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