1 C O L L E G E P L A N N E R ● 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4A Guide for Juniors & Seniors

Middletown High School

College Planner

2 C O L L E G E P L A N N E R ● 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4

Dear Students,

Steven Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, advises us to “begin with the end in mind.” Success in high school is something that can be predicted. You can find success here at Middletown High School if you know what is expected of you, work hard, and have high aspirations for yourself.

This step-by-step guide for juniors and seniors explains our procedures and it gives you suggestions and tips on how to get things done efficiently and effectively when it comes to college planning.

Your guidance counselor is here to learn about you, advise you, advocate for you, and help you make important life decisions— including which col-lege or university to attend. Get to know us. And understand that we can play a very special part in your high school career and the college planning process.

We hope this guide is helpful, and that you become a familiar face to us in the guidance office. Understanding the college process will help you to make wise decisions, and eventually choose the college or university that is right for you.

Sincerely,

Ann Hall, Director of Guidance and High School Administration

“Every single one of you has something you’re

good at. Every single one of you has something to offer,

and you have a responsibility to yourself to

discover what that is. That’s the opportunity

an education can provide.”

—President Barack Obama

A M E S S A G E F R O M A N N H A L L

This publication was produced by Ann Hall, Director of Guidance and High School Operations.

Ann Hall

Need help navigating the college application process? Make an appointment with Mrs. Parker or Mrs. Brissing at the the College and Career Center.

COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER Lisa Parker

Phone: (845) 326-1611 E-mail: lparker@ecsdm.org

Laura BrissingPhone: (845) 326-1793

Email: lbrissing@ecsdm.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTSThe Guidance Department........................................................................4Junior Year Calendar..................................................................................5Senior Year Calendar..................................................................................6College Entrance Testing...........................................................................7Preparing For The SAT/ACT.......................................................................8Types Of Post-Secondary Choices..........................................................9Top 10 Strengths Colleges Look For In A Student............................10Special Admissions Opportunities.......................................................11The College Athlete And The Recruitment Process...........................12How To Begin Your Own College Process...............................................14Guidance Questions/Naviance...............................................................15Questions To Ask Your High School Counselor....................................15What Really Matters To You?.................................................................16 College Criteria.........................................................................................17Questions To Ask College Representatives........................................18Campus Visit Checklist...........................................................................19 Sizing Up A College..................................................................................19Applying To College..................................................................................20Statement Of Students Rights & Responsibilities.........................21SUNY Application Information..............................................................22Terms You Need To Know In The College Application Process...........23College Decision Factors.........................................................................23 The College Essay.....................................................................................24The Interview.............................................................................................24Preparing A Student Resume................................................................25Financial Aid..............................................................................................26Financial Aid Internet Resources..........................................................27 Financial Aid Terms..................................................................................27A Note On Senioritis...............................................................................29Summer “To Do” List...............................................................................29Student Programming Worksheet.......................................................30 Transcript Request Form.......................................................................31 Senior Fact Sheet...................................................................................32Senior Interview.......................................................................................33MHS Application Checklist....................................................................34 MHS College Checklist............................................................................35

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G U I DA N C E D E PA RT M E N THOUSE I: A-Diaz Lynn Smith (A-Cam)Phone: (845) 326-1539 E-mail: lsmith@ecsdm.org

Courtney Guasp (Can-Diaz)Phone: (845) 326-1538E-Mail: cguasp@ecsdm.org

HOUSE II: Dib-Lon

Ruth Campbell (Dib-G)Phone: (845) 326-1544 E-mail: rcampbell@ecsdm.org

Lauren Cutler (H-Lon)Phone: (845) 326-1543 E-mail: lcutler@ecsdm.org

HOUSE III: Loo-Rit

Linda Ferguson (Loo-Nor)Phone: (845) 326-1549E-mail: lferguson@ecsdm.org

Kimberly Gurda (Nos-Rit)Phone: (845) 326-1548 E-mail: kgurda@ecsdm.org

HOUSE IV: Riv-Z

Patrick Woods (Riv-So)Phone: (845) 326-1553Email: pwoods@ecsdm.org

Latricia Mills (Sp-Z)Phone: (845) 326-1554E-mail: lmills@ecsdm.org

What Can Guidance

Do For You?

The Middletown High School Guidance Department assists students, parents, teachers, and administrators in order to help you achieve academic success, meet your goals, and assume personal academic responsibility.

Middletown’s Developmental School Counseling Program is:

• For all students, helping them learn effectively and efficiently.

• An organized and planned curriculum that is sequential and flexible.

• Part of the total educational process, with counselors who provide specialized counseling services and interventions.

The Guidance Department promotes:

• Student Achievement

• Career Planning

• Personal/Social Development

Counselors work with teachers, administrators, and parents on:

• Student Academic Performance

• Student Behavior

• Social/Emotional Needs

• Classroom Guidance Activities

• Counseling Interventions

• Home/School Communication

• Parent/Child Relationships

• Parent-teacher Conferences

• Community Agency Referrals

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CALENDAR CHECKLIST: JUNIOR YEARSEPTEMBER □ Check your schedule. Make sure you have all your academic classes sched-uled, including electives and physical education. If you have a problem with your schedule, make an appointment with your guidance counselor.

OCTOBER □ Take the PSAT.□ Attend college fairs.□ Attend College Panel/FinancialAid Night in October at Middletown High School. (See counselor for dates.)

NOVEMBER□ All students must have an ID to perform Internet searches in the library. Make sure you get one! □ Regularly view the MHS Web site for information and updates.

“Good plans shape good decisions.” -Lester Bittel

DECEMBER-JANUARY □ Start prepping for the SAT or ACT.□ Sign up for the May SAT or ACT.

FEBRUARY-APRIL□ Meet with your counselor for ongoing post-high school planning. Make sure the courses you choose for your senior year are academically challenging.□ Make an appointment to visit the College & Career Center. □ Visit colleges during spring break.

MAY □ Attend MHS & SUNY Orange college fairs.□ Review colleges. □ Request catalogs, information, finan-cial aid materials, and applications from colleges. □ Review catalogs received. □ Take the SAT.

MAY (continued) □ Call college admissions offices to make appointments for interviews, tours, and informational sessions.□ Begin the certification process with NCAA Clearinghouse if you are intending to participate in college athletics.□ Prepare a tentative list of schools to visit in the summer and fall and share it with your guidance counselor.□ Continue to make appointments for interviews, tours, and information ses-sions.

JUNE□ Prepare for finals and Regents exams.□ Take the SAT/ACT, SAT Subject Tests.

JULY-AUGUST □ Review college Web sites.□ Schedule interviews and tours.□ Work on your resume.

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C A L E N D A R C H E C K L I S T : S E N I O R Y E A RSEPTEMBER □ Continue research on colleges.□ Continue to make college visits, if possible, when classes are in session.□ Check testing dates and register for SAT, SAT Subject Test, and ACT. □ Register for SAT review courses or work independently with a review book or computer program.□ Submit resume to your counselor.□ Review list of colleges visiting the College & Career Center. Meet with these representatives.□ Ask teachers to write letters of recommendation on your behalf.□ Make appointment with your counselor for senior interview. Check credits, permanent record and senior year program to determine if credits, and diploma re-quirements are being met satisfactorily.

OCTOBER □ Regularly check the College & Career Cen-ter for information & updates.□ Attend College Panel/FinancialAid Night at Middletown High School.(See school counselor for dates.)□ Review list of colleges visiting the College & Career Center. Meet with these representatives.□ Attend college fairs.□ Submit early decision applications.□ Continue to collect applications and financial aid information.

OCTOBER (continued)□ Prepare your senior resume.□ Attend “How to Write a CollegeEssay” Workshop. (See school counselor fordate.)

NOVEMBER□ Review list of colleges visiting the College & Career Center. Meet with these representatives.□ Finalize selection of colleges or trade, vocational, and business schools.□ Take SAT or SAT Subject Tests or ACT.□ College applications due. □ Check to see if your colleges require your first quarter grades. Many colleges will need to see these before making a final decision about admissions and financial aid.□ Begin your college essay.

DECEMBER □ Complete all applications with January deadlines for colleges and submit them to your counselor by early December.

JANUARY□ Remaining college applications are due in guidance office.□ Keep working in the classroom. Second semester grades must be reported to colleges. Keep in mind that admission is generally contingent upon satisfactory completion of all courses.□ Visit colleges. Write or call ahead for an appointment.

JANUARY (continued) □ Complete financial aid forms and make sure that you have sent SAT and/or ACT score reports to each college you are applying to. □ Continue checking on and listening to announcements concerning financial aid and scholarships□ Visit the MHS Web site to view the scholarship guide.

FEBRUARY □ Notify your guidance counselor of any college acceptances and/or denials.□ Have mid-year grades sent to all colleges requesting them. □ Keep your guidance counselor informed of any correspondence you may receive from colleges regarding the sta-tus of your application for admission. □ Visit the MHS Web site to review scholarship updates.

MARCH-APRIL□ Prepare for finals and Regents exams. □ Keep a record of all correspondence from colleges.□ Notify colleges, by letter, to which you have applied, stating your intention of acceptance or informing colleges that you will not attend.

MAY □ Notify your guidance counselor of any scholarships, acceptances, or grants that you have received. Be aware that many colleges make their financial aid of-fers as late as May or June.□ Complete all materials that were mailed to you (health forms, room and board forms, etc).□ Take AP exams.

JUNE □ Prepare for final exams and Regents.□ Have final transcript sent to college you will attend. Transcripts are not printed until mid-July and, therefore, cannot be sent until then.

Need help navigating the college application process?

Make an appointment with Mrs. Parker or Mrs. Brissing

at the College and Career Center. COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER Lisa Parker Phone: (845) 326-1611 E-mail: lparker@ecsdm.orgLaura BrissingPhone: (845) 326-1793E-mail: lbrissing@ecsdm.org

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C O L L E G E E N T R A N C E T E S T I N GIn order to get into college, in many cases, you are required to take one or more of the following tests:

PSAT: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is taken in October of junior year and is a practice test in preparation for the SAT. It is the same format as the SAT and is useful as an indicator of SAT scores. PSAT scores are not usually used by colleges as admissions criteria, but one’s score on the test does determine qualification for participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program. All Middletown High School students should take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year.

SAT/SAT Subject Tests: Students often take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) twice or one SAT and one American College Test (ACT). Juniors will take the SAT sometime during the spring semester, usually in March, May or June. In addition, juniors as well as sophomores should consider taking one or more SAT Subject Test in June. You should speak with your counselor regarding your specific situation.

AP Tests: Advanced Placement (AP) Tests are designed for stu-dents who have completed college-level courses in high school. They are used in determining whether or not a student may gain advanced standing in college.

PLAN: The PLAN is a pre-ACT test given to students in October of their sophomore year, which gives students an opportunity to practice for the ACT. Just like the PSAT, the PLAN is a pre-dictor of ACT scores. In addition, students will receive career/future planning information based on their responses to an interest inventory. ACT: American College Testing (ACT) Program includes four curriculum-based tests that measure a student’s educational development in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The ACT is a requested or allowed alternative to the SAT at some colleges. TOEFL: For more information on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) visit www.ets.org/toefl.

ACT Composite Score SAT Reasoning Score *

36

35

34

33

32

31

30

29

28

27

26

25

24

23

22

21

20

19

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

Concordance between ACT and SAT scores

1600

1550

1520

1470

1420

1380

1340

1300

1260

1220

1180

1140

1110

1070

1030

990

950

910

870

830

790

740

690

640

590

550

*Note: Critical reading and math scores only.

D i d y o u k n o w ? E i g h t y - s i x p e r c e n t o f t h e C l a s s o f 2 0 1 3 a r e c u r r e n t l y

a t t e n d i n g t w o - y e a r o r f o u r - y e a r c o l l e g e s o r u n i v e r s i t i e s .

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Standardized tests can be scary and all the hype about test scores doesn’t help. SAT and ACT test scores are important, but they are not nearly as important as many students think. Colleges use test scores differently, but no college makes admission decisions based solely on them. In fact, your aca-demic record (the courses you’ve taken and the grades you’ve received) is looked at much more closely than your test scores. A Proven Way To Boost Your Score

There is no way to get around it—the best ways to prepare for the SAT or ACT are to study hard and read as much as you can. Reading is a great way to improve your score. But, the only way you are going to get anything out of reading is to choose books, magazines, and newspapers that you enjoy—everything from fiction to newspapers can strengthen your reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Practicing writing is also important in your preparation. Whether you are writing a research paper for history or working on your own short stories, it’s a great way to get ready for these tests. Register Online For The SAT and/or ACT To register online for the SAT and/or ACT log on to www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org/account. Please note, the MHS CEEB Code is 333120. Test-taking Strategies

Test-taking skills can be learned through practice. Some com-mon strategies are:

• Take the practice test in the materials you receive from the SAT or ACT.

• Find practice tests online or in books (check the guidance office or library).

• After taking a practice test, look carefully at the questions you get wrong. Read the explanations of the right answers.

• If you find that certain types of questions or certain topics stump you, get some help from a teacher in those areas. For example, a math teacher can recommend a good book to review the basics of geometry or algebra.

• Learn from every test you take. Take the opportunity to see the answers for the questions you got wrong, if the testing service offers this. Don’t just study the answers themselves—look at the reasoning behind each answer. Then, if you decide to take the test again, you will be better prepared.

PREPARING FOR THE SAT/ACT The Big Day

The night before:

• Do set out everything you will need (including your No. 2 pencil). By doing this you won’t have to run around early the next morning.

• Don’t schedule a huge social event.

• Do plan to do something that relaxes you—reading a favorite book, watching TV, talking on the phone (but not about the test) or taking a walk.

• Do go to bed early—you will think better if you are well-rested.

The morning of:

• Do plan to arrive at the testing center early.

• Don’t skip breakfast. When you are hungry, it is harder to concentrate and you will feel sleepy.

• Do bring a snack. If a full breakfast is too much for you first thing in the morning, eat an apple on the way to the testing center. Bring a snack to munch on during the break.

Test Date Registration Deadline Late

SAT & Subject Test Dates (2013/2014)

October 5 September 6 September 20

November 2 October 3 October 18

December 7 November 8 November 22 January 25 December 27 January 10

March 8 (SAT only) February 7 February 21

May 3 April 4 April 18

June 7 May 9 May 23

Test Date Registration Deadline Late October 26 September 27 October 11

December 14 November 8 November 22

February 8 January 10 January 24

April 12 March 7 March 21

June 14 May 9 May 23

ACT Dates (2013/2014)

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TYPES OF POST-SECONDARY CHOICESFour-year colleges are for students who wish to pursue a general academic program. Such a program lays the foun-dation for more advanced studies and professional work. Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in most areas in the Arts and sciences, such as English lit-erature, foreign languages, history, economics, political sci-ence, biology, zoology, chemistry, and in many other fields. Career and technical colleges are for students with a clear-cut goal who would like to get into the job market quickly. Common fields of study include: health care (practical nursing, home health aide), computers, technology (electronics, auto mechanics, plumbing, heating and air conditioning), culinary arts, business, and more. The specific type of degree or certificate may vary, but two-year associate’s degrees are common. However, attending a technical school can have some disadvantages. Because of the specialized nature of the majors, changing majors can be difficult or impossible without starting over. In addition, financial aid is sometimes limited at technical schools.

Community college is a great way for students to afford college without accumulating a huge debt. Community colleges also offer a wide variety of programs that train students to work in specialized fields with a two-year associate’s degree. For some other students who want the four-year degree, students have the option to transfer. Most community colleges maintain transfer or “articulation agreements” with a number of four-year colleges. Some students use their two years at community col-leges to improve their chances of getting into a more selective four-year college.

College honors programs are a good opportunity for students who are looking for small classes, in-depth discussions, and an academically challenging curriculum. Each honors program has its own entrance requirements, but in general, you need high grades and test scores. Many universities have honors options and it is a good idea to call the admissions office or visit college Web sites to find out whether the colleges that interest you have honors programs. Service Academies (U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines) offer four years of college education leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Cadets and Midship-men receive tuition, medical care, room and board, and a monthly stipend which pays for uniforms, books and incidental expenses. Upon graduation, those commissioned are obligated for an active-duty period of at least five years. ROTC is another op-tion. This a four-year program consists of two to five hours of weekly military instruction and some summer training periods. It is important to research what is needed for entry into the service academies.

Visual and performing arts students have several types of col-leges to consider. There are conservatories and stand-alone art schools that offer an immersion-type experience for students. Or, there are some larger universities where you may find somewhat self-contained music or art schools within the larger university. In addition to completing a typical college application, students should prepare a portfolio or audition.

When deciding whether or not to pursue intercollegiate athletics, it is important to remember to choose the school for its academics, not for the sport. Other things to con-sider include what NCAA division you want to participate in. You will need to follow NCAA rules and make sure you keep up your grades and standardized test scores. In order to play in college, students must apply to the NCAA Clearinghouse. More and more students with learning disabilities are going on to higher education. It is important for you to research colleges to see if they accommodate students with learning disabilities. Students or parents may also have to supply evidence of their learning disability and what is needed to support it. Another good thing to assess is what type of school and learning envi-ronment will best suit your needs.

Did you know?

M e m b e r s o f t h e C l a s s o f 2 0 1 3 a r e a t t e n d i n g t o p - n o t c h c o l l e g e s a n d u n i v e r s i t i e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e

c o u n t r y , i n c l u d i n g : U n i v e r s i t y o f C o n n e c t i c u t

S y r a c u s e U n i v e r s i t y C a r n e g i e M e l l o n

R u t g e r s U n i v e r s i t yB i n g h a m t o n U n i v e r s i t y ,

R I T , F a i r l e i g h D i c k i n s o n U n i v e r s i t y S U N Y O r a n g e , S U N Y N e w Pa l t z ,

S U N Y O n e o n t aU n i v e r s i t y o f R o c h e s t e r

S t . J o h n ’ s U n i v e r s i t y

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...Plan for Success

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1. A high school curriculum that challenges the student. Academically successful students should include aca-demically challenging classes (i.e. Honors and Advanced Placement). 2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. Grades should show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A’s in less challenging coursework. 3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT/ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance. 4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrat-ing leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of expe-rience is most important.

5. Community service showing evidence of being a “contributor.” Activities should demonstrate concern for other people and a global view. 6. Work or out-of-school experiences (including summer activities) that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development of areas of interest. Work or other meaning-ful use of free time can demonstrate maturity. 7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the stu-dent’s unique personality, values, and goals. The applica-tion essay should be thoughtful and highly personal and it should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing. 8. Letters of recommendation from teachers and your guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, and positive character traits. Students should re-quest recommendations from teachers who respect their work in an academic discipline. 9. Supplementary recommendations by adults who have had significant direct contact with the student. Letters from coaches or supervisors in long-term work or volun-teer activities are valuable, however recommendations from casual acquaintances or family friends are rarely given much weight.

10. Anything special that makes the student stand out from the rest of the applicants! Include honors, awards, evidence of unusual talent or experience, or anything else that makes the student unique. Overall, colleges are seek-ing students who will be active contributing members of the student body.

Top 10 Strengths And Experiences Colleges Look For In A Student

...Stay Focused

...Pass it On

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S P E C I A L A D M I S S I O N S O P P O R T U N I T I E S Educational Opportunity Program Eligibility Household Size Category A Category B Category C

1 $16,060 $21,630 $24,420

2 $21,630 $27,200 $29,990

3 $27,210 $32,780 $35,570

4 $32,790 $38,360 $41,150

5 $38,360 $43,930 $46,720

6 $43,960 $49,530 $52,320

7 $49,500* $55,070* $57,860*

The State University of New York’s Educational Opportunity Program provides access, academic support and financial aid to students who show promise for succeeding in college but who may not have otherwise been offered admission. Available primarily to full-time, matriculated students, the program supports students throughout their college careers within the University. This information will assist you in determining if you should apply to SUNY through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). You are encouraged to discuss your college choices with your college advisor. EOP is designed for students who need special academic assistance as well as financial aid. You will be asked to complete additional application materials and financial aid forms by the colleges to which you are applying. Be sure to complete any materials and return promptly as directed. EligibilityTo be eligible for admission to EOP you must be: • A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment; • Require special admissions consideration; and • Qualify as economically disadvantaged according to the guidelines. In selecting students for the program, priority is given to applicants from historically

disadvantaged backgrounds. Note: Applicants deemed ineligible for EOP may still qualify for admission and financial aid through other admission processes.Required RecordsAs part of the EOP admission process, your high school record and test scores (if required) will be reviewed, as well as information about clubs, hobbies, jobs and any other experiences which made an impact on your education. This information will help college counselors evaluate your potential for success in a college program. Support ServicesEducational Opportunity Program students may receive support services, such as academic, career, and personal counseling; tutoring and supplemental instruction. As part of a student’s overall financial aid package, the Educational Opportunity Program provides financial assistance for non-tuition related expenses (e.g. books, supplies, etc.) TransfersYou are eligible for EOP as a transfer student provided you have been enrolled in EOP, College Discovery, HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program), SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) or a similar academic and financial support program at your previous college. If your previous college did not have EOP or a similar program, you may be considered for transfer eligibility and should notify the college to which you are transferring of your interest. Fee Waiver Students submitting an application for EOP consideration may qualify for an application fee waiver for their first four (4) campus choices. If a student does not meet both the academic and economic guidelines, or the campus to which the student is applying does not operate an Educational Opportunity Program, the student will be billed for the fee. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for EOP for financial reasons may still qualify for admission and for financial aid as traditional candidates. Contact the admissions or EOP office at your college choice before you apply. The following campuses do not operate EOP programs: Adirondack, Cayuga County, Clinton, Columbia-Greene, Corning, Herkimer County, Jamestown, Jefferson, Mohawk Valley, Nassau, Niagara County, North Country, Orange County, Rockland, Sullivan County and Tompkins Cortland Community Colleges.Income GuidelinesThe table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission for students entering the fall 2013 academic year. Any subsequent changes to these guidelines will be posted here. In order to be determined economically disadvantaged, a student’s household income must not exceed the amount shown for its size or the student’s circumstances must conform to one of the exceptions indicated.

Household Size(including head of household) Total Annual Income inPrevious Calendar Year 1 $21,2572 $28,694 3 $36,131 4 $43,568 5 $51,005 6 $58,442 7 $65,879 8 $73,316*

* Plus $7,437 for each additional family member in excess of eight.

Income Guidelines Do Not Apply If:• The student’s family is the recipient of Family Assistance or Safety Net

payments through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disabil-ity Assistance; or through a county Department of Social Services; or Family Day Care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance;

• The student lives with foster parents who do not provide support for college and the student’s natural parents provide no such support;

• The student is a ward of the state or county.

2013 The State University of New York. All rights reserved.

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T H E C O L L E G E AT H L E T E & T H E R E C R U I T M E N T P R O C E S S

The World Of College Sports

Many high school athletes look forward to a continuation of their sports in college. In many instances, these expectations can be very realistic; in others, they are not. When the time comes, be sure to talk to your coach, your athletic director, and your counselor about college sports. These people will be able to give you the information you need to make an impor-tant transition in your life. In the meantime, keep the following pointers in mind:

1. Search out the right academic program. You may not know exactly what you want to major in, but you probably have an idea of some academic choices that sound better than others do. You should also know about classes that you should take to prepare for college and that will be accepted by the NCAA. 2. Find the best schools for you. When you compile a list of possible colleges, be sure to develop a list that will meet your academic, career, and personal requirements. College sports last just four short years, but your career will last a lifetime. Try to remember the main reason you are going to college. 3. Prepare yourself for playing sports in college by preparing early. Begin in your freshman year by learning about courses you will need to take. Apply to the Clearinghouse after your junior year of high school. Take the PSAT, SAT and/or ACT and have your scores sent to NCAA. Prepare a resume and inter-est letter for teams of the schools you may be interested in. Lastly, keep up your grades and develop a good work ethic. NCAA Clearinghouse Procedures

If you are planning to play in a Division I or II sport, it is your responsibility to make sure the Clearinghouse has the docu-ments it needs to certify you. Students must:

• Complete the Student Release Form and send it to the Clearinghouse.

• Review with your counselor the NCAA List of Approved Core Courses to make sure you are taking courses that are acceptable by the Clearinghouse.

• Record your PIN number so you can check on your certification status.

You must also send the following information to the Clearinghouse:

• Your transcript.

• Standardized test scores (ACT and/or SAT) presented in one of two ways:

1. On the official transcript from a standard high school.

2. As reported directly from the testing agency to the Clearinghouse by entering 9999 as a college choice on either your SAT or ACT registration form. *Please note that Student Score Reports and scores taken directly from a Student Score Report are not usable.

• Proof of high school graduation, including specific graduation date.

Questions To Ask When Looking At Athletic Programs Ask Recruiters:

• What position do you want me to play and how many others are you recruiting for the same position?

• How do practices coincide with the classes I will be taking?

• What is expected of players during the off-season?

• What will happen to my scholarship if I am injured or ineligible to participate?

• Are there services in case I am having difficulty keeping up with my courses and need extra support?

• Are all injuries handled by team insurance?

• Does an athletic trainer travel with the team?

Ask Players:

• What does your typical daily schedule look like?

• What is the general attitude of the professors towards athletes? What is the attitude towards non-athletes?

• Are the coaches available to help if you are having academic problems?

• Are there mandatory study hours? If so, what are they?

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Contacts and Visits

High school athletes are bound by NCAA Rules and Regula-tions as any college player. By not following the rules, you could jeopardize your athletic future. If you need clarification of these rules, see your counselor, coach or athletic director.

• A college coach can contact high school athletes only after their junior year. A contact is any face-to-face meeting involving even a simple “hello.”

• High school athletes can receive letters from college coaches, faculty members and students, but not until after September 1st of their junior year.

• Contacts are prohibited with university boosters at any time.

• During your contact, you may not receive t-shirts, college mementos, or financial inducements to sign to a particular university.

• The NCAA allows “prospective student-athletes” one expenses-paid visit to five different universities. Select your visits carefully. This restriction applies even if you are being recruited for more than one sport.

• You may not receive an official visit until you provide the college authorities with an official high school transcript and a score from the PSAT, PACT, plus SAT or ACT taken on a national test date.

• Each visit may not last more than 48 hours.

• You may visit any campus at any time beyond your five official visits if you pay all of the expenses for each visit. For more information on the recruitment process, see your guidance counselor or visit www.ncaa.org.

Questions To Ask Yourself

During The Recruitment Process

• Would I attend this school if I had no intentions of competing?

• Do the coaches and players seem genuinely concerned about each other?

• Will I be successful at this school academically? Athletically? Personally?

• Do the coaches seem concerned about academics?

• How does this school compare to others I have

visited?

• How would I feel if one or more of the coaches leaves? Would I still be happy with the school and my athletic participation?

• Does the school satisfy all of the criteria that I

have on my “want list?”

“ D o n ’ t a s k y o u r s e l f w h a t t h e w o r l d n e e d s ; a s k y o u r s e l f w h a t m a k e s y o u c o m e a l i v e . A n d g o a n d d o t h a t . B e c a u s e w h a t t h e w o r l d n e e d s i s p e o p l e w h o h a v e c o m e a l i v e . ”

- H a r o l d W h i t m a n

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H O W TO B E G I N YO U R O W N C O L L E G E P R O C E S S

The Internet is the best way to begin your college search. You can start by checking out any one of these Web sites, or all of them: Career Project (www.thecareerproject.org/bank.aspx) is an interactive career research tool that allows you a personal and uncensored look into thousands of real careers and jobs through the eyes of the people who work them. College Board Online (www.collegeboard.com) connects you with a database of more than 3,500 two-year and four-year colleges. Choose from among 800 features to create a profile of your ideal college and, in seconds, get a list of colleges that fit the bill. The site also includes the entire text of the latest edition of The College Handbook and lets you complete and submit admission applications online. College Net (www.collegenet.com) is “the number one portal for applying to a college over the web.” CollegeNET also offers a searchable database of colleges, scholarship opportunities, and academic resources. It offers a comprehensive college/ university index with some interesting resources for financial aid and scholarships. College View (www.collegeview.com) combines a database of 3,300 two-year and four-year colleges with multimedia tours. College View gives students and parents a general overview of a college, plus a direct e-mail option for request-ing additional information. College Xpress (www.collegexpress.com) allows you to search colleges by state, major, and a host of other factors. Take a visual tour of some colleges and ask their experts questions about the college admissions process. This site also lets you estimate your costs, locate scholarships, and discover loan information. There’s a “student center,” a “parent corner,” and a “sports source” that provides athletic information on the col-leges of your choice. The Collegiate Websource (www.gocollege.com) is another comprehensive college and scholarship search Web site for the college-bound with some great feature articles. eChoices (www.echoices.com and eplanner.com) includes an interesting inventory of career, college, and scholarship search features, as well as a planner to organize your career possibili-ties.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov) provides worksheets and help with filling out this extremely im-portant form. If you’re going to submit your application online, there’s also a link to sign up for your personal pin number (direct link is www.pin.ed.gov). Another federal government Web site worth exploring is www.ed.gov/studentaid. Fastweb (www.fastweb.com) is one of the most comprehensive scholarship search Web sites available. Federal Student Aid (www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov) is the home page for the Federal Student Aid programs, which is the largest source of student aid in the country. The site promises help for every stage of the financial aid process—from apply-ing, to funding to repaying your loans. My College Guide (www.mycollegeguide.org) allows you to cre-ate a profile of yourself to send to colleges. Ask questions of their admissions experts. Get information about paying for college. Read a collection of articles about college and the admissions process. Peterson’s Education Center (www.petersons.com) has a vast amount of useful educational and career information. The Princeton Review (www.review.com) allows students to search by a college’s name, region, state, size, and cost. The Princeton Review also offers its own rating of hundreds of colleges and SAT and ACT test-prep courses, a feature that allows students to find a major that suits their personality, and all kinds of advice on applying to colleges, interview tips, admissions secrets, and much more. US News Education (www.usnews.com) has annual rankings of America’s Best Colleges, tips for getting started on preparing for college, and choosing the right school. This site is very in-formative on how to build a great application with suggestions on everything from admissions tests to the components of an application. This step-by-step guide will help you master the entire admissions process.

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20 Questions To Ask Your Guidance Counselor

Your guidance counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. Your counselor has information about admissions tests, college preparation, and your educa-tion and career options. Here are some basic questions to help get your conversation started: 1. What are the required and recommended courses for graduation and for college prep? 2. How should I plan my schedule so I’ll complete them? 3. Which elective courses do you recommend? 4. Which AP courses are available? 5. When is the PSAT/NMSQT going to be given here? 6. Is this school testing for the SAT, or will I need to go somewhere nearby? 7. Do you have any after-school or evening sessions available for college planning or

the SAT? 8. Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow? Do you

have a copy of the free SAT Preparation Booklet, which has a practice test in it? 9. What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college? 10. What kinds of grades do different colleges require? 11. Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby? 12. Where do other students from MHS attend college? 13. What are the requirements for the National Honor Society? 14. Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my

wish list? 15. Do you have any information to help me start exploring my interests and related

careers? 16. If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better so it can be more personal? 17. Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now so I

can work toward them? 18. Can I see my transcript as it stands now, to see if everything is as I think it should be? 19. Do you have any forms I need to apply for financial aid? 20. How does our school compare to others, in terms of test scores and reputation?

G U I D A N C E

Please stop by the

College and Career Center

for a demonstration of

the new College and

Career Center searchengine,

Naviance!

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Important Questions

To Consider

1. Which attributes are more often associated with smaller schools? Which with larger schools?

2. As you review your answers, do you see a pattern emerging? Does this surprise you?

3. Can you combine the best of both?

4. What other differences can you think of when comparing smaller and larger schools?

5. If you like some aspects of both smaller and larger schools, have you considered a medium-sized college?

Did you know?

Middletown High School has more than

doubled (from 40 to 95)

the colleges represented at our

Annual College Fair in the past four years.

Colleges want our students!

W H AT R E A L LY M ATT E R S TO YO U ?What really matters to you influences your choice of a school. Identifying and clari-

fying some of these factors will help you understand the important characteristics the schools you’re looking at offer.

Directions: Read each statement below and circle the appropriate number.

1 = Very Important

2 = Somewhat Important

3 = Not Important How Much Does It Matter That The School... 1. Is strictly a four-year college? 2. Is located in or near a small town? 3. Is located near scenic beauty? 4. Is located close to family? 5. Is located in the Northeast? 6. Is located in or near a large city? 7. Is well-known? 8. Is highly selective? 9. Is co-ed? 10. Is one where friends are going to? 11. Is very competitive? 12. Has small classes? 13. Has an academic support system? 14. Has an active campus social life? 15. Offers intramural athletics? 16. Has numerous clubs/groups? 17. Has sororities and fraternities? 18. Is academically rigorous? 19. Offers internships? 20. Offers study abroad?

Note the number of 1’s you circled. These characteristics seem to be most important to you. It is possible to find everything you want in one campus!

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

“ The greatest decision you can make is to go to college. Finding the right school

doesn’t have to be a challenge. It’s all about what’s best for you and that means

trial and error.” -Mariana Pichardo, MHS Alumni

S t a r t p l a n n i n g

n o w t o g e t i n t o t h e c o l l e g e o f y o u r

d r e a m s !

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C O L L E G E C R I T E R I AThe factors listed below are important to consider as you begin to examine schools and your choices. Check the criteria that are important to you.

ENTRANCE DIFFICULTY _____ Most Difficult _____ Very Difficult _____ Moderately Difficult _____ Minimally Difficult _____ Non-Competitive/Open Admission

TYPE OF SCHOOL _____ Vocational _____ Armed Services _____ Two-year _____ Four-year _____ Public: (SUNY/CUNY) _____ Private _____ Religion Affiliated

“It’s choice–not chance–that determines your destiny.” -Jean Nidetch

ENROLLMENT SIZE _____ Very small (under 1,000 students) _____ Small (1,000 to 4,999 students) _____ Medium (5,000 to 9,999 students) _____ Large (10,000 to 20,000 students)

_____ Very Large (more than 20,000 students)

CAMPUS SETTING _____ Urban _____ Suburban _____ Rural

GEOGRAPHIC AREA _____ Commuting Area _____ Schools in New York State _____ Schools in the Northeast/ Mid-Atlantic area _____ Other (Specify): ____________________

HOUSING _____ Single sex dormitories _____ Co-ed dormitories _____ Living off campus permitted _____ Commuter

STUDENT BODY _____ Co-ed student body _____ Single sex student body _____ Ethnic/diverse mix

CAMPUS LIFE _____ Sports (name sport/s)_______________ _____ Newspaper _____ Drama _____ Radio Station _____ Fraternities/Sororities _____ Other

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Q U E S T I O N S TO A S K C O L L E G E R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S

Below is a list of questions that you might ask visiting college representatives. College representatives can tell you a lot, so use the time available to see as many as you can and ask as many questions as you can. Don’t be shy. Don’t assume you can’t get into a school. Don’t assume anything. Go ahead and ask! Make good use of this time and you will be glad you did.

QUESTIONS:

• What are the five strongest majors at your institution?

• When must I choose a major?

• What types of internship/co-op experiences are available?

• What type of high school background are you looking for in applicants?

• Are there programs for study abroad?

• What types of extra-curricular activities are there on campus?

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

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

• Do you accept AP test credit?

• How does your institution place students in their freshman classes?

• What percentage of a typical freshman class will actually graduate from your college?

• How many of last year’s freshman returned for their sophomore year?

• What percentage of the freshman class earned better than a 2.0 GPA last year?

• What is the average high school GPA of the entering freshman class and what is their average GPA after freshman year?

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

• What additional academic services do you offer to students (tutoring, career counseling, study skills)?

• How effective is your institution’s honor code? What is the penalty for cheating?

• What is the average age of your student body?

• How many students reside on campus? What percentage of the total student body is residential/commuter?

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

• How are roommates selected?

• How safe is your school? Where can I obtain statistics about crimes on your campus?

• What are some of the causes of students being suspended or dismissed from your institution? Is there an appeals system?

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A visit to the campus is the best way to see for yourself what a college is like. Visiting provides the opportunities for direct observation and experience. You will get a sense of the “personality” of each college and the composition of the student body. Most colleges encourage campus visits and many publish special brochures to help you plan your visit.

CHECKLIST:

___ Explore the college Web site before your visit.

___ Take a campus tour.

___ Have an interview with the admissions officer.

___ Get business cards and names of people you meet for future contacts.

___ Participate in a group information session at the admissions office.

___ Sit in on a class of a subject that interests you.

___ Talk to a professor in your chosen major that interests you.

___ Talk to coaches of sports in which you might participate.

___ Talk to a student or counselor in the Career Center.

___ Spend the night in a dorm.

___ Read the student newspaper. ___ Try to find other student publications—department newsletters, alternative newspapers or literary reviews.

___ Scan bulletin boards to see what day-to-day student life is like.

___ Eat in the cafeteria.

___ Ask students why they chose the college.

___ Wander around the campus by yourself.

___ Read for a little while in the library and see what it’s like.

___ Ask students what they hate about the college.

___ Ask students what they love about the college.

___ Browse in the college bookstore.

___ Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus.

___ Ask students what they do on weekends.

___ Listen to the college’s radio station.

___ Try to see a dorm that you didn’t see on the tour.

___ Imagine yourself attending this college for four years.

CO L L E G E CA M P U S C H E C K L I S T

Sizing Up A College of Choice

Read the following questions and circle either yes or no for each one. • Small classes • A great variety of courses• A diverse student body• A close-knit community • Contact with well-known professors• Privacy • Personal attention from professors • Anonymity • Extensive extra-curricular activities• Division I athletics• School spirit • Sports teams • Research opportunities • School opportunities• Availability of graduate courses• Greater opportunity for class discussion • Accessibility to fellow students • Close relationship with professors • Close relationship with students • The excitement of change • Extensive library & laboratory resources • Lively weekends on campus

Yes NoYes NoYes NoYes No Yes NoYes No

Yes NoYes No

Yes NoYes NoYes NoYes NoYes NoYes No Yes No

Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No

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A P P LY I N G T O C O L L E G EYou may be wondering how many colleges you should include on your application list. There is no magic number. The length of your list depends on the range and kind of college you want. You should make sure that your list includes a range in college admissions se-lection criteria. You want to be sure that you are a candidate in at least several schools so you can make an informed choice when accepting the admission offer.

APPLICATION TYPES: The Conventional Application: Is a paper application that comes as part of a packet, including detailed instructions and application deadlines. The Common Application: Is a standard form that is used by many private colleges and universities and allows the student to apply to more than one college and only fill out one application. Students photocopy the application and its different parts and send those copies to each school they are applying to. This application can save the student quite a bit of time. The Web-based Application: These applications are computer-based programs that allow students to access many schools at one time. The www.commonapp.org Web site is one example. Students may complete a college search, fill out their personal information, and have their information automatically inserted into the applications of their choice. Students also have the option of printing the application and mailing it to their choice of schools or sending it electronically. Online Applications: Many colleges and universities now have their applications online. A student can fill out the application and send it all in with the click of a button. Some colleges even offer the applicant the opportunity to view their application status online.

PARTS OF THE APPLICATION: • The actual application • Your transcript • A list of senior year courses • Fall semester senior year grades • Counselor recommendation • Teacher recommendation • Essay • Student resume

Your College Application Most colleges allow applications to

be processed on paper, but many prefer online applications. Students need to complete their applications and then come to the guidance office to fill out a Transcript Request Form.

All students need two (2) teacher recommendations and one (1) counselor recommendation. Please ask your teach-ers early, so that they have enough time to complete recommendations. Give each teacher a copy of the college recommen-dation form, if the school has one. Please fill out all personal information to save your teacher time. Most of the time, your teacher will sign that form and attach their letter to it. Teachers write only one (1) letter for each student. The same let-ter is sent to all colleges.

If you are completing a paper applica-tion, bring all parts of the applications to the guidance office.

All students must bring in large, brown, addressed envelopes (8x10) for each col-lege application. Give these envelopes to your counselor when you hand in transcript forms.

Once you have applied and submitted a Transcript Request Form, your counselor will send the following to colleges: tran-script, school profile, student resume (you bring this to us), your essay, if you haven’t submitted it online, teacher and counselor recommendations, courses in progress (this is a list of courses you are taking in senior year), and return postcard (this acknowledges receipt of application).

“ E d u c a t i o n i s t h e m o s t p o we r f u l

we a p o n w h i c h yo u c a n u s e t o c h a n g e t h e

wo r l d .”- - N e l s o n M a n d e l a

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The Student’s Rights Statement makes clear to students entering college those rights and responsibilities students have in the admission process. Before You Apply

You have the right to receive factual and comprehensive in-formation from colleges and universities about their admission, financial costs, aid opportunities, practices, and packaging and housing policies. If you consider applying under an early admis-sion, early action or early decision plan, you have a right to complete information from the college about its processes and policies. When You Are Offered Admission

You have the right to wait to respond to an offer of admis-sion until May 1st. Colleges that request commitments to offers of admissions and/or financial assistance prior to May 1st must clearly offer the opportunity to request (in writing) an extension until May 1st. They must grant you this extension and your request may not jeopardize your status for admission and/or financial aid (this right does not apply to candidates admitted under an early decision program.)

YO U R R I G H TS If You Are Placed On A Wait List/Alternative List

The college or university will notify you, by letter, and should provide the number of students on the wait list, the number offered admission, and the availability of financial aid and housing.

Colleges may require neither a deposit nor a written com-mitment as a condition of remaining on a wait list. However, col-leges are expected to notify you of the resolution of your wait list status by August 1st at the latest.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau

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I M P O R TA N T A P P L I C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

Using The Common Application

Colleges recognize that completing applications for sev-eral schools can be quite tedious. They have, therefore, joined forces to provide a single application that can be completed once and duplicated several times. The Common Application is accepted at many, but not all, colleges and universities.

If more than one of those schools to which you are applying does not accept the Common Application and you choose to use it, this means that you will complete your part only once and will send a copy of it to each school. Be sure to include the appropriate fee for each college. Fees are listed in the Common Application. This also means that your counselor will complete the School Report Form only once and will send a copy to each school. Similarly, your teachers will complete the Teacher Recommendation Form only once and you will send a copy to each school.

When preparing your folders for guidance and your teach-ers, you will include one original School Report Form for guid-ance and one original Teacher Recommendation Form for each teacher. However, you must complete a Transcript Request Form and stamped envelope for each school.

Here’s a sampling of the schools that accept the Common Application (there are more than 350 of them):

• Cornell University

• Fordham University

• Yale University

• Vassar College

• Marist College

• Syracuse University

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

• Rochester Institute of Technology

• Manhattanville College

• New York University

• Pace University

• Princeton University

• Ithaca College

• Various SUNY Schools

Many colleges require supplements to the Common Application. Visit www.commonapp.org for additional information.

Important SUNY Application Information

If you plan on applying to any of the State University of New York (SUNY) schools, please keep in mind that SUNY applica-tions are handled differently from most other applications. SUNY application booklets are available in the guidance office, but the fastest, easiest, and preferred method of applying is online. Visit www.suny.edu/student/index.cfm to apply. Please note, one application is completed for all of the SUNY schools to which you apply. For example, if you are applying to Gen-eseo, Albany, and Stony Brook you will use just one application and will indicate those three schools on the application.

The application fee for each SUNY school is $40 as of spring 2010 (this fee could change, so please check before making your payments). For example, if you are applying to four (4) SUNY schools, you must submit a payment of $160. You can either make your payment online with a credit card or send a check with the paper application. If you face a significant financial hardship, your school counselor can fill out and submit a Fee Waiver Request Form on your behalf.

Most SUNY schools require students to submit a supple-ment part to the application. This supplement could be an essay or other additional information. Please check the SUNY Web site for supplemental applications. Once the supplement is completed, some schools will allow you to send it electronically. If this is not the case, please send it to the college yourself.

The SUNY preferred deadline is December 1st. We highly recommend you meet this deadline.

Once you either apply online or complete the paper appli-cation, you must submit a Transcript Request Form to your counselor with a stamped envelope addressed to each school you have applied to. If you have applied online, you must also submit to your counselor your Transmittal Form, which you print once your application is submitted.

Once the above is completed, your counselor will then complete their part (they will send your transcript and letters of recommendation). Please be sure to give your counselor enough lead-time (at least two weeks) to get your application out. In other words, don’t wait until November 29th to submit your application if it is due on December 1st. Get Connected!

Visit www.suny.edu/student/index.cfm to find out more information about the SUNY application process, along with information on SUNY academics, athletics, events, cam-pus life, and much more!

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A P P L I C AT I O N T E R M S College Decision Factors

Colleges and universities consider a number of factors when reviewing your application. These items are primary consideration: Academic Factors

1. Difficulty of classes: The most important component of the ap-plication. Displays specific courses taken and final grades in each.

2. SAT or ACT scores: Are generally considered in relation to your overall performance. Either validate an existing record or demonstrate greater potential for achievement.

3. Guidance Counselor Recommendation: Insight into your person-al and academic qualities, your activities, and interests. This recom-mendation highlights your most positive traits.

4. Teacher Recommendation: Describes your strengths as a stu-dent. Reflects on projects undertaken, quality of written work, and nature of your class participation. Focuses on potential for academic growth and development. May also include observations on your per-sonal qualities. Teacher reports on your classroom performance.

5. Grade Point Average.

6. Class Rank.

Non-Academic Factors

At most competitive colleges, non-academic issues have a significant impact on admissions decisions. Colleges want students on campus who will be involved in a wide variety of activities and who will add dimension to the student body.

1. Student application essay: The essay allows you the opportu-nity both to individualize your application and to demonstrate your writing skills.

2. Depth of commitment to an extra-curricular activity: Participa-tion and achievement outside the classroom can enhance your applica-tion. Greater involvement and achievement in a few significant activi-ties are more impressive than superficial involvement in many.

3. Student leadership.

4. Specialized talent or uniqueness.

5. Student employment.

The college admissions process has a vocabulary all its own and often uses abbreviations which you need to know. The following definitions and explana-tions will serve as a handy reference.

Rolling Admissions: Most colleges using rolling ad-missions will review applications as the files are com-pleted and return decisions within a few weeks. Many state universities use this plan. Under this system, it is advantageous to apply early in the fall. Early Decision: A plan under which a student applies to his or her first choice college in the fall of the senior year and agrees, by contract, to enter that college if offered admission. Decisions are usually rendered in mid-December. Students may be accept-ed, rejected or deferred under this plan. Early Action: A plan under which a student applies to the first choice college early in the fall of the senior year. Even though the decision is rendered early, a student is under no contractual agreement to at-tend the school. Early Notification: Colleges may elect to have more than one regular notification date. Under an Early Notifica-tion Plan, applications filed by the early deadline will be processed and non-binding decisions rendered at an early date.

Deferred Admission: Many colleges offer a student who has been admitted the opportunity to delay or defer enrollment for a year or a semester. Students who defer an offer of admission may choose to work for a while to earn money for college, travel or pursue special programs. Deferred students cannot attend another college during the time off unless the college is notified in advance and agrees to the plan.

January Admission: Colleges may admit freshmen to begin study in the middle of the academic year.

Summer Admission: Students who do not initially meet a college’s admission criteria may be offered the opportunity to attend a summer session follow-ing high school graduation in order to prove their abil-ity to succeed. Generally, students must maintain a specified Grade Point Average (GPA) to be invited back in the fall as a matriculated (degree-seeking) student.

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T H E C O L L E G E E S S AY A N D I N T E R V I E WThe college essay or personal statement is your time to shine. Write a serious es-say, from the bottom of your heart, in the most mature manner possible. Here are some suggestions to get you started: Do:

• Start early. Leave plenty of time to revise, reword, and rewrite. You can always improve.

• Read the directions carefully. Answer the question as directly as possible. Express yourself as clearly as you can.

• Tell the truth about yourself.

• Show your best side. You might have overcome some adversity, worked through a difficult project or profited from a specific inci- dent. A specific focus is more interesting than generalizations.

• Feel comfortable in expressing anxieties. Everybody has them and it’s good to know that an applicant can see them and face them.

• Connect yourself to the college. Be specific about what this particular school can do for you and what you will bring to their student body. Your essay can have different slants for different colleges.

• Speak positively. Negatives tend to turn people off.

• Reveal yourself in your writing and write about your greatest assets and achievements—you should be proud of them.

• Write in your own voice and your own style.

Don’t:

• Repeat information given elsewhere on your application. The committee has already seen it, and it may look as though you have nothing else to say.

• Write on general, impersonal topics like global warming or the importance of good manage- ment in business. The college wants to know about you.

• Exaggerate or write to impress.

• Use the personal statement to excuse your shortcomings. It will only draw attention to them.

• Use clichés or a flowery, inflated or pretentious style.

• Go to extremes—too witty, too opinionated or too intellectual. Sample College Essay Questions

1. “Write about a special interest, experience, achievement or anything else you would like us to know about you.” (Hamilton College)

2. “Please tell us your thoughts about your future. How do these relate to your choice of major?” (Georgetown University)

3. “If you were chosen as your high school’s valedictorian, what would you say in the valedictory address to your peers?” (Marist College)

4. “Given the authority to establish a holiday, what would you choose to com-memorate?” (Stanford University)

5. “Discuss something, anything, you wished you understood better.” (Princeton University)

The Interview

Many colleges do not have individual in-terviews. Please call each of your colleges to ask about their interview options.

If you are required to interview, look below for some tips and suggestions on how to interview with ease.

• Bring your resume.

• Establish eye contact.

• Show enthusiasm.

• Show interest in the interviewer and listen attentively.

• Exhibit a positive attitude.

• Be open and honest.

• Be specific and concise with your responses.

• Dress in appropriate attire.

• Be yourself. And remember, first impressions are everything. Sample Interview Questions

Please note that interviews are typi-cally with admissions personnel or other adults at the college, not students. Every interviewer has his or her favorite questions, but there are some common areas that are covered in most inter-views. These include:

• Your high school experience.

• Special circumstances that may have affected your grades.

• Your personal traits, background, personal relationships.

• Your interests outside the class

room, such as hobbies, activities,

summer vacations, etc.

• Your values and goals, and how you view the world around you.

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SAMPLE

P R E PA R I N G A S T U D E N T R E S U M EA student resume is a summary of

your experiences, achievements, goals, interests, and abilities that took place during your high school career. Evidence of participation and achievement beyond the classroom in athletics, clubs, work, and volunteer experiences can also be signifi-cant supporting credentials as part of your student resume.

Involvement in co-curricular activities, as well as activities and organizations in the community, can be quite rewarding in a number of ways. Such involvement has intrinsic worth. As you contribute to and become involved in various endeavors, you help others and benefit personally through a sense of accomplishment, building self-confidence, and gaining self-insight. Furthermore, colleges are very much interested in how you spend your non-classroom time.

You should submit a student resume with your college application for several reasons. First, it allows the admissions counsel to view your accomplishments— both in and outside of the classroom. Second, it showcases your contributions to your community. Third, it will save you from writing the same information several times on different applications.

Name: Sara Jones School: Middletown High School Address: 24 Gardner Ave. Ext. , Middletown, NY 10940 CEEB Code: 333120 Academic Areas of Interest: Biology Senior Courses:

• AP English

• AP Calculus

• AP Physics

• Issues in American Society and Government Economics

• Bioethics Orchestra Awards and Honors:

• Academic Award (9-11)

• Math Award (9-11)

• Student Showcase (11)

• Seven times Exceptional Honors (9-11) Clubs:

• National Honor Society (11-12)

• Mu Alpha Theta (10-12)

• Treasurer, New York State Science Honor Society (11-12)

• Mathematics Team (11-12)

• Chess Club (10-11)

• Writer for “Middie Messenger” (11-12) Sports:

• Cross Country (11-12)

• Winter Track (10-12)

• Spring Track (11-12) Music:

• Orchestra, Viola (9-12)

• String Quartet, Viola (11-12)

• Orchestral Pit, Viola (11-12) Community Service:

• Secretary, Middletown Ambulance Youth Corps. (12 hours monthly), 10/06-Present Work Experience:

• Computer, Programming, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Summer 2008

“Visiting the college is the

most importantthing in the

college process.”-Carley Thomas,

a senior at Middletown HS

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F I N A N C I A L A I DCollege costs continue to escalate and more and more fami-

lies are looking toward financial aid as a means to defray college expenses. Each year millions, probably billions, of dollars in finan-cial aid are available. The only way to find out if you are eligible for any of this aid is to apply. Several informative pamphlets on financial aid will be made available to senior parents in September and financial aid workshops will be held during the school year.

College costs are usually met through a combination of fam-ily contribution and need-based aid, which is compromised of a grant and a “self-help” component (a combination of a low-inter-est loan and a job during the school year). Who determines family contribution? Financial aid experts have come up with a “uni-form methodology” to analyze family resources. Given specific information on income, assets, debts, etc., the agencies involved determine the amount parents can be expected to pay. This figure will vary slightly from school to school based on the cost of college, additional information received and other factors. In addition, students are expected to work during the summer to provide a certain amount of money toward their own education. The sum of these two amounts makes up the total contribution to the school. Outside scholarship or various forms of loan and funding will make up the remainder of a fully funded “financial aid package.”

Financial aid is assistance based solely on need (the family’s ability or inability to pay versus the cost of attending college). To determine the amount of need, a college requires your family to submit several forms. The first of these is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form. As it states in its title, there is no charge for this application. It is the means of eligibil-ity for all federal grants and loans and is required for all institu-tions.

The CSS Student Aid Profile is required by many institutions and requests additional information. There is a fee for each college to which this information will be sent. Check the require-ments of each institution to see if the Profile is needed.

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), provides grants and loans for all residents of New York State who attend college in state. There is a separate TAP application or you may use the FAFSA.

Please note that all federal and state forms may not be mailed prior to January 1st of your senior year. These forms must be filled out and filed each year you are requesting aid from the government and your institution.

Many colleges also have their own financial aid application in addition to the above forms. It will be included with all other application materials and may have a deadline different from the rest of your application.

If a college is “full-funding,” it will offer a financial aid package (grant, loan, and work-study) which will absorb the difference between the scholarship agency’s computed family contribu-tion and the college’s student-budget (tuition, room and board, transportation, books). Since college costs vary, the amount of your financial aid package may also vary from college to col-lege. The only constant will be the expected and approximate amount of family contribution.

Some schools choose to stretch their financial aid dollars through a policy known as “gapping.” This means that they will not fully meet the total need of a family, but rather come as close to a family’s need as they can. Instead, the school leaves a gap of funds for which the family is responsible. If you think you need financial aid, be certain to ask questions about a school’s financial aid policy. Some schools will have both poli-cies depending on the percentage of students needing aid and the competitiveness of the applicant.

In contrast to financial aid, scholarships (or “no need fund-ing”) are not based on need but are awards in recognition of outstanding talent. These scholarships are extremely competi-tive and difficult to obtain. Areas such as leadership, academ-ics, music, art, and athletics are frequently among those singled out for scholarship awards.

If you will be filing an application for financial aid/scholarship, you should process your application and financial forms as early as possible. Be sure to meet all deadlines since schools legiti-mately run out of funds.

For further information please visit the following Web sites:

• www.fafsa.ed.gov

• www.profileonline.collegeboard.com

“ I f y o u c a n f i n d a p a t h w i t h

n o o b s t a c l e s , i t p r o b a b l y

d o e s n ’ t l e a d a n y w h e r e .”

F r a n k A . C l a r k

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Financial aid termsFinancial Aid Internet Resources

International Education Financial Aid (www.iefa.org) provides a comprehensive database of finan-cial aid information for students who wish to study in a foreign country. Fin Aid (www.finaid.org) is a student guide to financial aid and is probably the most complete source of financial aid information on the Internet. The CSS Profile and FAFSA can be downloaded from this site. A calculator allows families to estimate their Expected Family Contribution when financing college. “Ask the Advisor” lets individuals e-mail specific questions about financial aid to the over 300 financial aid administrators who have volun-teered their response time. FastWeb (www.fastweb.com) has one of the largest databases of scholarship information available on the Internet. First-time users will need to set up a personalized FastWeb account and then complete a six-step personalized profile. The student’s profile is matched to specific scholarships. Whenever a new scholarship match is found, it is updated in the student’s personal FastWeb mailbox. Hispanic College Fund (www.hispanicfund.org) is a non-profit corporation that provides scholarships for deserving Hispanic students who intend to pursue a business major. College is Possible (www.collegeispossible.org) pro-vides an overview of different forms of financial aid (federal grants and loans, federal work study, TRIO programs), as well as state sponsored and institu-tional aid and how to take advantage of education tax benefits. New York State Financial Aid Administrators As-sociation (www.NYSFAA.org) provides information on financial aid, how to apply, a planning calendar, and minority and athletic scholarship searches.

F I N A N C I A L A I D T E R M S

Award Letter: The letter sent from the college or university’s Office of Student Financial Assistance indicating how much financial aid and the types of financial aid the student qualifies for during the academic year. Campus-based Financial Aid: Federal funds, which are controlled by the college or university, and are distributed to those students who qualify for financial assistance. This program includes work-study and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Grant. College Work-Study: Government-supported financial aid programs coordinated through financial aid offices. An eligible student (based on need) may work part-time while attending college more than half time, generally in a college-related job. Federal Parent Loan For Undergraduate Students (PLUS): A loan for parents who have dependent students in school. Parents can borrow a sum of money equal to the cost of education. Parents begin making payments 30-60 days after they receive the loan and must make payments of at least $50 per month. Parents may take up to 10 years to repay the loan. Federal Pell Grants: Financial assistance, awarded by the Federal Government on the basis of need, designed to provide the foundation of an aid package for post-secondary education. The Pell Grant may be used toward tuition, room and board, books or other educational costs and requires no repayment. Federal Perkins Loan: A low interest loan that students may borrow from to assist in meeting the cost of a college education. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A form used by colleges to gain information about a student’s total family income, assets, and expenses used for federal-based programs. Grants: Money awarded for higher education, which does not have to be repaid. Profile: A form used by the College Scholarship Service to gain information about the student’s total family income, assets, and expenses. The CSS analyzes this information to assess the family’s potential contribution toward college expenses.

Scholarships: Money awarded for achievement in: academics, leadership, citizenship, and/or athletics. Money is usually applied to post-high school education. Check in the guidance office for available scholarship programs. Student Loans: Money loaned for higher education through either state or federal funds, private banks or the college itself. There are a number of pamphlets available explaining the kinds of loans and student eligibility.

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Subsidized Stratford Loan: A federally subsidized, low interest loan made by a bank or credit union or savings and loan association, which has a maximum of $2,625 for the first year. Borrowers must show need through the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile. Repayment starts six months after graduation or upon leaving college. UnSubsidized Stratford Loan: Unsubsidized loan available to all students regard-less of need. Interest on loan payment while student is attending college. All other features of the program are the same as the Subsidized Stratford Loan. Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): A grant program based on tuition costs and family income available to New York State residents for study within the state.

F I N A N C I A L A I D T E R M S ( c o n t i n u e d )

Join The College Ambassadors

The College Ambassadors provides a small group atmosphere where students are able to interact with one another and have additional support from profession-als in order to obtain valuable information to facilitate the college process. The club also provides leadership and community service activities.

Goals: 1. To give students the opportunity to participate in leadership and community service activities. 2. To increase the number of four-year colleges that Middletown High School students are accepted to. 3. To prepare students to feel comfort-able and prepared during the college ap-plication process.

Mission Statement: College Ambassador Options and Opportunities Leadership Learning Educational Goal Setting Enthusiastic Topics and Activities: Some of the topics that will be covered include: • Community Service • Essay Workshop • Transcript Workshop • EOP/ HEOP Workshop • College Visits (after school) • Resume Workshops • Interview Workshop • Life after Middletown High School • Ambassador Community Service • Role Models for Underclassmen • Professional Speakers

Contact Lisa Parker & Laura Brissing, College and Career Center Advisors or Linda Ferguson, MHS Counselor if you

would like to become a member!

A Note On Senioritis (Seniors)

Source: “WARNING: Senioritis Can Be Dangerous,” by Mary A. Villeponteaux, abridged article.

Senioritis is the lack of concern for one’s academic program and performance. High school seniors are the individuals at risk of contracting this potentially crip-pling academic syndrome—usually in the second semester of high school after college admission has been offered. The maladies: slipping attendance and waning grades. Beware.

In today’s competitive college admissions environment, senioritis has become a great-er concern to admissions officials and creating headaches for counselors at high-achieving high schools. It also can have grave consequences for students if left untreated.

Just ask Martin Gross, who was admitted to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in early 1998, only to have his admission revoked in August after he ignored repeated requests to explain his F in his last high school English class. Until it hap-pened, the idea that a university could take back its offer was “ridiculous,” Gross recalls thinking. But take it back they did.

Offers of admission are based on the performance and curriculum illustrated the first semester of the senior year. Any deviation from that alters the basis for the offer of admission. As a result, the members of the committee doubt the true ability and motivation of the applicant. The Vice President of Admission at Mary Washington College requires students to explain, in writing, their decline in academ-ic performance. The admissions committee reserves the right to withdraw an offer if the student’s performance falls below the acceptable level and the student cannot adequately explain the drop.

So how do schools solve this problem? A national study in response to growing concerns that too many students leave high school ill-equipped for what lies ahead may have some suggestions. The US Department of Education created the National Commission on the High School Senior Year, who conducted the study. The Com-mission pinpointed the problem as characterized by “the senior your of high school as a lost opportunity,” and went on to say that many young people arrive on college campuses poorly prepared for the academic demands about to be made on them and are also equally unprepared for the demands of the modern high-performance workplace.

Ultimately, seniors need to feel they’re moving into the next phase of their lives, rather than simply finishing something out.

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S U M M E R TO - D O - L I S T ( J U N I O R S )

We all know that summer vacation is a time when students want to relax and hang out with friends, but if used wisely it can be used as unstructured college planning. Once senior year begins, extra time will be limited so it may be to your best advantage to eliminate some work related to the college process. The summer can also be a time for students to get involved in various activities, which can be appealing to college admissions committees.

Get A Job

Working full or part-time during the summer is advanta-geous for several reasons. In addition to increasing your sav-ings account, you will be adding to your experiences outside the classroom. Most college admissions committees are interested in all dimensions of the student, not just what you can do in the classroom. Through a summer job experience, you may end up working for someone who could write you a let-ter of recommendation or you may discover a career field you would like to pursue.

If you are interested in becoming a lawyer, try to find a job in a law office. Thinking about a career in education? Try to get involved with children through day camps or summer school. This can allow students to see if their interests match with the actual career.

In addition, a summer job will give you responsibility. This experience will prepare you for the increased responsibility and independence of being a college student. Travel

Whether you are vacationing with your family or decide to go abroad with other high school students, traveling is a fun and educational way to spend a few days or months. To make the most of your trip, take a camera and/or a jour-nal. This will help you document your trip, as well as make it memorable. Who knows, your car ride to Florida with your family might end up being the subject of your college essay. Volunteer

Finding ways to make your community better not only helps you find things you are passionate about, but also allows you to give back to your community. Ask your family, guidance counselor or other resources for recommenda-tions of local community service organizations.

Visit Colleges

Summer vacation is a great time to begin visiting schools that interest you. Try to visit two different colleges in the same area in one visit to get an idea for what you might be in-terested in. Check the campus Web site for tour information and try to call ahead to let admissions offices know that you are coming. It is also a good idea to do some research on the college so you are prepared with questions when you visit. Attend Summer School/Take A Class

As much as you may want summer to be a break from academics, some students may need to consider summer school. If you are missing courses needed to graduate, or need to improve a grade, summer might be the best time to get it done.

There are also opportunities for students to take college-level courses, either at community college or a four-year school. Doing this may help you brush up on a subject and you may even be able to get college credit.

Did you know?Summer is a great time to get

a jump-start for your senior year. With a little planning,

you can make the most of your summer. You can do it all: work, have fun, relax, and

plan for college. Putting some extra college prep-time in

during the summer will make life so much easier in the fall.

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Transcript Request Form

All efforts will be made to fill requests as quickly as possible, but please allow five (5) school days for processing.

Name:_________________________________________ Signature:_______________________________________ Date of Birth:____________ Date of Request:____________ Please send a transcript to the following: School Name:____________________________ School Name:____________________________ Address:________________________________ Address:________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________

School Name:____________________________ School Name:____________________________ Address:________________________________ Address:________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________ School Name:____________________________ School Name:____________________________ Address:________________________________ Address:________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________

Provide the month and year the following were taken: SAT SAT II ACT

_____________ _____________ _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________

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Senior Fact Sheet

This form will help your counselor and teachers write recommendations for you for college applications, scholarships, employment or other opportunities. Name: ____________________________________ Date: _________________ Address: ___________________________________ Phone: ________________ Parents’ names: ___________________________________________________________ Career and/or college major you are considering: _________________________________ College to which you expect to apply: ________________________ ________________________ Extra & Co-curricular Activities: In the spaces provided, list the clubs, organizations, and athletic team in which you partici-pated in (either in or out of school). In addition to years of participation, please list leadership positions held or other relevant information which will help to define your involvement in that organization. Work/Volunteer Experience: Please include date of employment, type of work, and approximate hours per week. Academic Awards, Honor, and/or Achievements: Include those honors earned (either in or out of school). Personal Information: College recommendations ask for a summary about the student’s character and sense of promise for personal and intellectual growth. Answer the following: Describe yourself in five adjectives. ________________________________________________________________ What are your special interests and abilities? _________________________________________________________ Has any summer job, experience or study been of significant importance to you? ____________________________ What circumstances, if any, have interfered with your academic performance? ______________________________ List two or three academic or personal goals you have set for yourself. _____________________________________ List any other important information. ______________________________________________________________

______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________

Activity Position/Dates ________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________

Place of Employment Position/Dates ________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________

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Senior Interview SheetName: ___________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent Present: YES NO

1. Review educational history and graduation requirements_____Checklist completed_____Informational packets given to students_____Rank in class of 201________CUM/GPA_____Completed out of the 22 needed for graduation

2. Discuss post-high school plans:a. undecided b. 2-year college c. 4-year colleged. employment e. armed services f. vocational training

3. Career interests: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Colleges interested in: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Met with Ms. Parker in career and resource room in the library for college/career/scholarship information? YES NO

6. Have you taken your SATs and/or ACTs? YES NO

7. Understand requirements for the colleges you are interested in? YES NO

8. Understand what you have to pass to graduate? YES NO

9. Download/request applications for college besides SUNY schools? YES NO 10. Do you understand the Financial Aid (FAFSA) process? YES NO

11. All applications and recommendations are back to me no later than December 1. Bring everything at once so ONE packet of your information goes to the college. ONLY hand in applications and recommendations once everything is completed. If you need me to write a recommendation for you, you must inform me prior to handing in information so I can get it ready to send out. This should be done NO LATER than November 21. I will send it out together with our official transcripts. It is your responsibility to be organized.

12. Have you asked teachers for letters of recommendation? YES NO

It is important that you maintain your grades. Colleges will ask for mid-year grades and there might be a supplemental appli-cation. Make sure you stay on top of things. Please discuss this with your family so that we are all on the same page. This will make it easier for you and for them. Good luck and enjoy this process and your future endeavors. Congratulations on your success and I hope to see you on my “senior wall” soon!

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MHS Application Checklist

Please complete one checklist for each application.

Name:_________________________________________ College:____________________________ □ Early Action

□ Early Decision Due Date:__________________________ High School Code: 333120 Counselor: __ Guasp, Courtney __ Ferguson, Linda __ Smith, Lynn __ Gurda, Kim __ Campbell, Ruth __ Woods, Patrick __ Cutler, Lauren __ Mills, Latricia

__Completed Application (Did you proofread and sign the application?)

(Did your parent sign the application if needed?)

__Online application submitted on (date)___________(if applicable) __Mid-Year Report Required __Application fee __Check attached __Check already mailed __Fee waived __Paying by credit card __Essay/Personal Statement, if required (Did you proofread this?) __Letter of Recommendation __Counselor letter required __The following teachers have been given recommendation forms, if required:

1._________________________________

2._________________________________

3._________________________________ Note: Letters of recommendation should be sent directly from the teacher to the counselor.

OFFICE USE ONLY:

Date in:_________

Processing Application:_____________

Date Given to Counselor:_________________ (Secretary Initial)

Date out:________ Completed:_________________ (Counselor Initial)

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MHS College Checklist

Name:_________________________________________ Counselor: ____________________________________

Letters of Recommendation Date Received

_______________________________ __________________

_______________________________ __________________

_______________________________ __________________

_______________________________ __________________

_______________________________ __________________

_______________________________ __________________ Schools Applied Application Essay Fee Transcripts Complete

Rec/Sent Rec/Sent Rec/Sent

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

_____________ ____/____ ____/____ ____ ____/____ _______

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Ann HallDirector of Guidance and High School Operations

Middletown High School24 Gardner Avenue Ext.Middletown, NY 10940

(845) 326-1628