THE QUESTIONS SENIORS ASK MOST OFTEN
1. How many colleges should I apply to?
This decision is ultimately yours to make, but it is generally recommended that you apply to between six and seven schools. This group should include a “reach”, where your chances of admission are marginal at best, perhaps two or three where chances of your admission seem reasonably good and a couple of very “realistic” schools that will almost certainly offer you admission. If finances are a major concern, the list should include one or more schools that are realistic from a financial standpoint as well. (From “Let the Student Decide” by Frank H. Rhodes, President Emeritus of Cornell University, U.S. News and World Report, 1987.)
2. Does it matter where you go to college once you try to get into the workforce?
Your successful transition to the workforce is determined by a number of factors. Employers are most interested in your overall academic performance, internships and work experience during your college years, speech and written communication skills. Attending a certain college does not guarantee a job or a career, although some schools may offer strong career planning services.
3. How important is the SAT/ACT?
These test results are important, but not the only information considered when colleges make an admissions decision. Colleges and universities look for a “well-rounded” student, with a strong, comprehensive academic course pattern, commensurate SAT/ACT scores and a well-written essay.
4. Do they really read the essay?
YES! The essay, or personal statement, is a critical part of your complete application for admission. Admissions officers spend a great deal of time reading essays, trying to get to know the applicants. The essay “personalizes and humanizes” your file and introduces you to the admissions committee.
5. What is a secondary school or counselor report?
A secondary school report is a document that your College Bound Advisor completes at the request of a particular college or university. It is usually a part of your application and is used to report information regarding your senior courses, grade point average and counselor recommendation. Public state institutions may not require the secondary school report.
6. How do I get my transcripts sent to a college? When should I send them?
Request your transcript through your Naviance account. Be sure you return the Transcript Release Authorization Form to your College Bound Advisor. Follow
the college’s directions as to when to send your transcripts. You should normally send them when you apply, after seventh semester, and following graduation.
7. What do I say when I call an Admissions Office?
Introduce yourself as a Senior at the Irma L. Rangel YWLS in Dallas, Texas. Ask for your admissions counselor. Once you identify this person, you can request information, schedule a campus visit, or inquire about the status of your application.
8. How do I get a college application?
If the college is in Texas, check www.applytexas.org to see if it accepts applications online via this system. The college may also be one of the more than 700 colleges and universities that use the Common Application. Check it out at www.commonapp.org. Over 90 colleges also use the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success application, available at www.coalitionforcollegeacess.org. The link to a college’s application will always be on the college admission web site.
9. What SAT Subject Exams do I need to take?
The SAT Subject Exam requirement varies according to the college to which you are applying. For a complete list of colleges that require the SAT Subject Exams, visit http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-subject/about/institutions#inst_using_SAT.
10. How does a college evaluate my transcripts?
The methods used for evaluation may vary, but generally a college will calculate your grade point average and look for course patterns and what you did academically in preparation for your major. This GPA may be different from your Irma Rangel GPA. Some colleges focus on grades earned during sophomore and junior year. Your SAT/ACT results may be combined with your GPA and/or ranking in a calculation that produces an “eligibility index” or overall score rating.
11. What if I can’t afford the application or SAT/ACT fees?
Fee waivers are issued for college application and SAT/ACT fees. They are reserved for students who can demonstrate a financial need: there are published guidelines for the SAT/ACT waivers. You can get more information from your College Bound Advisor
12. When should I visit a college campus? Why should I visit?
Visiting a college campus is the best way to learn if it would be a good match for you. Can you “see” yourself walking the halls, using the library, eating in the cafeteria? During your visit, you may be able to tour the facilities, sit in on a class, meet current students, and chat with professors. Colleges often sponsor preview days or open houses in the Fall and welcome students to bring their families. Try to visit when classes are in session, so you can get a really realistic view of the institution. Try to visit before Christmas or use your vacation time to travel. Definitely visit before you make your final decision!
13. Are interviews always required? Why go through with one?
Admissions interviews are not always required; sometimes they are strongly recommended and sometimes they are not granted at all. An interview is a great way for the college to meet you. It also allows you to learn more about the college’s expectations of you as an applicant and future student.
14. What happens to my college application once I send it?
Your application will become a part of your admissions file, which is complete when your essay, transcripts, SAT/ACT scores and letters of recommendation (if required) join it. When the file is complete, it is evaluated by an Admissions Counselor and referred for a decision.
15. What is an Admissions Committee?
This group of admissions officers is formed to review applicant files and render admission decisions. It is normally comprised of two or three Admissions Counselors, an Associate Director and the Dean/Director of Admissions.
16. What will my college schedule be like?
You may have class only in the mornings, never before 10 a.m. or mostly in the late afternoons or evenings. You may not have classes every day of the week and there may be long blocks of time during the day between class periods. Your class schedule will be very different from your Notre Dame schedule!
17. How do I get information on scholarships and financial aid?
Some recommended sites include:
U.S. Department of Education https://studentaid.ed.gov
College For All Texans http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/
Fin Aid Page www.finaid.org
Family Connection – Naviance https://connection.naviance.com/irma