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How
Do Colleges Select Students?
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Colleges
vary in their entrance requirements and standards.
A student who is rejected for admission by one
college may be accepted with a scholarship at another.
This is because colleges use certain factors both
academic and personal in making their admission decisions.
Each college will weigh these factors in a unique way
to accept candidates based upon institutional expectations,
past experience and sometimes most important of all, the
number of applications on file that year.
Each
college will navigate the process of reviewing applications
and selecting students differently.
In general, an admissions representative (usually
responsible for the applicant’s geographic region) does an
initial read of the application.
This reader reviews the application, documents
critical data, and recommends an admission decision.
The application either stands as it is, is passed to
another reader, or is presented to a panel of committee
members for further review.
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Some
factors that will influence an admission decision are:
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Academic
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Personal
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| Standardized
Tests |
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What
are Colleges Looking for?
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Every
school wants students who are academically prepared for the
rigors of college, often phrased, “students who can do the
work.”
Colleges are also looking for a student with a point
of distinction, such as: home region, ethnic background,
relation to an alumna, potential areas of study, and special
talents (such as athletics and music), etc.
Colleges want to bring to their campus the widest
possible range of backgrounds and talents.
Competitive
colleges are looking for candidates who are not only
qualified but are competitive.
Students and parents often want to know “What do I
need to have in order to get in?”
There is no clean answer and SAT scores and GPA are
just skimming the surface.
Many competitive colleges have thousands of qualified
candidates who meet or exceed the SAT and GPA averages.
However, a competitive candidate possesses
qualities that make them stand out, increasing their
attractiveness to a college.
Some of these qualities that can impact your
attractiveness to a certain college are:
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| Excellence
- Schools frequently look for someone who stands out in a
particular endeavor, especially one that is unique.
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| Courage
- A student who is able to maintain academic success
while dealing with adversity indicates the student has
already developed strong coping skills. |
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Community
Involvement - Do you make a contribution to your
school or larger community?
It is not only about what you can get out of college,
but also what you will give to it that admissions officers
consider.
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| Curiosity
– Schools notice students who do independent research and
take academic risks. |
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Motivation
- Self-starters and independent learners are well prepared
for the independence college requires.
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| Ability
to get along with others
- Most colleges require students to live on campus for a
certain period of time, most often sharing a small space
with at least one other person.
This will include sharing a bathroom with multiple
people.
Are you flexible?
Are you tolerant?
Can you voice an opinion without being dictatorial?
Do you know how to compromise? |
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All
About College Admissions Tests |
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Schools
will generally require the SAT I or ACT.
In making admission decisions, most schools will
consider the highest score you receive on either test.
Here is general information about the different tests
you can to take for college admission.
Consult with each school you are interested in to
find out which tests they require/prefer.
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Scholastic
Assessment Test (SAT I): offered by the College
Board
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The
SAT I is a three-hour test divided into two parts: math
and verbal. Most
students take the SAT I in May or June of their junior
year and can take it again their senior year if they
choose.
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The
SAT I is scored on a scale of 200-800 for both math and
verbal.
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SAT
IIs: offered by the College
Board
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SAT
IIs are one-hour, mostly multiple-choice subject tests,
measuring how much a student knows about a particular
academic subject and how well they can apply that
knowledge.
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We
recommend that students planning to apply to a
competitive four-year school (e.g., Harvard, Cornell,
Union, RPI) take the appropriate SAT IIs at the end of
grades 9, 10, and 11, at the close of the appropriate
course (e.g., chemistry SAT II at the end of the
chemistry course).
Most of these schools require three subject
tests, and one is usually writing.
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All
juniors who expect to apply to one four-year school as
an Early Decision applicant should take all
required tests by October of their senior year.
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The
Guilderland High School Test Center Code for the SAT is
33-468
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American
College Test (ACT): offered by ACT
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The
ACT is a three-hour test to assess a student’s general
educational development and the ability to complete
college-level work.
The test covers four skill areas: English,
mathematics, reading, and science. Most students take this in April or June of their junior
year.
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The
scores range from 1 to 36 for each of the four tests.
A composite score is also given (the average of
the four test scores).
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The
Guilderlnad High School Test Center Code for the ACT is
18044
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| Guilderland
High School's CEEB Code is 332210.
This code is used when filling out SAT/ACT forms,
Financial Aid and college applications. It identifies
Guilderland High School as your home school.
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How
Do I Find the Right Schools For Me?
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Examine
your own values.
Some factors, which you may want to consider,
are:
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Your
major or academic program of study
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Size
of the college
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Location
- local, in New York State, out of state, rural, urban
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Admissions
standards - highly competitive or otherwise
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Costs
- public schools, private schools, scholarship
opportunities
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Activities
- athletics, music, arts, etc.
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Discuss
your needs with your counselor.
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Use
local available references.
Spend some time in the Counseling Center and use
the resources available including Choices
(college and career planning computer program), college
catalogs, books, videos, and much more.
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Your
initial research of steps 1, 2 and 3 should yield between 5
and 25 colleges that seem to meet your needs. This
should be done in grade 11.
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Talk
to college representatives in the Counseling Center, at
college fairs and on college campuses during open houses
or individually scheduled visits.
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Discuss
colleges and costs with parents.
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Talk
to teachers, friends and college students.
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Be
sure to include one college where your chances for
admission are better than average and that you can
afford to attend.
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Steps
4 through 7 are used
during the summer and fall of seniors year to reduce
the list to 3 to 6 colleges. Applications should
be completed by Thanksgiving of the senior year.
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Applicants
are notified of acceptance (or rejection) between
December and April.
During the fall and winter of grade 12, continue
your research by taking another tour of the campus,
sitting in on a lecture, and talking to current
students.
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By
May 1st, a non-refundable deposit is required
to the college of your choice.
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Comparing
Different Colleges
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By researching colleges, you can create a comparison
chart.
Use factors that are most important to you (e.g.
location, size, academic programs).
Choices can
help you to quickly do this on the computer.
You can select which qualities in a school are most
important and find all the schools in the country that meet
your criteria.
Below is a sample comparison of local schools:
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Factors
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RPI
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SUNY
Albany
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Siena
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Sage
College of Albany
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HVCC
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Average
ACT Composite
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24-28
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22-26
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22-26
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20
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Varies
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Average
SAT
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V
600-660
M
660-720
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V
560-630
M
560-630
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V
530-590
M
530-590
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1000
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Varies
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SAT
IIs Required
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Varies
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No
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No
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No
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No
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Tuition
& Fees
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$
27, 170
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$
4, 820
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$
16, 945
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$
15, 070
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$
2,500
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Room
& Board
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$
8,902
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$6,
778
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$
7,030
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$
6,866
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N/A
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Selectivity
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Highly
Competitive
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Very
Competitive
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Competitive
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Liberal
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Open
Enrollment
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Visiting
College Campuses
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In
becoming acquainted with a college, the most important thing
you can do is visit the campus.
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Here
are some tips to follow when visiting a college:
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Call
the admissions office before you plan to visit, give two
weeks notice.
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Campus
tours should always be free and you can sometimes even
arrange for an overnight stay.
A tour should include a look at the facilities
(e.g. dormitories, cafeteria, athletic facilities,
library).
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If
a personal interview is offered, take advantage of this!
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After
the information session and campus tour, venture out on
your own: talk to students, have lunch, walk around,
etc.
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Research
the school beforehand and generate questions to ask that
are not answered in the catalogs and viewbooks.
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Most
of all, ask yourself: “Can
I picture myself at this school for four years?”
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The
following questions are just a sampling of the many
questions a perspective student might ask when touring a
college. Take advantage of the knowledge your tour guide
possesses - that is the reason he/she is there!
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- Do you accept AP or SUPA credits?
- On average, how large are classes?
- How helpful is the faculty? Do they
make themselves available to provide extra help? Are
they instructors or are they graduate students?
- Are tutors available? If so, are the
sessions at my expense?
- What are the computer resources?
e.g. Number of terminals, hours of availability, etc.
May I have a computer in my dorm?
- Are internships/co-ops available?
Can I receive credit for them?
- What kinds of work study (jobs on
campus) are available?
- Are there study-abroad programs? If
so, where?
- What is the job placement like for
students who graduated with my intended major?
- Does the college sponsor an
overnight program? (A current student serves as a
host/hostess for a prospective student, giving him/her
the opportunity to experience the dorms, dining hall,
classrooms and social life of the college.)
- Is housing guaranteed for all four
(two) years?
- What type of alternative housing is
available (e.g. quiet dorms)?
- How are roommates chosen freshman
year?
- Are most rooms doubles, triples? Are
singles available?
- What is the process of selecting a
room after freshman year?
- What are dorm visitation procedures?
- What percentage of the students are
commuter/resident?
- Is this a "suitcase"
college? (Do students pack up and leave on weekends?)
- What is the policy for students
possessing cars? Can freshman have them?
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When
Do I Apply?
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Each
college has its own application deadline and date when
admission decision letters are mailed.
Below are some general descriptions about the
different deadlines a student can apply under. Research your options carefully, reading each school’s
application to find out the different procedures and
deadlines.
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Regular
Decision or Regular Admission: There is
usually an application deadline in January of senior year.
The date admission decision letters are mailed
depends on the college’s schedule, but is usually in March
or April.
If admitted, the student is obligated to accept or
decline by May 1st.
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Early
Decision:
In this plan, the student makes a commitment
to attend this college if accepted.
The application deadline is generally between October
and November.
The admission decision letters are mailed at the end
of December.
This is only for students who are absolutely sure
that this is where they want to go to school.
Do not apply “early” anywhere before you have
seen the campus.
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Early
Action:
The application procedure is similar to that of Early
Decision, but there is no commitment to attend this college
if accepted.
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Early
Admission:
This is offered by some colleges and allows exceptional
students to enter the college before completing high school.
The student combines the senior year of high school
with the first year of college.
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Rolling
Admission:
You may apply any time before a specified date
and will receive a reply within a month or six weeks from
the date your completed application is received.
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Deferred
Admission:
The college accepts the student during the senior
year but allows a postponement of enrollment for one year.
Usually this is for special family situations, travel
or work.
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The
Application Process
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1.
GET THE APPLICATION:
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Apply
online at the college’s website.
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Request
the application directly from the college by contacting the Admissions
Office
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Use
the Common Application (when applicable), available in the Counseling
Center or online by clicking
here.
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Pick
up the SUNY application in the Counseling Center or online by clicking
here.
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HVCC
and SCCC applications are available in the Counseling Center.
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2.
COMPLETE THE APPLICATION:
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3.
DEVELOP YOUR ACTIVITIES
RESUME:
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Click
here to print a Sample Student Resume
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Click
here to print the Student Resume Worksheet
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Include
the resume with your completed application.
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Give a copy to your counselor.
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Update
your resume when needed.
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4.
REQUEST TWO TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
(if required):
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Request
recommendations at least 6 weeks
prior to the application deadline.
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Be
prepared to provide teachers with your activities resume.
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If
you apply online, you must print the teacher recommendation form(s).
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Fill
out the student portion of the teacher recommendation form.
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For
each school, provide the teacher(s) with:
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Colleges
expect that recommendations are confidential.
We recommend, that you check the box indicating you waive your
rights to see the recommendation.
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Write
the teacher a thank you note for writing your recommendation.
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5.
WRITE YOUR ESSAY (if
required):
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Proofread
for spelling and grammatical errors.
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Have another person review your essay.
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Adhere
to essay writing tips
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Include
the essay with your completed application
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Include
your name and social security number on every page.
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6.
GIVE YOUR COUNSELOR THE SCHOOL REPORT AND
MID
YEAR REPORT FORM (at least 2 weeks before the deadline):
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If
you apply online, you must
print this form and give it to your counselor.
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Fill out your portion with coursework and credits.
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We
recommend, that you check the box indicating you waive your rights to
see the recommendation so that they may
be submitted on a confidential basis.
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7.
BE AWARE OF TESTING REQUIREMENTS for each college:
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SAT
and ACT test scores are listed on the high school transcript.
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However,
some colleges require SAT and ACT scores be sent directly from the
College Board and/or ACT. The student must request these test
scores be released to the colleges by contacting the College
Board and/or ACT.
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8.
MEET THE COLLEGE’S
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
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E-mail
or mail each school’s completed application by the deadline.
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When applying online, the deadline often includes a date and time.
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9.
Colleges
will contact you for an INTERVIEW (if required).
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10.
SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIPS:
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11.
FILE
THE APPROPRIATE FINANCIAL AID FORMS:
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If
the CSS
PROFILE is required by any of your potential colleges, complete and
file.
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Complete the FAFSA
by the college’s stated deadline (but not before January 1st).
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Some
colleges have their own financial form that may also have to be
completed.
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Essay Writing
Tips
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Answer
the Question
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Remember Your Audience
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Keep
Your Topic Focused
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Avoid
Writing About a Common Topic in a Common Way
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Be
Natural
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Avoid
Gimmicks
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Be
sure you can spend ample time writing, revising, and having others
proofread your work so that you present the best essay possible.
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Interview Advice
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At
many colleges, an interview is desirable and sometimes required.
Here are some suggestions to help you through this process:
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In
arranging an interview, call the admissions office and suggest a date
several weeks in advance. Provide
alternate dates, if possible.
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Research the school and if possible, take another tour.
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Be
on time and dress appropriately. A
nice smile, a firm handshake and frequent eye contact will show that you
are focused and interested.
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Be
yourself. Interviewers
expect you to present unique opinions and react to questions and
proposed situations in your own way.
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Be
confident. Stay positive
and emphasize your strengths.
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Don’t
be sorry. Instead of
sounding apologetic of any mistake you made in high school, describe how
you turned bad experiences into valuable lessons.
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Ask
questions. Avoid questions
that are clearly answered in the catalog.
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Stay
on track. If asked an
unexpected question, answer clearly and honestly.
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Bring
an unofficial transcript (includes course marks, class rank, average and
college admission test scores) and your activities resume.
Your transcript
may be obtained from the Counseling Center.
Please give one week’s notice of your request.
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Be
ready to talk about yourself. The
interview is your opportunity to show the real person behind your
application. Talk about
what makes you unique and exceptional.
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Several
days later, take time to send a polite note thanking the interviewer.
Remember,
acquiring great interview skills now will benefit you later!
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Financial Aid
For College
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| What
Forms Should I Fill Out? |
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Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
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The
FAFSA is required by almost all schools to qualify for financial aid.
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File
your FAFSA not before January 1st of senior year.
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File
the FAFSA by mail or on-line
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Call
1-800-4FED-AID for help with the FAFSA and to find out specific
information about various federal student aid programs.
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CSS/Financial
Aid PROFILE:
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Program
of the College Board (they do not award any money)
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Many
schools require the PROFILE to award nonfederal student aid.
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Allows
you to give a complete picture of financial circumstances
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Not
required by all schools.
Contact the school to find out the deadline.
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Other
Forms:
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