CLASS OF 2015 COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE

Entrance Exams Admissions Process Financial Aid

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Carmel Catholic High SchoolOne Carmel Parkway

Mundelein, Illinois 60060847.566.3000 (Phone)

Sr. Mary Frances McLaughlin BVM, PresidentMr. Mark Ostap, Principal

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Services/Counseling Office

847.388.3304 (Phone)School year hours: 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Carmel website: www.carmelhs.org College Resource Center website: www.edline.net

Dr. Kathleen Kuhr, Director of Student Services kkuhr@carmelhs.org 847.388.3310

Mrs. Christine Hartnett, Director of College Counseling chartnett@carmelhs.org 847.388.3307

Mrs. Lynnea Heinrichs, Administrative Assistant lheinrichs@carmelhs.org 847.388.3304

Mrs. Suzanne Adamson, Counselor sadamson@carmelhs.org 847.388.3306

Mr. Paul Emerson, Counselor pemerson@carmelhs.org 847.388.3316

Mr. Michael O’Keeffe, Counselor mokeeffe@carmelhs.org 847.388.3303

Mr. John Ryan, Counselor jryan@carmelhs.org 847.388.3309

Mrs. Elizabeth Carlson, Director of Social Services ecarlson@carmelhs.org 847.388.3364

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College Planning

Introduction to College Planning 4

Naviance/Family Connection 4

College Resource Center Page on Edline 4

College Planning Calendar 5-6

College Entrance Tests

ACT 7

SAT 7

SAT Subject Tests 7

Registration Information 7

Fee Waivers 8

Reporting Your Scores 8

Special Accomodations for College Entrance Tests 8

Superscoring 8

Test Preparation Classes 8

2014-2015 Test Dates 9

Research

Top Factors Influencing Admissions Decisions 10

Categories/Types of Schools 10

College Representatives Visiting Carmel 11

Public Universities in Illinois 12-13

Benefits of Attending a Community College 14

Campus Visits 15-16

The Application Process

Application Process - Senior Year 17

Common Application 17

Admission Plans 18

College Application Steps 18

Step-By-Step Application Instructions 19

College Application Support Documents 20

Resume Tips 20

Essay Tips 20

Personal Statement 21

Letters of Recommendation 21

The College Interview 22

Guarding Your Social Media Footprint 23

College Planning for the Student Athlete 24

NCAA/NAIA/CoreCourseGPA 24-25

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid Process 26

Sources of Financial Aid 26-27

FAFSA 27

CSS/PROFILE 27

Financial FitTM Program 27

Timeline for Financial Aid 28

Appendix

Recommended Questions to Ask College Reps 29

College Comparison Worksheet 30-31

Carmel Top 50 Colleges 32-34

Glossary 35-36

Helpful Websites 37-38

CCHS College Application/Transcript Request Form 39

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE PLANNING

The purpose of this planning guide is to assist you in your college planning and selection process. Choosing a college or university is by far one of the most exciting yet complicated decisions that you will ever make. The key to making the decision is knowing yourself. Prepare yourself by creating a personal checklist in order to evaluate your academic, social and moral factors before you begin to dig deep into your college search. Remember, you want to select a school based on fit. Carmel counselors are available to help provide information and other resources for your use.

NAVIANCE/FAMILY CONNECTION

Family Connection is a comprehensive website that students and families can use to help make plans about colleges and careers. Family Connection is linked with Naviance Succeed™, a service that we use in our office to track and analyze data about college and career plans, so it provides up-to-date information that is specific to our school.

Family Connection will allow you to:• Get involved in the planning and advising process - Build a resume, complete online surveys,

and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers • Research colleges - Compare GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics to actual

historical data from our school for students who have applied and been admitted in the past • Research careers - Research hundreds of careers and career clusters, and take career assessments

like the Career Interest Profiler and Personality tests. • Create plans for the future - Create goals and to-dos, and complete tasks assigned to you by the

school to better prepare yourself for your future college and career goals.

Naviance will allow Carmel to:• Send application documents such as your transcript, letters of recommendation, school profile

and counselor forms.• Share information with you about upcoming meetings and events, local scholarship opportunities

and other resources for college and career information.

To visit our school’s Family Connection site, you may use the link on the College Resource Center page on Edline or use your browser to connect to http://connection.naviance.com/carmelcathhs/.

Students will receive information on creating their account in the classroom. If you do not know your registration code, please contact the counseling office for assistance.

Username: Student ID# (starting with 1111)Password: Whatever the student set it to

COLLEGE RESOURCE CENTER PAGE ON EDLINE

Refer to the College Resource Center page regularly throughout your college search and application process. This page contains links to important websites as well as a calendar of key events and information relevant to the college and career search process. From the Edline homepage, click on “Academic Information” then “The College Resource Center.”

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COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDARJUNIOR YEAR

September - February• Talk with friends, parents, counselors and faculty about colleges and careers. • Organize a file box of personal and institutional information on college and career opportunities. • Visit with college representatives in the College Resource Center. • Attend the College Fair in October at the College of Lake County. • Meet with your guidance counselor for your first semester appointment. • Register for senior courses. Take the most demanding program possible and achieve successfully. • Parents and students attend the College Information Nights advertised throughout the year,

including Carmel’s College Information Night in November.

March• Write your resume. Make sure to include honors, awards, activities at Carmel and outside of

Carmel, ministry and work experiences. Use the template on Naviance. • Earnestly begin your college search. • Attend the College Fair at the College of Lake County. • Visit colleges over spring break. • Register for the April, May or June ACT and/or SAT exams. • Attend the junior parent/student conference with your counselor to discuss graduation and post-

high school plans.

April• Take the ACT (offered at Carmel – register at www.actstudent.org).• Attend the junior parent conference with your counselor to discuss graduation and post-high

school plans. • Turn in your resume, the Counselor Recommendation Form, and the Teacher Recommendation

Form.

May• Take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, if appropriate.• Take AP tests, if appropriate.• Start to narrow down choices through research, visits and talks with your counselor and parents. • Request letters of recommendation from teachers.

June - August• Take the ACT again, if necessary. • Take the SAT Subject Test(s), if needed. • Work on college essay ideas. • Visit colleges.• Revise and begin to finalize your college list. • You may be able to apply to some colleges over summer, if an official transcript is not required.

All applications requiring transcripts and/or letters of recommendation must wait until school is in session in August.

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COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDARSENIOR YEAR

September• Update your resume in your Naviance account. Give a copy to your counselor and

recommending teachers. Keep one in a file for use in your applications.• Meet with your counselor. • Attend the Senior Application meeting for complete application instructions. • Continue working on rough draft essays and applications. • Investigate scholarships that may be available at your colleges. • Register to take the SAT and SAT Subject Test(s) if you need to take or retake them. • Take ACT.• Politely ask teachers to write recommendations, if required; check in with teachers you may have

asked last spring. • Start submitting applications.

October• Take the ACT or SAT.• Submit applications. Be sure to check deadlines – especially for early admission programs.

Most of your applications should be submitted before October 31. Check deadlines on college websites or in Naviance.

November• Continue the application process, but watch for deadlines. • Parents: attend the College Costs Seminar at Carmel

December• Some college acceptance letters may arrive; update your Naviance account when you receive a

decision from a school.• All college applications with a January deadline must be completed by the end of the first week

of December in order to allow time for processing before the winter break.

January - February• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid), which is required for those

applying for financial aid. • Complete CSS Profile as required by some colleges. • Send 7th semester transcripts to colleges, if needed. Some Common Application colleges require

a mid-year report and transcript.

March• If you completed the FAFSA, watch for the Student Aid Report (SAR) to arrive, stating the

estimated family contribution. Make sure your colleges have received it. Keep the original.

April• All colleges should respond by the first week of April. • Decide which college you wish to attend and send a deposit to one school. Inform your

counselor and teachers of the selected choice; update your Naviance account.

May• Notify the colleges to which you were admitted but do not plan to attend by May 1. • Notify the college or university which you plan to attend by May 1. • Turn in your final transcript request.

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COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS

Carmel Catholic High School Code: 143096

Many colleges require the ACT or SAT for admission. Some of the more highly selective colleges also require the SAT Subject Test(s). It is your responsibility to know which tests each college requires. Please check the college website for this information.

American College Test (ACT)This is one of the two test options that may be used for admission to colleges and universities. Juniors are advised to take the ACT in February, April or June of their junior year. This test must be taken in the junior year to qualify for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s Honorary Illinois Scholar Award. The ACT is given on six Saturdays annually. The writing test is optional, but we encourage students to take it at least once because many colleges and universities are recommending or requiring it. The 30-minute writing test is taken after the multiple choice test is completed and will not affect the composite score. Rather, students will receive two additional scores: a combined English/writing score on a scale of 1-36 and a writing sub-score on a scale of 2-12.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)This is the second of the two test options that may be used for admission to colleges and universities. This test will include three sections: writing, critical reading and mathematics. Each of the three sections of the SAT will be scored 200-800 with a highest possible score of 2400 points. The writing section is not optional as it is for the ACT. The SAT is offered several times annually.

SAT Subject TestsThese one-hour tests are given in subjects such as English, foreign languages, science, history and mathematics. Many selective colleges require one to three subject tests and use them for admissions and/or placement. They measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply that knowledge.

It is not possible to take SAT Subject Tests on the same date as the SAT Test. SAT Subject Tests are offered six times per year in October, November, December, January, May and June. Check the requirements of the colleges you are considering before deciding which test to take and when to take them.

You’ll probably do best on the SAT Subject Tests if you take them soon after completing courses in the subjects being tested, while the material is still fresh in your mind. Depending on the date by which colleges need your SAT Subject Test scores, it may be possible to take Subject Tests near the time of the Advanced Placement exam in that subject. Colleges that use the SAT Subject Test results as part of their admissions process often require that you take the tests no later than December of your senior year.

Registration InformationRegistration for the ACT test should be done well before deadlines. Test sites fill up quickly. Registration is done online at www.actstudent.org. Carmel is a testing site for the April ACT test. Students wishing to take the ACT tests on other dates will choose a testing site online from the list provided.

Registration for the SAT and SAT Subject Test is done online at www.collegeboard.org. Carmel does not give the SAT test.

Please be aware that there are registration deadlines for these tests. The deadline is typically five weeks before the test. Students and parents should always check the registration website for complete details about deadlines, cost, test options, etc.

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PLEASE NOTE: When registering for tests, students must upload an acceptable photo of themselves by a specified deadline. Students who miss the deadline will have their test registration cancelled and will not be issued a refund.

Carmel Catholic’s ACT/SAT/CEEB code is 143096. Entering this code when registering for a test assures that Carmel will receive your scores.

Fee WaiversWaivers from ACT or SAT are available to help students for whom payment of the test registration fee could be a barrier to college entrance. Students/parents requesting a waiver must meet economic eligibility requirements. Waivers may be obtained from Carmel’s College Counselor.

Reporting Your ScoresStudents are responsible for reporting their scores to colleges when they apply. Scores are not on the official Carmel transcript. Score reporting can be done at the test registration websites listed on the previous page at the time of registration.

Each time you take the ACT or SAT, you may take advantage of the four free reports and send your scores to colleges for which you are interested. After the test date, there is a charge for score reporting. Make sure you send your scores to Carmel as well. It may take several weeks for ACT and SAT to process these, so request them online in a timely manner. In fact, you may place the request as soon as you know you will apply to each school. For example, for a November 1 deadline, you should send your scores by October 1.

Please keep in mind that every time you send your SAT scores, all scores are reported. You cannot withhold prior SAT scores. When you send ACT scores, you choose which test dates to report.

Special Accommodations for College Entrance TestsStudents with current professionally diagnosed and documented disabilities may request extended time testing or special testing for college entrance tests. Requesting any accommodation for an entrance test takes extra time and must be arranged with Carmel’s Serna Center Director several months in advance of the first test a student wishes to take.

What is Superscoring?The term superscoring refers to a college admissions office selecting the highest subscores from multiple SAT or ACT tests and combining them. Doing this can be advantageous to the student by showing a higher composite score. Many colleges already superscore the SAT; a growing number now also consider the superscore of the ACT. While Carmel has a list in Edline of the colleges that superscore the ACT, this information changes every year. Students should ask the college representative if the Admissions Office considers a superscore and if so, students should send all appropriate scores to the college when they apply.

Here is how superscoring works. Find all of your ACT test results. Then look for the highest score in the subcategories of English, math, reading and science. Add those four scores up, then divide by four to get the new average composite score. This is the superscore. If this number is higher than the composite score on any of your tests, this might be a factor in admissions or academic scholarships for your college applications.

Test Preparation ClassesThere are many options students may use to prepare for these standardized tests, from studying on their own to private tutors. Some test preparation organizations offer their services on location at Carmel, while others are off-campus. You will receive specific information throughout the year on test preparation classes. Additional resources are listed on the College Resource Center page on Edline.

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2014-2015 ACT and SAT Test DatesPlease be aware that there are registration deadlines for these tests. The deadline is typically 5 weeks before the test. Students and parents should always check the registration website for complete details about deadlines, cost, test options, etc. The website for the ACT is www.actstudent.org. For the SAT, www.collegeboard.com. You will need to enter a code to have your scores sent to Carmel. Our code is 143096.

ACT TestSeptember 13, 2014October 25, 2014December 13, 2014February 7, 2015April 18, 2015*June 13, 2015

*Carmel is a testing site for this test.

SAT TestJanuary 25, 2014March 8, 2014May 3, 2014June 7, 2014

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TOP FACTORS INFLUENCING ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

According to the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), the following factors influencing admission decisions, in order of importance, are:

• Grades in college prep courses• Strength of curriculum• Admission test scores (SAT, ACT)• Grades in all courses• Essay or writing sample• Teacher recommendation• Student’s demonstrated interest• Counselor recommendation• Class rank • Interview• Subject test scores (AP)• Extracurricular activities

In addition, colleges look at community service, work experience, legacy connection, underrepresented race or ethnicity, recruited athlete status, socioeconomic/geographic background, exceptional talent, leadership involvement, chosen major, career related experiences and summer enrichment (classes/camps).

Guidelines to College Categories by Admissions SelectivityColleges can be categorized by their selectivity in admitting students. Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges divides some schools into categories based solely on selectivity. These categories do not take into account all of the other factors that individual colleges consider when making admission decisions. These categories are guidelines only.

CATEGORIZING SCHOOLS

• “Reach” school: a college or university that accepts students with higher GPA and SAT/ACT scores than the student has achieved. Generally a student applies to 1 or 2 “reach” schools.

• “Target” school: a college or university that accepts students that match the student’s GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Generally a student may apply to anywhere from 3 to 5 “target” schools.

• “Most Likely” schools: a college or university that accepts students with GPA and SAT/ACT scores a bit lower than the student has achieved. Generally a student applies to 2 “most likely” schools.

TYPES OF SCHOOLS

• Most competititve - 96 grade average; SAT 1250-1600; ACT 29• Highly competitive - 90 grade average; SAT 1150-1250; ACT 27-28• Very competitive - 87 grade average; SAT 1050-1150; ACT 24-26• Competitive - 82 grade average; SAT 900-1050; ACT 24• Non-competitive - 70 grade average

From Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges, 27th Edition.The SAT scores above do not include the writing test.This is only a guide to be used with other college search information.

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COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES VISITING CARMEL

Each year about 150 colleges send representatives to the Carmel campus to visit with prospective students. Most of these visits happen during the fall semester, with some also coming in the spring. These visits are a great opportunity for you to learn more about the schools you are considering and to get some questions answered that may help you to narrow down your list of prospective schools. It is also a chance for you to make a great impression, since the rep who visits Carmel is often the person who would be reviewing your application.

The schedule of college rep visitors to Carmel is listed on our Carmel Naviance page. In order to schedule a visit, please follow this procedure.

1. Log in to the Naviance Family Connection website.2. Click on the tab at the top of the page that says “Colleges.”3. Under “Upcoming College Visits” click the link that says “view all upcoming college visits.”4. When you find the college you are interested in, click the link on the left side of the column that

says “sign up.”5. BEFORE YOU CLICK ON “SIGN UP” MAKE SURE YOU PRINT THIS PAGE.6. Once you have printed the page, go ahead and click “sign up” to add your name to the College

Resource Center list for this college visit. You are now signed up to attend.7. Take your printed page to your teacher for the period you will be missing. Have them sign it to

indicate that you have permission to leave class. THIS IS YOUR PASS FOR ATTENDING THE COLLEGE VISIT.

8. Be sure to remind your teacher on the morning of the visit so that they can plan their class work accordingly.

9. Bring your signed pass to the College Resource Center at the time of the visit and check in.

THE ABOVE STEPS MUST BE COMPLETED AT LEAST 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THE VISIT OR YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO ACCESS THE INFO PAGE. ALSO, TEACHERS ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT TO DECLINE YOUR REQUEST IF THEY FEEL YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THEIR CLASS. Please see the Recommended Questions to Ask College Representatives in the Appendix on page 29.

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PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN ILLINOIS

Eastern Illinois University www.eiu.edu/~admissions600 Lincoln AvenueCharleston, IL 61920-3099Admission Office: 217.581.2223 Toll-free: 877.581.2348Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,975__________________________________________________________________________________________

Illinois State University www.IllinoisState.edu/admissionsOffice of Admissions Campus Box 2200 Normal, IL 61790-2200Admissions Office: 309.438.2181 Toll-free: 800.366.2478 Undergraduate Enrollment: 18,207__________________________________________________________________________________________

Northeastern Illinois University www.neiu.eduOffice of Enrollment Service5500 North St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625Admissions Office: 773.442.4050Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,140__________________________________________________________________________________________

Northern Illinois University www.niu.eduOffice of Admissions 1425 Lincoln HwyDeKalb, IL 60115-2857Admissions Office: 815.753.0446 Toll-free: 800.892.3050 Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,552__________________________________________________________________________________________

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale www.siu.eduUndergraduate Admissions1263 Lincoln DriveMail Code 4701Carbondale, IL 62901Admissions Office: 618.536-4405Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,130__________________________________________________________________________________________

Important Fact:Tuition at all public Illinois Universities is locked for 4 years from the date of enrollment. Western Illinois University locks tuition and room and board fees, and offers a four-year graduation guarantee.

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Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville www.siue.eduCampus Box 1600Edwardsville, IL 62026Admissions Office: 618.650.3705 Toll-free: 800.447.7483 Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,341__________________________________________________________________________________________

University of Illinois at Chicago www.admissions.uic.eduOffice of Admissions (MC 018) PO Box 5220Chicago, IL 60680Admissions Office: 312.996.4350Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,671__________________________________________________________________________________________

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign www.illinios.eduOffice of Undergraduate Admissions901 West Illinois St., Suite 103Urbana, IL 61801Admissions Office: 217.333.0302 Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,281__________________________________________________________________________________________

University of Illinois at Springfield www.uis.eduOne University Plaza MS UHBSpringfield, IL 62703-5407Admissions Office: 217.206.4847 Toll-free: 888-977-4847Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,054__________________________________________________________________________________________

Western Illinois University www.wiu.edu115 Sherman HallOne University Circle Macomb, IL 61455Admissions Office: 309.298.3157 Toll-free: 877.742.5948 Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,464

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING A COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Prepares students to transfer to four-year

universities

• Credits can transfer to most four year institutions across the country. • Many community colleges offer articulation agreements with different four

year institutions. • For example, CLC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI)

that has statewide GECC agreements that transfer to over 100 colleges and universities in Illinois.

Small class sizes

• Most community colleges have an average class size of 25 to 30 students.• For example, CLC tries to keep their class size at 21.• Students have an opportunity to interact more with professors and other

classmates.

Faculty focused on teaching

• Community college faculty are primarily focused on teaching.• Tenure is awarded based on teaching skills rather than on research and

publications.• Faculty have practical work experience helping students gain real-world

perspectives.

Studentdiversity

• Community colleges give students the opportunity to work and learn in a multicultural environment.

• Student diversity in community colleges provides students with an understanding and appreciation of diversity within our society and the workplace.

• For many students the community college is their first exposure to a diverse student body; including traditional and non-traditional populations with life and work experiences.

Many programs to choose from

• Community colleges offer programs in all major areas of study – from art to science.

• Offers career preparation regardless of whether you are planning on transferring, getting your associates degree, completing a technical program or certificate.

• CLC offers a Joint Agreement Program for students who wish to complete programs that may not be offered at CLC.

Use of latest technology

• Most community colleges have connections with local businesses and therefore are often equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

• Community colleges are leaders in many cutting-edge fields.

Low tuition cost

• Community college tuition is approximately 50% lower than most four-year institutions.

• For example, CLC’s annual tuition is only $3,270 compared to almost $13,000 to attend a four-year public university in Illinois.

• Students who attend a community college for two years and transfer to a four-year university can lower their costs significantly.

...and so much more!

• Community colleges provide excellent student support services. • Community colleges do more than just educate students; they give students

encouragement and the confidence to continue with their education by pursing a bachelors, masters or doctoral degree.

• Community colleges are a cost effective alternative to starting a career. • Community colleges encourage lifelong learning.

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Campus visitsThere’s no substitute for seeing a college yourself!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

There are lots of ways to findout about a college, from brochuresto videos to college fairs.

But the bottom line is that

nothing beats the test of going to acollege and seeing it for yourself.

Here are some ideas to helpyou make the most of a campus visit.

Beforeyou go Just as there’s no substitute

for seeing a college firsthand,there’s no substitute for advanceplanning.

When you call the admissionsoffice, tell them the date you’dlike to visit and the time of dayyou expect to arrive.

If you want to stay overnightin a residence hall, ask if they canmake arrangements.

Also, find out about liningup an interview (if they offer themand you’d like one) or attendingan information session, visitingclasses and talking with faculty.

Call the admissions office in advance

Go back through the infor-mation you’ve collected aboutthe college. Check the resourcesat your school’s guidance officeand browse the college’s Website, if possible.

This research will help you

think of questions to ask andaspects of the college to explorewhile you’re there.

The other side of this pagehas lists of questions to help youget started. As you think of otherquestions, write them down.

Read up on the college and think about questions

Whileyou’rethere

Once you’re on campus, tryto take advantage of a variety ofways to learn about the college:• Meet with an admissions officeror attend an information session• Take a tour of the campus• Sit in on a class

• Have a meal in the cafeteria• Pick up copies of the studentnewspaper and alumni magazine.

Throughout your visit, talkto as many students as you canand don’t be bashful aboutasking questions!

Talk to as many students as you can

If you have scheduled aninterview, take along your list ofquestions, so you're sure to covereverything you wanted to find out.

You’ll probably be askedabout your academic background,

interests, hobbies, goals and whyyou’re interested in the college,so be ready to talk about that.

As with any interview, be ontime, or call ahead if you knowyou’ll be delayed.

Prepare for the interview

A campus visit

is informative at

any time, but

it’s best to see a

college in action,

when students

are in classes.

Colleges encouragevisits, but theirschedules for tours,interviews andovernight staysmight fill upearly. Call ahead!

Nervous aboutthe interview?That’s natural.Try to look at itas a conversationin which you askquestions, too.You’ll be morelikely to relax, beyourself andenjoy it.

Have some extra

time during your

visit? Stop by the

campus coffee

shop or grill, read

bulletin boards,

try to strike up

conversations with

students, or go to

a play or lecture.

Take some time to explorethe campus on your own andabsorb the atmosphere. While

organized activities can give youinformation you can’t get on yourown, the reverse is true, too.

Take time to look around on your own

This College Guide handout is published by the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. www.acm.edu

Beloit • Carleton • Coe • Colorado • Cornell • Grinnell • KnoxLake Forest • Lawrence • Luther • Macalester • Monmouth • Ripon • St. Olaf

© 2004

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Lotsand lotsof ????

You’ve probably alreadythought of lots of questions toask during your campus visit.

Here are some suggestions,but be sure to ask the questionsthat are important to YOU.

1. How many hours a week doyou study? Is that typical here?2. Are faculty members interestedin students and accessible outsideof class?3. Do many students go home onweekends?4. Are the athletic facilities open toall students or only to athletes?5. Is it possible to study in yourdorm room?6. Is the food good?

7. Are campus jobs readilyavailable?8. Is there easy access to computers?Where are they located?9. What’s the library like as aplace to study? to do research?10. What do you like most aboutthis college? least?11. How easy is it to get theclasses you want?12. If you could change somethingabout this school, what would it be?

When you talk to students, ask . . .

1. Are students prepared for theclass? Do they seem interested inthe material?2. Do I feel that the students arelearning—either new facts or newways of thinking about a subject?

3. Is there time for questions anddiscussion? Do students participate?4. Am I intellectually challenged bywhat is taking place in the class?5. Is there good rapport betweenprofessors and students?

If you attend a class, ask yourself . . .

1. Are the buildings in goodrepair? the grounds well-kept?2. Are the residence halls pleasantand quiet enough to study in? Arethere laundry and kitchen facilities?

3. What’s the cafeteria like?4. Are computers and lab equip-ment up-to-date and plentiful?5. What’s the surrounding townor city like?

As you tour the campus, ask yourself . . .

1. Were the people you metfriendly? Did they answer yourquestions fully and candidly?2. What do you think of thequality of instruction and theacademic atmosphere?

3. Were the students the kind ofpeople you’d like to get to know?4. Did you like the socialatmosphere?5. Would you like to spend moretime there?

Afterthe visit

Write down your impressions

1. Does the college have academicprograms that fit my interests?2. Where are computer terminalslocated? Will I have to pay extrafor computer time?3. Will I have access to specialequipment (such as an electronmicroscope) as a first-year student?4. What are the strengths andweaknesses of the college’sadvising system?

5. How many students will therebe in courses I’m likely to take inmy first year? Are those coursestaught by professors or graduateassistants?6. What kinds of campus jobs areavailable for first-year students?7. Will there be any new programsor facilities in the next two years?8. What are the college’s recentgraduates doing now?

In an interview or information session, you could ask . . .

People's views

about a college or

university can

vary widely, so

try to talk with

as many people

as possible.

Write down yourquestions soyou’ll rememberthem and canrefer to themduring your visit.

As you tour the

campus and talk

with people, ask

yourself whether

this is a place

where you’d feel

comfortable and

able to learn and

do your best.

Are you interested inany extra-curricularactivities? If so, askabout them and tryto see the facilities.

If possible, write

down your

impressions of the

college while

they’re still fresh

in your mind.

This College Guide handout is published by the Associated Colleges of the Midwest.Visit the ACM website for more pre-college planning materials. © 2004

www.acm.edu

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS - SENIOR YEAR

Generally there are two parts to an application: one for the student applicant to complete and the other for the high school counselor. Students will complete the Common Application or individual school application, which will include the student essay and, in some cases, a supplemental report. Be sure to print out and proof read your application.

You will be using Naviance to keep track of your applications. The counseling portion of the application requires that students sign the FERPA form to give permission to send academic records. Student MUST use Naviance for all the schools where they are planning to apply. Students will put colleges in the “Colleges I’m thinking about” category on Naviance. Once a student decides to apply to a college, the student will transfer the college name from “Colleges I’m thinking about” to “Colleges I’m applying to.” This will allow the counseling office to process the student’s application.

Naviance is helpful because it provides students with application due dates and indicates whether or not the college accepts the Common Application or requires the use of the individual school application. Students should always confirm the college application deadline at the college website. If using the Common Application, students will have to “match” their Common Application account to Naviance. Instructions will be given.

Students will need to provide the counselor with a CCHS College Application/Transcript Request Form signed by the student. The counseling office will electronically upload the school report, the student’s transcript, the CCHS profile and the counselor letter of recommendation. Teachers and/or counselors will upload teacher letters of recommendation. Due to the high volume of applications, students must give their counselor the transcript request form 14 days prior to college application deadline. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee applications will go out by the due date.

Please follow the application instructions given by each college. Each school’s application process is unique. Check the college website for the instructions, typically found under “Undergraduate Admissions.”

Common Application The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and colleges/universities by providing an online admission application that students may submit to approximately 500 colleges. The Common Application allows students to complete one application for numerous colleges. Students should be advised that some colleges have an additional supplement to the Common Application. For more information and a list of participating schools, please visit www.commonapp.org.

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ADMISSION PLANS

Rolling AdmissionThe school reviews the applications as they are completed and gives a decision throughout the admission cycle. Students may apply to other schools without restrictions.

Regular DecisionApplications submitted to a school by a specific date receive a decision within a reasonable and clearly stated period of time. Students may apply to other schools without restrictions.

Early Action (EA)This plan is NOT binding. A student who is admitted under an EA plan may still keep applications to other shcools active, and wait until May 1 to commit to one school.

Restrictive Early Action (REA), also known as Single Choice Early ActionStudents cannot apply using early plans to other schools. Under this plan, students receive a decision prior to the regular notification deadline. They are not obligated to submit a deposit prior to May 1.

Some schools (Georgetown, Boston College, Princeton, Stanford and Yale) use a hybrid REA plan. Please refer to each school’s website for the most current details.

• May not apply ED to any other school.• May not apply EA to any other private school.• May apply to public schools by priority dates.

Early Decision (ED or ED I if they offer ED II)This is a binding plan. If a student is admitted ED, s/he is morally and ethically bound to attend that college. All other applications must be withdrawn at the time the student is admitted. A student can only apply ED to one school, but may apply EA to other schools. Students receive a decision prior to the school’s regular notification deadline. ED is the only plan that eliminates May 1 as the reply date.

Early Decision II (ED II)If a student applies to one school under ED I and gets denied, they can then apply to another school ED II. ED II is essentially identical to ED I, a binding decision, but with later deadlines.

COLLEGE APPLICATION STEPS

When you are ready to apply to a college, there are a number of items you will need to complete and send, and there are a number of items others must complete and send on your behalf.

You are responsible for sending the following:• Online college application (essays included)• Test scores• Any supplementary items (resume, portfolio) as required by college• Application fee

Carmel will send the following for you:• Transcript• Counselor forms/recommendations• Teacher recommendations

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Step-By-Step Application Instructions:1. Complete college application (Common Application or school’s own application).2. Order test scores (may be done in advance of application).3. Log in to your Naviance account (www.connection.naviance.com/carmelcathhs) or follow the

link on Edline.• Username is your student ID number • Password

4. Go to “Colleges” tab, select “Colleges I am Applying To.”5. If using Common App, match Common App to Naviance. If not, check box marked “not needed.”6. Enter college name by clicking “Add to this list” and “Look up” button or you may import from

“Colleges I am Thinking About.”7. Click “I have submitted application” and “Transcript request” (unless no transcript is required).8. Click “Add College” at the bottom right.9. Look under the column “Applying via Common App?....” If the word “Unknown” is there, click

on it and state Yes or No.10. Further down the page is the “Teacher Recommendation” section. Talk to the teacher in person

PRIOR to clicking this box. Click “add/cancel requests.”11. Pull down the teacher name and write a personal note to them. Let them know if you will be

applying to a school using the Common App. They will have to complete an additional form for you.

12. Be sure to click “Update Request” at the bottom.13. Complete the “CCHS College Application/Transcript Request Form” for each college you apply

to (Edline, College Resource Center, Class of 2015 or copies will be available in the Guidance Office) and submit to Guidance Receptionist or your counselor. We will send the rest of your materials.

Notes: • Please be sure to check with each school before the deadline to confirm all required documents

have been received!• Two to four weeks is the considerate amount of time to give anyone (counselors, teachers) to

complete documents and send them for you.

Application instructions are correct as of printing. In every school cycle, instructions could change. Seniors and parents should always refer to the instructions given in the Senior Application Meetings in the fall, as well as updates made and posted in the College Resource Center edline page, for the latest information.

It is very important to note that although application documents go electronically, there is considerable time spent by counselors, teachers and the registrar to make this happen. Counselors need at least 2 weeks to write their recommendations. Teachers need at least 4 weeks, and sometimes more, to write their letters. Students must be knowledgeable of college application deadlines and make every effort to request transcripts at least 2 weeks before a deadline.

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COLLEGE APPLICATION SUPPORT DOCUMENTS

ResumeThe resume should contain a snapshot of your activities and accomplishments over your entire four years in high school. It is not recommended to include middle school achievements.

How is a Resume Used?• While college application forms are the main tool used by admissions counselors to get to know

a student, it doesn’t always give you the room to highlight all of your accomplishments and experience. A resume will help bridge that gap.

• It will help you keep track of your accomplishments. When the time comes to fill out college forms, it’s easy to forget things. A written resume will help remind you of every pertinent detail.

• It can spark a college admission essay topic. Schools want to learn about an applicant through his or her essay. Reflecting on experiences from summer jobs, volunteer work or school activities may lead to a unique essay topic that will make you stand out.

• Activities and achievements can lead to scholarships. Scholarship committees look for participation in extracurriculars, and some require that recipients must be involved in a particular activity. Identifying areas of interest will help you find the best scholarship opportunities.

• An impressive resume can lead to summer internships, jobs or study-abroad opportunities that will strengthen your college applications.

Resume Tips• Write your resume using the resume tool on Naviance. You can access this from the “About

Me” tab in Family Connection. Click on the resume link and follow the instructions listed there. This is a good template that will help you think of things to write, and will help you to know what is important to include. Be aware that THE STUDENT, NOT THE COUNSELING STAFF AT CARMEL, WILL BE SENDING THE RESUME TO THEIR COLLEGE CHOICES. While many of the documents that are contained in Naviance can be sent to the colleges to which you are applying, the resume is not one of these documents. The Naviance resume is a working tool to help you gather your thoughts, and it is used extensively by your counselor and the teachers who will be writing recommendation letters for you.

• We also recommend that you create a resume in a word processing program like MS Word or something similar and save it with your college planning materials. The resume that is created in Naviance tends to be quite long and cannot be downloaded easily for revision. If you have a saved resume in a format that is easy to revise and access, it will be easier to send it to the colleges that interest you.

Essay TipsMany colleges require students to demonstrate their values and/or intellectual capabilities by responding to a variety of essay topics. How and what a student writes is an important element in an admissions decision. In answering an essay question, the following pointers can be helpful.• Answer the question as you think it should be answered, not as you think the admission officer might

want you to answer it. • Follow directions. • Prepare before you write. If you have the option to choose the topic, write about something you care

about. Talk about the essay with your counselor, parents and teachers. • Use spirited language accompanied by strong verbs and nouns. • Write in your own voice and remember to be yourself. • Focus on one idea and support it with details. • Stick to the length requested. • Don’t use the essay to justify weaknesses in grades or test scores. Write a personal statement for this.

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• Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute. Get started during the summer following junior year. • Check and re-check your essay for correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Also be sure to read

your essay aloud to listen for any mistakes. • Always keep your audience in mind.

At Carmel, you will be given help by your senior English teacher. Your first assignment in the fall of your senior year will be to write a college essay. Once you have completed a first draft, you should show your essay to your parents, friends, guidance counselor and college counselor.

The Personal StatementThe personal statement is an opportunity for a student to explain something about themselves that might not be covered elsewhere in the application, and have the Admissions committee know this when their file is reviewed. Some colleges ask for a personal statement, but generally, a personal statement could be submitted with any college application, in addition to other requirements such as essay questions. Examples of things a student might include in a personal statement might be educational or emotional challenges they have overcome, particularly if their academic performance was hampered by them; adversity such as the loss of a parent or dealing with a grave illness in the family; a slow academic start in high school while adjusting to Carmel. Just about anything a student would want the Admissions committee to take into account could be explained in a personal statement. Be clear and concise and have a parent or teacher look over what you have written. Generally you should not write more than a page, double-spaced.

Letters of RecommendationMany colleges require one or two recommendation letters from teachers who know you well. In some cases, colleges only accept letters from teachers you had during junior and senior year. Make sure that you request recommendation letters far enough in advance so that your teacher has ample time to write a comprehensive recommendation. There are many colleges and universities that do not request recommendations, so request these letters only when necessary.

How to Ask for a Teacher Letter of RecommendationAt Carmel, please follow a two-step process when asking a teacher for a letter of recommendation:1. Verbally ask a teacher to write a letter of recommendation for you.2. Go to Naviance and request this teacher in writing (Colleges I’m Applying to, Teacher

Recommendations – Add a short note thanking the teacher).

Letter of Recommendation Guidelines• Read the directions on the application to determine how many recommendations are needed

and whom you should contact. Create a short list of teachers you think would write good recommendations for you. You should choose the teachers you had during junior and senior year, if possible.

• Provide a copy of your resume and the Teacher Recommendation Form for each teacher you have asked.

• Choose teachers who know you well, but also those from core courses such as English, math, social studies and science. If possible, select a teacher in the discipline that you plan to study in college.

• Teachers are asked to write many letters of recommendation. Be sure to ask early and confirm the request in writing.

• Provide all of the necessary forms and information to your teacher at least three weeks before the recommendation letter is due.

• About a week before the letter is due, thank your teachers for writing letters for you. If they have already written their letters, they will appreciate your thoughtfulness. If they have not yet written the letters; your thank you will remind them of the deadline.

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The College InterviewSome colleges require an interview as part of the admission process. However, of the colleges that grant interviews, most use it as an informational session rather than an evaluative tool.

Some colleges require alumni interviews. These meetings typically take place near your home, like at a Starbucks. The alumnus is asked to write a summary of your meeting for the admissions office, mostly to confirm the information found in the application.

Like an employment interview, successful college interviews result from being prepared. Be prepared to talk about yourself academically and socially. Admission officers and other representatives will ask about course work, scholastic standing, extracurricular activities and your personal life. Know your strengths and your challenges and be ready to talk about what you value. Your resume could be a useful tool to bring to the interview.

The college interview is a great opportunity to shine. Be mindful not to waste your time asking questions with answers that can be found on the college website or guidebook. Instead, ask questions that demonstrate research and indicate maturity. Share why you are interested in attending that particular school with great enthusiasm and excitement. The admission officer will respond to your energy, so be very clear and articulate in expressing your ideas and talk about the things which motivate you. Remember that the admission officer wants to interview you, so don’t pretend to be someone you’re not—be yourself.

Manners and appearances are very important. Shake hands coming in and going out of the interview. Be sure to employ eye contact. Dress comfortably but neatly. The degree of formality is established by each institution so ask about expected attire when you make the appointment. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and ask for a business card. Follow up the college visit with a thank you note after you have returned home.

Possible questions you may be asked during an interview:• How did you hear about us? • Why are you interested in us? • What other colleges are you considering? • What are your favorite subjects and activities? • What are your strengths/challenges? • Do you have an intended major in mind? • Tell us about your high school. • Tell us about yourself. • What books have you read recently outside of required school reading? • What do you think you will contribute to our school? • What do you hope to get out of your college experience?

Possible questions you may want to ask during an interview:• What is distinctive about the college?• Can you elaborate on academic programs that fit my interests?• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the college’s advising program?• Are there new programs or facilities that will be available in the next couple of years?• How would you describe a student who is a good fit for your institution?• What are the college’s most recent graduates doing now?

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GUARDING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOOTPRINT

Today, more than ever before, the internet and social media are part of our culture. From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to Google, the footprint that we leave on our social media websites can be accessed by anyone. As you start applying to colleges, be sure to review your own social media footprint.

In a recent study done by Kaplan Test Prep, more than 35% of admissions counselors reported that they found material on an applicant’s social media page that negatively affected his or her chances of being accepted. While you may think that deleting old photos, videos or comments may wipe them from the internet, this is not true. There are ways for admissions counselors and schools to find old posted material.

While social media can be a way for admissions counselors to find negative information about you, it can also be used to help you positively place yourself in the eyes of an admission counselor. Joining the Facebook group of the colleges you are applying to and keeping up with their recent news is a great way to use social media to your advantage. Facebook and Twitter can also be good ways to meet new friends and even roommates once you are accepted into college. Finally, having a positive profile highlighting your strengths and accomplishments in high school will allow schools to see the best of you.

Here is a list of 7 quick steps to clean up your social media footprint.1. From the very start of setting up a profile, make sure it is kept clean from inappropriate postings

and pictures.2. Know what your friends are posting about you.3. Change your privacy settings to allow only friends to view your profile.4. Google yourself to see what type of information comes up.5. Go through older posts and pictures (admissions counselors will).6. Check your social media pages at least once a week.7. If you don’t want your parents to see it, don’t post it.

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COLLEGE PLANNING FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE

For all college-bound students, the process of choosing and applying to colleges has many steps. Student-athletes who plan on playing college sports are often faced with several additional steps. It is critically important for students who aspire to this type of involvement to be familiar with the application and recruitment process, and to make sure they are meeting the requirements set forth by the organizations that govern college sports.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)A student interested in participating in athletics at a Division I or II college or university is required to meet academic guidelines as established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an organization that governs and enforces rules on athletic eligibility, recruiting and financial aid.

Within the NCAA there are Divisions I, II and III. Colleges and universities are placed in a division according to the size, scope of athletic programs and availability of funds for scholarships. Division I and II schools offer athletic scholarships, and are mostly large and medium in size. Athletic scholarships are not offered at Division III schools. The only assistance that might be given would be through academic awards, merit or need-based financial aid. Many of the specific NCAA requirements for athletes do not apply to Division III schools, as no athletic scholarships are awarded.

A student who intends to participate in Division I or II athletics as a freshman, must register and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. The process for becoming certified should be completed by May of your junior year by registering with the Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse application is available online at www.eligibilitycenter.org. You will also need to be sure to send your transcript to the NCAA. Transcript requests are made through the NCAA Eligibility Center website, through a service called Parchment. You must first register with Parchment and then request the transcript to be sent. Transcripts from every high school attended as well as ACT/SAT scores must also be sent. For any questions about NCAA initial-eligibility, check their website, ncaa.org.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)Another governing association is the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). There are more than 300 schools that have membership in the NAIA. These schools tend to have relatively small student enrollments. Most NAIA schools do offer some athletic scholarships. For more information about the NAIA, check their website, www.naia.org.

A student who intends to participate in NAIA athletics must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center. This process should be completed by May of your junior year. The Eligibility Center web site is www.playnaia.org.

For more information, see Carmel’s Student Athlete Guide which is posted on Edline on the College Resource Center page.

Core Course GPA for Student AthletesStudent-athletes who are interested in participating in NCAA college athletics must complete appropriate course work in order to qualify for NCAA programs. For this reason it is important for these students, their coaches and parents to be sure that the courses taken by the student meet the eligibility requirements. The grade point average gained in these courses is called the Core Course GPA. Which means that these high school courses meet certain academic criteria specified by the association. Students must complete a certain number of core courses for NCAA Division I and II eligibility.

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We are pleased that Carmel Catholic High School is partnering with CoreCourseGPA.com, which provides a web-based software program, available to all Carmel Catholic High School student-athletes and their parents/guardians free of charge. CoreCourseGPA.com is an innovative tool that allows you to easily track your progress towards meeting these requirements, beginning as soon as the first semester of your freshman year.

To activate your CoreCourseGPA.com membership, follow these simple steps.1. Go to www.CoreCourseGPA.com 2. Click on “New Free Member Account” in the upper left corner and enter the School ID and

School Code: Students/Parents.

CARMEL SCHOOL ID: 143096 CARMEL SCHOOL CODE: 746280511

3. Click “Continue.” 4. Fill in the appropriate fields in the Create New Student Account form. **Remember to write down the new Member Name and Password you have created** 5. Click “Submit.”

To login to your member account and begin using the CoreCourseGPA.com software, follow these simple steps.

1. Go to www.CoreCourseGPA.com 2. Enter your Member Name and Password in the Member Login box in the upper right corner. **Use the Member Name and Password you created during the account activation process** 3. Click “Login.” 4. Begin using your CoreCourseGPA.com account!

CoreCourseGPA.com incorporates the NCAA recognized core courses for Carmel Catholic High School into the online course entry forms, calculates both Division I and Division II core course GPA, automatically factors weighted grades into calculations and tracks course requirements for both Division I and Division II. Your child’s core course information is saved for the duration of his or her high school career.

CoreCourseGPA.com also provides you access to free recruiting webinars through FreeRecruitingWebinar.org, a non-profit program. A schedule of webinars may be accessed on the FreeRecruitingWebinar.org website. Attending a webinar is highly recommended to learn more about the facts and rules of recruiting. The recruiting process starts freshman year. Make sure you are prepared.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOUR USE OF CORECOURSEGPA.COM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR REGISTERING WITH THE NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER AFTER THE COMPLETION OF SIX HIGH

SCHOOL SEMESTERS.

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FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

Most financial aid is based on need and is administered through the financial aid office of individual colleges. The best source for information is the financial aid website at each college.

Students who are in need of financial aid usually are awarded a combination package made up of the following.

• Monetary award, grant or scholarship which is given to the student and does not have to be repaid. An award may be for one year only or may be renewable if academic requirements are met.

• A loan which the student must repay after s/he leaves college. Parent loans are also available.• Part-time employment, possibly related to a student’s field of study.

Sources of Financial AidThe major financial aid programs are described here.

Institutional FundsMost colleges have their own scholarships or grants as well as loan and work programs funded from endowments and operational budgets.

Federal ProgramsPlease note that financial aid programs, as sponsored by the federal government, may be changed or eliminated through legislation from year to year.

Three major federal programs are campus-based, that is, directly administered by colleges. Nearly all colleges participate in these programs.

• Work Study - College Work Study Program (CWSP) provides jobs for students with demonstrated need. Colleges may also administer other federal programs, including ones to assist students who enter nursing and other health programs.

• Guaranteed Student Loan Program (GSL) - This federally sponsored program is an important source of loan funds. These loans are made primarily by banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions, but some colleges are also lenders. Loans are based on demonstrated need.

• Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - The federally sponsored Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students allows parents of students to borrow money to help with their children’s college costs.

State FundsThe state of Illinois provides scholarships and/or grants to help students attend the college of their choice. The regulations and application procedures for these programs vary. See internet resources or ISAC, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (www.collegezone.com).

Local FundsFinancial aid is also provided by community agencies, foundations, corporations, unions, religious organizations, clubs, civic, cultural and fraternal groups. Need is usually considered, but other factors may be taken into account in determining a student’s eligibility. Check with the guidance administrative assistant and/or Naviance for more information on local aid sources. Parents should contact a human resource officer for employer-sponsored scholarships.

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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)All families seeking financial aid must complete this form. In order to qualify for federal student aid you must meet some basic requirements including demonstrated financial need. Financial aid is calculated according to a formula established by law. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a measure of your family’s financial strength and is calculated from the information you report in the FAFSA. You may complete the form online by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov.

CSS/PROFILEPROFILE is a service of the College Board—a not-for-profit membership association of high schools, school systems, colleges and universities and educational organizations. The College Board’s mission is to connect students to college success. Colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools and scholarship programs use the information collected on PROFILE to help them award nonfederal student aid funds. The College Board does not award scholarship money or other financial aid. The PROFILE application is customized for you based on the information you give when you register for the service. By completing PROFILE, you provide the college with a complete picture of your family’s financial circumstances. PROFILE also allows you to include explanations about special circumstances on the same application. Register your customized PROFILE application at www.collegeboard.com.

Unlike the FAFSA, PROFILE is not required by every college and university. Please check to see if this is required by the colleges and universities to which you plan to apply. There is a fee for this service.Some colleges will require you to complete both forms.

Financial FitTM - An Online Program from College CountdownBetween student loans, financial aid and tuition rates, the cost of college can be a major concern—and very confusing—for parents of high school students. Lewis University has sponsored Carmel Catholic High School, providing FREE access to this valuable resource that helps you through the entire paying-for-college process.

Financial FitTM is an online program from College Countdown that can help you:• Figure out how much you can really afford to spend on college.• Find schools that match what you can afford.• Understand the financial aid process.

To access Financial FitTM, use the following steps:1. Go to www.collegecountdown.com/lhscarmel.2. Register to get your coupon code.3. Click on the link to buy Financial FitTM.4. Use your coupon code during checkout and click “Apply.”5. Go to www.collegecountdown.com/lewis to login and access Financial Fit in the “My Tools”

drop-down menu.

If you need help or have questions, contact College Countdown at www.collegecountdown.com/support.

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Senior Year Timeline for Financial AidSeptember - December

• Carefully read the guidelines from the prospective college or university to determine what documentation they require in order to file for financial assistance.

• Student and one parent each need a PIN (personal identification number) to file the FAFSA. Get your PIN before January 1, if possible. Go to www.pin.ed.gov to request a PIN.

January - February• Submit your FAFSA! You may complete this process online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. • Complete the CSS PROFILE online at www.profileonline.collegeboard.com (if necessary). • Parents should attend the College Financial Aid Seminar held at Carmel. • Parents may need to estimate their tax information, if they haven’t completed their taxes. You must

file this form on time! Once your information has been processed you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).

March - April• Check your SAR for accuracy. If your report has errors, return to the processing center for

corrections. File the final corrected copy with your other college related information. • Watch for any mail that may come from the financial aid office at any of the schools to which

you’ve applied. Open these letters immediately as they may contain time-sensitive information.

All Year• Students should regularly check the list of scholarships in Naviance. There are many local

scholarships available. See Mrs. Heinrichs in Guidance for more information.

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APPENDIX

RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS TO ASK COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES

Admissions What are the admission requirements? What factors are considered for admission? What majors are offered? What are the most popular? What are the application deadlines for admission? Are interviews required? What GPA does your school accept? What kind of test scores do I need? Do you admit by major?

Academics What is the academic profile of the student you are interested in? What percentage of students graduate in four years? Are there internships available? What is the criteria for the honors program? What is the average class size? How accessible are professors outside of class? Will graduate students teach my courses? When must I choose a major? What student services are offered (tutoring, career counseling, study workshops, etc.)? What opportunities are available for study abroad?

Application What are the application deadlines? Is there a “best time” to apply? What percentage of applicants are admitted? Does the application cover scholarships, or do they require separate applications? Which application format is used by your school (Common App, School App or both)? Are recommendation letters required? If not, does it help to send one anyway? What is the average range of test scores for incoming freshmen? Which entrance exams need to be taken (ACT/SAT/SAT Subject tests)?

Financial Aid What is the estimated annual total cost? What sources of financial aid and scholarships are available? What percentage of students receive financial aid? What is the average indebtedness at graduation? What financial aid forms are required and when is your deadline?

Housing What type of housing is available? Is it difficult to get on-campus housing? Is there a requirement that underclassmen live on campus? Is student housing guaranteed for four years? How and when do I apply for housing? How are roommates selected?

Student Life What is the geographic, ethnic, religious and racial make-up of the student body? What special interest groups, activities and fraternities/sororities are available? What’s it like on campus on the weekends? What are the hot issues on campus? What athletic division is your school a member of? Are intramural, club and varsity sports offered? How are the sports and fitness facilities? What types of meal plans are available?

Other How many freshmen return as sophomores? How safe is the campus and its surrounding neighborhoods? Why is your school good for someone who’d like to study ___________________? What sets your school apart from others? Do you have a 4 year graduation guarantee? What career services do you offer? What are recent graduates doing now?

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COLLEGE COMPARISON WORKSHEET

Use this worksheet to help organize your information.

Comparative Criteria College A College B College C College DEnrollment – Undergraduate

Location

Campus Setting:Urban/Rural/Residential

Tuition, Room & Board, Fees

Admission Requirements: ACT/SAT, Class Rank

Freshmen Average Class Size

Application Procedure Deadline

Application Fee

Academic Intensity

Academic Program (Major)

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Comparative Criteria College A College B College C College DActivities/Special Interests

% of Returning Freshmen

Athletic Programs

Type of Housing Available

% of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Financial Aid Form Required/Preferred

Personal Impressions

Parent Opinion

Your Order of Preference

Your Chances of Admission

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35

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Candidate Notification DateThe date by which a college notifies a student of the admission decision.

Candidate Reply DateThe date by which you must inform the college of your intention to enroll, usually by May 1. By use of the common reply date, students may evaluate all offers of admission before enrolling at any one college.

College NightAn informational program usually sponsored by a high school or college for the benefit of prospective students and their parents. Participants have the opportunity to meet with college admission representatives and pick up admission materials. Many college nights also include financial aid presentations.

Common ApplicationA single application form accepted by approximately 350 colleges. A student completes the original application which is available at www.commonapp.org and submits copies to those colleges that accept the Common Application.

Community CollegeA college offering a two-year rather than a four-year program of study. These colleges sometimes offer vocational programs as well as the first two years of a four-year college program. The student in the vocational program usually goes directly into a vocation after graduation, while the student in the academic program often transfers to a four-year college.

Deferred AdmissionMany schools will offer this option to its newly admitted students. The student may defer admission to college for one semester or one year for personal reasons (work, travel, personal hardship, etc.) Two stipulations usually apply: that the student not enroll in a degree program at another institution during that year, and that the student must pay the commitment deposit before the deferral will be granted for the following year. The student does not have to re-apply for admission.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)A no-fee application form is required by all colleges and universities from students who wish to be considered for any federal, state, or institutional aid. This form is submitted to the federal government at www.fafsa.org.

Financial AidMoney awarded to students with demonstrated need. Packages typically consist of scholarships, grants, loan and work-study. Such packages are designed to fill the gap between what a family can afford to pay and the actual cost of attending the institution.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)The agency which administers the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP), visit www.isac.org.

36

Liberal ArtsAn academic program structured to provide broad knowledge in the sciences, social sciences, languages, philosophy and literature. If you are undecided about a major, a liberal arts college is an excellent choice.

MatriculationThis is a process whereby students are accepted, pay their fees and enroll for classes. At this point, they become freshman students at the college.

Mean-MedianColleges generally use the median when figuring the average ACT or SAT scores. The median is determined by listing all scores and selecting the one that falls in the middle of the listing. The mean is determined by adding all the scores together and dividing that total by the number of scores. The mean is less accurate because one or two very low scores can bring the average way down.

Need-Blind AdmissionA philosophy followed by schools that adhere to the policy that the student’s ability to pay in no way affects the admission decision.

Priority Filling DateDate by which the processors must receive financial aid applications in order to be considered on time.

Student Aid Report (SAR)A student’s official notification of the results of his/her FAFSA.

WaitlistA list of applicants who, though qualified for admission at a particular school, are not quite as attractive (in one way or another) as those who are initially offered admission. This occurs in April and typically only at selective schools. Waitlisted candidates are usually given the opportunity to decide whether they wish to wait for a final decision. Those who elect to stay on the “waitlist” are still encouraged to accept another school’s offer of admission, since there is no guarantee of being admitted from the wait list. Students eventually moved from the waitlist to the admit list have the opportunity to decide which college to attend.

Work-StudyPart of a financial aid package. An offer of a part-time job on campus at an approved off-campus agency. Funds are received by the student in the form of a paycheck for actual hours worked.

37

HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS

A student’s first stop for information on anything related to the college process should always be Family Connection on Naviance. Numerous college guidebooks, catalogs and related materials are available in the College Resource Center. The internet also offers a vast amount of information to help you with your college search. Parents and students should check Edline on a regular basis for class-specific information, test dates, upcoming events and other important information.

CARMEL CATHOLIC WEBSITESCCHS College Resource Center Edline Page

http://www.edline.net/pages/Carmel_Catholic_High_School

Naviance Family Connection http://connection.naviance.com/carmelcathhs(or use the link on the College Resource Center Edline page)

GENERAL COLLEGE INFORMATIONAssociation of Catholic Colleges and Universities www.accunet.orgCampus Crime Statistics www.securityoncampus.orgCollege by Career www.wisemantech.com/guidanceCollege Guide www.mycollegeguide.orgCollege of Lake County www.clcillinois.edu College Profiles www.collegeprofiles.comCollege View www.collegeview.comGo College www.gocollege.comPeterson’s Guides www.petersons.comPrinceton Review www.princetonreview.com/collegeSchools in the U.K. www.studyintheuk.orgSchool profiles and applications www.collegenet.comU.S. Universities and Community Colleges www.utexs.edu/world/univVirtual Tours www.campustours.com

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPSACT Financial Need Estimator www.act.org/fane/index.htmlCSS/PROFILE www.collegeboard.orgFAFSA www.fafsa.ed.govFAFSA Forecaster www.fafsa4caster.ed.govFastWeb Student Resource Network www.fastweb.comThe Financial Aid Information Page www.finaid.orgFinancial Fit www.collegecountdown.comIllinois Student Assistance Commission www.isac.orgScholarships www.scholarships.comU.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid www.studentaid.ed.gov

38

TESTING TIPS AND INFORMATIONACT www.actstudent.orgCollege Board (SAT) www.collegeboard.org

COLLEGE ATHLETICSNAIA Eligibility Center www.playnaia.org National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics www.naia.orgNational Collegiate Athletic Association www.ncaa.orgNCAA eligibility Clearinghouse Registration www.eligibilitycenter.org

CAREER RESOURCES AND INTEREST SURVEYSCareer Builder www.careerbuilder.comCareer Toolbox www.myfuture.com College Major www.niu.edu/careerservices/weblinksConstruction Industry Service Corp www.cisco.orgDepartment of Labor www.doleta.gov/programs/Illinois Career and Work Information www.ilworkinfo.comIllinois Workforce Information www.ides.state.il.usOccupation Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/ooh

PROFESSIONAL WEBSITESArchitecture www.acsa-arch.orgDentistry www.ada.orgEngineering www.nspe.orgGame Design www.igda.orgLaw www.abanet.org; www.lsac.orgMedicine www.aamc.orgNursing www.nursingworld.orgPharmacy www.pharmacist.comPhysical Therapy www.apta.orgSports Management www.nassm.comVeterinary www.aavmc.org; www.vet.cornell.edu

39

CCHS COLLEGE APPLICATION/TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORMInstructions: This form should be returned to your counselor as the final step in EVERY application

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Last Name First Name MI Counselor Name Homeroom Teacher

College Name: ________________________________________________________________________________

Campus Location or City/State: __________________________________________________________________

I AM SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION ONLINE USING: The College’s Website The Common Application (www.commonapp.org) I have entered my Common App USERNAME/PASSWORD on NAVIANCE and matched the Common App to Naviance I have answered the “Applying Common App?” column Naviance with “yes”

CHECKLIST FOR THIS APPLICATION: I have self reported my grades and no official transcript is required (i.e. U of I, Iowa, Georgia Tech)-

Do not request transcript I submitted my application and any supporting documents (fee, essay, resume, etc.) to colleges I sent test scores to colleges via ACT (www.actstudent.org) or SAT (sat.collegeboard.org).

*CCHS does NOT report or send test scores to colleges.

TYPE OF APPLICATION DEADLINE (Please indicate deadline date below) Priority _______________________ Rolling N/A Regular Decision _______________________ Early Action _______________________ Early Decision _______________________ Restrictive Early Action _______________________ Unsure

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS:Does this college have a Counselor Form? (For non-Common App only) Yes NoIs a Teacher Letter required for this application? Yes No

How many teacher letters are required? _______________________

List teacher letters you want submitted: Teacher 1: _______________________ Teacher 2: _______________________ Other: _______________________

Have you spoken with your teachers and added their names in Naviance? Yes No

My signature below authorizes Carmel Catholic High School to release all records to the party listed above. (REQUIRED)

STUDENT SIGNATURE: ______________________________________________ DATE: _______________________---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:Date Received: ___________________ By: __________________ Transcript Sent: Online US Mail Date Completed: ___________________ By: __________________ Mid Year Requested

One Carmel Parkway | Mundelein, IL 60060