TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE …………………………………………………………. PAGE 2
COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS/CONTACT INFORMATION…. PAGE 3
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ……………………………… PAGE 4
STUDENT
PARENT/GUARDIAN
AQUINAS
RESOURCES AT AQUINAS………………………………………PAGE 5
COLLEGE TESTING ………………………………………………PAGE 6
COLLEGE ATHLETICS/NCAA……………………………………PAGE 7
PRE-COLLEGE CALENDAR AND CHECKLIST ………………..PAGES 8-10
FRESHMAN YEAR
SOPHOMORE YEAR
JUNIOR YEAR
SENIOR YEAR
CHOOSING A COLLEGE …………………………………………PAGES 11-12
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
THE CAMPUS VISIT
YOUR INTERVIEW
THE APPLICATION PROCESS/TRANSCRIPTS ………………...PAGE 13
HELPFUL WEBSITES ……………………………………………..PAGE 14
PREFACE
Students, Parents and Guardians…
Welcome to the college planning process! Annually, over 95% of Aquinas graduates go
on to college. We hope this guide will provide you with the tools necessary to facilitate a
successful college planning experience.
The college planning process can be time consuming, frustrating, and stressful. At the
same time, it can also be a fun and exciting process full of opportunities to explore and
shared moments to treasure.
When questions arise that are not answered in this guide, please don’t hesitate to ask us.
We are happy to assist you along this journey.
Sincerely,
Your Counseling Center Staff
The Aquinas Institute
Melissa Kilminster, Director of Counseling and AQJH Counselor
Lindsay Tuschong, School Counselor for students with last names A-F
Clara Montalbano, School Counselor for students with last names G-N
Janel Kieffer, School Counselor for students with last names O-Z
Vicky Lopuchowycz, Registrar
Andrea Raethka, Administrative Assistant
2
COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS/CONTACT INFORMATION
Counselor Assignments
From a counselor’s perspective, having the opportunity to see a student progress over
four years is helpful in assisting him/her through the college search process.
Assignments:
Ms. Mel Kilminster, Director of Counseling Center and Junior High School Counselor
Ms. Lindsay Tuschong, (A-F)
Ms. Clara Montalbano, (G-N)
Ms. Janel Kieffer, (O-Z)
Ms. Vicky Lopuchowycz, Registrar
Mrs. Andrea Raethka, Administrative Assistant
Contact Information
Counselor
Clara Montalbano
Lindsay Tuschong
Janel Kieffer
Melissa Kilminster
Vicky Lopuchowycz
Andrea Raethka
Phone (585) 254-2020
ext. 1019
ext. 1017
ext. 1020
ext. 1018
ext. 1038
ext. 1015
E-Mail
cmontalbano@aquinasinstitute.com
ltuschong@aquinasinstitute.com
jkieffer@aquinasinstitute.com
mkilminster@aquinasinstitute.com
vlopuchowycz@aquinasinstitute.com
araethka@aquinasinstitute.com
The Counseling Center fax # is (585) 254-7403.
3
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Student
Ultimately, the responsibility of leading the college planning process belongs to the
student. Every student should take challenging courses in high school and working to the
best of his or her ability. The student must also take the initiative to explore the
opportunities and resources provided by the school, family, and community. Extracurricular activities add depth to character, and enrich a student’s high school experience.
The student must be actively engaged in career/college discussions, campus visits, and
the completion of college applications. Fortunately, a tremendous amount of support and
numerous resources are available to assist students in the college planning process.
Parent/Guardian
Parents are most helpful when they take an active and consistent interest in their child’s
college plans. This does not mean taking over the process. Parents are most helpful
when they take the time to engage in conversations, listen, support, encourage, and
provide guidance and suggestions when necessary. Parents are encouraged to attend
financial aid and college planning presentations with their son/daughter. Not only does
Aquinas coordinate these events, but they are readily available throughout the
community. We recommend that you go on campus visits together as a family. You
should be discussing cost, location, facilities, available programs, and admission
guidelines. Be attentive to separation anxiety, which often leads to procrastination in
exploring the college process. Many feelings exist that can be discussed and explored.
Parents can help by teaching their children to advocate and research for themselves,
instead of doing it for them.
Aquinas
As counselors, our role is to facilitate the college planning process, not to find the perfect
college for a student. Carl Behrend, President of the National Association for College
Admissions Counseling (NACAC), articulates this very well in the Nov./Dec. 2003
nextSTEP magazine article, “The Myth of the Perfect College”. He states, “Secondary
counselors don’t ‘find’ colleges for families. Instead, they act as resources to allow
families to discover the available college options and to make their own decisions. We
need to help families who need information and assistance in the college search so they
can realize the dream of higher education not as ‘perfect’ but as a well-researched,
rewarding, positive experience for students and a comfortable endeavor for supportive,
caring parents.” In addition to providing resources, like parents, our role also involves
listening, supporting and encouraging students.
4
RESOURCES AT AQUINAS
Lists of college search websites are provided to juniors by their counselor. Students log
in, either at school or at home, to their Naviance accounts and gain further access to
career and college planning tools.
Aquinas’ library and the Counseling Center have numerous books, guides, magazines,
pamphlets and videos discussing the various aspects of the college planning process. We
also have a list of helpful websites on career exploration, the college search process and
financial aid.
Additional resources provided by the Counseling Center include:

SAT and ACT test preparation resources listed in our tutoring brochure.

Local and national scholarship applications.

Evening presentations on a variety of topics. Examples of presentations include:
Financial Aid Night
College Panel Night

Presentations in junior English classes by college admission representatives on the
finer points of writing a college essay.

The ability to engage in discussions with experienced counselors.
5
COLLEGE TESTING
At Aquinas, students take the PSAT 8/9 in their freshman year, the PSAT 10 during their
sophomore year, and the PSAT/NMSQT (practice SAT I) in the fall of their junior year.
This is provided and administered at Aquinas and everyone is expected to take it. A copy
of the PSAT/NMSQT test result is provided to each student along with an explanation by
a counselor. These test results are not part of the high school transcript sent to colleges.
The SAT I and ACT are standardized tests used by colleges for admission and
scholarship purposes. We strongly encourage all students to take both the SAT I and the
ACT. Students must register for these tests on-line. The site for SAT registration is
www.collegeboard.org . The site for ACT registration is www.actstudent.org.

ACT/SAT scores are not sent as part of your transcript. The scores must be sent
directly from the testing agency. Students must contact SAT
(www.collegeboard.org) and/or ACT (www.actstudent.org) sites to request online that their scores be sent to the colleges they are applying to. They may also
designate where their scores are sent at the time of sign up.
The SAT I vs. the ACT:
The SAT I tests critical thinking and problem solving skills with Reading, Writing and
Language, and Math tests. In the spring of 2016, the SAT will change its format. The
changes include the following:




All-new optional essay
No penalty for guessing
No vocab that you’ll never use again!
Less questions and tasks
You can learn more at www.collegeboard.org !
The ACT tests English, math, reading and science reasoning skills and has also included
an optional writing section (we encourage students to take it).

SAT II’s are one-hour subject tests that measure a student’s knowledge in a
particular academic subject as well as the ability to apply that knowledge. These
test scores are most frequently requested by selective (very competitive) colleges.
The site, www.collegeboard.org , provides advice on the most appropriate time to
take these tests.

College admission representatives look for reasons to accept students and many
will use the highest SAT or ACT section scores received, even if they are from
different test administration dates.
6

CollegeBoard studies show that, on average, SAT I scores increase through the
third time a student takes the exam. It is recommended that students take both the
SAT I and the ACT at least twice. We also recommend that students complete
their testing by the end of junior year.
COLLEGE ATHLETICS/NCAA
Only a few students receive athletic scholarships. However, athletes should consider
using their athletic skills to help them get into the school of their choice.
Student Responsibilities



Prospective Division I and II student-athletes must speak with their coach as soon
as possible.
Prospective Division I and II student-athletes must register with the NCAA
Eligibility Center at www.eligibilitycenter.org prior to playing a sport or receiving an
athletic scholarship. Students access the necessary forms and pertinent
information at www.eligibilitycenter.org.
An updated transcript will only be forwarded to the Eligibility Center upon
student request.
Aquinas’ Responsibilities

Maintain an updated list of approved core courses from the Eligibility Center at
www.eligibilitycenter.org. Aquinas’ list of approved core courses is available on the
Eligibility Center website when using the Aquinas high school code 334765.
They are also highlighted in our Course of Studies book.

Forward copies of the student’s transcripts to the Eligibility Center upon receipt
of the student’s request for transcript.
7
PRE-COLLEGE CALENDAR AND CHECKLIST
(This is intended to be a general, not absolute, guide.)
Freshman year
 Work to your ability – consistently!
 Take the PSAT 8/9 in the fall.
 Get involved in Aquinas or community extra-curricular activities.
 Gifted student athletes should begin learning about NCAA core course
requirements, gaining a heightened understanding of the importance of good
grades.
 Start a file for report cards, awards, accomplishments, and activities.
Sophomore year
 Work to your ability – consistently!
 Maintain extra-curricular involvement.
 Identify career exploration resources at Aquinas and in your community.
 Consult with a finance professional about strategies for funding college.
 Gifted student athletes should begin learning about NCAA core course
requirements, gaining a heightened understanding of the importance of good
grades.
 Take the PSAT 10.
Junior year
 Work to your ability – consistently! This is a very important year academically!
 Obtain a social security number, necessary for college and financial aid.
 Identify and explore the college planning resources at Aquinas and in the
community.
 Begin narrowing down colleges that seem to be a good fit for you, and visit them.
Campus visits are ideal when campus is in session. Take advantage of your days
off during the school year. When you set up official campus visits you can often
receive fee-waived applications. Keep a journal of your trips, making notes of
your impressions, pros and cons, people you meet, etc. Don’t forget to send thank
you letters to the admission representatives who interview you or provide a tour.
 Take the PSAT/NMSQT (practice SAT) at Aquinas in the fall.
 Register for the SAT I (and possibly II’s) and ACT for the spring test
administration dates. Check with potential colleges on specific testing
requirements. Be aware of registration deadlines!
 Talk with the college admission representatives from the various colleges that
visit Aquinas during the lunch period throughout the year.
 Consult with a finance professional about strategies for funding college. Become
familiar with federal and private student loans.
 Start looking into scholarship opportunities. The website, www.fastweb.com is
an excellent resource.
 When you select courses for senior year, choose challenging ones. College
admission representatives take notice of this as an indicator of your motivation.
8


Consider a summer job or internship that may be related to a potential career
interest.
Complete Aquinas’ senior profile, which is used by teachers and counselors when
writing letters of recommendation.
Senior year
September:
 Make the decision to finish your high school experience strong. Colleges request
a mid-year report to check on a student’s academic progress senior year.
 Register for the next available SAT or ACT.
 Ask two or three teachers if they would be willing to write you a letter of
recommendation. Be sure to thank them. (Most applications automatically ask
for counselor evaluations/recommendations.)
 Compile catalogs and admission information, including applications, for your top
choices.
 Review the unofficial copy of your transcript, which will be given to you. Let
your counselor know of any questions you may have.
 Counselor will meet with all students to review the college application process.
October:
 Retake the SAT and/or ACT. It is your responsibility to ensure that your
standardized test scores are forwarded to colleges, by you having them sent
directly from the testing agency. Do not make assumptions! Communication
with your counselor is a vital component of a successful application process!
 Visit or revisit top college choices. Interview students and faculty members.
 Work on college application essays, and ask a parent or teacher to read your
rough draft. Save it on a disc. Remember, this is a unique opportunity to give the
admissions representatives a glimpse of who you are! Make it meaningful and
memorable for the reader by being creative and interesting.
 Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Raethka in the Counseling Center to review
completed application materials.
 Determine which financial aid applications are required by your top college
choices, and when the forms are due. Some private colleges may require you to
register for CSS/Financial Aid Profile at this time.
 Check with the Counseling Center and your Naviance account for scholarship
opportunities. Continue this periodically throughout the year.
November:
 You have an additional opportunity to re-take the SAT and/or ACT.
 Visit FAFSA and begin the financial aid process. You can set up a PIN in order to
get ready to file after January 1st, 2016.
 Continue submitting college applications. Be aware of college deadlines and
Aquinas deadlines! A good goal is to have your applications submitted by
Thanksgiving. The sooner, the better!!!
9

If you would like to have your college applications mailed before Thanksgiving
break, please submit your applications to the Counseling Center by November 3,
2015.
December:
 Parents: Save year-end payroll stubs in case they are needed for determining
financial aid eligibility.
 Continue submitting college applications, keeping in mind that it is starting to get
late in the process. Make this is priority!
 If you would like to have your college applications mailed before Christmas
break, please submit your applications to the Counseling Center by
December 1, 2015.
January:
 To apply for financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA form on-line at
www.fafsa.ed.gov . File after January 1, 2016. (Keeping copies of all submitted
forms).
 Parents: Consider preparing tax returns early in case they are needed for
determining financial aid eligibility.
 Admission decision letters may begin to arrive. Some process quickly and some
much, much slower. When you are accepted, be aware of deadlines to make a
final decision on actually attending and submitting your deposit.
February:
 Make sure that you have communicated to Mrs. Raethka in the Counseling Center
which colleges are asking for midyear reports and transcripts. These colleges
typically have a midyear report form that you sign when you submit your
application.
March:
 Contact the college financial aid offices to ensure you have completed all the
necessary paperwork.
 Your SAR (Student Aid Report) containing federal financial aid information
should be arriving in the mail. If you haven’t received the SAR and it has been at
least four weeks after you submitted your FAFSA, you can check on it by calling
the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (319) 337-5665.
April:
 Compare financial aid award letters from the schools to which you have been
accepted.
 Decide which college you want to attend, and check with that college on the
particulars of signing and returning the financial aid award letter. Make sure your
deposit is sent in by the deadline.
 As a courtesy, let the other colleges know that you will not be attending.
 Become familiar with other important deadlines at your chosen college.
10
May/June:
 Stay focused in school. Don’t let senioritis impact your final course grades!
 Report your scholarship awards to the counseling center.
 Graduate with the pride of not only being an Aquinas graduate, but with the
knowledge that you have made a thorough and educated decision regarding the
continuation of your academic journey.
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
Questions to Ask Yourself
 Would I be most comfortable in a large, medium size, or smaller
college/university? Why?
 How close to home do I want to live? Be sure to discuss the logistics of the
means, frequency, and cost of transportation home as you consider location.
 Do I want my campus to be in or near a major city, in a smaller city or town,
or in the country? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these
options?
 What extra-curricular activities do I enjoy the most? Do I want to continue
with these activities in college?
 Do I know what I want to study in college? Do the colleges I may be
interested in offer these programs? How reputable are they?
 What can I afford?
The Campus Visit
 Take an official tour scheduled through the admissions office. Be sure to visit
a class in session, as well as the library!
 Talk to students and faculty members, in addition to admission reps and tour
guides. Visit the student union. Students will be honest with you. Ask what
they like, what they dislike, what activities are available on weekends, etc. Is
safety a concern on campus?
 Eat in the cafeteria. Notice how far it is from residence halls and classrooms.
 Visit the residence halls. Notice student behaviors.
 Observe activity boards and posters to get a sense of student interests.
 Ask questions and take notes to help you differentiate the campuses you visit
(Does Career Services help graduating students find employment? Does the
college help coordinate internships/work study?)
 Some colleges also offer virtual college tours. Explore college websites for
these opportunities.
Your Interview
 Be prepared. Research the college prior to your interview.
 Have questions in mind that are important to you.
11




Examples:
How has the college changed in the last year? …in the last five years?
What changes do you envision in the next four or five years?
What campus issues are most important to the students?
What percentage of freshmen return? What percentage graduate?
How many/which courses are taught by graduate assistants versus faculty?
What are the average GPA and SAT/ACT scores for incoming freshmen?
Can I schedule courses to allow me to graduate in four years?
Is the college accredited?
How successful are graduates from the college?
What is the college’s academic reputation? What is the most popular major?
Review the information the college has on you.
Anticipate questions you might be asked.
Examples:
What can you bring to our campus to enrich it and make it an even better
place to attend college?
Why do you want to attend this college?
What are some of your strengths?
In what ways do you want to improve upon yourself?
What are your short and long term goals?
How would you describe yourself? How would a friend/a teacher/your
parents describe you?
Enter the admissions office with a positive attitude. You will be judged from
the moment you enter the room, or even earlier! Treat your parents and the
secretary with the same respect that you would show the director of
admissions.
Do not wear jeans, sneakers, sweatshirts or baseball caps. Dress for the
occasion. Turn your cell phone off.
12
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
In order to service your student and the college admission offices and their
changes, AQ will mainstream college applications through Naviance. Some of
the highlighted features that this program will be able to offer each student are:
provides one central means to apply to colleges; prompt and efficient delivery of
electronic materials such as letters of recommendation and transcripts; a data base
that gathers historical data from our students who have applied and been admitted
providing future AQ students with a profile; and a means for career and college
exploration.
Students need to fill out the Senior Profile, available in the Counseling Center, to
be utilized for letters of recommendation. Students initiate submitting an
application by completing a college application and making an appointment with
the Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Andrea Raethka. Questions can be directed to
the counselor at any time.
Transcripts

SAT and ACT scores are not on the transcript. SAT scores must be requested
through collegeboard.org and ACT scores must be requested through act.org.

AP (Advanced Placement) scores are not on the transcript. If you did not
indicate which college(s) you want the scores to be forwarded to when you
registered for the test, you must contact www.collegeboard.org .

If you have taken any dual credit business courses through Monroe
Community College, you must contact the registrar to request that a transcript
be forwarded to the college of your choice. Transcripts will only be mailed
when requested by the student.

Transcripts mailed before February will contain final grades from freshman,
sophomore, and junior years. The mid-year report contains freshman,
sophomore, junior years, and semester 1 of the senior year.
13
HELPFUL WEBSITES
College Information:
http://connection.naviance.com/aquinas
www.collegeboard.org
www.collegeview.com
www.princetonreview.com
www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/cohome.htm
www.petersons.com
www.collegenet.com
www.nycolleges.org
www.suny.edu/student
Testing:
www.collegeboard.org
www.actstudent.org
Financial Aid:
www.fastweb.com
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.finaid.org
www.ed.gov/finaid.html
www.hesc.com
www.nysed.gov
Scholarships:
www.fastweb.com
www.nextstepmagazine.com
www.collegescholarships.com
www.connection.naviance.com/aquinas
Student-athletes:
www.eligibilitycenter.org
14