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DearClassof2018andParents:Wehavecompiledthisplanningguidetohelpalleviatetheanxietyassociated
withthedauntingtaskofgatheringinformationregardingpost-highschool
planning.Thisinformation,whichisatthecoreofthedecision-making
process,canbeclearlyoverwhelmingformanystudentsandtheirparents.It
isimportanttorememberthateachstudent’sneedsandgoalsaredifferent.
OurintendedpurposeistohelpBuffaloGroveHighSchoolstudentsgaina
betterunderstandingofthecollegeadmissionprocessandassistthemin
findinga“match/fit”withacollege,universityorotherpost-highschool
options.
Thisisanexcitingtimeineachandeveryoneofyourlives.Pleaseenjoyit!
Weareheretohelp.
Sincerely,BGHSCounselingStaff
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RobertHartwigAssociatePrincipal
KellyMartinCollegeCareerCenterAsst.kelly.martin@d214.org847-718-4059
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EXPLORINGPOSTHIGHSCHOOLOPTIONS 5EXPLORING YOUR INTERESTS, ABILITIES, VALUES 6 CHOOSING CAREERS 8 COMPUTERIZED CAREER SEARCH 8 16 CAREER CLUSTERS 9 WORLD-OF-WORK 12 CAREER EXPLORATION 13 POST HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS 15 COLLEGE PLANNING 17 SELECTING A COLLEGE – FINDING THE RIGHT FIT 18 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SELECTIVITY 19 COLLEGE SEARCH 20 COLLEGE ATHLETICS 22 SPECIAL NEEDS COLLEGE OPTIONS 22 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE 23 COLLEGE REP VISITS TO BG 25 QUESTIONS TO ASK A COLLEGE REP 26 CAMPUS VISITS: A NECESSITY 27 COLLEGE COMPARISON WORKSHEET 28 STANDARDIZED TESTING: THE ACT, SAT & MORE 29 THE APPLICATION PROCESS 33 THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS 34 RECOMMENDATIONS 36 SENIOR/ACTIVITIES RESUME 37 ESSAYS 38 INTERVIEWS 39 FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS 40 FINANCIAL AID 40 SCHOLARSHIPS 42
COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDAR 43
JUNIOR YEAR 44 SENIOR YEAR 46 APPENDIX 48
HELPFULWEBSITES 49 COLLEGEADMISSIONCOMPETITIONCATEGORIES 50 TYPESOFADMISSIONDECISIONS 51 GLOSSARY 52
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ExploringYourInterests,Abilities&ValuesInordertomakedecisionsaboutwhatyouwanttodoafterhighschool,youmustfirsttaketimetoreflectonwhoyouareintermsofyourinterests,abilities,values,goals,etc.Herearesomequestionsthatmighthelpyoufocusonyouruniqueidentity.
Interests Abilities&Talents
What classes do you enjoy most? In which subjects are you most successful? Which subjects do
you like least?
What are your academic strengths and weaknesses? It is important to honestly evaluate your grades
and test results in relation to your effort in school.
Whatareyourinterestsandhobbiesoutsideofschool?Whattalentsor
skillsdotheyuse?
Do you work well with people and enjoy being around others when
you work or do you prefer working more on your own?
Whatactivitiesdoyoufindfun?Ifyouhadunlimitedfundsandtime,what
wouldyoudo?
Are you persuasive? Do you enjoy
talking with people and influencing them to do or buy
something?
Doyouenjoyworkingwithmachinesortools?Doyouliketorepairthingsortakethingsapartandseehowthey
work?
Do people find you to be a good listener and/or a good teacher?
Doyouenjoyexperimentingwithideas
orprojects?
Are you imaginative, inventive or
creative?
Doyouenjoyleadingothers,makingdecisions,orgettingthingsstarted?Ordoyouprefertofollowtheleadof
others?
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JobValues LifeValues
Creativity-Doyoudesireajobwhereyoucanuseyourimaginationandbe
inventive?
Doyouhopetohaveafamily
someday?Whatareyourvaluesrelatingtofamilytime,money,parenting,childcare,etc.?
Time–Doyouwantajobthatallowsyouflexibilityand/ortimetopursue
otherinterests?
Whatmotivatesyouinyourlife?
Environment–Isitimportantforyoutoworkinsideoroutside;inphysical
ornon-physicaljobs?
Doyouhaveplansforhealthyrecreationandexercise?
Variety–Doyouwanttobeabletodomanydifferentandinterestingthings?
Howdoyouplantomakea
contributiontoyourcommunityandtotheneedsofothers?
Prestige–Doyouwantajobthatprovidesrespect,ishighlyvisible,and
helpsyoufeelimportant?
Whatlegacywouldyouliketoleave
behind?
Highachievement–Isitimportantthatyouareabletosucceedatajob
thatisdifficult?
Salary–Howmuchdoyouneedtoearnforthelifestyleyoudesire?
Independence-Would you like to do work that allows you to be
your own boss?
Work with your hands-Do you want to use your hands,
machines, or tools to make or repair things?
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ChoosingCareersAfterexploringyourinterests,abilities,talents,andvalues,youarereadytoconsiderpotentialcareers.Identifyingpotentialcareershelpsstudentsinselectingcourses,activitiesandpart-timeemploymentopportunitiesthattheyaremostlikelytoexcelinandenjoy.Italsohelpsstudentsconsiderhowmuchandwhattypeoftrainingorformaleducationwillberequiredafterhighschool.Achoiceofacareerisnotmeanttobea“permanentcommitment.”Asstudentshavenewexperiences,theymaychooseanothercareer.Weexploredcareerchoicesincoresessionsduringsophomoreyear.ListedbelowareanumberofresourcesavailableatBuffaloGroveHighSchooltofurtherassistyourcareersearchprocess.ComputerizedCareerSearch-NavianceThereareseveralfeaturesofNaviancethathelpstudentsexploretheirinterestsandpersonalityfactorsastheyrelatetopossiblefuturecareerchoices.Navianceoffersaseriesofcareerassessmentsthathelpstudentsdiscovermultiplecareeroptions,andplantheircareerpathsbasedongeneralareasofinterest,andlevelofeducationandtrainingrequiredtoachievetheirindividualgoalsandobjectives.TheDoWhatYouArefeatureisanonlinequestionnairethatisaself-discoverypersonalitytypeassessment.Successfulcompletionoftheassessmentwillgenerateareportthatwillprovideyouwithimportantinformationaboutyourpersonalitycharacteristics.Youwilllearnaboutcareersthatarematchedtoyou,yourpersonalstrengthsandblindspotsandmore!Youwillalsoseesuitablecareersandmajors.TheCareerInterestProfilerhelpsstudentsdiscoverthetypesofworkactivitiesthatmatchtheirinterests.Attheendofthisassessmentalistofcareersthatmatchyourinterestswillbeprovided.Thecareerswillbebrokendownfrom“LittleorNoPreparation”to“ExtensivePreparation”neededtoprepareforthecareer.TheClusterFinderallowsstudentstofindcareersthatmatchtheirinterestsandpersonalqualities.Exploringclusterscanbeausefulwaytofindagoodcareermatch,especiallyifyouhavegeneralareainterestbutarenotsurewhatspecificcareersmatchthoseinterests.TheRoadtripNationInterviewArchiveinNaviancefeaturesover3,500videointerviewswithindividualswhohaveforgedthroughchallengestoaccomplishuniquegoals.Theseleaderscandidlydiscusshardships,successesandtheobstaclestheyovercometocreateameaningfullifeontheirownterms.Ihighlyrecommendstudentstaketheopportunitytoexplorethisresource
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16CAREERCLUSTERSTOCONSIDER
The production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources.
Careers in designing, planning, managing, building and maintaining the built environment.
Designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.
Business Management and Administration careers encompass planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Business Management and Administration career opportunities are available in every sector of the economy.
Planning, managing and providing education and training services, and related learning support services.
Planning, services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.
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Executing governmental functions to include Governance; National Security; Foreign Service; Planning; Revenue and Taxation; Regulation; and Management and Administration at the local, state, and federal levels.
Planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development.
Hospitality&Tourismencompassesthemanagement,marketingandoperationsofrestaurantsandotherfoodservices,lodging,attractions,recreationeventsandtravelrelatedservices.
Preparingindividualsforemploymentincareerpathwaysthatrelatetofamiliesandhumanneeds.
Building Linkages in IT Occupations Framework: For Entry Level, Technical, and Professional Careers Related to the Design, Development, Support and Management of Hardware, Software, Multimedia, and Systems Integration Services.
Planning, managing, and providing legal, public safety, protective services and homeland security, including professional and technical support services.
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Planning,managingandperformingtheprocessingofmaterialsintointermediateorfinalproductsandrelatedprofessionalandtechnicalsupportactivitiessuchasproductionplanningandcontrol,maintenanceandmanufacturing/processengineering.
Planning, managing, and performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives.
Planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g., physical science, social science, engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.
Planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water and related professional and technical support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment and facility maintenance.
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World-of-WorkStudentscompletedcareer-relatedassessmentsannuallyaspartoftheEXPLORE,PLAN,andACTtesting.TheWorld-of-WorkMapisprovidedaspartofthetestscorereportanddetailsthestudent’sindividualinterestsandcorrespondingcareerclusters.ByreviewingtheWorldofWorkMapannually,youcangaininsightintocareerpossibilities.
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CareerExplorationTheschoolsofDistrict214havepartneredwithotherlocalhighschoolsinordertooffermanycareer-relatedservices.StudentsshouldvisittheCollegeCareerCenterformoreinformationaboutanyoftheseopportunities.Eventsarealsoannouncedinthemorningannouncements.Afewoftheseactivities/resourcesare:
Career Trek A Career Trek is a career-focused field trip to explore occupations of interest. Touring the worksite, talking with professionals and participating in hands-on activities helps enrich students’ understanding of career fields.
Internship Individual internship experiences can be arranged for a semester or summer. These internships allow a student to volunteer within an organization, observing typical daily duties.
College Career Center
Many print and online publications and resources are available to assist students in their career exploration.
Career Nights District 214 hosts several Career Nights each fall to allow students to meet with representatives from different occupations.
Dual Credit Courses
Harper College offers vocational/academic courses to local high school students. Most of these courses allow students the option to earn both high school and college credit. Contact your counselor for more information on currently available programs.
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A VERY IMPORTANT POINT TO REMEMBER!
The choice of a career is YOURS!! It is not the choice of your parents, friends, teachers, or any other advisors.
It is important to discuss your choice with the
significant people in your life to gain the benefit of their insight and experience, but the ultimate choices are yours!
Your career should be fun and rewarding. Spend some time and energy
exploring your options now to make a good choice.
Future Plans
Which path after high school will best help you meet your needs and reach your goals? How much formal education and/or training will you need?
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POST-HIGHSCHOOLOPTIONS
CollegeorUniversityCollegesanduniversitiesofferfour-yearbachelor’sdegreesinmostartsandsciencefields(theB.A.andB.S.degrees),aswellaspre-professionalprogramsandotherspecializations.Collegescomeinmanyshapesandsizestoservediversestudentinterests.Studentsshouldlookatmanyfactorswhendecidingwhichcollegewouldbeagoodfit.Choosingacollegeoruniversityrequirestwodifferenttypesofknowledge:
KnowledgeAboutOneself
• WhoamI?Whataremycharacteristics,values,attitudesandbeliefs?• Values:Whatisimportanttomeinlife?Family?ACareer?Religion?Power?
Money?Friends?ASocialLife?HowcanIgetwhatIwant?• Interests:Whatappealstoyou?Whatdoyouenjoy?• Aptitude:Whatareyougoodat?• Whataremylife-stylepreferences?DoIneedthestimulationprovidedbyalarge
city?DoIlikethesuburbs?DoIpreferthepeaceandquietofaruralcountryside?• WhatacademicsubjectsdoIlikebest?Whichleast?• HowdoIlearnbest?Byreading?Fromteachers?Bytalkingwithfriendsand
classmates?Bygettingpersonallyinvolvedandexperimenting?Inacollaborativeorcompetitivelearningenvironment?
• HowdoIthink?AmIabstract?Concrete?AmIconvergent?Divergent?Analytical?Reflective?Intuitive?
• HowdoImakedecisionsandsetgoals?
KnowledgeAboutColleges
• Howdocollegesdifferfromuniversities?• Howdocollegesanduniversitiesdifferamongthemselves?• Whatkindsofopportunitiesdoeachoffer?• Areyoueligibleforadmissiononthebasisofthecourseworkyouwillcompletein
highschool?• Doesthecompetitionlevelandfreshmanprofilefityou?• HowcanIassessthequalityofeducationavailable?• HowdoesthesizeofacollegeoruniversityaffecttheeducationIexpecttoobtain?• HowdoIchooseacollegemajor?• Howdocollegeofferingsandthecharacteristicsofdifferentcollegesmatchmy
educationalgoals?
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CommunityCollegeBuffaloGroveHighSchoolisaffiliatedwithWilliamRaineyHarperCollegeinPalatine,Illinois.Harperoffersdifferenttypesofdegrees:
• CertificateProgramisaonetotwo-yearcareerprogramthatisdesignedtopreparethestudentforimmediateentryintoaspecificcareer.
• AssociateofAppliedScience:adegreeawardeduponcompletionofatwo-yearcareerprogramandisdesignedtopreparethestudentforimmediateentryintoaspecificcareerfield.Manyoftheseprogramshaveinternships,whichhelpstudentsgeton-the-jobtraining.
• AssociateofArtsandAssociateinScience:two-yeardegreesdesignedforstudentswhowilltransfertoafour-yearcollegeoruniversitytocompleteabachelor’sdegree.
ShouldHarpernotoffercoursesthatothercommunitycollegeoffer,arrangementscanbemadeforastudenttoattendanothercommunitycollegewithin-districttuition.NearbycommunitycollegesincludeOaktonCommunityCollege,TheCollegeofLakeCounty,TheCollegeofDuPage,McHenryCountyCollegeandTritonCommunityCollege.Vocational/TechnicalVocational/Technicalschoolsoffershort-termtrainingforawidevarietyofspecificjobs,suchascosmetologyorautorepair.Certificatesforsomeprogramsmaytakeonlyafewweekswhileothersmaytakeuptotwoyearstocomplete.Studentsandparentsshouldinvestigateandvisitanyschoolsbeingconsideredfor:accreditation,licensing,faculties,cost,qualityofinstruction,reputation,stability,jobplacementandfinancialaid.On-theJobTrainingorApprenticeshipForsomecareers,suchaselectricians,masonsorhomehealthaides,thebestpreparationistolearnonthejobbyhighlyskilledworkers.Unionsofferapprenticeshipopportunitiesforthoseacceptedintoapprenticeshipprograms.Apprenticesarepaidwhileyoulearn.Applicationtimesvary.VisittheCollegeCareerCenterand/orwebsitewww.cisco.orgforadditionalinformation.MilitaryThereareadditionalopportunitiesineducationandtrainingformenandwomeninallbranchesoftheArmedServices.Themilitarymaybeagoodoptionforsomestudentswishingtoobtainspecializedtrainingand/orcollegefinancialassistance.EachbranchofthemilitaryvisitsBuffaloGroveHighSchoolonceamonth.Studentsshouldcheckannouncementsforscheduledtimes.
AirForce www.airforce.com NationalGuard www.nationalguard.comArmy www.goarmy.com Marines www.marines.comCoastGuard www.uscg.mil Navy www.navy.mil
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SelectingaCollege-FindtheRightFitTherearenearly4,000collegesanduniversitiesinthiscountry,withawidevarietyoffeaturestoservediversestudentinterests.Withsomanychoicesyoumaywonderhowtofindacollegethatisa“goodfit”foryou.Althoughthereisnorightorwrongwaytoresearchcolleges,manystudentsfindithelpfultovisitafewschoolsthatdifferinsize,location,academicprograms,orselectivitysoseewhichcharacteristicsareimportanttothem.Listedbelowareanumberofcriteriatoconsiderinselectingacollege.
PROGRAM
Admissions:Howselectiveistheschool?Doesyourcourseworkmatchtheschool’srequirementsforadmission?IsyourGPAandACTscoretypicalofacceptedstudents?Curriculum:Doesthecollegeofferthemajorthatinterestsyou?Isthereacorecurriculumrequiredandwhatdoesitlooklike?Whatresearchorinternshipopportunitiesareavailabletoyouinyourfieldofinterest?
PEOPLE
Studentbody:Doyourpersonalityandvaluesmeshwellwiththeotherstudents?Fraternitiesandsororities:IsthereaGreeksystemoncampus?Areahighpercentageofstudentsinfraternitiesorsororities?Religiousorientation:Istheinstitutionaffiliatedwithanorganizedreligion?Doestheacademicandsociallifereflectthis?Sports/Activities:Doestheschoolhavethesportsorextra-curricularprogramsyouareinterestedin?Howeasyisittojoin?
PLACE
Sizeoftheschool:Wouldyouliketoattendalarge,medium,orsmallschool?Visiteachtypebeforenarrowingyourchoice.Geographicallocation:DoyouwanttoattendcollegeintheChicagoarea,inIllinois,oroutofstate?Whattransportationisavailable?Sizeofthecommunity:Isthecampussettingurban,suburbanorrural?Whataretheadvantages/disadvantagesforyou?
PRICE
Cost:Whatisthetotalcostofattendanceforoneyear(tuition,room,board,books,travel,etc.)?Canyouaffordthisschool?Remember;donotruleoutaschoolbasedonthelistedprice.WhatisimportantisthecostAFTERscholarshipsandfinancialaidthatmaybeavailable.Familiescanestimatethetruecostofacollegebyusingthenetpricecalculatorontheschool’swebsite.
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CollegeAdmissionsSelectivitySomecollegesarenowusingaholisticapproachtoadmissions,lookingatfactorssuchasextracurricularactivities,lettersofrecommendation,interviewsandessays.Atotherschools,yourgradepointaverage(GPA)andstandardizedtestscoresaretheprimarydeterminantofadmission.Asanapplicant,thesefactorscanhelpyouseewhethertheschoolisa“goodfit”academically.Youwantaschoolwhereyouarechallenged,notoverwhelmed.Formanyyearsthestandardformeasuringcollegeselectivitywastheuseofthe“mid50%”statistic.ThisstatisticreportstherangeofGPAandtestscores(ACTorSAT)forthemiddle50%ofincomingfreshmen.Youshouldcompareyourcredentialstothe“mid50%”averagesforschoolsonyourlist.IfyouhavenottakenanACTorSATyet,itispossibletoestimateananticipatedscorebasedontheresultsofyourPLANorPSATtestscores.DependingonwhetheryourGPAandscoresareabove,withinorbelowthemid50%rangedetermineswhethertheschoolisasafety,target,orreachschool.Youshouldbesuretoincludesafetyschoolsthatyouwanttoattendonyourcollegelist.YoucanalsouseNavianceScattergrams(below)todeterminehowselectiveacollegeis.ThesescattergramsanalyzeapplicationdatafromBGHSstudentapplicationssince2009.ThisallowsYoutocompareyourgradesandtestscorestopastBGHSstudentswhoappliedtoaschool.Youcanthenassesswhetheraschoolisasafetyschool,agoodfit,orareachschool.
Pleasenotethatscattergramsareadisplayofself-reportedhistoricaldatafromBGHSstudents.NotalladmissiondecisionswerereportedtoBGHS.
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CollegeSearch OnlineCollegeSearchWebsitesOnceyouhaveasenseofwhatcharacteristicsareimportanttoyou,onlinecollegesearchwebsitesareagreatwaytofindcollegesthatmeetyourcriteria.Thefollowingarelinkstotwopopularcollegesearchwebsites: HereareafewwaysyoucanuseNaviancetocreateyourlistofcolleges:
CollegeLookup–Findin-depthinformationonadmissionsstandards,financialaidavailability,offeredmajors,andstudentlifeatindividualcollegesyouareresearching.Youcanlinkdirectlytocollegewebsitesandinsomecasestakeavirtualtourofcampus.
CollegeSearch–Thisinteractivesurveyallowsyoutodevelopalistofcollegesbasedonwhatisimportanttoyou,suchascollegemajors,location,religiousaffiliation,andfavoriteactivitiesorsports.IfyouuseNaviancetofindcollegesthatmeetyoursearchcriteria,youshouldsavethoseschoolsunderthe“CollegesI’mThinkingAbout”sectionofyourNavianceaccount.
CollegeMatch–Onceyouhaveseveralschoolslistedin“CollegesI’mThinkingAbout”,thismatchingfeaturewillidentifyotherschoolsthatmaybesimilartotheonesyouhavechosen.
Scattergrams–ThisamazingtoolallowsyoutoseehowyourACTandgradepointaveragecomparestootherBGHSstudentswhohavebeenacceptedordeniedadmissiontoaparticularcollege.
VisitSchedule–CheckoutwhatcollegeadmissionsofficersarevisitingBGHSandusethesevisitstolearnmoreaboutschoolsofinterest.
CollegeMaps–Findschoolsofinterestandseetheirlocationdisplayedoninteractivemaps.Thisisgreatforplanningcollegevisits!
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OtherCollegeSearchResources:CollegeandCareerCenter(CCC)TheCollegeandCareerCenter(CCC)haveavarietyofcollegeandcareer-relatedbooks,brochures,videosandonlinetools.TheCollegeCareerCenterstaffisavailabletoanswerquestionsandhelpyouwitheachstepofthecollegesearch.CollegeWebsitesCollegewebsitesarethemostup-to-dateplacetofindspecificinformationoncolleges.Lookupadmissionscriteria,academicmajors,cost,size,settingandmore.Usetheadmissionsblogtointeractwithcurrentstudents.
CollegeRepsOver100admissionsrepresentativesvisitBGHSduringtheschoolyear.Thisisagreatwayforyoutomeetinasmallgroupwithrepsfromyourcollegesofinterest.RepvisitsoccurmainlySeptember-NovemberandagaininMarch-May.CollegerepvisitsarepostedoutsidetheCCC,onNaviance,andinthedailyannouncements.YoumustobtainapassfromtheCCCinadvanceofthevisitandgetyourteacher’spermissiontobeexcusedfromclass.TurninthecompletedformtoaCCCstaffmemberwhenyoumeetwiththerep.CollegeNightProgramsThecollegecounselorsofD214planmanyspecializedcollegenightprogramsthroughouttheyear.CampusVisitsAcampusvisitisthebestwaytoseewhatacollegeislike.Checkthecollege’swebsiteforinformationaboutvisitingthecollege.Itisbesttocallthecollege1–2weeksbeforeyourvisittofindoutwhattypesoftours,sessionsandactivitiesmaybeavailabletoyou.Duringyourvisit,trytomeetwithsomeonefromtheadmissionsofficeorattendaninformationsession.Askiftheycanarrangeforyoutomeetwithaprofessororrepresentativefromthedepartmentinwhichyouareinterested.Takeatourofthecampus,talktostudents,haveamealinthecafeteria,andpickupcopiesofthestudentnewspaper.Somecollegesalsocanarrangeforyoutositinonaclass.Ifyouwanttostayovernightinaresidencehall,askifthatcanbearranged.CollegeFairsThecollegecounselorsofDistrict214hostaCollegeFaireachAprilwithrepresentativesfromover200campusesacrosstheUS.Thisisagreatwaytobeginyoursearch.Also,theNationalAssociationofCollegeAdmissionsCounselors(NACAC)usuallyhostsaChicagofairinthefall.
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CollegeAthleticsNCAATheNCAA,orNationalCollegiateAthleticAssociation,wasestablishedin1906andistheathleticsgoverningbodyformorethan1280colleges,universities,conferencesandorganizations.NCAAschoolsaredividedintothreedivisions.DivisionIandIImembersmayofferathleticsscholarships,whileDivisionIIIschoolsmaynot.Formoreinformation,visitwww.ncaaeligibiltycenter.org.NAIATheNAIA,orNationalAssociationofIntercollegiateAthletics,foundedin1937,includesnearly300smallercolleges.Alistofthesecollegesmaybefoundatwww.naia.org.Over90%ofNAIAcollegesofferathleticscholarships.AllstudentswhowanttobecomeeitherNCAAorNAIAathletesshouldattendtheD214NCAANightinNovemberandreadtheD214Student-AthleteHandbook.Theseresourceshavevaluableinformationabouttherecruitmentandapplicationprocess.SpecialNeedsCollegeOptionsTherearemanycollegesthatareabletoservestudentswithspecialneeds.Therangeofservicesandassociatedcostsvarywidely.Studentsshouldworkcloselywiththeircasemanagerandcollegecounselorastheybeginplanningforcollegetodeterminethespecificneedsofthestudentandeachcollegeoruniversity’sabilitytoprovidetheseservices.StudentsmaywanttheirIEP,504,orotherdocumentationmadeavailabletotheirchosencollege.TheCollegeCareerCenterstaffcanguidethemonhowandwhentoadviseeachschool.SpecialaccommodationsforACTandSATtestingneedtobearrangedwellinadvanceofthetestdate.StudentslookingforSpecialEducationCollegeProgramsareencouragedtopickupacopyofDirections:ACollegeGuideforStudentswithSpecialNeedsfromtheCCCandattendtheDistrict214DirectionsCollegeFair.
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Factors To Consider When Choosing A College With thousands of colleges and universities from which to choose, your task can be challenging. However, if you take the time to think about some of the following considerations, the decision will be easier. Academic Environment
Will this college admit me? Have I satisfied the course or other academic requirements of the college? Are my test scores in the appropriate range for this school? Are the standards appropriate for my abilities and interests? What are the procedures for student orientation, class placement, and scheduling? Are classes guaranteed? How is a faculty assigned to a student? What services does the school offer for the student who is undecided about a major? What courses are required for all freshmen? When will I have the opportunity to study with full professors rather than graduate students? What are the typical class sizes for first year students and upper class students? What is the availability of counseling or tutorial programs in the event that I experience academic difficulty? How many students in last year’s freshman class returned for sophomore year? Where do graduates of this college attend graduate school? What kind of professions and careers do they enter after graduation?
Majors Most students change their majors at least once during their college careers. With this in mind, you should have a general idea of at least two or three areas that interest you, and you may want to consider how strong those departments are at the colleges you are considering.
Geographic Location For some students, attending a college close to home is a priority while others choose to be far away. Perhaps as important as the distance from home is the type of college community.
Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town, or rural)? What is the distance from home? If coming home for holidays and long weekends is important, are distance, transportation costs and availability prohibitive? Do you prefer a location where you have relatives or close friends? What types of transportation options are there? Can I have a car on campus? Is there parking available for students? Is there a cost? What are some aspects of the geographic and cultural diversity on campus? What is the surrounding community like? Is there a particular part of the country where you have always wanted to live?
Size of Campus
Large Campus 15,000-50,000 students Medium-sized Campus 5,000-15,000 students Small Campus Under 5,000 students
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Affordability/Financial Aid
What is the total cost of attendance? This includes: tuition, room and board, books/school supplies, travel, and personal expenses. How much did cost increase from last year to this year? Is there a difference in the cost for in-state and out-of-state students? What percent of students receive financial aid based on financial need? What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic ability? What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshman? What are the financial aid application procedures and deadlines? Will my financial aid be adjusted if my need increases? Is there a tuition payment plan? Are there campus jobs available?
Social Life
CommonMistakesMadeInTheCollegeSelectionProcessBeingPassive!
• Lettingthechoicejusthappeninsteadoftakingchargeoftheprocess.• Followingtheleadofyourfriends.• Takinganysuggestionwithoutstudyingitfirst.• Notdecidingforyourself.• Applyingtomanycollegesindiscriminatelysoyoucanpostponethinkingaboutwhich
onetoattend.• Rememberthecollegeselectionprocessissomethingyoumakehappen,it
doesn’thappentoyou!Makeaplanandthenworktheplan.PleasingOthers!
• Applyingtocollegesyouarenotreallyinterestedin,justpleasingothersorimpressingthemwithwhereyouwereaccepted.
Losingsightofyoumainreasonforgoingtocollege!
• Takesometimetoexaminebothyourheadandyourheart!• Thinkaboutwhoyouare,whatyoulike,andwhatyoudonotlike.Thensetouttofind
the“RIGHTFIT”!
What is the average age of the student body? What is the male to female ratio? What percent of students reside on campus? Are dorms co-ed or single sex? Is it a “suitcase college” where many of the students leave on the weekends? What are the procedures for selecting a roommate?
Are there athletic activities, clubs, and Greek life? What events or activities are available on campus?
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COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS AT BUFFALO GROVE HIGH SCHOOL
Next to visiting a college campus, your best means of gaining a picture of a college is to talk with college representatives when they visit BGHS. Each year college reps from over one hundred institutions visit our high school to talk with prospective students. The majority of these visits occur during the first semester. Not only are the representatives able to provide current, accurate information about their college, but they are also an additional contact with the admissions office. A schedule of college representatives visiting BGHS is available on our daily morning announcements and posted on Naviance. In addition, an automatic e-mail reminder is sent to students 48 hours in advance of a college representative visit for all colleges that are listed on Naviance under “Colleges I’m Thinking About.” The visits are held in the CCC during the regular school day. You must prearrange your absence from class with your teacher by obtaining a pass in the CCC. See the sample pass below. Most representatives will stay for the class period. If you are unable to attend, but would like information, leave you name in the CCC and the materials will be collected for you. ********************************************************************************************
PASS TO MEET WITH COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE
STUDENT NAME _____________________________________ID#___________________ A representative from ________________________________________________________ will be here on (Date) ____________________________PERIOD_____________________ The above student has my permission to be excused from class for this visit. ________________________________________ Teacher signature To the student: Please bring this signed pass with you to the CCC at the time of the visit. Return the white copy to your teacher after CCC signature. Thank you!
_________________________________________
College Career Center
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QuestionstoAskaCollegeRepresentative
Whenvisitingwithacollegerepresentative,askplentyofquestionstoensureyouchoosethecollegethatbestmatchyourneeds.Belowisalistofsuggestedquestionsthatwillgetyoustartedwhenmeetingwithacollegerepresentative.AskquestionsaboutAcademics
• Whatmajorsorprogramsdoyouoffer?• Ismydegreeprogramaccredited?• Whatpercentofyourstudentsgraduatewithin4years/5years?• Doyouhaveinternshipopportunitiesavailableoncampus,orinthecommunity?• WillIhaveanadvisortohelpmewithprogram,majorandgraduationrequirements?• WhendoIhavetodeclareamajorofstudy?• HowdifficultisittogettheclassscheduleIneed?• Whatistheaverageclasssize?• Doyouhaveanhonorsprogram?• Dostudentshavetheopportunityparticipateinresearchoncampus?• DoyouofferacademicsupportservicesifIneedthem?• Whatoptions/supportdoyouhaveforstudyabroad?
AskquestionsaboutAdmissions:• Whatareyouradmissionrequirements?• Whatisyourapplicationprocess?• Whatisthedeadlineforyourapplication?• IfIgotoacommunitycollegefirst,willmycreditstransfer?
AskquestionsaboutStudentLife:• Whattypeofhousingisavailableforstudents?• Howmanystudentsareenrolledatyourcollege?• Tellmeaboutthestudentorganizationsandactivitiesoncampus?• Whatkindsofsocial,culturalandrecreationalactivitiesareavailableoncampusandin
thecommunity?• Howsafeisyourcampus?Whatprecautionsdoesthecampusprovideforstudent
safety?AskquestionsaboutFinancialAid:
• Whattypeoffinancialaidisavailable?• WhenandhowdoIapplyforfinancialaid?• Whatscholarshipsareavailablethroughyourschoolandwhen/howshouldIbegin
applyforthem?• Whatisthetotalcostofattendanceforyourschoolincludingtuition,roomandboard,
booksandfees?• Isiteasytogetapart-timejoboncampus,inthecommunity?
AskquestionsaboutTechnology:• Whatequipmentandsoftwaredoyoucurrentlyuseoncampus?• Tellmeaboutthetechnologyservicesandsupportonyourcampus.
AskquestionsaboutCareerServices:• Whattypeofcareerplacementassistancedoyouoffer?• Whattypesofjobsareyourgraduatesgetting?• Whatisyourjobplacementrateformymajor?
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CampusVisits:ANecessity There’snosubstituteforseeingacollegeyourself!
BeforeYourVisitPlanahead.Mostschoolsofferanumberofvisitoptionsforyouandyourfamily.Thismightincludeanopenhouse,campustour,meetingfacultyandstudentsinyourmajor,classroomvisitsorshadowprograms.Itisimportanttoregisterforyourcampusvisitsonlineateachschoolswebsiteorcalltoscheduleavisit.Plannow.Popularschoolsclosetheirregistrationforvisitswhenfull.Researchtheschoolbeforeyourvisit.LookupinformationonlineandintheCollege/CareerCenter.Createalistofquestions,whicharemeaningfultoyoursearch.Dressneatlyincaseyouhavetheopportunitytomeetprivatelywithanadmissionsrepresentative.Wearcomfortableshoes–somewalkingtourscanberelativelylong.TheVisit:Athoroughvisitconsistsofthefollowing:
• Anappointmentwithanadmissionofficer.• Atourofthecampusfacilities.Makesurethisincludesthelibrary,studentunion,
residencehalls,athleticfacilitiesandfacilitiesimportanttoyourmajor.• Attendingaclassortwo.Thiscouldtakeplacewhileparentmeetwithafinancialaid
officer.• Anappointmentwithaprofessorinyourfield(s)ofinterest.• GoingtothePlacementOfficetodeterminewhichemployersrecruittheschool’s
graduatesandthejoboutlookforgraduatesinthefield(s)ofstudentinterest.• Pickupaschool/studentnewspaper.• Talkwithstudentsoncampus.• Taketimetolookaroundonyourown.Tourthelocalcommunitytoexplorethe
resourcesavailableinitandthedegreeofacceptanceoftheschoolanditsstudents.• Optionalbutveryinformative.Stayovernightinadorm.Theadmissionsofficemaybe
abletoarrangeforsuchaccommodations.AfterthevisitWritedownyourimpressionswhiletheyarestillfreshinyourmind.
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CollegeComparisonWorksheet
ComparativeCriteria CAMPUS1 CAMPUS2 CAMPUS3COLLEGENAME
LOCATION• Location&sizeofnearestcity• Transportationrequired(Air,train,
car)
ENVIRONMENT• Setting(urban,rural)• Co-ed,male,female• Enrollment• Religiousaffiliation
ADMISSIONREQUIREMENTS• Deadlines• Testsrequired• Averagetestscores,GPA• Requiredapplicationmaterials
SELECTIVITYRATINGFORYOU:• Safety,GoodFit,Reach
ACADEMICS• Majorsthatinterestyou• Classestaughtbyprofessorsor
assistants?• Largestclasssize/Typicalclasssize• Academicresourcesavailable• Percentofreturningfreshmen• Graduationrate
COLLEGEEXPENSES• Tuition,room&board• Estimatedtotalbudget• Applicationfee&deposit
FINANCIALAID• Deadlines/Requiredforms• %ofstudentsreceivingaid• Scholarshipsavailable
HOUSING• Residencehallavailability• Residencehallrequirement• Roomtypesandsizes• FoodPlan• Percentofstudentslivingoncampus
ACTIVITIES• Clubs,organizations• Varsity,club,intramuralsports• Typicalweekendactivities
IMPRESSIONS:• Personalreaction• Rank/OrderofPreference
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StandardizedTesting:TheACT,SAT&MoreAnimportantpartofpreparingforthecollegeapplicationprocessistotakestandardizedcollegeentranceexams.MostcollegesrequireeithertheACTorSATforadmissionspurposes,butsomewillrequireadditionaltestslistedbelow.Checkwithindividualcollegesastowhichentranceexamsarerequiredforadmission.ACTTest
TheACTiscurriculum-basedandtestsfourareas:English,mathematics,reading,andscientificreasoning.Sub-scoresrangingfrom1-36willbegivenineachoftheseareasaswellasanoverallcompositescore.TheACTtestalsoincludesanoptionalwritingtest.However,sincesomecollegesmayrequireanACTthatincludestheWritingsubtestaspartoftheapplication,werecommendalljuniorsmakesuretheyhaveatleastoneACTscorewiththeoptionalWritingtest.ThespringofyourjunioryearisthebesttimetotakeanACT.
Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) ThisisanoptionaltestmainlytakenbyjuniorsandsomesophomoresinOctober.PSATscoresarenotreportedtocollegesbutmaybeusedtopredictSATscore.Additionally,thistestisusedasthefirststepinqualifyingfortheNationalMeritScholarshipProgram.HighscoringjuniorswillbedesignatedasNationalMeritsemi-finalistsandwillbeaskedtotakeanSATTestandfilloutanapplicationinordertobeconsideredfortheNationalMeritscholarship.StudentsinterestedinthePSATmustregisterinadvancewithBuffaloGroveHighSchool’sassessmentcoordinator.
SATTestTheSATtestisanachievementtestmeasuringknowledgeinthreecontentareas:Evidence-basedReading&Writing,MathematicsandanoptionalEssay.Thescoreforeachtestwillrangefrom200-800foramaximumof1600points.Thethreedimensionsoftheoptionalessaysectionarescoredfrom2-8andarereportedseparately.TheSATisoneoftwostandardizedteststhatcanbesubmittedaspartoftheadmissionsprocessandistypicallytakeninspringofjunioryear.
SATSubjectTestsSATSubjectTestsmeasurehowwellastudenthasmasteredaparticularhighschoolsubject.AnumberofhighlyselectivecollegesrequiretwoorthreeSATSubjectTestsforadmissions,oneofwhichmustbemath.Eachtestisa60-minutemultiple-choiceexam.Thereare20differentsubjecttestsandstudentsmayregisterforuptothreeonanygiventestdate.ItisrecommendedthatstudentsinterestedinapplyingtoselectivecollegestakeSATSubjectTestsuponcompletionofacourseinasubjectthattheydonotplantocontinue(e.g.biology,chemistry,U.S.history).
AdvancedPlacement(AP)Test
Thesearethree-hourcomprehensiveexaminationsgiveninMay,basedonacollegelevelcoursetakeninhighschool.StudentsenrolledinAdvancedPlacementcoursespreparefortheseexamswithintheirclasses.Themostselectiveschoolsmayconsider
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APscoresinadmissionsdecisions,butthescoresareprimarilyusedforcollegecreditand/orplacementintohigher-levelcollegecourses.RegistrationandtestingarehandleddirectlythroughtheAssessmentCenter.CollegewebsitesgenerallycontaininformationonwhichAPexamstheywillaccept,thescorerequiredforcollegecredit,andthecollegecoursesforwhichyouwillreceivecredit.Moreinfo,goto:http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html.
CollegeLevelExaminationProgram(CLEP)
Theseexamsprovidestudentsofanyagetheopportunitytodemonstratecollege-levelachievementthroughaprogramofexamsinundergraduatecollegecourses.CLEPtestsaregivenonseveralcollegecampuseseachyear,includingHarperCommunityCollege.Dependingonthescores,thestudentsmayearncollegecreditoradvancedplacementintheinstitution.
TestofEnglishasaForeignLanguage(TOEFL)TheTOEFLisacomputer-basedtestusedtomeasuretheEnglishproficiencyofstudentswhohavebeenspeakingEnglishforlessthan5years.ThistestisusedintheadmissionprocessinadditiontotheACTorSATrequirement.Formoreinformation,gotohttp://www.toefl.org/
TestPrep ThebestpreparationfortheACTandSATistotakechallenginghighschoolcorecoursesandtoworkhardtolearnthematerial.Avarietyoftestpreparationmaterials(books,online,classes,etc.)areavailableifyoudesirefurtherpreparation.BuffaloGroveHighSchooloffersTestPreparationclasses.PleaseseetheBGHSwebsiteformoreinformation.
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TheCollegeApplicationProcessWhilethecounselorsandCollegeCareerCenterstaffareheretosupportallBGHSstudents,itistheSTUDENTwhoisresponsibleforsubmittingallapplications,fees,essays,officialtestscores,andsupplementalmaterialstocolleges.Ifyouareplanningtoattendatwoorfouryearcollege,theapplicationgenerallyconsistsofthefollowing:
• Required:o Theapplicationitself(online)o Applicationfeeorwaivero Transcripto Officialtestscores(ACTorSAT)
• Supplementarymaterialsrequiredbysomecolleges:o SecondarySchoolReportorCounselorFormo Counselorand/orteacherrecommendationso Personalstatementoressayo ActivitiesResumeo Interviewo Portfolio(forFineArtsprograms)
TheApplicationTheapplicationistheformonwhichyousupplycontactinformation,collegemajortowhichyouareapplying,andothergeneralinformation.Youshouldbecompletingyourcollegeapplicationsduringthefallofyoursenioryear.Mostcollegespreferthatapplicationsarefiledonline.Checkeachcollege’swebsitefortheironlineapplication.
CommonApplicationThereareover600collegesanduniversitiesthatnowacceptthe“CommonApplication”.IfyouareapplyingtomorethanoneCommonApplicationSchool,youcanfillouttheCommonApplicationonetimeanduseittoapplytomultiplecolleges.SomeoftheseschoolsmayrequiresupplementalquestionsandessaysinadditiontothoseontheCommonApplication.ForacompletelistofCommonApplicationSchoolsandtheCommonApplicationforms,visitthewebsite:https://www.commonapp.org. Regardlessofthetypeofapplicationyoufile,please:
• Makeacarefullistofthematerialsrequiredtocompletetheapplication,suchasanofficialtranscriptorcounselorrecommendationform.Besuretorequestthesesupplementalmaterialswithplentyoftimeforthemtobecompletedandmailedbytheapplicationdeadlinedate.
• Fillouttheapplicationcarefullyandcompletely.Ifyouareworkingonline,saveyourapplicationregularly,sothatyoudonotlooseyourwork.
• PaycloseattentiontotheapplicationdeadlinesandbesuretosubmitALLmaterialsbythedeadlinedate.
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ApplicationFeeorFeeWaiverMostapplicationsrequireafeewiththeapplication.StudentsonFreeandReducedLunchorpublicassistanceareeligibleforafeewaiverandshouldstopbytheCollegeCareerCenter(CCC)fortheproceduresonrequestingafeewaiver.TranscriptMostcollegeapplicationsrequireastudent’sofficialtranscriptsentdirectlyfromthehighschool’sRegistrar.YouwillneedtorequestthetranscriptbyfilinganApplicationNotificationandRequestForm(ANR)intheCCC.Whiletranscriptsareusuallysentelectronicallyandaresentoutquickly,atpeakperiodsitcantakeweekstoprocessrequests.Pleaseallow15schooldaysforatranscripttobesent.TestScoresBuffaloGroveHighSchooldoesnotsendACTorSATtestscores.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttosendtestscorestoallcollegestowhichtheyapply.Mostcollegeswillusethehighesttestscorewhenmultiplescoreshavebeensent.Somecollegeswillcombinethehighestsubscoresfrommultipletestsinordertocomputeahighercompositescore.Forthisreason,itisagoodideaforstudentstosendallscores.Pleasecheckwitheachcollegetodeterminetheirpolicy.AtthetimeofregistrationfortheACTorSAT,youmayspecifyuptofourcollegestosendyourscoresfornoadditionalcost.Ifyouwouldliketosendscorestoadditionalcollegesatalatertime,youmustcontactACTorSATandpayanadditionalfee(about$12)perschool.Studentswillhavetheoptiontochoosescoresfromoneormoretestdatestosendtoacollege.
ForACT: www.actstudent.orgForSATorSATSubjectTests: www.collegeboard.com
WhenreportingACTscores,youcanchoosetosubmittestscoresfromaspecifictestingdateorsubmitallyourtestscores.Studentsoftenprefertosendonlytheirtestswiththehighestcompositescores.However,someselectiveschoolsrequireALLscorestobesent.Othercollegesusethehighesttestscorewhenmultiplescoreshavebeensent.Andothercollegescombinethehighestsubscoresfrommultipleteststocomputeahighercompositescore,knownasa“superscore”.Forthesereasons,itmaybeagoodideaforstudentstosendalltestscores.Checkwitheachcollegetodeterminetheirpolicy.
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Counselor Letter of Recommendation -Secondary School Report or Counselor Form YourapplicationmayrequireaSecondarySchoolReport,CounselorForm,orletterofrecommendationfromyourcounselor.CompletetheCounselorRecommendationQuestionnaireinNavianceBEFOREaskingyourcounselortocompletethesedocumentssothatyourcounselorhastheinformationneededtowriteastrongrecommendation.UsethecheckboxesontheANRtoindicateifaletterand/oracounselorformareneededfortheapplication.Thesedocumentswillbepreparedbyyourcounselorandsentwiththetranscript.Allowatleast15schooldaysforyourcounselortowriteyourletter. TeacherLetterofRecommendationsSomecollegesrequireteacherrecommendations.Askyourteacherinpersontowritealetterofrecommendationandprovideyourteacherwithanyinformationthatwouldbehelpfultoincludeinhis/herrecommendation.Alsoinformyourteacherofapplicationdeadlines.TheteacherwilluploadtheletterandappropriateformsonNaviance;theCollegeCareerCenterwillreleasethemeitheron-lineorbymailtothecollegeoruniversityasindicatedontheANR.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytofollowupwiththeirrecommenders.Hereareafewtips:
• Selectateacherofacoreacademicsubjectorclassrelatedtoyourcareerinterestormajor.CollegespreferJuniororSenioryearteachers.Itisbestiftheteacherknowsyouverywellasastudent–yourinterests,abilitiesandmotivation.
• Asktheteacherinpersoniftheycanhonestlygiveyouapositiverecommendation.Iftheyhesitateorhavereservations,youshouldasksomeoneelse.
• Youcanaskoneteachertoproviderecommendationstomultipleschools.Completea
TeacherRecommendationRequestFormtolistallyourcollegesthatneedrecommendations,theirduedatesandwhethertheyareCommonApplicationSchools.
• Asktheteacherwhattheyneedtowriteyoualetterorrecommendation.TheymayinterviewyouoraskyoutocompleteanInformationFormforTeacherRecommendationtogetanin-depthdescriptionofyouracademicstrengths,interests,goalsandfutureplans.
• Collegeslookmostfavorablyonrecommendationsyouhavewaivedtherighttoreview(i.e.,senttothecollegedirectlyfromthepersonwritingtherec.letter).
• Allowatleast15schooldaysforateachertowriteyourletter
• Sendathankyounotetotheteacherwhentheapplicationprocessisover.
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Senior/ActivitiesResumeAsenior/activityresumeisabrief,easy-to-read,summaryofyouracademics,honors,extracurricularactivities,volunteerexperiencesandworkexperience.Insomecases,theresumecanbeusedinlieuofcompletingtheactivitysectiononacollegeapplication.Aresumeisonlyrecommendedwhentheapplicationdoesnotprovideenoughspaceforyoutolist,ingreaterdetail,adescriptionofyouractivitiesandexperiences.Somecolleges/universitiesrequirethatyoucompletetheactivitiessectionoftheapplication,sopleasereadtheinstructionscarefully!ResumeWritingTips:
1. Limitresumetoonepage.2. Includenameandanticipateddateofgraduationasaheading.3. Organizeyouractivitiesintocategories:academicrecognition,extracurricular
activities,volunteerexperiencesandemployment.4. Listyourinformationinreversechronologicalorderwiththemostrecentlisted.5. Appearanceisveryimportant.Useblankspace,fontsize,bold,italicandunderline
features,andindentortabfeaturestocreateanoutlineeffect.6. Besuretoproofreadforerrors.7. Besuretohighlightleadershippositions.8. Youcanusetheresume-writingfeatureinNaviancetohelpyouwithformattingyour
resume.
SampleSenior/ActivitiesResume
SuzieSchoolGraduationDate-June2018
AcademicRecognition
HonorRoll 6semesters 2015-currentStudentoftheMonth-Science Grade10 February2016ExtracurricularActivities
NameofActivity Grades9,10,11,12 2014-currentNameofActivity Grades11,12 2016-current VolunteerExperiences
VolunteerExperience 2015-current 2hoursperweekVolunteerExperience 2014-2015 1hourperweek Employment
NameofEmployer Summer2015 40hoursperweekNameofEmployer Summer2014 15hoursperweek
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Essays Manycollegesrequiresomeformofwrittenworkfromtheapplicant.TheadmissionsofficewillbejudgingyourabilitytousetheEnglishlanguageandyourabilitytofollowdirections.Requiredwritingworksaregenerallyclassifiedasanessay,personalstatement,aprofessionalstatement,orawritingsample.Thesearedescribedbelow:Essay:Oftentimes,studentsaregivenanessayquestionorseveraltochoosefromandaskedtorespondinwritingtothequestion.Whengivenachoiceofquestions,yourchoice,initself,beginstotelltheadmissionsofficesomethingaboutyou.PersonalStatement:Thepurposeofthepersonalstatementistoallowtheadmissionsrepresentativetolearnsomethingmoreaboutyounotfoundintheapplication.Thisisyouropportunitytoshowyouruniquecharacteristics.Inrarecases,studentsmayusethepersonalstatementtoexplainanextenuatingcircumstancethatcausedthestudent’scredentialstobelessfavorablethantheirtrueability.ProfessionalStatement:Theprofessionalstatementshoulddetailthestudent’sinterestinaparticularmajorand/orfuturecareeraspirations.Thestudentshouldtalkabouthowandwhenhisinterestbeganandwhatexperienceshe/shehassoughttofurtherexplorehis/herinterestarea.WritingSample:Schoolsthatrequireawritingsamplearemerelyaskingthatyousendarepresentativesampleofyourwritingability.Thiscouldbeawrittenassignmentfromanypastclassofwhichyouareproudandforwhichyoureceivedagoodgrade.Belowareafewsuggestionsforcreatingastrongessay.
• Writeanessaytoexpressyouruniqueness.Donotincludeinformationalreadylistedontheapplicationortranscript.
• Followthedirections.Answerthequestionthatisaskedorwriteaboutwhattheyarelookingfor.Ifthereisarequestonthenumberofwordstoprovide,adheretoit.
• Prepareanessaythatfitstherequestofeachcollege.“Generic”essaysthatarewrittentofitawiderangeofcircumstancesanddonotaddressoridentifyaspecificcollegeareeasilydetectedandoflittlevalue.Showtheadmissionsprofessionalthatyoucareenoughabouttheirschooltoconsideritindividually.
• Leaveyourselftimetorewriteandrevise.Someschoolsreleasetheiressayquestionsthesummerbeforesenioryear.Usethattimetogetstarted.
• Don’tjustspellcheckyouressay,taketimetoproofreadit.Checkforgrammar,spelling,capitalization,punctuation,awkwardphrasing,cliché’s,vague/dullstatements,organization,andcontentflow.
*VisittheCollegeCareerCenterandtheLiteracyLabforadditionalreferencesandsupportregardinghowtowritecollegeessays.
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Interview SomecollegesMAYrequireorrecommendaninterviewforadmissionorforscholarships.Theinterview may be conducted by a representative of the college’s admission staff or by analumnilivinginyourlocalcommunity. Theinterviewisanadditionalopportunityforyoutohighlightyouruniqueness,yourpersonality,andwhatyoucanbringtothedesiredcollege.Afewtips:
1. Scheduletheinterviewinadvance.Arrangeyourinterviewwiththecollegeadmissionsofficeatleastthreeorfourweeksinadvancebytelephoneore-mail.
2. Makeagood first impression. Arrive foryourappointmentontimeorperhapsa fewminutesearly.Dressneatly,bepunctual,andshakehandsinitiallyandattheendoftheinterview.Makedirecteyecontactwiththeinterviewerandlistenattentively.
3. Be prepared. Consult the college’s materials and website so that you can ask
appropriatequestionsportrayingyourgenuineinterestintheschool.
4. Be prepared to discuss your academic and extracurricular record quite specifically.Focusonwhatyouhaveaccomplishedandhowtheseexperienceshavehelpedshapewhoyouare.
5. Showgenuineinterestandenthusiasmforthecollege.Askquestionsofyourown.
6. Remember that thecollege is interested in interviewingyou, theprospective student,
notyourparents. It isperfectlyacceptable foryourparents toaccompanyyouto theadmissionofficeandevengreettheadmissionrepresentativeoraskapressingquestionortwo.
7. Than the interviewer for his/her time and ask for a business card or contactinformation.Followupwithathankyounote.
SampleQuestions:
• Tellmeaboutyourself.• Describeyourselfinthreewords.• Whatisthereasonforparticipatinginathletics,yearbook,andstudentgovernment…?• Howdidyoucometoconsiderourcampus?• Howdoyouspendyourfreetime?• Whatistheoverridingconsiderationinyourchoiceofacollege?• Whatwasthelastbookyoureadthatwasnotrequiredforclass?• Whomdoyouadmire?
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FinancialAidAscollegecostscontinuetosoar, financialaidandyourexpectedfamilycontributiontowardcollegecostshavebecomeanincreasinglyimportantpartofthecollegeselectionprocess.Whatisfinancialaid?Financialaidisthecombinationofresources(loans,work-studyorgrants)thatsupplementwhatthefamilyisexpectedtocontributetowardthecostsofacollegeeducation.Financialaidcanbedividedintotwobasiccategories:meritaidandneed-basedaid.Meritaidcanbebasedonbothacademicandpersonalachievements,whilethefamilyand/orthestudent’sabilitytopaythecostsofeducationdetermineneed-basedaid.Financialneedisdeterminedbysubtractingthegovernmentcalculatedfamilycontributionfromthecostofeducation:CostofAttendance-ExpectedFamilyContribution(EFC)=FinancialNeedCostofAttendance(COA)-Thetotalamountitwillcostastudenttogotocollegeforanacademicyear,includingtuitionandfees,roomandboard,books,supplies,transportation,costsassociatedwithadisability,andmiscellaneousexpenses.Thecollegesetsthisfigure.ExpectedFamilyContribution(EFC)-AnamountdeterminedbyaformulaestablishedbytheFederalGovernmentthatindicateshowmuchofafamily'sfinancialresourcesshouldbeavailabletohelppayforschool.
ItisimportanttoknowthatyourExpectedFamilyContribution(EFC)isthesameregardlessofthecostofthecollege.Becauseexpensesatcollegesvaryandtheamountthefamilyisexpectedtopayremainsthesame,youcouldbeeligibleformoreaidatahighercostcollegethanalowercostcollege.Additionally,meritandathleticscholarshipsmayalsobeofferedbasedonthestudent’sacademicsuccessorspecialtalentsandareusuallynotrelatedtofinancialneed.Forallthesereasons,studentsshouldnotbedeterredfromapplyingtoschoolswithhighertuitioncostsiftheyareagoodfit.YoucangetanearlyestimateyourexpectedfamilycontributionandfinancialaideligibilitybyusingtheNetPriceCalculatorspostedonindividualcollegewebsites.Ifyouqualifyforeithermeritorneed-basedaid,collegesanduniversitieswillmailalettersummarizingfinancialaidpackages,usuallyinAprilofsenioryear.
Thebestcontacteachfamilyhaswhileapplyingforfinancialaidisthefinancialaidadministratorateachoftheirstudent’scolleges.
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FreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid(FAFSA):ThefirststepinsecuringfinancialaidandscholarshipsistocompletetheFreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid(FAFSA).TheFAFSAisusedtodetermineastudent’seligibilityforfederalgrants,loans,andwork-studyaid.TheFAFSAisalsousedbyIllinoistodeterminestateaidandbycollegesanduniversitiesacrossthecountryasthestartingpointfordeterminingschool-specificfinancialaidandscholarships.TheonlineFAFSAapplicationisthefastestandmostaccuratewaytoprocessyourinformation.ALLstudentsapplyingtocollegeshouldcompletetheFAFSAwhentheformbecomesavailable.Thisisthetimewhenavailablefundingisthegreatest.
• FAFSA – Free Application For Federal Student Aid - www.fafsa.ed.gov
• FAFSA FSA ID – The student and one parent must create a user-selected username and password to authenticate their identify and electronically sign the online FAFSA application.
• Student Aid Report (SAR) – A report generated after completion of the
FAFSA. This report summarizes the family financial situation.
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – The EFC is reported on the SAR. The EFC is a number that measures your family’s financial strength. It is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance at the school(s) to which you have applied to determine financial need.
TheCSSFinancialAidPROFILETheCSSPROFILEisthefinancialaidapplicationserviceoftheCollegeBoard.SomeprivateandhighlyselectivecollegesmayrequirethisforminadditiontotheFAFSAtohelpthemawardnonfederalstudentaidfunds.
• CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE – https://profileonline.collegeboard.com
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
ISAC provides financial assistance for college education in Illinois colleges through the many grant, scholarship, loan, and prepaid tuition plans. Illinois Student Assistance Commission – isac.org
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Scholarshipsareagreatwaytosecureadditionalfundsforyoureducation,sincescholarshipsare“giftaid”thatdoesnotneedtobepaidback.Scholarshipsareawardedforathleticandacademictalentaswellasparticipationinsuchthingsasextracurricularactivities,jobexperiences,andvolunteerandcommunityservice.Somescholarshipsarebasedonpersonalinformationsuchaswhereyouattendedelementaryschool,yourethnicbackgroundorevenyourheight!MeritScholarshipsareoffereddirectlyfromthecollegeoruniversitytostudentswithhighacademiccredentialsorspecialtalents.Thesescholarshipsaresometimesofferedtothestudentwhentheyarenotifiedofadmission.Othertimesstudentsneedtoresearchscholarshipopportunitiesonthecollegefinancialaidtab.Financialneedisusuallynotafactorinthedeterminationofmeritscholarships.Securingscholarshipsfromlocalornationalbusinessesandnonprofitgroupsinvolvesaninvestmentoftime.Studentsmustresearchscholarshipsthatmatchtheirqualifications.Scholarshipapplicationsoftenrequireessays,teacherrecommendations,ACT/SATscores,andatranscript.StudentswillfindinformationonmanylocalandnationalscholarshipsthroughtheCollegeResourcespageoftheJohnHerseyHighSchoolwebsiteandtheNavianceScholarshippage.Scholarshipsarealsoadvertisedonthemonitorsthroughouttheschool.Whenstudentswantmoreinformationaboutlocalscholarships,theyshouldreviewthescholarshipfilesintheCCC.Studentsshouldpayattentiontoscholarshipdeadlines.BeAwareofScholarshipScamsScholarshipsandfinancialaidoffersthatshowupinthemailandontheWebmaybethetoolsofconartistsdesignedto“con”studentsandparents.Beawareofthefollowingphrases:“Thescholarshiporserviceisguaranteedoryourmoneyback.”“Youcan’tgetthisinformationanywhereelse.”“MayIhaveyourcreditcardorbankaccounttoregisterorholdthisscholarship?”Thescholarshipwillcostsomemoney,orthereisanapplicationfee
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SPRING-JUNIORYEARContinuethecollegeselectionprocess.AttendDistrict214CollegeCounselingEventstolearnasmuchasyoucanaboutthecollegesearchandapplicationprocess.CheckNavianceforinformationregardingtheseprogramsontheHomePageunder“Update”.
• Junior/ParentInformationNightBGHSFebruary6th7pm
• AttendJuniorCorebeginningFebruary6thoutofUSHistoryClasses
• NavianceFamiliarizeyourselfwithyourpersonalNavianceaccount.Completethe“GamePlan”,makesureyouhavecompletedboththe“CareerInterestProfiler”and“DoWhatYouAre”personalitytypeassessment,completeacollegesearchandcreatealistofschoolsyouarethinkingabout.MakesureyoucheckforemailsfromtheCollegeCareerCenterandyourcounselor.CometotheCollegeCareerCenterifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutNaviance.• DevelopalistofcollegestoconsiderbyusingNaviance,resourcesintheCollegeCareer
CenterandinformationobtainedatCore
• Attendthe“AsktheCollege”NightProgramonTuesday,February16thatForestViewEducationalCenter7:00pm
• AttendtheFinancialAidNightforJuniorsatRollingMeadowsHighSchoolMonday,
March13that7pm
• AttendtheDistrict214CollegeFairatForestViewEducationCenterTuesday,April4th6pmto8:30pm
AttendtheDistrict214CollegeFairtovisittherepresentativesfromover250collegesanduniversities.Reviewthehandoutsandexplorethevarietyofacademicprogramsandlivingenvironmentsavailable.Registertobeonthemailinglistsofschoolsthatinterestyou.Beforethecollegenight,printoutlabelsthatincludeyourcontactinformation,highschoolname,graduationyearaswellasacademicand/orathleticinterests.Theselabelscanbeusedtocomplete“requestforinformation”cards.• MeetwithCollegeRepresentativesMeetwithvisitingcollegerepresentativesintheCollegeCareerCenteratBuffaloGroveHighSchool.CheckNaviance,BGwebsiteandlistentodailyannouncementsforanupdatedlistofvisitingschools.• ScheduleandtakeACTExamand/orSATExam.DetermineifyouneedtotaketheSATIIExams.Checkuniversity/collegewebsitesfortestsrequired.• StateSATwithwritingTheStateSATisgivenatBGHSonWednesday,April5th(TheresultsoftheStateSATcanbeusedforcollegeadmissions.)
• ScheduleAppointmentwithCollegeCounselorThisappointmentprovidesstudentstheopportunitytodiscusstheirfutureplans,obtainadditionalinformationregardingthecollegeapplicationprocessandanswerindividualquestions.The
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CollegePlanningWorksheetonNavianceneedstobecompletedbeforeyouscheduleanappointment.
• RegisterwiththeNCAA/NAIAEligibilityCenterRegisterwiththeNationalCollegiateAthleticAssociation,orNCAAEligibilityCenterifyouplanoncompetinginDivisionIorDivisionIIcollegeathletics.Registeratwww.elibibilitycenter.org.RegisterwiththeNationalAssociationofIntercollegiateAthletics,orNAIAEligibilityCenterifyouplanonplayingformemberschools.Alistofthosecollegescanbefoundatwww.naia.org.PickupaD214Student-AthleteHandbookintheCollegeCareerCenter.Thisbookletwillguideyouthroughtheprocessofparticipatinginathleticsatthecollegelevel.
• CollegeVisitsPrepareforcollegevisitsyouwouldliketomakeinspringandsummer.Mostcampustourschedulescanbefoundontheschool’swebsite.Makeyourreservationsnow.Whileoncampus,meetwithadmissioncounselors,takeatour,meetwithaprofessorinyouracademicarea,sitinonaclass,andlookforopportunitiesto“connect”withcollegepersonnel.• WritingSamplesSavejunioryeargradedwritingassignments.Somecollegesmayrequirethemaspartoftheapplicationorinplaceofarequiredessay.• LettersofRecommendationsBeginthinkingofteachers,coaches,sponsorsoremployerswhoknowyouwellenoughtowritealetterofrecommendationifrequired.Securingstrongrecommendationsrequiresadvanceplanning.
SUMMER-JUNIORYEAR
• Academic/Activity/Volunteer/EmploymentResumeSummerisagoodtimetopreparearesume.Thepurposeofaresumeistohighlightactivitiesand/oremploymentthatyouhaveparticipatedinduringyourhighschoolyears.Limityourresumetoonepage.Theresumeshouldincludeacademiccourses,extracurricularactivities,communityservice,achievements,andawards.YoucanuseNaviancetocreatearesumeorfollowsampleinthisbooklet• StartworkingoncollegeessaysManyapplicationsrequiresomeformofwrittenwork.Thisallowsyoutoshowwhoyouarebeyondyourtranscriptandtestscores.TheadmissionsofficewillalsobejudgingyourabilitytousetheEnglishlanguageandfollowdirections.• FileofCollegeInformation/CollegeVisitsNowisagoodtimetoorganizeafileofcollegeinformation.Thiswillhelpyouplanvisitstoschoolsthatinterestyou.• ACT/SATRetakesReviewyourtestresultstodecidewhetheryoushouldretakeanexamintheFallofyoursenioryear.• Considerasummeractivitysuchas:Retakingaclasstoimprovethegradepointaverage,completeaninternshiporfindemployment.• Finalizeyourlistofcolleges
Besureyourlistincludes“safety”schools,aswellasgood“match”and“reach”schools.
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FIRSTSEMESTER-SENIORYEAR
Applytocolleges.Makedecisions.Finishhighschoolwithprideinyourselfandyouraccomplishments.• SeniorGuidanceAttendseniorguidancetolearndetailsofthecollegeapplicationprocess,toreviewyourtranscript,andtocheckyourprogresstowardsgraduation.Obtaingeneralposthighschoolplanninginformation.• SeniorParentInformationNightLearnmoreaboutposthighschooloptionsandtheapplicationprocessatBGHS.• CollegeRepresentativeVisitsTakeadvantageofmeetingwithcollegerepresentativesthatvisitBG’sCollege/CareerCenter.Askquestionsabouttheirprograms,applicationprocess,scholarships,financialaidorhousing.• BegintheCollegeApplicationProcessSeniorsshouldbeginapplyingtocollegesinSeptember.• Teacher/CounselorsRecommendationsRequestrecommendationsassoonasyouknowthatyouneedthem.Collegeapplicationswillindicatewhetherteacherand/orcounselorrecommendationsarerequiredandmayhaveaformforyoutogivetothewriter.• Deadlines/Updates/Records/CopiesStudentsshouldpaycarefulattentiontodeadlines.Applicationdeadlinesareabsolute!Printcopiesofyourapplications.• ApplicationEssaysPrepareessaysforcollegeapplicationsifrequired.• Interviews/AuditionsScheduleinterviewsorauditionsifrequiredorrecommendedaspartoftheapplicationprocess.• ApplicationandTranscriptRequestDeadlinesBecausemanyEarlyDecision/EarlyActionapplicationdeadlinesfallinNovember,earlyOctoberisthetimetofinishapplicationsforthoseschools.Notewhetherdeadlinesare“postmarkedby”or“receivedby.”• FollowUpFollowuptomakesureallmaterialsarriveatthecollegesyouhaveappliedto.• StayPositiveTheapplicationprocessandsearchforthe“right”schoolcanbeexhaustingandstressfulattimes.PleasestopbytheCollegeCareerCenterifyouneedassistance.
• AttendDistrict214FinancialAidNightLearnaboutthefinancialaidprocessandaskquestions.• FAFSA-FreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid/TaxReturnsFAFSAisavailableon-lineatwww.fafsa.ed.gov.FiletheFAFSAassoonasformsbecomeavailable.
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• ScholarshipsInvestigatescholarshipsavailableatthecollegesyouhaveappliedto.Somecollegesrequireyoutofilloutanapplicationforscholarshipseparatefromtheapplicationforadmission.Pleasepayattentiontodeadlines.• CollegeCareerCenterClosedforWinterBreakApplicationsarenotprocessedduringthistime.
SECONDSEMESTER-SENIORYEAR
• AvoidSenioritisStayengagedincourseworkandco-curricularactivities.Enjoytheremainderofhighschoolasyouplanforcollegelifeafterhighschool.Yourattendingcollegerequiresafinaltranscript,whichincludesyourseniorgrades.Offersofadmissioncanandhavebeenrescindedduetopoorseniorperformance.Anycoursechangesneedtobereportedtothecollegesyouhaveappliedto.
• ScholarshipsUseNaviancetofindlistsoflocalandnationalscholarshipopportunities.Someapplicationsmaybepickedupfromthecollege/careercenter.Rememberdeadlinesareabsolute.• FinalizeDecisionsContinuetoreviewcollegeacceptancesandvisitcampusesasneeded.Makeenrollment/housingdeposits.May1stistheofficialdeadlinebywhichyoumustinformeachcollegeofyourdecisiontoenroll.Beconsiderateandnotifythecollegesyoudecidenottoattend.Offersnotacceptedarecancelled.• HousingMakenecessaryhousingarrangements.• HealthRecordAcopyofyourhealthrecordwillbedistributedwithyourdiplomaatgraduation.• FinalTranscriptInformationFormDueAttendseniormeetinginMaytocompleteseniorexitsurveyandfinaltranscriptinformationform.
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HelpfulWebsitesBuffaloGroveHighSchoolWebsite-bghs.d214.org-UnderStudentResources• CareerResources• CollegeResources• AssessmentCenter• NavianceExploringCareerOptions• Naviance bghs.d214.org • OccupationalOutlookHandbookwww.bls.gov/ooh• IllinoisCareerSite:Mappingyourfuture www.mappingyourfuture.org/• ACTCareerClusterswww.act.org/wwm/overview.htlm• CollegeBoardwww.bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers
ExploringCollegeOptions• ACT www.actstudent.org • CollegeBoard www.collegeboard.org• CollegeView www.collegeview.com• GoCollegewww.gocollege.com• NACAC www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/pages/default.asp• Naviance bghs.d214.org• Peterson’sEducationCenter www.petersons.com• PrincetonReview www.princetonreview.com• VirtualTourswww.campustours.comTesting• APTesting–sendscores www.collegeboard.com• ACT–registerfortestorsendscores www.actstudent.org• SAT–registerfortestsorsendscores www.collegeboard.com• TOEFL- registerfortestorsendscores www.toefl.orgFinancialAidandScholarships• CSSFinancialAidProfile profileonline.collegeboard.com• FAFSAforecaster fafsa4caster.ed.gov• FAFSAontheWeb www.fafsa.ed.gov• FastWeb!ScholarshipSearch www.fastweb.com• FinAid-FinancialAidGuide www.finaid.org• IllinoisStudentAssistanceCommission(ISAC)www.isac.orgApplications• CommonApplication www.commonapp.orgAthletics• NCAAEligibilityCenter www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org• NAIAEligibilityCenter www.playnaia.org
ProfessionalWebsites• Architecture www.acsa-arch.org• Lawwww.abanet.org• Medicine www.aamc.org• PhysicalTherapy www.apta.org • AudioEngineering www.aes.org• Pharmacy www.aacp.org• Nursing www.aacn.nche.edu;
www.nursingworld.org• GameDesign www.igda.org• SportManagement www.nassm.com• Dental www.ada.org• Veterinary www.aavmc.org
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CollegeAdmissionCompetitionCategoriesCollegesmayconsiderseveralorallofthefollowingfactorsindeterminingadmissioneligibility:patternofhighschoolcoursework,gradesinacademiccourses,testscores,collegemajor,cumulativeGPA,talents,leadershiproles,communityactivities,evidenceofexceptionalmotivation,lettersofrecommendation,athleticability,andrelatedcareerexploration.
AdmissionCompetitionCategories
EducationalOpportunitiesintheUnitedStates
Mid-50%RangeofACT/SATScores
RecommendedHighSchoolAcademicSubjects
HighlyCompetitiveCollegesandUniversities:Theseschoolstypicallyexamineallaspectsofapotentialstudent’sapplication.Everyonewhoappliespossessesthehighestacademicandpersonalqualifications.
Includesthe100collegesanduniversitieswiththehighestadmissionstandards.ExamplesareIvyLeague,someBigTen,majorindependents(Duke,Northwestern,NotreDame,Stanford,etc.),andpremierliberalartsschools.
ACT:29-33SAT:1360-1500
4yearsEnglish4yearsAdv.Mathematics3-4yearsLaboratoryScience3-4yearsSocialStudies3-4yearsForeignLanguage1yearFineArtsStronggradesinhonorsandA.P.courseworkaredesirable.
CompetitiveCollegesandUniversities:Theseschoolsattractgoodstudents.Manycollegesfalllooselywithinthiscategory.Admissioncriteriavarywidely.Competitionforspecificacademicprogramswithintheuniversitycanbeintense.
IncludesBigTenschools,moststateuniversitysystems,mostliberalartscolleges,andmanyconservatoriesandinstitutes.
ACT:22-28SAT:1110-1320
4yearsEnglish3yearsAdv.Mathematics3-4yearsLaboratoryScience3yearsSocialStudies2-4yearsForeignLanguage1yearFineArts
CollegesandUniversitieswithOpenAdmission:Theseschoolshaveveryliberaladmissionpolicies.Theygiveeverystudentachancetotrycollege-levelwork.
Somestateuniversitiesareincluded,asarealmostallcommunitycolleges.
ACT:15-22SAT:830-1110
4yearsEnglish3yearsMathematics2-3yearsScience2-3yearsSocialStudies2yearsForeignLanguageVocationaleducationorfineartscoursesmaybeacceptable.
SpecializedCollegesandConservatories:Theseschoolsareoftenorientedtowardfinearts.
IncludestheSchooloftheArtInstitute,OberlinConservatoryofMusic,etc.
Portfolios/auditionsweightedmoreheavilythantestscores.
SameasCompetitiveCollegescategorywiththeadditionofspecializedcoursesinthefinearts.
TradeandTechnicalSchools:Theseschoolsaremostconcernedwithastudent’scareeraptitude.
IncludesthousandsofindependentvocationalschoolsthroughouttheUnitedStates.
Notalwaysrequired
EmphasisonEnglish,science,mathematicsandvocationalcourses(appliedtech.,art,business,familyandconsumersciences).
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TypesofAdmissionDecisions Colleges and universities have varying admissions practices described in their publications.Someofthemostfrequentlymentionedpracticesincludethefollowing:• DeferredAdmission:Deferred admission is a plan that allows a student, once accepted, to postponematriculation/enrollmentforoneyearinordertopursueotherplanslikeaGapyear.• DeferredDecision:Thecollegeoruniversitydeterminesthatmoreinformationisneededtomakeafinaldecisionaboutacandidate’sapplication. Often thedecision isdelayeduntil seventhsemestergradesand/ornewtestscoresarereceived.• EarlyDecisionPlan:(binding)IfastudentappliestoauniversityEarlyDecision,thestudentiscommittinghimselforherselfto attend that college if admitted. The student may submit other applications during thisperiod,butonlyonecanbeearlydecision.Ifacceptedthroughtheearlydecisionprogram,thestudentmustwithdrawallotherapplications.• EarlyActionPlan(non-binding):Earlyactionisaplanthatinvitesearlyapplicationbutdoesnotrequirethestudenttoattendifaccepted. Application deadline is usually in early November; preferred date may be inOctober.Studentmayapplytoasmany“EA.”schoolsastheywish.• RollingAdmissions:Thecollegewillnotifytheapplicantassoonastheapplicationhasbeenprocessed(usuallyinfourtosixweeks)andthefileiscomplete.Itistothestudent’sadvantagetoapplyearly.• OpenAdmissions:Students are accepted upon application in open admissions (usually community colleges).Someprogramsinthesesameschoolsmayhavemoreselectiveadmissions.• RegularAdmission:Theprocesswherebyacollegeacceptsapplicationsfromperspectivestudentsanddelaystheadmission decision until all applications from the entire applicant pool have been received.Decision lettersareannouncedtoapplicantsallatonce, traditionally inMarchorApril. ThemostselectivecollegesannouncetheirdecisionsinearlytomidApril.• WaitList:Institutionsmayinitiallydelayofferingordenyingyouadmission.Whenplacedonthewaitlist,theinstitutionextendstoyouthepossibilityofadmissioninthefuture.Collegesofferadmissiontowaitlistcandidatesifinsufficientnumbersofregularlyadmittedcandidatesaccepttheiroffersofadmission.
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GlossaryAccreditation-Thisamountstoastampofapprovalbyaneducationalorprofessionalorganizationstatingthatthecollegemeetstheregulationsdeterminedbythisgroup.Eachregionofthecountryhasitsownaccreditingorganization:Southern,MiddleAtlantic,NewEngland,NorthCentralandWestern.ACTAssessment“ACTTest”-AgroupoftestsadministeredbyAmericanCollegeTestingandrequiredorrecommendedbymanycollegesaspartoftheadmissionprocess.ThetestsmeasureeducationaldevelopmentinEnglish,mathematics,reading,andsciencereasoningandaregivenatspecifiedtestcentersthroughouttheyear.AdvancedPlacement(AP)-Grantingofcreditand/orassignmenttoanadvancedcourseonthebasisofevidencethatthestudenthasmasteredtheequivalentofanintroductorycollegecoursethroughanAPcoursetakeninhighschool.Applicationfee-Anon-refundablefeeusuallychargedformakingapplicationtoaparticularcollege.AssociateofArtsDegree-Adegreegrantedbyacollegeoruniversityforaprogramthatrequiretwoyearsoffull-timestudy.BaccalaureateDegree-theBachelorofArts,BachelorofScienceoranyotherbachelor’sdegreegrantedbyacollegeoruniversityforaprogramthattypicallyrequiresfouryearsoffulltimestudy.Calendar-
! Traditionalsemester:twoapproximatelyevensemesters
! Quarter:threeequaltermsofabout12weekseachandapossibleoptionalsummerterm
! Trimester:calendaryeardividedintothreeequalsemesters;thirdsemesterreplaces
summerschool
! 4-1-4or4-4-1:twoequaltermsofabout16weekseachstudying4courseswitha4weekinterimtermstudyingonecourse
Career-orientedprogram-Agroupofcoursesthatpreparestudentsprimarilyforemployment,ofteninaspecificoccupation.Suchaprogramwhichcanlastafewmonthsormorethantwoyears,mayleadtoacertificate,diploma,orassociatedegree.Forinstance,Harper,Oakton,andTritonhavesuchprograms.Collegetransfercourses-Coursesintendedfortransferofcollegecredittobachelor’sdegreeprogramselsewhere.Forinstance,Harper,Oakton,andTritonhavesuchcourses.CommonApplicationForm-Asingleapplicationform,whichisacceptedbymorethan500institutions.CooperativeEducation-Aprogramintegratingclassroomstudyandworkexperiencethatofferscollegecreditandasalary.
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CreditbyExamination-AprogramthroughwhichsomecollegesgrantcoursecreditbasedonresultsofACTorSATscores,CLEP,AP,oranotherexamdevelopedbythecollege.CreditHour-Aunitofacademiccreditthatoftenrepresentsonehourofclasstimeperweekforaperiodofstudy(semester,quarter,etc.).FAFSAorFreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid-Theapplicationforfederalstudentfinancialaid,processedatnocosttotheapplicant.Itisusedtodetermineastudent’seligibilityforfederalgrant,loan,andwork-studyfunds.Someschoolsmayrequireanadditionalformforwhichthereisaprocessingfee.FederalCollegeWork-StudyProgram-Agovernmentsupportedfinancialaidprogramcoordinatedthroughfinancialaidofficeswherebyaneligiblestudent(basedonneed)mayworkparttimewhileattendingclassatleasthalftime,generallyincollegerelatedjobs.Toapply,fileaFAFSA.FederalPLUS-Aloanprograminwhichparents,graduatestudents,andself-supportingundergraduatestudentscanborrowfromabankorotherlendinginstitutions.Toapply,fileaFAFSA.FederalPellGrant-Financialassistanceawardedbythefederalgovernmentonthebasisofextremeneedanddesignedtoprovidethe“floor”ofanaidpackageforpost-secondaryeducation.Thegrantmaybeusedtowardtuition,roomandboard,books,orothereducationalcost,andrequiresnorepayment.Toapply,fileaFAFSA.FederalPerkinsLoanProgram-Loansfundedbythefederalgovernmentandawardedbytheinstitution.Theloansfeaturelowinterestratesandarerepayableoveranextendedperiodoftime.Toapply,fileaFAFSA.FederalStaffordLoanProgram-Aloanprograminwhichastudentmayborrowfromabankorotherfinancialinstitution.Thefederalgovernmentmaypaytheinterestontheloanwhilethestudentisinschool.Toapply,fileaFAFSA.FinancialAidpackage-Acombinationofaid(possiblyincludingascholarship,grant,loan,andwork)determinedbyacollegefinancialaidoffice.Grants-Awardsthatarebasedonfinancialneedanddonotrequirerepayment.Grantsareavailablethroughthefederalgovernment,stateagencies,andeducationalinstitutions.HonorsProgram-Aplandesignedtoencouragesuperiorstudentstoengageinamorechallengingprogramthanisrequired.Studentswhosucceedinmeetingtherequirementsofanhonorsprogramareusuallygranted“honor”degrees.LiberalArts-Abroadcourseofinstructioncomprisingthearts,naturalsciences,language,literature,philosophy,religion,andtheclassics.TheLatinoriginoftheterm,artsliberates,literallymeans“theartsthatfree”(themindandspirit).Matriculation-Theprocesswherebyastudentisaccepted,paysthefees,andenrollsinclasses,officiallybecomingastudentatthecollege.Thistermisonlyappliedtofreshmanortoatransferstudent’sfirstenrollment.
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NCCAInitial-EligibilityCertification-InordertoparticipateinintercollegiatesportsatNCAADivisionIandDivisionIIcolleges,student-athletesmustbecertifiedthroughtheNCAA.ThisincludessubmittingtheirACT/SATscorestotheNCAAInitial-EligibilityCenter.InordertohavetestscoressenttotheEligibilityCenterenter“9999”asoneofthecollegechoicesatthetimeoftestregistration.PlacementTests-Abatteryoftestsdesignedtoassessastudent’saptitudeandlevelofachievementinvariousacademicareassothatheorshemaybeadvisedtoenrollintheappropriatelevelclasses.PrivateCollege/University-aneducationalinstitutionofhigherlearningthatisnotsupportedbypublictaxes.Privatecollegesmaybeindependentorreligiouslyaffiliated.PublicCollege/University-Aneducationalinstitutionofhigherlearningthatissupportedbypublictaxes.Registration-Aprocessatthebeginningofeachsemesterorquarterwherebythestudentselectsthecoursesheorshewillenrollin,paystheappropriatefees,andsetsupaclassscheduleforthesemesterorterm.ReligiouslyAffiliatedCollege-Aprivatecollegethatisfinanciallysupportedandwhosepoliciesareinfluencedtovaryingdegreesbyacertainreligion.ReserveOfficersTrainingCorps(ROTC)-AirForce,Army,andNavyprogramsthatcombinemilitaryeducationwithbaccalaureatedegreestudy,oftenwithfinancialsupportforthosestudentswhocommitthemselvestofutureserviceintheArmedForces.Scholarships-Non-repayableawardstostudentsbasedonmeritortalent.SATTest–TheSATisagloballyavailabletestacceptedbyallUSandmanyinternationalcollegesanduniversities.Itisofferedatleastseventimesayear.Visitsat.orgtolearnmore.SATSubjectTest-Atestmeasuringachievementacrossoneoffivesubjectareas:history,math,science,Englishandforeignlanguage.Therearetwentypossiblesubjecttests.Formoreinformation,visitsatsubjecttests.org.TeachingAssistant-(sometimescalledagraduateassistant)agraduatestudentwhosejoboncampusistoteach,andoftentograde,underclassmen.Transcript-Theofficialrecordofastudent’sacademicperformancefromthetimeofentranceinagiveninstitutiontotheendofthelatestsemester.Tuition-Thechargeforinstruction.Generallydesignatedforayearorsemesterforafull-timestudent;forpart-timestudentsitisoftendesignatedbythecredithourofacourse.Roomandboardandbooksareseparate,additionalcosts.UniversalReplyDate(May1)-Unlessastudenthasrequested“earlydecision”,applicantshaveuptobutnolaterthanMay1tonotifycollegesoftheirintenttoattendinthefall.ResponsesearlierthanMay1arewelcomebutareequallyasbinding.OnMay2,yourspotmaybegrantedtosomeoneonawaitinglistifyouhavenotresponded.
