

• Take the most challenging courses at which you can be successful • Register for and take the PSAT • Increase commitment to extracurricular activities • Consult your counselor to make sure you’re prepped for Junior Year • Attend college fairs and information sessions • Include volunteering and internships into summer plans • Ask your counselor or teachers about AP classes • Over the summer – talk with your family about creating a college budget

JUNIOR YEAR

• Take the most challenging courses at which you can be successful. • Junior year grades are critical for college admission – WORK HARD! • Begin essays • Continue with activities and service, try for leadership roles. Stay involved. • Meet with colleges that visit the school or community. • Meet with your school counselor, develop an initial list of 15 to 20 colleges that interest you. • Ask two teachers to write your college recommendations. • Begin developing portfolios/videos of special talents if you will be applying for specialized

programs. • Take the SAT I and/or ACT in the spring. • Take SAT Subject Tests in two or three subjects you feel you excel in (if any of your schools

require it). • Summer: Get a job or internship, volunteer or attend a special interest program. Tour colleges

and narrow down the college list. Develop a résumé. Begin filling out Common App 8/1. SENIOR YEAR

• Select the most challenging courses available to you and work hard on grades – acceptances are contingent upon maintaining grades through graduation.

• Finalize your college list (6-8 colleges, maximum 10) • Finish any additional testing by December unless you’re doing early action or early decision

(finish by November). • Continue with leadership roles in activities and service. • Meet with visiting colleges and finish college visits. • Schedule campus or alumni interviews. • Finish college applications by Thanksgiving. • Research and apply for scholarships. • File the FAFSA after October 1st • Complete any other financial aid documents (e.g., the CSS Profile) that the schools require. • Decisions arrive by April 1st and deposits are due by May 1st.

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College Tests

PSAT • 10th and 11th grade • 10th graders will be registered by ECHS to take the test on April 5th.

SAT I

• Take at least once in your Junior year – Scholars will be registered for SAT School Day on April 5th. Will get scores mid-May. Scholars can re-take the SAT in June.

• Repeat in Senior year if necessary (Aug./Oct./Nov.) • Use prep courses and/or study guides to develop confidence and familiarity with the tests.

ECHS will be partnering with The Princeton Review • Visit the College Board website: www.collegeboard.com • Always utilize your four free score reports when you register. These expire nine days after the

test date. If using a fee waiver, you get four extra score sends for free that do not expire. Colleges should get all of your SAT scores even if not required (unless you are not sending scores to test optional schools). It is always better to send everything – colleges will take your highest score in each section.

SAT SUBJECT TESTS (formerly SAT IIs)

• Required for a limited number of colleges. Research your colleges to find out if you need to take these tests. Sometimes colleges allow the ACT to be submitted instead of SAT IIs.

• An updated list of schools requiring the SAT II’s can be found at: http://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/

• Take science tests at the end of the specific course (if appropriate) • Take Math I after completing Algebra 2 or Math II after pre-calculus (if appropriate) • Take two tests in June of Junior year (if appropriate) • Test prep can bridge any gap between school courses and topics on the tests • All tests should be completed by fall of senior year

ACT • Take during spring of junior year (April/June) or fall of senior year (Sept./Oct./Dec.) • Always can replace SAT I and sometimes the SAT II tests for colleges • Visit the ACT website: www.actstudent.org

TESTING OPTIONAL SCHOOLS

• More and more schools are making SAT/ACT test scores optional in the application process. For a list of the over 800 testing optional schools visit www.fairtest.org.

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What Determines College Admission?

THE STRENGTH OF YOUR TRANSCRIPT is almost always the most important factor. In other words, what courses did you take at ECHS and how well did you perform in them? Your grades are important; however, colleges are specifically looking for the level of challenge in your course selections, for example AP and college courses show you are really challenging yourself. Your transcript lists all of your high school courses and all final semester grades earned; it also indicates Regents scores. It does not include teacher comments or attendance records.

COLLEGES ALSO LOOK AT OTHER CRITERIA SUCH AS:

è SAT Scores/ACT Scores – Contrary to popular belief, most colleges do not rely solely on standardized test scores. This is only one factor in the big picture. Colleges look at “the whole person” when making their decisions among thousands of applicants. The importance of test scores will vary from college to college, with larger schools typically emphasizing scores more.

è Activities & Awards – Colleges look at the depth of your involvement, not the quantity. It is important to let them know WHY you are involved and not just in WHAT you are involved.

è Letters of Recommendation – Typically, you will need two (2) teachers’ and your counselor’s recommendation. You should ask teachers to write your letters of recommendation by the end of junior year. You do not need to get an “A” in a teacher’s class in order to ask him/her for a letter. Ask a teacher with whom you have a good in-class relationship. If you would like an additional recommendation, it should be from someone non-academic who can speak to a different attribute you possess (i.e., boss, coach, club advisor, or a supervisor at an internship). Recommendations that come from outside the school must be mailed directly to the colleges, or given to your counselor by October 1st of your senior year.

è Personal Essays – The essay is your opportunity to show “who you really are” to an admissions officer. How do you spend your free time? What are your passions? Who or what has influenced you? What do you value? What obstacles have you overcome? Most of your application consists of statistical and biographical data. The essay is where you can demonstrate your particular strengths, interests, or abilities in your own unique voice. A good rule of thumb - the essay should be 80% about you and 20% about your topic. Generally your essay should be maximum 650 words.

è The Personal Interview – Colleges that either require or recommend an interview will likely weigh it more heavily in their decision-making process. Like the essay, the interview is your way of showing who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s also a great place to ask questions and learn more about the school. Call each college to find out how to set up an interview.

è Level of Interest Shown – Colleges want to know that you are interested in them as much as they are interested in you. Show your interest by making scheduled visits, attending classes on campus, emailing professors in your intended major, and calling or emailing the admissions officer responsible for reading your application. Contact should be initiated by the student, not the parent.

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Step 1 – Learning About and Visiting Colleges

Choosing The Right College

• There are always several colleges that would be right for you. • You should be in the driver’s seat, so listen to others’ opinions but the choice is up to

you in the end. • Your choice must be based on your interests, not your girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s. • Scholars need to know parents’/guardians’ parameters around an acceptable

selection. • Finances must be discussed with family. The price tag is usually not what you pay. • Avoid the “bumper sticker” mentality- names are not everything. • Be realistic. • Consider the distance from home and what feels most comfortable. • Visit when possible: taste the food, talk to students, attend classes, walk the outskirts

of the campus, read the notices of activities, read the campus newspaper, meet with admissions staff, and stay overnight if possible.

• Consider the surroundings that are essential to your happiness. • Consider the diversity on campus or lack of diversity and determine if you will be

comfortable. • Check out your intended major and look at the depth or breadth of courses offered in

that area of study. • Research the entrance requirements for your intended major. • Consider the degree of academic challenge that is best for you. • Explore the balance of study, activities, and social life that fits your needs. • Explore the intellectual life on campus: What are students on campus reading? What

are students talking about? How does the campus environment feel to you? • Explore the structure or lack of structure on the college campus. • Consider your family’s thoughts and opinions and how they will impact your

decisions. • Take a look at campus communities, clubs, and abroad programs.

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Responsibilities In The Search And Selection Process

Student Role:

• Be honest and think carefully about your goals, dreams, strengths and weaknesses. • Take time to assess who you are and what you like and do not like. • Always strive to do your best academic work. • Own the process and take the time necessary to research college options. • Attend local college fairs and receptions to gather more information. • Be your own advocate. • Be the one to call or email colleges for information. • Do not apply to colleges in which you have no interest. • Take care in completing applications. • Use your own voice in your college essays or personal statements. • Be aware of all deadlines. • Do not let others make decisions for you. • Know that there is more than one “right” college and take time to determine the

best fit for you. • Keep your counselor informed of your interests, priorities, considerations and final

decisions.

Parent/Guardian Role:

• Respect your student and his/her thoughts. • Be honest and provide your student with realistic information about finances

available for the college education. • Listen to your student. • Encourage your student to explore a variety of options. • Contact your counselor with any concerns or questions you might have. • Visit colleges with your student. • Attend college fairs with your student. • Allow your student to own the college process; know when to “step back.” • Remember that educational needs should guide the college choice. • Distinguish student’s needs from your own. • Do not underestimate your student’s potential and do not raise your level of

expectations beyond the student’s capabilities. • Be a great encourager and avoid being a discourager. • Be available for advice when needed. • Allow your student to assert his/her identity. • Share in decision-making. • Be sensitive to your student if a letter of denial is received. • Remember that there is more than one right college for every student.

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Resources Available

There is a wealth of information available to teach you about the unique aspects of each college or university. As you spend time reading and researching, you will begin to narrow your list of colleges to the 6 or 8 to which you will apply.

THE COLLEGE/COUNSELING OFFICE is well-equipped with college guides, viewbooks and catalogs as described below: College Guides – These large volumes contain a brief description of every college in the country and include information on college location, phone number, web address, number of undergraduate men and women, programs offered, SAT ranges for the previous year’s freshmen, admission requirements, application deadlines, etc. Some guides organize listings by major, by state or by region of the country.

Virtual Tours – Many colleges provide virtual tours online that showcase their institution, students, faculty and staff in order to give you a “feel” for their unique college communities. Naviance- Connection.naviance.com/equalitycharter

College Websites – They are a great resource Student Blogs – studentsreview.com, because they have tons of information. You will unigo.com are websites you can visit to find everything from athletics, to scholarships, to hear what current and past students of majors and course descriptions. You should be individual colleges are saying about their intimately familiar with the websites of each college experiences. in which you are interested. Sometimes you can even take a virtual tour of the school. BOOKSTORES offer many publications about the college admissions process, the application essay, SAT preparation, etc.

COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES VISITING ECHS – Colleges and Universities will be sending representatives to ECHS so that scholars can meet with them in small groups to learn about the different offerings and requirements at each college. Dates and times will be available on Naviance. Scholars are strongly encouraged to attend these brief but informative meetings. They also provide a great opportunity to make a “connection” with someone at a college that may interest you. Make sure you sign up in advance (on Naviance).

COLLEGE OPEN HOUSES – During the Fall and Spring, many colleges host open houses on their campuses. At that time, you and your family may meet with different college representatives, take a tour of the campus, talk with students and professors, as well as attend brief information sessions.

COLLEGE FAIRS – Several college fairs are held in New York City each year. Hundreds of colleges send representatives who will answer questions, put you on their mailing list and provide viewbooks, catalogs, and other free information. ECHS will also be hosting a college fair on Friday March 24, 2017.

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College Information on the Internet

Below are just a few of the many useful websites. In addition, every college has a website. Addresses are located in any College Guide. Addresses generally look like: www.collegename.edu. For example:

www.fordham.edu www.suny.edu www.umass.edu www.columbia.edu

College Planning/ Test Prep Financial Aid/Scholarship Special Circumstances Miscellaneous

ECHS Counseling Site

www.ecscounseling.weebly.com

ACT www.act.org

College Board

www.collegeboard.com

Niche https://colleges.niche.com/

College Week Live

http://www.collegeweeklive.com

Mapping Your Future http://www.mapping-your-

future.org

Peterson’s Guide http://www.petersons.com

Princeton Review www.review.com

Naviance

http://connection.naviance.com/equalitycharter

Unigo

http://www.unigo.com

FAFSA: Free Application for

Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov

Fast Web

www.fastweb.com

Federal Trade Commission Scholarship Scams Info

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0082-scholarship-and-

financial-aid-scams

FinAid www.finaid.org

Hispanic Heritage Youth

Awards http://hispanicheritage.org/

National Association of Student Financial Aid

Administrators http://www.studentaid.org

Higher Education Services

Corporation www.hesc.state.ny.us

Scholarship Database

http://www.free-4u.com/

CSS Profile https://profileonline.collegeboa

rd.com/prf/index.jsp

Educators for Fair Consideration

http://www.e4fc.org/resources/scholarshiplists.html

Resources for the Student

Athlete

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

www.naia.org

National Collegiate Athletic Association

www.ncaa.org

National Collegiate Athletic Association Clearinghouse www.eligibilitycenter.org

Resources for Students With Disabilities

Council for Exceptional

Children www.cec.sped.org

Learning Disabilities

Association of America https://ldaamerica.org/

College Parents of America http://www.collegeparents.org

Common Application www.commonapp.org

Historically Black Colleges

and Universities https://articles.niche.com/list-of-

hbcu-schools-in-america/

NY Careers www.nycareerzone.org

Testing-Optional Schools

www.fairtest.org

Student Reviews of Colleges www.unigo.com

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Opportunity Programs

Opportunity Programs support students who show promise for mastering college-level work, but who may otherwise not be admitted because their academic record does not reflect their full potential. You must qualify both academically and financially and enroll in a full-time program. Even if you meet eligibility requirements, you are not guaranteed admission because spaces and services are limited. Since requirements vary from campus to campus, please check with the Admissions Office to confirm their specific criteria.

Although these programs are essentially the same on different campuses, they have different names and eligibility criteria depending on the type of campus:

EOP: Educational Opportunity Program offered at SUNY schools;

HEOP: Higher Educational Opportunity Program offered at private schools in New York;

SEEK: Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge offered at CUNY four-year schools; and

CD: College Discovery offered at two-year CUNY schools.

ASAP: Accelerated Study in Associate Programs offered at two-year CUNY schools.

The general guidelines for program eligibility require that you MUST BE:

* A permanent resident or citizen of the U.S.

* A New York resident for 12 months prior to enrollment (CUNY and SUNY only)

* Ineligible for admission under traditional standards but demonstrate potential for completing a college program; and

* In need of financial assistance within legislated income guidelines. In selecting students for the program, priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

In general, these programs offer special tutoring, and academic, career, and personal counseling, as well as financial aid to help with the cost of tuition, room, board, books and personal expenses. They sometimes require summer programs right before freshman year. Be sure to complete all necessary components in a timely fashion because, in many cases, there are additional application materials, financial aid forms, and even interviews required.

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Campus Visit

ARRANGING FOR THE VISIT

Ø Call the Admissions Office well ahead of time to schedule an interview, if appropriate.

♦ Plan to visit as many colleges as you can on the weekends or during school vacations.

♦ Arrange to visit specific departments of interest to you or sit in on a class.

♦ Allow enough time to get a real feel for the campus.

♦ Schedule your interview after the campus tour, if possible. This will give you a better sense of what the campus is like; you may also find new or more specific questions to ask.

♦ Don’t schedule more than two campus visits in a day.

PREPARING FOR THE CAMPUS VISIT

Ø Check out the school’s website or ask the Admissions Office to send you information and a catalog. Explore special opportunities the college provides for interested students:

♦ Many colleges have special programs or open houses scheduled during the year (and in the summer) for visiting students and their families that include group activities and information sessions.

♦ If visiting a college is not within your means, call the admissions office and they may be able to help make special arrangements (e.g., bus trip from the city).

♦ If you simply cannot visit the school, you can usually take a VIRTUAL TOUR on the website or ask the school if it has a video they can send to you.

♦ Before the visit, take a look at the campus map to get the lay of the land.

♦ Leave plenty of travel time for unexpected traffic and getting lost. GET DIRECTIONS.

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♦ Review academic programs and activities that interest you. When you call to arrange your visit, ask to:

Ø See the facilities for your sport and ask to speak to a coach (if applicable). Ø Visit a particular lab or studio that relates to your special interests: the physics lab,

the dance studio, the campus radio station, the art studio, etc. Ø Sit in on a class, talk to a professor, meet with students in your major. Spend the

night on-campus so you can get a student’s-eye view of the campus and experience dorm life.

♦ Do your homework. When you investigate the college, find out about the size of the student body and the freshman class, male/female ratio, diversity, the size and qualifications of the faculty, admissions requirements, etc. Then you will not have to ask questions with easy-to-find answers in the interview.

WHEN ON CAMPUS:

♦ Get a general impression: Are there students around? If not, why? If it is a weekend or vacation time, there will naturally be less happening on campus. What is the atmosphere like – laid back, bustling, tense, gloomy, etc.

♦ Do not let a bad tour guide or dreary weather cloud your view of the school.

♦ Take a closer look: What shape are the campus buildings in? What kind of security is evident? Do you feel comfortable and safe walking around?

♦ Go to places where students congregate: the student union, the bookstore, the main cafeteria.

♦ Talk to students in their natural habitat: VISIT A DORM ROOM. Ask them what they like and do not like about the school.

♦ Get a copy of the school newspaper: What are the top stories? What kinds of activities are listed: movies, bands, theater, sports, etc.

• Take notes: Things that you like, things that you do not like. What’s missing? What’s surprising?

• Keep your appointment, and if you cannot make it for some reason, be sure to call ahead of time to cancel or reschedule. You do not want to start out with a reputation of being unreliable.

HAVE FUN!! YOU’RE THE CUSTOMER – THEY ARE TRYING TO IMPRESS YOU AS MUCH AS YOU ARE TRYING TO IMPRESS THEM.

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Campus Interview

Research. The more you know ahead of time, the more in-depth your conversation can be. Look at the list of courses for the programs in which you are interested. Prepare a list of questions not easily answered by the brochure or website.

Think about how you might answer questions that come up. Remember, you will not be graded on your responses; you do not need to have a full presentation prepared. It is better to be prepared generally so that you do not panic when the interview begins.

Dress comfortably, casual – not grungy, shredded or wrinkled – but not too dressy either.

Optional: Bring along a copy of your most recent high school transcript or prepare a high school résumé. Include a list of your extracurricular activities, community service and jobs as well as a list of your special skills and accomplishments. This will go into your file in the admissions office.

Keep in mind that the interview is NOT a test and there are no trick questions. The purpose of the interview is to give the admissions officer a chance to see aspects of you that are not reflected in your application. So try to relax and be yourself. Here is a list of topics and questions the interviewer may bring up:

• Give me a brief autobiography of yourself.

• Tell me about high school.

• What kind of relationship do you have with your teachers/counselors?

• Tell me about your transition to high school.

• What are your favorite subjects? What’s the toughest?

• What is your favorite book and why?

• Tell me about an instance when you’ve felt misjudged or when you’ve misjudged another.

• How important is diversity to you on a college campus?

• If I asked your family or friends, how would they describe you?

• Do you have any regrets? If you could do something over, what would it be?

• If you gave a speech at your graduation, what would your message be?

• What are you most looking forward to in college?

• What are your fears?

• Share an example of an obstacle you’ve had to overcome.

• What kind of roommate would you be? What kind would you not like to have?

• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 30?

• If you had only a few minutes to tell me about yourself, what would you say?

• Do you have any questions we have not yet discussed?

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Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask (Remember, you don’t want to ask questions that are easily answered by reviewing the literature or visiting the website.):

• What are the most important campus issues to students at this school?

• What is the most popular department or major here? The most popular course?

• What do students consider the most challenging course? Department?

• How many introductory courses are taught by faculty members and how many are taught by graduate students? How big are the classes?

• If you are applying for a specific program (art, music, drama, pre-med, business, etc.), will you be considered for general admission if you are not accepted into that specific program?

• What are the dormitory arrangements: Are they co-ed, will you have a roommate, are there cooking facilities, is there a meal plan, etc.?

• How has this college changed in the last five years?

THE INTERVIEW

• Try to arrive a bit early to compose yourself.

• Shake hands with your interviewer, smile and look interested. If you aren’t comfortable shaking hands, practice with a friend.

• Listen to the question, then answer. Don’t get ahead of yourself and start planning your answer before you’ve heard the whole question. By taking time to listen, you will also give yourself a few extra seconds to form your response.

• If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.

• Breathe. Before you answer a question, take a nice slow breath first. When you finish answering, remember to continue to breathe. This is the key to feeling relaxed.

• If necessary, ask for a moment: “Do you mind if I take a minute to think about that . . .” or “Let me think about that for a minute. . .”

• Answer questions candidly. Don’t say what you think they want to hear, say what you mean.

• Be yourself!

• Bring along your list of questions. It’s fine to refer to it; it will show the interviewer that you have come prepared.

• Make eye contact. You do not have to stare into the interviewer’s eyes, but you should make eye contact particularly when you want to emphasize a point. If you are shy or are

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uncomfortable making eye contact with a stranger, practice with friends. Also, try watching interview programs on TV (like Charlie Rose) and see how others handle it.

• Try not to give one-word answers. If you are asked a “yes or no” question, follow up your “yes or no” with an explanation. After all, you have come to the interview to show the interviewer who you really are.

• Say “yes” or “no” not “yeah,” “uh-huh,” “nah,” or “nuh-huh” and never say “you know” or “whatever” in response to a question or to finish a thought.

• Don’t mumble. Enunciate your words. Speak with your head up. If you have a soft voice, make an effort to speak up. Practice. Take a cue from the interviewer. If he or she is leaning forward and seems to be straining to understand you, speak up.

• When the interview is over, say “thank you” and “good-bye”. Remember to smile and offer another friendly handshake.

• Be sure to get contact information from the interviewer.

• Write a thank you card or e-mail to your interviewer. Use that as an opportunity to ask any additional questions.

• If you have important questions after the interview, call and ask if the interviewer has time to speak with you or schedule another time for a phone conversation.

Even if you can’t travel to visit the actual campus, many colleges are very happy to schedule an appointment with an alumnus who lives in your local area. Many colleges also participate in college fairs and will be happy to schedule an interview appointment with an admissions officer when they are in town.

Remember, colleges may keep track of each time you contact them. If you demonstrate your interest by setting up an interview, calling or e-mailing for extra information and taking the time to write a thank you note, the Admissions Office will think you are a more serious candidate than someone they’ve never heard from.

Relax and enjoy the interview. Just be YOU!

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How To Prepare For A Visit To A College Fair

Things to consider before the fair:

• Do you want to attend a large university or a small college?

• What program of study do you want to pursue?

• How far from home do you want to go?

• Do you want to participate in sports or other activities?

• Do you want a college in an urban environment? Small town? Rural?

• Do you require special services, such as extended testing time, tutoring, readers?

Things to do before the fair:

• Make an appointment with your college counselor to discuss your college plans.

• Use resource materials provided by your counselor or on the web to learn more about colleges.

• Discuss your plans for college with your family, teachers, and friends.

Things to do at the fair:

• Pick up a directory that lists all the colleges and the locations of their booths when you enter.

• Visit the counseling center (if one is available) if you have questions or need help with your college search.

• Try not to take brochures from every college, just the ones that interest you.

• Add your name to mailing lists of schools in which you are interested (t ip : print out labels with your contact info beforehand so that you can save time completing the contact cards)

What to ask college representatives:

• When must I choose a major?

• What sets your school apart from others? What is your college “known” for?

• What types of internships or co-op programs are available?

• What kinds of extracurricular activities are there on campus?

• How can I arrange a campus visit? Are there any special visiting days coming up at your campus?

• What are the application deadlines for admission and financial aid?

• How many of last year’s freshmen returned for their sophomore year? What percentage will actually graduate from your college?

• How does your school place students in its freshman classes?

• How do you assign faculty advisers to students, especially those who are undecided about their majors?

• Is yours a “suitcase college,” where students go home on the weekends?

• How many students live on campus? What percentage of the student body commutes?

• How are roommates selected?

• Can your special dietary or religious requirements be met?

• How safe is your school? Where can I obtain statistics about crime?

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Step 2 – Testing

Overview of Standardized Tests

Why Am I Taking These Tests? One of the reasons that colleges use these tests in the admissions process is that they are supposed to level the playing field. High schools are different from one state to the next (and even from one town to the next) and standardized tests should (in theory) give colleges one common criterion on which to compare all applicants.

The PSAT is not only great practice for the SAT, it’s also used as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Many students take a practice PSAT in October of their sophomore year, but it’s the PSAT you take in October of your Junior year that counts for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). The PSAT is not seen by colleges or used for admissions decisions.

The SAT is one of the oldest and best known college admissions tests. All schools will accept scores for admissions and to award scholarships. The SAT I is a three-hour and forty-five minute verbal, writing, and math multiple choice test. There is also a writing section with an essay and multiple choice questions, however colleges are typically just using the math and critical reading scores for admissions purposes. Each section is scored on a scale from 200 to 800. We recommend that students take the test once in the spring of the junior year and again in the fall of the Senior year.

The ACT is accepted equally by colleges instead of the SAT exam. It is a three-hour multiple-choice test that measures skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning, and each section is scored from 1 to 36. The ACT has a reputation for being more direct (fewer trick questions) than the SAT. There is an optional section of the test called the writing section; the majority of schools require this optional writing portion be taken in order to use your ACT scores for admissions instead of the SAT.

The SAT Subject Tests, formerly known as the SAT II, are subject-specific tests. These are one-hour multiple choice tests offered in 15 different subject areas such as Math, Chemistry, Spanish, History, and Literature. There are around 40 schools that require them; however the majority will accept the ACT exam instead. Most schools requiring SAT subject exams require that you take two; however a few of the most competitive schools ask for three. It’s always a good idea to check with the schools you’re applying to and find out if they require SAT Subject Test scores, and if so, if they require any particular tests. You may take up to three tests in one day but not on the same day as the SAT Reasoning Test. To see a complete list of schools currently requiring subject tests go to: http://www.compass-prep.com/admissions_req.shtml

AP, or Advanced Placement exams, aren’t involved in admissions decisions, but they can certainly help you once you get to college. If you take an AP course and receive a high enough score on the AP exam for that course, you can earn college credit while in high school. Additionally, most college admissions officers look for AP courses as a sign of a challenging high school curriculum. The more opportunities you take to academically challenge yourself, the more impressive it is to colleges and universities.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a test for non-native English speaking students. Most colleges will not require this unless you have been in the country for four years or less. In the U.S., students take the TOEFL exclusively by computer. If you do not speak English at home or if English is not your first language, the results of the TOEFL may help to explain a lower-than-expected verbal SAT score. See your college counselor for more information.

Sending Scores to Colleges: You should use the four free score reports when signing up for the SAT/ACT to send scores to colleges. These free score report sends expire nine days after the test date. It costs $12.00 to send a score report to a school, so this can really add up. Since your counselors recommend sending all of your scores, why not save the money? Colleges will always take your highest scores in each section of the SAT, so it can’t hurt to send multiple scores. You will be responsible for making sure that EVERY college gets your scores DIRECTLY from The College Board or ACT before your deadlines in the fall. Please note, it can take 4-6 weeks for your scores to be delivered. If you used a fee waiver to pay for the test, you get an additional four scores report sends that do not expire.

Sunday Test Dates: Students may take standardized tests on Sunday for religious reasons. See your college counselor for letters of permission and registration details.

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SAT vs. ACT

SAT vs. ACT: How do the Tests Compare? What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? They’re both standardized tests and they both factor into the college admissions process. To learn about the differences between the two tests and how they compare, take a look at the chart below.

SAT ACT

When is it administered?

Seven times per year Six times per year

What is the test structure?

Ten-section exam: Three Critical Reading, three Math, three Writing, and one Experimental. The Experimental section is masked to look like a regular section.

Four-section exam: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. An Experimental section is added to tests on certain dates only and is clearly identified as experimental.

What is the test content?

Math: up to 9th grade basic geometry and Algebra II. Science: none. Reading: sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, reading comprehension. Writing: an essay, and questions testing grammar, usage, and word choice.

Math: up to trigonometry. Science: charts, experiments. Reading: four passages, one each of Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science. English: stresses grammar.

Is there a penalty for wrong answers?

Yes No

How is the test scored?

200-800 per section, added together for a combined score. A 2400 is the highest possible combined score.

1-36 for each subject, averaged for a composite score. A 36 is the highest possible composite score.

Are all scores sent to schools?

No. There is a “Score Choice” option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the schools will see.

No. There is a “Score Choice” option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the schools will see.

Are there other uses for the exams?

Scholarship purposes. Scholarship purposes. Certain statewide testing programs.

Best time to register?

At least six weeks before the test date At least four weeks before the test date

Need more information?

Educational Testing Service (ETS) (609) 771-7600 www.ets.org The College Board www.collegeboard.com

ACT, Inc.: (319) 337-1000 www.ACT.org

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SAT & ACT Score Comparison Many students wonder what their ACT score would be equivalent to on the old or current SAT. The chart below contains comparative scores for all three tests. It is important to note that a student who scores well on the ACT is not guaranteed to have similar success on the SAT and vice versa. (Scores between the current SAT and the old SAT should be consistent.) For example, say a student earns an ACT composite score of 31; colleges will view this score as being in the same range of a 1360 – 1400 on the old SAT. But it does not mean the student will actually earn that score if he/she took the SAT. This relationship is merely a way of looking at the competitive equivalent of the two tests and is not meant to be a predictor of student performance.

ACT If you scored...

Without Writing With Writing

36 1600 2400

35 1560-1590 2340

34 1510-1550 2260

33 1460-1500 2190

32 1410-1450 2130

31 1360-1400 2040

30 1320-1350 1980

29 1280-1310 1920

28 1240-1270 1860

27 1210-1230 1820

26 1170-1200 1760

25 1130-1160 1700

24 1090-1120 1650

23 1060-1080 1590

22 1020-1050 1530

21 980-1010 1500

20 940-970 1410

19 900-930 1350

18 860-890 1290

17 810-850 1210

16 760-800 1140

15 710-750 1060

14 660-700 1000

13 590-650 900

12 520-580 780

11 500-510 750

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Tips For Writing The SAT I Essay

Here are some tips from the LA Times on how to approach the SAT essay: 1. Size matters. Write a long, neat and visually organized essay. The College Board tells its graders to value substance over style, but you can’t train away human nature. Use neat handwriting, avoiding script, and organize your essay into at least four discernible paragraphs. Most importantly, do not even think about being brief. The best predictor of a high score is the length of your essay. 2. Stop and smell the question. The essay will ask you to agree or disagree with a trite statement and support your position with a few examples from literature (“Phil Jackson once said, ‘There is no ‘I’ in team.’ Do you agree or disagree?”). Don’t parrot back the quote in your opening remarks. 3. Contemplate the topic. Put the fundamental question in other words (“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers”) and take a position in your introductory paragraph. Then power through the rest of your essay with three examples and a summary. 4. Prepare your examples in advance. You should walk into the test prepared to support your position with good examples. Pick a book, an historical event, and an emotionally complex personal story. Review them, know how to spell everyone’s names (especially family members), and think about pivotal moments. Then, when you are asked to take a position on “Honesty is the best policy” or “Life is too short,” recall that scene from Hamlet, the attack on Ft. Sumter and the time you took the rap for your best friend. 5. Take few rhetorical chances. Your idea of flair is likely to get you nowhere with your graders. Concentrate on being earnest, long-winded and, most important, predictable. Remember, you are writing for a harried English teacher sitting at her computer after a long day of teaching. And prepare a few $20 words to sprinkle on your essay; you’ll sound smart, erudite and knowledgeable (see?).

The SAT Subject Tests

What are the SAT Subject Tests? They are college admissions tests in specific subjects. Each test is one hour long.

Do all colleges require SAT Subject Tests? No. In fact, of the more than 3,000 colleges in the U.S., approximately 35-50 require SAT Subject Tests. Of these schools the majority will accept the ACT in lieu of the subject exams.

Which schools require the SAT Subject Tests? Usually the most selective schools (in terms of admissions standards), such as Ivy League schools, require the SAT Subject Tests.

How many SAT Subject Tests are necessary and which subjects are required? No college requires more than three tests, but which tests are required varies at different colleges and in different programs within a given college. You should check with the individual schools as to which Subject Tests will be required.

If I don’t know which schools I’ll be applying to, should I take SAT Subject Tests this year? The answer to this question will vary from student to student. If you typically receive above average grades in your classes and if your PSAT combined score is over 185, you should consider taking SAT Subject Tests. Also, if you have a serious interest in a particular college and it requires SAT Subject Tests, you

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may wish to take them. Be advised that SAT Subject Tests exams require an acquisition of knowledge far beyond a Regents level course. You must prepare for SAT Subject Tests on your own using appropriate review books and other supplemental materials.

Which tests should I take? SAT Subject Tests in Science and Math 1 are often taken during the junior year. However, students in any grade should demonstrate competency in a subject prior to taking a SAT Subject Test; completing a particular course at the honors/AP level is especially helpful.

Can I take SAT Subject Tests as a senior? Absolutely! However, May or June of Junior year is the ideal time to take SAT Subject Tests. This will provide an opportunity for you to re-take (or take additional) SAT Subject Tests in October, November and/or December of your Senior year.

How do I sign up? You register the same way as you do for the SAT Reasoning Test. Register with the College Board by phone or online (have your credit card and social security number handy).

Which months are best for taking the SAT Subject Tests? The May or June test dates coincide with the conclusion of your courses.

How many SAT Subject Tests can I take in one day? You may take up to three on any one test day; however, you may not take the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests on the same day.

SAT Prep Programs and College and Career Counseling

• Atlas Test Prep offers small group courses as well as one-on-one tutoring. Visit their website at www.atlastestprep.com for more information.

• Goddard Riverside’s OPTIONS Center for Educational and Career Choice shows students they can go to college and guides them through the steps to enrollment. OPTIONS makes college more accessible to students through free services such as early awareness programming for middle and high school students, one-on-one educational counseling for 11th and 12th graders, SAT preparation, assistance with admissions and financial aid applications, essays, portfolios, and scholarship and internship opportunities, etc. For more information, go to www.goddard.org/options.

• Huntington Learning Center offers one-on-one instruction to prepare for the SATs, including personalized study plans and full-length practice tests. For more information, locations and scheduling, call 1-800-CAN LEARN.

• The Princeton Review offers SAT preparation in classes, on-line and with private tutors, as well as publications and practice tools to aid in the process. For more information and a schedule of fees, go to www.princetonreview.com or call 800-2REVIEW.

• Kaplan’s Test Prep and Admissions offers SAT preparation in classes, on-line and with private tutors. For more information and a schedule of fees, go to www.kaptest.com or call 800-KAP-TEST.

• Next Level Learning Center offers individual tutoring but for the SAT/ACT and academic tutoring. Visit their website www.nyclearn.com or call them at 212-957-9100 for more information.

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Test Dates And Fees

SAT Test Dates

April 5, 2017 – Students will be scheduled for SAT school day and take the SAT (for free) in school

June 3, 2017 (registration deadline is May 9, 2017; late registration is May 24, 2017) August 26, 2017 (deadlines will be added when dates are finalized)

October 7, 2017 (deadlines will be added when dates are finalized) November 4, 2017 (deadlines will be added when dates are finalized)

December 2, 2017 (deadlines will be added when dates are finalized)

SAT Fees*

Test Fee

SAT $45.00

SAT with Essay $57.00

Services Fee

Late registration fee $28.00

Standby testing fee $46.00

Change test, test date, or test center fee $28.00

Scores by Web Free

Scores by Phone $15.00

Extra score report to a college or scholarship program (in addition to four score reports included at no charge on the Registration or Correction Form)

$ 12.00

Fee to rush scores to a college $31.00

* Fee waivers are available for students who qualify. Students who are eligible may receive up to two SAT I fee waivers and two SAT Subject Test fee waivers. Contact your counselor for more information on SAT fee waivers. If using a fee waiver you will get an additional 4 colleges you can send scores to at any time for free.

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ACT TEST DATES

April 8, 2017 (registration deadline: March 3, 2017; late registration March 17, 2017)

June 10, 2017 (registration deadline: May 5, 2017; late registration May 19, 2017)

September 9, 2017 (deadlines will be added when dates are finalized)

October 28, 2017 (deadlines will be added when dates are finalized)

December 9, 2017 (deadlines will be added when dates are finalized)

ACT Fees*

$42.50 Basic registration fee Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges requested at registration.

+ $12.00 each 5th and 6th college choices Requested as part of registration; refundable if you do not test. Find out how much it costs to

send your scores after you’ve tested. + $16.00 Optional Writing Test

The $16.00 Writing Test fee is refundable if you are absent on test day or you remove the Writing Test option before you begin testing.

+ $27.50 Late fee + $25.00 Test date change

For different date if absent on original date. If you request a test date change after the regular deadline for the new date, a late fee also applies.

+ $25.00 Test center change For the same date.

+ $51.00 Standby testing on test day + $15.00 Telephone registration for repeat test takers

Receive immediate confirmation of your test center.

Viewing scores on line: FREE + $20.00 Test information release service

On selected national test dates (December, April, and June); refundable if not available.

* A fee waiver is available for students who qualify, but registration must be submitted by the regular (not late!) deadline. Students who are eligible may receive up to two ACT fee waivers which can be obtained from your counselor. The waiver is used once you register, even if you do not test on the requested test date. You can only use a fee waiver up until the regular deadline.

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Step 3 – Applying to Colleges

The Application

Once you have narrowed your list down to 6-8 colleges, it is time to apply. Most college applications are similar in appearance and content; however, it is important to thoroughly read each application, as there will be differences among them. More detailed instructions regarding ECHS’s application procedures will be distributed at the beginning of senior year.

All applications should be filled out online, however while some schools request supporting documents online, others will require your counselor to mail your supplementary material. Either way, your counselor will take care of this for you.

COMMON APPLICATION. The Common Application is used by over 500 colleges and universities throughout the country, and many colleges use ONLY the Common Application. Member colleges encourage its use and all give equal consideration to the Common Application and the college’s own form. APPLYING TO NON-COMMON APPLICATION SCHOOLS. Those schools that are not on the Common Application you will be able to apply to on their website. You can usually save info and come back later. Before submitting your web application, be sure to do a PRINT PREVIEW from your screen to be sure everything, including your essay, is included and then print a copy for yourself. You do not need to print out or fill out any forms regarding recommendations or school report forms. Your counselor will take care of that for you automatically. If you submit your application fee online, be sure to print a copy of the payment confirmation.

SUNY. There are two ways to apply to SUNY schools. Unless you are applying to a BFA program in performing arts or fine arts you should use the Common App to apply to SUNY schools. If you are doing one of these specialized programs you should apply on the SUNY app at www.suny.edu. The application should be completed by December 1st since SUNY schools are rolling.

CUNY. The only place to apply to CUNY is www.cuny.edu . The application should be completed by December 1st and you can apply to up to six schools with one fee. Please make sure to have your social security number and OSIS number with you when applying. You must send your SAT scores to CUNY via the www.collegeboard.com website, sending your scores to CUNY/UAPC (Code 2950) which will allow all the CUNY colleges to which you apply to access your test scores.

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How to Use the Common Application

For best results with the Common Application, please follow the following guidelines: 1. To begin the Common Application, go to www.commonapp.org. 2. If you have not registered, sign up under the APPLY section and follow the prompts until you have an

account. You must register in order to fill out the Common Application. You cannot save or print the application unless you complete all fields designated with a red star.

3. After you have filled out all of the necessary items and hit the REGISTER button at the bottom of the screen, you should receive a confirmation email with your user name and password in it. Print this page and save it!

4. Once you have registered, a list of instructions will appear on the page. Please read through ALL of these carefully before starting your application! This is very useful information that will help you navigate the website. You can access instructions at any time by clicking on the INSTRUCTIONS tab at the left of your screen or at the top of the page on which you are working.

5. Any time you log off of the site and wish to log on again, simply re-enter your user name and password at the center of the page under APPLY.

6. After you have read through the instructions completely, click COLLEGE SEARCH tab to the left of your screen and add your schools. It is recommended that you start your application with this step even if you have not made a final list of colleges to which you are applying. You can add or delete colleges from this list at any point before you submit your application.

7. After you have entered your prospective list of colleges, click on the MY COLLEGES tab on the left of your screen. Here you will be asked to fill out specific information about your college and career plans for each school. If you are unsure of your future career plans, choose the area of greatest interest to you, or undecided.

8. The PROFILE and FAMILY sections will ask you basic questions about you and your family which are necessary to complete your application. It is critical that the contact information you provide is accurate so that colleges can get in touch with you. Do not use an inappropriate email address – this is your first impression – make it a good one – provide an email address that you check often.

9. The EDUCATION section will ask for your educational data, including high school information and test scores. Make sure you select Equality Charter School (330006) as your secondary school.

10. The TESTING section will ask for your current scores on the SAT or ACT. If you are planning on taking another test in the future, type in the month and year of your intended test date. Some schools do not require scores to be sent. If that is the case, you will need to leave this section blank. If the college does require scores, please remember you will need to send your scores through the College Board or ACT Student Center in order for this requirement to be met.

11. The ACTIVITIES section will ask you to list any extracurricular activities or work experience you have completed during high school. Enter the information in the chart in order of interest to you. If you have too many activities for the given amount of space or want to provide additional information about the activities listed you may opt to send the schools a resume.

12. The WRITING section of the application includes a section for you to upload your personal statement. The Common Application will CUT YOU OFF after 650 words. So the maximum number of words is 650!

13. If the college requests a supplement, which may include an additional essay, you must provide it in order for your application to that school to be considered complete. You can click on the MY COLLEGES tab

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and click on each individual school for specific instructions for each of the schools to which you are applying.

14. Because ECHS sends your materials through Naviance, you DO NOT need to print any school reports or recommendation forms. Your counselor’s letter will be attached with our ECHS School Report form. Please DO NOT give the School Report Form to your counselor. The same is true for the Midyear Report form – ECHS will automatically send your midyear grades to all colleges that you are applying and we will NOT use this form.

15. The Common Application requires payment to submit to each school. Please be aware that unless you have a fee waiver you must have a credit card to submit your application. For all other applications, they may allow you to apply without paying, however your application will not be considered complete unless the college receives the application fee (or an application fee waiver approval from your counselor in response to your selection of a NACAC Fee Waiver on the Common App). Some schools accept payment online using a credit card while others require that you mail them a check. Be sure to follow the instructions for each school.

16. PROOFREAD everything carefully, as you want the colleges to remember you for what you wrote, not what you wrote incorrectly.

17. After you have submitted your Common App, you may add additional institutions and submit your application to them, as well. Once you submit an application to an institution, you will no longer be able to change the information submitted to that institution. You can edit the Common App for other applications, but there is no need to do so unless you need to correct an error. In general, the Common Application is designed to be completed once and submitted to all a student’s colleges at once or over a period of time.

Don’t forget to ask teachers to write recommendations on your behalf. At the end of your Junior year ask two teachers to write a recommendation on your behalf. If you do not yet know where you will apply but know which teachers you will ask, let them know as soon as possible so they can begin writing.

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TOP 10 REASONS NOT TO APPLY TO MORE THAN 10 COLLEGES

10. You will be writing supplements all throughout the fall semester so your grades will suffer. This will hurt your chances of being admitted to the colleges you have worked so hard to get into.

9. It is TOO expensive to pay the application fees ($50-$75 each) plus sending scores ($12 each). If you applied to 15 schools that could be a cost of $1,300.00!!

8. It is too time consuming to express interest, visit schools, go to representative meetings at ECHS, follow-up with, and interview at that many schools. This will hurt your chances of being admitted to each individually.

7. Believe or not, receiving too many accept letters is extremely stressful. You will only have a few weeks to make your decision in April and not enough time to fully explore more than a few schools. You will always wonder if you made the right choice.

6. You may have an extremely large amount of financial aid forms to complete which cost $36 for some schools. Also, you may want to fill out scholarship applications for each school. This is MORE work and time.

5. You may confuse colleges when writing specific essays for the school or while interviewing. It’s difficult to remember the exact details of so many schools. The more attention you can give to each school you love, the better your essays and interviews will be, and therefore increasing odds of acceptance.

4. You will not be able to enjoy your senior year.

3. You’re creating more competition at each college which makes it harder to get in. The more students who apply with little intention of attending, the more difficult it will be for YOU to get in and vice versa.

2. You can apply to up to 6 CUNY and 6 SUNY schools. This will only count as 2 from your list of 10.

1. Your school counselors do not allow you to J

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Types of Admissions Options

In addition to the standard Regular Decision admissions option, it is important to be aware of a few application alternatives which may be available at various schools.

Early Decision (ED): If you have done your research thoroughly and decided on a first-choice college, you may want to consider an Early Decision application. ED is a BINDING agreement between the student and the college. You, your family, and your counselor will be required to sign a contract. If the college makes an offer of admission through ED, you pay a deposit within a short period of time and sign an agreement to withdraw your applications to other schools. The ED admission deadlines and requirements are different at each campus so be sure to check with the school well in advance of submitting an application to be sure you understand their criteria. When making a decision about applying ED, you should consider the following pluses and minuses:

Pluses: (1) At some less competitive schools, ED may increase your odds of acceptance. Colleges have recently been admitting larger percentages of students during ED. However, most colleges and universities do not recommend applying early to increase your chances of acceptance.

(2) If you are accepted, you will know in December of your senior year and you can relax – the college process is completed.

(3) Students not accepted during ED are often reconsidered (“deferred”) for admission during the regular decision period, but are no longer bound by the ED contract. However, some colleges will deny admission at this time if the student is not admissible.

(4) Applying ED shows a college that it is your top choice and you are committed to attending if accepted. They often take that into consideration when making admission decisions.

Minuses: (1) Since you are applying to only one school, you cannot compare financial aid

packages from several institutions. Early decision schools say they try to meet a student’s financial need. Still, financial aid officers may be less likely to sweeten the aid package of an early decision candidate since the college knows they are not competing for you against other colleges.

(2) ED is often a much more competitive pool of applicants. (3) An ED rejection can be a devastating experience. Students who apply in the

regular admissions cycle usually receive at least a couple of “yeses” at the same time they receive those ego-puncturing “nos.” But an ED candidate who is rejected may not get good news from another school for several months.

Early Action (EA): Unlike ED, students who apply EA may apply to more than one school, and an offer of admission does not mean they are committed to attend the school. Students accepted through EA generally do not have to give the school an answer until May of their senior year. Some people believe that EA offers more flexibility than ED, but going EA can be risky, too. At some schools, if you apply EA and are denied, you are automatically excluded from the regular admissions cycle, which may be less competitive than the EA pool. In general, you may apply to as many EA schools as you want. However, some colleges do not allow this, so carefully check their policies. Having the ability to submit multiple EA applications does not mean you should feel free to overuse it.

Rolling Admissions: These programs admit students on a rolling or continuous basis until spaces in the class fill up. This doesn’t mean that you can delay applying until the last minute, because you could miss the boat. The earlier you apply the more likely you are to be accepted.

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Recommendations

There are two types of recommendations that are requested by colleges and universities: Teacher Recommendations and Counselor Recommendations.

Teacher Recommendations: Most colleges require at least one – if not two – formal recommendations from teachers. The best time to ask your teachers is at the end of junior year. You may ask a teacher senior year, but the deadline to do so is October 1st. Since you will want to have the best possible recommendations sent to each college, we suggest that you consider the following in choosing teachers who will write on your behalf:

• How well does the teacher know you? Will he/she write well on your behalf? • Has the teacher taught you more than once? A teacher who taught you over a two or

three year period has seen your talents and personality develop. • Has the teacher sponsored an extracurricular activity in which you made a

contribution? • Do you get along with the teacher? • Does the college or university specify that a recommendation must be from a

particular subject instructor (e.g., a science teacher, an English teacher, etc.)? Also…

• If you declare an intended major, try to choose a teacher in that particular field. • If possible, choose your Junior and Senior year teachers. They are best able to address

your ability to do college level work. • Try to choose teachers from academic subject areas (Math, English, etc.). • If you have a strong commitment and/or leadership role in an activity, community

service activity, job, etc., you may want to add a recommendation from the supervisor/moderator in charge.

Counselor Recommendations: This will be written by your counselor. You must ask your counselor to write this letter for you. This recommendation is a more personal overview of your high school experience, including:

• Your involvement in the school community; • Your progress as a student, especially specific information about obstacles you have

overcome and an explanation about a rough patch you may have gone through personally or academically;

• How you are perceived by your peers and your teachers; and • Any other information about your life as a ECHS School student. If you have a

specific issue you would like discussed, be sure to bring this to your counselor’s attention.

IMPORTANT: You must add your teachers to Naviance AFTER they have agreed to write your recommendation. You should NOT add your counselor.

After your teachers and counselor have written recommendations for you, be sure to write a thank you note. Remember it takes time and effort to write these letters.

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Writing The College Essay

It’s all about you. The college application provides an overview of who you are as a student: the classes you took, the grades you earned, the activities you participated in. Then there are test scores and teacher recommendations to help round out the picture. The college essay is your opportunity to get personal – to transform your academic history and statistics into flesh and blood.

What should I talk about? In the words of Flannery O’Connor, “[A]nybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his life. If you can’t make something out of a little experience, you probably won’t be able to make it out of a lot.” Here’s your opportunity to take a look at your life and examine your accomplishments, your struggles, your adventures, your successes, and your failures. No one knows better than you the key experiences in your life that have transformed you into the person you are today.

How do I begin? I have nothing to write about – nothing ever happens to me, my life is so boring, why would anyone want to read about me? Take the time and take a closer look at your life – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much has gone on in your 16 or 17 years.

• Write a résumé: List your activities in and out of school, community service, jobs, summer camp, travel, etc.

• Start a journal and begin by writing a sentence or two about:

Ø Important events in your life; Ø Important people in your life, both from your childhood and right now; Ø Adventures you have had; Ø Teachers who have had a special impact on you; Ø Challenges you have faced; Ø Obstacles you have overcome; Ø Accomplishments; Ø Influences in your life: people you’ve known, books you’ve read, movies you’ve seen; Ø Your favorite qualities; Ø What you wish you could change about yourself; Ø Travel experiences and your strongest impressions of places you’ve been.

• How do you think other people would describe you? Try to honestly imagine how people you have known would remember you.

• Have fun and get your friends to help.

Ø Sit down with your friends and take turns listing words or images that best describe each of you;

Ø Compare your favorite memories; Ø Remember how you met; Ø Describe how you believe you’ve each changed since you first met.

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• Your family has known you longest.

Ø Ask your parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, etc. to describe you; Ø Get your family to remember their favorite stories about you – this can be a real eye-

opener; Ø Look at family photo albums – they are sure to stir up memories.

• Look where you live.

Ø If you’ve lived in the same neighborhood or building for a long time, you will have friends and neighbors who have watched you grow up . . . Talk to them.

Ø What are your favorite places in the neighborhood and what memories do they evoke? Ø Is there a friend or relative in a different city or different country whom you have visited?

Getting started.

• Write about something important to you. Your friends or your parents might not choose the same essay topic, but this is your story.

• Think of your essay as a tool for self-discovery: Who you are, what you’ve done, where you are going.

• Tell a story.

Ø Whether you begin at a high point of the action or start at the very beginning, “action” is the key word.

Ø Your essay should be about events in your life rather than abstract ideas. Ø Use the elements of good storytelling including action, sensory detail and even dialogue. Ø Use imagery and clear, vivid prose; Ø Your story should have a point; Ø Use your own unique voice. Write your essay as if you were telling a story to a friend.

Forget about pretentious or flowery language.

• Keep it focused, organized and WITHOUT ERRORS!

Ø Start with your main point or argument and follow it through to the conclusion; Ø Don’t meander; Ø Keep your verbs active and your sentences uncomplicated; Ø Don’t lose the reader in the language; Ø Be clear, coherent and concise; Ø The very best essay will lose all credibility if it is filled with spelling and grammatical

errors.

• Take your time writing your introduction. Admissions officers take about 1-2 minutes to read your essay, so you need to grab their attention and keep it from the first sentence.

Ø Don’t summarize, get right into the story; Ø Create mystery or intrigue in your introduction; raise questions, appeal to emotions and

lure the reader through to the end of the essay.

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• Don’t be too clever or cute. Your essay should demonstrate:

Ø Writing ability; Ø Reasoning ability; Ø Creativity.

• Revise, revise, revise.

Ø After completing your essay, give it a rest for a few days. Ø Read it aloud. This is a great way to catch awkward sounding language and confusing

structure. Ø Have someone else read it. Find out if you’ve succeeded in making your point. If you

need to explain something in order for your reader to understand, then you have not done your job.

Ø Rewrite fearlessly. You may have a few brilliant sentences that you simply cannot part with, but if they do not serve your essay, get rid of them. Use them another time. ü Add more detail; ü Delete repetitive language; ü Combine sentences for smoother flow; ü And if necessary, write it another way: pick a different starting point, find a better

conclusion, tell it from a different point of view.

• Proofread, proofread, put it aside for a day and then proofread again.

Essay Topics. Different college applications often ask variations of the same questions. Ideally, you should write an essay that can be adapted for more than one application so that you don’t drive yourself crazy when the deadline arrives. Here is a list of topics:

• Tell us about a significant event that has had an impact on you; • Discuss the personal importance of a book you have read during the last two years; • Why do you wish to attend this institution or enroll in a specific program; • Describe a significant personal achievement or challenge; • Write an editorial concerning an issue of local or national importance; • Autobiographical essay:

Ø Family history, ancestors, heritage, parents; Ø Events that have impacted your life and why; Ø Interests, hobbies, activities, sports, music; Ø Employment experience and significance in your life; Ø Why is going to college important to you and what do you hope to achieve; Ø Career objectives and why; Ø What did you particularly like about high school.

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A Few Don’ts

• Don’t get too political or too topical – the person who reads your essay may hold equally passionate but completely opposite views.

• Be careful writing about the “3 Ds” – death, divorce, disaster If the story is important to you, then it needs to be about YOU and its impact on your experience – not about your suffering.

• There are millions of baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, etc. players applying for college. Unless your sports story is unique and about you (not about playing sports), think of another topic.

• Please don’t focus your essay on your friend, girlfriend/boyfriend, or family member. It’s you they want to hear about!

• If you aren’t funny, don’t use your college essay to try to be.

• Don’t pay a college essay service to improve (or write) your essay.

Resources:

• Do a Google search (www.google.com) on the phrase “writing the college essay” (include the quotation marks) and you will find dozens of websites that include information and tips.

• Ask your English teacher or another trusted source to take a look at your drafts and provide input on the technical aspects of your essay.

HAVE FUN! Don’t think of the college essay as torture. It’s a unique opportunity to be yourself and show the Admission Committee who you really are. There’s no one in the world quite like you and colleges need to know just how special you are and what a valuable addition you will make to their next freshman class.

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Step 4 – Paying for College

While it is often the last subject discussed, families do need to talk about the expense of college and what the family can afford to pay. Costs for tuition, room, and board can range from $3,000 a year at a community college to over $50,000 a year at some private colleges. Affordability is something every family needs to consider.

The following is a breakdown of average costs per semester at a selection of different types of colleges. Although these figures do not include the cost of books, transportation and personal expenses, colleges do consider these “extras” when determining how much financial aid to give a student.

Tuition Only Room and Board Student Fees CUNY 2-year colleges $4,800 (no boarding) $250 CUNY 4-year colleges $6,330 (no boarding) $250 SUNY 4-year colleges $6,470 $12,590 $1,590

How Financial Aid Works

Help is available in the form of financial aid and scholarships. The total cost of college to you and your family may not be as high as it seems at first glance. You must be aggressive in researching aid packages. While all colleges offer financial aid packages based on need, some colleges and organizations offer money based on academic performance or merit.

The FAFSA is required by all college financial aid offices, and the CSS Profile (put out by the College Board) is required by some colleges. Many colleges issue their own financial aid forms, which are part of the application. Always check with the financial aid office of each college to which you apply to learn what it requires!!

All student aid packages are primarily Need-Based – determined by your ability to pay tuition, room and board expenses. Most colleges give out financial aid packages that are a combination of Grants or Scholarships (money that does not need to be paid back), Loans (usually paid back after graduation) and Work-Study (which requires the student to earn money by working on campus). You have to work in order to earn the work-study money, meaning it will not automatically be placed in your student account at the beginning of the semester.

Need-Based Aid

Prior to giving you a financial aid package, all colleges require that you and your parents/legal guardian fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and often, the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. Both forms ask for a complete financial statement based on the previous tax year. Filing for the FAFSA and indicating residence in New York State will automatically register you for The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) which, if awarded, can be used at any college or university in New York State.

Several weeks after you file the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that states your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is then forwarded to the colleges and represents the

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amount you are expected to pay toward the cost of college. Colleges may then offer you money to make up the difference between the EFC and the cost of attendance.

It is important to file for financial aid prior to admission to a college. Check your college catalog for deadlines. You should complete the FAFSA by February 1st of the senior year as most financial aid deadlines are around then. If you have not completed your taxes by February 1st, you can use your 2014 taxes to complete the form. You can then update your FAFSA form once you have completed your 2015 taxes. You can use the previous years’ tax information to initially complete the FAFSA each subsequent year, updating it as your complete your taxes (if your family’s financial situation has not changed much). The CSS Profile should be done by the same time except for Early Decision and some Early Action schools, which will require you to fill this form our by the ED/EA deadline. Some colleges have their own financial aid forms, so check with them early on in the process. The rule is “first come, first served.”

Once you have been admitted, a college will send you a financial aid package, usually by April 15, indicating the amount of aid available in the form of loans, grants/scholarships and work-study. Often, the college will want to know if you qualify for a federal grant (Federal Pell Grant) or any grants from New York State (TAP, for example). Any local scholarship money you receive will reduce the amount of your financial aid package from the college.

A sample package might look like this:

Cost of Attendance $21,500 Expected Family Contribution - 11,000 Financial Need $10,500

(possible sources of aid are shown below) Grant from college 1,500 Federal Pell Grant 1,000 TAP (NY only) 2,000 Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (Fed) 800 Work-Study 1,500 Federal Stafford Student Loan (from local bank, Fed. Regulated) 2,625 Federal Perkins Loan (Fed. Govt. subsidized loan) 1,075 $10,500

Compare all aid packages and don’t be afraid to call colleges and negotiate for a better package or ask them to match an offer from a competing school.

Helpful Hints for Financial Aid and the FAFSA Form

ALL FINANCIAL AID IS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. 1. All students know that colleges have deadline dates for admissions. BUT… schools also have

deadline dates to apply for financial aid. Check your schools to see if there is a cut-off date. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to get the MOST aid possible.

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2. ALL schools will require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). SOME schools will require the CSS Profile (NOT free). SOME schools will have their own institutional financial aid form they will want you to fill out. To find out what forms your schools require, refer to the financial aid section of the application instructions.

3. CSS PROFILE – The CSS PROFILE can be filed the fall of Senior year.

• Supplement to the FAFSA required by some colleges • Asks questions that are more comprehensive • Collects information not asked on the FAFSA • Makes more adjustments to income and assets than the FAFSA • 450+ colleges require the Profile, accessible at www.collegeboard.com • Register for the Profile online • You can and should (when possible) file online at www.collegeboard.com or more

specifically http://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp. • There is a charge to process the Profile • There are additional charges for each report sent to a college • You can receive state and federal aid without the Profile, but no institutional aid • Each college has its own customized version of the Profile • Some institutions may request contributions from both parents even if divorced • Other institutions may reserve the right to include the value of tax-deferred assets • Financial aid calculator:

http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/servlet/efcCalculatorServlet • When you complete the CSS Profile, you will be able to print out a worksheet that

will help you when completing the FAFSA.

FAFSA

1. By filing the FAFSA, you are making yourself eligible for all New York State aid, all Federal aid, and any individual college aid.

2. You must fill out the FAFSA online. The web address is www.fafsa.ed.gov. Use this

website, as other websites may be part of scams and charge you money. If you do it this way, both the student and the parent MUST register for a PIN number. If you have an older sibling in college, your parents already may have a PIN from their FAFSA application. Keep your PIN and your parent’s PIN in a safe place to use in FAFSA applications in the future. Do this at www.pin.ed.gov. The pin numbers will take the place of signatures.

• The FAFSA can be filed starting October 1 of the student’s Senior year. • You can and should request your PIN number NOW. • There are websites out there that try to scam you into paying money to file your FAFSA

– please be sure you are only using www.fafsa.ed.gov (not fafsa.net or fafsa.com or fafsa.org)

3. Fill out the FAFSA AS SOON AFTER OCTOBER 1ST AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT wait until

you have been accepted to a college – JUST GET IT IN! It is not necessary to wait until your parents have received their W-2’s or filed their taxes. JUST GET IT IN! You will be using taxes from 2016 (PPY: Prior-Prior-Year).

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• Please note – you want to be filing the 2018-2019 form, as that will be the first year you are in college. You will need to re-file each year while you are in school.

4. While filling out the form, use your best financial estimates. Mistakes or misinformation will

cause a delay in the processing and awarding of financial aid money. Again, if you have not completed your current taxes, you can use the previous year’s tax information until your taxes are completed (if your family’s financial situation has not changed much). Otherwise, you should use estimates.

5. While filling out the form, you will be asked to list the 10 schools to which you are applying.

Don’t Panic! It’s OK if you are applying to more than 10 schools. BUT…you should list the 10 schools that have the earliest financial aid deadlines. You will have the opportunity to add more schools later.

6. At least one of the 10 schools MUST be in the State of New York to qualify for TAP (Tuition

Assistance Program made possible by the state government). It doesn’t have to be a SUNY school – just a school in the State of New York. Indicating a New York school on the FAFSA will automatically generate an application for you if you are eligible for the scholarship.

7. A few weeks after you submit the FAFSA (about 2 weeks if you applied online and 4-6 weeks

if you used the paper version), you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Please review this form carefully. If there are any mistakes, you will need to make the corrections either on the form or online (whichever way you originally filed).

8. If you are eligible, an Express TAP Application will be sent to you shortly after you receive the

SAR. Notice that they have chosen only one school to receive TAP. Don’t worry about which school is listed. Look over the form for mistakes and send it back ASAP. You will be able to change the school where you are actually attending online after you have made your final college selection.

9. File the appropriate forms as soon as possible. Try to be as accurate as possible. Correct any

mistakes as soon as you become aware of them.

REMEMBER PAY ATTENTION TO SCHOOL DEADLINES AND FILE EARLY TO ENSURE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

THE MOST AID FOR WHICH YOU ARE ELIGIBLE. DO NOT SEND THE APPLICATION ON THE LAST DAY- IT MUST BE PROCESSED AND SENT TO COLLEGE BY THE DEADLINE.

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CHECKLIST to Apply for Financial Aid FAFSA STEPS

o Get family income documents together such as W-2 forms, budget statements, bank statements, and tax return forms (SAVE YOUR 2016 TAXES!)

o Fill out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov. If necessary, you can easily make changes to the form later by clicking Corrections.

o When you register you will get a FAFSA ID number, which you will use to “sign” the FAFSA before submission.

o Submit completed FAFSA. o Look for Student Aid Report (SAR) in email, or online at www.fafsa.gov o Review the SAR carefully. Make any necessary changes online or on the paper SAR. Be sure

to follow the steps carefully to ensure changes go through.

PROFILE STEPS o Determine whether a PROFILE needs to be filed by looking over the list of colleges online at

https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp . Call the individual college or check its website to confirm this form is required.

If you must file a PROFILE add these steps: o Register for the PROFILE at www.collegeboard.com. This requires a credit card. Once

registered, you can immediately begin to fill out the actual PROFILE online (have ready the same documents you assembled for FAFSA).

o Complete PROFILE and print a copy for personal records. Any necessary changes can be made later on a printed copy of the PROFILE that is sent directly to the college.

o If you are applying ED the PROFILE is due the same day as the application. Some EA schools will have the same requirement, be sure to check.

TAP STEPS o Fill out and submit the TAP application online at www.tapweb.org. If FAFSA is filed online,

there will be a link directing you to the TAP online application. If TAP is not filed online, a paper application (ETA) will be sent a few weeks after the FAFSA is processed.

o Keep a copy of the submitted TAP application for personal records. o Look for a TAP Award letter in the mail or email. This may take several weeks. o Review TAP Award letter carefully. If changes need to be made, including the designated

college, do so at www.hesc.ny.gov, even if a paper form was filed. (First apply for a username and PIN at the tapweb.org website.) If a paper application was filed, changes may be made using the paper TAP Change Form.

FOLLOW-UP STEPS o Check with each college’s financial aid office. Be sure it has all the required documents

required. For example, many colleges will want students to verify the FAFSA information with copies of the student’s and parents’ income tax forms.

o Send copies of requested documents promptly to colleges. This is part of “verification” which may or may not be required.

o Check the mail for financial aid award letters from individual colleges. If it is after April 1st, call college financial aid offices to inquire about status of your award letter.

o Evaluate all award letters carefully before making a final decision. Follow the steps outlined by the college ultimately chosen to finalize the aid package.

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Tips For Finding Scholarships

Probably the most asked question on the minds of senior parents today is, “Where can we find the money to pay for college?” With the cost of a college education escalating wildly, it’s no wonder that financial concerns top our parents’ lists as their children engage in the college admission process. For many parents and students, scholarships hold the key to the financial aid dilemma.

Finding Scholarships Scholarships are available throughout your college education. Eligibility requirements vary greatly, including: academic performance, academic promise, ethnicity, talent, athletics, community service, leadership, career interests, etc. The search for scholarship money is tiring; there are many forms to fill out and essays to write. Keep in mind that many students are applying for the same scholarships. Your best strategy is to apply for as many for which you are eligible, assuming that the more for which you apply, the better your chances for getting at least one. A number of privately operated scholarship search services charge fees ranging from $50 to over $500 to aid you in locating scholarships, often with varying degrees of success. It is best to take this search into your own hands. Here are good places to start looking.

ECHS School Counselor’s Office Your counselors will receive information on many scholarships available to graduating seniors. Details will be posted on Naviance

Individual Colleges Each college differs in the amount and types of scholarships it can offer to incoming students. It is up to you to find out what types of opportunities are available at the schools to which you are applying and what steps you have to take to be considered for them.

Employers Many large companies and organizations make scholarships available to their employees and to immediate family of their employees. Parents, check with your employers to see if they have such programs available. If your parents are part of a union, their union may also offer scholarships to the students’ of members. Hit the books Doing research can help you find scholarships about which you may not have otherwise known. Most public and campus libraries carry scholarship guides. Ask your librarian or guidance counselor for help.

Search the Net Searches using keywords like “financial aid,” “student aid” and “scholarships” can lead you to a wealth of free scholarship information on the internet. Some sites even allow you to apply online for scholarships. Don’t Get Scammed! Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are falling prey to scholarship scams. See the following page for more information.

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Scholarship Realities

1. As unpleasant as it may seem, all financial aid theory is based upon the premise that the primary responsibility for paying for college belongs to you – the family. Having said that, there are many opportunities out there to help pay for a college education.

2. Many scholarships are marketing tools – they are often awarded to students in order to lure

them to attend a particular school or major in a specific area. If you are not interested in a school, applying for a scholarship to that school doesn’t make much sense.

3. Applying for a scholarship requires time and effort – some scholarship applications rival the depth and complexity of a college application! Most scholarships require an additional essay or two, plus several letters of recommendations; some even dictate how the application is to be assembled and what kind of tape should be used! The point is this: students need to make time to complete scholarship applications.

4. Scholarships are and are not financial aid – Today, there are two kinds of scholarships: need-based and merit-based. Need-based scholarships take into account a family’s ability to pay college costs; many need-based scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale, commensurate with a family’s ability to pay. Merit-based scholarships, a controversial topic among college admission professionals today, are based purely on the individual talents of a student. Most often, academic talents are rewarded, but there are some scholarships awarded for community service, athletics, a fine arts talent, or for some significant leadership experience.

5. Check the “warranty” on each scholarship – Some scholarships are awarded once in the life of a student, while others are renewable. If an award isn’t renewable after freshman year, chances are, in the years that follow, you will be covering that scholarship dollar amount. If the scholarship is renewable, be aware that there may be minimum grade requirements that need to be met in order to ensure renewal.

6. Investigate scholarship services wisely – The scholarship search market is one of the fastest growing franchise opportunities today. Many families receive impressive letters on embossed letterhead, usually postmarked “Washington, DC” with an address on “Pennsylvania Avenue.” They promise to find you five sources of financial aid or scholarships for “only $79.95” or some similar amount. This is typically a scam. A useful site for accessing scholarship information is www.fastweb.com, and for additional scholarship sites, consult the comprehensive list on page 9.

HELPFUL HINTS

Don’t automatically eliminate a college because of high costs. See what you can get from scholarships and financial aid before you decide whether or not you can afford it. Don’t assume that a public university will always give you the best deal. The financial resources of each school may vary, so don’t prematurely discount a school based solely on the sticker price.

Be cautious about using an “outside” advisor for obtaining financial aid for college. These people are often “fakes” who charge large sums to help you find something that any college financial aid office or the guidance office could help you find for free. Always use the college financial aid office first when researching financial aid. Refer to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0082-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams

Stay calm…Proceed carefully. There is money out there!!!

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Step 5 – Special Circumstances

College Considerations For The Student Athlete

If you are a college-bound athlete who wants to play intercollegiate sports, it is important to learn all you can about the rules governing academic eligibility. Depending on which level of competition you are considering, your relationship with a college recruiter must abide by the rules established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Violating any of the rules might result in your loss of eligibility to compete.

All potential Division I or Division II athletes must be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center. They will determine your eligibility by looking at the following factors:

• Will you graduate from high school? • Your high school grade point average. • The courses you took in high school. • Your standardized test scores.

Plan to start the certification process in the spring of your Junior year in high school . The eligibility forms must be obtained online at www.eligibilitycenter.org. When you take the SAT/ACT, be sure to enter 9999 in the score report box so that your scores will go to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Key Questions to Ask a College Coach

1. What division is the college/university in (I, II, IA, III, etc.)? 2. Are there any division changes anticipated in the next four years? 3. What conference is the college/university in and what were the final standings last season? 4. How many team members will return next year? 5. What are the long-range goals of the athletic program? 6. What is the graduation rate of players? 7. How often are practices scheduled? 8. What are the living accommodations? 9. How many classes may be missed due to team travel? Can they be made up? 10. Does the school provide study support for athletes? 11. What financial aid is available and what are the rules for maintaining this aid? 12. How many players are you recruiting for my position?

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NCAA Fact Sheet

Points to Remember:

1. The requirements for eligibility to participate at Division I differ from those required at Division II.

2. Students normally should register after completion of their Junior year in high school and only after an informed judgment has been made as to the prospect’s potential at the Division I or II level.

3. NCAA academic committees are vested with the authority to grant waivers of the initial-eligibility requirements based on objective evidence that demonstrates circumstances in which a student’s overall academic record warrants the waiver of the normal application of the legislation.

4. Initial eligibility waivers must be filed by an NCAA institution on behalf of the student (students with approved diagnosed disabilities may file a waiver on their own behalf).

5. Correspondence or independent study classes may not be used to meet the 14 core-course requirements.

6. Courses taken in the eighth grade may not be used to satisfy the core curriculum requirements, regardless of the course content or level.

7. Students enrolling in a Division I institution may not use courses taken after high school graduation to meet core-curriculum requirements. (Note: students with approved diagnosed disabilities may use courses taken after graduation but prior to full-time college enrollment.)

8. Students with disabilities may receive additional information regarding accommodations by checking Part III on the student release form or by calling the NCAA (913-339-1906).

To be certified by the Eligibility Center, you must:

1. Graduate from high school. You should apply for certification after your Junior year in high school if you are sure you wish to participate in intercollegiate athletics as a freshman at a Division I or II institution. The Eligibility Center will issue a preliminary certification report after you have submitted all your materials (official six-semester transcript, ACT or SAT scores, student release form and fee). After you graduate, IF your eligibility status is requested by a member institution, the Eligibility Center will review your final transcript and proof of graduation to make a final certification decision according to NCAA schools.

2. Division I: Earn a grade-point average of at least 2.3 (on a 4.00 scale) in a core curriculum of at least 16 academic courses which were successfully completed during grades 9 through fall of senior year. Only courses listed as approved on your high school’s “List of NCAA Approved Core Courses” can be used to calculate your NCAA GPA. No special values are allowed for “+” or “ -” grades.

Division II: Earn a grade-point average of at least 2.2 (on a 4.00 scale) in a core curriculum of at least 16 academic courses which were successfully completed during grades 9 through 12. Only courses listed as approved on your high school’s “List of NCAA Approved Core Courses” can be used to calculate your NCAA GPA. No special values are allowed for “+” or “ -” grades.

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Information for Students with Learning or Physical Disabilities

If you have learning and/or physical disabilities, you should follow the standard college search and application process while paying careful attention to support services offered at colleges. Research ahead of time may also help. The K&W Guide for students with learning disabilities is a useful tool you may want to check out. College visits should include an examination of the support services and a meeting with the head of those services, if possible. While support systems for learning disabilities can vary enormously from school to school, keep in mind that the vast majority of colleges in the U.S. offer a good deal of support. However, some of these services may cost additional money, and some are limited in space. When you visit colleges, think about asking the following questions relating to learning disabilities:

• Is there a specific learning center for students with learning disabilities? What services does this center offer?

• Is there a general academic support center? Who staffs it?

• What kind of advisers are available if help is needed? • Are tutors peers or specialists?

• At what point is documentation of the learning disability needed? In what form? • What does one need to do to get extended time on tests and exams?

• Does the school have a foreign language requirement? Are waivers granted? How? • What kind of information should be on the application regarding the learning disability?

• How does a learning disability factor into an admissions decision? Are extended time SATs a factor?

If you would like to receive accomodations on the SAT/ACT, you should have already been in contact with Ms. Anne Harrold to apply. If not, contact her immediately (anne.harrold@equalitycharterschool.org). You will need to make certain that any evaluations that prove your disability have been done within the last THREE years.

Think about asking the following questions relating to physical disabilities:

• Is the entire campus wheelchair accessible? Not all campuses are 100% wheelchair accessible. Find out how this might impact your ability to move around campus and attend the classes of your choice or to live in a dorm.

• Be clear in advance what your specific needs are and discuss them with the College Admissions Office. Also consider your comfort level – will you need to ask for help whenever you need it or is the school proactive about anticipating your needs?

• Does the school provide readers, signers, note-takers and other kinds of aids for visually, hearing or physically challenged students?

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Art/Music Majors

Students who wish to study visual or performing arts have some unique challenges and options during their college search. If you’re considering a major in music, art, dance, or drama, read on for some advice from the experts.

A Difference of Degree Prospective arts majors have two degree options: a bachelor of arts (BA) degree with a major in the arts and a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) for artists/performers or bachelor of music (BM) for musicians. The BA degree is the typical liberal arts degree – students who major in English, history, and other humanities majors also earn BA degrees. The BFA or BM degree is more focused and intense.

A BA in music will be pretty much like any other BA degree – lots of courses outside of your major with approximately 12 or so courses in your major. That’s not a lot of music for the student who is looking for an intense musical experience. A BM in music essentially is a professional degree. Within 120+ credits for a BM, only 36 will be liberal arts courses. The remainder are music or degree-related courses: private lessons, conducting classes, music history, music theory, etc.

Which degree you choose depends on your college and career goals. If you have a high degree of commitment to your art and desire an intense, often competitive college experience, a BFA or BM might be right for you. If you would rather study a variety of subjects along with your arts major, a BA may be the way to go.

Types of Colleges Visual and performing arts students have several types of colleges to consider. Conservatories and stand-alone arts schools offer an immersion-type experience for students earning BM or BFA degrees.

Some larger universities offer BFA/BM degrees as well as BA degrees in the arts. You may find somewhat self-contained music or arts schools within the larger university. In this atmosphere, you could pursue the more specialized degree while still keeping the door open to taking a few liberal arts courses (which would be unavailable at specialized music or arts schools). In addition, a university-based arts program might give you the option of pursuing a double degree, such as a BM in music and a BA in history. (A double degree would require more than four years, however.)

The Application Process In addition to completing a typical college application, students in the visual or performing arts should prepare a portfolio or audition. Each arts program has different requirements, so you should contact the schools as early as possible to obtain their portfolio or audition requirements.

Although your portfolio or audition is an important part of the application, arts programs do consider your academic record and test scores. Some colleges place greater value on academics, while others lean more toward the student’s portfolio or audition. Most colleges balance the student’s creative talent with their academic achievements.

Students who register for Art Honors in their Senior year will develop their portfolio in class.

Also, videos can help talented students get into the college of their choice. Many colleges accept, and some demand, a video as part of an applicant’s portfolio.

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Assessing Your Abilities If you’re interested in pursuing an arts major and career, now is the time to seek objective opinions of your abilities in the field. In addition to asking for honest advice and evaluation from high school ensemble and private teachers, students can get outside assessment from musicians at a local symphony, dance company, theatre, etc.

Visual arts students can receive portfolio evaluations and college information at one of the National Portfolio Days sponsored by an association of arts schools and art departments at universities. For more information, talk to your counselor or your art teacher or visit www.npda.org.

Other Considerations All students benefit from visiting the colleges that interest them and asking questions about academics, student life, and other facets of college life. As an arts student, you may have different or additional things to consider.

Location. The location of your chosen college may be more important to arts students than to students in other majors. For art students, factors to consider involve access to professional venues such as museums, galleries, theaters, and concerts. Also, do these venues attract regional, national, or international talent to inspire and educate the students? Additionally, the opportunity to perform, exhibit, and have active internships is vital to a young artist’s education.

Facilities. In addition to checking out dorm rooms, classrooms, and athletic facilities, art students should look at a college’s studio space or practice rooms, performance or exhibit venues on campus, darkroom facilities, computer resources, and any other resources specific to your field of study. And ask questions about how accessible these resources are to students – attractive studios are of no help if there aren’t enough to go around.

Reputation and philosophy. Talk to your art, music, drama, or dance teachers about the reputation of the colleges you’re considering. Ask the colleges about career opportunities for graduates and about what their alumni are doing. The goal here is to get some idea of how the program is perceived by professionals in your career field and what career opportunities you might have when you complete college.

Also, ask each college about its philosophy. Different fine arts or music programs can have very different emphases. For example, one music program may emphasize classical music, while another specializes in more modern forms, like jazz. Similarly, the intensity of competitiveness, workload, and pressure can vary from school to school. During your visits and talks with students and faculty, try to get an impression of the daily pressures of being a student in that particular program.

A good fit. Finally, as for any student, visual and performing arts students need to find a college that fits their personality, interests and goals. Especially for very ambitious students, it’s easy to be dazzled by the prestige of a top professional school or arts department and overlook the question of whether the program is right for you.

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Glossary Of Terms Used In The College Process

The following terms are commonly used by secondary school counselors and admissions personnel when working with college-bound students in admissions, choice of testing and in discussing college life. ACADEMIC RECORD – Transcript of grades, courses, credits and related academic information kept on file by the school. The transcript often includes grade point average (GPA) and/or rank in class. Standardized test scores may or may not be recorded on the transcript.

ACCELERATED STUDY - A college program of study completed in less time than is usually required, most often by attending classes in the summer and/or by taking extra courses during the regular academic terms. Completion of a bachelor’s degree program in three years is an example of accelerated study.

ACCREDITATION - Recognition by an organization or agency that a college meets certain acceptable standards in its educational programs, services and facilities. Regional accreditation applies to a college as a whole and not to any particular programs or courses of study at the college. Specialized accreditation of specific types of schools may also be determined by a national organization.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM - A service of the College Board that provides high schools with course descriptions in college subjects and Advanced Placement Examinations in these subjects. High schools implement the course and administer the examinations to interested students who are then eligible for advanced placement, college credit, or both, on the basis of earning satisfactory scores. ASSOCIATE DEGREE - A degree granted by a college or university after the satisfactory completion of a two-year full-time program of study or its part-time equivalent. In general, the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree is granted after students complete a program of study similar to the first two years of a four-year college curriculum. The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) is awarded by many colleges upon completion of technological or vocational programs of study. BACHELOR’S OR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE - A degree received after the satisfactory completion of a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its part-time equivalent) at a college or university. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) are the most common baccalaureates. BRANCH CAMPUS - A small campus connected to, or part of, a large institution. Generally, students spend the first two (2) years at a branch campus and then transfer to the main campus to complete a baccalaureate degree. A branch campus provides students with a smaller and more personal environment which can help the student mature personally and academically before moving to a larger setting.

COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP) - A program of examinations in undergraduate college courses that provides students and adults the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement. The examinations are used by colleges to award credit to entering freshman and adults completing their education. They are also used by business, industry, government and professional groups to satisfy educational requirements for advancement, licensing and admission to training programs.

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COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP SERVICE (CSS) - A service of the College Board that assists postsecondary institutions, state scholarship programs and other organizations in the equitable distribution of student financial aid funds by measuring a family’s financial strength and analyzing its ability to contribute to college costs. CSS provides the Profile Form with which students may apply for institutional aid at some private colleges. COMBINED BACHELOR’S/GRADUATE DEGREE - A program to which students are accepted for study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The programs usually can be completed in less time than two individual programs. (Such degrees are also called dual programs.)

COOPERATIVE (“CO-OP”) EDUCATION - A program that provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business, industry, or government.

CREDIT HOURS - The number of hours per week that courses meet are counted as equivalent credits for financial aid and to determine a student’s status as full-time or part-time. Upon successful completion of a course, credit hours are applied to graduation requirements. CROSS-REGISTRATION - The practice, through agreements between colleges, of permitting students enrolled at one college or university to enroll in courses at another institution without formally applying for admission to the second institution.

CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE - A grade point average that is based on all previously completed work (see Grade Point Average).

DEFERRED ADMISSION - The practice of postponing enrollment for one year after acceptance to a college.

DISCOVERY/SEEK: These programs are available for students who qualify for comprehensive academic and financial support at New York City 4-year and 2-year schools. The program is designed to encourage students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds an opportunity to succeed on a more level playing field. These programs provide counseling, tutorial services and a financial aid stipend for educational expenses. DOUBLE MAJOR - Any program of study in which a student completes the requirements of two majors concurrently. EARLY ACTION - A student applies to an institution early in the Senior year and receives an early notification of his/her admission to the institution. If the student is accepted, he/she is NOT obligated to attend that institution.

EARLY DECISION PLAN - A student applies to an institution early in the Senior year and receives an early notification of his/her admission status. It is a contract between the student and the institution. If the student is accepted, he/she is obligated to attend that institution. ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS - Limited English Proficient students who speak English as a second language and who wish to take college-level courses need to demonstrate proficiency in English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam is a commonly used test to determine the level of English language proficiency. EOP/HEOP - The (Higher) Educational Opportunity Program is for students who qualify for comprehensive academic and financial support at New York public and private 4-year schools. The program is designed to encourage students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds an opportunity to succeed on a more level playing field. These programs provide counseling, tutorial services and a financial aid stipend for educational expenses.

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ESL - An English as a Second Language program offers a variety of courses and schedules to meet the needs of a diverse population with limited English proficiency.

FEE WAIVER – Documentation from your counselor which is used by colleges or testing services in lieu of fee payment. Students receiving free or reduced lunch qualify for fee waivers. When applying on the Common Application students need to choose NACAC fee waiver. GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) - A system used by many schools for evaluating the overall scholastic performance of students. It is found by first determining the number of grade points a student has earned in each course completed and then dividing the sum of all grade points by the number of hours of course work carried. It is calculated by multiplying the number of hours given for a course by the student’s grade in the course. The most common system of numerical values for grades is A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and E or F=0. GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIPS - General terms that describe the outright gift of a sum of money to a student. HONORS PROGRAM - Any special program for exceptional students that offers the opportunity for educational enrichment, independent study, acceleration, or some combination of these characteristics. INTERNSHIPS - Short-term, supervised work experiences, usually related to a student’s major field, for which the student earns academic credit. The work can be full or part-time, on or off campus, paid or unpaid. Student teaching and apprenticeships are examples of internships.

MATRICULATION - A point in college admissions when a student is formally admitted into a curriculum, under standard college procedures. A student must be matriculated in order to apply for financial aid and/or try out for intercollegiate athletic programs. NON-MATRICULATED - A student has either not been formally admitted into a curriculum or has been academically dismissed. This classification excludes a student from financial aid and /or intercollegiate athletics.

OPEN ADMISSIONS - The college admissions policy of admitting high school graduates and other adults generally without regard to conventional academic qualifications, such as high school subjects, high school grades and admission test scores. Virtually all applicants with high school diplomas or their equivalents are accepted when an institution adheres to an open admissions policy.

RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) - Programs conducted by certain colleges in cooperation with the United States Air Force, Army and Navy. Local recruiting offices can supply detailed information about these programs, as can participating colleges. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS - Most colleges and universities require that a student spend a minimum number of terms taking courses on campus (as opposed to independent study or transfer credits from other colleges ) to be eligible for graduation. Also, residency requirements can refer to the minimum amount of time a student is required to have lived in a state in order to be eligible for in-state tuition at a public (state-controlled) college or university.

RETENTION RATE - The number and percentage of returning students at a given college. ROLLING ADMISSIONS - An admissions procedure by which the college considers each student’s application as soon as all required credentials, such as school records and test scores, have been received. The college usually notifies applicants of its decision within 4-12 weeks.

STUDENT DESIGNED MAJOR - An academic program that allows a student to construct a major field of study not formally offered by the college. Often non-traditional and interdisciplinary in nature, the major is developed by the student with the approval of a designated college officer or committee.

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SUITCASE COLLEGE - A term used by students to describe a college whose students frequently go home on weekends, thereby creating a less active student life on campus during weekends.

TAP - Tuition Assistance Program of NY State is a financial aid program based on an established formula. Money awarded can only be used at a New York State college or university.

WAIT LIST - A student is not offered admission, but is placed on a waiting list should an opening occur. After a certain time, if an opening is not available, the student receives a rejection notice.

WORK STUDY - An arrangement by which a student combines employment and college study. The employment may be an integral part of the academic program (as in cooperative education and internships) or simply a means of paying for college (as in Federal Work-Study Program). YIELD - The percentage of accepted students who will actually matriculate at an institution.