SFHS 2014-2015 College Counseling Handbook · Saint Francis High School 20142015 College Counseling...

Saint Francis High School 20142015 College Counseling Handbook 1

20142015 College Counseling Handbook

A reference guide for junior and senior students and parents

SchoolCEEB&ACTCode:052077


August2014DearStudentsandParents:TheGuidanceandCounselingOfficeatSaintFrancisHighSchoolisdedicatedtofacilitatingasuccessfulexperiencewiththecollegeadmissionsprocess.Ourgoalistohelpeachstudentmakeaninformeddecisionregardingthebestmatchforhisorherfuture.Thisprocessshouldincludethestudent,theparent,andthecounselorworkingtogetheraspartnersinoneoflife’smostimportantdecision‐makingexperiences.Thisdiscoveryprocessisdualtracked.Itincludesself‐discoverybythestudentofwhatcriteriaheorshevaluesmostinacollege,andthentheresearchofwhatschoolsbestmeethisorherplans.Thishandbookisdesignedasaresourceforjuniorsandseniorstouseinthecollegeexplorationprocess.Pleasereaditcarefully‐itcoversmostofthemaintopicsyouwillneedtoconsiderinyourdecisionprocess.Themoreyouarefamiliarwithitscontents,themoreinformedadecisionyouwillmake,andthemoreproductiveourmeetingswillbe.Welookforwardtohelpingyouthroughthisexcitingtime!Sincerely,GuidanceandCounselingSaintFrancisHighSchool

Director of Guidance and Counseling: MichaelConley

Counseling Department Personnel Counselorscanbereachedbyemailorphone.

Pleasedial(650)968‐1213andtheappropriateextension.

HectorCamacho‐Freshman Counselor [email protected] Ext.287MichaelConley–College Counselor [email protected] Ext.250MattEssary–Sophomore Counselor [email protected] Ext.693DonnaFeizzadeh‐College Counselor [email protected] Ext.223CarrieJorgenson‐Freshman Counselor [email protected] Ext.268SallyLeitchHolden‐Sophomore Counselor [email protected] Ext.251AnnetteNassir‐College Counselor [email protected] Ext.222DanQuinn‐College Counselor [email protected] Ext.679SherrieTasnady‐College Counselor [email protected] Ext.224MarthaWeber‐Administrative Assistant [email protected] Ext.219

President: KevinJ.Makley

Principal: PatriciaTennant


TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5Communication Etiquette.…………………...………………………………………………………………..6 Email………………………………………………………………………………………………………........6 OnlineIdentity…………...………………………………………………………………………………....6 StudentPortals……………………………………………………………………………………………..6Checklist for Juniors (Class of 2016)……………………………………………………………………..7 Checklist for Seniors (Class of 2015)…………………………………………………………………..10 Beginning the College Search Process…………………………………………………………………13 KnowYourself……………...………………………………………………………………………..……13 Research…………………………………………………………………………………………………….13

CollegeFairs…………………………………………………………………….…………………………14 GuideBooks…………………………………………………………………..……………………………14 TheInternet………………………………………………………………...……………………..………15 Rankings………………………………………………………………………..………………………...…15 AdmissionCounselorVisits…………………………………………………………………………15Building Your College List………………………………………………………………………...…………17 FactorstoConsider…………………………………………………………………………..…………17 Safety,Target,Reach,StatisticalReach………….……………………………………..………18 Selectivity………………………………………………………………………………………………...…18 HowCollegesReportData……………………………………………………………...……………18Visiting College Campuses…………………………………………………………………………...………20 ImportanceofTours……………………………………………………………………………………20 TypesofToursandHowtoSetUpaTour……………………………….……………………20 CollegeVisitChecklist…………………………………………………………………………………20 VirtualCollegeToursandOtherUsefulWebsites………………………………….………21Components of the Application…………………………………………………………...………………22

EarlyActionandEarlyDecisionPlans.……………...………………………………….………22Writing………………………………………………………………………………………………….……23Grades…………………………………………………………………………………..…...……………….24Resume/ActivitiesList……………………………………………………………………………..…24Interviews…………………………………………………………………………………………..………26LettersofRecommendation………………………………...………………………………………28SendingScores/SFHSCEEBCode…………………………………………………………………28HighSchoolDocuments………………………………………………………………….……………29

Standardized Testing……………………………………………………………………………..……………30 PSAT/NMSQT.……………………………………………………………………………….……………30 ACTVs.SAT…………………………………………………………………………………...……………30 SATSubjectTests……………………………………………………………………………..…………31 AP………………………………………………………………………………………………………………32 PreparingfortheTest…………………………………………………………………………………32 TestingSchedule…………………………………………………………………………………………32 ImportantWebsitesRelatedtoTesting.………………………...…………..…………………32Colleges by Type………………………………………………………………………………………………….33California Public Universities………………………………………………………...……………………35


TheUniversityofCalifornia…………………………………………………………………………35

UCAdmissionStatisticsbyCampus……………………………………………………………...36 A‐GRequirements…………………………………………………………………………….…………36 UCEligibilityandHolisticReview.………………...………………………..……………………36 UCApplicationDeadline………………………………………………………………...……………38 ImportantWebsitesRelatedtoUC…………………………………………….…………………38 CaliforniaStateUniversity…………………………………………………………...………………38 CSUEligibility…………………………………………………………………………………………..…39 EligibilityIndex………………………………………………………………………………..…………41 Impaction………………………………………………………………………………...…………………41 CSUApplicationDeadline…………………………………………………………………….………41 ImportantWebsitesRelatedtoCSU…………………………………………………………..…41 ChecklistforcompletingtheUCandCSUApplications………………………….………42

SaintFrancisCoursesGivenHonorsCreditbyUCandCSU……………………………42The Common Application……………………………………………………………………………………44 EssayPrompts………………………………………………………….....................………………….44Financial Aid…………………………………………………………………………………………..……………45

TypesofAid…………………………………………………………...........……………………………..45FAFSA……………………………………………………………………………………………...…………45CSSPROFILE……………………………………………………………………………….………………45Scholarships…………………………………………………………………………………….…………46NegotiatingYourAidPackage………………………………………………………...……………46

After you Apply……………………………………………………………………………………………………48 CheckingPortals…………………………………………………………………………………………487thand8thSemesterGrades…………………………………………………………………………48May1Deadline………………………………………………………………………………………...…48Waitlists/AppealProcess……………………………………………………………………….……48ReportingtoColleges……………………………………………………………………….……….…48

Special Populations…………………………………………………………………………………………..… 50Athletes………………………………………………………………………………………………………50SpecialTalents……………………………………………………………………………………………50LearningDifferences…………………………………...………………………………………………52

College Terms Defined…………………………………………...……………………………………………54 Financial Aid Terms Defined…………………………………………………………….………………… 61 Appendix……………………………………………………………………………………………...………………64 References.…………………………………………………………………………………………………..………72


INTRODUCTION Role of the Counselor Junior Year: ‐Assiststudentsintheselectionofcoursesmosthelpfulinmatchingstudenteligibilityrequirementsforcollegeaswellascollegegoals. ‐Classroompresentationsonthecollegesearchandmakingtheappropriatematch.Directstudenttosourcesforresearchaswellasprovideinformationandguidance. ‐MeetwithjuniorstoguideInternetresearchoncollegematching. ‐Provideinformationonstandardizedtests.PSAT,SAT,ACT‐Assistinmakingatentativelistofcolleges,discussingreach,target,andsafetyschools.Senior Year: ‐ProvidestudentswiththeSeniorGuidetotheCollegeAdmissionsProcessatthebeginningofthesenioryearandreviewalldeadlines,procedures,andmeetwithstudenttoreviewfinalcollegechoices.‐ProvideinformationaboutcollegerepresentativevisitstotheSaintFranciscampus.‐Writeletterofrecommendationwhenrequested.‐Monitorallaspectsofthecollegeapplicationprocess.‐Workwiththestudenttodefineatimelineforcompletingapplications.‐Provideinformationtostudentsonacademicandmeritscholarships.EncouragestudentstouseFamilyConnectionasaresourceforscholarshipinformation.

Role of the Student Junior Year: ‐Carefullyconsidercourseselectionwithcollegegoalsinmind.Takethemostrigorouscoursesavailable.‐Takenotesduringclassroompresentations.Determineimportantcriteriawhenconsideringcolleges.Conductresearchusingguidebooks,videos,collegetours,etc.‐ParticipateincounselorpresentationsandusetheInternetforfurthercollegeresearch.‐Registerforstandardizedtestsontime.‐Workwithcounselorincreatingalistofreach,target,andsafetyschools. Senior Year: ‐ReadtheCollegeCounselinghandbooktobetterunderstandtheprocess.‐Attendcollegerepresentativevisitswhenanappropriateschoolcomestovisit.‐Giveletterofrecommendationrequesttocounselor/teacher.‐Workwithyourcollegecounselortodefineyourfinallist,keepinginmindSafety,LevelandReachandallinformationlearnedinpresentationsandbootcamp.‐Writecollegeessaysandsendinapplications.‐TakeSAT,SATSubjectTestsorACTinthefall.‐Monitorapplications.‐Aftergraduation,makesureyourfinalcollegechoiceisaccurateonFamilyConnection.‐Continuetocheckmail,emailandportalsonceapplicationsaresubmitted.

Role of the Parent Junior Year: ‐Monitorcourseselectionandsigncourseselectionform.‐Participateincollegediscussion;visitcollegeswithyourstudentwhenfeasible.‐Monitortestregistrationdeadlinesanddiscusspotentialtestpreparationoptions.‐Beawareoftentativestudentdeadlines. Senior Year: ‐AttendSeniorParentNight.Assiststudentinprocedureasappropriate.‐Continuetoreviewcollegelistandhaveactiveandcollaborativeconversationswithyourchild.‐Supportyourstudentthroughouttheprocessandrecognizethatthestudentshouldbethemaincontactwiththecollege.‐Monitortestregistrationdeadlines.‐Checkinwithstudentasappropriate.‐Attendappropriatefinancialaidworkshops.ApplyforandkeepacopyoftheparentPINandassistyourstudentincompletingtheFAFSAandCSSProfileifapplicable.


COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTE Email WestronglyencourageyoutouseyourassignedSaintFrancisemailwhencorrespondingwithcolleges.Itisimportanttoconsistentlyprovideanappropriateemail.Collegestypicallyuseemailasthepreferredmethodofcommunicatinginformation,soitisimperativeyoucheckyouremaildaily.Whenemailingcolleges,usepropergrammar,don’tabbreviateandavoidusingslangsuchasLOLorBTW.Trytomaintainaprofessionalidentityasmuchaspossiblewithallcorrespondence.Online Identity Thismaycomeasashock,butmoreandmoreadmissionoffersarebeingrescindedduetoinappropriateonlinebehavior.Thelastthingyouoryourparentswouldwantisforasocialmediahorrorstorytooccur.KeepyourFacebook,Twitter,blogsetc.private.ThinkbeforeyoupostaninappropriatepictureorcommentandfollowallrulesoutlinedintheSaintFrancis2014‐2015StudentHandbook. Student Portals Manycollegesrequirestudentstosetupwhatisreferredtoasastudentportal.Afteryousubmityourapplication,thecollegewilllikelysendyouanemailwithalinktosetupyourportal.Besuretowritedownyourusernameandpasswordforeachschool’sportalontheUsernamesandPasswordstoRememberform(appendix).Eachcollegeusesportalsdifferently,butmostcommonlyaportalisusedasameansofcommunication.Notificationofmissingdocuments,confirmationthatalldocumentshavebeenreceivedandadmissionnoticesarecommonusesfortheportal.Onceyouenrollasastudentataparticularcollege,youwilllikelyregisterforclassesandpayyourtuitionthroughyourportal.


CHECKLIST FOR JUNIORS (CLASS OF 2016) ToDo When

ResearchcollegesviaFamily Connection,books,theinternetandcollegevisits.Beginthinkingaboutpotentialcollegemajors.

Junior Year

Gettoknowyourjunioryearteachers,astheywilllikelywriteyourlettersofrecommendation.Focusonatleastoneortwoteacherswhomaybefuturesourcesforlettersofrecommendation.

Junior Year

AttendatleastoneCollegeFair:Case Studies When:April2015

Location: ArchbishopMittyRegistration:TBD

Colleges That Change Lives College Fair

When:Monday,July28,2014Location: SantaClaraConventionCenterRegistration:NotRequired

NACAC Performing Arts College Fair

When:Sunday,October26,20141:00pm‐3:30PMLocation: SouthSanFranciscoConferenceCenterRegistration:nacacnet.org

WACAC College Fair When:Thursday,May7,2015Location: MissionCollege(SantaClara)Registration:TBD

Junior Year

Takeonleadershiprolesintheextra‐curricularactivitiesyoucaremostabout.

Junior Year

SignuptomeetwithcollegerepresentativesastheyvisitSFHS.Juniorsmayattendanymeetingsheldatlunchtimeorcollaboration.

Junior Year

ReadtheSaintFrancisHighSchoolCollegeCounselingHandbook.October 2014

Athletes:RegisterwithNCAAEligibilityCenterifapplicable–www.eligibilitycenter.org

October 2014

SetupCollegeBoardAccount/ACTAccount.RecordusernamesandpasswordsintoUsernameandPasswordstoRememberform(appendix).

October 2014

DevelopatentativeTestingandPreparationPlan.StarttoresearchthedifferencesbetweentheSATandACT.Takepracticetestsasmuchaspossible.

October 2014


InsertresumeentriesintoFamily Connectionandmapoutyouractivitiesandcommunityservicefortheremainderofhighschool.

October 2014

Onceatestingplanisinplace,registerforappropriateSATand/orACTtestdates: SAT ACT

Register By: Test Date: Register By: Test Date:

September12,2014

October11,2014

August8,2014 Sept.13,2014

October9,2014

November8,2014*

Sept.29,2014 Oct.25,2014

Nov.6,2014 Dec.6,2014 Nov.7,2014 Dec.13,2014

Dec.29,2014 Jan.24,2015 Jan.9,2015 Feb.7,2015

February13,2015

March14,2015**

March13,2015

April18,2015

April6,2015 May2,2015 May8,2015 June13,2015

May8,2015 June6,2015

**OnlytimelanguagewithlisteningisofferedforSATsubjecttests

*NoSATSubjecttestsofferedonthisdate

October 2014

TakethePSAT(atSaintFrancis)tobeeligiblefortheNationalMeritScholarshipcompetition.

October 15, 2014

ReceiveandreviewyourPSAT/NMSQTresultswithyourcounselorandparents.Usetheresultstorefineandfinalizeyourtestingplan.

December 2014

PlanonvisitingcollegesspringbreakofJunioryear(April,2014)isagreattimetovisitschoolsonyourcollegelist.Remembertousewww.welcometocollege.comasaresourceforcollegevisits.

Winter 2014

SignupforappropriateAPtests.InstructionswillbeprovidedinAPcourses.

March 2015

PlanachallengingSenioryearschedule(arigorousSeniorcurriculumcommunicatesyouarereadyforcollege‐levelwork).

Spring 2015

Finalizeyour“CollegesI’mThinkingAbout”listinFamily Connection.Yourlistshouldinclude10‐12schools.

April 2015

Signupforthemailinglistforeachofyourtargetschools.Thiscommunicatesyourinterestintheschoolandcanbecompletedbyvisitingtheadmission’spageofeachschool’swebsite.

April 2015


Athletes:Requesta6thSemesterTranscriptbesenttotheNCAAEligibilityCenterattheendofyourJunioryear.(Orderformsinmainoffice).

May 2015

Athletes:Ifyou’redonetesting,sendyourofficialSATand/orACTscorestotheNCAAEligibilityCenterbyusingthecode“9999.”

June 2015

CompletetestingifyouareplanningtoapplyEarlyDecisionorEarlyAction.Octobermaybethelastdateacceptedbyearlyplans.

June 2015

Spendyoursummerproductively!Visitcolleges,enhanceyourresumeandbegintheessaywritingprocess.

Summer 2015


CHECKLIST FOR SENIORS (CLASS OF 2015) ToDo When

ReadyourSFHSemaildaily! Senior Year

Check“MyPlanner”inFamily Connectionfortasksassignedtoyoubyyourcounselor

Senior Year

Getaheadofthegameandstartfillingoutthe2015‐2016UCAdmissionsApplicationandCommonApplicationnow.

August 1, 2014

Getorganized!Createadigitalfilingsystemtokeeptrackofemails,essaydraftsandallthingscollege‐related.

August 2014

MakesureyourCollegeBoardandACTaccountshaveyourfulllegalname(asseenonyoursocialsecuritycard).

August 2014

Beginrecordingusernamesandpasswordsforallcollege‐relatedaccountsintheUsernameandPasswordstoRememberform(appendix).

August 2014

RegisterforSAT/ACTifyouareplanningtotakethetestonefinaltime.Checkcollegewebsitestoseeifyouhavecompletedrequiredtestingforadmission.Somecollegesrequiresubjecttests.

SAT ACT Register By: Test Date: Register By: Test Date:

September12,2014

October11,2014

August8,2014 Sept.13,2014

October9,2014

November8,2014

Sept.29,2014 Oct.25,2014

Nov.6,2014 Dec.6,2014 Nov.7,2014 Dec.13,2014

August 2014

Finalizeyour“CollegesI’mApplyingTo”listinFamily Connection.Shareyourlistofcollegeswithyourparentsandcounselor.Involveimportantadultsintheprocess!

September/ October 2014

IdentifyallapplicationdeadlinesforyourschoolsandfilloutCollegeApplicationDeadlinesform(appendix).

September 2014

Requestinterviewsforprivatecollegesonyourlist(ifofferedbycollege).

September 2014

DraftyourUCPersonalStatement. September 2014

Deadlinetoaskyourteachersforaletterofrecommendation. October 3, 2014


Beginsubmittingrollingapplications. October 2014

Ifapplyingforfin.aid,filetheCSSPROFILEregistrationform. October 2014

HavetestscoressenttoschoolsforwhichyouappliedEarlyDecision,EarlyActionandRollingAdmission.

October 2014

MalestudentswhoareU.S.ResidentsorCitizens(uponturning18)mustregisterwithSelectiveService‐www.sss.gov–requiredforfinancialaidpurposes.

October 2014

DeadlinetosubmitEarlyDecisionandEarlyActionapplications–checkeachschool’sdatesaccordingly.

November 1 & 15, 2014

SubmitSAT/ACTscorestoallcollegesafteryourlasttimesittingforthetest.SendAPscorestocollegesifAPscoresarestrong.

November 2014

Athletes:Ifyou’redonetesting,sendyourofficialSATand/orACTscorestotheNCAAEligibilityCenterbyusingthecode“9999.”

November 2014

SubmityourUniversityofCalifornia(UC)andCaliforniaStateUniversity(CSU)applicationsonline.UC Application Filing Period: November1–November30,2014CSU Application Filing Period:October1–November30,2014

No later than November 30, 2014

Meetappropriatecollegedeadlines. November, 2014

February, 2015

Lastchancetotakestandardizedtestsifapplyingregulardecision. December 2014

FiletheCSS/FinancialAidPROFILEatleasttwoweeksbeforetheearliestcollegeorscholarshippriorityfilingdateyouneedtomeet.Thisdateisthecollegeorprogram’sdeadlineforsubmittingacompletedPROFILEapplication.

Differs for each

participating school

Askyourcounselortosendtranscriptsandmid‐yearreportsifneeded.

February 2015

IfapplyingforFinancialAid,fileFAFSAbetweenJanuary1,2014andMarch2,2014‐thesooneryoufile,thebetter.www.fafsa.ed.gov

No later than March 2, 2015

Collegesbeginnotificationofadmissiondecisions.Alladmissiondecisionsshouldbereceivedbymid‐April.

March 2015

ViewandprintyourStudentAidReport(SAR)whichhasyourEstimatedFamilyContribution(EFC–howmuchyourfamilyisexpectedtopayeachyear)–www.fafsa.ed.gov.

April 2015


Checkportalsforeachcollegeyouappliedtoandsubmitanypendingpaperwork.

April 2015

AttendcampusAdmit/Preview/OpenHouseDays. April 2015

Selectyourcollege–youmustdecidebyMay1! April 2015

Reviewandcomparefinancialaidawardletters. April 2015

AcceptattendanceandsubmityourStatementofIntenttoRegister(SIR)andsendyourcollegeyourdeposit.Notifyallothercollegesthatacceptedyouandletthemknowyouwillnotbeattendingtheirschool.

May 1, 2015

Applyforhousing(mostrequireadeposit). May 2015

OnceyouhavesubmittedyourStatementofIntenttoRegister(SIR),acceptthefinancialaidaward.

May 2015

Registerandpayfornewstudentorientation. May 2015

IfattendingaUCandyoudon’thavea30orbetteronACT,680orbetteronSATwritingora3oraboveonAPEnglishtestby4/1,registerfortheAnalyticalwritingexam‐http://www.ucop.edu/elwr/

May 2015

Createyourcampusemail. May 2015

Checkyourcollegeemail.Collegeswillsendimportantemailstoyourcollegeemailaccountonly.

June 2015

FinalTranscripts–SFHScounselorswillsendyourfinalSFHStranscript(withsenioryeargrades)toyourfuturecollegeassoonasgradesareavailable.

June 2015

Ifyoutookacourseatacommunitycollege,requestasealedofficialtranscriptandsendittoyourUniversity’sadmissionsoffice.

June 2015

Considercreatingabudgetfortheupcomingschoolyear. June 2015

SendAPScorestoyouruniversity’sofficeofadmissionandrecords.Youmayreceivecollegecreditand/orbewaivedoutofcoursesbysendingyourscores.Tosendyourscorescall(609)771‐7300.Youwillbecharged$15tosendascorereport.

After July 1, 2015

Ifyouaretakingoutstudentloans,completeMANDATORYEntranceCounselingSessionandsignyourMasterPromissoryNote.Logintohttps://studentloans.govusingyourFAFSAPINtocompletethisprocess.Parentsmayneedtocompletethisprocesstoo.

After July 1, 2015


BEGINNING THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS Know Yourself Whoareyou?Thisquestionmayseemodd,butit’sanimportantone!Yourownassessmentofyourinterests,attitudes,andabilitiesiscentraltofindingtherightcollege.Thepurposeofsearchingforcollegesistofindtherightmatch.Presentingyourselfinanauthenticwaywillmakeitmoreplausibleforyouandyourprospectivecollegetofindaperfectmatch.Honestlyassessingyourinterests,personality,goals,aptitudesandcharacteristicswillbebeneficialforthecollegeapplicationprocess…andyoumayevenlearnsomethingnewaboutyourselfalongtheway!Ingettingtoknowyourself,remembertoexamineyourselfasapersonandasastudent.Afewresourcestohelpyouunderstandwhoyouare:

• Family Connection:FamilyconnectionallowsstudentsandtheirparentstoutilizecollegesearchtoolswithdataresultsspecifictoSaintFrancisstudents.StudentsweregiventheirpersonalaccesscodesbytheGuidanceCounselorstoregisterandsetuptheirloginandpassword.TologingototheFamily Connectionwebsiteandloginusingthelogin/passwordsetupbythestudent(recommendedlogin–SaintFrancisloginandpassword).Family connectioncanalsobeaccessedfromtheSaintFrancisGuidanceandCounselingDepartmentwebsiteunderCollegeGuidance.

• California CareerZone: CACareerZoneisawebsitedesignedforhighschoolstudentstotakeself‐assessmentsandexplorecollegeandcareeroptions.Theinterestprofiler,skillsprofilerandquickassessmentwillbeespeciallyhelpfulinunderstandingyourinterests,skillsandpersonalitytype.Assessmentsareeasyandquick!‐http://www.cacareerzone.org/

ForalistofusefulquestionstoaskyourselfintermsoffindingtherightcollegematchseeQuestionsforSelf‐Research(appendix). Research Decidingwheretoapplyandattendcollegeisoneofthebiggestdecisionsofyourlife,ifnotthebiggestdecisionyou’vemadetodate.Spendingqualitytimeandenergyresearchingappropriateschoolswillpaydividends.Thecollegeapplicationprocesscanbeadauntingone;however,ifyouareequippedwiththerightinformation,theprocessbecomesmuchmorestreamlined.Thereareafewrulestolivebywhenconductingyourcollegeresearch:

• Be openminded: TherearethousandsofcollegesintheUnitedStatesandabroad,anditislikelythatyoucouldfindyourplaceatthemajorityofthem.Trynottoexercisetoomuchjudgmentonaschooluntilyouhavetakenthetimeandenergytofullyunderstandalloftheinstitution’sofferings.Don’tletoneaspectoftheschool(i.e.anundesirablelocation)deteryoufromdiggingdeeperandfindingoutiftheschoolisamatchforyou!

• Ask questions: Inconductingyourresearch,ifthereisinformationyoucomeacrossthatyoudon’tunderstand,askyourcounselor,parentorafriend.The


collegeworldshouldbeforeigntoyou,soitisonlynaturalthatquestionswillariseinyourresearch.

• Don’t get caught up with the numbers: Statisticsallowustogainanunderstandingofhowoneschoolstacksuptoanother.However,attheendoftheday,statisticsaresimplynumbers.Readingstatisticswithacautionaryeyeisalwaysrecommended.Onestatisticthatcanbeparticularlytellingaboutaschoolisgraduationrates.Aschoolwithahighgraduationratelikelyhasfewerimpactedmajorsandstudentscarryinganexorbitantamountofdebt.

• Gathering quality information:Itiscruicaltogatherinformationfrommultiplesourceswhenconductingcollegeresearch.Luckily,weliveinatimewhereinformationiseasilyaccesible.Itisuptoyou,however,tobethesmartconsumer!InadditiontoFamily Connection,werecommendthefollowingresourceswhenconductingresearch:

College Fairs Attendingacollegefairisagreatwaytolearnaboutmanyschoolsatonce.Acollegefairisagatheringofmanycollegesinoneplace,eachwithitsowntableofresourcematerialsandrepresentativesreadytotalktoprospectivestudentslikeyou.Fortipsonwhattodobefore,duringandafteracollegefairvisit:http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/articles/Pages/College‐Fair‐Tips.aspx ThereareseveralcollegefairsheldthroughouttheBayAreaeachyear:

• Colleges that Change Lives (CTLC)‐Everysummer,usuallyinlateJuly,theCollegesthatChangeLivesorganizationholdsafreeeventintheBayArea.Itstartswithahalf‐hourpresentationbasedontopicsfromthebookaimedatmakingyourcollegesearchmoremeaningful.Thegoalistohaveyoufindcollegesthatarethebestfitforyou.Afterthepresentationthereisacollegefairwithrepresentativesfromthecollegesfeaturedinthebook.

• NACAC College Fair TheNationalAssociationforCollegeAdmissionsCounselingholdsfreecollegefairsthroughoutthecountry.TheSanFranciscofairisusuallyheldmid‐April.

• NACAC Performing & Visual Arts College Fair‐NACACalsoholdsafreecollegefairforperformingandvisualartscolleges.TheSanFranciscofairisusuallyheldinmid‐October.

• Northern California Catholic College Fairs‐Forthelastfewyears,theCatholicDioceseofNorthernCaliforniahaveheldfreecollegefairsforallprospectivecollegestudentsandtheirfamilies.ThefairsaregenerallyheldinearlyOctober.

• WACAC College Fair ‐TheWesternAssociationforCollegeAdmissionCounselingholdsafreecollegefair.TheBayAreafairsareusuallyaboutaweekbeforetheNACACfairinmid‐April.TheWACACfairoftenhas"bigname"schools.

Guide Books

• College Admission byRobinMamlet ‐WrittenbytheformerdeanofadmissionatStanfordUniversity,CollegeAdmissionis“theultimateuser’smanualandgo‐toguideforanystudentorfamilyapproachingthecollegeapplicationprocess.


Featuringthewisecounselofmorethan50deansofadmission,nootherguidehassuchthorough,expert,compassionateandprofessionaladvice.”

• College Handbook 2014‐Ahandbookthat“containsobjectiveinformationoneveryaccreditedcollegeintheUnitedStates—2,200four‐yearcollegesanduniversities,and1,700two‐yearcommunitycollegesandtechnicalschools.Withitsclearlylaid‐outentriesandmorethan40indexes,theCollege Handbook2014isalsothefastest,easiestwayforstudentstonarrowacollegesearchandcomparetheschoolsthatthey’reinterestedin.”

• Colleges That Change Lives byLorenPope‐"ProspectivecollegestudentsandtheirparentshavebeenrelyingonLorenPope’sexpertisesince1995,whenhepublishedthefirsteditionofthisindispensableguide.Thisneweditionprofiles41colleges—allofwhichoutdotheIviesandresearchuniversitiesinproducingperformers,notonlyamongAstudentsbutalsoamongthosewhogetBsandCs."

• The Fiske Guide to College 2014byEdwardFiske‐"Formorethan20years,thisleadingguidetomorethan300collegesanduniversitieshasbeenanindispensablesourceofinformationforcollege‐boundstudentsandtheirparents.Hip,honestandstraightforward,The Fiske Guide to College 2014 deliversaninsider'slookattheacademicclimatesandthesocialandextracurricularscenesatthe"bestandmostinteresting"schoolsintheU.S.,plusCanadaandGreatBritain."

YoucancheckouttheabovetextsintheSaintFrancisGuidanceandCounselingCenter. Internet Combingtheinternetisagreatwaytofindinformationonspecificschools.Eachcollegehasarobustwebsitewithmoreinformationthanyoucouldimagine.Visitingaschool’swebsiteisavaluablewaytoseetheschoolfromtheirownlens. Rankings Rankingscanbeuseful,butitisimportanttorealizethateachperson'scollegelistisuniquetohimorher.Whatmaybeconsidereda"best"collegemaynotbethebestfitforyou.Also,rememberthatrankingsaregeneratedeachyearbyprivatecompanies.ConsiderMoney Magazine's listofAmerica'sBestJobs.Wouldyouagreethatweshouldallaspiretoberegisterednursesbecauseitisrankedasthenumberonejob?Somepopularrankingsinclude:

• U.S. News & World Reports • Forbes • The Daily Beat • Washington Monthly • The Princeton Review • College Prowler

Admission Counselor Visits Eachyear,SaintFrancishostsadmissionofficersfromalloverthecountry.Theadmissionofficersenjoyvisitingourcampusbecauseitgivesthemachancetomeet


prospectivestudentsandeducateyouabouttheirschoolanduniqueprograms.Admissionofficersoftenprovideadviceregardingtheapplicationandusetheseschoolvisitsasanopportunitytomeetprospectivestudents.Seniorsneedteacherpermssiontoattendmeetingsheldduringclasstime.Juniorsarewelcometoattendanymeetingheldduringlunchorcollaboration.140admissionofficersvisitedSaintFrancislastyear.Foranup‐to‐datescheduleonwhenadmissionofficerswillbevisiting,visittheSaintFrancisGuidanceandCounselinghomepageoraskMrs.WeberintheGuidanceandCounselingCenter.


BUILDING YOUR COLLEGE LIST (AdaptedfromCollege AdmissionbyRobinMamletandCollegeBoard’sBigFuture) Factors to Consider Thereareseveralbigfactorstoconsiderwhendevelopingyourcollegelist.

• Academic Programs:Whatcoursesofstudydoesaschooloffer?Doesitofferamajorinthespecificsubjectyou’reinterestedin?Ifyou’reundecided,doestheschoolofferarangeofcoursesandmajorsthatmayultimatelysatisfywhatyouwanttodo?Canyouchangefromonecollegetoanotherwithintheuniversity–forexamplefromengineeringtoliberalarts?Doestheschoolhaveacoreoropencurriculum?Areclasseslargelecturesorsmallseminars?Dofacultyorgraduatestudentsteachintroductorycourses?

• Athletics:DoyouwanttobeataschoolwithNCAADivisionIathletics?Isa“big‐game”atmosphereimportanttoyou?Isitimportanttoyoutobeabletoparticipateinintramuralorclubsports?

• Campus and Housing: Domoststudentsliveonoroffcampus?Isthecampusconsideredacommutercampus?Ishousingguaranteedforfirst‐yearstudents?Ishousingguaranteedforallundergrads?Wheredostudentsliveiftheydon’tliveinthedorms?Ishousingcoed?Arecarsallowedoncampusforfreshmen?

• Campus Culture: Whatisthesocialclimate?IsitdominatedbyaGreeksystem?Populatedbyartsystudents?Isitknownasapartyschool?IsthelibrarybusyonaFridaynight?Whattypeofpeopledoyouencounteronthequad?Isreputationorprestigeafactorforyou?

• Cost:Ifcostisaconcernforyourfamily,keepthisinmindasyoulookatschools.Butifyou’reastudentwithgoodgradesandtestscores,don’truleoutanyschoolatthispointonthebasisofcostalone;justbesureyourlistincludescollegeswitharangeofpricepointsandfinancialaid.

• Diversity: Whatistheethnicbreakdownofthestudentpopulation?Doestheschoolhaveaspecializedmissionarounddiversity(HistoricallyBlackCollegeorHispanic‐ServingInstitute)?Istheschoolreligiouslyaffiliated?Howmuchdoesreligionplayintostudent’slives?Isadiversestudentbodyimportanttoyou?Isthereanactivereligiouscommunity?

• Extracurricular Activities: Whatkindofentertainmentisavailable–music,art,theater,improvisationalcomedy?Istherealectureseriesandifso,whomdotheybringtocampus?Whatkindofpublicserviceandvolunteeropportunitiesarethere?Isthereastronginternshipprogram?Arethereethnicorganizations?Isthereanactivityyoucan’tlivewithout?Arefraternitiesandsororitiesavailable?

• Location:Locationencompassesconsiderationsofgeography,climateanddistancefromhome.Areyoureadytobefarfromhome?Doyouwanttoliveinapartofthecountryorworldyou’veneverexperienced?AreyoureadyforthecoldwinterofacampusintheMidwestorNortheast?

• Setting: Doyouwantaschoolwithanurban,suburbanorruralsetting?Doyouwantthepeaceandquietofacollegelocatedinaquietsuburb,theisolationofaschoolintheRockies,orthehustleandbustleofabig‐citycampuswithaccess


tomuseums,shoppingandentertainment?Arethereservicesavailable–medical,drycleaning,andrestaurants?

• Type of School: Doyouprefertoattendapublicorprivateschool?Single‐sexorcoed?Religiouslyaffiliated?Doesthesizeoftheschoolmatter? Schoolenrollmentscanrangefromafewhundredstudentstotensofthousands.Sizecanimpacttherangeofmajorsoffered,aschool’sathletics,extracurricularactivities,opportunitiesforinvolvement,thesenseofcommunityandtheamountofattentionastudentwillreceivefromfacultyandstaff

Safety, Target, Reach, Statistical Reach Onlyapplytoschoolsyouwouldattend.Plainandsimple.Thatbeingsaid,itisimportanttoberealisticwhencraftingyourcollegelist.Takesometimetoreflectonalloftheresearchyouhaveconducted.Onceyoufeelyouknowenoughaboutagoodhandfulofschoolsandwhyeachofthoseschoolswouldbeagoodfit,itistimetodevelopawell‐balancedcollegelist.Werecommendyouapplytonomorethan10colleges.Trustus,youwillbeoverwhelmedwithmorethan10applications.Ofthose10colleges,3shouldbesafetyschools,4shouldbetargetschoolsand3shouldbereachschools.

• Safety:Aschoolthatrarelydeniesstudentswithyourcredentials• Target:Aschoolwhereyourchancesofbeingacceptedarebetterthanyour

chancesofbeingrejected,thoughthereisnoguaranteeofadmission.• Reach: Aschoolwhereyourchancesofbeingrejectedarehigherthanyour

chancesofbeingaccepted.Butsomestudentswithcredentialslikeyourshavebeenadmitted.

• Statistical Reach: Aschoolyouwouldliketoattendbutwhereyourchancesofacceptanceseemslim.Noone’schancesofadmissionattheseschoolsarehigh.

Selectivity Hereisareassuringstatistic:“morethan80percentofthe2,600four‐yearcollegesanduniversitiesintheUnitedStatesacceptmorethanhalfthestudentswhoapply”(Mamlet134).Selectivityisdeterminedthroughasimpleformula.

• Selectivity: NumberofStudentsAdmitted/NumberofStudentswhoApplied

Informationonaschool’sselectivitycanoftenbefoundontheschool’swebsitebysearchingforthefreshmanclassprofileorCommonDataSet.Whileitisalwaysdifficulttopredictwhowillbeadmitted,itisimportantandrelevanttoknowaschool’sselectivitywhenbuildingyourcollegelist. How Colleges Report Data Mamlet(135)notes,“GPAsaremostoftenreportedasthepercentageofadmittedstudentswhofellwithingivenranges.”Forexample,thefreshmanprofileatahighlyselectivecollegemightlooklikethis:

GPA3.75orhigher:63percentGPA3.50to3.74:25percentGPA3.0to3.49:10percentGPA2.0to2.99:2percent


SATandACTtestscoresareshownasarangeforthemiddle50percentofenrolledfreshman.Forexample,ahighlyselectiveschoolmayhavethemiddle50percentrangeforCriticalReadingontheSATasa660to740.Thismeansthat25percentofacceptedfreshmendidbetterthan740and25percentofacceptedfreshmendidworsethana660sothemiddle50percentweresomewhereinbetween.Ifyourscoresarewellabovethetopofthemiddle50percent,inthisexample740andyourGPAisinthetopreportedrange,thisspecificschoolwouldlikelybealevelorareach.


VISITING COLLEGE CAMPUSES Importance of Tours Howwillyouknowwhichcollegeisrightforyou?Thereisnobetterwaytogettoknowacollegethanbyvisitingthecampus.Byvisitingacollege’scampus,nolongeristheschoolsomethingyoureadaboutinabookorontheinternet.Insteaditcomestolife,andyoucangainasenseoftheschool’sclimate,atmosphereandstudentbody. Types of Tours and How to Set Up a Tour Mostcollegesofferavisitprogram,whichcaninclude:studentledcampustours,classroomvisits,admissionsgroupsessions,seeingdormitorylife,discussionswithprofessorsandinteractionwithcurrentstudents.Tourscanbesetupbycallingtheadmissionoffice.Itisbestpracticetohavethestudentcalltosetupthetour;thisillustratesinitiative. College Visit Checklist (AdaptedfromNacacnet.org) Whentouringacampusthereisalotofinformationtotakein.Followthissimplechecklistandyouwillbesuretodevelopathoroughunderstandingoftheschool.

Formal: (Activities that will likely need to be scheduled in advance) Takeacampustour Haveameetingwithanadmissionofficer Participateingroupinformationsessionattheadmissionoffice Sitinonaclass(ortwo!) Talktoaprofessor(ortwo)inyourchosenmajor(s) Talktoacoachinyourchosensport Talktoastudentorcounselorinthecareercenter SpendthenightinthedormwithacurrentstudentInformal: (Those pieces of information you can gather as a “fly on the wall”) Readthestudentnewspaper,eventheads Trytofindotherstudentpublications—departmentnewsletters,'alternative'

newspapers,literaryreviews Eatinthecafeteria Askastudentwhyhe/shechosethiscollege,andwhattheirfavoritepartabout

itis Wanderaroundthecampusbyyourself Searchforyourfavoritebookinthelibrary Readthebulletinboardsinthestudentunionandintheacademicdepartment

you'reinterestedin Askastudentwhathe/shedislikesaboutthecollege Browseinthecollegebookstore Eavesdroponstudentstohearwhatthey’retalking,orcomplainingabout SurftheNetinthestudentcomputercenter Walkordrivearoundthecommunitysurroundingthecampustoexplorethe

surroundingarea


Findoutifthereispublictransportationorifyoucanhaveyourvehicleoncampus

Askastudentwhathe/shedoesonweekends Askcareerservicesaboutupcomingjobopportunities Lookintoclubsandorganizationsoncampusthatinterestyou Listentothecollege'sradiostation Trytoseeadormthatyoudidn'tseeonthetour Seeifyoucanimagineyourselfatthiscollege

Virtual College Tours and Other Useful Websites Ifphysicallyvisitingacertaincollegecampusisn’tfeasible,thenextbestthingistakingavirtualcollegetour.Werecommendtakingavirtualcollegetourpriortovisitingandaspartoftheresearchprocesssoyouareasinformedaspossible.

• CampusTours: http://www.campustours.com/‐CampusToursallowsstudentstotakevirtualtoursofcollegesanduniversities.Inadditiontovidetours,studentscanviewphotorealisticinteractivecampusmaps,andtakemobilewalkingtours.

• CollegeWeekLive:http://www.collegeweeklive.com/‐CollegeWeeklivehelpsstudentswiththeircollegesearch.ThewebsiteenablesstudentstolivechatwithadmissionsrepresentativesandstudentsfromhundredsofU.S.universitiesandtowatchpresentationsfromeducationexpertsontopicssuchasmasteringtheSATs/ACTs,writingastandoutcollegeessay,choosingacollege,andmore.

• Welcome to College: http://www.welcometocollege.com/default.aspx‐Awebsitethatallowsyoutokeeptrackofyourvariouscollegevisits,planyourvisits(bookingtours,findinghotels)andreadingaboutyourpeer’sexperienceaswell.


COMPONENTS OF THE APPLICATION Early Action and Early Decision Plans

• Early Action: Somecollegesofferanopportunitytoapplyearlyandreceiveananswerearly.Normally,thestudentappliesinNovemberandwouldreceivearesponseinDecember.Thisisanon‐bindingadmissionplanandthestudentdoesnotneedtoreplyuntilMay1.Ifyouaredeferredunderthisplan,youwillbereconsideredwiththeregularapplicantpool.Earlyactionapplicantstendtobemorecompetitiveforadmissionthanthoseintheregularpool,soapplyingunderearlyactionrarelyenhancesthechancesofadmission.Ofcoursethemajorbenefittoearlyactionisthatyouwillknowyouradmissionoutcomemuchsoonerthanifyouappliedunderregulardecision.

• Early Decision: WithanEarlyDecision(ED)plan,thestudentappliesinNovemberandwouldreceiveareplyinDecember.Acceptanceisbinding,andthestudentmustattendifacceptedandwithdrawallotherapplications.Ifyouaredeferredunderthisplan,youwillbereconsideredwiththeregularapplicantpool.Ifyouaredeniedunderthisplan,yourapplicationwillnotbefurtherreviewed.Mamlet(251)writestherearefourmainbenefitstoapplyED:

1. ApplyingEDletsthecollegeknowyouhavedecidedit’stheoneyoumostwanttoattend.

2. Costsavings–ifyouareacceptedED,you’vefiledjustoneapplicationandpaidonlyonefee.

3. Alessstressfulsenioryear.Youarefreefromtheanxietyofwaitingtohearfrommultipleschools.

4. Ajumpstartongettingtoknowtheschoolwhereyouwillspendthenextfouryears.

• Early Decision II: EDIIisabindingearly‐decisionprocesswithlaterdeadlinesthanED.Typically,theapplicationdeadlineisthesameasfortheregularadmissionsprocess,butadecisionissentfarsoonerwithEDII.

• A Key Point:Supposehalfaselectivecollege’sfreshmanclassseatsaretakenbystudentswhoappliedED.BecauseEDisbinding,admissionofficerswillknowexactlyhowmanyseatsareavailablewhenselectingcandidatesthroughRD.Becausestudentsacceptedthroughregulardecision(RD)donothavetocommit,thecollegecanandhastoadmitmorestudentsunderRDtofillallofthenecessaryseats.WhenofferingadmissionsduringRD,collegesareespeciallymindfulofyield,orthepercentageofstudentsofferedadmissionbyaspecificcollegeoruniversitythatultimatelyenrolls.Collegeswilladmitstudentsonthewait list whentheiryield islowerthanexpected.Theyieldisoftenextremelyhighatselectivecolleges.

Please discuss all EA and ED plans with your counselor. You must submit an ED agreement, which requires the student, a parent and your counselor’s signature. Your counselor will submit this form.


Writing Thewritingcomponent(typicallyreferredtoasthepersonalstatement,supplementoressay)isthehighestrankednon‐academicfeatureoftheapplication.Thelessacollegereliesongradesandtestsscores,themoreimportantthewritingbecomes.Thewritingcomponentistheonethingoverwhichstudentshaveabsolutecontrol.Itprovidesasampleofyourwritingandareflectionofyourinterestsandvalues.Thewritingcomponentwillrangeanywherefrom200to1,000wordswithvaryingtopicsrangingfrom“tellusaboutyourself”to“describeacharacterinfiction,ahistoricalfigureoracreativeworkthathasinfluencedyou.”Trytoviewthewritingcomponentasanopportunitytoexpresswhoyoureallyare.

• The UC Personal Statement: (Adaptedfromadmission.universityofcaliforna.edu)“Yourpersonalstatementshouldbeexactlythat—personal.Thisisyouropportunitytotellusaboutyourself—yourhopes,ambitions,lifeexperiences,inspirations.Weencourageyoutotakeyourtimeonthisassignment.Beopen.Bereflective.Findyourindividualvoiceandexpressithonestly.Asyourespondtotheessayprompts,thinkabouttheadmissionsandscholarshipofficerswhowillreadyourstatementandwhatyouwantthemtounderstandaboutyou.WhileyourpersonalstatementisonlyoneofmanyfactorsUCconsiderswhenmakingtheiradmissiondecision,ithelpsprovidecontextfortherestofyourapplication.”

• The Rules:Allapplicantsmustrespondtotwoessayprompts(Prompt1&2). Responsestoyourtwopromptscanbenomorethanamaximumof1,000

wordstotal. Allocatethewordcountasyouwish.Ifyouchoosetorespondtoonepromptat

greaterlength,UCsuggestsyourshorteranswerbenolessthan250words.• Prompt 1: Describetheworldyoucomefrom—forexample,yourfamily,

communityorschool—andtellushowyourworldhasshapedyourdreamsandaspirations.

• Prompt 2:Tellusaboutapersonalquality,talent,accomplishment,contributionorexperiencethatisimportanttoyou.Whataboutthisqualityoraccomplishmentmakesyouproudandhowdoesitrelatetothepersonyouare?*Studentsareencouragedtowriteaboutspecialcircumstancesthathaveinfluencedtheireducationalexperiencetoprovidethereaderwithcontext(i.e.learningorphysicalchallenge,majorlifeevent).

• Advice for the Personal Statement:(AdaptedfromNacacnet.org)“Lookcriticallyattheinformationinyourapplication:yourgrades,awards,activitiesandworkexperience,familyandincome.Anticipatequestionsanadmissionsevaluatorwillhaveafterreadingyourapplication.Thepersonalstatementisyouropportunitytoanswerthosequestions. Presentyourinformationandideasinafocused,thoughtfulandmeaningfulmanner.Supportyourideaswithspecificexamples.Apersonalstatementthatissimplyalistofqualitiesoraccomplishmentsisusuallynotpersuasive.Yourpersonalstatementshouldreflectyourownideasandbewrittenbyyoualone,butothers‐‐familyandteachers‐‐canoffervaluablesuggestions.”

• Selecting a Topic: Mamlet(206)candidlywrites,“It’sawasteoftimetryingtofigureoutexactlywhatthey’relookingforbecausethelistisendlessandever‐


changing.Itmightbenicenessorasenseofhumor,aninterestinalgorithmsoractivism,theboywhoisfluentinFrenchorthegirlwhoraisespigsin4‐H.Nocollegeissaying‘wemusthaveacook.’Theyarelookingforthewaystudentscomeacrosswhentheywriteaboutwhytheyliketocook.Simplybegenuinesotheycanseewhoyouareforthemselves.”

• Into, Through and Beyond: LeadthereaderINTO yourstorywithapowerfulbeginning—astory,anexperience.TakethereaderTHROUGH yourstorywiththecontextandkeyspartsofyourstory.Makesurethereaderunderstandsyourinitiative,leadership,developmentandcontinuity.LeaveyourreaderwiththeBEYOND messageabouthowthisstoryhasaffectedwhoyouarenowandwhoyouwanttobeincollegeandpotentiallyaftercollege.

• Writing Advice For Students:(adaptedfromBaltimore&NewOrleansNACACconferencenotes)

Alwayswriteinthefirstperson;collegeessaysareautobiographical. Findwaystorevealdifferentcorequalitiesineachessay. Useactivewriting:avoidpassivesentences,usepowerverbs. Don’twriteaboutsomethingyoudon’twantreaderstoknow. Nevermakeexcuses. Essaysdon’tmakeupforpoorgradesorscoresbuttheycanprovide

context. Essayscantipyouin. Usethemagainforscholarships. Letyourpersonalityemerge. Themorespecifictoyouthebetter. Ifastorystartsinthepast,veryquicklygetittothepresentday. Usethe1/3‐2/3ruleifwritingaboutsomeoneelseoranexternalevent:

1/3ontheeventand2/3onitseffectonyouwithspecificandthenmoregeneralexamples.

Toomanychefsruinthepot. Beproudofyourlifeandaccomplishments. Youonlyhavetwotofiveminutestograbtheattentionofanessay

reader. Youwillneedweeks,notdays,towriteeffectivecollegeessays.

Grades Manyapplicationsrequirestudentstoself‐reporttheiracademichistory.Itiscrucialyouareaccuratewhenenteringyourgrades.Pleasebesuretorefertoyourtranscriptasyouarefillingoutyouracademichistoryandtriplecheckeachentry.Allinformationwillbeverifiedwhenthecollegereceivesyourofficialtranscript. Resume/Activities List Traditionally,resumesareusedinthejobapplicationprocess;however,creatingandusingaresumeforthecollegeapplicationprocesswillbevaluable.Thinkoftheresumeasadocumentthathighlightsyourextracurricularaccomplishmentsandprovidestheviewerwithareflectionofwhoyouare.Notonlywillitbebeneficialforyoutocreatea


resumeforthecollegeapplicationprocess,butalso,youwillnowbepreparedforupcominginternshipandjobinterviews.

• When to Use Your Resume: Ifusedappropriately,thisone‐pagesnapshotcanassistyouthroughouttheapplicationprocess.Werecommendcreatingaresumeassoonaspossiblebecausethereareseveralopportunitiesthroughoutthecollegeapplicationprocesswherearesumewillbehandy.

Letters of Recommendation:Providingyourrecommenderswithyourresumeisbestpractice.Itislikelyyourrecommendersareonlyfamiliarwithoneaspectofyourhighschoolidentity,butwithyourresumeonhand,yourrecommendationwillbemorecomprehensiveandreflective.

Interviews: Arrivingtoaninterviewwithyourresumecommunicatesprofessionalism.Additionally,theresumecanoftenstructuretheflowandconversationofaninterview.Besuretoprintseveralcopiesfortheinterviewonresumepaperbecauseyouneverknowhowmanypeoplewillinterviewyou.

While Completing Your Applications: TheCommonApplicationandUCApplicationrequireapplicantstofilloutanactivitiesandawardssection.Acompleteandaccurateresumewilltremendouslyassistyouinthistediousprocess.

• Creating a Resume: YourFamily Connectionsaccountwillallowyoutoeasilycreatearesume.Afinishedproductwillincludethefollowingsections:

NameandContactInformation Objective Summary WorkExperience Education VolunteerService ExtracurricularActivities Awards/Certificates

• Resume Do’s and Don’ts: Resume Do’s:

Limitresumetoonepage. Avoidovercrowding.Makeyourresumewellspacedandorganizedso

thatitcanbeeasilyscreenedbythereader.Leaveatleastone‐inchmarginsonthetop,bottomandsides.

Usereadablefont.Usesize11‐12pointandcommonfontssuchasSansSerif,Arial,andTimesNewRoman.

Emphasizeheadingswithboldprint,CAPITALLETTERSand/orunderlining.

Use“bullet”statementstohighlightyouraccomplishments. Quantifyresults(i.e.usenumbers)wheneverpossible. Behonestaboutyouraccomplishments. Proofreadcarefully.Double‐checkspellingandmakesuregrammarand

punctuationarecorrect. Usehighqualitypapertoprintyourresume. Saveyourresumeasa.PDF


Resume Dont’s: Includereferencesonyourresumeorendyourresumewith“References

AvailableuponRequest.” Includepersonalinformationsuchasmaritalstatus,socialsecurity

number,age,ornationalorigin. Useflashygraphicsorcoloredpaper. Mentioncontroversialactivitiesorassociations.

• Highlighting Leadership: Generally,collegesareinterestedindepthoverbreadth;meaningfulinvolvementinqualityactivitiesispreferred.Wecautionstudentsfrombecominginvolvedintoomanyactivitiesbecausecollegescaninterpretthisaspaddingyourresume.Itispreferabletoparticipateinfeweractivitiesbutpursuealeadershippositionwheneverpossible.Takingaleadershiproledemonstratescommitment,passionandinitiative–3qualitiesadmissionofficerslovetoseeinapplicants.Anotherpossibilityisstartingyourownclub,project,activityorendeavor.

Interviews Acollegeinterviewisanopportunityforstudentstotalkabouttheiraccomplishments,goalsandinterestintherespectiveschool.Fewcollegesrequireaninterview,butmanyofferanevaluativeorinformationalinterviewasanoption.Anevaluative interviewisonethatisusedbyaninstitutionasanothermeansofevaluation.Theevaluativeinterviewisintendedtoassisttheadmissionofficerinassessmentofthecandidate.Theinterviewer(usuallyanadmissionofficer,alumniorfacultymember)meetswiththestudentandtheevaluationbecomesapartofthestudent’sapplicationfile.Aninformational interviewisintendedtogivethestudentinformationabouttheinstitution.Whileaninformationalinterviewisoftenmorerelaxed,theinterviewerisstilllikelyevaluatingthecandidate.Interviewscantakeplaceonoroffcampus.Ifaninterviewisanoption,itisusuallybeneficialbecauseitisawaytobringyourapplicationtolifeanddemonstrateyourinterestinthecollege.

• Setting up an Interview: Eachcollegehasauniqueprotocolforsecuringaninterview.Visittheschool’swebsiteasearlyaspossibleandfollowdirectionsaccordingly.Ifyouknowyouwillbevisitingaschoolataspecifictime,calltheadmissionsofficetorequestaninterviewandprovidethedatesyouwillbeoncampus.Forinterviewsoffcampus,collegeswillusuallyhavealumniorfacultymembersconducttheinterviews.PaloAlto,SantaClaraandSanFranciscoarepopulardestinationsforalumniinterviews.

• Preparing for the Interview: Be On Time:Punctualityiskeywithinterviews.Interviewersoftenhave

afulldayofinterviewingandcan’taffordtorearrangetheday’sscheduleifyouarelate.Beingontime(ontimemeans10minutesearly)communicatesprofessionalism.

Dress Appropriately:DressingasyoudoforLiturgydayswillbeappropriatedressforthecollegeinterview.

Bring Your Resume: Comepreparedwithseveralcopiesofyourresumeprintedonresumepaper.


Identify Your Interviewer:Attheendoftheinterview,askyourinterviewerforhisorherbusinesscard.Iftheydon’thaveone,writedowntheperson’sfullnameandaddress.

Write a Thank You Note: Usingthebusinesscardyouweregivenorthecontactinformationyouwrotedownattheendoftheinterview,sendyourinterviewerathankyounote.Athankyounoteshouldbesentwithinonetotwodaysaftertheinterview.Inafewsentences,letyourinterviewerknowwhyyouenjoyedtheinterviewandthatyouappreciatehisorhertime.

• Sample Interview Questions: RobinMamlet,authorofCollege Admission,providesherreaderswithgreatinsightintotheinterview.Belowaresomesampleinterviewquestionssheanticipatesstudentswillbeasked.Ifyouspendsometimeformulatingyouranswersandponderingthe“why”ofyouranswers,youwillhaveplentytosay.Itisneverrecommendedtomemorizeanswerstothesequestions.Youwillcomeacrossasrehearsedandinauthentic. Whyareyouinterestedinthiscollege? Whatdoyouhopetogetoutofcollege? Whatisyourfavoritesubjectandwhy?Leastfavoritesubjectandwhy? Whatdidyoudolastsummerandwhatdidyougainfromthatexperience? Whatareyourplansforthiscomingsummerandwhatdoyouhopeto

gainfromthatexperience? Howdoyouchoosetospendyourfreetime? Howdoyouthinkyourfriendswoulddescribeyouifyouwerenotinthe

room?Yourteachers? Whatareyoureadingforpleasurethesedays? Whateventgoingonintheworldrightnowhasmostcaughtyourinterest

andwhy? Tellmeaboutyourfavoriteteacher.Whatmakesthisperson’sstylegood

foryou? Howaboutyourleastfavoriteteacher? Whatdoyoudoforfun,justtorelaxorletoffsteam? Whichofyouractivitiesmeanthemosttoyou?Whydidyoustart?Whydo

youcontinue? Wheredoyouhopetogowithit?Doyouseeyourselfcontinuingthis

activityincollege? Whatareyoureallyexcitedaboutdoingincollegethatwillbenewtoyou? Whatareyourapprehensionsaboutcollege? Doyouhavebrothersorsisters?Whatroledotheyplayinyourfamily? Doyoufeelthatyourgradesandtestscoresareanaccuratereflectionof

yourability?Whyorwhynot? Doyourstudiescomeeasilytoyouordoyouhavetoworkhardforthe

gradesyoureceive? Whichsubjectscomemoreeasilythanothers? Tellmeaboutaclassprojectyouhavehadwereyouknockedyourselfout.

Whydidyouworksohardonthatparticularproject?


Ifyouhadayearofffromschoolandcouldchoosetodoanythingatall,whatmightyoudo?

Whenyouthinkaboutthe“collegeyou”howdoyouimagineyourself? • How to Ace your Answer:

Allowyourselftimetothinkbeforeyouanswerquestions.Itisappropriatetoasktheinterviewertorepeataquestionthatisunclear.

Bespecificandgiveexampleswhenansweringquestions.Thisaddscredibilitytostatementsyoumakeaboutyourqualifications.Itisbettertomakeafewstrongpointsthanmanybrief,unrelatedpoints.

Trytoavoidsaying“uh,”“like,”and“youknow!” Letters of Recommendation UCandCSUcampuseswillnotacceptlettersofrecommendation.MostprivateCommonApplicationschoolsandprivateschoolsrequireoracceptlettersofrecommendation.Withcompetitiveadmissionstandards,acompellingletterofrecommendationcanmakeallthedifference.Recommendationsgivecollegesvaluableinformationaboutyouasbothastudentandasaperson.Lookforspecificguidelinesfromschooltoschoolonhowmanyrecommendationsarerequiredandfromwhom.Thiswillvaryfromschooltoschool.

• Who to Ask: Youshouldgivecarefulthoughttothoseyouwillasktocompleteyourrecommendations.Askteacherswhoknowyouwellandcancommentonbothyourintellectualskillsandpotential,aswellasyourpersonalstrengths.Recommendationsshouldcomefromteachersingrades11and12inacademicsubjects:math,science,foreignlanguage,historyorEnglish.YourcounselorwilltypicallycompleteaSecondarySchoolReportforyou,whichincludesaletterofrecommendation.

• How to Ask: PleaseconsulttheGuidanceandCounselingpageontheSaintFrancisHighSchoolwebsiteforup‐to‐datedirectionsonhowtorequestlettersofrecommendation.

Sending Scores/SFHS CEEB Code SendtestscorestoALLuniversitiesorsystemsforwhichyouapplied.Consultthechecklistatthebeginningofthehandbookforinformationonwhentosendyourtestscores.SaintFrancis’CEEB Code is: 052077.Memorizethisnumber.Youwillneediteverytimeyoufilloutanapplication,takeatestorrequestscores.

• Tips on Sending Your Scores: UC–ifyousendtooneUCcampus,allcampuseswillreceiveyourscores. CSU–ifyousendyourSATscorestoCSUMentor,LongBeach–3594,all

CSUswillreceiveyourSATscores. SendyourACTscorestooneCSUandreleasescorestoallviaCSUMentor’s

“ACTScoreManager.” SATScoreChoice:Studentscanselectwhichscoresaresenttocollegesby

testdate(i.e.,3/13butnot10/13).Collegesdo,however,havetheoptionofrequiringapplicantstosubmitall oftheirSATscoresandstudentsmustfollowtheinstructionsofthecollegestowhichtheyapply.


High School Documents (Transcript, School Profile, Secondary/MidYear Report) Therearefourdocumentsyourcounselorwillsendonyourbehalfifrequestedbythecollege.Itisyourresponsibilitytorequestthesedocumentsbesentandtogiveyourcounselorplentyoftimetoadheretoalldeadlines.

• Transcript: Youwillbeaskedtoprovideyourclassesandgradesinmostofyourapplications.Somecollegesusethisself‐reporteddatainsteadofanofficialtranscriptinitially.Collegesthatrelyonself‐reporteddatawillaskforanofficialtranscriptonceyouareaccepted.Othercollegesmaywantanofficialtranscriptsentwiththeapplicationandthenagainafteryourfirstsemestergradesfromsenioryearareavailable.Readallinstructionscarefully,adheretodeadlinesanddon’tsendcollegesdocumentstheydidnotrequest.

• School Profile: Theschoolprofileisdesignedtogiveacollegecontextonyoureducationalsetting.

• Secondary School Report:BepreparedtoaskyourcounselortofilloutaSecondarySchoolReportformostoftheschoolsonyourcollegelist.ASecondarySchoolreportisasupplementalformthatyourcounselorwillcompleteandmaildirectlytothecollege.InformationrequestedonthereportusuallyincludesGPA,disciplinaryhistoryandseveralopen‐response‐questionsrelatingtoyouracademicandpersonalcharacter.ThemainfunctionoftheSecondarySchoolReportistoallowthecounselortoelaborateonanyspecialissuesofwhichheorshethinksthecollegeshouldbeaware.

• MidYear Report:Themid‐yearreportistypicallyrequestedifnosenior‐yeargradeswereavailablewhenyourtranscriptwassent.Themid‐yearreportvalidateswhyitissocrucialtonotslackoffduringyoursenioryear,becausewithadeclineingradesadmissionmaybecompletelyrescinded.


STANDARDIZED TESTING (AdaptedfromNacacnet.org)Haveyoueverwonderedwhycollegesrequirestandardizedtestscoresasacriterionforadmission?Highschoolsusevariousgradingscalesandcurricula,whichcanmakeitdifficultforcollegeadmissionofficerstoaccuratelycomparestudents’grades.Standardizedtestsprovidecollegeswithacommonmeasuretohelpthemsortthroughcredentialsfromthousandsofapplicants.Additionally,standardizedtestscanhelpindicateastudent’sreadinesstocompletecollege‐levelwork.Insomecasestestscoresmaybeusedasacriterionforawardingmerit‐basedfinancialaid.Standardizedtestsareapartofthecollegeadmissionprocessthatoftencausesanxietyforstudents.However,itisessentialtorememberthatstandardizedtestscoresareneverthesolefactorinmakingadmissiondecisions. PSAT/NMSQT TheACTandCollegeBoardarethetwomajortestingagencies.EachoffersapracticetestfortheACTandSAT,calledthePLANandPSAT/NMSQTrespectively.SaintFrancisstudentstakethePSAT/NMSQTinOctoberofthesophomoreandjunioryear.Practicetestsaredesignedforsophomoreandjuniorstudentsasapreparationtool.ThePSAT/NMSQTisapracticetestfortheSAT.Itmeasurescriticalreading,mathandwritingskills.ItisalsothequalifyingtestfortheNationalMeritScholarshipCompetition.ThePSATisofferedinthefallandisdesignedforjuniorsaspreparationforthespringSAT.Itcanbeausefultoolbecausethescorereportgivesacustomizedanalysisoftheresultsforeachstudent,indicatingwheretheirstrengthsandweaknesseslieandwhattheymightdotoimprove.JunioryearPSATscoresmayqualifyastudentfortheNationalMeritScholarshipCompetition,theNationalAchievementandtheNationalHispanicScholarsPrograms.Eventhoughthesescoreswillnotbeusedforcollegeadmission,itisstillagoodideatotakethePSAT. ACT vs. SAT TheACTandSATaredifferentteststhatmeasuresimilarbutdistinctconstructs.ACTandtheCollegeBoardhavecompletedaconcordancestudythatisdesignedtoexaminetherelationshipbetweentwoscoresontheACTandSAT.Theseconcordancetablesdonotequatescores,butratherprovideatoolforfindingcomparablescores.TofurtherunderstandthedifferencesbetweenyourscoresaConcordancetableexists.‐http://www.act.org/solutions/college‐career‐readiness/compare‐act‐sat/

ACT SAT Purpose TheACTmeasuresachievementrelated

tohighschoolcurricula.TheSATmeasuresgeneralverbalandquantitativereasoning.

Format 4multiplechoicetests:English,Math,ReadingandScience+writing

2hoursand55min.+30min.writing

Testisalwaysgiveninthesameorder(English,math,reading,science,writing)

10separatelytimedsectionsincludingstudentproducedanswersintheMathsection

Alwaysbeginswitha25min.essay

3hoursand45min Testsectionsaregivenina

randomorder


Content English(75questions,45minutes)MeasuresstandardwrittenEnglishandrhetoricalskills.Math (60questions,60minutes)Measuresmathskillsstudentstypicallyacquireincoursetakenuptobeginningofgrade12.Reading (40questions,35minutes)Measuresreadingcomprehension.Science (40questions,35minutes)Measurestheinterpretation,analysis,evaluation,reasoningandproblem‐solvingskillsrequiredinthenaturalsciences.Writing(1prompt,30minutes)MeasureswritingskillsemphasizedinhighschoolEnglishclassesandinentry‐levelcollegecourses.

Writing(1prompt,25minutes)Measuresastudent’sabilitytodevelopandexpressapointofviewonanissue.Writing Multiple Choice (Section1:35questions,25minutes,Section2:14questions,10minutes) Asksstudentsto:recognizesentenceerrors,choosethebestversionofapieceofwriting,improveparagraphsCritical Reading (Section1:24questions,25minutes,Section2:24questions,25minutes,Section3:19questions,20minutes) Asksstudentsto:Identifyingmainandsupportingideas,determiningthemeaningofwordsincontext,understandingauthors'purposes,understandthestructureandfunctionofsentencesMath(Section1:20questions,25minutes,Section2:18questions,25minutes–multiplechoice‐Studentproducedresponses)ProducedResponse,Section3:16questions,20minutes)Thequestionsrequirestudentstoapplymathematicalconceptsandtousedataliteracyskillsininterpretingtables,chartsandgraphs.Theycoverskillsinfourmajorareas:Numberandoperations,algebraandfunctions,geometryandmeasurement,dataanalysis,statisticsandprobabilityVariable (25questionsin25minutes).Unscored,multiple‐choicesectionthatmayhavecriticalreading,mathematicsormultiple‐choicewritingquestions.

Scores YourComposite scoreandeachtest score(English,Mathematics,Reading,Science)rangefrom1(low)to36(high).

TheCompositeScoreistheaverageofyourfourtestscores,roundedtothenearestwholenumber.

Thereisnopointpenaltyforguessing

¼apointdeductedforwronganswers

ThehighestpossibleSATscoreis800incriticalreading,800inmathematicsand800inwriting.

Eachsectionisscoredona200–800pointscale.Totalscoreisoutof2400

# of questions

215 140

SAT Subject Tests TheSATSubjecttestsareavailablein20differentsubjectareasandaredesignedtomeasureyourknowledgeandskillsinaparticularsubjectarea.Uptothreetestscanbetakenonatestdate(withtheexceptionoftheMarch/Apriltestadministration)and


eachtestisonehour.LanguagewithlisteningtestsareonlyofferedinNovember.StudentsshouldconsidertakingaSATSubjectTestuponcompletionoftheirhighestlevelofhighschoolpreparationinthatsubject.APWhileAdvancedPlacement(AP)testsarenotspecificallyusedforcollegeadmission,APisaprograminwhichcollege‐levelcoursesareofferedtohighschoolstudents.IfastudentscoreshighenoughonanAPexam,heorshemaybeabletoqualifyforcreditorexemptionfromanintroductorycollegecourse.SaintFrancisoffers20APcourses.APexamsaregiveninMayofeachyear.APtestresultsdonotappearonyourofficialSaintFrancistranscript.Foradmissionpurposesyouwilllikelyberequiredtoself‐reportyourscores.Ifyouhavescoredhighenoughtoearncollegecredit(usuallya3orbetter),yourofficialAPscorescanbesentdirectlyfromETStoyourcollege.StudentscanviewandsendtheirAPscoresinthebeginningofJuly.Seehttps://apscore.collegeboard.org/scoresfordetailsabouthowandwhenstudentswillgetscores. Preparing for the Test Testprephasbecomeabigmoneymakingbusiness.Weencourageyoutofirstexploreallfreeresourcesthatareavailable(guidebooksorcomputerprograms)andthendecideifyouwouldliketopursueafee‐basedoption.CollegeBoard,ACTandnumber2.comofferfreepracticeactivities.Ifyoudodecidepaidtestpreparation(acourseorindividualtutoring)mightbenefityouandifyouarewillingtodevotetimetoextrastudy,youmightfindtestpreparationworthit.Thecoursesvarywidelyinquality,soinvestigatebeforeinvestingthemoney.Youcandiscussthiswithyourcounselor;theymaybeabletomakerecommendationsofprogramsthathavebeenhelpfultoourstudentsinthepast. Testing Schedule Yourtestingschedulewillgreatlydependontheselectivityofthecollegestowhichyouplantoapply,aswellasyouroriginalscore.Atestingscheduleshouldbediscussedwithyourcounselor.Thestudentisalwaysresponsibleforregisteringforeachtest.Seethechecklist(p.7forjuniorsandp.10forseniors)ontestingdatesandregistrationdeadlines. Important Websites Related to Testing PLAN: www.act.org/planPSAT/NMSQT: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.htmlACT:www.act.orgSAT: www.collegeboard.comSAT Subject Tests:http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat‐subject‐test‐datesAP:http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/homeFairtest.org (National center for fair and open testing):http://fairtest.org/


COLLEGES BY TYPE 4Year vs. 2Year Four‐yearcollegesofferfour‐yearprogramsthatleadtoabachelor'sdegree.Theseincludeuniversitiesandliberalartscolleges.Two‐yearcollegesofferprogramsthatlastuptotwoyearsthatleadtoacertificateoranassociatedegree.Theseincludecommunitycolleges,vocational‐technicalcollegesandcareercolleges. University vs. College Universitiesoftenarelargerandoffermoremajorsanddegreeoptions—bachelor's,master'sanddoctoraldegrees—thancolleges.Mostuniversitiescontainseveralsmallercolleges,suchascollegesofliberalarts,engineeringorhealthsciences.Thesecollegescanprepareyouforavarietyofcareersorforgraduatestudy.Somecollegesfocusonaspecificinterestorstudentpopulation.Theseinclude:artscolleges,single‐sexcolleges,religiouslyaffiliatedcolleges,specialized‐missioncolleges.Liberal Arts Liberalartscollegesofferabroadbaseofcoursesintheliberalarts,whichincludesareassuchasliterature,history,languages,mathematicsandlifesciences.Mostareprivateandofferfour‐yearprogramsthatleadtoabachelor'sdegree.Thesecollegescanprepareyouforavarietyofcareersorforgraduatestudy.Public Publiccollegesarefundedbylocalandstategovernmentsandusuallyofferlowertuitionratesthanprivatecolleges,especiallyforstudentswhoareresidentsofthestatewhereacollegeislocated. Private Privatecollegesrelymainlyontuition,feesandprivatesourcesoffunding.Privatedonationscansometimesprovidegenerousfinancialaidpackagesforstudents.Youcanusuallyexpect:smallerclasssizes,top‐notchprofessors,moreopportunityformerit‐aidandacademicexcellence.Selective Selectiveschoolshavelowadmissionrates.Todetermineaschool’sselectivityrate,dividethenumberofstudentsadmittedbytheumberofstudentswhoapplied.Ivy League IvyLeagueactuallyreferstoanathleticconference,however,theeightmemberschoolsarebetterknownasacademicandintellectualpowerhouses.TheeightschoolsincludedintheIvyLeagueareBrownUniversity,ColumbiaUniversity,CornellUniversity,DartmouthCollege,HarvardUniversity,PrincetonUniversity,UniversityofPennsylvaniaandYaleUniversity.


Religiously Affiliated – Catholic, Holy Cross & Jesuit Religiouslyaffiliatedschoolsare privatecollegesareconnectedtoareligiousfaith.Theconnectionmaybehistoriconly,oritmayaffectday‐to‐daystudentlife.

Catholiccollegestypicallyoperatewithaliberalartscore,offeranarrayofprogramsandmaintainacommitmenttoCatholicism.SampleCatholicschoolsinclude:CatholicUniversity,DePaulUniversity,UniversityofSanDiegoandProvidenceCollege.Holy CrosseducationisoneofthecoreministriesoftheCongregation.FounderBlessedBasilMoreauchargedpriestsandbrotherstobe“educatorsinthefaith”andtoeducatetheheartsandthemindsofstudents.SampleHolyCrossschoolsinclude:CollegeoftheHolyCross,NotreDameUniversity,StonehillCollege,UniversityofPortland,St.Edward’sCollegeandSaintMary’sCollege.Jesuit educationstemsfromitsdeep‐rootedhistoryandmissiongroundedinfaithandintellectualrigor.Sinceitsbeginningsin1548whenthefirstJesuitinstitutionopeneditsdoorsinMessina,Sicily,Jesuithighereducationremainscommittedtoacademicexcellence,service,leadershipandcaringforthewholeperson.SampleJesuitschoolsinclude:BostonCollege,MarquetteUniversity,FordhamUniversity,GeorgetownUniversity,LoyolaMarymountUniversity,SantaClaraUniversity,UniversityofSanFranciscoandXavierUniversity.

Military AMilitaryAcademyisaneducationalinstitutiondesignedtograntBachelor’sdegreesandpreparestudentsforservicesinthearmy,navy,airforceorcoastguard.Somerequiresponsorshipbyamemberofcongressasanadmissioncriterion.Pleasevisitthefollowingwebsiteformoreinformation:http://www.amcsus.org/ WUE WesternUndergraduateExchange(WUE‐pronounced“woo‐wee”)isaprogramoftheWesternInterstateCommissionforHigherEducation(WICHE).ThroughWUE,studentsinwesternstatesmayenrollinmorethan140two‐yearandfour‐yearcollegeinstitutionsatareducedtuitionlevel:150percentoftheinstitution’sregularresidenttuition.StudentsfromCaliforniaareeligibletorequesttheWUEtuitiondiscount.Seewww.wiche.edu/wueformoredetailedinformation.


CALIFONIA PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES (Adaptedfromuniversityofcalifornia.edu&csumentor.edu)Californiaishometotwopost‐secondaryeducationsystemsthatgrantBachelordegrees.The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU)comprisethesesystemsandeachoffersstudentsanexceptionaleducation.TherearemanyfactorstoconsiderwhendecidingwhichCaliforniauniversitysystemwillberightforyou.TheUniversityofCaliforniatendstofocusmoreonresearchbasedlearning,whiletheCaliforniaStateUniversitysystemfocusesmoreonthecombinationoftheoreticalwithpracticalapplications.UniversityofCaliforniamaybemoreappealingtostudentswhoplanonpursuingdoctoratelevelstudiesorwhowillgointoresearchanddiscoverybasedcareers.TheCaliforniaStateUniversityprogramhasproventobeeffectiveforstudentsthatarelookingtolearnspecificskillsthattheycanapplyimmediatelyastheyentertheworkforce,suchasaccounting,teachingandnursingcareers. The University of California TheUniversityofCalifornia(UC)systemincludesmorethan220,000studentsandmorethan170,000facultyandstaff,withmorethan1.5millionalumnilivingandworkingaroundtheworld.TheUCSystemiscomprisedof10 campuses.The10campusesoftheUniversityofCaliforniaopentheirdoorstoallwhoworkhardanddreambig.Throughitsteaching,researchandpublicservice,UCdrivesCalifornia'seconomyandleadstheworldinnewdirections.The10campusesinclude:

*UCSFistheonlycampusdedicatedexclusivelytohealthcare.StudentscannotattendUCSFwithoutfirstobtainingabachelor'sdegree.


UC Admission Statistics for Fall 2014 (Adaptedfrom:http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/profiles/) Applications Received Students Admitted Percent Admitted UC Berkeley 73,771 12,795 17.3%UC Davis 60,536 24,551 40.6%UC Irvine 66,508 23,573 35.4%UCLA 86,521 15,760 18.2%UC Merced 15,288 9,780 64%UC Riverside 34,912 19,797 56.7%UC San Diego 73,454 24,528 33.4%UCSB 66,803 24,127 36.1%UC Santa Cruz 40,721 23,176 56.9%AG RequirementsGradesearnedin“a‐g”(seebelow)approvedcoursesandtestscoresarelargefactorsintheadmissiondecision.TobeconsideredforadmissiontoacampuswithintheUniversityofCalifornia(UC)orCaliforniaStateUniversity(CSU)systems,studentsmustcomplete15year‐longhighschoolcourseswithagradeofCorbetter—atleast11ofthempriortotheirsenioryear.Theintentofthe“a‐g”subjectrequirementsistoensurethatstudentshaveattainedabodyofgeneralknowledgethatwillprovidebreadthandperspectivetonew,moreadvancedstudy.A History/Social Science (2 years) B English (4 years) C Mathematics (3 years, 4 recommended) D Laboratory Science (2 years, 3 recommended) E Language other than English (2 years or equivalent of 2nd level) F Visual and Performing Arts (1 year) G College Prep Elective (1 year)Keepinmindthattakingapprovedhighschool(“a‐g”)coursesisn'ttheonlywaytosatisfytheserequirements.YoualsomaymeetthembycompletingcollegecoursesorearningcertainscoresonSAT,APorIBexams.Doingwellin“a‐g”courseswillalsohelpyouincommunitycolleges,professionalschoolsandwhereveryourafter‐high‐schoollifewilltakeyou.Theyprovideanexcellentfoundationforfuturelearning. UC Eligibility & Holistic Review TheminimumGPAforCaliforniaresidentsisa3.0.Onlythegradesyouearnin“a‐g”subjectsinthe10thand11thgradesareusedtocalculateyourGPA.Coursesyoutakein9thgradecanbeusedtomeettheSubjectRequirementifyouearnaCorbetter,butthosegradeswillnotbeusedtocalculatetheUCGPA.12thgradecourseswillalsobeusedtomeetthesubjectrequirements.TheUniversityassignsextrapointsforupto


eightsemestersofUniversity‐certifiedhonorslevelandadvancedplacementcoursestakeninthelastthreeyearsofhighschool.A=5points,B=4points,C=3points.Nomorethantwoyear‐longUC‐approvedhonorslevelcoursestakeninthe10thgrademaybegivenextrapoints.AgradeofDinanhonorsoradvancedplacementcoursedoesnotearnextrapoints.D&Fgradesinthe“a‐g”coursesmustberepeatedwithagradeofCorbetterinordertocounttowardthesubjectrequirement.In2011,theUCRegentscommitteeendorsedasingle‐scoreholisticreviewmethodofeachapplicant.PleaseseebelowforhowUCspecificallyevaluateseachapplicantasdescribedontheUCAdmissionswebsite.“WespendtimeevaluatingyouracademicachievementsinlightoftheopportunitiesavailabletoyouandyourdemonstratedcapacitytocontributetotheintellectuallifeatUC.The14factorsweweighare:

1. Academicgradepointaverageinallcompleted“a‐g”courses,includingadditionalpointsforcompletedUC‐certifiedhonorscourses.

2. Scoresonthefollowingtests:ACTPlusWritingortheSATReasoningTest.3. Numberof,contentofandperformanceinacademiccoursesbeyondthe

minimum“a‐g”requirements.4. NumberofandperformanceinUC‐approvedhonors,AdvancedPlacement,

InternationalBaccalaureateHigherLevelandtransferablecollegecourses.5. IdentificationbyUCasbeingrankedinthetop9percentofyourhighschool

classattheendofyourjunioryear(EligibleintheLocalContext,orELC).6. Qualityofyoursenior‐yearprogramasmeasuredbythetypeandnumberof

academiccoursesinprogressorplanned.7. Qualityofyouracademicperformancerelativetotheeducationalopportunities

availableinyourhighschool.8. Outstandingperformanceinoneormorespecificsubjectareas.9. Outstandingworkinoneormorespecialprojectsinanyacademicfieldofstudy.10. Recent,markedimprovementinacademicperformanceasdemonstratedby

academicGPAandthequalityofcourseworkcompletedorinprogress.11. Specialtalents,achievementsandawardsinaparticularfield,suchasvisualand

performingarts,communicationorathleticendeavors;specialskills,suchasdemonstratedwrittenandoralproficiencyinotherlanguages;specialinterests,suchasintensivestudyandexplorationofothercultures;experiencesthatdemonstrateunusualpromiseforleadership,suchassignificantcommunityserviceorsignificantparticipationinstudentgovernment;orothersignificantexperiencesorachievementsthatdemonstratethestudent'spromiseforcontributingtotheintellectualvitalityofacampus.

12. Completionofspecialprojectsundertakeninthecontextofyourhighschoolcurriculumorinconjunctionwithspecialschoolevents,projectsorprograms.

13. Academicaccomplishmentsinlightofyourlifeexperiencesandspecialcircumstances,includingbutnotlimitedto:disabilities,lowfamilyincome,firstgenerationtoattendcollege,needtowork,disadvantagedsocialoreducational


environment,difficultpersonalandfamilysituationsorcircumstances,refugeestatusorveteranstatus.

14. Locationofyoursecondaryschoolandresidence.” UC Application DeadlineYoumaysubmityourapplicationbetweenNovember1andNovember30.ApplicationssubmittedafterNovember30willnotbeaccepted.TheUCapplicationisnowavailablebeginningAugust1st. Important Websites Related to UC AG Guide: http://www.ucop.edu/agguide/index.html ELC Information: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/california‐residents/local‐path/index.htmlFreshman Admission Profiles:http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/profiles/index.htmlUC Application:http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how‐to‐apply/apply‐online/index.htmlIndividual School’s Websites: UC Berkeley:http://www.berkeley.edu/UC Davis:http://www.ucdavis.edu/UC Irvine:http://www.uci.edu/UCLA:http://www.ucla.edu/UC Merced:http://www.ucmerced.edu/UC Riverside:http://www.ucr.edu/UC San Diego:http://www.ucsd.edu/UC San Francisco:http://www.ucsf.edu/UC Santa Barbara:http://www.ucsb.eduUC Santa Cruz:http://www.ucsc.edu/ California State University TheCSUisaleaderinhigh‐quality,accessible,student‐focusedhighereducation.With23 campuses,almost437,000students,and44,000facultyandstaff,theCSUisthelargest,themostdiverse,andoneofthemostaffordableuniversitysystemsinthecountry.The23campusesinclude:


CSU EligibilityTobeeligibleforaCSU,youmusthavea2.0GPA.Eachcampususes3factorstodetermineeligibility.Mostapplicantswhoareadmittedmeetthestandardsineachofthefollowingareas:

1. Specific High School Courses:JustlikeUC,CSUrequiresaminimum15‐unitpatternofcoursesforadmissionasafirst‐timefreshman.Eachunitisequaltoayearofstudyinasubjectarea.AgradeofCorbetterisrequiredforeachcourseyouusetomeetanysubjectrequirement.

2. Grades in “ag” course and test scores:ThegradesyouearninhighschoolarethemostimportantfactorinCSUadmissiondecisions.Yourhighschoolgradepointaverageiscalculatedusingyourgradesinallyourcollegeprep“ag”classescompletedafterthe9thgrade. Testscoresarerequiredunlessyouhaveagradepointaverageabove3.0andarearesidentofCalifornia.TheCSUusesacalculationcalledaneligibilityindexthatcombinesyourhighschoolgradepointaveragewiththescoreyouearnoneithertheSATorACTtests.EvenifyouhaveaGPAabove3.0,itisusefultotakeeitheranSATorACTasthescoremayindicateifyoudonotneedtotake


EnglishandmathplacementtestsafteryouareadmittedandbeforeyouenrollattheCSU.*While SAT/ACT test scores are not required to establish the admission eligibility of California residents with high school grade point averages of 3.00 or above, impacted campuses and impacted firsttime freshmen enrollment categories often include test scores among the supplemental criteria required of all applicants to those campuses and enrollment categories.IfyouhaveyourhighschoolGPAandtheresultsofyourSATorACTtest,thenyoucancalculateyoureligibilityindex.Fromthereyoucanquicklyseewhetheryoumeettheminimumadmissionstandards.Remember,somecampuseshavehigherstandardsforparticularmajorsorforthosestudentswholiveoutsidethelocalcampusarea.

3. High School Graduation:ForadmissiontotheCSU,graduationfromhighschoolandreceiptofahighschooldiplomaareadmissionrequirements.Ifyouarelikemoststudents,thisisalogicalconclusionofattendinghighschool.SoformostCSUfreshmanapplicants,theotherbasicadmissionrequirements—highschoolcourseworkandgradesandtestscores—shouldbethefocusofyourattention.

Eligibility Index TheEligibilityIndexTableshowsthecombinationoftestscoresandgradepointaveragesrequiredtomeetminimumeligibilityrequirements.TheCSUdoesnotusetheSATWritingsectionortheACTWritingscoretocalculatetheCSUEligibilityIndex.Youcancalculateyoureligibilityindexbymultiplyingyourgradepointaverageby800andaddingyourcombinedscoreontheSAT,usingthecombinedscoresearnedonthecriticalreadingandmathsections.TheCSUdoesnotusetheSATWritingscoreforadmissionpurposes.Youmayusethebestscoreearnedinindividualtestdates.Or,ifyoutooktheACT,multiplyyourgradepointaverageby200andaddtentimestheACTcompositescore.ACTWritingscoreisnotconsideredinthecompositescore.Californiaresidentsneedaminimumeligibilityindexof2900 using the SATcombinedscoreforcriticalreadingandmathsectionsor694 using the ACT. Impaction IntheCaliforniaStateUniversity,anundergraduatemajororcampusisdesignatedasimpactedwhenthenumberofCSUeligibleapplicationsreceivedintheinitialfilingperiod(October1toNovember30forfalladmission)isgreaterthanthenumberthatcanbeaccommodatedbythemajororcampus.Insuchinstances,CSUcampuseshavebeenauthorizedtousesupplementaryadmissioncriteriatoscreenapplicantstothesemajorsand/orcampuses.Thesesupplementaryadmissioncriteriamayinclude,butarenotlimitedtothefollowing:

Ceaseacceptingadmissionapplicationsattheconclusionoftheinitialfilingperiod

RequiresubmissionoftheSATorACTregardlessofthehighschoolgradepointaverage


Rankorderfirst‐timefreshmenbyeligibilityindex SetahigherminimumeligibilityindexthanthatrequiredforCSU

admission Reviewadditionalcharacteristicssuchassocioeconomicoreducational

factors,spaceavailabilityinaprogramormajor,indicationsofovercomingeducationalobstacles,orexceptionaltalents

Requirecompletionofspecifiedlower‐divisiongeneraleducationrequirementsfortransferapplicants

Pleaseconsultthe2014‐2015ImpactedMajorMatrix(appendix)tolearnmore. CSU Application Deadline ThefilingperiodforseniorswhoareapplyingforfallisOctober1toNovember30.ApplicationssubmittedafterNovember30willnotbeaccepted. Important Websites Related to CSU CSU Application: http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/ Eligibility Index:http://www.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/eligibility_index.aspImpacted Majors and Campuses: http://www.calstate.edu/sas/impactioninfo.shtml Individual School’s Websites: Cal State Bakersfield:http://www.csub.edu/CSU Channel Islands:http://www.csuci.edu/CSU Chico:http://www.csuchico.edu/CSU Dominguez Hills:http://www.csudh.edu/CSU East Bay:http://www20.csueastbay.edu/Fresno State:http://www.fresnostate.edu/Cal State Fullerton:http://www.fullerton.edu/Humboldt State:http://www.humboldt.edu/CSU Channel Islands:http://www.csulb.edu/Cal State L.A.:http://www.calstatela.edu/Cal Maritime:https://www.csum.edu/web/mycampus/homeCSU Monterey Bay:http://csumb.edu/Cal State Northridge:http://www.csun.edu/Cal Poly Pomona:http://www.csupomona.edu/Sacramento State:http://www.csus.edu/Cal State San Bernardino:http://www.csusb.edu/San Diego State:http://www.sdsu.edu/San Francisco State:http://www.sfsu.edu/San Jose State:http://www.sjsu.edu/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo:http://www.calpoly.edu/Cal State San Marcos:http://www.csusm.edu/Sonoma State:http://www.sonoma.edu/Cal State Stanislaus:http://www.csustan.edu/


Checklist to complete the UC and CSU Application

What you need to complete the UC Application

What you need to complete the CSU Application

AcopyofyourSFHStranscript AcopyofyourACTandSATReasoning

andSubjectTestScores,andanyAPExamScores

Concisedescriptionsofyoursignificantactivitiesandawardsandlengthoftimeengagedineach

ThedateyourparentsmovedtoCalifornia,oriftheywereborninCalifornia,theirbirthdates

Yoursocialsecuritynumber(ifyouhaveone)

Creditcardinformationforpayment YouwillnotneedaStatewideStudent

ID(thisisonlyforpublichighschoolstudents)

Themajor(s)youwishtoapplytoateachofyourselectedcampuses;andifUCSDisonyourlist,researchandchooseyourprioritiesforUCSDcolleges

Word‐processedandproofreadessaystobecut‐and‐pastedintotheapplication

*Important note: UC applications do not require letters of recommendation.

AcopyofyourSFHStranscript AcopyofyourACTorSATTestScores,

andanyAPExamScores Thedateyourparentsmovedto

California,oriftheywereborninCalifornia,theirbirthdates

Yoursocialsecuritynumber(ifyouhaveone)

Creditcardinformationforpayment YouwillnotneedaStatewideStudentID

(thisisonlyforpublichighschoolstudents)

Themajor(s)youwishtoapplytoateachofyourselectedcampuses

*Important note: CSU applications do not require personal statements/essays, teacher recommendations, or a list of activities.

Saint Francis Courses Given Honors Credit by UC and CSU BoththeUCandCSUsystemsassignextrapointsforuptofourunits(8semestergradesofAPorHonorscourses:A=5pts;B=4pts;C=3pts;Dgradesarenotincludedinthesecalculationsandreceiveonepointonly.

SFHS courses include History/Social Science: APEuropeanHistoryAPGovernmentAPUSHistory English: APEnglishLanguageAPEnglishLiteratureMath: APStatistics


APCalculus‐AB/BCPrecalculus‐H Science: APBiologyAPChemistryAPEnvironmentalScienceAPPhysicsChemistry‐HPhysics‐H Foreign Language: APFrench4French5HonorsSpanish3‐HAPSpanish4/5APChineseVPA: APMusicTheoryAPStudioArt Electives: APComputerProgrammingAPPsychologyAPMacroeconomics Link:www.ucop.edu/doorways/


THE COMMON APPLICATION TheCommonApplicationisanundergraduatecollegeadmissionapplicationthatapplicantsmayusetoapplytoanyofthemembercollegesanduniversities.Therearemorethan500 member institutions.Thesemembercolleges/universitiesrangefrom:publicandprivate,largeandsmall,highlyselective,modestlyselective,andEastCoast,WestCoast,andeveryregioninbetween.In2013,theCommonApplicationintroducedanewversion,CA4.Fivesectionsexistwithintheapplication:family,education,testing,activitiesandtheessay.Inadditiontosubmittingthecommonapplicationtoeachoftheschoolsonyourlist,manyschoolsrequirewhatisknowasasupplement.Supplementsvaryfromschooltoschool;however,mostsupplementscollectmorein‐depthpersonalinformationfromtheapplicantandanadditionalessayorseriesofquestionsisrequired. Essay Prompts Applicantsarerequiredtorespondtooneofthebelowessaypromptsin250–650words.

1. Somestudentshaveabackgroundorstorythatissocentraltotheiridentitythattheybelievetheirapplicationwouldbeincompletewithoutit.Ifthissoundslikeyou,thenpleaseshareyourstory.

2. Recountanincidentortimewhenyouexperiencedfailure.Howdiditaffectyou,andwhatlessonsdidyoulearn?

3. Reflectonatimewhenyouchallengedabelieforidea.Whatpromptedyoutoact?Wouldyoumakethesamedecisionagain?

4. Describeaplaceorenvironmentwhereyouareperfectlycontent.Whatdoyoudoorexperiencethereandwhyisitmeaningfultoyou?

5. Discussanaccomplishmentorevent,formalorinformal,thatmarkedyourtransitionfromchildhoodtoadulthoodwithinyourculture,community,orfamily.

The Common Application:https://www.commonapp.org/Login Member Colleges:https://www.commonapp.org/Login#!PublicPages/AllMembers


FINANCIAL AID Thecostofattendingcollegevariesgreatly,andstudentsandfamiliesshouldexplorebothpublicandprivateinstitutionsastheylookatcollegecosts.TheFederalStudentFinancialAidhomepageoffersampleinformationaboutthetypesoffinancialaidthatareavailableforstudents. Types of Aid Therearetwomajorsourcesofaidavailabletofamilies.

• Grants and Scholarships:Fundsawardedtothestudentwithoutexpectationofrepayment.Grantscancomefromfederalandstategovernments,colleges,andprivateorganizations.

• Loans:Loansareborrowedbystudentsandparentstohelpmeetcollegecosts.Aloanmustberepaidwithinterestandthistypeofaidisavailablethroughthefederalandstategovernment,institutionsandprivatelenders.Bemindfulofinterestratesandterms,forsomeloansaremorefavorablethanothers.

FAFSA TheFreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid(FAFSA)isafreeapplicationthateachstudentmustfileeveryyeartobeeligibletoreceivefederalandstatefinancialaid.ThefederalgovernmentusestheinformationyoureportontheFAFSAtodeterminehowmuchaidastudentwillbeeligibleforbasedontheirsandtheirparents'income(ifthestudentisadependant).TheydeterminehowmuchyourEstimated Family Contribution (EFC)willbe.EFCistheamountofmoneythegovernmentsaysthatyourfamilycancontributetoyoureducation.

• How to File:TofiletheFAFSAlog‐onto:http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.FourtosixweeksafteryousubmityourFAFSA,youwillreceiveaStudentAidReport(SAR),whichwilltellyouyourexpectedfamilycontribution(EFC).ThecollegesyoudesignatedonyourFAFSAwillreceivethisinformation,and,inconjunctionwithotherdata,eachcollegewillcomeupwithafinancialaidpackage.

• Early Estimate:Wantanearlyestimateofyoureligibilityforfederalstudentaid?Visit:FAFSA4Caster.

• Deadline/Filing Period: January1‐March2nd‐‐>CaliforniaresidentsMUSTfiletheFAFSAonorbeforeMarch2nd.

• *CalGrantGPAdatawillbesentdirectlyfromSaintFrancisHighSchool,youdonotneedtofileaGradeVerificationForm.

CSS PROFILE CollegeBoardadministersthePROFILE,whichisanonlineapplicationthatcollectsinformationusedbycertaincollegesandscholarshipprogramstoawardinstitutionalaidfunds.Remember,allfederalfundsareawardedthroughtheFAFSA.Somecollegesmayrequireadditionalinformation,suchastaxreturnsoraninstitutionalapplication.Ifyourparentsaredivorced,somecollegeswillalsorequireyournoncustodialparenttocompletetheNoncustodialPROFILE.ItisimperativeyoufindoutwhichofthecollegesyouareapplyingtorequirethePROFILE.


• How to File: TofilethePROFILEvisit:www.collegeboard.organdselectCSS/PROFILEunderthe“payingforcollege”tab.

• Deadline/Filing Period: YoumayfilethePROFILEasearlyasOctober1.Itisrecommendedyoufilenolaterthantwoweeksbeforetheearliestpriorityfilingdatespecifiedbyyourcollege.Paycloseattentiontoeachofyourschool’sdeadlines!

• Colleges That Require The PROFILE: https://profileonline.collegeboard.org/prf/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet.srv

Scholarships

• Merit Scholarships:Somecollegesanduniversitieswillhavescholarshipsbasedsolelyonmeritandsuperioracademicqualifications.Requirementsandprocessesvaryfrominstitutiontoinstitution.Checkingappropriateboxesontheapplicationformisonewayoflettingcollegesknowthatthestudentwantstobeconsideredfroascholarship.Someapplicationsforscholarshiphaveearlierdeadlines.Winningsuchawardsmaydependonanoutstandinghighschoolrecordortalent.Formanyschools,theapplicationforadmissionwillserveastheapplicationformeritscholarships.Forotherschools,aseparateapplication,nominationforms,recommendationsandessaysmayberequired.TheGuidanceandCounselingOfficehasmanyresourcesavailabletohelpresearchtheseopportunities.Onesuchguide,Peterson’s College Money Handbooklistsalmost1700institutionsandtheiropportunitiesforaid,averagefinancialaidpackagesreceived,whatpercentageoffundingisneedbasedandwhatisnotneedbased.ThescholarshipbinderintheCounselingOfficeandtheScholarshipOpportunitiesListingontheGuidanceandCounselingwebsitewilllistanyscholarshipannouncementsthatwehavereceived.

• Private Organizations and Corporate Scholarships: Numerousprivateorganizations(theElks,Soroptimist,theRotaryClub,etc.)andcompaniessendapplicationsforscholarshiptotheGuidanceandCounselingOffice.Thecriteriamayrangefromanoutstandingacademicrecordtotheexcellenceofaspecificprojecttoanunusuallydegreeofvolunteerinvolvementinthecommunity.Inaddition,thereareanumberofcompetitionsforscholarshipsavailabletostudentswithspecialqualificationhavingtodowithethnicbackground,specialtalent,affiliationwithafraternityorsorority,clubmembershipandreligiousbelief.Manycompaniesofferscholarshipstochildrenofemployees.AnyinformationreceivedbytheCounselingOfficewillbepostedinthescholarshipbinderandintheScholarshipOpportunitiesListingontheGuidanceandCounselingwebsite.

Negotiating Your Aid Package Insomecases,aftercarefulreview,youmayfeelthatanaidpackageisinappropriate.Ifyouhaveaspecialneedorasignificantchangeinresourceshasoccurred,askingforconsiderationmaybewarranted.Legitimaterequestsareconsideredbasedonanysituationwhichsignificantlyreducesastudent’sabilitytopayforcollege.Someexamplesare:joblossorchange,seriouslong‐termillnesses,costsassociatedwitha


disability,elementary/secondaryprivatetuitionobligations,naturaldisaster,responsibilityforelders,businessreversaletc.Ifthisisthecase,itisrecommendedtocontactthefinancialaidofficeratthecollegedirectlytoseeifotherarrangementsmightbemadetohelpyoumeetcollegecosts.Priortocontactinganaidofficer,itisworthnotingthatmajorityofcollegeshavelimitedfundsandstrictpoliciesonadjustingaidpackages.Similartothecollegeappealprocess,thefinancialaidofficerswillbeinterestedinanycompellingandsupplementaldatayoucanprovide.Suchdatamayincludelettersexplainingunusualcircumstancesaffectingyourfamily’sfinancialsituation.Eachschoolwillhavetheirownuniqueappealprocess.Besuretofollowdirectionsandadheretoalldeadlines.

• Questions to ask your Financial Aid Officer: (AdaptedfromCollege AdmissionbyRobinMamletandCollegeboard.org)

1. Doesthiscollegemeetthefulldemonstratedneedofadmittedstudents?2. Doesthecollegeofferinstitutionallyfundedgiftaid?Whatpercentageof

freshmanaidrecipientsreceivesuchaid?3. Whatisyouraveragetotalaidaward?4. Aremeritscholarshipsavailable?Aretheseawardedwithorwithoutregardto

financialneed?Whatpercentageoffreshmanreceivemeritscholarships?5. Whatistheaverageamountofdebtforyourgraduates?6. Howisthefirst‐yearfinancialaidpackagegoingtocomparetopackagesforthe

remainingcollegeyears?


AFTER YOU APPLY Checking Portals Besuretosetupallrequestedportalsandcontinuallylogintoseeupdates.Werecommendcheckingyourportalatleasttwiceaweek.Seep.6formoredetailedinformationonstudentportals. 7th and 8th Semester Grades Keepyourgradesup!Contrarytoapopularbelief,yoursenioryeargradesdocount.WhileyoursophomoreandjunioryeargradesaremostsignificantintermsofcalculatingyourGPA(UCandCSCUparticularly),senioryeargradesareimportantfortwomainreasons.First,itispossibleforyouradmissionoffertoberescindedafterreceivingloworfailinggradesduringthe7thand8thsemesters(firstandsecondsemesterofyoursenioryear).Collegeshaveaccesstoyour7thsemestergradesviathemid‐yearreports,and,ofcourse,afinaltranscriptwillbesenttoyourselectedcollegeonceyougraduate.Secondly,slackingduringthesenioryearwillmakeyoulesspreparedforthecollege‐levelworkthatliesahead! May 1 Deadline May1stistheuniversalreplydateforcandidates.May1stisalsothedeadlinetorequesttostayonthewaitlist.NocollegeoruniversitybelongingtoNACACcanrequireanon‐refundabledepositbeforeMay1.May1stistheabsolutedeadlinebywhichtosendyourSIR(StatementofIntenttoRegister)toinformthecollegeofyourdecision.YoumayONLYACCEPTONEcollege.Itisunethicaltodootherwise(knownas“doubledepositing”),andyoucouldriskbeingdisqualifiedfromallyourschoolsifyoubreakthisrule.Itisalsobestpracticetonotifytheschoolsyouareturningdown.Onceyourfinaldecisionhasbeenmade,notifyALLcollegessothatyourspotmaybeofferedtoothers.Theacceptancepacketthatwasmailedtoyoulikelyincludedawithdrawalcard,sobesuretofillthisoutandmailtotheschoolifapplicable.Remembertotellyourcounselorwhichcollegeyouhavedecidedtoattend! Waitlists/Appeal Process(AdaptedfromRobinMamlet’sCollege Admission)

• When to accept a waitlist spot:Acceptawaitlistspotonlyifthereisastrongpossibilityyouwillattendthatcollegeifadmitted.Thereareseveralfactorstoconsiderwhendecidingtoacceptaspotonthewaitlist.First,youmaynotknowifyouhavebeenadmittedoffthewaitlistuntilsometimeduringthesummer.Second,youwillneedtomakeafirmcommitmenttoanotherschoolandsendinadeposittoensureaseatinthefall.Yourdepositwillbeforfeitedfromthefirstschoolifyouareacceptedoffthewaitlist.Third,makesuretheschoolwereyouarewaitlistedwillstillhaveaidavailablewhenyouhearaboutyouracceptance.Finally,berealisticaboutthelowacceptancerateformostwaitlists.Itisstatisticallymuchlesslikelytobeadmittedfromthewaitlistthanfromtheregularapplicantpool.


• When to reject a waitlist spot:Ifyouhavebeenadmittedtoyourfirst‐choiceschoolandwouldnotattendthecollegethatofferedtoputyouontheirwaitlist,immediatelyinformthecollegethatyoudonotwanttobeplacedontheirwaitlist.Ifyoufailtodothis,youaretakingawayaspotfromastudentwhowouldenrollintheschoolifofferedadmission,andthisisunethical.

• The Appeal Process: Certaincollegesofferdeniedstudentsanappealprocess.Ifyouweredeniedfromatopchoiceschoolandfeelyouhavecompellinginformationthatwillgivetheadmissionofficeareasontoreconsideryou,thenanappealmaybeworththeeffort.Instructionstoappealareusuallyfoundontheschool’sadmissionwebsite,orbycallingtheadmissionofficedirectly.Followallappealprocessinstructionscarefully.ThisisyourchancetoupdatetheschoolwithanycompellingNEWinformationthatwasn’toriginallyinyourapplication,expressyourinterestandexplaintothemthattheirswasyourfirstchoiceschool.

Reporting to Colleges (Saint Francis 20142015 Handbook) SaintFrancisHighSchoolreservestherighttoreportanyseriousacademicordisciplinaryviolationswhichresultinsuspension,probationordismissaltomatriculatingschools,includinghighschools,collegesanduniversities.SaintFranciswillreportanyillegalbehavior,repeatedseriousdisciplinaryviolationsoranyoffensethatcouldcauseharmtoaschoolcommunityontheSecondarySchoolReportandtheMidyearReportforcolleges.Anyseriousoffenseduringsenioryearthatresultsinsuspensionorprobationwillalsobereportedtocolleges.


SPECIAL POPULATIONS, TALENTS AND NEEDS Athletes (Adaptedfromncaa.organdelibilitycenter.org) ThereisamultitudeofinformationforyouandyourfamilytounderstandwhenpreparingyoufortransitioningfromhighschooltobecominganNCAADivisionI,IIorIIIstudent‐athlete.

• Factors to Consider for the CollegeBound Athlete:Whenselectingaschoolwhereyouwillbeastudent‐athlete,itisimportanttoaskyourselfifyouwillbehappyatcollegeXifyouarenotanathlete.Inotherwords,iscollegeXagoodfitbesidesathletics?Everycounselorandparentwantstheirstudent/childtodeveloplifelongskillsincollege.Playingcollegesportsaffordsthisopportunityinmanyways;however,itisessentialtorememberthatthevastmajorityofcollegestudent‐athleteswillbecomeprofessionalsinsomethingotherthansports.

• NCAA: “Foundedmorethanonehundredyearsagoasawaytoprotectstudent‐athletes,theNCAAcontinuestoimplementthatprinciplewithincreasedemphasisonbothathleticsandacademicexcellence.TheNCAAismadeupofthreemembershipclassificationsthatareknownasDivisionsI,IIandIII.Eachdivisioncreatesitsownrulesgoverningpersonnel,amateurism,recruiting,eligibility,benefits,financialaid,andplayingandpracticeseasons–consistentwiththeoverallgoverningprinciplesoftheAssociation.Everyprogrammustaffiliateitscoreprogramwithoneofthethreedivisions.”

Please see your counselor or coach for our comprehensive Student and Parent Guide for the College Bound Athlete. Special Talents (AdaptedfromNacacnet.org) Studentswhoareparticularlygiftedinanextracurricularareawillreceivecarefulattentionontheirapplicationiftheinformationisadequatelypresented.Specialtalentscanincludeactivitieslikeart,dance,musicandtheater.Somecollegesrequiresupplementarymaterials,usuallyreferredtoasaportfolio.Severalartpieces,aCDhighlightingyourmusicaltalents,avideoofarecentdancecompetitionoratheatricalvideoaresomeexamplesofsupplementalmaterials.Aportfolioisawayforyoutobringyourspecialtalenttolifeandillustrateyouruniquestyletotheadmissioncommittee.Theseextramaterialscanhelpthecollegeunderstandwhatmakesastudentspecialandwhatheorshewillbringtothatcampus.

• The Portfolio and Audition: Inadditiontocompletingatypicalcollegeapplication,studentsinthevisualorperformingartsshouldprepareaportfoliooraudition.Werecommendbeginningtheportfolioprocessduringthejunioryear.Each arts program has different requirements, so you should contact the schools as early as possible to obtain their portfolio or audition requirements.Althoughyourportfolioorauditionisanimportantpartoftheapplication,artsprogramsalsoheavilyconsideryouracademicrecordandtestscores.


• Artist Resume: Inadditiontotheportfolio,itisrecommendedyoucreateanartistresume.Theresumeshouldbeuniquetoyourandyourspecialtalentandprovideasmuchinformationaspossibleaboutyourspecificartisticaccomplishmentsinandoutsideofschool.Werecommendincludingcontactinformationoncoaches,directors,employers,etc.

• Assessing Your Abilities: Ifyou'reinterestedinpursuinganartsmajorandcareer,nowisthetimetoseekobjectiveopinionsofyourabilitiesinthefield.VisualartsstudentscanreceiveportfolioevaluationsandcollegeinformationatoneoftheNationalPortfolioDays.TheSanFranciscoPortfoliodaywillbeheldonSaturday,January17,2015,attheSanFranciscoArtInstitute.Formoreinformationvisit:http://www.portfolioday.net/

• Resources:SaintFrancisHighSchoolteachersareagreatresourcefortheportfolio.

Ms.Adams Ms.Mitchell‐CarterMs.Durando Ms.RoseMr.Gaeta Mr.Reutebuch Mr.Johantgen

• Performing and Visual Arts Fair: ThePerformingandVisualArtsFairhostedbyNACACeachfallisanexcellentwayforstudentswithspecialtalentstolearnabouteducationalopportunities,admissionandfinancialaid,portfoliodays,auditionandentrancerequirements,andmuchmorebymeetingwithrepresentativesfromcolleges,universities,conservatories,festivalsandothereducationalinstitutionswithspecializedprogramsinthevisualandperformingarts. ThePerformingandVisualArts(PVA)CollegeFairsaredesignedforstudentsinterestedinpursuingundergraduatedegreesintheareasofmusic,dance,theater,visualarts,graphicdesign,andotherrelateddisciplines.

• Types of Degrees: Prospectiveartsmajorshavethreedegreeoptions:abachelorofarts(BA)degreewithamajorinthearts,abacheloroffinearts(BFA)degreeforartists/performersorbachelorofmusic(BM)degreeformusicians.TheBAdegreeisthetypicalliberalartsdegree—studentswhomajorinEnglish,history,andotherhumanitiesmajorsalsoearnBAdegrees.TheBFAorBMdegreeismorefocusedandintense.

• Marching Band:Ifyouareinterestedinusingthemarchingbandtofacilitateyourcollegeadmission,followtheseoutlinedsteps. 1. Inthefallofsenioryearinhighschool,contactthemarchingbanddirector

ofthecollegeyouwishtoattend.Thebestwaytomakecontactisthroughemail.SeetheCollegeMarchingBandNotebookinthecounselingcenterfornamesandemailaddressesofdirectors.Inyouremailindicateyourinterestinparticipatinginthiscollege’smarchingbandandincludeabriefmusicresume.

2. MusicResume:Includethefollowing:a. Yourname,emailaddressandphonenumberb. Nameandaddressofyourhighschoolc. HighSchool’smarchingbanddirector’snameandphonenumber


d. Instrumentplayedandanyleadershippositionsyouholdinthemarchingband

e. Indicatenumberofyearsofinvolvementinthemarchingbandandlistanymarchingbandcamporworkshopyouhaveattended

3. IndicateyourinterestbysendingaCDofyourselfplayingyourinstrumentandaskthedirectorforanyparticulardirectionsheorshewouldlikeyoutofollowinsubmittingthistapetohim.

4. AftersendingyourCD,followuptwoweekslatertomakesurethedirectorreceivedyourCD.Again,expressyourinterestinbecomingapartofthiscollege’smarchingbandandaskifthereisanyadditionalinformationyoumightbeabletoprovidethatmightbehelpfultothedirector.

5. InJanuary,haveyourhighschoolmarchingbanddirectorfollowupbyplacingaphonecalltothecollegemarchingbanddirectorandendorsingyouformembershipinthecollegeband.

SpecialNote:Eachcollegebanddirectorhadhisownsystemandprocedureforhelpingstudentstogainadmittancetohisparticularcollege.Uponreceiptofyourinitialemailandmarchingbandresume,thedirectorwilladviseyoutohisparticularprocedure.Followdirectionscarefully.Beingpartofacollegemarchingbandcanbeaveryexcitingandenrichingactivity.Italsohelpstomakealargeuniversityseemnotsooverwhelming.Beingapartofamarchingbandisalsoagreatwaytomeetnewpeopleandmakenewfriendsatthecollegelevel.PleaseseeMrs.Leitch‐Holdeninthecounselingcentershouldyouhaveanyfurtherquestionsaboutthemarchingbandandcollegeadmissions. Please see your counselor for more information concerning special talents. Learning Differences Thecollegeapplicationprocesscanbeoverwhelmingforallinvolved.Thisprocesscanbeespeciallyoverwhelmingforstudentswithlearningdisabilities,asoneconsidersadmissionstandards,testingandaccesstosupportservicesatthecollegelevel.Luckily,mostcollegesanduniversitiesprovidesupportforstudentswithdocumentedlearningdisabilities.Itisthestudent’sroletoadvocateforthemselvesandtaketheinitiativetoseekoutproperservices.

• Testing Accommodations:TheCollegeBoardandACTarecommittedtoprovidingaccommodationstostudentswithdisabilities.Eachtestingagencyhasspecificprotocoltorequestaccommodations.Pleaseconsultyourcounselortolearnhowtoapplyforaccommodations.Itisimportanttorememberthatnotallaccommodationswillbeapproved,andaccommodationrequestsgothroughalengthyreviewprocess.Alldocumentationsubmittedtotestingagenciesiskeptconfidentialandisusedsolelytodeterminetheapplicant'seligibilityfortestaccommodations.ScoreReportsdonotincludeanyspecificsaboutthedisabilityoraccommodationsprovided.

Pleasefindalistofusefulwebsitesandbooksbelow.


• SAT Services for Students with Disabilities: http://student.collegeboard.org/services‐for‐students‐with‐disabilities

• ACT Services for Students with Disabilities: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/disab/policy.html

• Tips for College Bound High School Students with Diagnosed Learning Problems: http://www.ldonline.org/article/7760

• PostHigh School Options for Students with Learning Disabilities: http://www.ncld.org/adults‐learning‐disabilities/post‐high‐school

• Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities or AD/HD–Peterson’s• K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities–PrincetonReview

Please see your counselor or Mrs. Fisher (Learning Specialist) for more comprehensive information on how we can best support you with the college application process.


COLLEGE TERMS DEFINED (AdaptedfromNacacnet.org&Finaid.org)

AG:TobeconsideredforadmissiontoacampuswithintheUniversityofCalifornia(UC)orCaliforniaStateUniversity(CSU)systems,studentsmustcomplete15yearlonghighschoolcourseswithagradeofCorbetter—atleast11ofthempriortotheirsenioryear.Theintentofthe“a‐g”subjectrequirementsistoensurethatstudentshaveattainedabodyofgeneralknowledgethatwillprovidebreadthandperspectivetonew,moreadvancedstudy.ACT:TheAmerican College Testingassessmentisacurriculum‐basedaptitudetestthatincludesfoursections:English,Math,Reading,andScienceReasoning.Eachsectionisscored1‐36andstudentsreceiveasinglecompositescoreof1‐36,representingtheaverageofthefourindividualscores.ThereisanoptionalwritingsectionoftheACT.TheACTisacceptedbyallcollegesinlieuoftheSAT.Additionalinformation,includingpracticequestionsandregistrationforms,canbefoundatwww.act.org.AP courses:Advanced Placement coursesareofferedinmanyhighschools.ThecoursesaretaughtusingastandardizedcurriculumandculminateinastandardizedexamthatisadministeredeachMay.Basedontheirscoresontheexam,studentsmayqualifyforcollegecreditoradvancedstanding.APcoursesareindicatedassuchonthestudent’stranscript.Applications: Eachcollegeanduniversitywillrequirethatstudentssubmitanapplicationtobeconsideredforadmission.Applicationsareavailablefromtheofficeofadmissionandonline.Application Fees:Eachapplicationrequiresanapplicationfee,withthesefeesrangingfrom$25‐$100.Mostcollegeswillprovidefee waivers tostudentswhohaveademonstratedfinancialneed.Studentscanrequestfeewaiversthemselvesorcounselorscanrequestthembycontactingthecollegeoruniversityofficeofadmission.Associate’s degree: Atwo‐yeardegreeearnedatacommunitycollege(someabbreviateA.A.).Bachelor's degree(B.A.‐‐BachelorofArts;orB.S.‐‐BachelorofScience): Adiplomaearnedaftersuccessfulcompletion(usuallyspanningfouryears)ofrequiredcoursesatauniversityorcollege.Campus Visit:Campusvisitsarerecommendedwhentheyaregeographicallyandfinanciallyviableforthestudent.Collegesanduniversitiesexpectthatstudentslivingareasonabledistancefromcampuswillmakeanefforttovisit.Visitsshouldalwaysbearrangedthroughtheadmissionoffice.CEEB Code (school code): Asix‐digitcodeassignedtoeachschoolbyETS(EducationalTestingServices)thatmustbeincludedonallapplicationsandallstandardizedtestingforms.Saint Francis’ CEEB Code is: 052077.Memorizethisnumber.Youwillneediteverytimeyoufilloutanapplication,takeatestorrequestscores.


Class rank: Howastudent'sacademicperformance,asdeterminedbythegradepointaverage,comparestoothermembersofhis/hergraduatingclass.SaintFrancisdoesnotassignrankings.College: Thetermcommonlyusedtodescribeanyinstitutionofhighereducation.Strictlyspeaking,itisaninstitutionwithasingletypeofprogram,suchasafour‐yearcourseleadingtothebachelor'sdegree.Acollegemaybeonepartofauniversity(e.g.,YaleCollegeistheundergraduatedivisionofYaleUniversity),oritmaybeindependent.College Board:CollegeEntranceExaminationBoard(CollegeBoard)Common Application:TheCommonApplicationiscreatedeachyearforusebyapplicantstonearly500membercolleges,intheUnitedStatesandabroad.Studentsareabletocompleteasingleapplicationandsubmitcopiestoparticipatingcollegesanduniversities.Manyoftheinstitutionswill,however,requirethatsupplementalitemsbesubmittedbeforetheCommonApplicationisconsideredcomplete.MoreinformationabouttheCommonApplicationisavailableatwww.commonapp.org.Core curriculum: Aspecifiednumberofcoursesorcreditsinthehumanities,socialsciences,lifesciences,and/orphysicalsciences,requiredofallstudents,regardlessofmajor,toensureabasicsetoflearningexperiences.Deferred admit: Thepracticeofpermittingadmittedstudentstopostponeenrollment,usuallyforaperiodofoneyear.Inordertorequestthis,youmustapplyandbeadmittedfirst.Deposits:Themoneyrequiredbyacollegeoruniversitytoholdastudent’splacetheenteringclass.Thereareseveraltypesofdeposits:Non‐refundable:CanberequiredonlyonMay1orlater;Refundable:Canberequiredatanytime;Housing:Canberequiredatanytime,butmustberefundableuntilMay1.Diversity on Campus:Thismixresultswhenstudentscomefromvaryingethnic,religious,geographic,andeconomicbackgrounds.Diversityalsoincludessexualorientation,politicalphilosophyandnationalorigin.Collegesanduniversitieslistexistingstudentgroupsoncampusintheirpublicationsandontheirwebsites.Dual degrees: Aprogramofstudyinwhichastudentreceivestwodegreesatthesametimefromthesameinstitution.Early Action:Thisplanissimilartoearlydecision,butisnonbinding,meaningthatalthoughstudentsreceivetheirdecisionsearly,theyremaineligibletoapplytoothercollegesanddonothavetomakeacommitmentuntilMay1.SomecollegesnowspecifywhetherastudentmayapplytomorethanonecollegeEarlyAction.Iftheyarenotallowedtodoso,thisisreferredtoasSingle Choice Early Action.Early Decision:Underthisplan,astudentappliestoasinglecollegeoruniversity(thestudent’sfirst‐choicecollege)andmakesacommitmenttoattendifadmitted.Inthiscase,studentsapplybyanearlydeadline(usuallyNovember1)andarenotifiedofthedecisionbymid‐December.Ifadmitted,thestudentmust enrollinthatcollegeoruniversityandcancelallotherpendingapplications.Eligibility in the Local Context: TheELCprogramensuresthatacademicallytalentedanddeservingstudentsfromalloverCaliforniahavetheopportunitytojoinusatUC.


ELCstatusaddsvaluetotheapplicationandisoneofthe14factorsconsideredwhenapplicationsarereviewed.Additionally,ELCstudentsnotadmittedtoanyoftheircampuschoicesareofferedaspotataUCcampusthathasspace,ifminimumUCrequirementsaremet.Ifyourankinthetop9percentofyourhighschoolclassyoumaybeeligibleforELCdesignation.ETS: EducationalTestingService.ThisistheorganizationbasedinPrinceton,NewJersey,thattheCollegeBoardutilizestowriteandadministeritstests.General Education Requirements: Alsocalledbreadthordistributionrequirements,orcorecurriculumcourses,theyarerequiredbyallmajorsforthebachelor’sdegreeataparticularinstitution.Thenumberandspecificityofthesecourserequirementsvarygreatlyfrominstitutiontoinstitution.GPA:Astudent’sgrade point average (GPA) isdeterminedattheendofeachsemesterbyaveragingthegradesreceivedinallofthestudent’sacademiccoursesforthatsemesterandallpreviousyears.HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities):AgroupofcollegesanduniversitiesthatwerefoundedtoallowcollegeattendanceforAfricanAmericanstudentsbeforeintegrationprovidedaccesstoallinstitutions.Theseinstitutionsadmitstudentsregardlessofrace,butenrollmentremainslargelyAfricanAmerican.Honors courses:SomehighschoolsofferhonorscourseswithadvancedcontentasacomplementoralternativetoAPcourses.Honorscoursesshouldbespecifiedassuchonthetranscript.Honors program: Anyspecialprogramforveryablestudentsofferingtheopportunityforeducationalenrichment,independentstudy,acceleration,orsomecombinationofthese.HSIs (Hispanic Serving Institutions):Agroupofcollegesanduniversitieswheretheoverallenrollmentisatleast25%Hispanic.Informationcanbefoundatwww.hacu.net,theHispanicAssociationofCollegesandUniversities’website.Interview:Aone‐on‐oneopportunitytospeakwithanadmissioncounselor.Somecollegesanduniversitieswillofferalumni interviews tostudentswholivetoofarfromcampustovisitsothatstudentscanmeetlocallywithalumnirepresentatives.Learning Differences:Learningdifferences(alsoknownaslearningdisabilities)includeabroadspectrumofconditionsthatcomplicateastudent’sabilitytolearninatraditionalsetting.Accommodations,suchasextended‐timetesting,verbalinstructions,andothersupportservicescanbemadeavailableinschool,basedontheresultsofastudent’sevaluation.TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActrequirescollegesanduniversitiestomakereasonableaccommodationsforstudentswithdocumentedlearningdisabilities.Moreinformationcanbefoundatwww.ada.gov.Legacy: Acollegeapplicantwhoisasonordaughter(orsometimesamoredistantrelative)ofanalumna/us.Privatecollegesaresometimesgenerousinadmittingsuchcandidates.(Atsome,thepercentageoflegaciesadmittedistwiceashighasthatforallothercandidates.)


Letters of Recommendation/Support:Collegesanduniversitiesmayrequireuptothreelettersofsupportforeachapplicant.Manycollegesanduniversitiesprovidechecklistsaspartoftheapplicationaswellasincludingspaceforwrittencomments.Usually,ifthreelettersarerequested,twowillbefromteachersandonewillbefromacounselor.Teacherandcounselorrecommendationsarebestiftheyareconfidential,andstudentsshouldbeencouragedtowaivetheirrighttoseethelettersonthesecondary school report (SSR).Auniversallyacceptedsecondaryschoolreportcanbefoundatwww.nacacnet.org.Level of Interest:Becausecollegesanduniversitiesareconcernedabouttheirapplicantyield,manypaycloseattentiontoanapplicant’slevelofinterest,orhowinterestedastudentappearstobeintheparticularcollegeoruniversity.Inadditiontocampusvisits,studentscanusethefollowingtoexpresstheirinterest:

Email:Studentscanaskquestionsormakecommentsbysendingemailtotheofficeofadmission.Thank You Notes:Studentswhovisitacollegecampusshouldtakethetimetowriteoremailafewwordsofthankstotheadmissioncounselorwithwhomtheymet.Regional Events:Studentscanattendtheinformationsessionsandreceptionsthatmanycollegesanduniversitiesholdindifferentregionstolearnaboutthecollegeandmeetrepresentativesfromtheadmissionsoffice.

Liberal Arts and Sciences: Abreadthofintellectualinquirythatbroadensthestudent’sknowledgeandawarenessineachofthemajorareasofhumanknowledge:arts,sciences,andhumanities.Aliberalartseducationpreparesoneto:1)communicatethoughtsandideasclearlyandefficiently,2)tounderstandawidevarietyofperspectivesandvalues,toappreciatecivilization,beautyandnaturalprocesses,andtocontinuallydiscoverwithsincerecuriositytheworldaroundus.Theliberalartscollegeoffersafour‐yearcourseofstudy,leadingtotheB.S.orB.A.degreeandanygraduateorprofessionalprogram.Major: Thefieldofspecializationorconcentrationforacollegeundergraduate.Thestudentnormallydoesfromaquartertoathirdofthetotalundergraduateworkinhis/hermajorfield.Mostoftenthestudentisaskedtodeclareamajorattheendofthesophomoreyear.Matriculate:Astudentmatriculatesincollegewhenheorsheenrollsincollegeforthefirsttime.Astudentwhojuststartedthefreshmanyearinhighschoolwillmatriculateinfouryears.Minor: Asecondaryareaofacademicconcentration,whichmayormaynotberequiredbyaninstitution.NMSQT:ThefullnameofthePSATisPSAT/NMSQT,whichstandsforPreliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.PSATscoresfromthejunioryeararereportedtotheNationMeritScholarshipCorporationforuseindeterminingwinnersofNationalMeritrecognitionandscholarships.Ofthenearly1.5millionstudentstakingthetest,thosewiththetop50,000scoresareselectedforfurther


review.Studentscanbenamed“commendedscholars,”“semi‐finalists,”“finalists”and“winners.”Informationabouttheprogramcanbefoundatwww.nationalmerit.org. Personal statement/essay:Manycollegesanduniversitiesrequireapersonalstatementaspartoftheirapplications.Studentsshouldtakeparticularcarewiththeessay,asitisanopportunitytoshowcasetheirwritingability.Studentsshouldalsomakesurethattheiressayanswersthequestioncompletely.Ifnoquestionisprovided,studentscanuseabriefbiographicalessay,ormayusetheessayquestionsontheCommonApplicationasaguide.Private Institutions:Thesecollegesanduniversitiesarerunprimarilythroughtheuseoftuition,donations,andendowments.Profile:Thehigh school profile ispreparedbythehighschoolandshouldaccompanyeachstudent’stranscriptwhenitissenttoacollegeoruniversity.Theprofileshoulddescribeboththeschoolasawholeandtheparticulargraduatingclass.Theprofilemayalsoincludeagrade grid,orotherreportingtool,withinformationaboutthecurrentgraduatingclass’sperformanceoverthefirstsixsemestersofhighschool.PSAT:ThePreliminary SAT isofferedtostudentsinOctoberofthejunioryear.Manyschoolsalsoofferthetesttosophomoresandfreshmen.ThetestissimilartotheSATbutscoresareforpreparationandguidanceonlyandshouldneverbereportedtocolleges.ThePSATmodelstheSAT,butdoesnotincludeastudent‐producedessay.Whenstudentsreceivetheirscores,theoriginaltestbookletisreturnedalongwithascorereportshowingtheiranswersandthecorrectanswers.Thescorereportalsosuggestsareaswherethestudentneedstoimproveandoffersstudytips.Studentscanalsoaccesson‐lineassistancethroughMyCollegeQuickstartatwww.collegeboard.com/quickstart.Public Institutions:Publicuniversitiesarerunprimarilyusingstateandfederalfundsthataresupplementedbytuition,fees,donationsandendowments.Ingeneral,publicinstitutionsarelessexpensivethanprivateinstitutions.Regular Admission:Underthisplan,studentsusuallyapplybetweenJanuary1andMarch15ofthesenioryear.Onceastudent’sapplicationhasbeenreviewed,thecollegeoruniversityissuesadecision.Moststudentswillbeeitheradmittedordenied,meaningtheyareeitherofferedaplaceinthefreshmanclassornot.StudentswillgenerallyreceivetheirdecisionlettersbyApril15.Studentswhoarenotadmitted,butwhomeetthecollegeoruniversity’scriteriaforadmission,maybeofferedaplaceonthewaitlist.StudentsonthewaitlistmaybeofferedadmissionifplacesintheclassremainavailableoncetheMay1replydatehaspassed.Restricted Early Action:ThisplanisahybridoftheEarlyDecisionandEarlyActionplans.Whilethedecisionfromthecollegeisnon‐binding,studentswhoapplytocollegeunderaRestrictedEarlyActionarelimitedintermsofotherapplicationsthattheymayfilesimultaneously.RestrictedEarlyActionpoliciesvarygreatly,soitisimportanttoreadthemcarefully.Rolling Admission:Underthisplan,theadmissionofficenotifiesapplicantsastheirapplicationsareprocessedratherthanwaitingforageneralspringmailing.Acollege


typicallyinformstheapplicantofhis/herstatuswithinashorttime(usuallyfourtosixweeks)aftertheapplicationiscomplete.SAT:TheSAT reasoning testisdesignedtomeasureabilitiesthatarerelatedtocollegesuccess.TheSATreasoningtestdoesnotmeasureothersfactorsandabilities–suchascreativity,specialtalents,andmotivation–thatmayalsohelpyoudowellincollege.TheSATreasoningtesthasthreesections‐‐CriticalReading,MathandWriting‐‐eachofwhichisgradedona200‐800pointscale.TheWritingsectionincludesastudent‐producedessaygradedona1‐6pointscale.MoststudentswilltaketheirfirstSATinthespringofthejunioryear,butthetestmayalsobetakeninthesenioryear.TheSATmaybetakenmultipletimes.InformationontheSAT,aswellaspracticetestsandotherpreparationtools,canbefoundatwww.collegeboard.comandothertestpreparationsites.SAT Subject Tests: Curricular‐basedtestsgivenbytheCollegeEntranceExaminationBoard(CollegeBoard)tomeasureachievementinaparticularsubject.20one‐hourachievementtestsareoffered,scoredonascaleof200to800.ItisadvisabletotakeanSATSubjectTestwhilestudyingorimmediatelyuponcompletingstudyofthesubject.ManycollegesdonotrequireanySubjectTests,butcollegescanrequireuptothree.AswiththeSAT,studentsareabletosendcollegesindividualscores.SubjectTestsareoffered6timesperacademicyear.InformationontheSubjectTests,aswellasatestdatecalendar,canbefoundatwww.collegeboard.com.SAT ScoreChoice: SincetheMarch2009administration,studentshavebeenabletoselectwhichscoresaresenttocollegesbytestdate(i.e.,3/12butnot10/12).Collegesdo,however,havetheoptionofrequiringapplicantstosubmitall oftheirSATscoresandstudentsmustfollowtheinstructionsofthecollegestowhichtheyapply.Subject Test Score Choice:StudentsareabletoselecttheSubjectTestscoresthattheysubmittocolleges.Selectivity: Atermusedbyadmissionsofficestodescribetheratioofadmittedapplicantstototalapplicantsatagiveninstitution.Single Sex Colleges:ThemajorityofcollegesanduniversitiesintheUnitedStatesarecoeducational,butthereareinstitutionswheremenandwomenstudyseparately.Inmostcases,theinstitutionshaverelationshipswithothercollegesanduniversitiesintheirareathatprovideforbothacademicandsocialexchange.Women’sCollegeCoalition(WCC)www.womenscolleges.orgMen’sCollegeswww.univsource.comSpecial Admissions Categories:Collegesanduniversitieswillsometimesadmitstudentsusingspecialcriteriatofillspecificneedsoncampus.Thesespecialcategoriesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:Legacy:children,grandchildrenorsiblingsofalumniorcurrentstudents;Athletics:studentswhowillparticipateinvarsityathletics;Talent:studentswhohaveatalent(i.e.,music,theatre,etc.).SSD:ServicesforStudentswithDisabilities(SSD)allowsforspecialadministrationsoftheACT,SATandSubjectTests,withaccommodationsrangingfromlarge‐blockanswersheetstoextended‐timetesting.InorderforastudenttouseSSD,theschool


mustconfirmthatthestudenthasavalidIndividualEducationalPlan(IEP)orpsycho‐educationalwork‐uponfile.State Residents (studentswhocanprovethattheyliveinaparticularstate)payalowertuitionattheirstate’spublicinstitutionbecauseitisassumedthattheirfamilies’taxessupporttheinstitution.Transcript:Thestudent’shighschooltranscript istheofficialrecordofastudent’scourseworkandgradesfromthefouryearsofhighschool.Thetranscriptisusuallygivenconsiderableweightinthecollegeadmissionsprocess.Undergraduate: Acollegestudentwhoisacandidateforabachelor'sdegree;aprogramofstudyleadingtoabachelor'sdegree.Universal Reply Date:CollegesanduniversitiesthataremembersofNACACandhavedeadlines,useMay1astheirreplydeadlineforacceptingoffersofadmissionandrequeststostayonthewaitlist.NocollegeoruniversitybelongingtoNACACcanrequireanon‐refundabledepositbeforeMay1.University: Aninstitutionofhigherlearningcomprisedofseveralcolleges.Anundergraduatedivisionconfersbachelor’sdegreesandprovidesfacilitiesforlearningtotakeplacethroughteaching.ThisundergraduatedivisionmayincludeaCollegeofArts&Sciences,aCollegeofEngineering,aCollegeofBusiness,andaCollegeofNursing.Wait list: Listofstudentswhomeettheadmissionrequirementsbutwillonlybeofferedaplaceintheclassifspacebecomesavailable.Mostoffersofadmissionfromthewaitlistaremadepriortotheendoftheschoolyear.Mostwaitlistsarenotranked;instead,theywilladmitstudentsbasedonthecollege’sneedsandstudentinterest.Yield:Thepercentageofstudentsofferedadmissionbyaspecificcollegeoruniversitythatultimatelyenrollsthere.Collegeswilladmitstudentsonthewait list whentheiryield islowerthanexpected.Theyieldisoftenextremelyhighatselectivecolleges.


FINANCIAL AID TERMS DEFINED (AdaptedfromNacacnet.org&Finaid.org)

1040 Form, 1040A Form, 1040EZ Form:TheFederalIncomeTaxReturn.Everypersonwhohasreceivedincomeduringthepreviousyearmustfileaform1040withtheIRSbyApril15.KeeptheseformshandywhenfilingouttheFAFSAorCSSPROFILE.Base Year:Thetaxyearpriortotheacademicyear(awardyear)forwhichfinancialaidisrequested.ThebaseyearrunsfromJanuary1ofthejunioryearinhighschoolthroughDecember31ofthesenioryear.Financialinformationfromthisyearisusedtodetermineeligibilityforfinancialaid.Borrower:Thepersonwhoreceivestheloan.Bursar's Office:(AlsocalledStudentAccountsOffice)Theuniversityofficethatisresponsibleforthebillingandcollectionofuniversitycharges.Cal Grant:TheCalGrantisastategrantinwhichCaliforniaresidentsmaybeeligible.Itisgrantedbasedonmerit(yourGPA)andfinancialneed.YouwillnotbeconsideredforCalGrantifyoudonotfileyourFAFSAbyMarch2nd.www.calgrants.orgCOA: TheCost of Attendanceistheactualcostofastudent’senrollment,andmayincludetransportationtoandfromcampus(asaresidentoracommuter),books,labfeesandclothing.CSS PROFILE:TheCollege Scholarship Search Profile isacommonfinancialaidformusedbymanyprivateandpubliccollegesanduniversities.ItisusedinadditiontotheFAFSAform.Theformcanbefoundonlineatwww.collegeboard.com/profile.UnliketheFAFSA,theCSSprofileisgenerallyavailablebyOctoberofthesenioryear.Collegesanduniversitiesmayalsorequiretheirownfinancialaidforms.Custodial Parent:Ifastudent'sparentsaredivorcedorseparated,thecustodialparentistheonewithwhomthestudentlivedthemostduringthepast12months.Thestudent'sneedanalysisisbasedonfinancialinformationsuppliedbythecustodialparent.Dependent:Forachildorotherpersontobeconsideredyourdependent,theymustlivewithyouandyoumustprovidethemwithmorethanhalfoftheirsupport.SpousesdonotcountasdependentsintheFederalMethodology.Youandyourspousecannotbothclaimthesamechildasadependent.EFC:Theexpected family contribution istheamountthegovernmentbelievesastudentandhisorherfamilycanpayforastudent’scollegecosts.TheEFCisthesameregardlessoftheactualcostoftheinstitutionthestudentattends.EOP:Theeducation opportunity programprovidesadmissionandacademicassistancetoEOP‐eligibleundergraduatestudents.Inmanycasestheprogramofferssomefinancialassistancetoeligiblestudents.Theprogramisdesignedtoimproveaccessandretentionofhistoricallylow‐incomeandeducationallydisadvantagedstudents.FAFSA:EverystudentwhoappliesforfederalfinancialaidmustcompletetheFree Application for Federal Student Aid.Theformisavailableonlineat


www.fafsa.ed.gov.TheformscanbefilednoearlierthanJanuary1ofthestudent’ssenioryear,butshouldbefiledimmediatelythereafter.ThedeadlinetofiletheFAFSAisMarch2ofthestudent’ssenioryear.Studentscanincludeuptosixcollegesanduniversitiesintheirinitialfiling,andcanaddothersusingtheFAFSAcorrectionform.FamiliescanalsousetheFAFSA4Caster,foundatwww.fafsa4caster.ed.gov,togetanearlyestimateofpossibleaidpackages.Federal Methodology:TheneedanalysisformulausedtodeterminetheEFC.TheFederalMethodologytakesfamilysize,thenumberoffamilymembersincollege,taxableandnontaxableincomeandassetsintoaccount.UnlikemostInstitutionalMethodologies,however,theFederalMethodologydoesnotconsiderthenetvalueofthefamilyresidence.Federal Pell Grants:Themaximumgrantforthe2013‐2014awardyearwas$5,645.Maximumsinsubsequentyearswilldependonbudgetaryapproval.Students’eligibilityisdeterminedthroughtheirFAFSAfilings.Financial Aid Package:AfterreceivingreportsfromFAFSA andCSS (ifapplicable),eachcollegewillprepareafinancialaidoffer,orpackage,forthestudent.Thepackagewillincludeacombinationofthefollowingtypesofassistance:Need‐basedaid,Merit‐basedaid,Loans,Grants,WorkStudy.Grants: Financialaidthatisagiftfromthecollegeoruniversity.Loans:Financialaidthatmustberepaid,eitherbythestudentorparents.Thefederalstudentloanprograms(FFELPandFDSLP)areagoodmethodoffinancingthecostsofyourcollegeeducation.Theseloansarebetterthanmostconsumerloansbecausetheyhavelowerinterestratesanddonotrequireacreditcheckorcollateral.TheStaffordLoansandPerkinsLoansalsoprovideavarietyofdefermentoptionsandextendedrepaymentterms.Meritbased aid:Financialaidthatisbasedonfactorsotherthanincome,suchasSATorACTscores, GPA,specialtalentsorcommunityservice.Need:ThedifferencebetweentheCOAandtheEFCisthestudent'sfinancialneed‐‐thegapbetweenthecostofattendingtheschoolandthestudent'sresources.Thefinancialaidpackageisbasedontheamountoffinancialneed.Theprocessofdeterminingastudent'sneedisknownasneedanalysis.COA‐EFC=FinancialNeedNeedbased aid:Financialaidthatisgivenbasedonthestudentandhisorherfamily’sincome.Net Price Calculator:AsofNovember2011,thefederalgovernmenthasmandatedthatallcollegeanduniversitywebsitesincludeanetpricecalculator,atoolwhichallowsprospectivestudentstoobtainanestimateoftherealcostofattendingaparticularinstitution.Netpricecalculators(andtheinformationrequiredtousethem)willvarybyinstitution,sostudentsshouldcompletetheprocessateachcollegeoruniversity.Pell Grant:Afederalgrantthatprovidesfundsofupto$5,645(2013‐14)basedonthestudent'sfinancialneed.


Perkins Loan:FormerlytheNationalDirectStudentLoanProgram,thePerkinsLoanallowsstudentstoborrowupto$3,000/year(5yearmax)forundergraduateschool.ThePerkinsLoanhasoneofthelowestinterestratesandisawardedbythefinancialaidadministratortostudentswithexceptionalfinancialneed.ThestudentmusthaveappliedforaPellGranttobeeligible.TheinterestonthePerkinsLoanissubsidizedwhilethestudentisinschool.Prepaid Tuition Plan:Acollegesavingsplanthatisguaranteedtoriseinvalueatthesamerateascollegetuition.Forexample,ifafamilypurchasessharesthatareworthhalfayear'stuitionatastatecollege,theywillalwaysbeworthhalfayear'stuition,even10yearslaterwhentuitionrateswillhavedoubled.Private Loans:Educationloanprogramsestablishedbyprivatelenderstosupplementthestudentandparenteducationloanprogramsavailablefromfederalandstategovernments.Promissory Note:Apromissorynote(or'note')isabindinglegaldocumentthatmustbesignedbythestudentborrowerbeforeloanfundsaredisbursedbythelender.Thepromissorynotestatesthetermsandconditionsoftheloan,includingrepaymentschedule(e.g.,levelmonthlypaymentsforatermof10years),interestrate,fees(e.g.,originationfees,guaranteefees,latefees,collectioncharges),deferments,forbearancesandcancellations.Itrepresentsanagreementbytheborrowertorepaythedebtaccordingtothespecifiedtermsandconditions.Thestudentshouldkeepthisdocumentuntiltheloanhasbeenrepaid.SAR:Thestudent aid report issenttothestudentoncetheFAFSAformhasbeenprocessed.Scholarships:Legitimatescholarshipsaregrantsthatdonotneedtoberepaid,andcanbeawardedbythecollegeoruniversityorbyanoutsidecompanyororganization.Studentsshouldtakecaretoseekscholarshipsthroughtrustedsources.Scholarship Scams:Scholarshiporganizationsareinthebusinessofgivingmoneytostudents,nottakingmoneyfromstudents.Thereshouldnotbeanycostassociatedwithapplyingforlegitimatescholarshipsandstudentsshouldbesuspiciousofanyscholarshipwithafee.Work Study:Afederalprogramthatgivesstudentsfinancialaidbasedoncampusemployment.Theratioofloanstograntswithinfinancialaidpackagescanvarygreatlyfrominstitutiontoinstitution,andstudentsshouldreviewtheofferstheyreceivecarefullywithaneyetowardstheiractualcostofattendance.Financialaidpackageswillnotnecessarilycoverthetotalcostforastudentenrollingintheinstitution.


Usernames and Passwords to Remember

Source Username Password (Example) Common Application

(Example) [email protected]

(Example) college123


Resume Template

SAMPLE STUDENT 123 Sample Street, Mountain View, CA 12345

[email protected] (650) 1111111

Education Saint Francis High School Graduation Month, Year

(Include GPA, test scores, total number of honors/APs if you feel it will help you)

Work Experience Name of Organization, Title Month/Year – Month/Year

• Descriptionoforganization • Descriptionofdutiesfulfilled

Volunteer Service Name of Organization, Title Month/Year – Month/Year

• Descriptionofvolunteerorganization • Descriptionofyourdutieswhilevolunteering

Extracurricular Activities Name of Activity, Title/Role Month/Year – Month/Year

• Descriptionofactivity • Includespecificaccomplishmentsanddetails

Awards/Certificates Name of Award Month/Year – Month/Year

• Descriptionofaward


College Application Deadlines

College/University

Safety Target Reach

Application Type (EA, ED, Rolling,

RD)

Application Deadline

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.


CSU 20142015 Undergraduate Impacted Programs and Majors

Bakersfield:ImpactedinbasicandRNtoBSNnursingprograms Channel Islands:Impactedinthenursing(basic)program Chico:Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmen(FTF)andupperdivisiontransfers(UDT),andprogramsinnursing(basic)andoptioninrecordingarts(BAinMusic) East Bay:Impactedinbusinessadministrationandthenursing(basic)program Fresno:ImpactedforFTFandUDT,andprogramsinathletictraining(kinesiology)andnursing(basic) Fullerton:Impactedinallundergraduateprograms,pre‐programs,undeclaredprogramsandforFTFandUDT Humboldt: Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmen(FTF)andtheprogramsinbiology(FTFandUDT),botany(FTFandUDT),environmentalresourceengineering(upperdivisiontransfers),wildlife(FTFandUDT),andzoology(FTFandUDT) Long Beach:Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmen,upperdivisiontransfers,andinallundergraduateprograms,pre‐programs,andundecided/undeclaredprograms. Los Angeles: Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmenandupperdivisiontransfers,andprogramsinbiology,businessadministration(accounting,management,andmarketingmanagement),childdevelopment,criminaljustice,nursing(general),psychology,socialwork,andundeclared(withinterestinnursing) Maritime Academy:Impactedinfacilitiesengineeringtechnology,marineengineeringtechnology,marinetransportation,andmechanicalengineering.Newstudentsinallmajorsmustcompleteaphysicalexaminationandpassahealthreviewpriortoenrollment. Northridge: Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmenandforprogramsinaccountancy,businessadministration(insuranceandfinancialservicesoption) Pomona: ImpactedforFTFandUDT,andprogramsinanimalscience,animalhealthscience,architecture,biology,biotechnology,chemistry,communication,computerscience,environmentalbiology,engineering(aerospace,chemical,civil,computer,electrical,andmechanical),kinesiology(exercisescienceoption),music(industrystudiesoption),psychology,sociology,andundeclaredprogram Sacramento:ImpactedforFTFandUDT,andprogramsinbusinessadministration(alloptions),criminaljustice(general),graphicdesign(general),healthscience(alloptions),interiordesign(alloptions),nursing(general),photography(general),and


psychology(general) San Bernardino: Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmenandupperdivisiontransfers,andprogramsincriminaljustice(alloptions),kinesiology(pre‐physicaltherapy),nursing(general),andsocialwork(pre‐socialwork)

San Diego:Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmen,upperdivisiontransfers,andinallundergraduateprograms,pre‐programs,andundecided/undeclaredprograms.

San Francisco:ImpactedforFTFandUDT,andprogramsinappareldesignandmerchandising,biochemistry,biology(alloptions),businessadministration(accounting),chemistry,childandadolescentdevelopment(alloptions),communicationstudies,criminalstudies,dietetics,environmentalstudies(alloptions),healtheducation,industrialarts/design(alloptions),interiordesign,kinesiology(alloptions),nursing(general),psychology,socialwork,sociology,visualcommunicationdesign,andundeclared(withaninterestinnursing) San Jose: Impactedinallundergraduateprograms,pre‐programs,andundecided/undeclaredprogramsforbothfirst‐timefreshmenandupper‐divisiontransfers San Luis Obispo:ImpactedforFTFandUDTinallundergraduateprograms(anddoesnotconsideralternatemajors) San Marcos:Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmenandupperdivisiontransfers,andforprogramsinbusinessadministration,communication,kinesiology,massmedia,andnursing(basic) Sonoma:Impactedforfirst‐timefreshmen,upperdivisiontransfers,andprogramsinbiology(FTFandUDTlevels),businessadministration(pre‐business/FTFandUDTlevels),communicationstudies(FTFandUDTlevels),criminologyandcriminaljusticestudies(FTFandUDTlevels),environmentalstudiesandplanning(alloptions/(FTFandUDTlevels),humandevelopment(UDTlevel),kinesiology(alloptions/FTFandUDTlevels),liberalstudies(FTFlevel),nursing(pre‐nursingandpre‐licensureBSN/FTFandUDTlevels),andpsychology(FTFandUDTlevels) Stanislaus:Impactedinnursing(genericorbasic)program

Please go to www.calstate.edu/impactioninfo.shtml for the most accurate and uptodate information regarding impacted campuses and programs at the CSU. For more information, visit a specific CSU campus website at www.calstate.edu. Programs offered through CSU Extended Education may also be available at campuses and are not represented on this grid.


Questions for SelfResearch Interests and Activities

1. Whatisyourfavoritethingtodo?2. Whatinspiresyou?3. Whichactivityhaveyoupursuedoutsideofschoolthathasbeenmost

meaningfultoyou?4. Whatdoyouhatetodo?5. Whatareyourfavorite…books,movies,websites,newssources,food,typeof

music,TVshows,sports6. Howmuchdoyougenuinelyliketoread,discussissuesandexchangeideas?7. Whatdidyoudolastsummer?8. Isthereacareeryou’vealwaysdreamedof?9. Doyouseeyourselfaspoliticallyliberalorconservative?10. Isthereanissueoflocal,national,orinternationalconcernthatyoufind

compellingPersonality

11. Whatarethefirstwordsthatcometomindwhenyou’reaskedtodescribeyourself?

12. Howdoyougoaboutmakingsignificantdecisions?13. Howhaveyouchangedsince9thgrade?14. Completethissentence:“PeoplethinkthatIam…”15. Whatareyoumostproudof?16. Whatareyouafraidofbeingorbecoming?17. Namethethreevaluesthataremostimportanttoyou.18. Whatmakesyouhappy?19. Doyoulikehustleandbustleorpeaceandquiet?20. Howareyouunique?Whatcanyousayaboutyourselfthatisonlytrueforyou?21. Whatdoyouconsideryourcoolesttrait?22. Whatdoyouconsideryourworsthabit?23. Areyouamorningpersonoranightpersonoranightowl?

Friends and Family 24. Whatdoyoumostappreciateaboutyourfamilylife?25. Howwouldyourparentsdescribeyou?Whatthreewordswouldtheyuse?26. Ifyouhavesiblings,howdoyougetalongwiththem?27. Howwouldyoursiblingsdescribeyou?Whatthreewordswouldtheyuse?28. Whatareyouknownforinyourfamily?29. Whoareyourclosestfriends?30. Howwouldyourfriendsdescribeyou?Whatthreewordswouldtheyuse?31. Describeafunexperienceyouhavehadwithafriend.32. Describeadifficultexperienceyouhadwithafriendandhowyouhandledit.33. Whatpersoninyourlifehasbeenmostinfluentialandwhy?

School34. Ifyoucouldstartoverathighschool,whatwouldyouchange?(“Nothing”isnot

anacceptableanswer!)35. Whatareyouknownforatschool?


36. Howwouldteachersdescribeyou?Whatthreewordswouldtheyuse?37. Whatteacherdoyouhaveanimportantrelationshipwithandwhy?38. Whatdoyourfriendsandteachersnotknowaboutyou?39. Whathasbeenyourgreatestchallengeinhighschool?40. Whichactivityhaveyoupursuedinschoolthathasbeenmostmeaningfulto

you?Academics

41. WhatisyourGPA?WhatisthehighestGPAreportedbyyourschool?42. Arethemajorityofyourclassesadvanced,suchasAPs?43. Whatisthemostintellectuallyengagingclassyouhavetakeninhighschool?

Why?Howdiditinfluenceyou?44. Whatdoyouchoosetolearnwhenyoulearnonyourown?Considerwhat

topicsyouchooseforresearchpapers,labreportsorindependentreading.45. Whatsubjecthaveyouexcelledin?46. Whathasbeenyourgreatestacademicsuccess?47. Whatareyourweaknessesacademically?48. Whenyouhavestruggledinyourclasswork,whatdidyoudoaboutit?49. Howdoyourespondtoacademicpressure?

Learning Style 50. Areyouhappiestwhenyouare(a)significantlychallengedandmustbeever

energeticinyoureffortstokeepup;(b)growingalongwiththerestofyourclassmates;or(c)learningwhilecomfortablyatthetopofyourclass?

51. Arethereanycircumstances,suchasalearningdisability,thathaveimpactedyouracademicperformance?

52. Whathasbeenthebestlearningenvironmentforyou–alargelectureclassorasmalldiscussiongroup?

53. Isitimportanttoyoutohavecloserelationshipswithyourteachers?54. Whatkindofscheduleisbestforyou?

The Next Step 55. Whyareyougoingtocollege?56. Doyoualreadyhaveanideaaboutwhatyouwanttostudy?57. Isthereacareeryouareintentonpursuing?58. Ifnotarethereprofessionsyouareconsidering?59. Whichactivitieshaveyouparticipatedinsofarthatyouareinterestedin

pursuingincollegeandwhathaven’tyoubeenabletopursuethatyouwouldliketotryincollege?

60. Isthereanactivitythatyouinsistoncontinuingincollege?61. Ifyoutookayearoffbeforecollege,whatwouldyoudo?62. Whatbalanceofstudy,activitiesandsociallifeareyoulookingfor?63. Doyouliketosocializewithagrouporone‐on‐one?64. Isbeinginaleadershippositionimportanttoyou?65. Aretherecollegesthatyourfamilyhassignificanttiestoorisinterestedin

havingyoulookat?66. Areyoureadytolivefarawayfromhome?67. Whatkindsofsurroundingsareessentialtoyourwell‐being?


68. Doyouwanttoliveinacommunitywhereeverybodyknowsyourname,oroneinwhichyoucanbeanonymous?

69. Areyouusedtoadvocatingforyourself?70. Doyoulikebeingaroundpeoplelikeyourself,ordoyoupreferalotofdiversity

inyourfriendsorcommunity?


REFERENCES Antonoff,S.(2010).College math: A blueprint for choosing the best school for you.(10th

ed.).OctameronAssociates.

AP students.(2013).Retrievedfromhttps://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap

CollegeBoard.(2013).College handbook 2014.(51sted.).TheCollegeBoard.

Fiske,E.(2012).Fiske guide to college 2013.(29thed.).Sourcebooks,Incorporated.

Kantrowitz,M.(n.d.).Financial aid glossary.Retrievedfrohttp://www.finaid.org/questions/glossary.phtml

Mamlet,R.(2011).College admission: From application to acceptance, step by step.New

York:ThreeRiversPress.

National association for college admission counseling.(2013).Retrievedfrom

http://www.nacacnet.org/Pages/default.aspx

NCAA eligibillity center. (2010). Retrieved from

http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp

NCAA public home page. (2013). Retrieved from http://ncaa.org/

Pope,L.Colleges that change lives: 40 schoolst that will change the way you think about

colleges.(4thed.).NewYork,NewYork:PenguinGroup.

SAT.(2013).Retrievedfrom

http://sat.collegeboard.org/home?affiliateId=nav&bannerId=g‐cbh‐sat

Sohmer,L.(2013,May16).College process glossary.Retrievedfrom

http://www.nacacnet.org/research/KnowledgeCenter/Documents/CollegePro

cessGlossary.pd

The ACT.(2013,July16).Retrievedfromhttp://www.act.org/

TheUniversityofCalifornia.(2009).University of california.Retrievedfrom

http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/

XAPcorporation.(20013).Csu mentor apply online.Retrievedfrom

http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

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