College Handbook

The Counseling Department

Areas of Responsibility

Selection Process

ACT Tests

The Essay & College Interviews

Testing Information

The Application Process

Choosing a College

Junior Year Checklist

Senior Year Checklist

How to Get the Most Out of Your College Visit

College Comparison Worksheet

Websites

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

 Page 1

Introduction

The process of selecting a college is often a complex one. It can be exciting, fascinating, and challenging, yet very rewarding. The following material has been gathered to aid you in your college selection and application process. It is designed to help you make your decision and to familiarize you with the college counseling services at Crestwood High School.

Our task is to guide and assist you so that the college you choose fits your individual needs - one that is challenging to your intellectual curiosity and satisfying to your personal and professional growth.

The Counseling Office at Crestwood can provide you with information on college choices and admission requirements. Our program is designed to inform you of options available, to provide resources for use in selecting colleges, and to be available for any assistance needed in the college application process.

Please feel free at any time during the year, to call or make an appointment to discuss any questions or concerns you might have regarding your college plans.

Enjoy the process and remember- your counselor is there to help you.

Page 2

 SERVICES AND RESOURCES OF THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Some of the services and resources offered by the Counseling Department are listed below. The counselor is available to both students and parents. It is best to make an appointment so that time is set aside for you.

SERVICES

RESOURCES

The following information may be found in the Guidance Office or Career Center:

Many colleges and universities send representatives to Crestwood to talk to prospective students. Most of these visits are during the months of September, October, and November. These visits are announced over the P.A. In order to attend, the student must:

1. Sign up in the Guidance Office.

2. Obtain a pass in the Guidance Office.

3. Bring to the meeting the pass which has been signed by the teacher whose class the student will miss.

Passes will be collected and a list of students attending is sent to the teachers and the attendance office. The student is responsible for making up any missed work in the classroom.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

By working together throughout the college planning process, we hope to provide all students the assistance needed to attain their goals.

COUNSELING OFFICE RESPONSIBILITY

PARENT RESPONSIBILITY

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

Page 4

THE SELECTION PROCESS

What do competitive colleges and universities seek from their applicants? The answer to that question varies somewhat from one school to another. Because approximately 75% of all applicants to competitive colleges meet the academic standards, these colleges often look beyond the objective information (strong grades/scores) of qualified candidates to select the student who will make a significant contribution to the campus community. One school may place special emphasis on your teacher's recommendation; another may stress your commitments and contributions outside the classroom. Each school's subjective criteria may change slightly year to year, depending on the needs and priorities of the college in a given year. Some of the most important factors are included below:

YOUR SECONDARY SCHOOL RECORD

The transcript (your academic history) remains the most important document you will submit. Colleges are interested in your academic experience and your academic potential. They will review the transcript carefully to determine not only how you have performed in the courses you have selected, but how challenging the courses have been. Colleges are anxious to see that you have challenged yourself in a course when appropriate, rather than taking the easier course for the higher grade. The five academic majors of English, math, science, social science, and foreign language are their primary concern and they will look for work that surpasses graduation requirements.

Senior year is a critical time for every student, and colleges will look carefully to see that you have enrolled in a bold and challenging selection of classes. While most admission committees will not review a candidate fully until the first semester senior grades are received, they care very much about the entire senior year. Colleges offer admission with the caveat, successful completion of senior year.

Page 5

ACT SCORES

Many colleges continue to require the SAT I or ACT and some will require the SAT II Subject tests. While required, they are not the most important criteria in the selection process. The SAT I is designed to test your critical thinking skills in both the verbal and quantitative areas. Many able students do not test to their true capability. A strong academic record will often offset a three-hour testing experience. However, high scores and a weak academic record often indicate a student who may be perceived by the admission committee as a greater risk.

THE APPLICATION

The way you present yourself through the application is very important and very much within your control. A neatly-prepared application, typed or handwritten, complete and easy to read, shows a level of seriousness on your part. The application is the primary information document for you and opens the file for your candidacy.

The application is an opportunity to distinguish yourself within the applicant pool. This is especially relevant if you plan to apply to a highly-selective school, since those applications are generally more thorough and demand more personal responses.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY (TOEFL)

Colleges will require the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for all students with a native language other than English. Most colleges require a TOEFL score of at least 550. The most selective colleges and universities require a score of 600. We receive the label indicating the score; however, the student needs to request, from TOEFL, that the score be sent directly to the college of choice.

Page 6

THE ESSAY

A well-constructed, carefully composed, and concise essay indicates your desire to be reviewed as a serious candidate. It is important to read and understand the question and be sure that you are answering the question asked, not submitting an essay that you hope will work. Essays written in grade 11 are great starting points, but submitting unedited versions of these essays is unwise. Your writing should be current, personal, honest, and a means through which the admission committee can come to know more about you as a person. This is the best opportunity for your voice to be heard. Neatness counts!

You, not a parent or secretary, should type the essay, unless otherwise directed. The essays are read thoroughly. Any preparation you can do during the summer is very helpful!

TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Each college has its own requirement for teacher recommendations. Some schools will specify a particular subject teacher (English/Science). Unless otherwise noted, we would encourage you to choose two teachers who know you and know your performance. In some cases, you may wish to have a coach or supervisor submit an additional letter but, as a rule, we suggest two teacher recommendations. Think about this in the junior year!

In choosing teachers to submit a recommendation, think about your performance, level of challenge, struggle, and mastery in the class. Choose a teacher who really knows you as a student. You need not have received an "A" in the class to have a teacher recommend you. Keep in mind that many teachers are inundated with requests; you must give them adequate notice (four weeks) if you wish them to write a recommendation for you. Keep them updated on your progress and remember to thank each teacher!

Your teacher recommendations are a very important part of your application! Please select your teachers early - think about speaking to your teachers before you leave for summer vacation, if possible. Again, since many teachers are inundated with requests, it is best to give the teacher at least four weeks notice when requesting a recommendation.

Procedure for Securing Teacher Recommendations

In most cases, your teacher will send the recommendation under separate cover. Unless specified by the college, the recommendation does not come back through the Counseling Office. It is your responsibility to notify the teacher if the recommendation should come back to the Counseling Office.

In completing your recommendations, your teachers devote a great deal of time on your behalf. Please remember to keep them informed of your progress (admits, denies, wait lists) - they should hear this information from you, not the counselor. Finally, remember to write a note of thanks to each teacher who writes a recommendation for you. It is a small gesture that goes a long way...they really appreciate hearing from you!

Timing

Deadlines Matter! You are responsible for meeting your deadline. We ask that you submit your application at least ten (10) working days ahead of the deadline, so that we may complete and mail the application packet in order to meet the application deadline. We keep very accurate records as to when each piece of the packet is mailed. In the event of a missing credential, we can trace it by date.

Reminder: It may take up to two (2) weeks for your application to be processed at the college once it arrives in their mailroom. You may wish to call after three weeks to assure the packet arrived and is complete.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and WORK EXPERIENCE

Many students and parents ask whether involvement in extracurricular activities is an important factor to colleges in the admission process. The answer to this question is unpredictable; sometimes "yes" and sometimes "no." For all colleges, public and private, large and small, the most important factor in a student's application is the high school course of study and the grades earned in those courses, followed by test scores and rank in class.

A common misconception is that colleges are looking for the mythical well-rounded student. A more appropriate statement may be that colleges are hoping to build a well-rounded class. There are pockets on every campus for the scholar, the soccer goalie, the oboe player in the symphony, the alumni child, etc. When choosing what to participate in, it is better for a student to be more committed to a few activities than to have superficial involvement in many. The student should select activities that he or she truly enjoys rather than try to "look good" on an application.  Colleges look for depth and commitment to one or a few areas of involvement rather than a laundry list of clubs and activities.

The bottom line is that nothing substitutes for solid rigorous courses, high grades, and strong test scores.

THE ESSAY

If you want to write meaningful essays, you need to have something meaningful to say. One of the best preparations is to begin writing in a diary - a journal - during your junior year or the summer before your senior year. In this diary, describe your innermost thoughts, wants, needs, and goals. This diary is just for your use, but you will refer to it often when you begin to write essays for applications and prepare for college interviews. When you receive applications from colleges, you will notice each application is different. The more selective the college, the more detailed the application, and the more essay questions asked. Many selective colleges receive applications from five or more times the number of applicants they are able to accept. Often, the majority of applicants are high in class rank and have high college scores and grades.

If far more students apply than can be accepted, how do admissions committees select students? The admissions committee of a selective college is searching for the student who has a special spark which denotes unusual qualities - one who shows an inquisitive and creative mind and a zest for learning; intelligence, the ability to organize, and perseverance.

The admissions committee wants to select a student who has taken advantage of what his or her high school has to offer, loves learning, not grades, and prefers a challenge to easy success. They are looking for a student whose integrity, concern for others, and sense of humor will add to campus life.

Through your transcript, the committee learns of your academic performance, but it is your essay that makes your personality come alive. They want to know the real you - your talents, attitudes, goals, and thoughts.

You will be trying, through your essay, to convince the committee that you would be an asset to the college. However, don't overdo or exaggerate; be natural, honest, and sincere. Your personality will come to life in your essay.

Writing the Essay

Before beginning to write an essay on your application form, you will probably need to write at least two or more drafts on paper. The first draft should flow easily as you write to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings, with no effort to search for the precise word or to use proper grammar.

Wait several days before you read it aloud, and make your first set of corrections for punctuation and grammar. Do not feel you have to fill the essay with five- or six-syllable words to impress the admissions office. They will be more impressed if you just use words that best describe what you want to say. Strive for a natural style so that your second draft looks clean. Ask your English teacher to read and edit the essay. Consider the teacher's remarks carefully before putting the final polish on your essay.

Regarding the length of the essay: complete it in the space allotted on the form unless it is suggested that you use additional sheets of paper. Most importantly, let this essay reflect the real and the best you. If a trait is important to you, it is important for the admissions committee to know about it.

Conclusion

In preparing your applications and essays, make a strong effort to show that you want to attend that college, and that you are willing to work hard for the education that will prepare you for your life's work.
Strive to:

Finally, remember that your goal is to attend the college which will fulfill your needs and help you achieve your goals. If the admissions committee rejects your application, or puts you on a waiting list, notify your counselor immediately. You may decide to re-evaluate your goals and apply to other colleges.

Page 7

ACT Assessment Test Dates

and registration information can be found at

http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html

Page 8

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process can be a confusing one; each college has requirements and deadlines which must be met. In order to simplify the process for you, all applications and supporting documents are submitted to the Counseling Office and are mailed as a packet. The application packet includes:

We are here to assist you in the application process, but it is your responsibility to know your own application deadlines and the specifics of the application plan under which you apply (ED, EA, etc.). Please check for clarification if you are in doubt. A missed deadline is frowned upon by most colleges.

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE COUNSELORS OFFICE FOR MAILING FROM SEPT 1ST - OCT 15

 Filing Your Application

Upon receiving your application from the college, separate the forms (Application, Teacher Recommendation Form(s), Secondary School Report Form, Mid-Year Report Form, Financial Information Form, etc.). Establish a file for these forms. Put the separate application in a folder for your attention.

 Neatly write or type in each required section on the forms. Keep them together so that you can give them to your teacher or counselor in an organized manner. You should establish a separate file for each teacher.

When your application is complete and ready to mail, make a photocopy of the application and essay for your own file (even if the essay is on a disk...make a hard copy). Bring the completed application to counseling along with your check. If you have applied on-line, print the application and bring in the counselor input page. We will mail that along with your transcript.

Am I In Big Trouble If I Don't Know What I Want To Study??

No. Relatively few are set on beginning a specific professional course of study immediately after leaving high school. Some will know that they are likely to want to sample a variety of offerings and may select a comprehensive university with that in mind. Others will elect to wait until the end of their sophomore year in college to choose a major.

How Can I Get Started?

College visits are important, as are conversations with area alumni, your counselor, and other applicants. For most people, however, the first step is sitting down to identify a few limiting factors. From the experience of recent classes, it is possible to guess at the issues that will concern most juniors and seniors.
 

Major Choice or Career Plan

Some students know what they want and will select the range of colleges to which they will apply from a group that offers a specific academic area. A number of other students are concerned about the relative strength of a department in a college.

Location

Some college-bound students are eager to leave home and others are interested in remaining within driving distance of home. There is no guessing where an individual's preferences will land, but it's worth A LOT of conversation before narrowing down the college list.

Size

For some, the size of the college is not at all important; for others it is the single most important factor. There is some variety among institutions, but the general ranges are as follows:

Small College..................................................................................... 250 - 2,800 students

Small University................................................................................ 2,800 - 5,000 students

Mid-sized University......................................................................... 5,000 - 15,000 students

Large University.............................................................................. 15,000 - 25,000 students

Mega-University............................................................................. 25,000 - (& up) students

Extra-Curricular Activities

Many high school students are active in extra-curricular activities and want programs which will allow a similar level of activity in college.

Cost

Colleges do work to make themselves affordable, and there are many opportunities for financial assistance. A basic difference among colleges is that some offer "merit" scholarships while others grant aid only to those who show need. Most parents will complete the Financial Aid Form for Student Assistance (FAFSA) in January of the senior year.

Curriculum/Method of Instruction

Relatively few applicants study the catalog intently, but there are notable differences in the ways that colleges offer an education. At Brown University, no particular set of courses is required in order to graduate. At University of Chicago, a set program of study is demanded of all in the first two years. Some colleges offer interim programs; some offer job placement (Co-op) during the undergraduate career.

Special Programs/Opportunities

Those who know they will study abroad may well choose a college with an extensive program of study in Europe or Asia. Some colleges maintain a campus abroad; others have determined that it will cost no more to take a year in Europe than it would at home. Some colleges offer extensive services to Learning Disabled students. Some have residential options which set them apart. Some universities have Honors College programs which are small, elite groups that study in small classes in a university setting.

Below is a list of reference books that are helpful in the decision making process:

Page 10

Print version
JUNIOR YEAR CHECKLIST

STUDENT NAME: ____________________________

TASK

Obtain information from schools of interest

Ongoing

Ongoing

Review college literature

Ongoing

Ongoing

Review college choices

July-August

  Ongoing

Page 11

Print version
SENIOR YEAR CHECKLIST

STUDENT NAME: ______________________________  

TASK

Register for the American College Test (ACT) (If Needed)

Take the American College Test (ACT)

Talk with college representatives visiting Crestwood

Complete financial statement (FAFSA)

Determine college choice

HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM A CAMPUS VISIT

Visiting the campus of a college or university you are considering is the best way to get a feel for what the school is really like. A little preparation will go a long way toward making sure that your visit to the campus gives you a true picture of the university.

To get the most from your visit, follow these steps:

Choose a date when students will be on campus. For most universities, the best times to visit are during the fall and winter semesters, but not during class breaks (such as a holiday or spring break).

Make a list of what you want to do during your visit. Your list might include:

Call the Office of Admissions to schedule a date for your visit. Tell the person you talk with what you would like to see during your visit so that arrangements can be made in advance.
 

Review any literature the college has sent you, then develop questions to ask. These might include:

Are the programs offered in your area of interest unique in any way?

What types of facilities (laboratory, library, computer, arts, etc.) are available to students?

Will your classes be taught by professors or graduate students?

What is the typical class size?

What do students give as their main reasons for choosing that university?

Where do graduates in your field of interest find jobs?

What types of student activities are available? Ask about athletics, clubs, cultural activities, fraternities, and sororities.

What options are there for living on campus? Ask about room assignments, floor plans, meal plans, and furnishings. What will it cost to attend the university?

How can the college help you to meet those costs?

Are scholarships available?

What are the estimated costs for one year of attendance?

Page 13

 Print version
COLLEGE COMPARISON WORKSHEET

Location

Size

Environment

Admission Requirements

Academics

College Expenses

Financial Aid

Facilities

Activities

Campus Visits

Page 14

INTERNET WEBSITES

College/Scholarship Websites

Popular Search Engine and Portals

Scholarship Websites

University Career Centers

The Monster Board

Financial Aid 

ACT/SAT Test Prep Sites

Career Websites

Print version

CRESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY SHEET

Name:__________________________________Counselor:_________________________
(Please print)

The information which you provide in this questionnaire can be of great importance in your college planning.  It will be used by your Counselor in preparing materials to be submitted to colleges in support of your application.  Read the questions carefully. Answer thoughtfully and completely. Be honest and realistic.

 RETURN THIS FORM TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE

1.   EXTRACURRICULAR AND PERSONAL ACTIVITIES: Please list extracurricular community and family activities and hobbies in the order of their interest to you. For example, musical instrument played, varsity letter earned, etc. Include membership youth groups, youth symphony, junior achievement, church or temple groups.

Positions Held

 or