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Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory
Academy
College Planning
Handbook
2013-2014
Provided by:
Mrs. Aurora Diaz-Meraz, Counselor
Mrs. Rachel Taylor, Counselor
Mrs. Gale Robinson-Williams, Counselors
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Table of Contents
Counselor’s Contact Information Page 3
Why Go to College? Page 4
Selecting the College that Right for You Page 5
College Selectivity Page 6
College Chats Page 7
College Fairs Page 7
College Application Process Page 8
Scholarship Application Process Page 8
Transcripts Page 9
College Application Fee Waivers Page 9
Letters of Recommendation Page 9
ACT Page 10
SAT Page 11
NCAA Clearing House Page 12
Financial Aid Page 13
Useful Websites Page 14
Valuable References Page 14
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Counselor’s Contact Information
Counselor
Contact Information Advisories
Aurora Diaz-Meraz
Phone: 773-535-9970
Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 8:15-3:45
Freshmen: 706,707 & 708
Sophomores: 607 & 608
Juniors: 506,507& 508
Seniors: 406,407& 408
Rachel Taylor
Phone: 773-535-9950
Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 8:00-3:30
Freshmen: 703, 704,& 705
Sophomores: 604,605,& 606
Juniors: 504 & 505
Seniors: 403, 404, &405
Gale R. Williams
Phone: 773-535-9938
Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 7:15-2:45
Freshmen: 701, & 702
Sophomores: 601, 602, & 603
Juniors: 501, 502, & 503
Seniors: 401 & 402
Counseling Office Fax# 773-535-9946
Website: www.brookscollegeprep.org
@BrooksPrepCSL
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Why go to College?
Receiving a college degree can afford you many benefits and advantages which include:
1. Better Income. College graduates, on average, make one million dollars more in lifetime
earnings than those with a high school diploma. See graph below.
2. Unemployment insurance. A college degree is the best way to protect yourself against
unemployment. College educated individuals have much lower rates of joblessness than
those with a high school diploma or less education. In a changing economy, job security
is a big bonus. See graph below.
3. Make yourself marketable. There are thousands of jobs that go unfilled in every state.
Many jobs in the fastest-growing industries such as health care, education, and business
support services require a bachelor's degree or above-and. Right now, there aren't enough
qualified workers in these fields.
4. Shrinking blue-collar sector. On the flip side, there are fewer options for those without
college degrees now-and there will be even fewer in the future. Occupations losing the
most jobs are clerks, cashiers, telemarketers, packagers, and farmers. There's more
competition for jobs that pay less and have less security. Investing in a college degree is a
much better deal-you have more options that pay better, too!
5. Health and happiness. Those with college degrees have better health, exercise more,
and smoke less. This is related to the fact that their employers are more likely to offer
better health plans and perks like gym.
Last Modified Date: May 22, 2013
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Selecting the College/University that’s Right for You
Searching for colleges and completing the application requirements can be a stress free process.
You will find decisions easier to make if you have up-to-date and thorough information about the
colleges you are considering.
The first step in researching colleges is to examine your own interests, goals, and plans
for the future. If you need help decided what careers are good fits for you, Naviance’s
Career Interest Profiler and What’s Next Illinois’ Interest Inventory are excellent
resources in this process.
Next, find colleges with the specific characteristics you are looking for.
You can do this through Naviance’s SuperMatch™ College Search, What’s Next
Illinois’ School Finder, and through websites such as College Match Maker
(http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/adv_typeofschool.jsp) or College
Navigator (http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ).
Narrow your list to 5-10 schools:
o Three to five Match Schools A match school is one where your academic
credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the school's range for the average
freshman. There are no guarantees, but it's not unreasonable to be accepted to
several of your match schools.
o One to three Reach Schools A reach school is one where your academic
credentials fall slightly below the school's range for the average freshman. Reach
schools may be long–shots, but they should still be possible. If you have a 2.0
GPA, Harvard is not a reach school–it's a dream.
o One to two Safety Schools A safety school is one where your academic
credentials fall above the school's range for the average freshman. You can be
reasonably certain that you will be admitted to your safety schools.
Schedule you Senior One on One Counselor Interview as soon as possible. This interview
will help you:
1. Review your graduation status
2. Verify that your 5-10 schools are appropriate matches
3. Reinforce next steps to follow
4. Answer any questions you may have about the application process.
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College Selectivity
CPS’ Department of Data and Analysis in the Office of High Schools and High School Programs
separates colleges and universities into five categories of selectiveness: 2-year College, Non-
selective, Somewhat Selective, Selective, and Very Selective. These five categories are based on
Barron's rankings of competitiveness, which are used to determine how rigorous the admissions
process is for a college. The criteria include, but are not limited to, median entrance exam scores,
the percentage of freshmen who were ranked in the upper fifth and upper two-fifths of their high
school graduating classes, and the percent of freshmen who were accepted.
Examples of Colleges by Selectivity Category
2-year college: City Colleges of Chicago (IL), Coyne American Institute (IL), Lincoln Technical
Institute (IN), Moraine Valley Community College (IL), South Suburban College (IL)
Non-selective: Columbia College Chicago (IL), Devry University (IL), *Grambling State
University (LA), Kendall College (IL), Lourdes College (OH), Morris College (SC), National-
Louis University (IL), Northeastern Illinois University (IL), Purdue University- Calumet (IN),
Thomas University (GA), Youngstown State University (OH)
*Grambling State University (LA) Middle 50% ACT Score Range 16-20
Somewhat Selective: Alabama State University (AL), Aurora University (IL), California State
University at Sacramento (CA), Chicago State University (IL), Clark Atlanta (GA), Elmhurst
College (IL), Florida A& M (FL), Howard University (DC), Northern Illinois University (IL),
Pacific University (OR), *University of Alabama at Birmingham (AL), University of Illinois at
Chicago (IL)
* University of Alabama-Middle 50% ACT Score Range 21-24, Rank: Top 20-50% of Class
Selective: Baylor University (TX), Bradley University (IL), Cornell College (IA), *DePaul
University (IL), Earlham College (IN), Grand Valley University (MI), Lake Forest College (IL),
Loyola University (IL), Ohio State University-Main Campus (OH), Pacific Lutheran University
(WA), Purdue University at West Lafayette (IN), Roosevelt University (IL), University of
Minnesota-Twin Cities (MN), University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Wisconsin-
Madison (WI), (MO)Webster University (MO)
* DePaul University-Middle 50% ACT Score Range 23-28, Rank: Top 15-40% of Class
Highly Selective: Boston College (MA), Carnegie Mellon University (PA), Davidson College
(NC), Georgetown University (DC), Illinois Institute of Technology (IL), Johns Hopkins
University (MD), Northwestern University (IL), Pitzer College (CA), Skidmore College (NY),
Texas A & M University (TX), * U of I at Urbana-Champaign (IL), University of Michigan at
Ann Arbor (MI), University of Notre Dame (IN), University of Florida (FL)
* U of I at U-C- Middle 50% ACT Score Range 26-32, Rank: Top 10-30% of Class
Most Selective: Harvard University (MA), Stanford (CA), University of Chicago (IL), Yale
(CT), Princeton (NJ), Brown (RI), Columbia (NY), MIT (MA), Dartmouth (NH), University of
Pennsylvania (PA), California Institute of Technology (CA), Pamona College (CA)
* Harvard University-Middle 50% ACT Score Range 29-36, Rank: Top 5% of Class
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College Chats
Attending College Chats when representatives visit Brooks throughout the school year gives you
the opportunity to have personal interaction with admission representatives from a wide variety
of both in-state and out-of-state schools. They offer a comprehensive view of the schools they
represent, share admissions information, scholarship information, and sometimes even conduct
on-site admissions. This is also an excellent time to ask questions and clarify doubts. Often times
the college representative visiting Brooks will be the one reviewing Brooks applications. Take
advantage of this opportunity to show the representative you’re interested in their institution. For
tips on what to ask at a College Chat visit: http://tinyurl.com/CollegeChats
Students are welcome to attend any College Chats during their lunch periods. Students are not
allowed to visit College Chats during academic classes. Be sure to check our College Chats
bulletin board outside of the Counseling Center and follow us on Tweeter for the schedule of
upcoming visits.
College Fairs
Attending college fairs present many advantages. Since you are able to meet with
representatives from different universities and colleges, you have an opportunity to gain a lot of
insight in just a few hours. A college fair is a unique opportunity to ask questions and at the top
of your list should be, “What is your admissions criteria”, “What is your current Freshmen
retention rate?”, “What is your cost of attendance?”, “What was the average amount of gift aid
students received last year?’, and “How do you help your graduates get jobs after they
graduate?”
Plan to attend upcoming college fairs!
NACAC Chicago National College Fair- Saturday, September 28, 2013- 11am-3pm
Navy Pier- Festival Hall A ***Must Pre-Register at: http://www.gotomyncf.com
Brooks’ College Fair- Tuesday, October 1, 2013 - 6:00pm-8:00pm- New Gym
100 Black Men of Chicago- Annual College Scholarship Fair- Saturday, October 12,
2013 - 9:00am-2:00pm - UIC Forum ***Must Pre-Register at: http://100bmc.org
CPS Siemens HBCU College Scholarship Fair- Friday, November 8, 2013
9:00am – 1:00pm Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Criteria: Seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0+ and ACT of 20+
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College Application Process
Once you have researched your schools and narrowed down your list to 5 -10
colleges/universities, your next step is to begin applying. Most college applications are now
found on-line on the college/university’s website. You must:
1. Access the “Undergraduate or Freshman Application”. In most cases, you can either
complete and submit the application on-line or download the paper version and mail it.
Most schools prefer completing the application on line, but a few schools do not allow
you to submit the application online if you are using a few waiver. For these schools, the
paper application is your best choice.
2. After you submit your application electronically, be sure to note any supplemental
documents that need to be submitted (i.e. the transcript, ACT scores, application fee
waiver, Counselor verification forms and letters of recommendation).
3. Log-on to Naviance, and add the schools you have applied to on your college list.
4. Via Naviance, request the supplemental documents that need to be submitted.
5. You counselor will fulfill your request within 2 weeks of request.
6. For those submitting the paper application or have supplemental materials that need to be
mailed in, you must take the completed application and/or supplemental materials to your
counselor in a pre-addressed manila or legal size envelope.
Scholarship Application Process
As with college applications, most scholarship applications are now found on-line. There are
a few organizations that forward paper applications, which we can distribute to you. Either
way, we will be sending you weekly scholarship updates and reminders to your CPS email.
You must:
1. Check you CPS email at least once a day.
2. If you see an application and you meet the criteria listed, complete the application
on-line or download the paper version.
3. After you submit your application electronically, be sure to note any supplemental
documents that need to be submitted. (i.e. the transcript, ACT scores, and letters
of recommendation).
4. See you counselor to have your paper application and/or supplemental materials
mailed.
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Transcripts
A transcript is a cumulative record of all of your grades, attendance, non-credit courses, class
rank, and GPA. An official transcript includes a copy of your ACT scores and has the school seal
attached; it must be sent electronically or mailed directly from your counselor to finalize
your college application. To request an official transcript: log on to Naviance and
request transcript; also, complete the College Application Documents Request form and
submit to your counselor. If your transcript must be mailed, bring an envelope addressed
to the university or scholarship agency you are sending it to. We will stamp it with
Brooks’ return address as it must be sent directly from Brooks. Until further notice,
postage will be provided to mail your official transcripts for 5 colleges and 3 scholarship
applications. Official transcripts can not be given to the student.
The unofficial transcript shows the same information as the official transcript.
However, the unofficial transcript does not have the school seal. Your counselor can
issue you an unofficial transcript.
College Application Fee Waivers
If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, many of your college application fees may be
waived. When applying to a school, you must research if the school accepts fee waivers.
1. If they do accept fee waivers, research if they have a specific fee waiver for you to
download. After you download it, submit it to your counselor in pre-addressed envelope
for free/reduced lunch verification. Your counselor will mail it off for you. 2. If they do accept fee waivers, but they don’t have a specific form for you to download,
your counselor will send the NACAC Admission Application Fee Waiver on file for you
upon your request of your high school transcript via Naviance.
Letters of Recommendation
If you need a recommendation for a college or scholarship application, first log-in to
Naviance and complete the Senior Self Assessment. Next, under colleges tab, click on
colleges I’m applying to and scroll to middle of page to Teacher Recommendations. Click on
add a request and select teacher from the drop down menu. As a courtesy, be sure to write
the teacher a brief note in the space provided.
NOTE: We ask for at least two weeks advanced notice when requesting transcripts, fee
waivers and recommendations to ensure all of your documents are expedited in a timely
manner.
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ACT
The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in:
English, Math, Reading and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four subject area tests
plus a 30-minute Writing Test.
The ACT is a part of the PSAE, a mandatory state test taken by all CPS students in April of their
junior year at their high school free of charge. If student would like to re-take the ACT: students
must apply on-line at www.actstudent.org
Registration Dates and Deadlines 2013-2014
Test Dates Registration Deadline Late Fee Required
Photo Upload
Deadline
September 21, 2013
August 23, 2013
August 24- September 6,
2013
September 13, 2013
October 26, 2013
September 27, 2013
Sept. 28- October 11,
2013
October 18, 2013
December 14, 2013
November 8, 2013
November 9-22, 2013
December 6, 2013
February 8, 2014
January 10, 2014
January 11-24, 2014
January 31, 2014
April 12, 2014
March 7, 2014
March 8-21, 2014
April 4, 2014
June 14, 2014
May 9, 2014
May 10-23, 2014
June 6, 2014
ACT Fees
ACT (no writing) ----------------------------------$36.50
ACT Plus Writing----------------------------------$52.50
Late Fee: An Additional------------------------- Add $23.00
Standby testing on test day--------------------Add $45.00
Test Date Change--------------------------------Add $ 22.00
Additional Score Reports-------------------------$12.00/per test date
*Fee waivers are available for students with free/reduced lunch
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SAT
The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you
know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing
and math. To take the SAT, you must apply on line: www.collegeboard.com
Registration Dates and Deadlines 2013-2014
Test Dates Test Regular Late Fee applies
October 5, 2013
SAT & Subject
Tests
September 6, 2012
September 23, 2012
November 2, 2013
SAT & Subject
Tests
October 3, 2012
October 21, 2012
December 7, 2013
SAT & Subject
Tests
November 8, 2012
November 25, 2012
January 25, 2014
SAT & Subject
Tests
December 27, 2012
January 14, 2013
March 8, 2014
SAT Only
February 7, 2013
February 24, 2013
May 3, 2014
SAT & Subject
Tests
April 4, 2013
April 21, 2013
June 7, 2014
SAT & Subject
Tests
May 9, 2013
May 28, 2013
SAT Fees
SAT------------------------------------------------------------$51
Late Fee or Change Date Fee--------------------------$27.50
Subject Test-----------------------------------------------$24.50
Standby Testing----------------------------------------------$44
Additional Score Reports------------------$11.25/per test date
*Fee waivers are available for students with free/reduced lunch
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NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
Clearinghouse for Student Athletes
If you plan to participate in sports in college, you must register at the NCAA Eligibility Center.
1. Why do you need to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse?
A. If you are going to play NCAA Division I or Division II athletics, you have to be
cleared by the NCAA.
B. You cannot receive official scholarship offers until you have registered.
C. You cannot go on official visits unless you have registered.
D. All NCAA coaches use the Clearinghouse/Eligibility Center to verify your
academics.
2. When should you register for the NCAA Clearinghouse?
Students may register at any time, but we recommend that they register during their
sophomore year. The registration website is www.eligibilitycenter.org. The NCAA
Eligibility Center will evaluate a student’s academic credentials once the following
information has been received, and the student has had his/her status requested by an
NCAA member institution:
Completed online registration;
Fee payment;
SAT and/or ACT test score on file from the respective testing agency; and
Transcript(s) from all schools or programs attended.
3. How much does it cost to register for NCAA? The fee is $65.00. However, students
who have used a fee waiver to take the ACT will qualify for the NCAA fee waiver.
4. How do you register for the NCAA Clearinghouse? Go to www.eligibilitycenter.org to
register.
5. Have your official transcript mailed to:
NCAA Eligibility Center
Certification Processing
P.O. Box 7136
Indianapolis, Indiana 46207-7136
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Financial Aid
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSA or Free
Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free
and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or
career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to
determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid
providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for
their aid. Apply on line: www.fafsa.ed.gov
Complete CSS Financial Aid Profile if required by the college:
Many of the colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and scholarship programs
use information on the CSS PROFILE to help them award non-federal student aid funds.
Upcoming Financial Aid Workshops
The Counseling Department will host a Financial Aid Night along with FAFSA Completion
Workshops in collaboration with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and their financial
aid experts to assist you this year.
Financial Aid Night (Brooks Auditorium)
Tuesday, December 10, 2013 6:30-7:30
FAFSA Completion Workshop (Counseling Center Computer Lab)
Wednesday, January 8, 2013 from 8:40-12:10
FAFSA Completion Workshop (Counseling Center Computer Lab)
Wednesday, January 22, 2013 from 8:40-12:10
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Useful Websites
Scholarships
www.zinch.com
www.collegeboard.com
www.fastweb.com
www.courseadvisor.com
www.gocollege.com
www.educationconnection.com
College Searches
www.collegeboard.com
www.collegenet.com
www.collegebound.net
www.what’snextillinois.org
www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
Test Preparation
www.revolutionprep.com
www.princetonreview.com
www.kaplan.com
www.testprep.com
Online College Tours
www.campustours.com
www.ecampustours.com
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Valuable References to Consider
16
D’Andre Weaver, Principal
Shannae Jackson, Assistant Principal
Daniel Bauer, Resident Assistant Principal
Dr. Erica Bauer, Director of Admissions
