Educating Young Women with Faith, Compassion and Promise OUR LADY OF MERCY Office of School Counseling ACADEMY OLMA 815 Convent Road Syosset, NY 11791 516.921.1047 Fax 516.921.3634 www.olma.org November 20, 2014 Welcome Ms. Elizabeth Corbin College Planning Guidebook Overview Prepared by the Office of School Counseling Guest Speaker Mr. Robert Pertusati Senior Director of Admissions at Stony Brook University Questions & Answers School Counselors and Mr. Pertusati Educating Young Women with Faith, Compassion and Promise OUR LADY OF MERCY Office of School Counseling ACADEMY November 12, 2014 Dear Parent/Guardian, Thank you for attending our Junior College Night. We hope that you found the presentation informative and that you review the College Planning Guidebook. If you would like to meet with your daughter’s school counselor, please fill out the form below and have your daughter return it to the Office of School Counseling. Meetings will be held according to your daughter’s schedule and will take place during study halls so that they will not be missing class. Sincerely, Mrs. Corbin Mrs. Kacharaba Ms. Checca (Leave Replacement) Mrs. Mastroddi Mrs. Palumbo ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Parent/Guardian: _______________________________________________ Student: _______________________________________________________ OLMA 815 Convent Road Syosset, NY 11791 516.921.1047 Fax 516.921.3634 www.olma.org Counselor: _____________________________________________________ Best Way to Contact Me: _________________________________________ OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY CLASS OF 2016 College Planning Guidebook Educating Young Women with Faith, Compassion and Promise OUR LADY OF MERCY Office of School Counseling ACADEMY Dear Juniors and Parents, It is the mission of the Office of School Counseling at Our Lady of Mercy Academy to empower our students so that they will be successful in their college search and planning process. Junior year is the most significant time for you to begin making your future plans. You have worked very hard to get where you are and the months ahead will require you to work even harder to research and make the necessary preparations for your college journey. The Office of School Counseling has prepared this College Planning Guidebook to help assist you through the college selection and application process in order to plan intelligently. Students applying to college today are embarking on a process that looks completely different than it did as little as five years ago. The face of the college application process has changed quickly and dramatically. Long gone are the days of stacks of papers. The college application process is primarily paperless therefore Our Lady of Mercy Academy will electronically submit all student data, official transcripts, teacher and school counselor letters of recommendation through Naviance. There are still a select few colleges and universities not yet accepting the electronic submission of data, but they are a minority. For these few schools we will follow standard procedures of mailing transcripts and letters of recommendation. If you have any questions regarding this guidebook, please contact your School Counselor. Your counselor is a vital resource and is available to assist and guide you through this process. When we work together as a team, students, parents, and counselors, the results can be extraordinary! We wish you much success and enlightenment in this endeavor. Sincerely, OLMA 815 Convent Road Syosset, NY 11791 516.921.1047 Fax 516.921.3634 www.olma.org Mrs. Elizabeth A. Corbin Mrs. Jennifer Kacharaba School CounselorSchool Counselor Mrs. GinaMarie Mastroddi Mrs. Danielle Palumbo ChairpersonSchool Counselor Mrs. Sally Checca Leave Replacement Office of School Counseling IMPORTANT DEADLINES April 20, 2015: Please return completed Senior Questionnaire and Activity Sheet to the Office of School Counseling. April 20, 2015: Request Letters of Recommendation from 2 teachers in your Naviance Family Connection account. Your resume must also be completed in your Family Connection account so the teachers are able to view your activities and write your letter of recommendation. Before requesting your teacher recommendation online, you MUST speak to your teacher directly and give them the letter of recommendation form. August 2015: Registration opens for the Common Application. Students can create an account and begin to fill in the application but please do not submit their application until we return in September. The email address you create for your Common Application account MUST be the same for your Naviance account. September 20, 2015: Please submit an updated Activity Sheet to the Office of School Counseling. SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR APPLICATIONS OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY 815 Convent Road Syosset, New York 11791 School Counseling Fax #: 516-921-2707 CEEB Code for SAT and ACT: 335440 Counselors: 516-921-1047x195 Elizabeth Corbin: bcorbin@olma.org GinaMarie Mastroddi: gmastroddi@olma.org Jennifer Kacharaba: jkacharaba@olma.org Danielle Palumbo: dpalumbo@olma.org Web Addresses: Our Lady of Mercy Academy: www.olma.org Common Application: www.commonapp.org College Board: www.collegeboard.org ACT: www.act.org Naviance Family Connection: http://connection.naviance.com/olma Office of School Counseling TIMELINE JUNIOR YEAR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • Attend OLMA Junior College Night. • Obtain the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Test, and ACT schedules. • Learn how to do a college search on the Internet utilizing Naviance Family Connection. JANUARY/FEBRUARY • Register for March SAT and/or April ACT. • Course selection for Senior Year. Continue taking challenging courses. Most colleges like to see a 4th year of math, science, and foreign language. MARCH/APRIL • Take SAT Reasoning Test and/or ACT exam. • Research college fairs in your area. • Register for the appropriate test: SAT Reasoning Test - SAT Subject Tests - ACT. • Request teacher recommendations through Naviance Family Connection. • Return Senior Questionnaire and Activity Sheet to your counselor. • You must speak to the teacher directly before requesting through Naviance. • Give copy of Activity Sheet to your teacher. MAY • Take SAT Reasoning Test and/or ACT exam. • Research college websites for financial aid information and application criteria. • Call college admissions offices for appointments for interviews and/or tours. JUNE • Take SAT Reasoning Test - SAT Subject Tests – ACT. • Review college websites/publications. • Prepare tentative list of schools to visit. • Continue to make appointments for interviews and/or tours. JULY/AUGUST • Continue to review college lists and visit college websites. • Continue to make appointments for interviews and/or tours. • Visit colleges. • Begin a rough draft of your college essay. • Create a Common Application account at commonapp.org after August 1st. SENIOR YEAR SEPTEMBER • Register for appropriate tests: SAT Reasoning Test - SAT Subject Tests - ACT • Attend OLMA Senior College night. • Submit updated Activity Sheet to your counselor by September 20th. • Attend College Fairs. • Attend Open Houses at colleges. • Prepare college applications. Note: Many Early decision applications are due November 1st. Materials must be submitted to the Office of School Counseling no later than October 14th. Office of School Counseling OCTOBER • Attend OLMA College Fair. • Attend College Fairs. • Attend Open Houses at colleges. • Continue to work on applications. • OLMA College Application Checklist (yellow form) will be accepted by the Office of School Counseling at any time. Although college application deadlines vary, it is to your advantage to complete your applications and submit the yellow form to the Counseling Office as soon as possible. Colleges with rolling admission policies begin the process very early. • Begin to file CSS Financial Aid Profile for colleges that request it. • Finalize college choices and continue to work on applications. Proofread every thing you send. NOVEMBER • SAT Reasoning Test - SAT Subject Tests. • Meet Early Decision/Early Action deadlines. • Finalize college choices and continue to work on applications. Proofread everything you send. • Submit OLMA College Application Checklist (yellow form) to the Office of School Counseling once you have sent your application. DECEMBER/JANUARY • SAT Reasoning Test - SAT Subject Tests - ACT exams. • Submit OLMA College Application Checklist (yellow form) to the Counseling Office. Note: All colleges will receive mid-year grades showing semester 1 of your senior year. 1st quarter grades must be requested by student. • Check the scholarship bulletins on OLMA website. • File FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st. AVOID SENIOR SLUMP FEBRUARY/MARCH • Deadline for college applications vary from college to college. Carefully check all college deadlines. • Notify the Counseling Office of all college acceptances, rejections and wait listed status. • Notify the Counseling Office of all scholarships. • Check the scholarship bulletins on OLMA website. APRIL/MAY • Notify the Counseling Office of all college acceptances, rejections and wait listed status. • Notify the Counseling Office of all scholarships. Note: only merit based scholarships will be published in the graduation program. • Reply promptly to colleges, notifying them of your decision, no later than May 1. • Check the scholarship bulletins on the school web site. JUNE • Meet all deadlines to ensure your place in college. • Graduation JULY • Final transcripts are automatically sent to the college you are attending. Office of School Counseling PREPARING FOR A SELECTIVE COLLEGE The nation’s selective colleges demand more than a high school diploma CHOOSE COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSES Success in challenging college preparatory courses is the best preparation for a selective college. The more demanding your high school course of study, the better your chances for admission to and success at the selective college of your choice. Nearly all selective colleges demand a full complement of college preparatory work. Use the descriptions below as a guideline for selecting courses. English: Four years. Skill in expository (essay) writing is considered very important. Mathematics: Four years. Courses in more advanced mathematics are considered very desirable. Language Other Than English: Four are seen as desirable. Laboratory Science: Four years: Living Environment, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical Science. Social Science: Four years including U.S., European, Economics, or World History, as well as Government. Advanced Placement Courses: Advanced placement courses demonstrate your ability to handle advanced work. Selective colleges view advanced placement courses as a sign of your willingness to accept a challenge and as evidence of your intellectual curiosity. The members of most college admissions committees will take special note of students with advanced placement courses on their high school transcript. However, this does not mean that you must take advanced placement courses to be admitted to a selective college. Other Courses: Courses such as music, art, and business are valuable complements to the courses previously listed. They develop personal skills, promote aesthetic awareness, and foster recreational interests. WHAT COUNTS MOST? Success in a demanding college preparatory program is the first priority for a selective college when it reviews an application for admission. Yet, it is the combination of courses, grade-point average, standardized test scores, out-ofclass experiences, and even the essay on the application that determine your preparedness for a selective college. Application: You cannot be admitted if you do not complete an application to the college (or use the Common Application Form available for colleges and universities.) Colleges review the application to learn about your in-school and extracurricular activities. Selective colleges also require an essay. They use the essay to learn about you and also to judge your ability to express your thoughts in writing. Office of School Counseling Secondary School Record: Your high school record carries a great deal of weight. Slightly lower grades in more rigorous courses may be more important than higher grades in an easier program. (Transcripts submitted after first semester of your senior year in high school.) Scholastic Assessment Tests: The SATs or ACTs are required by most selective colleges. However, the importance a college places on the tests varies greatly. Standardized test scores are seldom the most important factor in an admissions decision, and most colleges do not have cut-off scores. (Usually taken no later than fall of the senior year.) SAT Subject Tests: Selective colleges usually require or recommend specific Subject Tests. Some colleges consider them as factors in the admissions process; others use them to place students in the appropriate level of work they enroll. Recommendations: Recommendations from your high school counselor and teachers are taken seriously by most selective colleges. The colleges use these as evidence of your potential, character, and classroom effort. Key people at your school who know you well are best able to give the college a fair and valuable assessment of you and your work. Out-of-Class Activities: Selective colleges seek students with a wide variety of interests and experiences. These colleges realize that the intellectual ability and the varied perspectives of their students contribute to the overall educational climate. Community service, student government, athletics, overseas study, unusual hobbies, as well as participation in theatre, music, art, dance, or academic clubs are viewed positively by selective colleges. However, participation in out-ofclass activities will not compensate for a poor academic record. The Interview: If a college you are considering encourages interviews, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. The interview is an excellent way to determine if a college will really “fit” you. Admissions counselors at the college can answer most of your questions. In some cases, an interview may make the difference in whether you are admitted or not. If you believe you may be a “marginal” candidate for admission to a specific college, request an interview. However,do your homework before you go. Have good questions and be sure you can explain why that college is attractive to you. What is the Common Application? The Common Application is an online college application that is accepted by over 500 colleges and Universities throughout the United States. The Common Application allows the student to fill out the application one time, with the same information submitted to every school the student is applying too. In addition to the Common Application, many schools have supplemental forms that are specific to each college or university. Once the application is submitted to a college online, it cannot be changed for that college. The Common Application also allows the student to submit and track other components of their application such as supplements, payments, and school forms. The Common Application can be accessed at www.commonapp.org. Students applying can create an account starting August 1st. Students should store their username and password for the Common Application in a safe place as they will need to access it frequently. Office of School Counseling Safety, Target & Reach Schools What is a Safety School? A safety school is a college that you will almost certainly get into because your test scores, and/or high school grades are well above average when you look at the school’s profile. What is a Target School? A target school is a college that you are pretty likely to get into because your test scores, and/or high school grades fall right into the middle range when you look at the school’s profile. What is a Reach School? A reach school is a college that you have a chance of getting into, but your test scores, and/or high school grades are a bit on the low side when you look at the school’s profile. When applying to colleges, it's important to choose your schools wisely. You should make sure you apply to a mix of safety, target, and reach schools. Students should never consider the top U.S. colleges and top universities to be safety or target schools. The admissions standards at these schools are so high that no one is guaranteed acceptance. Office of School Counseling Naviance Family Connection www.connection.naviance.com/olma Family Connection by Naviance is a comprehensive website that you can use to help in making decisions about colleges and careers. Every student has been given an account with Family Connection that they may access from both school and home. A few sections of Family Connection which we urge you to become familiar with: “About Me”, “Colleges” and “Careers.” About Me: 1. MY PROFILE: includes basic biographical data and grade point average 2. MY RESUME: by completing this resume with information about your accomplishments and talents, will help you get a better understanding of how to effectively describe yourself to colleges. It may also help match you to local and state scholarships. 3. MY COLLEGES: as you find colleges that interest you, add them to your list of “Colleges That I’m Thinking About”. Also, as you apply to colleges, you will track the status of your application under “Colleges to Which I Am Applying”. 4. MY JOURNAL: as you investigate colleges, this is an excellent place to chronicle your thoughts and questions. About College: 1. COLLEGE SEARCH: helps you choose colleges that fit your preferences. 2. COLLEGE LOOKUP: you can research a specific college. From this site you can visit the college’s individual website for the most up-to-date information. There is a direct link to the website on each college’s Naviance homepage. 3. COLLEGE MATCH: this tool will allow you to use GPA and test score information about students from OLMA and their college applications to match you with colleges that you may want to consider. However this is not a guarantee that you will be accepted to a particular college. 4. COLLEGE COMPARE: you can compare GPA and test scores for accepted students from OLMA at up to 10 colleges. School averages are displayed in green when your number is higher and in red when your number is lower. 5. SCATTERGRAMS: this amazing tool allows you to visually see how you compare to OLMA students who have applied to a particular college based on your GPA and SAT/ ACT scores. 6. ACCEPTANCE HISTORY: you can see how many OLMA students have applied and enrolled at all colleges. About Careers: 1. EXPLORE CAREERS: you can research hundreds of occupations to learn about different tasks, skills and knowledge associated with each individual career. Students may also view short videos about each career. 2. INTERESTS: you can take assessments that profile your interests and match you to careers that you are compatible with. Please see your School Counselor with any questions regarding the Naviance program. Office of School Counseling SENIOR QUESTIONNAIRE STUDENT NAME: DATE OF BIRTH: Please attach a sheet of paper on which you answer the following questions. This information will be useful for your school counselor in terms of writing your letter of recommendation. If you wish, handwritten responses on loose-leaf paper can be submitted. 1. What makes you unique? Choose three or four adjectives that best describe you and explain why. 2. How do you think people view you as an individual? 3. What is/are the most significant contribution(s) you have made to OLMA? Your community? 4. Are there any specific activities, sports, or hobbies that you have enjoyed the most throughout high school? 5. What are your academic interests? Which courses have you enjoyed the most/ least? Why? 6. What do you consider your greatest strengths and talents? 7. Is your high school record an accurate measure of your ability and potential? If not please explain. 8. Have there been any circumstances that you believe have interfered with your academic success? Please describe. 9. Has any summer experience, work, study or travel, been of significance to you? Please describe. 10. Which specific courses or major would you like to study in college? Why? 11. What are your future career plans and goals? How did you determine them? 12. What type of college experience are you looking for? 13. What areas could you improve in? How could you do this? 14. Are you involved in any religious activities that are important to you? Please describe them. 15. What person, if any, has had the most impact on you? Why? 16. How would you describe your family (level of education, type of work, etc.)? 17. Is there any information that you would like to share with your counselor in order to make an accurate appraisal of you to colleges and universities? Please make sure you return your activity sheet (see sample activity sheets) along with this completed questionnaire to your School Counselor. Office of School Counseling STEPS TO REQUEST TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS THROUGH NAVIANCE 1. Log into Naviance. 2. Click on College Tab. 3. Click on Colleges I’m Applying To and scroll down until you see Teacher Recommendation ( it will say Add Teacher) 4. Select Teacher name from drop down menu. You can also add a small note for the teacher. 5. Click on Update Request. An email will be sent directly to each teacher you request a letter of recommendation from. It is your responsibility to speak with the teacher prior to sending the request and give each teacher a copy of your activity sheet. We STRONGLY suggest that you follow up with each teacher in your senior year with a thank you note. Office of School Counseling SAMPLE RESUMES/ACTIVITY SHEETS Taylor A. Student (999) 999-9999 Email: anyone@internet.com Coopersville High School Academic Honors and Awards • Academic Honor Roll - all semesters • National Honor Society - 2014 • Scholar Athlete Award - all semesters – Volleyball • Golden State Exam Honors and Recognition – Biology Other Awards and Distinctions • Junior Olympics: Silver Medalist - Volleyball 2014 • Youth National Volleyball Team: 2012-13 High School Leadership Activities • Varsity Letter: Volleyball 2012-2014 • Team Captain: Volleyball - 2014 • Producer and Director: Coopersville High School morning news • Leader: Link Crew 2012-2013 - Selected by Administration for mentor program. • Chairperson: Spring Canned Foods Drive 2012 • Active Member: Chess Club 2012-2013 • Founder: Teens Against Tobacco and Drug Use 2012 Community • • • • • • Service and Leadership President: Light of Life Philanthropic Organization 2014 Volunteer: Coast Animal Hospital: 2013 (32 hours) Volunteer: Help for Children - activities for terminally ill, underprivileged area children: 2011 -present (56 hours) Certified Junior Lifeguard: Anywhere Beach, 2014 Coach: Summer Volleyball Camp 2013-14 Church: Active member of ABC Church Youth Program 2011-Present Summer Programs and Internships • Academic: Journalism Workshop at Boston University: Summer 2014 - 8 week program • Community Service: Rustic Pathways – Costa Rica Community Service 2014 • Personal Achievement: Adventure Quest – British Virgin Islands – 3 week program *ASA/US Sailing and PADI Scuba Diving Certifications: Summer 2012 Paid Employment Experience • Camp Counselor: Explorers Beach Camp, Anywhere, CA Summer 2012 Office of School Counseling OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY Activity Sheet Template (MS Word Document) This template can be used to organize your personal activities/achievements Your final copy should be neatly typed and organized on a separate sheet of paper. Name: ___________________________ SS#: ______________________________ School Activities (Sports, Clubs, Extra-Curricular) 9th 10th 11th 12th Description Honors and Awards 9th 10th 11th 12th Description Out of School Activities 9th 10th 11th 12th Description Community Service/ Leadership / Volunteerism 9th 10th 11th 12th Description Work Experience/ Summer Activities 9th 10th 11th 12th Description Other 9th 10th 11th 12th Description Office of School Counseling The Office of School Counseling STRONGLY advises ALL juniors to take an SAT Reasoning Test and an ACT in May and/or June since most colleges will accept the student’s best performance on either test. What is the ACT? The ACT (American College Test) is a test used by colleges to determine the admissions eligibility of a student. It measures academic achievement in the areas of English, Mathematics, Reading and Science reasoning. The written section is optional. However, we suggest students take this section because most colleges are now requiring it. Some colleges will use the ACT in lieu of SAT II’s (check the college website). Good scores are often a strong predictor of a student’s qualifications as well as for scholarship potential. In addition, we suggest the students should also take the SAT Reasoning Test and/or the ACT early in their senior year. Colleges like to see and compare both Junior and Senior year scores. What is the SAT? The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions. What are the SAT Subject Tests? Subject Tests are hour-long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests. SAT Subject Tests allow you to differentiate yourself in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in college. In conjunction with your other admission credentials they provide a more complete picture of your academic background and interests. Colleges use Subject Tests to mainly place students into the appropriate courses. Based on your performance on the test(s), you could potentially fulfill basic requirements or receive credit for introductory-level courses; very few use them for admission purposes. There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Parents and students are advised to review the information from colleges in which they may be interested to take the SAT Subject Tests in a particular subject immediately after the course ends so the information will be fresh in their minds. Mathematics tests are better taken in senior year or upon the completion of a 3rd year of math. Students should consult with their subject teacher to determine if they are good candidates for success on the SAT Subject Tests. Registration forms and sample test booklets are available in the Office of School Counseling. OLMA’s CEEB code is: 335440. In order for us to receive your scores, you must note this code on your registration form. Register online at www.sat. collegeboard.com/register for the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests and www.actstudent.org for the ACT. Please note the OLMA is NOT a test center. You will need to visit the SAT/ACT registration site. Most often times you will take the SAT/SATII/ACT in your local district. Office of School Counseling SAT Score Reporting and Score Choice Send Your Scores: There are two ways to send your scores to colleges, universities or scholarship programs: 1. During Registration You receive four free score reports every time you register for the SAT. We highly recommend that you take advantage of these reports, as additional reports are subject to a fee. Also, using registration score reports ensures that test scores are sent to colleges as early as possible. Choosing your score recipients during the registration process ensures that colleges have the most complete set of your information to review for admission as well as scholarship awards, course placement, or selection to a specific program or major. 2. After Registration You can send score reports at any time from your “My SAT” account. The time frames for score delivery vary based upon each institution’s method of receiving scores. Please remember that an additional week may be needed for the score recipients to process your scores once they receive them. There is a fee for sending score reports after registration. However, if you are a fee-waiver-eligible student, you may have additional score report credits. Take Control with Score Choice™ Score Choice gives you the option to choose which scores (by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests™) you send to colleges. Score Choice can be used for any existing scores with your four free registration score reports or any additional score reports. You can choose scores from one, several or all test dates, as well as view the score-use practices of participating colleges and universities. Colleges and universities will only receive the scores that you send them — your scores will not be released without your specific consent. If you decide not to use Score Choice, all of your scores will be sent to your recipients. You should still feel comfortable sending all scores, since most colleges consider a student’s best score. Super Score- Typically most schools will take your highest Critical Reading, Math and Writing SAT scores across all of your test dates. Schools will also take the highest subject area scores for the ACT. Students cannot Super Score on their own. How to Send Your Scores with Registration 1. Choose four score recipients for FREE during registration You can make updates to your score recipients for up to nine days after your test date. To make updates, log in to My SAT. Office of School Counseling 2. Send additional scores Four score sends are included free with your registration. If you choose to send more than four, or to send scores outside the registration time period, you will be charged $11.25 per score send. If you are a fee-waiver-eligible student, you may have additional score report credits. Sending scores to college and university systems For certain college and university systems, once you submit your score to one school, other schools within that system will also have access to your score. Please note, however, that if you are applying to more than one school within a college or university system, it is still important for you to send your SAT scores to each individual school. If you are not sure whether the specific school you are applying to is part of such a system, contact the school's admissions office. If you need to enter a university or college code, follow this link: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/satcode-search Participating in the Student Search Service® If you decided to participate in the Student Search Service, colleges and universities may identify you to provide you with materials about college admission and financial aid. Student Search Service does not report your course grades, test scores, phone numbers or social security number to these organizations, but organizations can request student information based on a variety of criteria which may include score range, or other variables such as geographical location or expressed interests. Score Reports and Score Sending • Sending official SAT score reports is the only way to ensure that colleges receive your scores. • Four SAT score reports are included free with your registration. • Sending scores with your registration is the fastest way to send scores to colleges and scholarship programs. • Many colleges view receiving your scores early as a demonstration of your interest. • SAT Program recommends that students send all of their scores if they are unsure of which scores to send. Advanced Placement Scores Advanced Placement courses are considered the most challenging courses available with a curriculum set forth by the College Board. The course is designed to qualify students for credit, advanced placement or both at colleges and universities. At the end of the course, students will then take the AP exam. The AP Examinations are administered each year in May and represent the culmination of college-level work in a given discipline. The exams are taken at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. If you are taking or have taken Advanced Placement course at any point in your high school career you must submit your scores to colleges through College Board. After you take an AP Exam, your scores report will be sent to the college or university that you designated on your answer sheet. When you view your scores online, you have the option to send them to other institutions for a fee. For additional information, visit the College Board website at www.collegeboard.org Office of School Counseling WRITING YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY Introduction If you are like most students, you see the college essay as another hurdle that you must jump on the way to being accepted at the college of your choice. In fact, the essay is not a hurdle but a rare opportunity; it is a chance for you to “talk” directly to the college’s admissions committee and to help them “see” you as a “thinking” and “feeling” person, rather than simply a set of impersonal statistics. Except for the interview, it is your only chance to share your thoughts, insights, and opinions; to highlight your accomplishments; and to convey your maturity and outlook on life. If you see the college essay in this way - as an opportunity - than it is clearly worth the effort to put some extra time, thought, and energy into writing it. Purpose of the Essay The college essay is extremely important for two major reasons: 1. It enables the college admissions office to evaluate your communication skills. Through your essay they can assess the clarity of your thinking and your ability to convey your thoughts in written form. 2. It enables the admissions office to learn more about you as a person, beyond what grades and SAT scores can convey. A well-written essay can speak worlds about your attitudes, feelings, personal qualities, imagination, and creativity. For the admissions staff, it adds another important piece to the puzzle because it distinguishes you as an individual, different from any other student who is applying. Choosing a Topic The choice of a topic is frequently not an issue, because many colleges and universities will either give you a topic to write about or present several rather specific topics from which you must choose. Other colleges may simply “suggest” broad general topics to give you total freedom to write about something that interests or concerns you. Regardless of whether you must respond to a prescribed topic or come up with one of your own, here are a few general hints about the most effective way to approach your topic: • Narrow your topic and try to be as specific and illustrative as possible. • Relatedly, the easiest topic to write about is yourself. No one knows more about you than you. Since one important purpose of the essay is self-revelation, it is no place to be shy or modest, although you should not exaggerate. If you choose to write about yourself, remember that little incidents and facts are often the most revealing of character and outlook. • Do not be afraid to write about something you think is a little different. A unique topic or approach is often refreshing to a college admissions officer who has been reading applications all day. Further, an unusual or off-beat essay is an excellent way to show your creativity. Preparing to Write Before actually sitting down to write a first draft of your essay, spend some time organizing your thoughts. Develop a framework for your essay so it will have a smooth and logical progression from one idea or incident to the next. Consider your purpose in writing, what you want to convey, and the tone that you think is most appropriate for the topic. Decide on a style that is comfortable for you, not one that you think the college admissions committee prefers. Finally, remember that organizing your thoughts and deciding on a framework does not mean you must be overly rigid at the start; leave room for flexibility and creativity as you actually begin writing. Office of School Counseling Writing the Essay You do not have to get it right the first time! Instead, write the first draft of your essay with the main focus on content - communicating your thoughts. Then set it aside for a day or two, reread it with a fresh perspective, and make any necessary changes. This is also the point at which you should consider matters of organization, style, grammar, spelling, and tone. Once you have rewritten your first draft, you may wish to try it out on your family, friends, English teacher, or guidance counselor. While the final product and final “voice” should be yours, they may be able to offer helpful suggestions for technical or other improvements. Within this general outline for actually writing the essay, there are some “DOs” and “DON’Ts” which I would like to highlight: Do • • • • Do think “small” and write about something that you know about. Do reveal yourself in your writing. Do show rather than tell. By giving examples and illustrating your topic, you help bring it to life. Do write in your own “voice” and style. Don’t • • • • • Don’t write what you think others want to read. Don’t exaggerate or write to impress. Don’t use a flowery, inflated, or pretentious style. Don’t neglect the technical part of your essay (grammar, spelling, sentence structure). Don’t ramble - say what you have to say and conclude. Your college essay, along with your high school record, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement, will provide the bases upon which the college makes its admissions decision. A thoughtful, well-written essay can affect in a very positive way that final decision. Keep this in mind and take full advantage of the opportunity which the college essay affords you. COMMON APPLICATION ESSAY PROMPTS Students will pick one of the topics below for their Common Application essay: • • • • • Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn? Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there and why is it meaningful to you? Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. The Common App essay length has a maximum of 650 words. Office of School Counseling QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROSPECTIVE COLLEGES A sampling of these questions would be appropriate to ask at college fairs, interviews, campus visits or any other opportunities you have to talk to college representatives. Select the questions that are most relevant to your situation. Questions About Admission Policies What high school courses do you require? What tests are required? What range of scores typifies your admitted students? What grade point average and class rank are typical of your admitted students? What emphasis is placed on extracurricular activities? Do you offer Early Decision or Early Action? If yes, what are the deadlines and what is the commitment? Do you accept Letters of Recommendation? Are personal interviews offered? How do you obtain them? Are any majors impacted such that they have additional admission requirements? What percent of applicants do you accept? Is there a waitlist? An appeals process? Questions About the College or University Where is the college located? Is the setting rural, urban, suburban, beach, etc. What is the community like? College town? Relationship with the community? Is the college public or private? Does it have a religious affiliation? What is the current enrollment? Of that, what percent live on campus? Are there any special programs offered? Does the college have a particular program it is known for or ranked in? If considering transferring, ask about transfer opportunities and requirements. Questions About The Student Body Where do the majority of students come from? How is the Greek System (sororities and fraternities) perceived? (if applicable) What percent of students join? What role does athletics play in campus life? Are there NCAA sports? Intramural? How would you characterize the student body? Diverse? Affluent? Cliquish? Relaxed? How would you characterize the school in terms of school spirit? Politically would the school be characterized as liberal or conservative? Degree of emphasis on social life vs. academic? Questions About Academics What is the average class size? Ratio of professors to students? What percent of classes are taught by TAs vs. professors? What percent of students return sophomore year? What percent graduate in four years? How difficult is it to get your classes? How does registration work? Does each student have a counselor? Is the campus networked? What internet access is provided and where? In each room? What are the most popular majors? Which of those have special requirements or are impacted? Is there an honors program? Are there special exchange programs or opportunities to study abroad? Are students recruited aggressively? Are they offered internships? What percent of the students are accepted to graduate schools? Questions About Financial Aid What percent of students receive financial aid? What are the filing date deadlines? Are jobs available on campus? Work-study programs? Are there other grants and loans available? How does one qualify or apply? What is a typical financial aid package for freshmen? When is a student notified about financial aid? Are there other special scholarships for athletics? Arts? Leadership? Academics? Office of School Counseling THE INTERVIEW Interviews can be the most nerve-racking part of the whole process. At many schools the interview is little more than an information session. Be sure to check each college's interview policy before you visit. At those where it is optional, our advice is that you arrange for an interview if you feel that seeing an admissions officer face-to-face will improve your chances, of if you have any questions you particularly want answered. You'll help yourself if you make a good impression, but in almost every case, your grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, written application, and school recommendations will carry more weight. REMEMBER: SCHEDULE ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS WELL IN ADVANCE There are two keys to a successful interview: 1. Make yourself stand out from the crowd. 2. Don't try to be something you're not. In other words, if you can make the interviewer remember you by highlighting things about yourself that are really Worth remembering, chances are you've had an excellent interview. The interview, like the entire admissions process, can be a productive learning experience. At its best, it can even be fun. Try to look at your interviewer as a resource who may help you to better understand the college. A successful interview is one that you enjoy. Good interviews humanize the admissions process. Look at your college interview as an opportunity to have direct, human contact with the admissions process. Relax and make the most of it. QUICK DOs AND DON'Ts DO • Be prompt • Be honest • Listen; take time to reflect • Be energetic and enthusiastic • Make eye contact • Give a firm handshake • Use the name of your interviewer • Bring a transcript along with SAT or ACT scores • Dress comfortably and neatly • Read the catalogue • Ask questions • Bring a copy of your activity resume DON’T • Lie or exaggerate • Be negative • Yawn, slouch, stretch • Chew gum, hair, or nails • Recite a prepared speech or brag • Interrupt your interviewer • Be disinterested or nonchalant • Criticize your teachers, school or friends • Bring an elaborate portfolio, resume, or display Office of School Counseling QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKED IN AN INTERVIEW These are samples of kinds of questions you might be asked by an interviewer. Think about how you would answer them. Even if you are not asked any of these, if you have thought about them, you will be well prepared. 1. How do you like your high school? What has been the most positive experience you had? The most negative? 2. If I visited your high school for a few days, what would I find is your role in the school/community? What would your teachers say were your greatest strengths as a person? As a student? Likewise what about your shortcomings or weaknesses? 3. What is the most significant contribution you’ve made to your high school? 4. What is the overriding consideration in your choice of a college? 5. What are some of your goals — personal and career — for the future? 6. Tell me about a particular class in which you found yourself intellectually stimulated. 7. What is your reason for participating in athletics, student government, newspaper, etc.? 8. Since you are interested in science and math, why are you interested in a liberal arts college rather than a more technical institution? 9. How and in what ways do you expect, plan, hope, to transfer your secondary school contributions, achievements, activities to the college level? 10. What has been your favorite subject in high school? 11. What might you study in college? 12. What books or articles have made a lasting impression on your way of thinking? Have you read deeply into any one author or field? 13. What events, if any, would you deem critical in your life thus far? 14. What pressures do you feel operating on you in society to conform? Describe ways in which you “go your own way.” 15. How have you spent your summers? 16. What are your reactions to current events? 17. Describe some issues that you have really become indignant over in the past year. 18 How would you describe yourself as a person? 19. Have you ever thought of not going to college? What would you do? 20. How do you spend your free time? 21. Do you have any questions? 22. What are the top 5 websites that you visit? Office of School Counseling National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) What is the NCAA Eligibility Center? Why is it Important? The NCAA Eligibility Center took over operations for the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse in November 2007. The Eligibility Center certifies the academic and amateur credentials of all students who want to play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution as freshmen. Students who are interested in playing for a Division III school do not need to register with NCAA. In order to practice, play and receive an athletics scholarship, students need to meet certain academic benchmarks. An additional certification process exists to make sure the student is still an amateur, which is necessary in order for the student to compete at the college level. Please refer to the Appendix for information regarding initial eligibility requirements and worksheets. If you have any further questions regarding eligibility or any other matter related to the NCAA please visit www.ncaa.org or call 1(877)262-1492 (Toll Free). Office of School Counseling Appendix Office of School Counseling What Is FAFSA? All students are expected to contribute towards the cost of their college education. How much you and your family will be expected to contribute depends on your financial situation—and is what is referred to as your Expected Family Contribution or EFC. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by conducting a “need analysis” based on financial information, such as income, assets and other household information, which you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) will be asked to provide. The form is submitted to, and processed by, a federal processor contracted by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and the results are electronically transmitted to the financial aid offices of the schools that you list on your application. FAFSA is the application used by nearly all colleges and universities to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. FAFSA Eligibility Nearly every student is eligible for some form of financial aid, including lowinterest Federal Stafford and/or parent PLUS loans, regardless of income or circumstances, provided that you: • are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or an eligible non-citizen; • have a valid Social Security Number; • have a high school diploma or GED; • are registered with the U.S. Selective Service (if you are a male aged 18- 25); • complete a FAFSA promising to use any federal aid for educational purposes; • do not owe refunds on any federal student grants; • are not in default on any student loans; and • have not been found guilty of the sale or possession of illegal drugs during a period in which federal aid was being received. Applying for Aid...FAFSA is step #1 To be considered for federal financial aid, you must complete and submit a FAFSA. Additionally, most states, colleges and universities use the FAFSA to award other types of institutional financial aid, including state- and collegesponsored financial aid, such as grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. (Note: In addition to the FAFSA, some states/colleges require additional forms or applications for aid. Check with your school’s financial aid office for any stateand/or school-specific requirements.) Office of School Counseling FAFSA Deadlines Many states, colleges and universities have filing deadlines that are much earlier—some occurring as early as the first few weeks in January. Additionally, applicants have to pay particular attention to deadline specifics, as some refer to the date by which individual FAFSAs must be submitted (Transaction Receipt Date), while others refer to the date by which individual FAFSAs must be fully processed (completed by the federal processor and made available to the school financial aid office). IMPORTANT: We strongly encourage all students to check with their school’s financial aid office to determine their exact FAFSA deadline requirements, and to file their FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st. All information is the most updated information available. Please check for updates at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Office of School Counseling OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY COLLEGE APPLICATION GUIDELINES If mailing college specific application (College does not accept online application or the Common Application), bring to the Counseling office: • • • • • • OLMA College Application Checklist form filled out (in Counseling office) OLMA transcript fee ($7 1st application, $3 each additional) * College application fee (varies by college) College application College application essay (if required) Up-to-date activity sheet (if not already on file in Counseling office) If application already sent online, bring to the Counseling office: • • OLMA College Application Checklist form filled out (in Counseling office) OLMA transcript fee ($7 1st application, $3 each additional)* Deadlines: Activity sheet (typed)..................................................................Friday, September 18th To process for NOV 1ST EARLY ACTION DEADLINE.......Wednesday, October 14th To process for NOV 15TH EARLY ACTION DEADLINE....Monday, October 26th To process for Dec 1st DEADLINE............................................Thursday, November 5th To process for Dec 15th DEADLINE........................................Friday, November 20th To process for Jan 1st DEADLINE............................................Tuesday, December 1st To process for Jan 15th DEADLINE.........................................Wednesday, December 16th Please Note: • • • • • Allow 14 working school days to process Be aware of Early Decision and Early Action deadlines! Applications are sent out in the order they are received Only fully submitted applications will be accepted Keep copies of all applications/supplements/essays for your files *Exact cash or check made out to “OLMA” (may write 1 check) Office of School Counseling OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY ONLINE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS EACH STUDENT MUS REGISTER FOR THE COMMON APPLICATION SO WE MAY ELECTRONICALLY SUBMIT DOCUMENTS THROUGH NAVIANCE NAVIANCE FAMILY CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS • Log into Family Connection at http://connection.naviance.com/olma • Click on the College Tab at the top of the page. • Open ‘Colleges I am Applying To’ • Sign your ‘FERPA’ (Privacy Notice). Choose “waive” or “do not waive” by clicking the appropriate box. Note: Access available August 1st. • Check the box, ‘I authorize release of records.’ • Enter your Common Application user name and password. Confirm pass word and submit. COMMON APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS • Fill out application at www.commonapp.org • Create a user name and password. Remember, the email name must match Family Connection. • Fill out Supplement (if college has one) – must be submitted online as well • The 2 Teacher Evaluations, Secondary School Report, Midyear Report and Final Report will be submitted to Common App through Naviance • Once application submitted online, bring the OLMA College Application Checklist and Transcript Fee to the Office of School Counseling CUNY APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS • Online application web address is www.cuny.edu – click on Admissions • Click on Undergraduate • After reading “Have you prepared for your application, clink on ‘Apply Now’ • Fill out an Admission Application • Register for their portal • Print out your Application Summary Package • Once application submitted online, bring the OLMA College Application Checklist, Application Summary Package and Transcript Fee to the Office of School Counseling SUNY APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS • Online application web address is www.suny.edu/Student/apply_online. cfm • Once application submitted online, bring the OLMA College Application Checklist and Transcript Fee to the Office of School Counseling Office of School Counseling OUR LADY OF MERCY COLLEGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST COLLEGE APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AND ENTERED IN FAMILY CONNECTION “COLLEGES I AM APPLYING TO” LIST Student Name Counselor Name College Name College Address City ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________________________ State ______ Zip ______________ Type of Application COMMON APPLICATION Submitted Online Yes___ Midyear grades are sent automatically First quarter grades must be requested to be sent from Office of School Counseling SUNY APPLICATION Submitted Online Yes___ or No___ CUNY APPLICATION Submitted Online Yes___ or No___ SPECIFIC COLLEGE Submitted Online Yes___ or No___ Deadlines ☐ Early Decision I (binding) ☐ Early Action ☐ Early Decision II (binding) ☐ Regular Decision ☐ Priority ☐ Rolling Admission Deadline Date: ___________ Test Scores Student must send from collegeboard.com or actstudent.org Recommendations Teacher’s Name: ___________________________________________ Teacher’s Name: ___________________________________________ Counselor’s Name: _________________________________________ It is the student’s responsibility to send additional letters of recommendation from outside sources (coaches, clergy, volunteer activities, internships) directly to their colleges. Fees1st transcript - $7.00 check made out to OLMA Each add’l transcript - $3.00 check made out to OLMA (may combine on 1 check) ALLOW 14 WORKING DAYS TO PROCESS THIS APPLICATION Student’s Signature: _________________________________________________ To be filled out by the Office of School Counseling: Date App Received: Application Fee: Transcript Fee: Date to Counselor: Date Uploaded/Mailed: __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ Check #/Amt: ____________ Check #/Amt: ____________ Cash (exact) Entered in Naviance Office of School Counseling OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY Class of 2014 College Acceptances & Scholarships Awarded (122 graduates earned $22.3 million) Adelphi University** Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences** Alfred University** Alvernia University** Anna Maria College** Auburn University Ave Maria University** Babson College Baruch College* Becker College Bentley University Boston College Boston University Bryant University** California University of Pennsylvania Canisius College** Cardiff University Carnegie Mellon University** Catholic University of America** Cazenovia College Centenary College Coastal Carolina University Colgate University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross** College of Mount Saint Vincent** College of New Jersey** College of Saint Rose** College of William and Mary Columbia University Cornell University CUNY Baruch College-Macaulay Honors Program CUNY Brooklyn College CUNY College of Liberal Arts and Science CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice CUNY Lehman College CUNY Queens College Curry College** Daemen College** Dean College** Drew University** Drexel University** Elmira College Elon University Endicott College** Fairfield University** Fordham University* ** * Full Scholarship **Partial Scholarship Franklin Pierce University Georgetown University George Washington University** Gettysburg College** Hartwick College** High Point University** Hofstra University** Howard University Iona College** Ithaca College** James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Kutztown University** Lafayette College LaSalle University** Le Moyne College** LIM College LIU Brooklyn LIU Post** Louisiana State University Loyola University Maryland** Lynchburg College Manhattan College** Manhattanville College Marist College** Marymount Manhattan College Marymount University** Marywood University** Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences** Mercy College** Merrimack College** Miami University, Oxford** Misericordia University** Molloy College* ** Mount Saint Mary College** Mount St. Mary’s University** Muhlenberg College** Nassau Community College New York University** New York Institute of Technology** North Carolina State University** North Park University** Northeastern University** Ohio State University** Ohio Wesleyan University Pace University** (continued) Office of School Counseling OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY Class of 2013 College Acceptances & Scholarships Awarded (122 graduates earned $22.3 million) continued... Pennsylvania State University Providence College** Purdue University** Quinnipiac University** Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute** Rice University Roanoke College** Roger Williams University** Rollins College** Royal Holloway, University of London Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Sacred Heart University** Saint Joseph’s University Salve Regina University** Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design** Seton Hall University** Siena College** St. Bonaventure University** St. John’s University** St. Joseph’s College** St. John’s University** St. Thomas Aquinas College** Stetson University** Stonehill College** Suffolk Community College/Eastern Campus SUNY Albany** SUNY Binghamton University SUNY Brockport SUNY Buffalo SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry SUNY Cortland SUNY Farmingdale SUNY Geneseo SUNY Old Westbury SUNY Oneonta SUNY Oswego** SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Purchase SUNY Stony Brook University** Susquehanna University** Syracuse University** Temple University** * Full Scholarship **Partial Scholarship Towson University Trinity College Tulane University Union College** University of Alabama** University of Alabama At Birmingham University of Chicago** University of Connecticut** University of Dallas** University of Dayton** University of Delaware** University of Hartford** University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign** University of Leicester University of Lincoln University of Maine** University of Maryland University of Massachusetts Amherst** University of New Hampshire** University of New Haven** University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma** University of Pittsburgh** University of Rhode Island** University of Richmond University of Rochester** University of the Sciences** University of Scranton** University of South Carolina** University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Tulsa** University of Vermont** University of Virginia University of Wisconsin-Madison Utica College** Vanderbilt University Villanova University** Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Wagner College** Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University** Western Carolina University York College**