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Summer Research and Preparation

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Choosing Schools Do your homework this is half the battle Trust logic & Sanity there is more than one school where you will be happy Be Realistic use your support Network parents *** Evaluate your grades, skills and SAT/ACT/UKCAT scores compare in Naviance Craft reasoned & thoughtful applications Only apply to those schools you really want to attend If want 1 school may apply early Look at early acceptance rates for that school Select a range of schools (big, small, urban, ivy)

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Questions to ponder? What are your academic Interests? What kind of student are you? How do you learn best? What activities outside of class matter most to you? How important is prestige to you? Do you want a diverse college? Race, Gender, international students? Where do you want to live for the next 4 10 years? What kind of social and cultural environment would you like best?

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The Liberal Arts Choice Focus on undergraduate education Social science, science humanities and arts Almost 90% of the 220+ liberal arts colleges are private Core foundation in english, philosophy, history, music, science and math Not career focussed Often in small towns or non-urban centres Sense of community close bonds with staff Easier to get involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities (newspaper, debating, clubs) Examples: Pomona, Claremont-Mckenna, Reed, Davidson

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The Research University Generate new knowledge Well equipped with top faculty and facilities but classes may be large Provides opportunities as an undergraduate to do research with faculty, particularly in science Discovery and scholarship are the primary focus Examples - All Ivy Leagues are in this category (Brown, Yale, Harvard etc) but also schools like Dartmouth, CalTech, and UCLA

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Special Colleges Religious Affiliations Jesuit Colleges (Examples include Georgetown, Boston, Brandeis,Univ of San Francisco) Religion not always evident on campus Most welcome students of all backgrounds Other Colleges Specialty colleges Harvey Mudd for Engineering, Cornell for Hospitality Womens Colleges Single Sex Academically strong Supportive environment Examples include Scripps, Wellesley, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Bryn Mawr Consortium Colleges allow for flexibility with classes and add variety www.womenscolleges.org

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Scripps

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Selection of Schools Six to ten universities, these should include: - 2 reach schools use SAT admission scores to determine eligibility - 2 choice schools - 2 for Sure Schools - Back up Schools are good insurance - Other factors: Location, program of study (curriculum), distance from home, professional network, financial cost, future goals - Encourage students to look beyond the brand name

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SAT Scores Subject Tests Range of scores is what students should compare If you are in the range the institution will consider you Score Choice some schools will ask to see ALL your scores anyway Caution to not write too many times Should reflect your intended major Research indicates that AP courses help to improve overall SAT subject scores Language subject tests may or may not be an advantage in this process

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How NOT to choose a School Solely on where your sibling, parent or grandparent attended (although being a legacy can be helpful) Dont be a lemming (Boyfriend, girlfriend best friend is going there) Do Not let distance be the sole deciding factor Do not let tuition cost determine your school Do not choose solely based on campus appeal, although visiting campus is helpful!

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Landscape of Admissions US hit an all time high in numbers of applications in 2006 and they continue to be high for the most competitive schools Some US schools using Application software to sort initial applications (Diversity is an issue here consistent standards and measurable outcomes are legally important in the US) Ivy League schools by sheer volume reject 60% o legacy candidates, valedictorians and class presidents Some schools have international |quotas

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Admissions Philosophy *Students should be able to show they can handle the rigour and challenge of first year *Assessment of depth and scope of learning * Students are evaluated within the context of their school *(school profile goes with every application) * External AP courses are not seen as necessary and may impact negatively on the selection process

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The Admissions Office What are they Looking for? Verification of qualifications Prediction of performance Indication of long term potential Suitability to intended Study Assessment of ability to cope away from home emotionally and psychologically Authenticity/Synergy ***You may have all the qualifications and still not be accepted at the Ivy league schools

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Holistic applications include: Completing forms accurately Common App Essays US Recommendations Teachers Counsellor Recommendations SAT score and Subject tests should be a reflection of your entire application Other Recommendations (professional) Visits to Prospective Schools Interviews

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Admission Cycles Regular Decision apply Dec. 15 th Early Decision Apply by Nov 1 Binding Can only apply to one school Early Action- Apply Nov. 1 Non-Binding Who Should Apply Early? Compelling argument for one school legacy, program available, geographic location More than 35% accepted through early cycle

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HOW to get Ready to Apply: Naviance register and manage your applications & access resources, talk to your counsellor www.connection.naviance.com/croftonhouse www.connection.naviance.com/croftonhouse Complete the Survey in Naviance for your counsellor NOW College Board (www.collegeboard.com) for checklists and supportwww.collegeboard.com SAT Plan out your subject tests Other resources: How to Survive Getting into College Rachel Korn, Special Editor Less Stress, More SuccessMarilee Jones and Kenneth Ginsberg Our focus at CHS is help you to find the Fit

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Common Application Complete online by the student (Personal Data, Education, Test Data (SAT/ACT), Family, Extracurricular, elect Privacy notice) Secondary School Report and Teacher report completed on-line by CHS staff through Naviance. These accompany the Common Application and are linked electronically Incomplete forms will be result in a delay in your application or risking the file to be designated incomplete Financial Statements for the family generally are required

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Common Application Accepted by most US institutions- https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx Should be completed on line by early December - only one account Can be accessed through Naviance Family Connection on the schools web site http://connection.naviance.com/croftonhouse https://succeed.naviance.com/signout.php CHS does not calculate GPA or rank students due to small size because it is statistically not valid

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Tackling the College Essay Follow directions and answer the question Be honest and be yourself.do not write what you think they want to hear. Be Original! Authenticity Counts! DDI Target your essay to the Institution Leave yourself time to do a good job, rewrite and reflect then finalize Seek input on your final draft from people you respect.

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Some DOs Write about something you really care about Remember the point is that you are an interesting, mature person and that you can write Submit extra material if it is called for Be neat and well presented Avoid generalities. Write about something specific readers will remember this

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Some Donts Dont repeat information from other parts of your application Avoid generalities. Write about something specific readers will remember this Avoid politics, religion, sex,drugs or the importance of a college education Dont apologize or explain Every essay does not need a moral too contrived

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The Essay Should Demonstrate: Serious intent to pursue an education Genuine desire to attend THEIR institution A match between interests, abilities and what the school has to offer Your ability to think clearly, logically and creatively Your ability to write an engaging and thoughtful essay that keeps the readers attention

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Qualities of an effective essay: Be truthful and authentic Who are You? First person is more powerful and interesting to the reader Emphasize skills and achievements Relevant to course work Include: Goals and Aspirations Work Experience Volunteer work Admissions offices are looking for unique individuals: intellectual curiosity, leadership - in and out of class, strong academics, commitment to community and engagement with life in general

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Essay Resources 1)Dr. Rebecca Joseph Telling your Story Website/Facebook: www.getme tocollege.com Check out the VINE for handouts from her session last spring 2) Search out topics on the school web sites in advance (June/July) 3) Sources of Information on Essay Topics /Techniques: www.collegedata.com Read model college essays lots of resources available Do not talk about money, sex or other controversial topics Essay should entertain and engage the reader Litmus test could anyone else have written your essay? Counsellor Feedback English teacher Feedback Have a trusted adult read not edit your essay for tone, message, meaning

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Essay and Application Howlers Spelling Have a trusted Adult Proof read, this may include a teacher/counsellor Typos - At school I held the position of Head Gig Meaningless verbiage As a direct result of my interest in the human raceI became increasingly fascinated by the scientific trend to emulate mankind. Student e-mail addresses Wrong dates or city or college

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Teacher Recommendations Ask teachers early in the year and consider subject area in relation to program applied for Provide background resume and information to teacher/counsellor Provide ample time for teacher/counsellor in respect of deadlines Recommend begin by utilizing the journal option in Naviance and making this available to CHS staff

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Athletics Over the summer you should create an athletic resume detailing your sport, competitions, strength and endurance tests, awards, etc. Connect with the coaches at each of the schools where you want to apply Research the requirements as they relate to athletes for specific schools Be clear that ONLY ADMISSIONS can actually present you an offer for admission, regardless of what the coach promises. Be certain that you review the university to see that they offer the academic program you truly want

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This summer Create e-mail account Wall calender for dates and deadlines Start a binder, file or folder with names, contacts, deadlines and financial info Visit schools of interest Focus on field of study Look at essay topics and plan, begin drafting essays Identify 6 t0 10 schools MAX, through active research Make a plan for ACT or SATs & Subject tests,

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Parental Checklist 1.Learn factors that matter to your daughter programs, location 2. Arrange to visit the schools that most interest her 3. Get onto Naviance so that you can share in your daughters journey 4. Have financial discussions early in this process to avoid disappointment 5. Meet with your daughters CHS counsellor 6.Read and look at some resources (see handouts) ***Keep in mind that this is a journey for parents as well

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CHS Graduates at US Universities Graduates of 2009 and 2010 are in attendance at: Brown, Boston University, Berkeley, Claremont McKenna, Princeton, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, FIDM,Harvard, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Rice University, Rhode Island School of Design, Stanford, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington St. Louis, Wellesley, Yale,

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US Matriculation by School Institution2010 (16)2009 (21)2008 (16) Berkeley3 Johns Hopkins41 Cornell2 Duke 1 1 Georgetown/ George Washin)1 (Georgetown)1 (George Wash) Univ of Pennsylvania211 New York University222 Rhode Island School of Design 12 Stanford1 UCLA/USC1 (UCLA)1 (USC) Yale/Harvard/Brown/Princet Columbia 1 (Columbia) 1 (Yale) 1 (Princeton) 1 (Brown)3 (Columbia) 1 (Harvard) Other (Rice, Berklee, Wellesley, etc.) 1 (Wellesley)5 - Marymount, Rice, Berklee, Boston, Claremont 7 FIDM, Chicago, Pomona Haverford, UW, Maine (2)

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Applicant Pool vs.CHS Admission Stats

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Questions? Two University Counsellors and all the Planning teachers are available in Planning classes to assist students with their queries Encourage you to come to the source for accuracy of information and a direct line to the Admissions Offices. Mrs. Fraser and Ms Manhas are available for individual interviews with students and parents Students are able to take advantage of posted Office hours during the year, to drop in and discuss concerns without an appointment Parents are also welcome to make appointments and meet as a family with the counsellors