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Selecting and applying to college may seem to be a daunting task. In addition
to completing the appropriate coursework and college entrance exams, choosing
your "home away from home" for the next several years is a big
personal and financial decision. As your school counselors, we understand the
anxiety these decisions may create. We'd like to share some information with you
to ease your transition into college to help you enjoy this exciting time in
your life.
What criteria do colleges use
to accept applicants?
In general, colleges consider four parts of your
application in determining acceptance:
* Transcript (Grades, Quality of Coursework) is
most important!
* College Entrance Exam Scores
* Extracurricular Activities/Work Experience/Volunteer & Community Service
* Recommendations/Honors/Awards
What college entrance exams are
used for admissions?
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I)
is composed of three sections: Critical Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Each
test section is cored on a scale of 200-800 points; with an SAT I
total scaled score of 600-2400 points. There are also SAT II
exams, designed to evaluate greater depth of knowledge in a particular subject
area. SAT II tests are usually not required for most college
majors. Sometimes the ACT will suffice.
American College Test (ACT) is
composed of four tests: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. Each test is
scored on a scale of 1-36 points. The ACT composite score, also based on a 1-36
scaled score, is an average of the four test scores. There is also an optional
ACT Writing Test, which is combined with the English Test to also yield a score
based on a scale of 1-36 points.
Registration forms for both the SAT I, SAT II
and ACT are available in the school counseling office.
How do I know which college
entrance exam to take?
Most colleges accept either the SAT I or ACT
scores as part of the admission process. Some students choose to take both exams
to give themselves the best opportunity for their highest possible score. Find
out which exams your colleges requests. Your school counselor may be able to
make a recommendation, which may be best suited for you.
What are Associate, Bachelor
and Master College Degrees?
Associate Degrees are usually awarded following
the completion of a two-year program of study. Bachelor Degrees are usually
awarded following the completion of a four-year program of study. Master Degrees
customarily follow the completion of a program of study beyond Bachelor Degrees
- program length may vary.
What are my options for
completing a Bachelor Degree?
There are two common paths to achieving a
Bachelor Degree:
- Direct entrance from high school into a four-year college;
- Entrance from high school into a two-year college, then
transferring to a four-year college to complete the remainder of the program
requirements
How will I pay for college?
Students pay for college with a combination of
savings and financial aid (loans, grants, scholarships).
Financial aid forms are available in the school counseling office after January
1st of your senior year and should be completed as soon as possible. It
is extremely important that you complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA)! All financial aid applicants must complete this
form. Many colleges will not offer their private scholarships to you unless
you've applied for whatever "free" money is available to you through
New York State (if applicable) and the U.S. Government.
You are encouraged to apply for local
scholarships your senior year through the school counseling office.
What helpful suggestions can
you recommend for me?
- Read! Read! Read! Reading is highly
correlated to good scores on the English portions of your college entrance
exams. So, pick up a good book and prep for your college entrance exams
while you're at it!
- Save your math notes and review before
taking college entrance exams to refresh your memory and minimize careless
errors.
- SAT and ACT preparation materials may be
purchased at local bookstores and can be a great help in preparing for the
exams.
- Begin a list of your activities, honors and unique
experiences both inside and outside of school. Include sports,
clubs, work experience, church activities, summer camps, community service,
etc. Add to this list annually.
- Begin a portfolio if you are pursuing a
career in an art field.
- Seeking recruitment for a college sport?
Begin saving newspaper clippings, and videotapes of your games. Share your
interest with your coach and get suggestions and support.
- Begin exploring colleges by your junior year.
Your counselor can give you a preliminary list of college recommendations to
start you off. Use the Internet to explore, as well as requesting
information directly from the colleges. Your school counseling office may
have some college catalogs to share with you as well.
What deadlines are crucial for
me to remember in the college application process?
Junior Year:
- October: Take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT).
This is a good preparation for the SAT and ACT and is also the qualifying
exam for the National Merit Scholarship. To register, sign up in the
counseling office and pay the fee.
- May: Take SAT I. Register early!
- June: Take ACT. Register early!
Take SAT II
Exams, if appropriate.
- Summer: College visits.
Senior Year:
- Fall: Begin college application process.
Apply to colleges by Thanksgiving, Christmas at the latest. Be aware of your
colleges' deadlines!
Retake SAT I, ACT, SAT II Exams, if necessary.
- January: Begin the Financial Aid Process.
- Spring: Apply for Local Scholarships.
*PLEASE NOTE: All college and local
scholarship applications should be processed through the school counseling
office.
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