Guidance department trinity high school
Do you need to choose a major before choosing a college?
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Do you need to choose a major before choosing a college?No. In most cases, you’ll have plenty of time to choose a major. Most colleges don’t require students to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year, and many students change their major at least once. Responsibilities in the College Selection Process Underlying Beliefs The college selection process is a collaborative process where balance must be achieved between a student’s aspirations and practicality. The college counselor takes into consideration a student’s interests, needs and abilities during the decision-making process. An open line of communication between a student, the counselor, and a student’s parents is necessary to help facilitate the best individual fit and match in a successful college search. The process is student-centered with appropriate family involvement and counselor support where the focus is on the individual student and what will serve her best in the college transition process. Student Responsibilities It is the student’s responsibility to take the initiative in becoming the leader in the college selection process. Counselors serve as expert resources for the student. While students can count on the support of their parents and counselor, they must be the ones to actually engage in the college selection and decision making process. Open communication is the key to a successful college search. A student should:
Parent Responsibilities The parent role is to provide support and encourage the student as she accepts responsibility for the college application process and final matriculation decision. Open communication is the key to a successful college search. A parent should:
College Counselor Responsibilities An experienced college counselor at Trinity High School shares their expertise with their students and parents. Each counselor participates in ongoing professional growth each year to remain current in trends, procedures and programs. The college counselor provides balance in the search and brings expertise to the college selection process. The college counselor will always serve his or her students in an ethical, fair, consistent and compassionate manner. Open communication is the key to a successful college search. Each counselor will:
What is Expected of College Freshmen Dr. Louise Hock, Associate Professor, Secondary Education, New York University, in an article, “Challenge to American Education.” “As a college professor, I would like my students:
HOW WELL DO YOU MEASURE UP IN THE FACE OF THESE CHALLENGES? The Importance of the High School Curriculum Criteria for college admission vary greatly; however, all colleges focus on the strength and quality of your high school curriculum. Course requirements for entrance into four different types of colleges are listed below. English (literature and composition courses) Mathematics (Trigonometry may be required) Algebra and geometry help you succeed on college entrance exams and in college math classes. Take them early, so you'll have time for advanced science and math, which will help show colleges you're ready for higher-level work. Most colleges want students with three years of high school math. The more competitive colleges prefer four years. Science (must be laboratory courses, biology, chemistry, physics) Science teaches you how to think analytically and how to apply theories to reality. Colleges want to see that you’ve taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. Social Studies Improve your understanding of local and world events by studying the cultures and history that helped shape them. Foreign Language (as many years of one language as one’s achievement skills allow is most desirable; i.e. 4 years of one language vs. 2 years of two different languages is the preferred option) You will hear many myths about which high school years count and which don’t. The truth is simple – they ALL count and affect your overall GPA. Sophomore and junior year are the most significant. Senior year is becoming increasingly important too. We’ve heard of “tragedies” where a student qualified for acceptance but was turned down after the college looked at first semester grades from her senior year (the mid-year report). Seniors should not take easy schedules or do poorly. You can’t afford to catch “Senioritis”! Public Universities Private 4-Year Colleges English ................................................ 4 years English ......................................... 4 years Mathematics ........................................ 3-4 years Mathematics ................................. 3-4 years Science ................................................ 3 years Foreign Language ........................ 2-4 years Social Studies ...................................... 3 years Science ......................................... 3-4 years Academic Electives ............................. 2 years Social Studies ............................... 3-4 years (Art, Foreign Language, Music or Academic Electives ...................... 2 years Vocational Education; i.e., Business, Family & Consumer Sciences and Industrial Technology)
English ................................................ 4 years Mathematics ........................................ 4 years Varies greatly from an open door Foreign Language ............................... 4 years admission policy to selective course (one language) requirements by the different departments. Lab Science ......................................... 4 years Social Studies ...................................... 4 years Academic Electives ............................. 2 years Please note: The academic prerequisites, typical of colleges in each of the categories listed, may change from year to year, and therefore, should be used only as general minimum guidelines. Many colleges look for candidates who take a more rigorous program and achieve successfully. Specific information is easily accessible on college admission websites and should be obtained directly from each college. College Selection Criteria Public vs. Private Colleges and Universities Public colleges are those that are largely supported by state funds. Private colleges are supported by tuition, endowment, and donations from alumni and friends. Usually they are more expensive than public colleges, but it does depend on the particular school. Also, private colleges often offer the best financial aid. When making your college list, you probably don’t want to restrict it to EITHER private OR public schools. You should seek out all colleges that offer what you’re looking for: academic departments, location, size, extracurricular activities, religious affiliation, as well as simply the right “feel.” The best way to determine if a school has this right “feel” is to visit campus when classes are in session and to try to talk (in person or via e-mail) with current students and recent grads. Size of Campus Large schools (15,000-50,000) usually offer many majors, extensive activities; large libraries, some large classes, perhaps nationally ranked athletic teams, and, often, limited housing space. Medium schools (5,000-15,000) usually offer smaller classes and more personal attention, fewer majors, smaller libraries, fewer total activities, but provide greater opportunities for participation in student activities and/or sports. Small schools (under 5,000) usually offer smaller classes, and provide more experiences in working directly with professors sometimes even in research. Majors are somewhat more limited, but there is more opportunity for participation and leadership in athletics, activities and social groups. Some small schools develop consortiums with schools nearby to enlarge academic and extracurricular opportunities. Admission Standards Compare your academic record with the high school performance of college freshmen admitted to the college(s) you are considering. Admission decisions for most colleges are usually based upon the quality of academic preparation in high school. Admission officers at highly competitive colleges look beyond GPA and test scores to evaluate: a. Pattern of academic course work b. Level of classes (Honors; AP; IB) c. Senior year curriculum (continued academic rigor is expected & maintaining academic standards). Some colleges will require essays and recommendations that reflect in-depth involvement in non-academic pursuits. Costs Consider total cost including books, fees, supplies, spending money, and travel expenses beyond the “Big Three” -- tuition, housing and food. While cost may be an important consideration, don’t let that entirely govern your college choices … at least initially. Commonly, the more a college costs, the more money there is to give away. So, while lower tuition may make public colleges and universities attractive to you, don’t give up on the pricier private schools that may provide good financial aid. Check the college website for the “net cost calculator.” Good Program Available in Desired Major Check college catalogs (often available on-line.) Talk to college representatives when they visit Trinity in the lunch room and attend evening college programs. Visit the college campus and major department. Individual Interests/Values Be sure that you choose a college environment and philosophy that reflect your individual needs to ensure your optimal success. This is known as good match between you and your college choice. Admission Competition Categories Colleges may consider several or all of the following factors in determining admission eligibility: pattern of high school coursework, grades in academic courses, test scores, college major, cumulative GPA, talents, leadership roles, community activities, evidence of exceptional motivation, letters of recommendation, and athletic involvement.
QUESTION TO ASK College Representatives Each year about 35-50 college representatives will visit Trinity High School during lunch to talk with prospective students. Most of these visits occur during the first semester and may be repeated in the spring. The representative with whom you visit may be the same individual who will determine your eligibility for admission. CAMPUS FACILITIES Housing and dining Is there something I should know about housing that would help me in my choice? What are the types of food plans? All you can eat? Activity centers and athletic and recreational facilities What kinds of facilities does the student center have? Is it a magnet for student activities? Are there other hangouts? How would you rate the fitness center? Health, career counseling, student services, security Is there a doctor, nurse, psychologist, or career counselor on campus? What is the waiting period for appointments? Is the office for special services adequate to the demand? How good is the security on campus? Library What have been students’ experiences with the library? Have there been complaints? Is the library well equipped with computers and copy machines? ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS What are the admission requirements? Ask for a copy of the college's current profile. Application When should I file my application for admission? What percentage of applicants are admitted? When does the college notify students of admission? Tests Do you accept both the ACT and the SAT Test as college admission exams? Do I need the SAT Subject Tests? What is the average test score for entering college freshmen? Financial Aid/Cost What is the estimated annual total cost? What are the sources of financial aid and scholarships? SOCIAL LIFE/CAMPUS ACTIVITIES What is it like to live in a dorm? What do students do for fun? What is the role of fraternities and sororities on campus? What are the dominant social groups on campus? Do the groups get along with one another? What role do team sports play in the social life of the college? What happens on football or basketball weekends? Is there a good balance of academics, social life, and extracurricular activities? What were the social or cultural highlights last year? What is the role of the campus newspaper? Is there an alcohol problem and, if so, how is the college handling it? What is the incidence of binge drinking? Do students feel safe on campus? STUDENTS How would you characterize the majority of students? Are there clubs, activities, or housing that are minority related? What do students like most about the college? Like least? Has the student government made any real contribution to the school? How do you get into student government? What political, social, or academic issues concerned students last year? How did the administration react? What was the resolution?
What is the population of the surrounding community? What is there to do in town? How would I get there? HOUSING How difficult is it to secure on-campus housing? What housing options are available? What is the cost? How do I apply? Is it a separate process from the admission application? How many students live on campus? ACADEMICS AND FACULTY Do I have to select a major when I apply for admission? Could I change it? What unique majors do you offer? Could I start at a community college and then transfer to this university? Education What is distinctive about education here? What is the educational philosophy of the college? What is the most popular major on campus? Do you think that students are generally enthusiastic about their classes? How would you characterize the academic pressure and workload? Faculty Are there research possibilities with the faculty? What is the quality of student and faculty relationships? Do faculty members participate in student activities? Curriculum Are curriculum changes in the works? How will that affect my college years? Are any departments being cut back or discontinued? If so, why? Are any new programs scheduled for the next four years? Campus Visits The college campus visit is one of the most helpful resources in your college planning. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first and the same goes for your college choice. Not only does the visit enable you to see the physical setting and facilities of the college, but it allows you to visit with students and faculty. Although visiting a college at any point is helpful, the most productive visits occur toward the end of your junior year and the beginning semester of your senior year. This is either when you are forming your "short list" of colleges or making your selection from that list. The visit also demonstrates your level of interest to the school. The visit can sometimes be a deciding factor for admission or getting off the wait list. You may want to visit the college(s) of choice again after you've been admitted, this time with a different intent and set of questions.
**Before you leave the campus, take the time to stand in the middle of the quad and try to imagine yourself being a student at that college. How does it feel to you? Is it someplace to which you can commit the next four years of your life? Does it have the academic and extracurricular facilities to provide you with the best learning/living experience? Is it in the setting that appeals to you (urban, suburban, rural)? Does it feel safe? You’ll often hear people say that when you are on the right campus, you will just know. WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER AND ASK DURING A COLLEGE VISIT? Instructional Services, Technology, and Equipment
Campus and Buildings
Housing and Dining Facilities
College Costs
College Atmosphere
Religious Facilities
Special and Recreational Facilities
Use the college comparison worksheet on the following page to organize your thoughts during a campus visit. COLLEGE COMPARISON WORKSHEET
Now rank the colleges above with the following scale: College #1______________________ not a good choice/fit for me great choice/fit for me College #2______________________ not a good choice/fit for me great choice/fit for me College #3______________________ not a good choice/fit for me great choice/fit for me Campus or Alumni Interview The Interview The importance of a campus or alumni interview varies from college to college. Highly competitive schools, in general, consider this interview important. Your presence on the campus and your readiness to talk about yourself and your college plans are important indications of your serious interest in the college. Check with the college admission office to determine whether an interview is required. The interview is, therefore, an opportunity for the college and you to get to know each other better. Take the interview seriously, but don’t overrate its importance. Here are some suggestions for the college interview:
The Alumni Interview A few colleges have developed elaborate alumni networks throughout the nation and use their well-organized alumni groups as interviewers of applicants. Several competitive schools consider this interview equal to the “on campus” interview. Sample Admission Interview Questions Below are some of the basic college admission interview questions. You can expect to be asked several questions from the list below so take some time to prepare thorough and thoughtful answers. Tell me about yourself. Who is your role model/greatest influence? Why do you want to go to this college? What do you read? What do you expect to gain from college? What are your hobbies? What do you plan to major in and why? Tell me about your extracurricular activities. Why are you a good match for this college, course? What did you do last summer? How did you decide what courses you want to take? What is your biggest achievement? What do you want to do after you graduate from college? Tell me about an obstacle that you overcame. What do you see yourself doing twenty years from now? How would your friends describe you? What were your favorite high school classes? What do you like to do best/least? What were your least favorite classes? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What would your teachers say are your best and worst strengths? What would you change about the world? Who was your favorite teacher? What would you change about high school? What would you do if you didn’t go to college? What do you think about (current event over the last week)? If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? College Application Process
The application is the initial step in applying to college. Information requested on the form will include biographical information, extracurricular information, work experience, academic and career plans, etc. Most colleges will require an application fee ranging anywhere from $20 to $100. It is important to be honest, thorough, attentive to directions, concise, and neat when completing the application. It is important that the student keep a copy of every application they submit for their records. On-Line Application
There are now over 500 Common Application members in 44 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Europe. They represent an enormously diverse variety of institutions: small and large, public and private, coed and single-sex, highly selective and relatively open enrollment. However, they all share a commitment to the mission of promoting access through holistic admission. Check the websites to see a list of schools that accept the Common Application. 
Paper Application
Many colleges (especially highly selective colleges) will ask the student to write an essay or personal statement. The college hopes to learn more about the student, assess their writing ability, as well as their ability to answer the question. Colleges want the essay to reflect the student, their interests and values. It will be used to better understand how the student thinks and writes. The essay will require a great deal of time and effort. This is your chance to put your “best foot forward” without boasting. It is strongly suggested that either your English teacher or counselor review and critique your essay before it is submitted. Remember to keep a copy for your records.
Some colleges will require one or two teacher recommendations to support your application.
After completing your portion of the college application, you should also complete a “Transcript Request” form for each college that you apply to. The form is available in the guidance office. The first transcript for a college application and scholarship is free of charge and each additional transcript is $3.00. Mid-year transcript reports are free of charge as well as the final transcript sent to the college which the student will matriculate. Complete the form, attach it to the completed application and other supporting documents if applicable, and return it to your counselor. The counselor or registrar will process the application/supporting documents, transcript, school profile, and letters of recommendation to each college either by mail or electronically using Naviance. In order to meet college admission deadlines and properly process your application, you are asked by the Trinity Guidance Department to submit transcript requests at least 2 WEEKS prior to each application deadline. October 16, 2015 is the final day to submit transcript requests for applications with a November 1st deadline November 13, 2015 is the final day to submit transcript requests for applications with a December 1st deadline. December 4, 2014 is the final day to submit transcript requests for applications with a January 1st due date.
SAT/SAT Subject Tests – www.collegeboard.com An additional fee will be incurred for each college. ACT – www.act.org An additional fee will be incurred for each college.
Personal Statements and Admissions Essay Source – www.collegeboard.org The personal statement or admission essay…
The real purpose of the essay is to demonstrate…
Choice and Topics Underlying all essay questions is choice. The essay question may be direct and ask you to choose something about yourself to discuss, or it may be indirect and require you to write about something such as an event, book, or quotation. The college regards your choices as a way to evaluate your preferences, values, mental processes, creativity, sense of humor, and depth of knowledge. The writing itself reflects your power of persuasion, organizational abilities, style, and mastery of standard written English. Here is what colleges look for: Preferences – Your essay topic reveals your preferences. Are you an arts person or a hard-facts science type? Values – Choice also reflects values. The person who drives a beat-up, rusty, 1971 Volkswagen is making a statement about how she wants to spend her money and what she cares about. We say, “That dress isn’t me” or “I’m not a cat person.” In choosing, you indicate what matters to you and how you perceive yourself. Thought-process – Choosing shows how you think. Are you whimsical (a person who chooses on impulse) or are you methodical, careful, a person who gathers background information before choosing? Questions about you and about career and college reflect these choosing patterns, and even a question about a national issue can show your particular thinking style, level of intelligence, and insight. Topics – The topics you select for your essay can also reveal much about who you are. Some of the best essays, the memorable and unusual ones are more focused topics. Essays about your family, softball team, trip to France, or twin can be effective as long as they are focused and specific: a single Christmas Eve church service, a meal of boiled tongue in Grenoble, dipping ice cream on a summer job, the game your team won. Recipe for a Draft – Sometimes the hardest part of writing a college admission essay is just getting started. Here is a quick 3 step exercise to get started. Step 1: think about yourself What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your best qualities? An intellectual? A creative type? Curious? Passionate? Determined? Ask yourself: “What do I want the college to know about me that will not be apparent in the rest of the application?” Step 2: choose a positive quality you’d like to convey to the admission committee Don’t pick an event or something you have done. President of the Nuclear Awareness Club is not a personal quality. Focus on a quality of your mind or of your character. Complete this sentence: “I am a very __ (insert adjective) __ person.” Step 3: tell a story Set a timer for 20 minutes. Pretend you’re taking an exam and the question is, “Tell a story about an experience or time when you showed you were a very _ (insert adjective from step 2) _ person.” Write or type non-stop for 20 minutes; force yourself to keep telling the story and what it reveals until the timer goes off. Good job! You have a rough draft for your application essay. Look at the college application forms and see what questions they ask. No matter what the questions are, you have already identified an important characteristic you want to convey to each college. Sample #1 (Personal Statement) Provide a one- to two-page essay on a subject that interests you. Tell us about an experience or a person who has influenced you, or explain your perspective on an issue about which you feel strongly. Inform us of any circumstances that you would like the admission review committee to consider. Sample #2 (Academic Personal Statement) The academic personal statement should be approximately 500 words and should address the following: a. State why you feel ___________ University is a good fit for your educational goals b. Identify and explain your academic strengths and weaknesses c. Explain any circumstances which affected your high school academic performance, if applicable Sample #3 (Common Application Questions)
Sample #4 (Wild Cards)
Writing the Essay (Information from DePauw University) Two goals to keep in mind when you are writing your essay are: to persuade the admissions representative that you are extremely worthy of admission and to make the admissions representative aware that you are more than a GPA and a standardized score, that you are a real-life, intriguing personality.
A few topics to avoid…
Hints to Organize Your Efforts Get organized If you are disorganized or tend to procrastinate, learn to present a picture of a student who:
Make sure you have a professional sounding email address. Complete and submit applications to more than one college unless you are absolutely sure of admission, matriculation, and an overall successful undergraduate experience at this one college. After consultation with their counselor, students should group applications in the following categories (individual circumstances vary):
Submit applications at the earliest possible date Make a good impression by applying early in the filing period. Early applicants often receive more attention than applicants just meeting the deadline. As a result, first applicants may have an edge when it comes to admission. Such is especially true of “rolling admission process” colleges. Our Guidance Department recommends that all out-of-state public universities‟ applications be submitted as early in the fall of senior year as possible, and no later than the end of October.
Make sure your applications are neat and correct. It is impossible to be too neat but easy to be careless and make a poor impression. Explain any circumstances affecting your high school performance, why you chose to apply, and clarify your special talents and extracurricular activities if appropriate. A strong essay is very important Many colleges require an essay as part of the college application. The following are some helpful suggestions:
Recommendations may be required; plan ahead Request them early! Ask your teachers to give the completed recommendation letter to your counselor. A rushed recommendation may not be in your best interest. Make sure your college file is complete After the application filing period, call the college admission office (or check online) and ask if any materials are needed to complete your file (test scores, transcript, recommendations, etc.). Take the time to leave a good impression If you have made an appointment for a college tour, keep it. If you have had a tour, write and thank the college admission officer. They do “keep track” of interested students. Notify colleges of your final selection as soon as possible In the spring of your senior year, it is important to notify colleges that have offered you admission that you will not matriculate and thank them for your consideration. Such courtesies do help future Trinity High School applicants. SAMPLES FOR COLLEGE CORRESPONDENCE (Usable in computer/email or U.S. mail format) Request for information and scholarships Your name Your street address City, State, ZIP
Name of College City, State, ZIP
(your signature) your name typed
College Acceptance Your name Your street address City, State, ZIP
Name of College City, State, ZIP
(your signature) your name typed
Early Decision Acceptance A student who is accepted to a college through an early decision agreement must withdraw all other applications to colleges. The student should notify the colleges in writing and give copies of the letters to their counselor. Rejection of College Acceptance Your name Your street address City, State, ZIP Date Director of Admission Name of College City, State, ZIP
(your signature) your name typed
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