College

What you should know!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Post-High School Planning…………………………….. 3

Types of Colleges……………………………………..…. 4

How to Research A College…………………….……… 5

World WideWeb………………………………………….. 5

College Board………………...……………………….….. 6

College Reference Books……………………….………. 6

Interviews………….……….. …………………………… 6

How To Determine A “Safe College”…………………….6

College Visits……………………………………………… 6

Testing………………………………………….………….. 8

Calendar of Events –Junior Year……………………….. 9

Calendar of Events – Senior Year…………….…………10

Terms You Should Know………………………..………. 12

POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING

You are entering a very exciting stage of your life. The period following high school graduation is a time filled with challenge and opportunity. You should begin planning your future with self-reflection. Think about yourgoals, values, strengths and weaknesses, and determine what you plan to do after graduation. Throughout the Post-HighSchoolplanning process, one of your best resources is your school counselor. Whether you want to enter the workforce or attend college, your counselor will help you chart a course to help you achieve your goal.

If you choose to continue your education after graduation, know that college planning is a process with a beginning, a middle and an end. Approaching college selection with a positive perspective will lead to better decision making.

Your counselor knows the steps you should follow in the application process and can help you establish a logical approach. Just as important, your counselor can assist you in better understanding yourself, your abilities, your interests, and your needs.

It may be useful to draw up a list of questions to address with your counselor:

  • Am I interested in a liberal arts college or a technical institute with more specialized training? Do I want a two-year or four-year school?
  • Do I want to stay near home? Am I interested in a certain locale? Urban, small town or rural?
  • Do I want to attend a small or large institution? Am I interested in a diverse student body?
  • Have my grades been good enough for me to be considered by a very selective school? Do I want a demanding academic environment? Do I plan to go to graduate school? Am I comfortable with a curriculum that offers a great deal of independent study? Do my learning needs require more specialized facilities?
  • Do I prefer on-or off-campus housing? Am I interested in fraternities or sororities? How important are intramural or intercollegiate sports? Do I want a campus that offers many social/cultural events?
  • How important are costsin my final choice? What kind of financial assistance will I need? Are opportunities for part-time jobs important? What qualification do I have for scholarships?

Talk with your school counselor about these questions in relation to your academic standing (courses, grades, GPA, test scores, activities). Using the information from these discussions, you, your parents, and your counselor can begin to develop a list of colleges which meets your criteria.

Remember, the Guidance Staff at Perth Amboy High School is dedicated to helping you fulfill your college and career plans. Our offices house college guide books, catalogs, and financial aid information. These resources are designed to make your college search easy, efficient, and effective!

The road to a college and/or career lies before you. It’s time to begin your journey. You will spend four years expanding your horizons, meeting different people, learning important concepts, pursuing a career direction and developing your maximum potential.

TYPES OF COLLEGES

There are over 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States;they differ in many respects. Let's take a look at some of the most common categories of colleges.

A. LIBERALARTSCOLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Most four-year liberal arts colleges offer undergraduate degrees and focus on providing a broad exposure to a science and humanities curriculum.

B. UNIVERSITIES

Universities offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees and are traditionally broken into smaller colleges which specifically address the academic interests of their students.

C. TECHNICAL COLLEGES

These are degree granting colleges which offer specialized programs in engineering and other scientific and technological fields.

D. JUNIOR COLLEGES (Community Colleges)

Most offer two years of college level work with the major aim of transferring to a four year college for the last two years. Some offer terminal programs in some form of career training with the express purpose of entering the world of work immediately upon graduation.

E. SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS

Some schools offer programs in art, culinary sciences, auto and diesel mechanics, heating and refrigeration, electrical, technical, computer repair, etc.

HOW TO RESEARCH A COLLEGE

The first, and perhaps the most difficult task you have, is to compile a list of colleges that seem right for you. While there is no specific number of colleges to which you should apply, it is always important to make sure that one of the colleges is what we call a "safe college" or one at which you are fairly certain you can be accepted.

Many factors enter into your decision when selecting a college. Below are some items you may want to consider when preparing your list of possible college choices.

Programs Offered

•Be sure the colleges to which you are applying offer programs of interest.

Cost

•Tuition, fees, room and board, personal expenses, travel.

Location

•Geographic location

•Size of city or town in which college is located

•Commuting distance (If living off campus)

College Characteristics

•Size

•Co-ed or single sex student body

•Public or private

•Religious affiliation

•Diversity of student body

•Number of commuting students

•Graduate students and programs

Admissions

•Required high school courses (academic units/Carnegie units)

•Required standardized tests (SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject, ACT, TOEFL)

•Degree of competitiveness of admission

•Early decision/early action policy

•Rolling admissions

WORLD WIDE WEB

There is a wealth of information available to college-bound students through the Internet. Many colleges and universities have their own Web sites where you can learn about admissions policies and procedures, programs offered, financial aid and other points of interest. The school's newspaper may even be available on the Internet. A list of useful Web sites is available in the Guidance Office.

College Board

Members of the class of 2010 registered with the College Board when they created a My Road account to complete their career report in Sophomore English class. The User Name and Password they created is still valid. Counselors have a record of User Names and Passwords for the Class of 2010.

In addition, be sure to have your code from your PSAT score report ready in order to gain access. You can register for the SAT and SAT II, check and send your scores, research colleges, career and financial aid information on the College Board site.

Perth Amboy High School C.E.E.B Code: 311185

COLLEGE REFERENCE BOOKS

The Guidance Department has a number of current handbooks and guides which give you thumb-nail sketches of hundreds of colleges.

HOW TO DETERMINE A "SAFECOLLEGE"

Although most colleges use a multi-factor selection process, they do lean very heavily on Grade Point Average (GPA), rank-in-class and standardized test scores. Thus, to find where you stand in relation to a particular college's scholastic requirements for admission, you should consult your counselor.

INTERVIEWS

Not all colleges require interviews as part of the admission process, however, some do. It is up to the student to find out about his or her particular colleges.

In certain instances, when a student is doubtful if he or she would be accepted by a college, an interview with an admissions officer of that college might be helpful. The interview personalizes the student’s application. Your counselor can be quite helpful in preparing you for your visit. Make an appointment with the admissions counselor or the alumni representative. Dress appropriately and go prepared to talk about yourself and to ask questions.

COLLEGE VISITS

Once you have made a list of colleges that may interest you, it is time to visit as many as possible to determine what they have to offer. Four years and a great amount of money will be spent on a college, so be sure to examine the product before you buy.

Spending time on a college campus allows you to experience the site first hand. You can feel the atmosphere and decide whether or not it is a place where you could be comfortable. The impressions you gather on your campus visits will help you decide if you and the college are a good match.

During a college visit, allow for time to take a campus tour and attend a group information session. (You can set up a campus tour by calling the undergraduate admissions office). You should also leave yourself time to wander around on your own. Some students may even want to arrange a meeting with an admission counselorto sit in on classes, stay overnight, or meet with faculty members and coaches. In any of these cases, make a point to ask questions and hear different perspectives. Speak with tour guides, students, and faculty. Get to know the school from their viewpoints. The following are some of the places and features to examine when visiting colleges, as well as some questions you might ask:

Library

  • What are the hours the library is open?
  • How extensive are the resources?

Laboratories/Studies

  • Are there sufficient computer labs for all students?
  • Are there foreign language labs?
  • Are the art, music, or dance studios open for use by non-majors?
  • How are tutoring services made available to students?
  • Are career services offered?

Theater

  • What is the size and scope of the theater?
  • Are productions open to non-theater majors?
  • How many productions are scheduled each year?
  • Is there a campus repertory company, choir, band, or orchestra?

Athletics

  • What intercollegiate and intramural sports are offered?
  • In what athletic division does the college participate?
  • Are athletic scholarships available??
  • What are the facilities for the general student body and the athletes?
  • What hours are those facilities open to all students?

Housing

  • Where are the residence halls located on campus?
  • Are rooms singles, doubles, triples, or suites?
  • Are there apartment-style dorms where students do their own cooking?
  • Are residence halls coed or single sex?
  • Where do freshmen live?
  • How are roommates selected?
  • Are there quiet study hours?
  • Are there sufficient rooms for all students who wish to live on campus?
  • Can freshmen live off-campus?
  • Are there fraternity or sorority houses?
  • Is housing guaranteed for four years?

Dining

  • Where are the dining halls located?
  • What types of meal plans are available?
  • Can special diets be accommodated?
  • Are there restaurants on or near the campus?

Health Services

  • Are clinical facilities available on campus?
  • During what hours are doctors and nurses available?
  • Are counseling services available to students?
  • Is there a charge for medical care?
  • What hospitals are near the campus?

Security

  • Is the campus patrolled by an effective security staff?
  • Are parking lots and walkways well lit?
  • What are the campus crime statistics?

TESTING

A.THE COLLEGE BOARDS - SAT I/II'S

Most colleges require an entrance examination as part of the admissions process. There are two programs that you should know about--the College Board and the American College Testing Program. The College Board creates the two tests administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey: the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT I) and the Achievement Tests (SATII). These tests are administered at Perth Amboy High School and other High Schools close to Perth Amboy. Students may take either the SAT I or the SAT II at a particular test session. We typically recommend that students take the SAT I once in the spring of junior year and once in the fall of senior year. The College Board also administers the SAT II which measures of actual learning in subject areas such as English, chemistry, biology, math, foreign language, etc. Some colleges require students take as many as three SAT II's. Other colleges do not require them at all. Whether you take the SAT II's depends on the admissions policy of each college. Students should check each college website carefully to determine if they must take SAT II's. You may take one, two or a maximum of three at any one sitting. We recommend students take the SAT II's either at the end of a school year for specific subjects they are completing or in December or January of senior year. Usually, you will not need to take more than three SAT II's. Any questions, see your counselor.

B.AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING PROGRAM

Some colleges in the West and mid-West prefer these college entrance tests to the SAT. Colleges in other regions will sometimes suggest that the ACT be taken in addition to the SAT. If your college requires the ACT program, you must make arrangements to take them. Applications are available in our Guidance Office.

Please note: Some colleges require official test results to be sent to them directly from the testing companies. Students should make arrangements to have this done sometime before February of senior year. Directions for this procedure are spelled out in the SAT or ACT booklet.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - JUNIOR YEAR

JANUARY TO MARCH

1.Secure information (available in Guidance) about the College Boards

and register for the spring testing program (March, May or June) SAT I

and/or SAT II.

2.Seriously begin your post-high school search. (Junior Parent Conferences

will enable you to begin with a plan for research.)

3.Decide whether you need to take the SAT II for those subjects in whichyou are planning to terminate studies at the end of junior year.

APRIL

1. Students interested in the Service Academies should begin contacting

their U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators expressing a desire to be

nominated.

2.Consider visiting some college campuses on your spring break. Collectinformation and/or be sure your name is on mailing lists.

MAY

1.Take the SAT I or SAT II.

JUNE

1.Submit Student Data Survey to your counselor.

2.Take the SAT I or,if you need them, take the SAT II in subjects you are presentlystudying.

3.Ask (remind) two teachers to write you letters of recommendation; give each a completed “Classroom Assessment for Teacher Recommendation” form.

SUMMER (Junior Year)

1.If you are going to apply for Early Decision in the fall, make a definite

choice over the summer and prepare to submit your application very early

in the school year. Early Decision candidates are notified of the admission

decision in December. Early Decision policies vary. Check carefully to

determine whether the Early Decision is binding or non-binding.

2.Plan to visit some colleges and schools. Visiting is the best way to truly determine how you feel about a school. Always telephone ahead to make an appointment.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - SENIOR YEAR

SEPTEMBER

1.Meet with your guidance counselor early and often. Continue narrowing

down your choice of colleges. Remember to include at least one "safe"

college.

2.Checkcollegeboard review the bulletin board, outside the counseling office and listen for announcements of college representatives coming to Perth Amboy High School. Register in the Guidance Officefor an appointment with the representatives from the colleges you've selected.

3.Sign up to take the SAT I (and SAT II if needed) in October, November, or January.

4.School information, scholarships and special programs will be posted outside the Guidance Office and on the web.

OCTOBER

1.Begin filing applications to colleges. Make sure all requirements are met in the way of application fees, interviews, recommendations, and so forth. If any are missing, make plans to bring them up to date. Remember to have your official SAT scores sent to colleges who require them directly from the College Board.

2.Early Decision candidates - CHECK YOUR APPLICATION DEADLINES.

NOVEMBER

1.Take November SAT I and/or SAT II.

2.Continue the application process. Watch deadlines closely.

DECEMBER

1.Many colleges want applications processed by December. Make sure you have your applications on file.

2.Pick up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in Guidance.

3.If you have January 1st application deadlines, your completed applications must be in Guidance WELL BEFORE December break. The date will be announced.

JANUARY

1.File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for many scholarships and college applications.

2.College Board Exams (SAT I and SAT II).

3.Students are encouraged to do their best on their January final exams as these will influence class rank and perhaps affect admissions.

FEBRUARY

1.Continue filing applications.

2.Visit colleges.

APRIL

Bulk of college decisions due.

MAY

1.Decide on which college you will attend. Send your deposit by May 1.

2.Advanced Placement exams.

3.College Board exams for juniors - SAT I and SAT II.

JUNE

1.Graduation.

2.For those who have not been accepted into schools or colleges or who have not secured employment, there is still time. Many schools and colleges have openings and will continue to have them during the summer months.

TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

A.The Early Decision Plan - is intended to eliminate multiple applications. Students may apply at the very beginning of the senior year if he/she is certain that this is his/her #1 choice.

1.“Single-choice” is a commitment to one

college with an agreement not to submit any other

applications unless he/she receives notice that he/

she has been rejected or deferred as a candidate

for Early Decision. Notice of acceptance, rejection