Postsecondary Handbook for Juniors and Seniors

Postsecondary Handbook for Juniors and Seniors
Valley View High School Guidance Department
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PREFACE

Selecting and being admitted to a college or other institution of higher education can be a difficult experience for students as well as parents. Both students and parents may be reassured that there is a school for every student who seeks a higher education. Making a suitable choice requires a commitment to become well informed and deeply involved in the college selection process. The college selection process should begin in the middle of the student’s junior year and be completed by December of the following year.

To determine which college, university, or specialized school best meet your needs, the student and the parent will first need to survey the entire field. A series of specifications will first be set forth by the student. To meet these specifications, a variety of sources for information can be obtained by consulting the guidance office and the career resource center. These sources for information can be obtained by consulting the guidance office and the career resource center. These resources include reference books, Internet sites, videos, and college catalogs. The student will profit by talking with college representatives who visit the school, visiting campuses, and being interviewed by admissions personnel. The student and the parents are encouraged to make regular and continuous use of the assistance of the high school counselor.

General Information
Basics

Both students and parents should do some general reading on the topic of college admissions before selecting a college. The preface and introduction to the College Handbook is recommended. More extensive readings may be found by consulting the counselor and the Career Resource Center located in the high school guidance suite.

Admission Policies

Each college has its own admission policies and procedures. Note carefully the policies outlined in the college catalog and on the college website. Typical admissions policies are set forth below.

TRADITIONAL ADMISSION—The traditional admission policy requires that the student apply before a given date. Notification of acceptance will be sent to the students on or before a given date. The student will then be required to confirm acceptance by a given date.

ROLLING ADMISSION—According to this plan, the student will apply prior to a stated deadline and will receive acceptance within a given period. This is usually from a month to six weeks after application has been received and reviewed.

EARLY DECISION—Early decision requires a complete commitment on the student’s part to attend one particular college. In return for an early decision and notification on the application, the student will be expected to attend that college. Colleges offering early decision take this offer very seriously. The student will be wise to review carefully the obligations that go with participation in such admissions programs.

EARLY ADMISSION—Early admission is offered by some, but not all colleges. This plan allows exceptional students to enter college prior to completion of high school.

DEFERRED ADMISSION—Deferred admission allows the student to apply for admission during their senior year, and if accepted, to postpone matriculation for one year after finishing high school.

Standards for Admission

Colleges and universities vary widely in their standards for admission. Most have minimum high school course requirements and tests which must be taken prior to acceptance. Consult an up-to-date college catalog or the college website to be certain that all requirements are met for the college being researched. It is recommended that the student consult with the counselor to verify course requirements and test necessary for each particular college in which the student is interested.

Tests

Most students who are planning to further their education beyond high school begin in their junior year to take examinations related to college admissions. The guidance office will announce test dates via student assemblies, PA system, and the guidance webpage which can be accessed at www.vvsd.neiu.k12.pa.us. Registration materials will also be available in the guidance office. On-line registration may also be an option.

PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST (PSAT/NMSQT)

The PSAT, as it is most commonly called, is administered only once each year, generally in October. It is one test with a dual purpose. First, it is a shorter version of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I). Its results are useful in assessing academic strengths and weaknesses and in predicting how a student will perform on the SAT I. The PSAT/NMSQT is the first step necessary to be considered for scholarships offered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Registration for this test is arranged through the high school guidance office, usually in mid-September. Students will be notified of the test fee and test date by the guidance office.

SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST (SAT I)

The SAT is a three-hour test designed to provide a standard measure

of the verbal and mathematical abilities of candidates for college admission. This test should be taken in the spring of the junior year and in the fall of the senior year. The two scores will provide an index of improvements in verbal and mathematical skills in the intervening months. Most colleges require this test.

SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST II—(SATII) SUBJECT TESTS

The SAT II measures the student’s knowledge in specific areas. They are often used by colleges in determining the placement of students within a particular college curriculum. These tests are often required by colleges for early decision applicants. It is recommended that the SAT II tests be taken in December or January of the senior year. Check the college catalog or college website carefully to see which tests are required. The student may be expected to take one or more tests.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST (AP)

The AP tests are special achievement tests designed to help colleges judge the qualifications of candidates for advanced placement and/or credit at the college level. However, they are recommended for students who have completed one or more of the AP courses in high school. Each test is three hours long. The series is offered only once per year in May. Registration is arranged through the guidance office.

AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTS (ACT)

Like the SAT, the ACT is used in determining the student’s aptitude for college level work. It is a battery of tests which yields a score of 1-36 in each of four areas: English, mathematics, social studies, and natural sciences, as well as, a composite score. Scores from the ACT are required by many midwestern and some southern colleges. They are accepted interchangeably with the SAT by many schools. The college catalog or college website will instruct the student to take the ACT. It should be taken in the spring of the junior year and/or in the fall of the senior year. Registration information is available in the guidance office.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Higher education is expensive. It requires considerable investment in time and money. Careful consideration should be given to career goals and the best way to reach those goals. The selection process requires a systematic procedure. The more carefully you proceed, the better chance you have of making a satisfying and rewarding choice.

SELF EVALUATION

Make a list of strengths and weaknesses---Be objective—Ask yourself:

What are my academic capabilities and how well have I put them to use?

Review grades in major subjects grades 9 through 12. Check verbal scores on the PSAT and SAT I. Do this with the counselor.

Am I motivated for study? Do I have real intellectual curiosity? Do I initiate projects for self-improvement? Do I have to be goaded into doing assignments? Do I work solely for grades or do I work for the satisfaction of learning?

What demands can I expect from college? Can I meet them? Will any cause me trouble?

What extracurricular activities in school and out-of-school have been important to me? Sports? Student Government?Yearbook? Music?Church? Civic Organizations?

What are my goals? Immediate goals? Long-range goals? Do I want personal enrichment? Success in a career? Both?

DETERMINE WHAT YOU WANT IN A COLLEGE

The student may now proceed to list what is wanted in making the

selection of colleges. Consideration should be given to such factors as major field of study, acceptance to graduate school, cost, location, social life,etc.

The student should begin by making a list of colleges offering the student’s major field of study since this may well be the primary reason for college attendance. The use of the many resources in the career resource room and on the Internet can both be valuable tools in compiling this list and gathering information on colleges. Once a college selection has been made, the student’s other expectations of college can be taken into consideration and weighed one against the other.

The colleges not meeting the established criteria will now be removed from the list compiled. This will reduce the list to a size that will be more realistic in terms of requesting further information, visiting campuses, arranging interviews, and filling out applications.

After the student has narrowed down the choice of colleges, compare class rank and SAT scores with those required by each college. Students are urged to give careful consideration to providing for diversity of admission standards in their final list of colleges. Students should not apply exclusively to schools that have a reputation for being highly selective.

Once a final list of colleges has been developed, more information may be desired. The student may wish to write, e-mail, or phone for a college catalog, descriptive brochures, and an application. In addition, juniors students should consider making arrangements to visit schools or colleges during the summer before the student’s senior year.

There are numerous resources which may be useful in verifying or searching for college information. Many can be found in the Career Resource Center.

SOME WEBSITES WHICH MAY BE USEFUL IN COLLEGE SELECTION:

www.pheaamentor.org

www.vvsd.neiu.k12.pa.us

APPLYING FOR ADMISSIONS

The students should submit applications to college during September, October, and November of their senior year. All applications should be submitted to the guidance office by November 1^st.

It is strongly recommended that you submit all applications to your guidance counselor rather than send them on your own. All forms should be included. Be sure to enclose any letters of recommendation if required and any other supporting documentation that is required. Incomplete applications will result in needless delay. Contact your counselor if you have any questions about the application procedure.

The student application should be completed and proofread before being submitted. Neatness and clarity are important.

Most colleges require a fee for applying. Attach a check or money order to the application. Fees vary with each college. Be sure to attach the proper postage to the application envelope.

A transcript of your grades and standardized scores must be included with your application. Your counselor will provide this.

If additional information is required before a decision is made on the application, the student will be sent a letter. It is not uncommon for colleges to request first quarter or first semester grades prior to making a decision on your application. Students must share these requests for additional information with their counselor.

During April and May of the senior year, students are asked to complete an activity card. A part of this card asks for the name of the college or school where the student will attend. Students should update this information prior to graduation, since a copy of a final transcript must be sent there after graduation.

JUNIOR DATES TO REMEMBER

All juniors should pay particular attention to the dates and deadlines listed below. If you have any questions, make an appointment to see your counselor.
The preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) will be offered in October. Students who wish to be considered for National Merit Scholarships must take this test in October to qualify as an applicant. It is recommended that any junior student who is planning to attend a college, nursing school, or technical school after graduation should take this test.

Registration for the PSAT/NMSQT will be announced by the guidance office. Obtain your student bulletin at this time.

Study all college material located in both the guidance office and the Career Resource Center.

Check out the internet sites mentioned in this publication. See your counselor and the guidance webpage for more recommended sites.

Refer to the many new books and videos on occupations and colleges which have been placed in the Career Resource Center.

Higher Education Night will be sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Counseling Association at Marywood University in mid-September. Plan to attend with your parents. Representatives from many colleges will be present. The guidance office will announce the specific date and time.

Register for the College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) which will be given in the spring.

Schedule summer visits to colleges that are of interest to you. Be sure to obtain catalogs, brochures, and applications. Place your name on the mailing (snail and/or e-mail) list for future information.

SENIOR DATES TO REMEMBER

Seniors planning to attend a college, nursing school, or technical school are required to file various forms for financial aid. Some may also be required to take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) in the fall—usually October, November, December, or January, as well as, SAT II Subject tests.

In September, register for the SAT I and/or SAT II Subject tests.

In October, begin application to colleges, nursing, and technical schools.

If you wish, register to take the American College Test (ACT).

Attend Higher Education Night in mid-September at Marywood University.

Pay attention to guidance announcements and guidance webpage postings. Most importantly, see your counselor help and advice

Complete college applications by November 1^st.

Some colleges may require a financial aid form called the CSS Profile. This form is available from your counselor or on-line.

File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1^st. If you do not receive a FAFSA form in the mail by January, see your counselor. All students who take the SAT I during the junior year will be on the mailing list to receive a FAFSA form by mail. Obtain from your counselor a copy of Moving on to Higher Education: A Financial Aid Handbook.

Consult with your counselor, the guidance webpage, and listen to guidance announcements over the PA system regarding various scholarships for which you may qualify.

Consult the Financial Aid Officer at the college which you plan to attend.

Attend the Financial Aid Night with your parents. This will be held at Valley View High School in January. A letter will sent to all parents of seniors in December informing them of the date and location of this important meeting.