College Advising Program

HANDBOOK FOR

SENIORS

2018 -19

Notes:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE BASICS …………..………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………......Page 1-9

Take Control of the process …………………………………..……...................................................... Page 1

Take Academics Seriously ……………………………….……………………………………………………………… Page 2

Open a Naviance Student Account …………………………………………………………………………………..Page 2

Complete On-Line Senior Questionnaire …………………..……………………………………………………. Page 2

Senior Meeting with College Counselor ………………………….………………………………………………. Page 3

Choose Colleges Carefully ……………………………………….……………………………………………………… Page 3

Don’t Forget About UMASS and other Public options …………….………………………………………. Page 3-4

Admissions Standards for Massachusetts State Colleges ………..………………………………………. Page 5

Community Colleges ……………………………………..……………………………………………………………….. Page 6-7

Athletics ………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………… Page 8

Specialty Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 8

Visiting Colleges …………………………………………………….……………………………………………………….. Page 8 .

College Visits to ARHS ……………………………………….……………………………………………………………. Page 8

College Fairs ………………………….……………………...………………………………………………………………. Page 8

College Planning Workshops and Programs at ARHS……………………………………………………….. Page 9

APPLICATION PROCEDURES……………………………………...…………………………………………………………………. Page 10-14

Getting Started …………………………………………………….……………………………………………………….…Page 11

Standard School Information for College Applications……..…….………………………………………..Page 12 Naviance .…………………………………………..………..………………………………………………………………… Page 12

Common Application …………….………………………………..……………………………………………………... Page 13

Coalition Application …………………….…………………..……………………………………………………………. Page 14

Application Deadlines ……………………………………..……………………………………………………………… Page 13

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS ……….…………………..………..…………………………………………………...............Page 15-25

Which Test Should You Take? …………………………..……..…………………………………………………….. Page 15

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS (continued)

Test Preparation ………………………………..…………..….………………………………………………………….. Page 15

Sending Scores, Score Choice and Superscoring ……………..…...………………………………………... Page 16

Test Waivers for Students with Special Needs ………………..………………………………………………. Page 16

Testing Accommodations …………………………………..…………………………………………………………… Page 17

Fee Waivers …………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………… Page 17

Photo Requirements ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 17

TOEFL ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 17

SAT Registration Deadlines ……………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 18

ACT Registration Deadlines …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 18

New SAT to Old SAT to ACT Concordance Tables …………….……………………………………………… Page 19

Test Optional Colleges ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 20

FINANCIAL AID ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 22-33

Procedures ……………………………………………………….….………………………………………………………….Page 22

Deadlines and Dates ………………………………………..….……….………………………………………………….Page 23

Loan Repayment …………………………………………..……………………………………………………………….…Page 23

Scholarships and Tuition ………………………………….……………………………………………………………...Page 24

General Advice …………………………………………………...………………………………………………….……….Page 24 Deciding to Apply Under and Early Action/Early Decision Program ….…………………………………….….Page 25 Calculating Your GPA ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………….…Page 28 Things to Do Senior Year ………………………………………………….………………………………………………………….Page 29 Twelve Most Common Mistakes Made in the College Admission Process ……………………………….…Page 32 College Advising Overview ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 33-34 Application Tracker………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 35-36 Important Dates for Seniors ……………………………………………………………………….Inside back cover/back cover

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AMHERST REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE ADVISING PROGRAM

THE BASICS

This handbook contains vital college admission information. For additional materials, including excellent articles on various admission topics, look in the document library in Naviance. Congratulations on earning senior status!

If you have any interest in applying to two or four-year colleges for admission this year, there are a number of things that you will need to do, or think about, very soon. They are defined in this handbook. It contains a lot of important information. Please read it carefully, share it with your parents/guardians and keep it for future reference. If you plan well and do things early you will cut down on stress. Remember that your best work is rarely thrown together at the last minute. You will want to show your best self in your college and scholarship applications. 1. Take Control of this Process.

The college admissions process offers you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and to decide what is most important to you and your family. It’s all about finding the best fit. You want to attend a college that will inspire you to grow personally and intellectually, and to work to your potential. Think about the following questions as you proceed through this process:

Why is going to college important to you?

How far from home do you want to be?

How important are financial considerations? How much debt are you willing to take on?

In terms of size, rigor, pace and depth, what kind of academic environment works best for you?

What kind of academic major(s) are you looking for? If unsure, what might you want to explore?

How important are location and surroundings to you? Why?

What about beginning at a community college?

How important are the characteristics of the student body regarding diversity, activism, ideology, religion, conformity, school spirit, to you?

Do you want Greek life (fraternities and sororities) or do you have an aversion to it?

What kind of athletic or other extra-curricular experiences are you seeking?

Do you need easy access to public transportation?

How important is it that your classes are of a particular size or taught by professors?

Are you looking for a particular type of study abroad program?

Would “single sex” education be good for you?

Do you need special services of any kind?

Do you need a guarantee that you will be able to graduate in four years?

Do you want a co-op program or a strong emphasis on pre-professional internships?

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You can find the fit you are looking for in colleges that are likely admits for you as well as in more selective colleges. Your goal should be to find at least one foundation school – that is a college that you like, that you will be able to afford, and to which you are reasonably certain that you will be admitted. More than one is a good idea, giving you a choice if more selective schools do not work out. Choosing foundation schools is your most important job! It may involve some compromise! All questions are good questions. It is important for you to seek help from the college advisor and your guidance counselor. None of your classmates has ever gone through this process before and everyone is different, so you probably should not count on your peers to provide enlightened answers to the questions you have. Explore your options; visit campuses; go to classes; talk to college students and professors; ask about college life, academics, extracurriculars, internships, job placement; meet with college representatives who visit ARHS. Discuss your questions and observations with people who are important to you. You may find that you keep changing, and that you are thinking differently next April than you are now. This process of self-discovery and growth can be stressful, but it should also be enjoyable.

You might want to sign up for some free e-mail services to aid you in your thinking about this process.

The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority at www.mefa.org provides free, short bi-monthly newsletters on college admissions and financing.

Peter Van Buskirk’s free weekly college planning blog at www.bestcollegefit.com/blog/ offers worthwhile commentaries on a variety of timely Topics.

Lynn O’Shaughnessy, author of The College Solution, sends worthwhile blogs from her website, thecollegesolution.com.

2. Take your academics very seriously this year.

Colleges are interested in your senior year courses and grades because they want to know that you are ready to do the kind of work they will expect. Start out very strong so you will look your academic best.

We will send colleges your transcript and the most recent grades we have at the time you apply. This will likely be your first semester Progress Report.

We will also send a mid-year report with your first semester grades to all colleges to which you apply, even if you have already been admitted.

3. Open a Naviance Student account at student.naviance.com if you have not already done so.

Encourage your parents/guardians to open their own accounts. See either Miss Garrity in room 101 or Mrs. Tracy in room 309 if you need help. Use Naviance to learn about yourself, careers, colleges and scholarships. Take the personality and career interest inventories. Investigate recommended careers. Do the Advanced college search. Sign up for college visits to ARHS. Complete questionnaires, request that transcripts and recommendations be sent on your behalf.

4. Complete the online “Senior Questionnaire for College Conference” (different from the Junior

Questionnaire) under “About Me”. This form provides information we need for advising you and writing counselor recommendations required by many colleges. It is a long form that can be saved and completed over time. Meetings with the college advisor will not be scheduled and required counselor recommendations will not be written without it. There is also a Parent Questionnaire in parent accounts.

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5. Schedule Senior Meetings with the College Advisor and your counselor

After completing the questionnaire, schedule a meeting ASAP with Myra Ross, the ARHS college advisor, regardless of how clear your post-high school plans are. This meeting is important, whether or not you had a junior college meeting. There are ideas and strategies that should be reviewed to help you get the best results from this process. If you are confused about what you want to do after you graduate, this conference should help.

If you are applying to a four-year college, schedule a meeting with your counselor ASAP to discuss your recommendation.

6. Choose Colleges Carefully:

College admission has become very competitive. Unfortunately, many students spend most of their college search time looking at reach schools, and a few that they consider to be likely admits. Even if your favorite colleges admit you, they might not offer the financial aid you need.

Build your college list from the bottom, with a strong foundation. Find at least one college that you like, can afford and where you are almost sure to be admitted. Having more than one college in this category is a good idea! Once you have done that, you can feel safe in applying anywhere you like.

To find colleges that are likely to admit you, search for colleges that have the programs, location, environment, size, majors, activities… that you are looking for, but plug in lower GPA and SAT numbers than those you have earned. You will likely find merit scholarships, honors programs and other attributes that appeal to you.

You might want to do your own college searches before meeting with me this fall. This would be especially wise if you have changed your mind about anything since you first met with me. Here are some online addresses at which you can do free searches. They might generate some new ideas to discuss at your senior college meeting.

www.student.naviance.com/colleges/advancedsearch

www.collegeboard.org Use the “Big Future” college search and more.

www.collegedata.com has a college search and information on financial aid, scholarships and more

www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator National Center for Education Statistics provides data on many topics pertinent to the college search.

www.petersons.com Click "High School Students;" then "Find a School")

There are many excellent college search books on the market as well. Browse through a bookstore and find one or two that seem to speak to you. You might want to purchase different books from your friends so you can exchange.

7. UMass and other Massachusetts public options:

Read websites. Take tours and attend information sessions. UMass hosts several Fall Visit Days programs throughout the fall. You must complete their online registration form at https://www.umass.edu/admissions/fall-visit-days-2018 in advance. There are many wonderful opportunities at UMass. Even though it is in your own back yard, there is a lot you don’t know about it.

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UMass has a non-binding early action program with a deadline of November 1, November 20 for transcripts, recommendations and test scores. If you are considering attending UMass, your SAT score on the new SAT is above 1200 or your ACT score is at least 25, and you have had solid steady grades while in high school with a UMass weighted GPA of greater than 3.3 (add .5 to the numerical equivalent of your ARHS grades for honors classes and 1.0 for AP or college courses to determine your UMass weighted GPA), why not get your application out early? If you are admitted, you have until May 1 to accept the offer. If you are deferred, your application will be reconsidered later, and you will know that you need to work hard on your schoolwork and also apply elsewhere.

The UMass regular decision application deadline is January 15. They must receive all transcripts, recommendations and test scores by February 1. Make sure you request your test scores on time. Every year, a few ARHS students jeopardize UMass admission by failing to send scores on time.

Commonwealth Honors College is highly regarded nationally. If your UMass weighted GPA is above 4.0 and your SAT score without writing is at least 1350 or your ACT composite score is at least 31, you may be eligible and should definitely explore the program.

UMass regional campuses in Lowell, Dartmouth and Boston may also be attractive options for you. They offer engineering, business and nursing programs as well as some that are not available here. They are somewhat less expensive and have lower admission standards than UMass Amherst. They also offer large merit scholarships to very strong students who apply under the early action program (deadlines in November).

Massachusetts state university campuses in Bridgewater, Fitchburg, Framingham, Salem, Westfield, Worcester, and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, may also be good options. Their cost is lower still and admission is usually easier. The Massachusetts College of Art and Design is one of few public art schools in the country.

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Admissions Standards from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education The admissions standards for the state colleges and UMass emphasize a strong academic high school background so that students enter college ready to learn. These standards represent minimum requirements; meeting them does not guarantee admission, since campus officials consider a wide range of factors in admissions decisions. Students shall have fulfilled all requirements for the high school diploma or its equivalent upon enrollment. It is important to note that admissions standards for the state’s community colleges differ. Community colleges may admit any high school graduate or GED recipient. This policy frames minimum standards for admission to Massachusetts state colleges and UMass. Institutions are free to set higher standards and/or to impose additional requirements. In any case, meeting minimum standards for admissibility does not guarantee admission for any applicant. The final decision on accepting an applicant rests with the individual campus.

Freshman Applicants

The admissions standards for freshmen applicants have two main parts:

1. 17 required academic courses.

2. A minimum required grade point average (GPA) earned in college preparatory courses completed at the time of application.

Applicants must also submit an SAT or ACT score.

Academic Course Requirement

Seventeen college preparatory courses distributed as follows are required. (A course is equivalent to one full school year of study. Courses count toward the distribution only if passed.)

♦ English 4 courses ♦ Mathematics 4 courses (Algebra I & II and Geometry or Trigonometry, or comparable coursework) including mathematics during the final year of high school ♦ Sciences 3 courses with laboratory work ♦ Social Sciences 2 courses (including 1 course in U.S. History) ♦ Foreign Languages 2 courses (in a single language) ♦ Electives 2 additional courses (from the above subjects or from the Arts & Humanities or Computer Sciences)

Minimum Required Grade Point Average (GPA) The GPA must be achieved based on all college preparatory courses completed at the time of application and should be weighted for accelerated (Honors or Advanced Placement) courses. The required minimum weighted high school GPA is 3.0 for the four-year public campuses. Applicants who meet the GPA requirement do not have to use the sliding scale for admission, but still must submit SAT or ACT test scores for consideration if they are applying to a state college or UMass within three years of high school graduation. If an applicant’s GPA falls below the required minimum, a sliding scale will apply.

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SAT Score Sliding Scale Tables for the University of Massachusetts

SAT- SAT administration after March 2016 Required SAT or ACT scores for freshman

applicants to UMASS

Campuses

Weighted

Average GPA

Combined

SAT Score

(Critical

Reading and

Mathematics)

ACT Score

2.51 - 2.99 1030 20

2.41 - 2.50 1070 21

2.31 - 2.40 1110 22

2.21 - 2.30 1140 23

2.11 - 2.20 1180 24

2.00 - 2.10 1220 25

SAT Total Score Sliding Scale Tables for State Universities

NEW SAT - SAT administration after March 2016 Required SAT or ACT scores for freshman

applicants to State Universities

Campuses

Weighted

Average GPA

Combined

SAT Score

(Critical

Reading and

Mathematics)

ACT Score

2.51 - 2.99 990 19

2.41 - 2.50 1030 20

2.31 - 2.40 1070 21

2.21 - 2.30 1110 22

2.11 - 2.20 1140 23

2.00-2.10 1180 24

APPLICANTS WHO ARE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

An English language learner or limited English proficient student is defined as a student who does not speak English (or whose native language is not English) and is not currently able to perform ordinary classroom work in English, or a student who was identified as an English language learner or limited English proficient student at any point during his or her high school career. Students who were English language learners during high school must complete all required high school level academic courses with two exceptions:

1. They may substitute up to two academic electives based on the Massachusetts 2. Curriculum Frameworks for the two required foreign language courses; and they may

substitute up to two years of English as a Second Language courses for English courses.

APPLICANTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES

Applicants with professionally diagnosed and documented learning disabilities (documentation must include diagnostic test results) are exempt from taking standardized tests for admission to any public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth. However, these applicants must complete all required academic courses and earn a minimum average GPA of 3.0 or present other evidence of the potential for academic success.

Note: an applicant with learning or other disabilities may substitute two academic electives based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for the two required foreign language courses if s/he has submitted to the high school the results of an evaluation, completed within the past three years, that indicates a specific diagnosis of a learning disability that affects the ability to learn a foreign language.

Eligibility for admission is not an entitlement of admission for any applicant, including learning disabled students.

8. Community Colleges, Associate Degree Granting Colleges and Technical Schools:

There are many outstanding and low cost two-year public colleges for general liberal arts or specialized programs, including many in STEM fields, or one-year certificate programs for specific professional/vocational interests. These include transfer and career programs. Talk with the college advisor about them.

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“Articulation” (automatic transfer) agreements (exist between Massachusetts community colleges and MA state universities and UMass campuses.

Ask about the MassTransfer program, which guarantees smooth transfer of credits from the community college to a Massachusetts public university. See a community college transfer advisor early on to be sure you are taking classes that will transfer.

The Commonwealth Commitment program offers substantial savings for students who complete an Associate’s Degree in 2.5 years and then transfer full-time to a 4yr MA public university, completing the Bachelor’s Degree in two additional years. See http://www.mass.edu/masstransfer/macomcom/home.asp for more information.

The Tuition Advantage Program at Massachusetts community colleges allows students with a 3.0 GPA at the community college level to receive a tuition discount or waiver at the Massachusetts state universities or UMass campuses.

Additionally, some private colleges, including Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Cornell and others actively seek outstanding students from community colleges.

Representatives from Greenfield, Holyoke and Springfield Technical community colleges will

visit ARHS to meet with interested students both in the fall and spring. They will also offer “Decision Day” programs for official admission and advice at ARHS in early February.

All students enrolling at community colleges in Massachusetts must take the Accuplacer, an untimed, computerized placement test. We highly recommend that students prepare before scheduling the real thing. Comprehensive Accuplacer Preparation materials are available in the ARHS library and online at accuplacer.collegeboard.org.

9. Athletics:

If you are hoping to participate in Division I or Division II athletics, you MUST be certified as eligible by the NCAA. Coaches may not want to talk to you seriously unless they know that you are eligible. If you are applying to Division III schools only, you do not need to register with the NCAA.

For general information about college athletics, go to ncaa.org.

To apply for eligibility, go to www.eligibilitycenter.org. There is a registration fee. Fee waivers are available for students on the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. You may request one when registering with NCAA. You must notify a guidance secretary that you have requested a waiver in order for it to be processed.

NCAA registration involves three steps on eligibilitycenter.org: 1) Complete the registration; 2) request a transcript; 3) Complete the amateurism survey. There is also one step in Naviance -- request that we send your transcript to the NCAA (“colleges/transcripts/request transcripts). Additionally, you must send your SAT or ACT scores officially from the testing companies to the NCAA (code 9999). At the end of your senior year you will also need to complete a second amateurism survey and request that we send your final transcript to the NCAA after you graduate.

Do not assume that a coach can get you into a college regardless of whether your grades and test scores are competitive there. Remember, admissions officials admit students. Ask an interested coach to get a read on your admissions prospects from the admissions office. If it looks good, talk to the coach and financial aid office to learn as much as you can about what it would cost you to attend.

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10. Specialty Programs:

Many colleges have specialized services for students with learning differences (disabilities), for students whose primary language is not English and for students with other needs for specialized services. If you need special services it is a good idea for you to visit the appropriate office at colleges in which you are interested before applying, and certainly before accepting an offer of admission. Discuss your needs for accommodations or special services with the college advisor. See the excellent article in the Naviance Document Library for more information. Translators for college advising sessions are available upon request.

11. Visiting colleges:

We urge you to visit as many colleges as you can before applying. This will help you narrow your choices so you don’t apply to colleges that you dislike! Check the open house or visit schedule, found on the admissions page of a college website. Most colleges will ask you to make reservations for your visits and/or interviews. If interviews are offered, try to arrange one. Ask if you can sit in on classes. Take tours and attend information sessions. Eat in the cafeteria. Grab a campus newspaper. Talk to students not working for the Admissions Office. Contact professors in your areas of interest. After your list is narrowed down, you may want to arrange overnight visits so you can stay in the dorm and use campus facilities.

Many colleges state explicitly that they care about demonstrated interest. College admissions officials know who has visited and sometimes wonder why someone who they believe easily could have visited did not do so. Some colleges will not admit students who live relatively nearby and do not visit! (Smith, Mount Holyoke, Connecticut College the University of Rochester, and many more, expect students to visit and interview.) Even if your GPA and test scores are sky-high you likely will not be admitted to these colleges if you do not visit and interview.

12. College Visits to ARHS:

Over 100 college representatives will provide group information sessions in the ARHS Guidance Office throughout the fall. Representatives are often the Admissions personnel who will evaluate your application. At the very least, stop by and say hello! Parents are invited to attend. The schedule will be posted in Naviance Student as it evolves and in the weekly ARHS PGO newsletter. Look often for new additions.

In Naviance, sign up for visits in view college visits under my colleges. On the day before a scheduled visit, Naviance should e-mail a Reminder notice. You do not need to sign up through Naviance to attend. You must get a pink pass from a Guidance secretary to attend a college visit, and must sign in at the Guidance desk. Three proven absences for college visits are exempt from the ARHS attendance policy.

13. College Fairs:

NACAC Western New England University College Fair; Sunday, September 16, 2018; 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.; Alumni Healthful Living Center. Info session on admissions and financial aid at 12:00 p.m. Register at NEACAC.org (not required).

NACAC Performing and Visual Arts College Fair; Wednesday, November7, 2018; Emmanuel College, Yawkey Center, 410 The Fenway, Boston; 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Register in advance at www.gotomypvafair.com. Click the fair city you wish to attend. Complete all required fields and SUBMIT. Print out the barcode and bring it to the fair. College representatives will scan it. You won’t need to fill anything out.

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14. College Planning Workshops and Programs:

Event Date/Location

ARHS Workshop for Early Decision/Action Candidates and Parents/Guardians: Panelists are Amherst College admissions and financial aid experts.

Thursday, September 20, 2018, 2:30 pm -3:30 pm Location: ARHS Choral Room

Hampshire County Essay Writing Workshop offered by Smith College Director of Admissions: this event is sponsored by Smith College Alumnae Association.

Monday, October 1, 2018, 7:00-8:30 pm Location: Smith College Campus Center, Carroll Room

ARHS Financial Aid workshop for Parents and Students: Financial aid experts from Amherst College and UMass will provide substantial information about financial aid -- completing FAFSA and CSS Profile and more

Tuesday, October 2, 2018, 7:00-8:30 pm Location: ARHS library

ARHS College Admission Night for Seniors and Parents/Guardians: Panelists are admissions experts from area colleges. They will discuss applying to different kinds of colleges, essay writing, general application preparation, and transferring

Tuesday, October 9, 2018, 7:00-8:30 pm Location: ARHS library

FAFSA Completion Workshop: Local financial aid officers will assist families in completing the FAFSA. Bring 2017 W2’s and tax returns – leave with an almost completed financial aid application. Get FSAID (fafsa.ed.gov) for student and parent in advance

Thursday, October 25, 2018; 7:00 pm Location: ARHS library

Athletes and College Recruiting: Athletic Director Rich Ferro and a panel of experts will explain athletic recruiting procedures and offer suggestions to students hoping to participate in college athletics.

TBA 7:00 pm Location: ARHS library

Essay Day: Get feedback on your essay drafts from trained Amherst College students; Sign up in Guidance for individual 30-minute sessions.

TBA during the week of November 5, 2018

ARHS Parent Center "Evening Coffee”: College Advisor Myra Ross will make a presentation and answer questions about the college admissions process. Although this is not designed for senior parents, it is an opportunity to ask lingering questions, and it’s never too late to get started!

Thursday, November 8, 2018; 7:00-8:00 p.m. Location: ARHS library

MEFA After the Acceptance workshop: Learn to understand your award letters, loans and how to think about your college decision

Early April, TBA Location: ARHS library

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APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Over 1500 college and scholarship applications will be submitted by the senior class. Seniors work closely with the Guidance secretaries in 101 and 309, who send transcripts, teacher and counselor recommendations, mid-year reports, final transcripts and other documents to colleges. 1. Open a Naviance account at student.naviance.com if you have not already done so. Complete the

Senior Questionnaire for College Conference, different from the Junior Questionnaire.

2. Be careful with your name! Your name must be the same on all application materials so college officials know that you are you! PowerSchool, Naviance, your Common or Coalition Application account, your SAT and ACT accounts, and your financial aid forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile) must match the name on your Social Security card. If there are errors, you must correct them ASAP.

3. All parents/guardians (or students over 18) must sign our lime green “Release of Application Materials” form before any information or recommendations can be submitted to colleges. Once the signed form has been returned to the Guidance Office, the student will be given access to the feature that allows them to request that transcripts be sent in Naviance.

4. Be sure to meet with your guidance counselor about your counselor recommendation at least three weeks before your first application deadline.

5. Check the website for each college you will apply to for instructions about sending SAT or ACT scores. An increasing number of colleges allow self-reported scores now. Send official score reports only to the colleges that require them. Some colleges will accept scores e-mailed from the high school, but not from you. You must complete the purple “Send Scores from ARHS” form to request that service.

6. Formally request your recommendations in Naviance once teachers have consented to write for you. See Naviance tasks below.

7. If you take any college courses while in high school, you must request that an official transcript be sent from that college to all colleges to which you apply.

8. Colleges will ask for your e-mail address. They will use it to communicate with you about matters

related to your application status. We strongly urge you to use a “professional” e-mail address for this purpose; avoid “cute” or worse! You might want to create a separate account for applications and share it with your parents. That way, you will likely receive all communications in a timely manner. Try not to use your school account. Also, remember that colleges may call your cell phone if you provide that number to them. Keep your greetings professional as well. Of course, be very careful about what is on social media sites about you. Things you think are funny might come back to bite you.

9. After you submit applications, frequently check the e-mail address you provide to colleges or the

online portals provided to you by colleges after you apply. Failure to respond to communications from Admissions or Financial Aid Offices can cause denials of admission or financial aid. It has happened!

10. Weighted GPA for Merit-based Aid: Some colleges award merit scholarships based on standardized

test scores and/or a student's GPA. Sometimes colleges recalculate GPAs when standardizing high school reporting systems. Some colleges do not recalculate, and use the GPA provided by the high school to make merit scholarship determinations. In such cases, ARHS will provide a weighted GPA upon written request from a senior. We will use the numerical system set by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, adding .5 to the point value for each honors class and 1.0 for each AP class. Since college classes are not in our GPA, they will not be included in the weighted GPA. Students who would like us to send colleges a weighted GPA MUST send an e-mail to Myra Ross (rossm@arps.org). This request MUST include either a link to a written statement from a college

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website, or a forwarded e-mail from a college admissions official stating that the college considers the GPA as provided by the high school, either weighted or unweighted, in making merit scholarship determinations. We will provide your weighted GPA only for purposes of increased merit aid, not for purposes of admission. We will not provide either a weighted or unweighted class rank.

11. Standard School Information for College Applications: On your college applications you will be required to enter the name of the counselor who will be writing your recommendation under “School contact.” Look in your Naviance Profile, in the “About Me” section under “Official Information.” See a Guidance secretary if you believe there is an error.

Counselor Email Phone

Ericka Alschuler alschule@arps.org 413-362-1781

Sherry Balzano balzanos@arps.org 413-362-1793

Kelly Larcheveque larchevequek@arps.org 413-362-1716

Alessandra Mucci-Ramos ramosa@arps.org 413-362-1782

Myra Ross rossm@arps.org 413-362-1720

Lisa Zephyr* zephyrl@arps.org 413-362-1784

* Department Head

Guidance Secretary Room Email Phone

Crystal Hope Garrity Room 101 garrityc@arps.org 413-362-1720

Cathy Tracy Room 309 tracyc@arps.org 413-362-1715

ARHS Address: 21 Mattoon Street Amherst, MA 01002

ARHS CEEB and ACT code: 220015 Date of Graduation for the Class of 2019: June 7, 2019

12. Naviance Tasks:

You will use Naviance Student to request transcripts and recommendations for the colleges you apply to this year. You will be able to track materials that are sent electronically through Naviance. We will send materials electronically to most colleges. Some colleges cannot accept electronic submissions so we will send paper documents to them. After making arrangements for teacher recommendations in person, select your recommending

teachers in Naviance under “colleges/letters of recommendation.”

To request that we send ARHS transcripts and recommendations to your colleges, go to student.naviance.com/colleges/applying-to and select your colleges.

Select your application type from the list. For the Coalition Application, select “send directly to the college.”

Click separately to request the transcript once you have selected a college.

Select the correct deadlines for all of your colleges in Naviance. We are deadline-driven in sending application materials. If your deadlines are missing or incorrect, your materials will likely be sent late. When in doubt about deadlines or when you have a special departmental deadline (audition, portfolio, or for physical therapy or nursing at some colleges), see Miss Garrity in room 101 or Mrs. Tracy in room 309 for help. Indicating deadlines correctly is critically important.

Be sure that every request that you make in Naviance is accurate. If you change your mind before materials are sent, indicate that change in Naviance. If you delete colleges and then want to put them back, use the “RESTORE” feature. See Mrs. Tracy or Miss. Garrity if this applies to you.

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We will charge $4.00 for each transcript we submit for college admission or scholarships, either electronically or via U.S. Mail. Fees will be collected in May. If you are approved for free or reduced-price lunch, all fees are waived.

13. Common Application:

The Common Application (CA) will be accepted by more than 700 colleges, including all UMass campuses. Find it at www.commonapp.org.

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT!!!! DO NOT INVITE ANY ARHS TEACHERS THROUGH THE COMMON APPLICATION. Invite them THROUGH NAVIANCE ONLY. IF YOU SOMEHOW MAKE A MISTAKE, YOU MUST, MUST, SEE A GUIDANCE SECRETARY, WHO CAN FIX IT. If a teacher submits a recommendation through the Common Application, we cannot electronically send any recommendations from that teacher to any Common Application college!!!

Be sure to record your CA username and password for easy reference.

The CA must be connected electronically with Naviance so all school forms can arrive at your colleges. To achieve this:

Be sure there is at least one college selected in both the Common App and in Naviance.

Complete the FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) statement, located in the Common Application, under “assign recommenders.” You must answer ALL questions in the Education section of the CA before you can complete the FERPA waiver. Your school materials cannot be sent until you do it. You CANNOT CHANGE YOUR FERPA STATUS ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THIS STEP. BE CAREFUL to choose the same confidentiality status that you chose on the paper forms you gave your teachers.

Go into Naviance “Colleges I’m Applying to” and enter your CA e-mail address and your date of birth (which will likely come up automatically) into a blue box called “Common App account matching.” Subsequently, all Common Application Colleges to which you apply must be selected in both Naviance and on the Common Application.

Your main essay MUST be between 250 and 650 words and must be pasted into a text box. You must respond to one of the seven prompts on the CA! Formatting may be lost in pasting. Review your pasted essay to make sure it looks correct. Try uploading from Notepad if you are having trouble, or contact the CA Applicant Support Center.

Note that many colleges will require supplemental short answers and essays beyond the main required essay. Look for supplements on your CA Dashboard. Consult college websites to be sure you have the correct information about supplements.

The CA can be easily modified if you need to send different information to different colleges, test scores and main essays, for example. Essentially, after you submit once, you can make any changes you want to the version you will send to the next college. Look in the Support center for instructions if you can’t figure it out.

Check your application for accuracy before submitting. If something looks amiss, contact the CA so they can help you fix the problem before you send the application. Add <appsupport@commonapp.net> to your contact list to make sure their responses don’t end up in your SPAM or Junk folder

Use the CA to invite “other recommenders” (individuals who do not work at ARHS) to submit their recommendations electronically. The CA will send e-mail invitations and will expect to be

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contacted directly by any outside recommender who needs help. Remember, do not invite your ARHS recommenders through the CA.

If you are approved for free/reduced lunch, you will be eligible for application fee waivers. This will be determined through CA questions, with counselor confirmation.

Print a copy of your application before submitting it, just in case of technical failures!

Submit early. Computer systems do sometimes fail! Don’t aim for the deadline. 14. Coalition Application:

More than 140 private and public colleges and universities formed the “Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success” (coalitionforcollegeaccess.org) about three years ago. They have their own application.

Only the universities of Maryland, Florida and Washington (state) and Virginia Tech will be “Coalition exclusive this year.” The remaining institutions will accept the Common Application as well as the Coalition Application.

Coalition institutions that also use the Common Application will be required to consider both as equivalent applications.

The University of Massachusetts will not use the Coalition application this year, so most of you will need to use the Common Application.

The Coalition Application essay prompts were e-mailed to you in June and are available on the Coalition website. Their suggested essay length is 300-400 words. As one of the Coalition prompts allows a topic of your own choice, you could use your Common Application essay if it does not exceed the CA longer word limit.

The Coalition Application will provide fee waivers.

The Coalition Application allows you to submit additional materials that you believe represent you well. Store them and upload from the Coalition Locker or upload them directly into the application.

15. Application Deadlines:

Pay careful Attention to Deadlines: Each college is different! You should make sure that you meet all application deadlines. They are strict. If you have an application with a “received by” deadline, you must notify a Guidance Secretary well in advance of the deadline. This is relevant particularly for scholarship applications that must be mailed.

Some merit scholarship deadlines are earlier than regular admission deadlines.

Most college applications will be due between November 1st and February 1st. Guidance personnel need as much lead-time as possible to ensure that the school portion of applications is submitted on time. Complete your Senior Questionnaire, enter your colleges with deadlines, and make an appointment to meet with your counselor at least three weeks before your first deadline. Look for our internal deadlines on the back page of this handbook.

If you are applying to colleges with “rolling admission” (often state colleges and large private universities), you should apply as early as possible (November or December). The published deadlines are not target dates. Under “rolling admission,” spaces are offered on a space-available basis, and the program desired can close before the deadline.

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If you are applying to out-of-state flagship universities, it’s important to apply under their early action program. Deadlines are usually November 1. Some states have admission quotas for out-of-state students.

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COLLEGE ENTRANCE TEST

1. Check to see which tests are required by the colleges you are considering. The SAT or ACT is

usually required or recommended.

Register online with a credit card or a fee waiver for the required tests, the SAT at www.collegeboard.org and the ACT at www.actstudent.org.

Provide the ARHS school code (220015) when you register for either test.

If you need SAT help of any kind you can call 1-866-756-7346.

For help with the ACT, call (319) 337-1270.

The SAT emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving and data analysis. It contains multiple choice and open response (some math) questions. The Evidence-based Reading and Writing section includes long passages related to many topics, including history, science and careers. The Math section is heavily weighted toward algebra and data analysis. Part of the math section does not permit the use of calculators. There is an optional writing section that is based on a reading passage. It is paid for and scored separately.

The ACT includes English, Math, Reading and Science sections. The composite score is the average of the sub-scores. Questions are all multiple choice. Use of a calculator is always permitted. There is an optional essay, paid for scored separately.

Some highly selective colleges and universities require or recommend two SAT Subject tests in addition to the SAT. (This list is much shorter now.) Recommended means you should take them! Read websites for precise requirements.

Only 19 colleges including all of the University of California campuses now require the optional SAT or ACT essay. Almost all of the most selective colleges do not require it. Read college websites carefully to see whether you need to take it. Colleges that do not require it will likely not look at it if you took it.

Many colleges are test-optional or test-flexible, which means they place little value on standardized tests. Policies vary greatly from college to college. Consult college websites for complete information. See the lengthy list of Test-optional Colleges later in this handbook, or go to fairtest.org for a complete list.

2. Test Preparation:

Students usually perform better on standardized tests after some careful preparation. At least twenty hours of preparation is a good idea. FREE SAT and ACT tutorial programs called Method Test Prep are available to you through Naviance. Short modules are designed to be completed in about one hour per week over many weeks. Naturally, you can do them much faster. There are two full-length practice tests to take after completing the programs. It would be wise for you to make full use of this free preparation opportunity. Plan your study schedule. Do not leave test preparation for the last minute.

If you took the PSAT, use the code e-mailed to you to connect your PSAT to the tutorial program at khanacademy.org. A study plan will be designed for you.

Use the ACT Academy (academy.act.org) to prepare for the ACT. It is free. The diagnostic test will give you a study plan.

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Use the ACT Kaplan Online Live Prep program. This partnership offers live and recorded test-prep, free for students who use ACT fee waivers or $99 for six weeks, $180 for three months or $250 for six months for students who pay for the test.

3. Sending test scores:

If you used a fee waiver to register for the ACT and/or the SAT, you will be able to send an unlimited number of official scores reports free to your colleges.

If you paid to register for the tests, scores can be sent free to four colleges at registration or within about eight days of test time, or, for a fee, you can send scores officially any time.

A growing number of colleges and universities is giving students the opportunity to self-report test scores on applications. At these colleges, official verification from test companies will be required upon enrollment. Check your colleges’ websites to see whether this is an option.

Some colleges will accept scores e-mailed from high schools as official. If you need us to do this, you must complete the purple “Send scores from ARHS” form.

If required, you must arrange to send scores officially through your accounts with the test companies.

Send scores officially to the NCAA if you are hoping to participate in D1 or D2 athletics.

4. Score Choice:

If you take the ACT more than once you can send the scores from whichever test date(s) you prefer.

If you take the SAT more than once, the College Board keeps a cumulative record of your scores. For most colleges, you will be able to choose the SAT or Subject Test scores you wish to send to the colleges you apply to. Send all scores is the default.

Score Choice will be most useful in helping you choose between your SAT subject tests.

You will want to send scores from multiple dates if your highest sub-scores on the SAT come from different test administrations.

Some highly selective colleges will not accept Score Choice. They will want to see all of your scores. Consult individual college websites or collegeboard.org for a list of those colleges.

5. Superscoring:

In almost all cases, colleges will consider only your highest SAT sub-test scores (superscoring), so sending all scores is usually the best practice.

Superscoring is not as common for the ACT. Consult individual college websites for information about how they interpret ACT scores.

6. Test waivers for students with special needs:

Massachusetts public four-year institutions usually grant standardized test waivers to students with documented learning disabilities who submit diagnostic testing AND either an IEP or a 504 plan with the application. Sending these documents is your responsibility. The college will determine whether a waiver will be granted.

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7. Testing accommodations:

Students with IEPs, 504 plans or Accommodation Plans, who use extended time testing or other accommodations at school, and who wish to have these accommodations on AP, SAT or Subject Tests or the ACT, must apply directly to the testing companies for them. There are links to the application forms on the Naviance Home page. Bring the completed forms to Mrs. Tracy in 309.

The testing agencies make the final determination regarding accommodations. This can take several months including time for appeal, so families should begin the application process at least three months earlier than a test registration deadline just to be safe.

8. Fee Waivers:

If you are registered for the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch program you will be eligible for waivers for SAT and ACT registration fees, and waivers for 50% of the TOEFL registration fee. SAT/ACT waivers can be used during late registration periods. (The SAT will also waive the late fee. The ACT will not waive the late fee.) You will also be eligible for college application fee waivers. The savings will amount to hundreds of dollars. All students who qualify for the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program should apply for it ASAP to be eligible. See Miss Garrity for a waiver once you have been approved for the meals program.

9. Photo requirements:

All students will be required to upload a photo as part of the registration process for both the SAT and ACT. The photo will become a part of your admission ticket. It will be sent with score reports to ARHS and the colleges to which you apply. For precise photo instructions and for samples of acceptable and unacceptable photos, go to collegeboard.org or actstudent.org. If you do not upload an appropriate photo by the photo deadline, your registration will be invalidated and you will not be permitted to take the test you signed up for. Nor will you receive a refund. You MAY be allowed to change your test date free.

10. TOEFL:

Students whose first language is not English should consider taking the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL IBT) In addition to the ACT or SAT. The TOEFL includes listening, writing, reading and speaking tests and is four hours long.

Sometimes, students whose first language is not English also benefit from taking this test, even if you hold American citizenship. If your first language is not English, carefully read the International Students section of websites from colleges to which you plan to apply to see whether you should take the TOEFL. Often this will depend on your SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score.

Students should prepare carefully and should try to take the TOEFL only once, in the fall of the senior year. It is expensive even with a partial fee-waiver. It is wise to schedule the date a few months ahead of the test date, but a minimum of one week is required without a late fee.

Registration and practice materials are available online at www.ets.org/toefl/ and

www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare. It is also possible to register by phone. Students will need to follow the online instructions regarding the required identification materials very carefully. Your name on the registration form and your IDs must match exactly. There are several Western Mass locations at which students can take the TOEFL. Sign up early for best choice of location. The fee for the TOEFL is $195. Request the partial fee waiver from the guidance Office. You will fax it to ETS. They will create an account for you which will waive $97.50 of the fee. You will need to pay the other half of the fee. Call (877) 863-3546 for TOEFL help.

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SAT REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR THE FALL

ARHS CEEB Code: 220015

NOTE: Register immediately if you plan to take the October test. October, November and December tests are given at ARHS. Date of Test Registration Deadline Tests Location August 25, 2018 July 27, (late ends 8/15), 2018 SAT/Subject Tests ARHS October 6, 2018 September 7 (late ends 9/26), 2018 SAT/Subject Tests ARHS November 3, 2018 October 5 (late ends 10/24), 2018 SAT/Subject Tests ARHS* December 1, 2018 November 2 (late ends 11/20) 2018 SAT/Subject Tests ARHS Note: Scores for August will be released to you by September 7 for the multiple-choice section and shortly thereafter for the essay. October, November and December scores will be released to you two weeks after the test date. Scores from the August and October test will arrive at colleges in time for early decision/action deadlines. November scores will likely arrive in time for November 15 early deadlines, and sometimes for November 1 deadlines. Check with your colleges to be sure. December scores are good for regular decision at almost all colleges. *Language with listening tests on this day only at private high schools.

ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR THE FALL

ARHS ACT Code: 220015

Check www.actstudent.org for locations. The ACT is never offered at ARHS.

Test date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)

September 8, 2018 August 3, 2018 Aug. 4-17, 2018

October 27, 2018 Sept. 21, 2018 Sept 22-. Oct. 5, 2018

December 8, 2018 Nov. 2, 2018 Nov. 3-16, 2018 NOTE: ACT scores from the September test will arrive at colleges in time for early decision. Scores from the October test will be accepted for early decision at almost all colleges.

Table A1: SAT Total to ACT Composite. Table A2 : ACT Composite to SAT Total.

SAT ACT SAT ACT SAT ACT

1600 36 1250 26 910 16

*1590 36 *1240 26 900 16

1580 36 1230 26 *890 16

1570 36 1220 25 880 16

1560 35 *1210 25 870 15

1550 35 1200 25 860 15

*1540 35 1190 24 *850 15

1530 35 *1180 24 840 15

1520 34 1170 24 830 15

1510 34 1160 24 820 14

*1500 34 1150 23 810 14

1490 34 *1140 23 *800 14

1480 33 1130 23 790 14

1470 33 1120 22 780 14

*1460 33 *1110 22 770 13

1450 33 1100 22 *760 13

1440 32 1090 21 750 13

*1430 32 *1080 21 740 13

1420 32 1070 21 730 13

1410 31 1060 21 720 12

*1400 31 1050 20 *710 12

1390 31 *1040 20 700 12

1380 30 1030 20 690 12

*1370 30 1020 19 680 11

1360 30 *1010 19 *670 11

1350 29 1000 19 660 11

*1340 29 990 19 650 11

1330 29 980 18 640 10

1320 28 *970 18 *630 10

*1310 28 960 18 620 10

1300 28 950 17 610 9

1290 27 940 17 600 9

*1280 27 *930 17 *590 9

1270 27 920 17

1260 27

ACT SAT SAT Range

36 1590 1570-1600

35 1540 1530-1560

34 1500 1490-1520

33 1460 1450-1480

32 1430 1420-1440

31 1400 1390-1410

30 1370 1360-1380

29 1340 1330-1350

28 1310 1300-1320

27 1280 1260-1290

26 1240 1230-1250

25 1210 1200-1220

24 1180 1160-1190

23 1140 1130-1150

22 1110 1100-1120

21 1080 1060-1090

20 1040 1030-1050

19 1010 990-1020

18 970 960-980

17 930 920-950

16 890 880-910

15 850 830-870

14 800 780-820

13 760 730-770

12 710 690-720

11 670 650-680

10 630 620-640

9 590 590-610

*Use this SAT score when a single score point comparison is needed.

Note: Concordance tables for the ACT Composite were derived from concordances of the ACT sum score.

2018 ACT/SAT CONCORDANCE

TABLES

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TEST- OPTIONAL COLLEGES

The colleges named below are SAT/ACT Optional or Flexible, meaning that they minimize or eliminate the importance of standardized tests in the admissions process. ARHS students regularly apply to these colleges, excerpted from a longer list at www.fairtest.org. That website also contains many religious colleges, art schools, music conservatories and many state campuses. Consult the website for the complete list. Some colleges will consider scores if you send them and others will ignore them if they do not enhance your application. Visit individual college websites to learn about their test-optional policies. Due to NCAA requirements, athletes hoping to participate at Division I and II colleges must submit SAT or ACT scores to all colleges. Key: 3 = SAT/ACT used only when minimum GPA and/or class rank is not met 4 = SAT/ACT required for some programs 5 = Test Flexible: SAT/ACT not required if submit Subject Test, Advanced Placement, Int'l Baccalaureate, other exams or graded writing samples.

American International College, Springfield, MA

American University, Washington, D.C.

Assumption College, Worcester, MA

Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, OH

Bard College, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY

Bates College, Lewiston, ME

Beloit college, Beloit, WI

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Boston, MA

Bennington College, Bennington, VT

Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME

Brandeis University, Waltham, MA: 5

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

Bryant University, Smithfield, RI

Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA

California State University (many campuses – check websites)

Castleton University, Castleton, VT

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY

Champlain College, Burlington, VT

Clark University, Worcester, MA

Colby College, Waterville, ME: 5

Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO: 5

College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY

College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME

College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA

Columbia College, Chicago, IL

Connecticut College, New London, CT: 5

Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

Curry College, Milton, MA: 4

Denison University, Granville, OH

DePaul University, Chicago, IL

Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA: 5

Drew University, Madison, NJ

Earlham College, Richmond, IN

Eastern Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT

Elmira College, Elmira NY

Emmanuel College, Boston, Ma

Endicott College, Beverly, MA: 4

Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT

Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY

Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA

Framingham State University, Framingham, MA

Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA

Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH

The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA

Goucher College, Baltimore, MD

Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT

Guilford College, Greensboro, NC

Hamilton College, Clinton, NY: 5

Hampshire College, Amherst, MA (Tests never considered)

Hampton University, Hampton,VA

Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY: 4

High Point University, High Point, NC: 4

Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY: 4

Hood College, Frederick, MD

Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

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John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), New York, NY

Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI; Miami, FL; Denver, CO; Charlotte, NC

Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA

Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI

Knox College, Galesburg, IL

Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL

Lasell College, Newton, MA

Lawrence University, Appleton, WI

Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR

Long Island Univ.: Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY: 4

Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD

Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY

Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Marlboro College, Marlboro, VT

Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA

McDaniel College, Westminster, MD3

Merrimack College, North Andover, MA

Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT: 5

Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA

Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA: 4

Nazareth College, Rochester, NY

New England College, Henniker, NH

New England Institute of Technology, Warwick, RI

New School, New York, NY: 4

New York University, New York, NY: 5

Newbury College, Brookline, MA

Nichols College, Dudley, MA: 5

Northern Vermont University, Johnson/Lyndonville, VT

Norwich University, Northfield, VT

Pitzer College, Claremont, CA: 3

Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH

Prescott College, Prescott, AZ

Providence College, Providence, RI

Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT: 4

Regis College, Weston, MA

Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI: 4

Rollins College, Winter Park, FL

Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT

Saint John's College, Annapolis, MD; Santa Fe, NM

Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA

Saint Lawrence University, Canton, NY

Salem State University, Salem, MA

Salve Regina University, Newport, RI

Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY

Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN

Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY

Smith College, Northampton, MA

Southern NH University, Manchester, NH

St. Anselm College, Manchester, NH

St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT: 4

Stonehill College, Easton, MA

SUNY (State University of NY) at Potsdam, Potsdam, NY

SUNY (State University of NY) at Purchase, Purchase, NY

Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA

Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Trinity College, Hartford CT,

Union College, Schenectady, NY

University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT

University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA

University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston MA

University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA

University of New England, Biddeford, ME: 4

University of Rochester, Rochester, NY: 5

Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA

Utica College, Utica, NY: 4

Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, VT

Wagner, College, Statton Island, NY

Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC

Warren Wilson College, Ashville, NC

Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA

Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT

Western Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT

Western New England University, Springfield, MA

Wheaton College, Norton, MA

Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

Worcester State University, Worcester, MA: 4

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FINANCIAL AID

Financial Aid comes either from the US or state governments or directly from colleges.

Federal financial aid can be awarded to you if you are a US citizen, a permanent resident with a green card or an “eligible non-citizen” with an I-94 Homeland Security status for “refugee,” “asylum granted,” or several other categories.

Financial aid can be either grants that do not need to be paid back (Pell (for low-income students) or institutional Grants), or loans that you must pay back. It can also be “work/study, an on-campus job that gives you spending money. Massachusetts also offers grants to Pell recipients. The “Mass Grant” is the most common.

The federal financial aid form, FAFSA, is required by all colleges to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and work study. You must file it even if you want only a federal Direct loan. Some colleges require a FAFSA for merit scholarship consideration.

Colleges have different deadlines for filing a FAFSA.

Every college has a net price calculator on its website. It should give you a reasonable estimate of the aid (grants, work study and loans) you can expect from each institution. These calculators work best when parents file jointly and work for an employer rather than for themselves. Merit scholarships may or may not be reflected on the calculator.

1. Procedures:

You will use your “Prior-Prior Year” (PPY) (2017) tax return when you apply for aid.

For need-based aid-eligibility, you must file one or more of the following forms. Check each college’s website to learn about which forms are required. Financial aid deadlines differ from admission deadlines.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) fafsa.ed.gov – All colleges require this. File it after October 1. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, work-study and Direct Stafford and Perkins loans as well as the Mass grant program for low income Massachusetts residents. Submit it to your colleges before your earliest financial aid deadline.

Before you can file your FAFSA you MUST get an FSAID for yourself and also one for a parent. FSAID is your official electronic signature. Get them at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You cannot complete the FAFSA online without them. FSAID creation is NOT instant. Apply a few days before submitting your FAFSA.

The CSS (College Scholarship Service) Financial Aid PROFILE – Many private colleges and a few public colleges require it. File it after October 1. Find it at https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile. Check individual college websites or the Profile website to see which colleges require it. There is a filing fee, but most low-income families get a fee waiver automatically upon submitting it.

Institutional Forms – Some colleges have their own aid forms in addition to those listed above. Check each college website, and follow instructions.

After filing your financial aid forms, check with your colleges to be sure that they received them.

If a college informs you that you have been selected for “verification,” you must comply. You will need to submit tax returns either via the electronic “Data Retrieval system” or by using an official IRS “tax return transcript” before you can receive an accurate financial aid package. Many liberal

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arts colleges “verify” every financial aid application. The federal government requires that colleges randomly verify at least 30%.

2. Deadlines and Dates:

Most financial aid deadlines are February 1 or 15, but some are earlier.

The UMass Amherst deadline is March 1.

The FAFSA deadline for the Mass. Grant for low-income students is May 1. (This applies primarily to students who attend community colleges or technical schools).

ARHS will host a FAFSA completion event on Thursday, October 25, at 7:00 p.m. Area financial aid experts will help you with your FAFSA. Put it on your calendar.

3. Loan Repayment:

Before making your college choice, think about repaying the loans you will take. The interest rate for the Direct Stafford Loan program changes each year. It is currently 5.05%.

There are limits on the amount that can be borrowed under the direct loan program each year, and the loans are available for a total of only 12 full-time semesters.

Freshmen can borrow up to $5,500; sophomores $6,500 and juniors and seniors $7,500, bringing the total to $27,000 over four years.

Depending on a family’s financial profile, interest on these loans is either subsidized by the federal government while a student is in college, or it is unsubsidized and must be paid by the borrower or rolled into the loan principal. The standard repayment period is ten years. Each monthly payment on the $27,000 bill would be close to $300. (For each $10,000 borrowed, expect to pay about $100 per month for ten years.)

Students who need more than the maximums above must get additional, cosigned, higher interest, loans through MEFA or banks. If parents are found to be ineligible for a loan, colleges are permitted to add an unsubsidized $4,000 each year. For these students, the total borrowed under the direct Stafford loan program in four years can be up to $43,000, with the often additional Perkins loans making the total federal borrowing potentially over $50,000!

Students who take federal loans must pay them back even if they did not complete the courses they borrowed the funds for. Students who drop or fail classes use some of their Pell grant and/or federal loan eligibility with no college credit earned. Federal student loans do not disappear with bankruptcy.

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Scholarships and Tuition Waivers:

Many local businesses and private donors offer scholarship awards to ARHS students. In February, a list of these offerings and a special ARHS scholarship application will be e-mailed to you and posted in Naviance. Some of the scholarship winners are determined by a committee of ARHS teachers and counselors. Other recipients are chosen by local donors. Many students are eligible for these scholarships; criteria are designed to honor a wide variety of achievements. Read the information and application instructions carefully and pay attention to our strict April 1 deadline. Do not wait until the last minute to apply. Seek help from the Writing Center for help with essays.

In addition to the local scholarships, the Guidance Department keeps students informed about various Massachusetts and national scholarships. Regularly check Naviance under “scholarships” and request the required documents under “colleges/transcripts/request transcripts for scholarships or athletics” in Naviance. Pay careful attention to morning announcements (also online) to stay up to date about these awards. Deadlines are strict.

Look at communityfoundation.org to learn about Western MA awards (deadline in March).

Many ARHS students become eligible for tuition credits at the Massachusetts state universities and UMass campuses due to their MCAS scores. You will receive a letter if we are informed that you qualify for either the John and Abigail Adams or the Stanley Z. Koplik awards.

The HCC Foundation offers scholarships to students entering HCC. They are based on financial need and academic performance. An essay describing your financial need and plans for the future is required. The deadline is in late March.

General Advice:

Plan ahead! Read all materials from colleges regarding financial aid policies and procedures. Note and comply with all deadlines.

If you think you may need aid at any time while in college, apply! Some colleges will never offer aid if students did not apply as a freshman.

If you need significant amounts of aid, remember that some schools give larger aid packages or merit-based aid to good students. Keep those grades up!

Make sure your list of colleges includes a “foundation: school – one that you like, that meets your academic needs, is affordable and to which you know you will be admitted.

To ensure your aid will be packaged accurately, do not miss a financial aid deadline.

If you are selected for “verification,” comply ASAP or you will jeopardize your aid package.

In April, when you have your financial aid awards, know the bottom line, not just the award amounts. Remember that direct student loans must be repaid. Learn about total indebtedness and loan payments. Know the total cost of attendance at each school. With consistent information you can compare offers. Visit mefa.org or www.collegeboard.org for comparison worksheets.

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Early Decision and Early Action Programs

Early Decision

Many private colleges and some universities have an early decision plan. Under this plan a student submits credentials usually by November 1st or November 15th, and signs a binding statement (along with a parent and a counselor) that s/he will accept the college’s offer of admission and will withdraw all other applications. Some colleges also have Early Decision 2, with application deadlines in January and notification dates in February. Students can have only one early decision application active at a time. 1. Who Should Apply Early Decision?

Students who have researched colleges extensively, visited many colleges (likely including overnight stays and attending classes at their first choice college), and who are absolutely sure about their first choice.

Students who meet or exceed the admission profile of accepted students at their selected college, i.e. applicants with ACT or SAT Reasoning/Subject scores and G.P.A. that are similar to those of accepted students at their chosen college. (Students should have completed their testing by October of the senior year.

Students who have an academic record that has been consistently solid over time. (If you know that

your senior year grades will indicate improvement, you may fair better under regular decision.

Students who do not need to compare financial aid packages in order to make their choice.

Student/athletes who would like to attend a particular college and have been encouraged by a coach. 2. Advantages of Early Decision:

Your application is reviewed early and you receive notification of admission status by mid-December.

Your application is reviewed against a smaller applicant pool.

If you are accepted, you avoid having to complete other applications.

3. Disadvantages of Early Decision:

If financial aid is important to you, you might want to be able to have additional colleges with possibly better financial aid packages to consider. Comparable colleges often offer very different packages, depending on their resources.

Students often grow and change during the senior year. You might discover other attractive options, but you would be bound by contract to attend the college you chose.

Students accepted early might have a false sense of security and could develop “terminal senioritis.” 4. Mistakes Students Make regarding Early Decision:

Applying to a “reach” college early without researching or visiting any other schools.

Applying to a college early just because the odds of admission might be higher.

Applying early to a college just to avoid extra paperwork and stress.

Applying early to a college because a friend is doing so.

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Assuming you will be admitted and not developing a strong back-up plan by early December

Not preparing required essays for applications to other colleges 5. Early Action:

Some colleges have Early Action programs.

Admission is not binding.

Deadlines are in November or December.

You can apply early action to several colleges and you can even apply early action at the same time that you have a pending early decision application.

Exceptions are “Restricted Early Action” (REA) programs at Harvard, Yale, Stanford and Princeton which do not permit other early applications anywhere except to public universities and colleges with early scholarship deadlines.

Decisions are usually released in December or January.

You can wait until May 1st to make your final decision.

There is almost no disadvantage in applying under an early action program unless you expect your grades or scores to go up before regular decision deadlines.

6. If you are deferred under an early program:

Don’t Panic! You were deferred – not denied. Of course, it is disappointing when you are not accepted right away, but colleges will reconsider you during the regular decision cycle.

Call the admission office yourself; speak to an admission counselor and ask for feedback on your application.

Ask what new information or materials the admission staff would like to see for your second review.

Ask about the percentage of deferred candidates that are later accepted during the regular decision process. Colleges differ in this category. You need a realistic picture of your status.

Take Action with that college:

Keep the name of your admission counselor and in January, write a follow up letter indicating your continued interest, mentioning any new academic or extracurricular experiences since you applied. Express your appreciation for the feedback you received, as well.

Provide documentation of new academic or extracurricular ventures. Submit additional writing sample, performance, or piece of artwork, etc. if the college has expressed an interest.

Try to liberate yourself from your fixation on the school that deferred you. Review your other college choices, especially colleges that are less selective. Many early decision candidates are surprised to discover what other campuses have to offer because they have focused too narrowly on one school. Some students actually choose other schools after being accepted at their original first choice.

Keep your grades up. Do not let things slide. We will send first semester report cards in early February and final transcripts in June. Rigor and grades are the top factors in college admission.

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7. What about Financial Aid?

With PPY, you will likely be providing all required financial aid forms by the early deadlines.

Find financial aid deadlines on your colleges’ websites –often different from admission deadlines.

Early decision candidates will receive their actual financial aid package at the time of acceptance.

Early action candidates will likely also receive actual financial packages early. This could help you decide whether you need to submit additional applications under a regular decision program.

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CALCULATING YOUR GPA

Step One: Find the Quality Points for each final grade. To do this, convert each letter grade to its equivalent on a 4.0 Scale (see below) and multiply it by the credits earned for each course. Important-PE classes, some ALPS classes, Special Education Academic Support and courses taken outside of ARHS -including college courses- are not computed in the GPA! 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 .7 0.0 Example: Grade 9 Final Grades Course Grade Credits 4.0 Scale X Credits = Quality Points Eng 9 Writ & Lit B- 4 2.7 x 4 = 10.8 Global Hist I B- 4 2.7 x 4 = 10.8 Ecology/H A- 2 3.7 x 2 = 7.4 Environmental Science/H A- 2 3.7 x 2 = 7.4 IM II/H B+ 4 3.3 x 4 = 13.2 Spanish 2 F 4 0.0 x 4 = 0.0 Foundations of Art A A- 2 3.7 x 2 = 7.4 Bomba B 4 3.0 x 4 = 12.0 PE 9 A 2 Not included Directed Study 9 S 0 Not included Total Credits Included in GPA 26 Total Quality Points 69.0 Step Two: Divide the Quality Points by the Total Credits. Example: 69.0 / 26 = 2.65 This is the unweighted GPA for ninth grade. Many colleges and universities re-weight your grades when reviewing your transcript. For instance, Massachusetts state universities and UMass campuses give an extra .5 for Honors classes and 1.0 for AP and college classes when converting letter grades to the 4.0 scale. For the same sample student above, he would receive 8.4 quality points for Ecology/H, 8.4 quality points for Environmental Science/H, and 15.2 quality points for IM II/H, bringing his total quality points to 72.8 and his weighted GPA to 2.8.

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THINGS TO DO IN YOUR SENIOR YEAR

The following is a list of tasks that seniors who are applying to college should complete. The timing will vary somewhat from student to student. Most early decision deadlines are in November. Most regular decision deadlines fall between January 1 and February 15. Most early financial deadlines fall in November or December. Most regular decision financial aid deadlines are in February. For the most complete information about programs, deadlines and requirements, consult individual college websites. September:

Begin to narrow your list of colleges to 5 to 10. Visit as many of these colleges as possible. Attend classes. Make appointments for interviews with admissions counselors or alumni. Schedule overnights at a few colleges that you are considering seriously. Continue your research through November. Be sure to include one or two foundation schools.

Use your Naviance Student account (student.naviance.com/amherst) to do further college and career research. Complete Senior Questionnaire for College Conference. Make appointment for your senior meeting with college advisor. It is wise to meet with her whether or not you had a junior meeting.

Make an appointment with your counselor and check in with your teachers who agreed to write letters of recommendation for you. Make sure they know about your deadlines. Remember to request teacher recommendations in Naviance/colleges letters of recommendation.

If an athlete planning to play a Division I or II sport, register ASAP at www.eligibilitycenter.org. They will require a fee, official transcript, amateurism questionnaire and test scores.

Register in Naviance under My Colleges/College Visits to attend college visits at ARHS. Choose colleges that interest you. Often these representatives will be reading your application. At least stop by and say hello!

Develop plan for fall testing if your colleges require it. SAT Aug, Oct., Nov., Dec.; ACT Sept., Oct. and Dec. If on free /reduced lunch, get test and application fee waivers from Guidance.

Attend ARHS Early Decision workshop, Smith Essay-writing workshop.

Get essay help from Amanda Lewis in the ARHS Writing Center (room 141).

Use the ARHS Application Tracker to keep yourself organized.

October:

Attend the ARHS College Admission Night, Financial Aid Night and workshop for athletes.

Try to finalize your college choices.

If you are submitting essays, complete first drafts and ask teachers or others to read them.

After completing the Senior Questionnaire for College Conference, talk to your guidance counselor about writing your counselor recommendation, required by most colleges.

Be sure you have an appointment to meet with the college advisor.

Prepare Early Decision, Early Action, or rolling admissions applications as soon as possible.

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If applying early, request your transcript and recommendations through Naviance and check websites of colleges and the College Board or ACT to implement a plan for sending your test scores.

Get a FAFSA “FSAID” at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Attend the ARHS FAFSA Night and/or work with your parent(s) to complete your FAFSA and CSS Profile (if required).

Use Naviance to request transcripts and recommendations at least three weeks before your colleges require them.

Submit your fin aid forms ON TIME. Read college websites for deadlines. November: Complete at least one college application by Thanksgiving even if you are not applying early.

Remember that many colleges require essay supplements as well as your personal statement. There’s a lot to write.

December:

Remember to keep your grades up. We send your second semester progress reports to all colleges.

Be sure that your test scores have been sent to your colleges, either officially from the College Board or ACT or from ARHS or yourself, if allowed.

Make sure that all transcripts and recommendations have been requested in Naviance. Check your portals often for their status.

Work hard on those applications! Many private college regular decision deadlines are January 1 or 15.

As you finish your applications and essays, be sure to print copies before submitting. Photocopy all print materials you are sending as well.

January:

Complete your applications.

Complete the required financial aid forms if not already done.

February – March:

No senioritis, please! Your college will look at your final grades.

Check your college accounts to see that all application and fin aid forms were received. Supply missing information quickly. Submit forms for fin aid “verification.”

College decision letters will begin arriving. Read them carefully, including any instructions. Recently some colleges have asked for refundable deposits very early. You can request an extension in writing. They are required to grant it. The official Student Reply Date by which you must declare your intentions is May 1.

Keep active in school. If you are wait-listed and still interested in the college, admissions officers will want to know what you have accomplished between the time you applied and learned of the decision.

Apply for Local Scholarships

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April:

You should receive all college decisions and financial aid letters by early April. Carefully weigh all possibilities in light of your priorities. Attend the ARHS MEFA workshop on paying the college Bill.

Enter all admissions decisions in your Naviance account.

Promptly appeal financial aid offers if necessary. See the college advisor for help. Wait-listed by a college? If you would enroll if accepted, tell the college of your intent and ask how to

strengthen your application. Follow their instructions. Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you’re admitted from the waitlist.

If you have not done so yet, visit your admitting colleges before accepting one. As soon as you decide, mark it in Naviance and inform your recommending teachers and your counselor of your choice.

Planning to defer admission and take a gap year? Most colleges will honor that request, but some will not. Ask anonymously during the admissions process, or directly before accepting an offer of admission. It is rarely possible to defer admission from a college at which you were waitlisted.

May:

Colleges cannot require a deposit or commitment to attend before May 1. By that date, you must inform colleges of your acceptance or rejection of offers of admission and financial aid. Questions? Talk to your counselor or the college advisor.

Send your deposit to one college only. It is considered unethical to double deposit.

Work with the college advisor to resolve any admissions or financial aid problems.

Complete the Graduation Survey and Supplement in Naviance. It gives us permission to send your final transcript to your chosen college.

June: GRADUATE!!!

Adapted from College Times® (published by the College Board)

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MOST COMMON MISTAKES MADE IN THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS

1. Applying to too many highly selective colleges and not adequately researching foundation and likely schools. There are schools that are a good fit for you in each category. Protect yourself -- be sure you have a college you like, at which you are very likely to be admitted, and that you can afford.

2. Making Naviance errors -- Not listing your recommending teachers, not completing the FERPA statement, not also listing your colleges on the Common Application, selecting the wrong deadlines. We are deadline-driven in sending application materials. If your deadlines are incorrect your materials may be sent late. When in doubt about deadlines or if you have a special deadline, see a Guidance secretary to enter the correct deadline.

3. Missing financial aid deadlines or failing to apply for financial aid if you may need it at any time during

your college years. Meeting deadlines is critically important. 4. Believing that pressing “submit” ends your application process. You must frequently check the e-mail

address you provide to colleges or the online accounts provided to you by colleges after you apply. Failure to respond to communications from Admissions or Financial Aid Offices can cause denials of admission or financial aid.

5. Forgetting that first impressions matter. Dress appropriately and prepare for interviews, use a

professional e-mail address. 6. Dismissing schools that are outside the New England/East Coast areas as unacceptable because they

don’t have name recognition in this region. 7. Judging a college on the basis of the tour guide’s personality, the weather, or a friend’s experience. 8. Thinking that a great interview, high SAT scores, a letter from someone in high places, etc., can

compensate for a weak transcript. 9. Not understanding that academic performance in the junior and senior years is very important.

Colleges require transcripts, progress reports and report cards during the senior year, and look for the trend in grades.

10. Overlooking the rich and diverse academic opportunities available at UMass, Massachusetts state

universities, and community colleges. 11. Forgetting to photocopy or to print each completed application before submitting it to a college.

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COLLEGE ADVISING PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ARHS has a College Advisor who meets with juniors and seniors in classroom groups and individually with juniors and seniors and their parents/guardians. She also plans workshops that provide a comprehensive view of the college admission and financial aid application processes. The goal of the College Advising Program is to help each student and his or her family with post-secondary planning. In individual meetings, the college advisor assists students and their families with early college planning, academic preparation, identifying appropriate colleges, application and financial aid procedures, essay planning, testing, recommendations, and transition issues.

After-school or evening workshops for students and their parents explore a variety of college admission topics such as early college planning, SAT/ACT preparation, early decision options, essay writing, athletic recruitment, financial aid, services for students with disabilities, etc.

The college advisor e-mails group informational “Tidbits” to juniors and seniors and their parents/guardians as needed during the admissions cycle.

Comprehensive college admission handbooks are distributed to juniors in January and to seniors on the first day of school.

College admission and financial aid information including the College Collage newsletter is posted on the ARHS website (www.arhs.arps.org/academics/guidance_office/college_and_career_planning/ ).

Grade 11: Group Activities

College fair at WNEU in September.

Athletes and College Recruitment panel (with Athletic Director) (October/November).

Distribution of the ARHS College Admission Handbook for Juniors (late January).

Classroom presentations (in science classes) on the college admissions process (early February).

ARHS Post High School Planning Workshop for Juniors and Parents (spring).

NACAC College Fair at the Eastern States Expo. (every March/April—for all grades).

College Admissions Process evening presentation by MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) (every spring).

Distribution of teacher recommendation packets (after April vacation-necessary for all juniors who will apply for college admission within five years of graduation).

Seniors talk to Juniors – evening panel presentation (every April/May). Grade 12: Group Activities

Distribution of a large college admission handbook in early September. It contains a complete list of college admission and financial tasks for the senior year and information on workshops.

College fair at WNEU in September

ARHS Early Decision/Early Action Workshop (every September/October).

Classroom presentations about specifics of applying to college (every September).

More than 100 college Admission Office outreach visits to ARHS (from Sept.-Dec.).

Smith Club College Essay Writing Workshop (September).

Athletes and College Recruitment panel (with Athletic Director) (September/October).

ARHS evening College Admission presentation for seniors and Parents or Guardians (October).

ARHS MEFA Financial Aid presentation for Parents or Guardians of seniors (October).

FAFSA completion workshop (late October).

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“decision Day” sessions at ARHS with HCC, GCC and STCC admissions officials (early February).

E-mail distribution of local scholarship information and application packet to all seniors (mid-February).

MEFA presentation on comparing financial aid award letters, decision-making (early April).

Individual College Advising: Grade 11: Individual Meetings

Individual sessions with the College Advisor are offered to juniors and their parents or guardians from February to June of the junior year reviewing career goals, major areas of study, testing, financial aid, teacher recommendations, interests, extracurricular activities, work experience, summer activities, specific academic or personal needs/preferences, etc. Students are assisted in generating a list of colleges to research during the spring, summer and early fall.

To arrange an appointment with the College Advisor, students complete an online questionnaire in Naviance Student.

Grade 12: Individual Meetings

Individualized college advising sessions are held with all seniors and their parents or guardians from September to early February to assist in finalizing the list of colleges, to provide answers to specific concerns of students regarding applications for admission/financial aid and to ensure that each student includes one or two financially secure options in the final list of schools.

Students who wish to arrange a senior year appointment with the College Advisor must first complete the online senior questionnaire in Naviance Student. Guidance counselors also use this information to write letters of recommendation, which are required by most four-year colleges.

Follow up individual meetings are scheduled with seniors/parents or guardians as needed to assist with financial aid forms and a wide range of special circumstances.

College Visits to ARHS: Representatives from over one hundred colleges visit ARHS each fall. A schedule of these visits is posted in Naviance and on the Guidance bulletin board as it evolves. Students who have a class must inform the teacher in advance and get a pass from Guidance. Parents are welcome to attend. Students can attend three visits without attendance policy penalty. Scholarships: In mid-February, seniors receive an e-mail with information on local scholarships and an application form. This document is also posted in Naviance and on the ARHS college planning website (www.arhs.arps.org/academics/.). Some of the winners are determined by a committee of ARHS teachers and counselors. Other winners are chosen by the donors. Criteria are designed to include a wide variety of needs and achievements. Students are encouraged to read the scholarship booklet carefully and to apply by the strict April 1 application deadline. In addition to local scholarships, the Guidance Department keeps students informed about various Massachusetts and national scholarships through Naviance and morning announcements.

AMHERST REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL - College Advising Program

APPLICATION TRACKER

General Tasks:

Complete Senior Questionnaire for College Conference

Make appointment with Ms. Ross to talk about plan for after high school

Make appointment with your counselor to talk about your recommendation (for 4yr colleges only)

Return signed Lime green release form (all students)

Register for SAT (for 4yr colleges only). Get fee waiver from Guidance if you qualify.

Register for ACT (for 4yr colleges only). Get fee waiver from Guidance if you qualify.

Take Accuplacer (for community colleges) at ARHS or community colleges)

Complete short answer part of Common App (Common App colleges only)

Connect Naviance with Common App (for 4yr colleges only)

Complete college essay (for 4yr colleges only)

Complete scholarship essays (all students)

Get FSAIDs for you and parent from FAFSA.ed.gov (all students )

Complete FAFSA (all students)

Complete CSS Profile (for 4yr private colleges only)

SPECIFIC TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL COLLEGES

Name of college you are applying to

Date college representative will visit ARHS

(check Naviance)

Date you will visit campus (if possible)

Tests required

Interview date (some 4yr colleges only)

Supplements required (some 4yr colleges

only)

ARHS processing deadline

Date you requested transcripts and

recommendations in Naviance

Application deadline

Application type (EA, ED, RD, rolling, other)

Date you submitted the application

Date college said your application is complete

-- check college portal

Date you sent test scores from test company

Date of Decision Day at ARHS (community

colleges only)

Notes

Financial Aid deadline

Financial aid forms required

Date FAFSA submitted

Date CSS Profile submitted

Verification required?

Notes

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS

SAT Dates (All at ARHS)

Test Date Normal Deadline Late Registration Scores release EBRW+M

August 25, 2018 July 27, 2018 August 15, 2018 Sept. 17, 2018

October 6, 2018 Sept. 7, 2018 Sept. 26, 2018 Oct. 19-25, 2018

November 3, 2018 Oct. 5, 2018 Oct. 24, 2018 Nov. 16-22, 2018

December 1, 2018 Nov 2, 2018 Nov 20, 2018 Dec 14-20, 2018

ACT Dates (never given at ARHS)

Test Date Normal Deadline Late Registration Score release mult. Choice

Sept. 8, 2018 Aug. 3, 2018 Aug. 4-17, 2018 Sept. 18, 2018

Oct. 27, 2018 Sept. 21, 2018 Sept. 22-Oct. 5, 2018 Nov 13, 2018

Dec. 8, 2018 Nov. 2, 2018 Nov. 3-16, 2018 Dec 18, 2018

SPECIAL EVENTS and ARHS INTERNAL DEADLINES

DATE EVENT

September 8 ACT (not at ARHS)

September 16 NACAC College Fair; Western New England Univ.; 1:00-3:00; fin aid info session at 12:00

November 7 NACAC Performing & Visual Arts College Fair; Emmanuel College Yawkey Center(410 The Fenway); 6:30-8:30 p.m.

September 17 Early applicants should have completed questionnaire and made appointments w/ college advisor for planning, and guidance counselor re. required recommendation

October 1 Smith College essay-writing presentation; Campus Center Carroll Room; 7-9 pm; all welcome

September 20 Workshop for Early Decision/Action Candidates and Parents/Guardians; 2:30– 3:30 p.m.; ARHS Choral Room

October 1 2018-19 FAFSA and CSS Profile available for completion; Use 2017 federal income tax return; complete fin aid forms ASAP. Meet fin aid deadlines

October 1 Signed lime green release forms due in Guidance

October 6 SAT; ARHS; registration deadline Sept. 7 w/ no late fee (Sept. 26 w/ fee waiver or late fee)

October 10 Requests for school portion of applications (transcript, recommendations) must be in Naviance for November 1st college deadlines. Make recommendation appointment with counselor

October 9 ARHS College Admission Night; important professional panel presentation for Seniors and Parents/Guardians; 7:00– 8:30 p.m.; ARHS library

Oct 12 Advisory Naviance and college applications -- how to do it ; Advisory period

October 2 ARHS Financial Aid Night MEFA presentation by fin. Aid professionals 7:00-8:30 p.m. ARHS library

October 22 Teacher recommendations due in Naviance for students w/ November 1 deadlines

October 29 Request for school portion of application (transcripts, recommendations) must be in Naviance for November 15th college deadlines

October 27 ACT; registration deadline Sept 21 w/ no late fee; Oct 5 w/ late fee, even with fee waiver

DATE TBA Athletes and College Recruiting Presentation; 7:00 p.m.; ARHS library

November 1 UMass early action deadline; all supporting documents due Nov 20.

November 1 All 4-year college applicants should have appointments w/ college advisor for planning, and guidance counselor regarding required recommendation

November 1-15 Early decision and early action deadlines at many colleges

October 25 ARHS FAFSA Completion Event—bring completed 2017 tax return and W2 and leave with FAFSA almost complete (register fafsaday.org)

November 3 SAT; ARHS; registration deadline Oct 5 w/ no late fee (Oct 24 w/ fee waiver or late fee)

November 5 Teacher Recommendations due in Naviance for students w/November 15 deadlines

November 9? Essay Day; Amherst College students assist seniors w/ college essays; 30-minute conferences; sign up in advance

November 13 Request for school portion of application (transcripts, recommendations) must be in Naviance for December 1st college deadlines

November 8 College Advisor presentation to ARHS PGO; 6:45 p.m. ARHS Library

November 27 Request for school portion of application (transcripts, recommendations) must be in Naviance for December 15th college deadlines

December 1 SAT; ARHS; registration deadline Nov. 2 w/no late fee (Nov. 20 w/fee waiver or late fee)

December 3 Request for school portion of application (transcripts, recommendations) must be in Naviance for January 1st college deadlines

December 8 ACT; registration deadline Nov. 2 w/ no late fee (Nov 16 w/ late fee, even if using a fee waiver)

December 14 Teacher recommendations due in Naviance for students applying after December 1

December 14 Request for school portion of application (transcripts, recommendations) must be in Naviance for January 15 college deadlines

January 1-15 Regular decision application deadlines at many 4yr colleges

January 11 Request for school portion of application must be in Naviance for Feb 1st college deadlines

January 15 UMass-Amherst regular decision application deadline – all materials DUE by Feb 1. Send scores officially

February 1 or 15 Financial aid application deadline at most 4yr colleges (some earlier)

Early February GCC, HCC, STCC individual “Decision Day” admission conferences at ARHS

February 14 Local Scholarship packet e-mailed to seniors

March 1 UMass FAFSA deadline

Late March HCC Foundation scholarship deadline

April 1 ARHS Scholarship Application deadline (3:30 p.m.)

April (TBA) MEFA “Paying for College” program about comparing financial aid awards and making college decisions

May 1 Candidate reply deadline: students must inform 4-yr colleges about enrollment intentions, and deposit at only one college

May 1 FAFSA filing deadline for eligibility for Mass grant, available only to Pell grant recipients – most significant for community college students

May 31 Last day of school for seniors

June 7 Graduation 6:00 p.m.!!!