Making the Right Choice for You - Von Steuben Metropolitan ... Handbook 2015-16 Final.pdf · 2014...

Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center Counseling Department

5039 North Kimball Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60625

Making the Right Choice for You COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDEBOOK

Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center 2015 - 16 College Planning Handbook

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Table of Contents Introduction and Requirements

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Graduation Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 4 Calculating Your GPA ........................................................................................................................................ 5 ACT/SAT Testing Information ........................................................................................................................... 6 ACT/SAT/PSAT Test Prep .................................................................................................................................. 7

College Planning Timeline for College Planning ........................................................................................................................... 8 Self‐Awareness – Who Am I ............................................................................................................................ 12 What is Expected of a College Freshman........................................................................................................ 13 Post‐Secondary Options ................................................................................................................................. 14 Comparing College – What to Consider .......................................................................................................... 16 10 Questions to Evaluate Your College Preferences ...................................................................................... 19 College Representative Visits ......................................................................................................................... 20 Campus Visits .................................................................................................................................................. 21 Preparing For Your Campus Visit .................................................................................................................... 22 What to Look for During Your Visit ................................................................................................................. 23 The Interview .................................................................................................................................................. 26 Athletics .......................................................................................................................................................... 28 College Selection for Those with Learning Differences .................................................................................. 31 Illinois Department of Human Services .......................................................................................................... 32 Resources for Undocumented Students ......................................................................................................... 33

Application Process College Application Process ............................................................................................................................ 34 Von Steuben Application Procedures ............................................................................................................. 37 Transcripts ...................................................................................................................................................... 38 College and Scholarship Deadlines ................................................................................................................. 39 College Entrance Exams .................................................................................................................................. 40 Early Decision .................................................................................................................................................. 42 College Admissions Essays .............................................................................................................................. 44 Hints to Organizing Your Efforts ..................................................................................................................... 46

Financial Aid and Scholarships The Basics ....................................................................................................................................................... 48 Service Academies and ROTC ......................................................................................................................... 50 Helpful Hints for Obtaining Financial Aid ........................................................................................................ 51 Estimating Your Eligibility for Aid.................................................................................................................... 53 Scholarship Index by Deadline Month ............................................................................................................ 54 Scholarship Index by Category ........................................................................................................................ 56 Scholarship Guide ........................................................................................................................................... 59

Resources Internet Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 74 Naviance ......................................................................................................................................................... 75 Glossary .......................................................................................................................................................... 79 Appendices ..................................................................................................................................................... 89 References ...................................................................................................................................................... 92 Notes ............................................................................................................................................................... 93


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INTRODUCTION This guide is meant to provide an array of meaningful tips and valuable resources to Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center students and parents. The information provided will help to answer questions that often arise as students begin to consider their options for college and will make students aware of their rights and responsibilities. While college preparation is a focus at all grade levels at Von Steuben, the process of preparing and planning comes to the forefront during the junior year. Although this manual contains a great deal of information to assist students and parents throughout this planning process, it is only one tool and should not be a substitute for the value of visiting college campuses and speaking with counselors, professors, and students. Searching for and selecting colleges can be a stressful process at times and it is important that students, parents, and counselors collaborate together.

Students and parents are encouraged to take advantage of the many programs offered at Von Steuben. The counseling department aims to provide guidance which promotes an awareness of colleges and college‐related issues. We hope this handbook will be a helpful tool in making a smooth transition from Von Steuben to college. If you have any questions about anything in here, or need different resources not included, please contact your counselor.

Sincerely, Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center Counseling Department


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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students are required to complete 24 credits in order to graduate from Von Steuben. This is a list of required courses that you can use to determine if you are on track. Check off the ones that are completed and put an “N” by the ones you are completing this semester. If you are deficient in any coursework requirement, see your counselor to make a plan to complete it before June of your graduation year. It is your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to fulfill your graduation requirements. English ‐ 4 credits S1 S2 English I __ __ English II __ __ English III (or AP Eng. Lang.) __ __ English IV (or AP Eng. Lit.) __ __ Social Studies ‐ 3 credits S1 S2 World Studies __ __ U.S. History __ __ Soc. Studies Elective __ __ Science ‐ 3 credits S1 S2 Biology __ __ Chemistry __ __ Physics or Environmental Science __ __ Mathematics ‐ 3 credits S1 S2 Algebra __ __ Geometry __ __ Adv. Alg/Trig __ __ World Languages ‐ 2 credits S1 S2 (of the same language) Language 1st year __ __ Language 2nd year __ __

Physical Ed. ‐ 4 credits S1 S2 P.E. I __ __ P.E. II __ __ P.E. III __ __ P.E. IV __ __ Fine Arts ‐ 2 credits S1 S2 Art or Drama __ __ Music, Chorus or Band __ __ (Or, students may fulfill the fine arts requirement by taking both Art and Drama instead of a music course) Electives ‐ 3 credits S1 S2 1. __________________ __ __ 2. __________________ __ __ 3. __________________ __ __ Service Learning Hours 40 hours or 60 hours for Scholars __ And/or 3 classroom projects __ Driver’s Ed. Classroom P or F Consumer Ed. P or F Constitution Exam (PL 195) P or F


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CALCULATING YOUR GPA The calculation of GPA (“grade point average”) converts high school letter grades to a number. An “A” is worth 4 points, a “B” is worth 3 points, a “C” is worth 2 points, and a “D” is worth 1 point. To calculate your GPA, use a copy of the transcript you will receive from the Counseling Department office. Generally, colleges count only grades earned in academic courses when calculating your GPA. To calculate your unweighted GPA, count the number of A, B, C, and D grades on your transcript and enter those numbers in Column 1 below. All grades (including PE, summer/evening school, college courses) which you have completed will be included on your GPA. If you previously failed a course and then made it up, the grade you received in the course the second time will replace the old grade in the calculation of your GPA (remember, the F will remain on your transcript, even though it is not used in the calculation of your GPA). Multiply the numbers in Column 1 by the number next to it and enter the total in Column 2. Total all the numbers in Column 1 and Column 2. Divide the number in Column 2 by the number in Column 1. This is your GPA. Column 1 Column 2 # of grades A x 4 = B x 3 = C x 2 = D x 1 = Total # of grades Total # of points AP/college course augmentation: # of semesters of AP/college courses (with grade of “C” or better) x .025 = _____ Column 2 total divided by Column 1 total, plus AP augmentation = GPA


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ACT/SAT TESTING INFORMATION* ACT Information: All juniors are highly recommended to register for a spring test date. It is recommended that students take the test two times to ensure the highest score possible. ACT tests cost $39.50 for the general test and $56.50 for the general test with the writing portion. See your counselor to discuss whether or not you are eligible for a fee waiver. Register for the test at www.actstudent.org. This chart lists additional ACT test dates/registration deadlines:

Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)

September 12, 2015 August 7, 2015 August 8–21, 2015

October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015 September 19–October 2, 2015

December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 November 7–20, 2015

February 6, 2016 January 8, 2016 January 9–15, 2016

April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 5–18, 2016

June 11, 2016 May 6, 2016 May 7–20, 2016

SAT Information: Although all schools will accept the ACT or the SAT, some will require the SAT or the SAT subject tests in English, History, Math, Science, and/or Language. Check the school’s admissions criteria for specific details. The SAT with the essay component costs $54.50 and without the essay it costs $43.00. One subject test costs $26 plus $18 for each additional subject test. Register for the tests at www.collegeboard.com.

2014 – 2015 Test Dates Test Regular Registration Deadline (postmark/submit by)

November 7, 2015 SAT & Subject Tests October 9, 2015

December 5, 2015 SAT & Subject Tests November 5, 2015

January 23, 2016 SAT & Subject Tests December 28, 2015

March 5, 2016 SAT only February 5, 2016

May 7, 2016 SAT & Subject Tests April 8, 2016

June 4, 2016 SAT & Subject Tests May 5, 2016

*Students who qualify for special accommodations, including extended time, on the ACT or SAT need to contact their service provider or case manager to apply for these accommodations.


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ACT/PSAT/SAT TEST PREP CLASSES This list of private companies for test prep classes is provided as a service to you and should not be viewed as an endorsement of any program. Because of the many factors that could affect the appropriateness and availability of these classes, we suggest that you contact the sponsoring agency for additional information regarding date, location, cost and compatibility with your needs.

Private Companies

BEC Tutoring 773‐275‐7971 www.bectutoring.com Tests: ACT, SAT, PSAT

One‐To‐One Learning Center1‐847‐501‐3300 www.one‐to‐onelc.org Tests: ACT, SAT, PSAT

Connections Learning Center773‐238‐4526 www.connectionslearningcenter.com Tests: ACT, SAT

The Princeton Review 1‐888‐2REVIEW www.princetonreview.com Tests: ACT, SAT, PSAT

Huntington Learning Center1‐800‐CAN‐LEARN www.huntingtonhelps.com Tests: ACT, SAT, PSAT

Sylvan Learning Center1‐888‐338‐2283 1‐312‐226‐3306 (Chicago location) www.sylvanlearning.com Tests: ACT, SAT

Kaplan Educational Center1‐800‐KAP‐TEST 1‐312‐606‐8905 (Chicago location) www.kaptest.com Tests: ACT, SAT, PSAT


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TIMELINE FOR COLLEGE PLANNING

Juniors Seniors - Make this year count; junior

grades are very important! They are the most recent grades on the transcript that will be part of your college application.

- Visit colleges during the summer following junior year (preferably not in August, their busiest month)

- Continue to do your best in studies and activities

September

- Use the Naviance resource to begin research on colleges, careers, and scholarships, tcci.naviance.com/vonsteuben

- In Naviance, use the SuperMatch tool (found under the Colleges tab) to search for schools that fit your needs

- Check www.fastweb.com for appropriate college scholarships

- Attend the NACAC College Fair at Navy Pier on September 26, 2015, 11am – 3pm

- Complete the CPS household income form in order to qualify for fee waivers

- Review your transcript and make up any classes you still need to graduate (Page 22 of Student Agenda)

- Register to retake the ACT, SAT Reasoning Test, and SAT Subject Tests as needed

- Review this College Planning Handbook and the Naviance Scholarship listing

- Meet with your counselor to discuss your college planning progress and receive your Senior Passport

- Narrow your college list by identifying at least 3 Match schools, 1 Safety school, and 1 Reach school to apply to

- Check college websites directly for applications, housing information, and financial aid

- Begin thinking about teachers want to ask to write letters of recommendation for you for applications

October

- Take the PSAT/NMSQT exam - Review your transcript - Visit with college admissions

counselors - Attend the Von Steuben mini‐

- Continue to meet with college representatives and visit college campuses

- Begin filling out applications carefully. Be aware of


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College and Career Fair on October 15, 2015

- Apply for Summer Quest

deadlines, especially Early Action and Early Decision deadlines

- If necessary, ask teacher(s) to write recommendations for you. Be sure to give them plenty of time (several weeks) to complete these letters.

- If your application requires recommendations, you need to complete the Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire on Naviance

- If your applications require a recommendation from your counselor, you need to complete the Counselor Recommendation Questionnaire.

- Plan ahead; transcript requests must be submitted to the Von Steuben main office at least three weeks prior to the due date

- If national and state scholarships opportunities are seriously desired, this is the month for research, investigation, and application

November

- Compile a list of 5‐20 possible colleges

- Consider the following factors in choosing colleges:

‐ Location ‐ Reputation ‐ Field of Study/Major ‐ Size

‐ Diversity - Meet with your counselor to

discuss college plans

- Complete applications either online or in paper form and submit required paperwork and transcript request forms to your counselor for processing

- Remember, your counselor needs 3 weeks to process this information and send out your transcript so be aware of your deadlines

December

- Continue above

- Complete at least 3 Match school applications by December 4th (this is required in order to attend Homecoming


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and Prom) - Dec. 4th is also the deadline for

free transcripts. - Apply for FAFSA pin for

students and parents. - Bring copies of your acceptance

letters to your counselor as they arrive

- Apply for scholarships

January

- Register for the Feb. 6 ACT by Jan. 8

- Sign up for ACT Prep or SAT Prep courses

- Analyze and evaluate your PSAT results

- Job shadow one or two professionals in a career that interests you

- Think about college majors - Continue to look for Service

Learning opportunities

- Fill out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

- SUMBIT FAFSA AFTER JAN 1. Applications submitted prior to Jan. 1 will not be considered. We strongly encourage families to complete the FAFSA online. Submit this information as soon as possible; Awards will be made until funds are depleted.

- Apply for campus housing early - Continue to bring copes of your

acceptance letters to your counselor as you receive them

- Apply for scholarships

February - Register for Senior Classes - Continue to take a strong

curriculum - Start making summer plans.

Attend a summer college program such as Summer Quest or take a college course through College Bridge.

- Get a job, internship or find a volunteer position

- Continue to bring copes of your acceptance letters to your counselor as you receive them

- FAFSA submission deadline is Feb. 10. Submit last year’s tax information.

- Apply for scholarships.

March - Register for the April 9th ACT by March 4th

- Use Naviance and PSAT scores to begin your college search

- Begin to write or call colleges for information; explore college websites

- Use Naviance and Choices Planner to help you compile

- As college admission decisions arrive, revisit the schools as needed to make comparisons


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admission requirements about schools which interest you

- Visit colleges over Spring Break

- Attend college fairs - Develop a list of the top 20

colleges that interest you. Be sure to focus on Match schools, and include at least one Safety and Reach school.

April

- All Juniors take the ACT - Attend the Spring College Fair

held by Von Steuben, Walter Payton College Prep, and Northside College Prep

- Students and parents should meet with counselor to discuss graduation requirements and post‐high school plans, a process which can take several months

- Discuss participating in athletics on the college level with your coach or counselor

- Remain aware of Match schools, Reach schools, and Safety schools, as they apply to your academic profile. Use Naviance to view statistics of past Von Steuben graduates at colleges of interest to you.

- Make your college choice and send a deposit. NO DOUBLE DEPOSITS ARE ALLOWED. Notify your counselor about college decisions and scholarships awarded

- Bring copies of acceptance letter(s) to your counselor

- Update your FAFSA with 2015 tax information by April 27

May

- Take the SAT Reasoning and/or AP exams if appropriate

- Narrow college choices through research, visits, Naviance, and speaking with counselor and parents

- Submit your Autobiographical Sketch to your counselor via Naviance

- Talk to seniors about their experiences in applying to

- May 1st is the candidates reply date. This is the nationally recognized day to have your college decision done and deposit in at that school

- Notify the colleges that you definitely will not attend

- Take Advanced Placement Tests, if appropriate

- Attend college orientation programs as scheduled

- If given a choice, register for


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college and about the choices they have made.

college classes as soon as possible

- Complete the Naviance Senior Survey and the Senior Exit Questionnaire (both must be completed before final transcripts will be mailed to the college that you plan to attend)

- Request that your final transcript be sent to the college that you plan to attend

June‐July - Visit colleges, work on essay ideas

- Study hard for your final exams. These grades are very important

- Attend summer school to make up any “F” grades you received in academic subjects.

- READ, READ, READ! Reading anything ‐ books, magazines, newspapers, etc. ‐ will strengthen vocabulary and comprehension. It is great preparation for the SAT I, SAT II, and the ACT, as well as helping to improve your academic skills for college.

Congratulations on your

graduation from Von Steuben!

Contact your new campus to register for college classes in the

fall!


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SELF AWARENESS: Who Am I? As you begin to search for the type of college that might be the best match for you, it is important that you reflect on who you are and what is important to you. As counselors at Von Steuben, we cannot stress enough the individuality of selecting a college. Be sure to know yourself as well as possible. This will result in less confusion as you progress through this process because there is only “one of you,” while there are over three thousand colleges. The clearer your achievements, goals and dreams are, the easier your “best” college possibilities will surface. Here are some questions to consider as you begin the college planning process. What interests do I have? How do I spend my spare time? What new things would I like to try? What classes do I enjoy? What curricula have I taken? What are my G.P.A. and class standing? What extracurricular activities have been important to me? Am I a diligent, persistent worker? Do I have a curiosity about books and learning? How do I learn best: independently or with others? What kind of person would I like to be? Do I care about mankind? Would I like to make the world a better place? What are my goals? Why do I want to go to college? Do I want to move away from Chicago and my family?


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WHAT IS EXPECTED OF COLLEGE FRESHMEN In an article entitled “Challenge to American Education”, Dr. Louise Hock, Associate Professor, Secondary Education, New York University outlined her expectations of college students.

1. To be able to express themselves in writing and speaking clearly, concisely, creatively and critically, to say nothing of correctly.

2. To use the method of intelligence in attacking a problem or issue, not the blinding passion of bias and prejudice; to have learned through inquiry, not mimicry or memorization.

3. To read with comprehension and with a variety of skills – scanning, selecting,

identifying, paraphrasing, summarizing.

4. To see relations – cause and effect, relatedness; to be able to compare and contrast to make analogies.

5. To grasp broad principles and to be able to tie them to details and specifics that support

and illuminate them.

6. To be curious and inquiring; to ask Why and How more often than What.

7. To be able to budget time and to direct much of their own learning; to have initiative and use it.

8. To have some understanding of self, a realistic appraisal and assessment of their

strengths and weaknesses.

9. To be open‐minded and receptive to new ideas, willing to examine and test, to try and experiment.

10. To be sensitive and understanding to others; to form human relationships that can

include conflict with no loss of respect and friendship.

11. To have a coherent and mature set of values or be well on the way to developing one.

12. To have and aesthetic awareness; to sense beauty in the commonplace as well as in the extraordinary.”

HOW WELL DO YOU MEASURE UP IN THE FACE OF THESE CHALLENGES?


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POSTSECONDARY OPTIONS You can learn about colleges by reviewing each individual school’s website or catalogue. You may also view books and other published materials to get an overview of schools which interest you. There are a variety of opportunities for postsecondary education which are available to you. Consider some of your options:

College: An institution of higher education that grants degrees and certificates. The term is also used to designate the organizational units of a university such as the College of Education or the College of Engineering.

University: An academic institution which is composed of undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. It is composed of a number of “schools” or “colleges,” each of which encompasses a general field of study.

Liberal Arts College: A four‐year institution which emphasizes a program of broad undergraduate education. Pre‐professional training may be available but is not stressed.

Community College: Also called Junior College. A two‐year institution of higher learning which provides career and vocational training and academic curricula (terminal and transfer). Many community colleges offer associate’s degrees.

Terminal Program: An academic program that is complete unto itself. A student who completes it may not be admitted to a four‐year college for further study without completing additional course requirements.

Transfer Program: An academic program that is designed to lead into a four‐year program at another college or university. The two‐year graduate transfers as a junior to the four‐year institution.

Engineering or Technical College: Independent professional schools that provide four‐year training programs in the fields of engineering and the physical sciences. They are often known as institutes of technology or polytechnic institutes.


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Technical School: A two‐year institution which offers terminal occupational programs intended to prepare students for immediate employment in fields related to engineering and the physical sciences. These schools may also offer a one‐year certificate program in certain crafts and clerical skills.

Nursing School: There are three kinds of nursing schools. At schools affiliated with hospitals, students receive an RN (Registered Nurse) diploma upon successful completion of training and state examination. At schools affiliated with four‐year colleges, students receive both a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree and an RN diploma. Community colleges and junior colleges may offer a two‐year nursing program. These schools confer an AS (Associates) degree in nursing.

Military School: Federal military academies prepare officers for the ARMY, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marines. These institutions require recommendations and nomination by U.S. senators or U.S. representatives. Private and state‐supported military institutions, however, operate on a college application basis as does the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. They all offer degree programs in engineering, technology and many other majors with concentration in various aspects of military science.

Business School: At some colleges it is possible to specialize in business administration or in a two‐year secretarial course in conjunction with supplemental liberal arts courses. Other institutions offer business or secretarial courses primarily and may or may not be regionally accredited.

Trade School: Trade schools offer specialized study in areas such as cosmetology, computer technology, medical or dental technology, culinary arts, and drafting.

Professional School: This type of school offers specialized study in areas such as art, music, drama, dance, photography, etc.


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COMPARING COLLEGES: WHAT TO CONSIDER

Academics Above all else, you attend college to get an education. When choosing a college, the academic atmosphere and variety of courses offered should be considered. Colleges can be ranked according to the selectivity of their admissions. Colleges which require a very high grade point average and a very high SAT or ACT score are considered very selective in their admissions. Other colleges may only require graduation from high school or lower SAT/ACT scores. These schools have lower selectivity and some have open admissions. It is important that you try to match your academic abilities to the selectivity of a college. If you are a very good student, a more selective college may offer you the appropriate level of stimulation and challenge. If your academic record is not as strong, a less selective school may be a better fit for your needs. Whatever your credentials may be, it is best for you to identify colleges that match your academic profile. Students who attend “Match” schools (schools where the average GPA and ACT scores of incoming freshman is similar to your scores) are much more likely to persist and do well in college. Most colleges offer a variety of majors or courses of study. If you are unsure of what your major will be, consider attending a college which offers a wide variety of majors.

Size Colleges can range in size from 150 to 50,000 students and you should take into consideration your interest and comfort level within that range. Small schools offer you more personal


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involvement, smaller classes, and a community atmosphere. Large schools tend to be more impersonal, offer class sizes which may range anywhere from 20 to 1,000 students, and allow you to be more anonymous within the school community. Knowing yourself and your academic needs will help you determine what size school is the best fit for you. You should ask yourself the following questions:

Will I welcome the personal, friendly atmosphere a small college offers?

Will I feel lost and overwhelmed at a large college?

Will I feel more independent and free at a large university?

Will I want large or small classes? Is it important to me to have a good deal of interaction with my instructors during class? Would I prefer a large, more impersonal style of instruction?

Will I prefer a college which offers involvement in fraternities and sororities, as do many larger colleges and universities?

Are the athletic teams and facilities important to me? Typically, larger colleges and universities offer the greatest range in sports and facilities.

Atmosphere Each college has a unique atmosphere which is comprised of the people working and living within the community. This atmosphere affects the performance and contentment of each student within the environment. Some factors which create a college’s atmosphere are:

Personal or impersonal handling of students’ questions, concerns, and scheduling.

Student attitudes towards academics and approach to responsibilities.

Whether the school is coeducational or single‐sex.

Whether the school has students living on campus or commuter students. The type of atmosphere a college offers can best be determined by visiting the campus and talking to as many people there as you can. Your first‐hand impressions will be most valuable to understanding the dynamics of a college’s atmosphere.

Cost A major factor to consider is the cost of attending a college. The total cost for a year, as computed by the college financial aid office, includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. A student’s total costs may range from $1,000 at a community college to $40,000+ for a private college. While it is important to consider cost, do not limit your college choices to only those you will be able to afford without financial assistance. Many of the more expensive private schools have good financial aid programs. Depending on your need, the schools may offer anywhere from 20


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percent to the full cost in assistance. You should consider several colleges, including one you can reasonably afford and several for which you would need financial aid to attend. Although receiving financial aid may seem uncertain at times, limiting prospective college choices based solely on cost may exclude some excellent colleges from your list.

Location of College

There are many reasons to consider the location of a college. Some of these factors are expense of travel, your need for independence versus your desire to stay near family, and the effects of living in a particular climate. Consider the campus setting and the physical environment when determining the importance the college’s location has to you. Some students may prefer the social, cultural, and economic activities a large city or metropolitan environment offers. Others would be content if they lived near mountains, the ocean, or countryside. Although a certain environment may seem desirable, it is also important to consider how it will affect your experience as a student and community member. For example, colleges or universities located in the heart of a big city are often comprised of multistory classroom buildings and high‐rise dormitories. In contrast, there are many colleges and universities in rural settings with widespread campuses which are located many miles from the nearest metropolitan areas. Ultimately, you should consider a location and campus setting which you believe you will be most comfortable to call home for the next two to four years of your life.

Student Body Type A student body can be composed of all women, all men, or both women and men (called co‐ed). Students who worry that they might feel secluded at a single‐sex college should know that today virtually all colleges have exchange programs with other colleges. This offers students from one college the opportunity to cross‐register at another college to take courses for credit. Additionally, dormitory privileges, social activities, and extracurricular involvement will vary based on the type of students enrolled in the college.


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10 QUESTIONS to EVALUATE YOUR COLLEGE PREFERENCES

1. What satisfaction and frustrations do you expect to encounter in college? What

worries you the most? What are you most looking forward to? 2. Why do you want a college education? What is your motivation to attend college? 3. How do you want to grow and change over the next few years? What kind of

environment would either encourage or prevent the growth you hope to experience? 4. Which interests do you want to pursue while in college? Do your interests require

access to special facilities, programs, or opportunities? Are you more interested in career preparation, technical training, or general knowledge of skills?

5. What degree of academic challenge is best for your needs? How do you plan to balance your studies, activities, and social life? Do you prefer an academic program where you must work hard or one where you can make respectable grades without knocking yourself out? Is it important to you to perform at the top of your college class? How well do you respond to academic pressure and competition from others?

6. How much structure and direction do you desire? How would you feel about going to a college where you are rarely told what to do?

7. How would you enjoy living in a different part of the country? How often do you want to be able to go home? What kind of change in environment and lifestyle would be positive or negative for you?

8. What kinds of surroundings are essential for your well‐being? Is there a certain climate or pace of life which will make you happy? Do you prefer a fast‐paced or more serene environment?

9. How would you feel about attending a college where the other students were quite different from you? How would you react? Do you prefer to be with people who share your viewpoints and life‐styles or who have different perspectives and may encourage you to challenge some of your own?

10. How free do you feel to make your own decisions about college? Do you and your parents agree about your plans for college? How important to you are the opinions of your parents, teachers, or friends?

When reviewing your list of colleges, consider those which “feel right” and those which may cause you some discomfort. Visiting colleges on your list will help you explore these instincts further so that you experience the college atmosphere first‐hand. It is important to remain aware of your emotional responses and trust your feelings. Selecting a college that is best for you means learning about your own tastes, preferences, and possibilities while making decisions on your own. After all, you are the one in the driver’s seat making choices about your future.


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COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS A guide to what colleges want to know about you The Setup Because competition for students is so high, colleges and universities send representatives to Von Steuben and dozens of other high schools every year to meet prospective students and to describe their college programs. During these visits, students have a the opportunity to have their questions about college and various programs answered, find out how to schedule a college visit and start a relationship with an admission counselor. About the Representatives Very often, the person sent to visit the high schools is the admission counselor who will handle the applications from Von Steuben. That means that it is likely that the representative will be the FIRST person to read your application. So remember, FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE CRUCIAL! The representative/admission counselor will try to gauge your interest, aptitude and motivation to attend college and more specifically, their university. The representative will take notes on how the visit went and whether it is worthwhile to return the following year. Basic information you should expect to gather from a representative visit:

History of the school

Campus life

Top academic programs

Student life

Admissions criteria

Tuition and costs

Scholarships available


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CAMPUS VISITS At Von Steuben, students must provide documentation for any school days missed for college visits. Even with documentation, these days will count as excused absences. Each senior will be allowed 5 days for college visits provided that the student return signed documentation from the campus visit verifying the visit. YOU must plan and organize your own college campus visits. Visiting college campuses is a great way to understand the unique character of the colleges that interest you. No drive‐bys! Whenever possible, you are encouraged to spend a night in a dorm to truly get a feel for the student experience on each particular campus. Visits can have a powerful influence on your motivation. If you are told that your academic performance does not stand out enough to make you a strong candidate for a certain college, you may determine that it is necessary to make a stronger effort during your senior year at Von Steuben in order to exceed your past academic performance. Take advantage of the college visit to learn as much as you can. Visit the college’s library and explore its resources. Will the professors be accessible to you if you want to meet with them? What sports program will be open to you? Are there a variety of clubs and organizations that interest you? Will the social atmosphere be a good fit for you? All colleges are good for most of their students, but not all colleges will be good for you. A campus visit will provide an important basis for your judgment when the time comes to fill out applications, and later when you must decide where to enroll. Be sure to take notes on each visit and reflect upon your experience at each college. Use the “College Visit Summary Sheet” to aid you in this process. (APPENDIX C; Appendix B should be used as a guide) The best time to visit campuses is when they are in session during your junior year or fall of your senior year. If possible, try to avoid weekends when big football games or other events are held. You want to experience the campus when there is not unusual excitement in order to see what normal, everyday college life is like. Visit http://chooseyourfuture.org/ to access schedules available to you for free college visits sponsored by CPS during spring break. Be sure to take note of the specific GPA requirements for each tour.


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PREPARING FOR YOUR CAMPUS VISIT You, the student, are responsible for scheduling your own college campus visits. Contact the Office of Admissions at the colleges that interest you and ask to schedule a visit with as much notice as possible. Your college visits will be most productive if you do some preparation and research prior to each visit.

- From the list of colleges you have considered, pick a reasonable number that you can visit.

- Phone or email each admissions office several weeks in advance to set up an

appointment.

- Visit your first and second‐choice colleges after visiting other colleges. Experiences at your less desirable colleges will allow your eyes to be keener and your questions to be more probing when you visit your more desirable choices.

- Work out a timetable for your visits in order to be prompt for appointments. Get

directions from the colleges and plan your route and schedule carefully.

- Know where you will stay overnight, if necessary. If you do not plan to stay in a dormitory, arrange your lodging in advance to avoid anxiety during your visit.

- Dress appropriately to show that you take your visit seriously. You should look clean

and well‐groomed. Admissions officers meet with many students and will take note of first impressions from your interview. The impression you should leave is that of a self‐confident young person who cares about your appearance as well as your education.

- Before each visit, quickly review any notes you have made about the college so that you

arrive at the campus with some knowledge about the school. Also, from your notes, prepare several questions which you would like to ask your campus tour guide.

- Have a game plan for each campus, listing what you want to see and do, but leave spare

time to accept invitations to an athletic event, a student play, or other campus activity.


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WHAT TO LOOK FOR DURING YOUR VISIT Photocopy the blank version of the “College Visit Summary Sheet” (APPENDIX C) for each campus visit and fill it out immediately after the visit while your memory is still fresh. You can take notes during the visit and then use them later when filling out the summary sheet. In order to gather the kind of information you will need, you should ask questions of the admissions staff, students, faculty, coaches, alumni, and other employees such as campus security personnel. A noted authority on admission strategies, Howard Greene, has offered the following ideas which you might use to guide you during your visit.

Social Concerns:

- What are the living arrangements in dormitories? What about fraternity or sorority

houses? What are the options when choosing roommates? How accessible and affordable is off‐campus housing?

- If there are fraternities or sororities, what percentage of students belong to them and

what percentage live in fraternity/sorority housing? What is the college’s official attitude toward Greek organizations? Is there a stated policy on possible fraternity and sorority discrimination?

- What are the social opportunities if you choose not to join a fraternity or club? What

local facilities are available for parties, dances, and intramural athletics?

- What activities, such as speakers, concerts, intramural sports and tours does the college sponsor?

- Do most students remain on campus on weekends or is it a “suitcase” college?

- What is the makeup of the student body in terms of geographical origin, and what are their academic interests? What are the most popular majors? How many students go on to graduate school?

- How good is campus security? - What control do students have over campus social and academic life? Do students sit

on judicial committees or help influence policies?

- How much religious diversity is there? Are the facilities for various religious groups adequate? If the college is church‐affiliated, do student of different faiths feel welcome?


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- How are ethnic minorities accommodated? Are there special programs and facilities for minority members who want them?

- Are jobs available to those not receiving financial aid? What services are there for job

placement during the summer or after graduation?

- What is the ratio of women to men? Is there any evidence of sexism?

- For gender‐segregated colleges: What arrangements are there for social activities?

- Before leaving any campus, make sure that you have been provided with all relevant statistical data about the college. Especially important is the most recent freshman class profile, with its breakdown of SAT and ACT scores, alumni children admitted, ethnic diversity, etc.

Academic Concerns:

- Which departments are outstanding, average, or weak? (Admissions officers and faculty

members can be surprisingly candid about this.) Are there more academic opportunities than those listed in the catalogue or on the website (special research projects, field trips, and so on)?

- Can you create your own interdepartmental major?

- Do you have to do independent work? What would be your chances of getting into an honors program?

- What is the student/faculty ratio? (Make sure the figure is based on faculty members

available to students and does not include non‐teaching research personnel with faculty appointments.)

- Are classes large or small? How many lecture courses will you take? In courses with

large enrollments, are there small sections?

- Is the faculty available to students after class? (Ask the students about this one as well.) Is there diversity in faculty background? Have most of them been educated at one kind of university or at many different kinds of universities?


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- Are most course requirements cut‐and‐dried, with two‐hour exams, one paper and a

final examination? Or is there individuality in the way different professors grade their classes?

- Are introductory course taught by professors or by graduate assistants? Are freshmen

taught by top members of the faculty?

- What recognition is there for advanced placement course taken at high school?

- How good is faculty counseling? Are there remedial or tutorial services?

- How good is the career counseling and placement office in helping students plan for jobs or graduate schools?

Facilities:

- What health care arrangements are there?

- Does the library have most of the research materials you will need in your field?

- Is the bookstore comprehensive?

- Are there enough parking spaces on campus? Will you need a car?

- Are laboratories kept up to date? Are art studios available? How good is the theater? Are there music practice facilities?

- Are athletic facilities taken up mostly by varsity sports, or will you be able to use the

gymnasium, pool, or tennis courts on a regular basis?

- What commercial outlets are nearby? Are there restaurants and motels nearby for visiting relatives and friends?

After your campus visit, a thank‐you letter to the admissions office is a nice gesture. It will go in your folder and be a sign of your interest in the college. The letter should express your appreciation for the visit and be relatively noncommittal unless you have already made a firm decision on your attendance.


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THE INTERVIEW

Some colleges and universities will require an interview with prospective students. In such circumstances, impressions gained from the interview may help or hinder the applicant’s chanced of admission. Other colleges may prefer an interview but not require it. The interview is meant to be an exchange of information. The admission officer is seeking to learn more about you, yet this is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the college. The following are some guidelines to consider as you approach a college interview:

- Arrange your interview at least three or four weeks in advance (allow more time during the busy fall season) by telephone or e‐mail with the college admissions counselor.

- Remember that the college is interested in interviewing you, the prospective student, and not your parents. Although it is perfectly acceptable for your parents to accompany you to the admission office, it is not advisable for them to attend the interview unless they are specifically invited to do so by the college official.

- Arrive for your appointment a few minutes early and dress suitably for the occasion.

- Expect that you may feel nervous; this is normal. Remember to keep the interview in perspective as just one aspect of your application to the college.

- Be aware your nonverbal messages; they help to give the interviewer an overall picture

of you. Be sure to give a warm, firm handshake, good eye contact, reasonably good posture, appropriate courtesy and responsiveness in facial expression. These nonverbal cues help to convey your positive interest.

- Prior to the interview, review recent information about the college. Avoid asking questions of the interviewer that could easily be answered by reviewing literature on the school

- Do not expect the interviewer to do all the talking. It is important that you contribute to the conversation to show your level of enthusiasm and interest. Rather than answering simply “yes” or “no”, try to elaborate when asked a question.


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- Be prepared to discuss your academic and extracurricular record in detail. If your record has been previously sent to the college, your interviewer may choose not to review the information and instead use the interview to explore new ground. If your record has not yet been sent, be sure to take an unofficial transcript and your most recent report card with you.

- Do not be afraid to say that you do not know the answer to a question; do your best to answer questions as genuinely and honestly as you can.

- Use this opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns about any aspect of the college which may interest you. Consider unanswered questions you may have from the “What to Look for During your Visit” section of this handbook.

To help you prepare for your interview, the following is a list of questions you may be asked:

1. Tell me about yourself. 2. Why do you want to go to this college? 3. What do you expect to get out of your college experience? 4. Why are you a good match for this college? 5. What academic areas are you interested in exploring? 6. How did you decide what courses you want to take? 7. What do you want to do after you graduate from college? 8. What do you expect to be doing ten years from now? 9. What have you liked and disliked about your high school? 10. What is the last book you read? 11. What part of yourself would you most like to improve over the next four years? 12. What magazines/newspapers do you red regularly? 13. Who is your role model/greatest influence? 14. What are your most important hobbies or extra‐curricular activities? 15. Describe your strength; discuss you weaknesses. 16. How would your best friend describe you? 17. Tell me about an obstacle that you overcame. 18. What would you change about the world? 19. What will you bring to our community? 20. If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

After your interview, a thank‐you letter to the interviewer is a nice gesture. It is a good idea to include something specific about your interview in the letter.


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ATHLETICS The decision to participate in intercollegiate athletics is an important one, and it is crucial that student‐athletes utilize all of the resources available to them at Von Steuben. Your counselor and especially your coach(es) are available to help you. Your search for the right college or university should focus on your educational needs as well as athletic opportunities. Answers to the following questions can help you realistically approach the college selection process.

Are you good enough to complete in the intercollegiate level? How do you know?

Do you expect to be a recruited athlete? Is a scholarship offer crucial to your plans to attend a particular institution?

At which level do you intend to participate (NCAA Division I‐A, I‐AA, II, III, or NAIA)?

What impact will your ability to play have on your desire to attend a particular institution?

Be aware of the guidelines set forth by the NCAA in regards to recruiting. It is the student‐athlete’s responsibility to know what is and what is not permissible in the recruiting relationship. The guidelines and other information can be found on the NCAA website at www.NCAA.org. It is advisable to let your counselor and your coach know that you are interested in pursuing intercollegiate athletic opportunities. Lastly, it is important to remember that, while college coaches may work closely with admission offices, the admission decision ultimately rests with the Office of Admissions, not the coach. NCAA Initial Eligibility A student must be certified as academically eligible by the NCAA Clearinghouse (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net) in order to play Division I‐A, I‐AA, or II college athletics. Any student interested in competing in Division III athletics need not fill out a form with the NCAA. Division III eligibility is handled by individual schools and varies by conference. In order to initiate the eligibility process, student‐athletes must file a registration form with the NCAA online at the clearinghouse website. Students should register during their senior year as part of the college application process. Students must take specific courses in order to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. These include a certain number of college preparatory English, science, social science, and math courses. These specific requirements and which courses at Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center meet them are outlined online at the NCAA Clearinghouse website or may be obtained by your counselor. How is eligibility determined? The NCAA computes a grade point average based on 16 core academic courses that are required for eligibility. These courses include 4 years of English, 3 years of math (Algebra or higher), 2 years of natural/physical science (one year lab science), 1 year of additional English,


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math, or physical science, 2 years of social science, and 4 years of additional courses (foreign language, nondoctrinal religion/philosophy, or any of the other subjects above). Classes taken in eighth grade may not be used to satisfy the core‐curriculum requirements regardless of their content or level. The specific course requirements for eligibility to participate in Division I differ from those require at Division II, which requires fewer courses. In order to be eligible at the Division I level, a student must achieve a certain standardized test score depending on what his or her core course GPA is. The test score requirements are based on a sliding scale, a copy of which may be found at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. For example, a student with a 3.25 GPA would need a total score of 46 on the four sections of the ACT, or an SAT of 520. A student with a 3.0 GPA would need a 52 or 620 respectively, a 2.5 GPA a 68 or 820, and so on. The scale covers all possible GPAs from 3.55 down to a 2.0. A student MUST have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be eligible regardless of test score. For Division II, students simply need a 2.0 GPA and a 68 on the four sections of the ACT.

*Remember that for the standardized test score, students are allowed to mix and match their sub scores to achieve the best possible score. For example, if a student took the ACT three times, they could use their overall best math, reading, English, and science to get the total score needed on the sliding scale based on their GPA. For a complete picture of eligibility requirements, check out the NCAA Clearinghouse website (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net).

How do I file for initial‐eligibility? Students should not file for initial eligibility until the conclusion of their junior year. The Clearinghouse will not process applications that do not contain a transcript with at least six completed semesters. During fall of senior year, students should complete the following process for applying for eligibility:

1. Go to www.ncaaclearinghouse.net and fill out an online Initial Eligibility form. You will need to pay a one‐time fee to register.

2. Upon completion of the form, print out the two signature pages provided by the Clearinghouse.

3. Bring in both copies of the signed forms to Ms. Ocasio in the Counseling Office along with a completed transcript release form just like you would a college application. The Counseling Department will send one copy and an official copy of your transcript to the Clearinghouse. The second copy authorizes the school to send your final transcript after you graduate.

Students must send test scores directly from the testing agency. If you have tested more than once and are borderline for eligibility, you should also have all of your scores sent directly from the testing agency to the Clearinghouse. As mentioned, NCAA regulations permit the Clearinghouse to mix and match sub scores from various testing dates. For example, you can combine a Math score from a September ACT with an English score from a December ACT to


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calculate an index score. The ACT score included as part of the annual Prairie State Examination given by the State of Illinois may be used for eligibility purposes. The NCAA only processes Initial Eligibility Forms for those students on the recruiting list of a Division I or II institution. If your form is not immediately processed and you would like it to be you need to contact the Clearinghouse and request that it be processed. This is particularly important for students who plan to try to "walk‐on". If the Initial Eligibility Form is processed, you will receive a note stating that you are not eligible even if you meet the academic requirements because you have not yet graduated from high school. Upon completion of your senior year you will receive a final eligibility form once your final high school transcript is submitted by Highland Park High School.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA) Similar to the NCAA the NAIA is a governing organization for college and university athletes. A listing of member institutions may be found on their web site at www.naia.org. In order to be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics as a freshman at an NAIA Division I or II institution, a student must meet two of the three following entry requirements:

1. Score 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT. 2. Achieve a minimum overall high school grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. 3. Graduate in the top half of his/her high school graduating class.


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COLLEGE SELECTION FOR THOSE WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES Almost all college and universities provide some level of classroom and testing accommodations for students with learning differences, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students who have learning differences are advised begin planning for college early in the junior year to acquire necessary evaluations and test results needed to plan for college. You and your parents should carefully examine the programs and services available to identify several colleges which meet your individual needs. There are a number of colleges that can meet these needs and you should explore the ones that interest you. The following are some steps to take in selecting a college:

- Find a college book specifically for students with learning differences in Von Steuben’s library or at your local Chicago Public Library branch.

- Look through the college profiles and identify those of interest to you. - Compare services colleges offer to students with learning differences

- Talk with your service provider or special educator for his or her recommendations.

- Write or email each college to request detailed information about the program or

services which are available to students with learning differences.

- If possible, visit the campus and meet with a representative from the Office of Student Services.


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ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

The Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) uses federal funds to run a Vocational Rehab (VR) program which helps people get or keep jobs. For recent high school graduates, DRS provides funding for students with special needs to pursue postsecondary education.

To qualify for VR services: - You must have a documented disability and need services from DRS to get or keep a job.

If you are getting help from Social Security (Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)) you may automatically qualify. You do not qualify if your disability makes it too hard for you to work even with VR services. If you do not want to get or keep a job, you do not qualify.

To apply for VR services:

- You need to call a DRS office for assistance in applying. Your records from doctors, schools, past jobs, or other programs will help DRS. When this is done, a DRS counselor will look at all of the information to see if you qualify.

If you qualify for VR services:

- You work with a DRS counselor to see what services you need in order to get or keep a job. The counselor will help you write a plan of services. You have the right to make decision and choices.

Fees for VR services: - Sometimes you have to help pay for services; it depends on your income. The counselor

will let you know if there is a need to pay. You do not have to use your SSDI or SSI to pay for services. However, you must pay your own normal living expenses.

Comparable services and benefits:

- DRS counselors will help you find out if you qualify for other programs or services. Some programs are Medicaid, scholarships, work‐study programs or other benefits. The counselor can help you apply for these services.

For additional information and services, contact:

Bureau of Field Services P.O. Box 19429 Springfield, IL 62794‐9429 217‐782‐2004 Illinois Department of Human Services

Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) Bureau of Blind Services 1151 S. Wood Street P. O. Box 19429 Chicago, Illinois, 60612 Springfield, IL 62794‐9429 312‐633‐3570 217‐785‐3887


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RESOURCES FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS (Information Obtained from the Guide to Undocumented Student Aid published by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights) Bill HB 60 enables undocumented students to receive in‐state tuition at state colleges and universities in Illinois. Requirements to receive in‐state tuition:

The student must have lived with their parent or guardian while attending high school in Illinois.

The student must have graduated from a high school in Illinois.

The student must have attended high school in Illinois for at least three years.

If the student is not a citizen or permanent resident, they must provide the college with an affidavit stating that they will apply for permanent resident status at the earliest opportunity when they become eligible.

Resources: Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) www.nclr.org ICIRR Student Guide http://icirr.org/sites/default/files/ILDreamActStudentGuideFINAL.pdf Illinois Association for College Admissions Counseling (IACAC) http://www.iacac.org/undocumented/ Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund www.maldef.org The Resurrection Project www.resurrectionproject.org Chicago Public Schools www.chooseyourfuture.org Latino College Dollars www.latinocollegedollars.org


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COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Complete the application

The application is the initial step in applying to college. Information requested on the form will include biographical information, extracurricular information, work experience, academic and career plans, etc. It is crucial for Von Steuben students to complete the CPS fee waiver form. Most colleges will require an application fee ranging anywhere from $20 to $100, although students should see their counselor to discuss their eligibility for fee waivers. It is important to be honest, thorough, attentive to directions, concise, and neat when completing the application. It is important that the student keep a copy of every application they submit for their records.

- Online Application o Most students apply electronically. On‐line applications can often be found on

the college or university home page or students may use the Common or Universal Application if accepted by the college. This may be found at www.commonapp.org. Students who apply online need to carefully proofread the application before submitting it. It is suggested that all essay responses be composed in a Word document and transferred to the application.

o It is a good idea to take note of your username and password or code needed to access each online application.

o It is the student’s responsibility to check for supplemental forms that need to be downloaded and submitted such as a signature page, recommendation form, or secondary school report form.

- Paper Application o Most colleges provide paper applications. These forms may be downloaded

from the college’s home page or a student may request that one be mailed to them. Students may type or print neatly when completing the paper application.

2. Write the essay/personal statement (if required). Many colleges (especially highly selective colleges) will ask the student to write an essay or personal statement. The admission office hopes to learn more about the student, assess their writing ability, grammar, spelling, as well as their ability to answer the question. Colleges want the essay to reflect the student, their interests and values. It will be used to better understand how the student thinks and writes. The essay will require a great deal of time and effort. This is your chance to put your “best foot forward” without boasting. It is strongly suggested that either your English teacher or your counselor review and critique your essay before it is submitted. Remember to keep a copy for your records.

3. Obtain teacher recommendations (if needed).

Some colleges will require one or two teacher recommendations to support your application.

- Select teachers that know you well and will write a positive recommendation about you.


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- Ask the teacher in person if they will write a letter or recommendation for you. This conversation should take place well in advance of any deadlines.

- Complete the Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire on Naviance. - At least two to four weeks prior to the earliest deadline provide the teacher with the

Von Steuben “Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire” form, available on Naviance.

4. Obtain counselor recommendations (if required). Discuss with your counselor which applications require a letter or recommendation as well as the necessity of submitting a secondary school report form. Complete the “Counselor Recommendation Questionnaire” form on Naviance. Complete the Counselor Recommendation Questionnaire on Naviance.

5. Submit supplemental materials (as needed). Supplemental materials may include a student resume, slides of creative work, musical tapes, or other documents that highlight special talents or skills. Discuss this option with your counselor prior to submission.

6. Complete a transcript request form. After completing your portion of the college application (either online or a paper copy), you should also complete a transcript request on Naviance. Here, you can check the status of previous requests and request a transcript waiver fee.

- In order to meet college admission deadlines and properly process your application, you are asked by the Von Steuben Counseling Department to submit the transcript request at least 15 school days (three weeks) prior to each application deadline.

- After requesting a transcript on Naviance, you must fill out a transcript request form in the counseling office. Your transcript request will not be processed until you fill out this form. Forms should be turned in to Ms. Plaud in Room 111. You must also address envelopes for each school you are applying to and attach to this form.

7. Release official test scores. Von Steuben sends a copy of your standardized testing record with each official high school transcript. It is the student’s responsibility to release his or her “official” test score directly to each college or university. This can be done at the time of registration or testing (with the initial test fee, a student has the option to send four free score reports to colleges) or after the test by contacting the testing agencies online (see below) to requests the score report to be sent to the colleges or universities of choice. Students are encouraged to communicate with the testing agencies directly, thus sending official scores to every college. This is your assurance that the highest or most recent test scores will be sent in the shortest time frame.

- SAT o www.collegeboard.com o An additional fee of $11.25 per SAT report will be incurred for each college. o There is also a fee for sending scores staring ten days after your test date.


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o Score Choice: Students have the option to choose which scores (by test date for SAT; by individual test for Subject Tests) to send to colleges, at no additional cost. Score Choice is optional, and if students choose not to use it, all scores will be sent automatically.

- ACT o www.actstudent.org o An additional fee of approximately $12.00 per ACT report will be incurred for

each college. o ACT needs the date of highest score to be released.

8. Submit housing forms.

Most colleges send residential housing forms after you have been accepted. If you are allowed to submit them at the same time as the admission application, you may consider doing so. The earlier you return the housing application, the better opportunity you have to secure your choice of living arrangements. Please note that some deposits are non‐refundable.


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VON STEUBEN APPLICATION PROCEDURES

In order to submit your college or scholarship application, you must submit a complete packet to your counselor. Only complete packets will be accepted. Step 1: Complete paper or online application. If necessary, include your personal statement, teacher letter of recommendations, and application fee. Step 2: Request transcript on Naviance at http://connection.naviance.com/vonsteuben AND complete the application checklist (available in Ms. Plaud’s Office, Room 111). Step 3: Bring a copy of the confirmation page or completed application with all appropriate fees or fee waiver request to your counselor. All senior will receive free transcripts for postsecondary purposes until December 4th, 2015 and all subsequent requests will be charged a $5 fee. Step 4: Your counselor will review your application and transcript and mail out to the college/university. You must adhere to the deadline dates in order for your application to be processed in a timely fashion. 15 school days are required for your counselor to process your transcript and your counselor to review and write your letter of recommendation if necessary. COMMON APPS: Many colleges accept the Common Application. If you are applying to any Common App school, visit www.commonapp.org. If you apply to one of these schools, you must use the common app, and you must submit your application online. To do this, you have to create a username and password on www.commonapp.org. Once you have set up an account, you must link your Naviance account to your Common App account. To do this: logon to Naviance, and click on “Colleges” tab and then click on “Colleges I am Applying To.” You will see a blue box that has a label “Important Privacy Notice for Common Application.” Click on the box labeled, “Yes, I DO waive my right to access, and I understand I will never see this recommendation.” Then click on the box labeled “I authorize all secondary schools I’ve attended to release all requested records and authorize review of my application for the admission process indicated on my Common Application recommendation forms.” Then enter your Common App username and password and click “Submit.” Once you have completed this step, your counselor will be able to submit your e‐transcript and recommendations online via e‐Docs. Next, you will logon to Common App, and add each of the common app applications to your list of colleges on Common App. Then you will need to logon to Common App, enter your name, address, birth date, Von Steuben’s name, and CEEB Code (141‐345) and list your current courses.


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TRANSCRIPTS

Official Transcripts To complete the college application process, seniors need to include a transcript. Transcripts requested in the fall of senior year will only include grades through 11th grade. Only transcripts stamped and signed are considered "official." Each transcript will include a copy of the student’s ACT scores. Colleges usually require official transcripts. Each senior receives one free official transcript. There is a $5 fee for each additional transcript. Unofficial Transcripts All students will receive a copy of their unofficial transcript twice a year, 1st semester and 2nd semester. It is the student’s responsibility to keep a copy of their unofficial transcript to assist them with completing college or scholarship applications. Final Transcripts Final transcripts are only released upon graduation and sent out in July after graduation has been posted. Students will be allotted one final transcript sent to the university/program in which they have selected on Naviance. Students will complete their final transcript request in May. Scholarship Transcripts Students applying for scholarships will receive free transcripts. Students must follow the deadline dates as outlined in section “College/Scholarship Deadline Dates.” Students should follow the same application procedures for both college applications and scholarships. Pick up an Official Transcript in Person Students may pick up an official transcript by requesting it on Naviance and completing the paper transcript request form in Room 113 with Mrs. Figueroa. Students must pay the $5 fee to the registrar and allow 5 school days for processing. No transcripts will be given on the same day of the request.


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COLLEGE / SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESSING DEADLINES

You must allow 15 school days for any application to be processed by your counselor. Follow the deadline dates for applications to be processed in a timely fashion.

If your College / Scholarship Deadline is

Submit your application to the Registrar by

Notes

September 30th September 9, 2015 This includes the QuestBridge Scholarship &

Prudential

November 1st October 9, 2015 Any early admission, early decision and the U of I

priority deadline

November 15th October 26, 2015 DePaul’s early action, ISU deadline

NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

In order for applications to be processed before the

holiday, must be submitted by October 26, 2015

No applications will be processed a week before or

during the week of Thanksgiving.

December 1st November 5, 2015 UIC’s GPPA program and Loyola’s priority deadline

NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED DURING THE

WINTER BREAK

In order for applications to be processed before the break, must be submitted by December 4, 2015

No applications will be processed a week before or during the Winter Break

January 13th December 11, 2015 Gates Millennium Scholarship

February 1st January 11, 2016

February 15th January 25, 2016

Any dates not covered 15 School Days Prior

Any rolling deadlines 15 School Days Prior

The Counseling Office is closed during all holiday breaks. If you miss the Counseling department deadline: Priority will be given to students who have submitted their requests on time. Requests that are submitted late may not be submitted to the college or scholarship on time. Please make sure that you adhere to the above deadline dates.


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COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) provides practice for the SAT I and is administered only in October of the junior year. The PSAT is a useful indicator of scholastic aptitude. Students receive 3 scores: verbal, math, and writing as well as a “Selection Index” which is used for National Merit completion. This is the first step in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarships and also registers students for the College Search Service. EXPLORE: Freshmen take this exam, which prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post‐high school choices as well. It marks an important beginning for a student’s future academic and career success. This exam is scored on a scale from 1 ‐ 25. PLAN: This Pre‐ACT assessment is an introduction to the ACT and is designed for sophomores. It measures skills in English, Math, Reading and Science reasoning. It is designed to direct students, teachers, and counselors how to plan for future academic and career success. An Interest Inventory is a component of the PLAN. This exam is scored on a scale from 1 ‐ 32. Results are not sent to colleges, but are helpful to evaluate interests, abilities, and performances.

PARCC: The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests are computer‐based assessments in Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy. They are aligned with the Common Core state standards and are designed to assess whether students are on track for post‐secondary success. This year, only juniors will take the PARCC in spring 2015. AP: In May, Advanced Placement (AP) exams on various subjects are given to students who have completed any AP courses at Von Steuben. Scores range from 1 ‐ 5 and students scoring 3, 4, or 5 may receive college credit. Students are advised to check individual colleges for their policies regarding AP scoring. AP tests are not designed to be used for admission purposes.


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ACT: The American College Test is one of two college admission tests. It is preferred by colleges in the Midwest, although all accept both ACT or SAT I. This test is composed of four 35‐60 minute tests in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The writing section is optional but students are strongly encouraged to take this portion if they are even remotely interested in a university where this test is required. The ACT must be taken to qualify for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Honorary Illinois Scholars Award. This exam is scored on a scale from 1 ‐ 36; students receive four separate scores as well as a composite score. SAT Reasoning Test: This is the second college admission test option. The three‐hour, forty‐five minute tests consists of sections on mathematics, critical reading and writing. Each of the three areas is separated as part of the highest score of 800. Although historically this test was preferred by East states and California, all accept either ACT or SAT. SAT Subject Tests: Most selective schools require two or three subject tests, which measure knowledge in specific subject areas, for admissions and/or placement. This test is composed of the following specific subject matters:

- Writing, Literature - U.S. or World History - Math - Biology, Chemistry, Physics - World Language


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EARLY DECISION: THE PROS AND CONS You may request an early decision on your college application in the fall, before the end of the first academic term of your senior year. Requesting an early decision indicates to the college or university that you consider that school to be your top choice. Other conditions for early‐decision are as follows:

- You may only request early‐decision from ONE institution. - Applications for early decision are due November 1 of your senior year; notifications are

sent out in mid‐December. - If admitted by early decision, you agree to enroll at this college in the fall and to apply to

no other undergraduate institutions thereafter.

An early‐decision admission allows you to know where you will enroll for college almost six months before you actually graduate from Von Steuben. If you are not admitted early, your application is deferred for final decision in April. There is a binding agreement if you are accepted to your early‐decision college. Upon your acceptance to this college, all other applications submitted elsewhere must be immediately withdrawn. Although early‐decision offers many advantages, you should realize that there are also potential disadvantages to taking this option. Only very strong candidates should consider early‐decision; you will need high grades in a rigorous curriculum, involvement in nonacademic interests and activities, SAT or ACT scores that would place you in the top 20 percent of those applying to that college (not the 20 percent of your class at Von Steuben). If you are just shy of meeting this criterion but are close, you can still apply for early‐decision. You may be deferred, but you may also be favored among candidates who are admitted in April. Do investigate enough colleges to be absolutely sure that the college you select for early‐decision is truly your first choice and not a college you happen to know will accept you.


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Do not try to beat the early decision system by applying to another college after you have been admitted to a school through early‐decision. This is viewed as unethical behavior. You will face consequences when the college that first admitted you finds out and withdraws its offer of admission from you. Do not sell yourself short by requesting an early‐decision at a college that seems less exciting or less selective than other colleges which you hope to attend. You should give yourself every opportunity to apply to colleges that you truly find desirable. IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT EARLY DECISION, SPEAK WITH YOUR COUNSELOR FIRST!

EARLY‐ACTION AND EARLY‐NOTIFICATION: Most Von Steuben students are encouraged to choose from the early‐action, early‐notification and priority options. Unlike the early‐decision notification, the early‐action or early‐notification process available at some colleges is non‐binding. You may decide not to attend the institution or decline the offer of admission. Usually you apply for early‐action or early‐notification to colleges where you are reasonably sure of admission. If you are accepted early and plan to attend, you do not need to file any other applications. If you are accepted early and are have concerns about attending, you may wish to file applications with other schools. Another big difference is that you are not under obligation to discontinue all other applications when applying with early‐action or early‐notification. Additionally, with early‐action or early‐notification, you do not become the same leading candidate for spring admission if you become deferred in early‐decision. As an applicant for early‐action and early‐notification, you run more of a risk than those for regular‐decision because of the screening process meant to eliminate marginal candidates.


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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAY (Resource: www.collegeboard.com)

Guideline for a Draft Sometimes the hardest part of writing a college admission essay is just getting started. Here is a quick exercise to get you moving in the right direction.

- Step 1: Think about yourself What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your best qualities? Are you an intellectual? A creative type? A social activist? Curious? Passionate? Determined?

- Step 2: Choose a positive quality you would like to convey to the admission committee Do not pick an event or something you have done. Instead, focus on a quality of your mind or of your character. Complete this sentence: “I am a very person.”

- Step 3: Tell a story Set a timer for 20 minutes. Pretend you are taking an exam at high school and the question is, “Tell a story about an experience or time when you showed you were a very person.” Use the characteristic you identified in Step 2. Write or type non‐stop for 20 minutes; force yourself to keep telling the story and what it reveals about you until the timer goes off. Good job! You have a rough draft for your application essay. Look at the college application forms and see what questions they ask. No matter what the questions are, you have already identified an important characteristic you want to convey to each college.

Choice and Topics Underlying all essay questions is choice. The essay question may be direct and ask you to choose something about yourself to discuss, or it may be indirect and require you to write about something such as an event, book, or quotation. The college regards your choices as a way to evaluate your preferences, values, mental processes, creativity, sense of humor, and depth of knowledge. The writing itself reflects your power of persuasion, organizational abilities, style, and mastery of standard written English.

What College Look For

Your preferences Your essay topic reveals your preferences. Are you an arts person or a hard‐facts science type? Certainly, there is a difference between the person who likes to talk about the Cold War with Machiavelli and someone who likes to get painting tips from Jackson Pollock.

Your values Choice also reflects values. The person who drives a beat‐up, rusty, 1971 Volkswagen is making a statement about how she wants to spend her money and what she cares about. We say,


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“That dress is not me” or “I am not a cat person.” In choosing, you indicate what matters to you and how you perceive yourself.

Your thought‐process Choosing shows how you think. Are you whimsical, a person who chooses on impulse? Or are you methodical, careful, a person who gathers background information before choosing? Questions about you and about career and college reflect these choosing patterns. Even a question about a national issue can show your particular thinking style, level of intelligence, and insight.

Think About Topics The topics you select for your essay can also reveal much about who you are. No answer is wrong, but sloppy, general, insincere, or tasteless responses hurt. Some of the best essays, the memorable and unusual ones, are about very similar, just more focused topics. Essays about your family, football team, trip to France, parents’ divorce, or twin can be effective as long as they are focused and specific: a single Christmas Eve church service, a meal of boiled tongue in Grenoble, dipping ice cream as a summer job.

Writing the Essay (information from DePauw University)

Two goals to keep in mind when you are writing your essay are: to persuade the admissions representative that you are extremely worth of admission and to make the admissions representative aware that you are more than a GPA and a standardized test score; that you are a real‐life, intriguing personality. The following list of tips should be useful while writing your admissions essay:

1. Answer the Question 2. Be Original 3. Be Yourself 4. Do not “Thesaurize” Your Composition 5. Use Imagery and Clear, Vivid Prose 6. Spend the Most Time on Your Introduction 7. Use Transition 8. Conclusions are Critical 9. Give Your Draft to Others to Review (seek a variety of reactions) 10. Revise, Revise, Revise

Remember to have your essay proofread by your English teacher and counselor. In this part of the college application process, your focus should be on perfection. Grammatical and mechanical errors may ruin the entire application.


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HINTS TO ORGANIZING YOUR EFFORTS

Get Organized If you are disorganized or tend to procrastinate, learn to present a picture of a student who:

- Plans ahead - Meets all deadlines (early, early, early)

Complete and submit applications to more than one college unless you are absolutely sure of admission, matriculation, and an overall successful undergraduate experience at this one college. After consultation with their counselor, students should group applications in the following categories (individual circumstances vary):

a. A “reach” college (wishful hope for admittance)

b. A “match” college (pretty sure of admittance)

c. A “safety” college (clear admittance)

Submit applications at the earliest possible date Make a good impression by applying early in the filing period. Early applicants often receive more attention than applicants just meeting the deadline. As a result, first applicants may have an edge when it comes to admission. Such is especially true of “rolling admission process” colleges. It is suggested that all out‐of‐state public universities’ applications be submitted as early in the fall of senior year as possible, and no later than the end of October.

Take time with your applications Make sure they are neat and correct. Always print neatly if submitting a paper copy. It is impossible to be too neat but easy to be careless and make a poor impression. Explain any circumstances affecting your high school performance, why you chose to apply, and clarify your special talents and extracurricular activities if appropriate.

A strong essay is very important Many colleges require an essay as part of the college application. The following are some helpful suggestions:

a. Begin the rough draft in September; do not wait until the last minute


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b. Write a rough draft and make corrections for sentence structure, grammar and punctuation. Your English teacher, the Post‐Secondary Coach, or your counselor might be able to give you some pointers.

c. Type your final draft in a Word document, then triple‐check to eliminate typographical

errors.

Recommendations may be required; plan ahead Request them from your teachers and counselors early! Requests for recommendations can be found on Naviance. A rushed recommendation may not be in your best interest.

Make sure your college file is complete After the application filing period, call the college admission office (or check online) and ask if any materials are needed to complete your file (scores, transcript, recommendations, etc.).

Take the time to leave a good impression If you have made an appointment for a college tour, keep it. If you have had a tour, write and thank the college admission officer. They do “keep track” of interested students.

Notify colleges of your final selection as soon as possible In the spring of your senior year, it is important to notify colleges that have offered you admission that you will not matriculate and thank them for your consideration. Such courtesies do help future Von Steuben applicants.


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FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION Basics of Financial Aid

The cost of attending a particular institution should not be the first consideration; however, it is a major factor when making your final selection. Financial aid is designed to provide an open college choice to students from all financial circumstances. When making your decision, it is important to consider the many sources of financial assistance available to you. The following suggestions are available to students during their senior year of high school: The Financial Aid Package is financial aid awarded to a student is comprised of a combination of forms of financial aid (loans, grants or scholarships, and employment). Students customarily notified of their aid package by receiving an award letter. The package can be comprised of the following: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A detailed form that is the first step in applying for federal financial aid, offered by the U.S. Department of Education. The FAFSA is available from colleges, the Von Steuben counseling department, public libraries, and on the Internet. Only one FAFSA needs to be completed each year, even if you are considering several different colleges. You may also use the FAFSA to apply for state and college aid. The Department of Education is in the process of phasing out the paper FAFSA and recommends that students complete the FAFSA online. Visit the Department’s FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov for everything you need to know about preparing to complete the FAFSA and sending your completed FAFSA to the schools to which you want to apply. If you are in doubt as to whether or not to apply for aid…APPLY!

- File early! As a senior, if you file on or immediately after January 1, you have the best chance of receiving a larger portion of grant money in your aid package. Strive to provide as much clear and accurate information as possible; revisions of information can be made after the initial filing.

Federal Work‐Study: not based on financial need‐ not need based. Not guaranteed. Student must secure employment, on‐campus employment. Similar wages and hours to non‐ Federal Work‐Study. Federal Perkins Loan: Need based student loan. The FAFSA must be completed. The federal government is the lender; the school administers the loan. Eligible undergraduates may borrow up to $4,000 annually. Repayment begins 9 months after graduation or it student drops below half‐time enrollment.

Federal Stafford Loan: A federal program based on need that allows students to borrow money for educational expenses directly from banks and other lending institutions (sometimes from


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the colleges themselves). The FAFSA must be completed. The amount that may be borrowed depends on the student’s year in school. Generally, repayment of principal begins six months after a student graduates or falls below half‐time enrollment...

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): Parent is borrower. Permits parents of undergraduate students to borrow up to the full cost of education less any other financial aid the student may have received. The interest rate is variable and repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is disbursed. Same current interest rates as Stafford Loans.

Other Financial Aid source: Private Loan Programs, which usually require a co‐signer. Credit Cards are easy, but BEWARE!

Federal Pell Grant: A need based grant. A federal grant program for postsecondary students who have not yet received a baccalaureate or first professional degree and demonstrate financial need. Uses: tuition, fees, room, board, living expenses. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. A unique feature of Federal Pell Grants is that they are portable. If a student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, they may use it for study at any eligible school in any eligible program. The amount of award is calculated by the college based on information from the SAR (student aid report).

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): A need based grant. This federal program is administered by colleges that provides grants of up to $4,000 a year for undergraduate students on the basis of exceptional financial need.

Monetary Award Program (MAP), ILLINOIS ONLY: A need based grant which pays tuition and mandatory fees. Amount changes annually but has been approximately $4,000. Student must attend a MAP‐approved Illinois school or one of the four military services academies.

For information on specialized federal grants for future teachers, nurses and other high‐need careers, see www.collegeillinois.org

After you have filed for financial aid, consider all the offers carefully. Additionally, consider the role academic competition may play in the college(s) you are considering. Financial aid packages may change from one institution to another depending on whether you are one of the best students applying for admission or one of the more average students within their application pool. Inquire at the college/university you are considering about co‐op programs and internships as a way to earn while you learn.


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SERVICE ACADEMIES AND ROTC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS If you are interested in the service academies and the ROTC scholarship programs you must begin as soon as possible to insure that you receive full consideration. You may request a pre‐candidate questionnaire by writing to one of the four academies. Addresses are as follows:

Admissions Office U.S. Military Academy West Point, NY 10996 (845) 938‐4041 www.admissions.usma.edu

Admissions Office U.S. Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO 80840 (719) 333‐1110 www.usafa.af.mil

Admissions Office U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis, MD 21402 (410) 293‐4361 www.usna.edu

Admissions Office U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point, NY 11024 (866) 546‐4778 www.usmma.edu/


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HELPFUL HINTS FOR OBTAINING FINANCIAL AID

***Please check the Naviance website for a list of scholarships. Discuss follow‐up questions with your counselor***

Remember Ultimately, all financial aid decisions are made by the individual college; therefore, it is necessary for you to work with the financial aid officer at each college to which you are applying. Plan Ahead Become familiar with procedures and deadlines. Start by reading the publications of the colleges in which you are interested. Ask Questions Call or visit the staff at the college financial aid office when there is something you do not understand. Keep the name and telephone number of the financial aid officer who knows you and your situation. Investigate Find out what sources of aid you may be eligible to receive. Fill out all forms carefully and keep good records. Be sure to read the instructions on the forms before filling them out. Include all information asked of you. Keep copies of all forms you file. Apply on Time The best time for filing the financial aid forms is between January 1 and January 31 of your graduation year. This necessitates that Federal Income Tax Forms be completed early. (However, one does not need to file with the United States Government early.) Check deadlines carefully on all other applications such as scholarships. Apply for FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Reply on Time If you do not reply to your college award letter on time, you may lose your financial aid offer. Reapply Every Year Your financial aid is not automatically renewed. You must submit the financial aid forms every January. Check the renewal requirement of all other awards.


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Telephone Numbers: Federal Student Aid Information Center: To answer a question about Federal Title IV student aid programs, federal methodology calculation, or federal program eligibility requirements, call 1‐800‐4‐FED‐AID (1‐800‐433‐3243). For hearing impaired call 1‐800‐730‐8913. FAFSA: To answer a question about a FAFSA filed or to request a duplicate Student Aid Report (SAR), call 1‐319‐337‐5665 or 1‐800‐433‐3243. You will need your name, social security number, and date of birth. College Board’s CSS/Financial Aid Profile: Call 1‐305‐829‐9793 (for forms in process) 8a.m. – 5p.m. Central Time. Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC): 1‐800‐899‐ISAC (4722). The commission also has a list of institutions that have Stafford/FFELP loans. Hours are 8a.m. – 5p.m.


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ESTIMATING YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR AID + Tuition and Fees $ + Books and Supplies $ + Room or Housing $ + Board or Meals $ + Personal Expenses $ + Transportation $ + Other Expense $ = Estimated College Cost $

‐ Estimated Family Contribution $ Includes: parents contribution summer earnings student savings = Estimated eligibility for aid $


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SCHOLARSHIP TABLE OF CONTENTS BY DEADLINE MONTH August NLEI/ComEd Latino Scholarship September Principal’s Leadership Award Psi Upsilon Scholarship Grant (UIUC) QuestBridge College Match October Coca‐Cola Scholars Horatio Alger Scholarship November Golden Apple Foundation Prudential Spirit of the Community December AXA Achievement Scholarship Burger King Scholarship Chez Family Scholarship Fund (UIUC) Department of the Air Force January Asian & Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund Comcast Leaders and Achievers Discover Card Tribute Aware Scholarship Gates Millennium Scholars Princeton Prize in Race Relations SAE Engineering Scholarships Toyota Making Life Easier Scholarships Wal‐Mart Scholarships February AKArama Foundation Best Buy Scholarship CORE’s Que Llueva Café Scholarship Halas‐Sayers Scholarships Hispanic Scholarship Fund IL Council Against Handgun Violence National Peace Essay Contest NIU Presidential Scholarship

Outlaw Student (formerly Straightforward Media) Paramount Tall Club Ronald McDonald House Charities Union League Civic and Arts Foundation University of Dayton Visual Arts Scholarships Von Steuben Alumni Scholarships March 13th District AHEPA Scholarship American Chemical Society Scholars Barbara Wiedner and Dorothy Vandercook Memorial Scholarship Chicago Roofing Contractors Association City of Chicago Department of Children & Youth Services Scholarship College Bound Scholarship CPS/United Negro College Fund Scholarship Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago Eta Zi Sigma Alumnae Scholarship Illinois AMVETS Scholarship Illinois High School All‐State Academic Team Illinois PTA scholarships Illinois Sheriff’s Association IPLAC Educational Foundation Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship Jackie Robinson Foundation Japanese American Citizen’s League Joseph Blazek Foundation Scholarship NAACP Roy Wilkins Scholarships National Federation of Independent Businesses Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship Urban Ventures Scholarship Wentcher Educational Fund Scholarship April Albert E. Kenar Scholarship Balanced Man Scholarship – SigEp Beyond the Boroughs Scholarship


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Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group Award Dr. Gartner Orthodontics Scholarship IL Real Estate Educational Foundation Karen Lynne Harris Memorial Scholarship (Zeta Phi Beta) LINC TELACU Education Foundation Park National Bank Scholarship Program William J. Cook Scholarship Program May Community Service Block Grant Scholarship Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Illinois Education Foundation (Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. Foundation) Nordstrom Scholarship Oakton Community College Foundation Portage Park Elementary School, John P. Reilly Leadership Scholarship Award Robert Cleveland and Ken Dodge Memorial Scholarship Society for Women Engineers Scholarship June Emil Jones, Jr. Youth Foundation Great Clips for Hair Mittie, Moselynne & Dempsey J. Travis Foundation

Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center 2015-16 College Planning Handbook

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SCHOLARSHIP INDEX BY CATEGORY Racial/Ethnic/Religious Affiliation - AHEPA (13th District) Scholarship (Greek) - AKArama Foundation (minority female students)

- American Chemical Society Scholars (African American, Hispanic, and Native American students studying chemical sciences)

- Asian & Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund - CPS/United Negro College Fund - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (African American females)

- Halas‐Sayers Scholarship (African American, Hispanic, and Native American at U of Iowa)

- Hispanic Scholarship Fund - Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship - Jackie Robinson Foundation (minority students)

- Japanese American Citizen’s League - NLEI/ComEd Latino Scholarship - Urban Ventures Scholarship (minority students)

GPA/Academic Requirement - AHEPA (13th District) Scholarship (Greek) - AKArama Foundation (minority female students)

- Albert E. Kenar Scholarship - AXA Achievement Scholarship - Asian & Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund - Beyond the Boroughs National Scholarship Fund

- Burger King Scholarship - Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (Business)

- Chicago Roofing Contractors Association - Coca‐Cola Scholars - Comcast Leaders and Achievers - CPS/United Negro College Fund - Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. Foundation

- Mitte Moselynne and Dempsey J. Travis Foundation (Roosevelt University)

- Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarship - Emil Jones Jr. Youth Foundation - Eta Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter - Gates Millennium Scholars - Illinois High School All‐state Academic Team

- IPLAC Educational Foundation (science, engineering or pre‐law)

- Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship - Karen Lynne Harris Memorial Scholarship - NAACP Scholarships - Nordstrom Scholarship - QuestBridge College Match - Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship - Principal’s Leadership Award - Ronald McDonald House Charities - TELACU Education Foundation - Toyota Making Life Easier Scholarships - United Negro College Fund Scholarships - Wentcher Educational Fund Scholarship Service/Leadership‐based Scholarships - Albert E. Kenar Scholarship - AXA Achievement Scholarship - Barbara Wiedner and Dorothy Vandercook Memorial Scholarship

- Chicago Roofing Contractors Association - Comcast Leaders and Achievers - CPS/United Negro College Fund - Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarship - Emil Jones Jr. Youth Foundation - Horatio Alger Scholarship - Illinois High School All‐state Academic Team

- Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship - Jackie Robinson Foundation (minority students)

- Portage Park Elementary School, John P. Reilly Leadership Award


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- Principal’s Leadership Award - Princeton Prize in Race Relations - Ronald McDonald House Charities - Toyota Making Life Easier Scholarships Nomination Required - Burger King Scholarship - Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group - Comcast Leaders and Achievers - Principal’s Leadership Award - Von Steuben PTSA Scholarship Major/Field of Study Specific Scholarships - American Chemical Society Scholars (African American,

- Hispanic, and Native American students studying chemical sciences)

- Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (Business)

- Chicago Roofing Contractors Association - Cosmetology School Scholarships - Golden Apple Foundation - Great Clips for Hair (barbering or cosmetology)

- Halas‐Sayers Scholarship (U of Iowa) - IL Real Estate Educational Foundation - IPLAC Educational Foundation (science, engineering or pre‐law)

- Joseph Blazek Foundation Scholarship - National Federation of Independent Business

- Roosevelt University’s College of Education Scholarship

- NLEI/ComEd Latino Scholarship - SAE Engineering Scholarships - Society of Women Engineers Scholarships - University of Dayton Visual Arts Scholarships

- Urban Ventures Scholarship (Business) - Von Steuben Alumni Scholarships School Specific Scholarships - City of Chicago Dept. of Children & Youth Services (Any Illinois State school)

- Chez Family Scholarship Fund (UIUC) - Halas‐Sayers Scholarship (U of Iowa) - Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (Chicago community colleges)

- Illinois Education Foundation (Chicago city colleges)

- Illinois Sheriff’s Association (any in‐state school)

- Presidential Scholarship (NIU) - Psi Upsilon Scholarship Grant (UIUC) - University of Dayton Visual Arts Scholarships

Scholarships for undocumented students (do not require proof of citizenship) - Barbara Wiedner and Dorothy Vandercook Memorial Scholarship

- Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (those who have completed DACA)

- Chicago Scholars Program - CORE’s Que Llueva Café Scholarship - Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarship - National Peace Essay Contest - Urban Ventures Scholarship Junior Year Scholarships - College Bound Scholarship - Nordstrom Scholarship

Miscellaneous Scholarships - Air Force - Balanced Man Scholarship - City of Chicago Dept. of Children & Youth Services (Must be under legal guardianship of the state and attend any Illinois State school)

- Dr. Gartner Orthodontics Scholarship - Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago - Illinois AMVETS Scholarship - Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence Annual Essay, Poetry and Art Contest

- Illinois PTA Scholarships - Outlaw Student Scholarships (formerly Straightforward Media)


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- National Peace Essay Contest - Paramount Tall Club - Reilly Leadership Scholarship Award - Union League Civic and Arts Foundation

- Wal‐Mart Scholarship - William J. Cook Scholarship Program (male students)


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SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE

AUGUST

Name National Latino Education Institute (formerly Spanish Coalition for Jobs)

Contact NLEI/ComEd Latino Scholarship 2011 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL Ph. 773‐247‐0707

Requirements/Amount Students need to be enrolled in one of the following majors: Accounting, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Math, Physics, Pre‐law. Requirements: Application, essays, official HS transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, resume, financial aid information

SEPTEMBER

Name Principal's Leadership Award Scholarship Program Psi Upsilon Scholarship Grant QuestBridge National College Match

Contact www.principals.org/pla www.illinipsiu.com for more information www.questbridge.org

Requirements/Amount Must be nominated by Principal. Nominees are selected on the basis of their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experience, and academic record. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,000 The Psi U Scholarship Grant Program awards scholarships totaling $2,500 to four incoming male freshmen attending the University of Illinois, Urbana‐Champaign. QuestBridge links bright, motivated low‐income students with educational and scholarship opportunities. Full four‐year scholarships are available. Scholarships are available both from QuestBridge and from 12 colleges, including The University of Chicago, Yale, Emory, the University of Notre Dame, Princeton, Stanford, Pomona, Scripps, and Wellesley. You must complete an application, and submit recommendations from two teachers, and you must have the ACT or SAT


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testing agency send your scores to QuestBridge. You must also request a transcript and a counselor recommendation.

OCTOBER

Name Coca‐Cola Scholars Horatio Alger Scholarships

Contact Students must apply online at: www.coca‐colascholars.org www.horatioalger.org/scholarships

Requirements/Amount Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA at the end of junior year, be U.S. residents and plan to attend an accredited college or university. Merit‐based awards include 50 $20,000 awards and 200 $10,000 awards. Students must complete the preliminary online application before notification of advancing to final round of selection. Horatio Alger Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. To be eligible, you must be a US Citizen (or in the process of obtaining a US citizenship), have a GPA of at least 2.0, and be involved in community activities. Financial need is a factor. Applications are available online at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships

NOVEMBER

Name Golden Apple Foundation

Contact www.goldenapple.org

Requirements/Amount Golden Apple Foundation is accepting nominations for the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Class of 2015. This scholarship is for Seniors. The Golden Apple Foundation recruits talented high school students who want to become teachers and who will attend one of their 53 university partners. The list of partners is on the brochure that contains the nomination form. Scholars agree to teach for five years in an Illinois school of need. Recipients receive


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Prudential Spirit of Community Award

Apply online at http://spirit.prudential.com or call (877) 525‐8491 for more information.

financial aid totaling $18,000. You can nominate yourself, or be nominated by an adult. Nomination brochures are available online at www.goldenapple.org and in the Counseling Office. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is presented by the National Association of Secondary Schools. The scholarship is for students who have distinguished themselves through volunteer work. One winner nationally will receive an unrestricted award of up to $5000. Other prizes will be awarded. Applications must be submitted into the Counseling Office.

DECEMBER

Name AXA Achievement Scholarship Burger King Scholarship Chez Family Scholarship Fund Department of the Air Force

Contact www.axa‐achievement.com http://www.bkmclamorefoundation.org/Home http://admissions.illinois.edu/cost/scholarships_ALLdisciplines.html Contact: Mr. McFarling at [email protected] for application info. http://afrotc.com/scholarships/

Requirements/Amount Emphasis on high achievement and participation in high school community. Eligible students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. $50,000 award. Up to $10,000/year Various scholarship opportunities available. Please see website for specific requirements.

JANUARY

Name Asian & Pacific Islander Scholarship

Contact http://www.apiasf.org/scholarship_apiasf.html

Requirements/Amount Be of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted); must apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA; submit one letter of recommendation online. Award Amount: $2,500 ‐ $15,000.


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Comcast Leaders and Achievers Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarship Program Gates Millennium Scholars Program Princeton Prize in Race Relations SAE Engineering Scholarship Toyota Making Life Easier Financial Services

http://corporate.comcast.com/our‐values/community‐investment/youth‐education‐leadership Discover Card Tribute Awards Scholarship Program c/o Scholarship Program Administrators PO Box 100380, Nashville, TN 37224‐0380 https://www.discover.com/student‐loans/scholarships/award.html http://www.gmsp.org/ www.princeton.edu/pprize http://students.sae.org/awdscholar/scholarships/hsengineering.htm https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/toyotafinancial/information.php

Nominees must be full‐time high school seniors; demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and display leadership abilities in school activities or through work experience; have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher; nominated by their high school principal. Award = $1,000 Applicants must be a current high school Junior; have a GPA of at least 2.75; demonstrate community service and leadership; and have faced a significant roadblock or hardship. 1,000 students selected each year to receive a good‐through‐graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. Minimum GPA of 3.3 required. Eligible ethnicities: African American/Black, American Indian ‐ Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, Hispanic American. Residency status: U.S. Citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident Available to high school students involved in an activity that is helping to improve race relations, broadly defined, in their school or community. Awards up to $1,000. Various scholarships. Review eligibility requirement of each. Minimum required GPA is 3.0. Must be a member of one of their non‐profit partners (in Illinois: Martin L. King Jr. Boys & Girls Club or Rainbow Push


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Wal‐Mart

http://walmartstores.com/ CommunityGiving/236.aspx

Coalition); minimum GPA of 2.0; in good standing in the community and at school. Awards of $1,250 to $5,000 with possibility of renewing for three years. Various scholarship opportunities available for employees of Wal‐Mart or Sam’s Club employees and children of employees. Please see website for specific requirements.

FEBRUARY

Name AKArama Foundation Best Buy Scholarship CORE’s Que Llueva Café Scholarship Halas‐Sayers Scholarships

Contact https://thetaomega.com/scholarships/ http://corporate.bestbuy.com/community‐relations/programs/best‐buy‐scholarship‐program/ http://www.ca‐core.org/que_llueva_cafe_scholarship_program Information available at: http://www.uiowa.edu/admissi ons/undergrad/scholarships/fir st‐year.htm

Requirements/Amount Scholarships open to minority female students with a B average and minimum ACT 18 composite score. Several scholarships available: Historically Black colleges; arts scholarship; financial need and academic achievement. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA; a commitment to community service; and the intention to enroll full‐time in a 2‐ or 4‐year college or vocational school. Specifically for undocumented students. Requirements are academic promise, extracurricular involvement, and a personal essay. Award amounts vary. Full ride (amount varies depending on other financial aid awards) scholarship to the University of Iowa available to African American, Latino/Hispanic, and Native American Indian applicants who attended a Chicago Public High School or school in Iowa. Student must be majoring in declare a major in: applied physics, astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering (any type), environmental sciences, geoscience, mathematics, microbiology, physics, science education, speech and hearing science,


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Hispanic Scholarship Fund Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence Student Voices Contest National Peace Essay Contest NIU Presidential Scholarship Outlaw Student (formerly Straightforward Media)

www.hsf.net www.ichv.org Email: [email protected] http://www.usip.org/category/course‐type/national‐peace‐essay‐contest NIU Office of Scholarship Coordination http://www.scholarships.niu.edu/ ScholarshipFinder/ and http://www.niu.edu/scholarships/new_students/index.shtml http://www.outlawstudent.com/college‐scholarships/minority‐scholarships/

or statistics. Various scholarships available to Hispanic high school and college students. Please see website for details regarding each scholarship. Winners receive an iPad and their teachers receive a $100 gift certificate. Awards vary. First place national award is $10,000; second place is $5,000; third place is $2,500. Low income freshmen students with a minimum ACT composite score of 22 and rank in top 1/3 of class. To be considered low income, freshmen students must be eligible for and granted NIU's application fee waiver by February 1, 2015. Low income transfer students must have completed at least 24 semester hours of transferable credit with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0GPA. To be considered low income, transfer students must exhibit extreme need and provide a copy of their current student aid report. All applicants must be admitted to NIU by February 1. Award=Partial Tuition, up to $4,000. Minority Scholarships: $500 awarded four times a year. Dale E. Fridell Memorial Scholarship: $1,000 awarded four times a year. Mesothelioma Memorial Scholarship: $500 awarded four times a year. Nursing School Scholarships: $500 awarded four times a year to those pursuing an education in nursing. February, March, and April deadlines.


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Paramount Tall Club Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships Union League Civic and Arts Foundation University of Dayton Visual Arts Scholarships Von Steuben Alumni Scholarships

http://www.tallclubchicago.org/ParamountScholarship http://www.rmhc.org/rmhc‐us‐scholarships www.civicandarts.org Email [email protected] to ask about program/artist opportunities. http://academic.udayton.edu/ visualarts/ Applications available in the Counseling Office.

Applicants must meet the club's height requirements to be eligible. (6ft 2in for males, 5ft 10in for females.) Awards vary. GPA, school activities and essay determine winning entries. Awards range from $500 to $1,500 for winners in non‐fiction writing and visual arts categories. Available to incoming, first year University of Dayton students studying visual arts. Each year, the Von Steuben Alumni Association offers financial aid awards to graduating seniors. Application forms for these awards are available in the Counseling Office. To be eligible, students and parents must complete the application and return it the counseling office. A student may apply for a maximum of three awards: one memorial award, one departmental award, and one special award. Please note carefully the specific eligibility of recommendation requirements for each award. Each applicant must also submit an official high school transcript as part of their application packet.

MARCH

Name 13th District AHEPA Scholarship Foundation Chemical Society Scholars

Contact http://www.ahepadistrict13.com/ http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding‐and‐awards/scholarships.html

Requirements/Amount Open to students of Greek heritage or whose parent is an active member of AHEPA. Student must have cumulative GPA of B. Twenty‐five scholarships totaling $23,000. Scholarship designed to encourage African‐American, Hispanic and Native American students to pursue


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Barbara Wiedner Memorial Scholarship Chicago Roofing Contractors Association City of Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services College Bound Scholarship CPS/United Negro College Fund Scholarship

www.peacescholarships.org http://www.crca.org/crca_scholarship/index.htm http://www.youthincare.illinois.gov/Education/YouthInScholarship.htm http://www.chicagoscholars.org/ chicago‐scholars‐program/ www.chooseyourfuture.org/scholarships Information also available at: https://scholarships.uncf.org/

undergraduate college degrees in chemical sciences. Must have minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarship award of up to $5,000 and renewable. High school seniors eligible. Must demonstrate evidence and commitment to issues of peace, social justice, nuclear disarmament and conflict resolution. Open to graduating seniors with verifiable higher education plans to study one of the following: liberal arts and sciences, engineering, architecture or business. Judging based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, employment experience and demonstrated interest in a productive career. 1) Open to DCFS youth as well as youth who were formerly in the care of DCFS, 2) Award recipients must attend: CSU, NEIU, EIU, SIU, Governors State University, U of I, ISU, WIU, Northern Illinois University. This is a Scholarship Program that is applied for during Junior Year. It is more than a monetary contribution; it is an entire program. Students must demonstrate strong character, academic ambition, and financial need. Award up to $10,000. CPS and UNCF will provide scholarships up to $10,000 each to Chicago Public Schools high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, academic and leadership potential, and who will attend one of the 39 UNCF colleges/universities listed within the application. The award amount is renewable and can be applied toward


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Eta Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter Illinois AMVETS Illinois High School All‐State Academic Team llinois PTA Scholarships Illinois Sherriff's Association IPLAC Educational Foundation Italian Catholic Federation

http://www.etaxisigma.net/ Email: [email protected] http://www.ilamvets.org/WhatWeDo/Programs/Scholarships www.ihsa.org www.illinoispta.org/scholarship.html www.ilsheriff.org/index.php/scholarships www.iplac.org/About/scholarship.shtml http://www.icf.org/scholarships.html

tuition and/or room and board. Applicants must be residents of the Chicagoland area and posses a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Many scholarship programs offered. Go to website for specific requirements. To be eligible for consideration for selection to the team, a student in an IHSA member school must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale after the seventh semester. Nominees must have participated in at least two (2) IHSA‐sponsored activities (athletics and/or non‐athletics) during the last two school years, and must have demonstrated outstanding citizenship during his/her high school career. Each IHSA member school can nominate one male and one female student. Award= $2,000 $1,500 and $750 awards Awards of $500 will be given to Illinois residents who plan to attend a college or university in the state. Letter of recommendation, essay and transcripts required. Applicants must be a resident of the Chicagoland area, be in the upper 25% of the graduating class, and be accepted or enrolled in a science or engineering program. Applicants must be of Catholic faith and Italian descent. Required GPA of 3.2. Applicant judged on basis of scholastic achievement, financial need, leadership roles and faculty recommendation.


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Jackie Robinson Foundation Japanese American Citizens League Joseph Blazek Foundation NAACP Roy Wilkins Scholarships National Federation of Independent Business

www.jackierobinson.org http://www.jacl.org/edu/scholar.htm Application available in the Counseling Office https://scholarships.uncf.org/ http://www.nfib.com/yef/yef‐ programs/young‐entrepreneur‐ awards

$400 awarded for first year; a total of $2,500 may be awarded over four years. The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships to minority graduating high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4‐year college or university of their choice, have a minimum SAT of 1000 combined on the math and critical reading sections or a composite ACT score of 21; and display leadership potential and a dedication towards community service. Award up to $7,500 annually. Must be a JACL member. Renewable scholarships to students desiring to major in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics or related scientific fields. You must submit the application form, a Counselor’s form, your ACT or SAT scores (you will have to have the testing agency send the scores to the Blazek Foundation), and the CSS Financial Aid Profile. Visit www.collegeboard.com and search for CSS Profile. After you submit the profile, write to CollegeBoard and have the agency send a copy to the Blazek Foundation. Minimum GPA=2.5, Award is $1,000 The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award program was established to raise awareness among the nation's youth of the critical role that private enterprise


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Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship Urban Ventures Scholarship Wentcher Educational Fund Scholarship

http://www.chooseyourfuture.org/scholars

http://www.chooseyourfuture.org/resource/urban‐ventures‐scholarship http://www.chooseyourfuture.org/support‐scholarship/wentcher‐educational‐fund‐scholarship

and entrepreneurship play in the building of America. Applicants must be a graduate of a Chicago Public School and have an ACT score of at least 27. Award is $5,000. This scholarship is designated for minority students who have a desire to pursue a career in business. Each CPS high school can nominate one student. Student must have at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate high qualities of character and service. Award is $4,000. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Award is $7,500.

APRIL

Name Albert E. Kenar Scholarship Sigma Phi Epsilon: Balanced Man Scholarship Beyond the Boroughs National Scholarship Fund

Contact www.gladstoneparkchamber.com http://www.sigep.org/about/what‐we‐do/scholarship.html http://www.beyondtheboroughs.org/

Requirements/Amount Applicants must reside in zip codes: 60630, 60631, 60646. Applications judged on: Awards & Honors, Transcripts of Credits (GPA, AP classes, ACT scores, Class Rank), Service to Community & School, Two letters of recommendations, and an essay. Two awards of $1,000 each. Offered to incoming freshman at many universities around the country from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. See website for list of universities with participating chapters. Award varies based on chapter. 2.5 minimum GPA; accepted to a 4‐year college or university; low household income; involvement in extracurriculars; must complete FAFSA or CSS Profile. Up to $20,000 over four years.


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Chicago Mercantile Exchange: Group Mayoral Award for Student Achievement Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago Dr. Gartner Orthodontics Scholarship IL Real Estate Educational Foundation Karen Lynne Harris Memorial Scholarship (Zete Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.) LINC TELACU Education Foundation Park National Bank Scholarship Program William J. Cook Scholarship

http://www.cmegroup.com/company/center‐for‐innovation/mayoral‐award.html http://www.epilepsychicago.org/the‐sara‐elizabeth‐stubblefield‐foundation‐scholarship/ http://www.gartnerortho.com/misc/scholarship‐contest.aspx http://www.ilreef.org/index.php/scholarship/ http://www.zetazetaonline.org/karen‐lynne‐harris‐memorial‐scholarship/ http://telacu.com/telacu‐education‐foundation/college‐success‐program/general‐program‐information/eligibility‐requirements/ Applications available at any Park national Bank location. For a complete list, see www.parknatl.com or call 773‐602‐8243 https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/williamjcook/index.php

Applicants must be nominated by principal or counselor and should have 1) 90% attendance or higher, 2) 3.0 GPA or higher and excellent academic achievement, 3) Career goal in business and/or finance. Award is $1,000 and winners will be considered for a summer employment position with a CME clearing firm. Three, $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who have a medical diagnosis of epilepsy. Two $1,000 scholarships awarded to college‐bound seniors who are former or active patients. Up to $2,000 to graduating senior who best expresses reasons for pursuing a career in real estate. Applicants must have a minimum C grade GPA. The scholarship is available to high school women attending a Chicago Public School, graduating in the Spring of 2015. Must be a resident of Chicago with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Scholarship aimed at first‐generation college bound students. Demonstrated financial need and minimum GPA of 2.5 required. Awards of $3,500 renewable for 4 years. Financial need and essay required as part of application. Finalists will also be interviewed to determine winners. Applicants must be male high school students in Cook County, IL and plan to


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enroll full‐time into a 4‐year college or university. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 dollars.

MAY

Name Community Service Block Grant Scholarship Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Illinois Education Foundation Nordstrom Scholarship

Contact Chicago Department of Human Services 1615 W. Chicago Ave. 3rd Fl. West, Chicago, IL 60022 Visit www.chooseyourfuture.org for more information. See the website for a list of scholarships and participating colleges at: http://www.hacu.net/hacu/Scholarships.asp Please check website for details. http://www.iledfoundation.org /scholarship_programs.php http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom‐cares‐scholarship

Requirements/Amount Available to low‐income students. Award will be based on availability of funds. Available to African American seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Must attend one of the high schools selected for the academic year. HACU is a clearinghouse for Latino scholarships from companies like Home Depot, Chrysler, General Motors and NASCAR. Students must attend a Chicago community college to be eligible for these awards. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,800. The IEF currently administers its Signature Scholarship program, which recruits high school seniors interested in continuing their studies at participating community colleges. The IEF also administers a customized Premiere Scholarship for the Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. (DMK, Jr.) Foundation. The DMK, Jr. Scholarship supports students at the seven City Colleges of Chicago. Please see website for more information. Juniors only. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and have participated in community service. Students must demonstrate financial need for a scholarship. Must be eligible to attend a four‐year college or university in the U.S. All applicants must reside and attend school in the Chicago area and not have a conviction for any


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Oakton Community College Foundation Scholarship Portage Park Elementary School, John P. Reilly Scholarship Robert Cleveland and Ken Dodge Memorial Scholarship Society of Women Engineers Scholarships

https://www.oakton.edu/admission/costs_financial_aid/financial_aid/types_aid/scholarships/foundation_scholarships/index.php Principal of Portage Park School, 5330 W. Berteau, Chicago, IL 60641 Questions: Contact Marlene Tatkin, 773‐534‐3576 or John P. Reilly, 773‐764‐2916 http://www.francenter.com/cleveland‐dodge‐scholarship/ http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/

crime. Up to $10,000 over 4 years. Interested students must plan to attend Oakton Community College. Requirements: 3.0 GPA, Full‐time Enrollment, US Citizenship, Recent Copy of High School Transcripts, Completed Scholarship Application and essay, Personal Interview at Oakton. Applicants must be a graduate of Portage Park Elementary and have shown leadership skills in any area of high school life. Students must have 2 letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member of the high school). Students must write an essay that focuses on the topic of leadership and how she/he exhibited leadership during his/her high school years. $300 award. Available to students diagnosed with a learning disability who are enrolling in a 2‐ or 4‐year college or trade school. $500 award. For females attending an ABET‐accredited engineering program. Award amount: $1,000 to $10,000.

JUNE

Name Emil Jones Jr. Youth Foundation Great Clips for Hair – Alice Barton Scholarship

Contact Emil Jones, Jr. Youth Foundation 507 W. 111th Street, Suite 9 Chicago, Il 60628 http://www.greatclips.com/stylists/scholarship‐program

Requirements/Amount High school seniors must have a cum. GPA of 2.0/4.0 and intent to attend an accredited college or technical program. Award is $1,000 Requirements: Letters of recommendation, record of community service, official transcript with ACT, written statement

Students making a career in barbering or cosmetology are eligible for cosmetology scholarship.


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Mittie, Moselynne & Dempsey J. Travis Foundation Scholarship

Contact Roosevelt University for information: (312) 341‐3500

Applicants must have an unmet financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.8. Award= $1,000. Future Roosevelt University students only.


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INTERNET RESOURCES

You are reminded to use resources on the Internet with some caution. Be careful with sites that ask you for payment to access the service. Some sites are sponsored by outside vendors and therefore are free to the user. However, often these sites will request that you submit biographical information or details about personal preferences, which may be sold to for‐profit companies. These sites are fine to use, but please think critically before you share information.

Testing Information ACT: http://www.act.org SAT: http://www.collegeboard.org Career Exploration Sites O‐Net: http://online.onetcenter.org/ MyRoad: http://www.myroad.com Occupational Outlook Handbook: http//www.bls.gov/oco/home/htm College Search Engines www.community‐college.org http://ilcis.intocareers.org http://www.collegeview.com College Board www.collegeboard.com – click College Finder Princeton Review www.princetonreview.com Illinois Student Assistance Commission http://www.collegezone.com (In Spanish and English) ACT http://www.act.org Peterson’s Education Center http://www.petersons.com U.S. News & World Report http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/cohome.htm Yahoo Search Engine http://www.yahoo.com/Education/ Historically Black Colleges and Universities http://www.smart.net/~pope/hbcu/hbculist.htm Adventures in Education (in Spanish) http://www.aie.org/spanish/ SAT and ACT Test Prep http://www.number2.com Exploring Financial Aid and Scholarships FAFSA on the web: www.fafsa.ed.gov (WARNING: DO NOT USES FAFSA.COM. IT IS A SCAM SITE) FAFSA pin: www.pin.ed.gov Illinois Student Assistance: www.isac.org CSS Financial Aid Profile http://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp FastWeb! Scholarship Search http://www.fastweb.com (in Spanish and English) Financial Aid Information Page http://www.finaid.org Illinois Student Assistance Commission http://www.collegezone.com (In Spanish and English) Financial Aid Estimation Form http://www.collegezone.com/informationzone/3392_3587.htm Student Loan Repayment Calculator http://www.collegeboard.com/paying Scholarships for Hispanics http://www.scholarshipsforhispanics.org Sallie Mae College Answer http://www.collegeanswer.com/index.jsp


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NAVIANCE The counseling office at Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center uses a web‐based program called TCCI Family Connection, also known as Naviance. Because it is web‐based, students and parents are able to access this program from home. Naviance allows you to research colleges or universities as well as to keep track of your college applications and transcript requests. Students should be aware if they do not request transcripts on Naviance, it will delay their application process. Naviance can be accessed through the link on the main page of Von Steuben’s website. Please make sure all your personal information is correct on your Naviance profile so that we can contact you via email. On Naviance, students can view their personal and academic information such as GPA’s, ACT and SAT scores. Students will also be able to access the following information:

College Search: Search colleges based on location, size of student body, majors offered or any religious affiliations.

College Lookup: View specific college admission requirements, college profiles and

direct links to college websites. College SuperMatch: Tool to search colleges based on personal preferences and

academic profile. This search engine gives search results in terms of how closely you “match” the academic profile of a school (how similar your GPA and ACT score is compared to the average of incoming freshmen).

Scatter grams: Show graphs of recent Von Steuben application results. It also

shows average ACT or SAT scores with GPA’s for students admitted to that specific college.

Resources: Prepare for standardized tests, scholarships and financial aid,

colleges and careers, college athletics, military service, common applications and much more.

Resume: Enter your accomplishments, awards and achievements so your

counselor can highlight them in your letters of recommendation.


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The counseling office will be sending all Common Application Secondary School Reports and High School transcripts electronically. In order for this process to start, you must do the following:

Create a CommonApp.org user account and apply on‐line via CommonApp.org.

Log on to the Naviance website and match your Common App account to your Naviance account by inputting your email address and birthdate. On Naviance, click on College tab, Colleges I’m Applying to, and enter your email address.

Once you have completed these 2 steps, we will have the capability to send the following documents to your Common Application schools.

Secondary School Report/Counselor Portion

Transcripts and School Profile

Letter of Recommendation and from your Counselor

Letters of Recommendation and Teacher Evaluation Form from your Teacher(s) Students will also be able to request that their teachers write letters of recommendations by sending the teacher a notice through email. Please remember that you must follow your teacher’s guidelines as to how they would like to process your recommendation. All of this will help you keep your college applications organized and you will be able to view when your School Secondary Report, letter of recommendation, and transcript were sent.


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GLOSSARY

Award Letter: A means of notifying successful financial aid applicants of the assistance offered. The award letter usually provides information on the types and amounts of aid offered, specific program information, student responsibilities, and the conditions that govern the award. Generally it provides students with the opportunity to accept or decline the aid offered. Adhering to deadlines included in award letters is vital. Associate degree: A degree granted by a college or university after the satisfactory completion of the equivalent of a two‐year, full‐time program of study. In general, the associate of arts (A.A.) or associate of science (A.S.) degree is granted after completing a program of study similar to the first two years of a four‐year college curriculum. The associate in applied science (A.A.S.) is awarded by many colleges on completion of technological or vocational programs of study. Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate, degree: The undergraduate degree offered by four‐year colleges and universities. The Bachelor of Arts degree requires that a portion of the student’s studies be dedicated to the arts‐ literature, language, music, etc. The Bachelor of Science degree requires that a portion of the studies be in the sciences‐ chemistry, biology, math, etc. Business Office: Responsible for all financial transactions of the institution. It may also be called the Bursar’s Office on some campuses. Business School: At some colleges it is possible to specialize in business administration or in a two‐year secretarial course in conjunction with supplemental liberal arts courses. Other institutions offer business or secretarial courses primarily and may or may not be regionally accredited. Career Fair: Employers and postsecondary providers come together to provide career information to high school students. They set up booths, display various equipment, or other career‐related items for students to see. Students have the opportunity to visit different demonstrations, hear presentations, and talk to industry representatives about various aspects of the represented occupation or industry. Catalog: College catalogs provide all types of information parents and students need to know about a school. It lists, for example, the institution’s history and philosophy, policies and procedures, its accreditation status, courses of study, degrees and certificates offered, physical facilities, admission and enrollment procedures, financial aid, student life activities, etc.

CLEP (College Level Entrance Exam): The College Level Examination Program can be administered to students who desire to obtain college credit by taking proficiency tests in selected courses. If the student scores high enough on the test, college credit can be awarded.


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There is a charge for each test taken. Information concerning an individual institution’s policies toward CLEP Tests can be found in the institution’s catalog. College: An institution of higher education that grants degrees and certificates. The term is also used to designate the organizational units of a university such as the College of Education or the College of Engineering. Common application: The standard application form distributed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals to private colleges who are subscribers to the Common Application Group. Many non‐subscribing colleges also accept the common application. Community College: Also called Junior College. A two‐year institution of higher learning which provides career and vocational training and academic curricula (terminal and transfer).

Terminal Program: An academic program that is complete unto itself. A student who completes it may not be admitted to a four‐year college for further study without completing additional course requirements. Transfer Program: An academic program that is designed to lead into a four‐year program at another college or university. The two‐year graduate transfers as a junior to the four‐year institution.

Commuter: A student who lives off‐campus and drives to class or commutes. Cost of Attendance (COA): In general, this includes the tuition and fees normally assessed to a student, together with the institution’s estimate of the cost of room and board, transportation and commuting costs, books and supplies, and miscellaneous personal expenses. In addition, student loan fees, dependent care, reasonable costs for a study abroad or cooperative education program, and/or costs related to a disability may be included when appropriate (also referred to as cost of education or budget). Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance (COA) to determine need for financial aid. Course: A particular portion of a subject selected for study. A course is identified by subject title and a course number, for example, Accounting 101. Deferred admission: The practice of permitting students to postpone enrollment, usually for one year, after acceptance to the college. Degrees: Degrees are awarded for the successful completion of a prescribed program of study. There are three basic types of degrees: Associates are obtainable at a two‐year community or junior college; Baccalaureate or Bachelor’s are offered by four‐year colleges and universities; and Graduate are obtained after the bachelor’s degree, i.e., Masters or Doctorate.


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Disbursement: The process by which financial aid funds are made available to students for use in meeting educational and related living expenses. Most schools disburse all funds for a particular term at the beginning of that term, although some, in an attempt to assist students in budgeting their funds, make smaller payments throughout the year. Double major: Any program in which a student completes the requirements of two majors concurrently. Early action/notification: Students who apply under a college’s early action plan receive a decision earlier than the standard response date but are not required to accept the admission offer to make a deposit prior to May 1. Early admission: The policy of some colleges of admitting certain students of exceptional ability who have often completed junior year though not high school. Early decision: Students who apply under early decision commit to enroll at the college if admitted and offered a satisfactory financial aid package. Application deadlines are usually in November or December with a mid‐to‐late December notification date. Some colleges have two rounds of early decision. Early decision allows a student to apply early (usually in November) and get an admission decision from the college well in advance of the standard notification date. Applying early decision is binding, meaning once a student applies early decision to an institution, that student agrees to attend that institution if accepted and offered an adequate financial aid package. A student can only apply to one institution via early decision but may apply to other colleges under regular admission.

Eligible Non‐Citizen: Person who, although not a U.S. citizen, qualifies for federal student aid in one of the following eligible categories: (1.) you are a U.S. permanent resident with an alien registration card (I‐551); (2.) you are a conditional permanent resident with an I‐551C card; or (3.) you have an Arrival Departure Record I‐94 from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) with any of the following designations: refugee, asylum granted, parole, Cuban‐Haitian entrant, conditional entrant, or parolee. Engineering or Technical College: Independent professional schools that provide four‐year training programs in the fields of engineering and the physical sciences. They are often known as institutes of technology or polytechnic institutes. Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The amount a student and his or her family are expected to pay toward the student’s COA as calculated from information on the FAFSA. The EFC is subtracted from the COA to determine need. Need is used to determine a student’s eligibility for the student financial assistance programs. Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): A loan program that permits parents of undergraduate students to borrow up to the full cost of education less any other financial aid the student may have received. The interest rate is variable.


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Federal Pell Grant: A federal grant program for postsecondary students who have not yet received a baccalaureate or first professional degree and demonstrate financial need. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. A unique feature of Federal Pell Grants is that they are portable. If a student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, they may use it for study at any eligible school in any eligible program. Federal Perkins Loan: A federally funded program based on need, administered by colleges, that provides low‐interest loans of up to $3,000 per year during undergraduate study and up to $15,000 for the total undergraduate program. The combined cumulative total of loan funds available to an individual for undergraduate and graduate education is $30,000. Repayment need not begin until completion of the student’s education or after limited periods of service in the military, Peace Corps, or approved comparable organizations. Federal Stafford Loan: A federal program based on need that allows students to borrow money for educational expenses directly from banks and other lending institutions (sometimes from the colleges themselves). The amount that may be borrowed depends on the student’s year in school. Generally, repayment of principal begins six months after a student ceases to be enrolled in school at least half‐time. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): A federal program administered by colleges that provides grants of up to $4,000 a year for undergraduate students on the basis of exceptional financial need. Federal Work‐Study Program (FWS): A part‐time employment program that provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students in need of such earnings to meet a portion of their education expenses. Funds are disbursed to students through bi‐weekly or monthly payroll checks. Not based on financial need. Fees: Additional charges not included in the tuition. Fees may be charged to cover the cost of materials and equipment needed in certain courses, and they may be assessed for student events, programs, and publications. Financial Aid: General term that describes any source of student assistance outside the student or the student’s family. Aid is made available from grants, scholarships, loans, and part‐time employment from federal, state, institutional, and private sources. Awards from these programs may be combined in an “award package” to meet the cost of education. The types and amounts of aid awarded are determined by financial need, available funds, student classification, academic performance, and sometimes the timeliness of application. Financial Aid Package: The financial aid award to a student comprised of a combination of forms of financial aid (loans, grants or scholarships, and employment). Students customarily notified of their aid package by receiving an award letter.


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Financial Need Equation: COA minus EFC equals financial need (COA – EFC = Need). The determination of need via this equation is central to the entire aid application process. Fraternities/Sororities: Fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women) are social organizations active on campus. Through a process of mutual selection called Rush (which takes place during a specified period of time), students may be offered the opportunity to “pledge” a certain fraternity or sorority. Not all colleges have these organizations. These organizations are frequently referred to as the Greek System. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A detailed form that is the first step in applying for federal financial aid, offered by the U.S. Department of Education. The FAFSA is available from colleges, the Von Steuben counseling department, public libraries, and on the Internet. Only one FAFSA needs to be completed each year, even if you are considering several different colleges. You may also use the FAFSA to apply for state and college aid. The Department of Education is in the process of phasing out the paper FAFSA and recommends that students complete the FAFSA online. Visit the Department’s FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov for everything you need to know about preparing to complete the FAFSA and sending your completed FAFSA to the schools to which you want to apply. Full Time Enrollment/Part Time Enrollment: A full‐time student is enrolled in 12 more credit hours in a semester (full‐time status for a summer term is usually six credit hours). A part‐time student is enrolled in less than 12 credit hours in a semester (less than six in a summer term). Gift Aid: Money awarded to a student that carries no stipulation of repayment is known as a scholarship or grant. Scholarships and grants can originate from the federal or state government, private sources, or the college itself. Grant eligibility tends to be based on need; when need is high, the grant aid tends to be high as well. Scholarship eligibility is often based on financial need, academic achievement, particular talents or skills, or a combination of one or more of these factors. In some cases, the terms “grant” and scholarship” are used interchangeably. Grant: A type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid; it is awarded on the basis of need, possibly combined with some skills or characteristics the student possesses (see Gift Aid). Independent Student: A student who meets at least one of the following criteria: (1.) Is at least 24 years of age by December 31st of the award year; (2.) Is an orphan, a ward of the court, or was a ward of the state until the age of 18; (3.) Is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States; (4.) Is a graduate or a professional student; (5.) Is a married individual; (6.) Has legal dependents other than a spouse; (7.) Is a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of other unusual circumstances. Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT (IDEA): This federal law requires that a “free and appropriate public education and related services” be provided to children with disabilities.


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Work‐based learning is a related service. Anyone providing a service to children with disabilities must work closely with the special education team at the school. Internship: A work‐based learning experience linked to a related class and connected to career goals. Students can work for an employer for a period of time to learn about a particular industry or occupation. Internship programs extend formal classroom learning into the community and promote the development of workplace skills and career planning strategies. Job Shadow: A job shadow is a work site career exploration experience during which a student spends time, typically three to six hours, one‐on‐one with an employee observing daily activities and asking questions about the job and industry. Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA): Federally funded employment program that provides pre‐employment work, maturity skills training, job placements, and subsidized wages for economically disadvantaged youth, ages 14‐21 years. Legal Dependent: A biological or adopted child, or a person for whom the applicant has been appointed legal guardian, and for whom the applicant provides more than half support. In addition, a person who lives with and receives at least half support from the applicant and will continue to receive that support during the award year. Legal Resident: A person who has met a state or local districts’ requirements for being declared a resident. This may also refer to an individual who is not a U.S. citizen but is still eligible for federal financial aid funds. Loans: Any program described as a loan requires repayment, usually with interest, to the source of the funding. Loans often come from the institution or private lender. Generally, the greater the financial need, the larger the loan. A variety of repayment options are usually available, and sometimes permit payment to be deferred while the borrower is enrolled in school. The time frame for loan repayment can be as little as two to three years, or as long as twenty years. Many banks and lending institutions now make special loan programs available to help parents finance their student’s education. These loans are not based on financial need but can help stretch the family’s budget over the years of schooling. Loans may be referred to as “self help” aid. Liberal Arts College: A four‐year institution which emphasizes a program of broad undergraduate education. Pre‐professional training may be available but is not stressed. Merit‐based Aid: Student financial assistance awarded because of a student’s achievement or talent in a particular area such as academics, athletics, music, etc. Military School: Federal military academies prepare officers for the ARMY, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marines. These institutions require recommendations and nomination by U.S. senators or U.S. representatives. Private and state‐supported military institutions, however,


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operate on a college application basis as does the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. They all offer degree programs in engineering, technology and many other majors with concentration in various aspects of military science. Monetary Award Program (MAP), ILLINOIS ONLY: A need based grant which pays tuition and mandatory fees. Amount changes annually but has been approximately $4,000. Must attend a MAP‐approved Illinois school or one of the four military services academies. Need‐ based financial aid: Financial aid given to students who have demonstrated financial need calculated by subtracting the student’s expected family contribution from a college’s total costs. Nursing School: There are three kinds of nursing schools. At schools affiliated with hospitals, students receive an R.N. (Registered Nurse) diploma upon successful completion of training and state examination. At schools affiliated with four‐year colleges, students receive both a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree and an R.N. diploma. Community colleges and junior colleges may offer a two‐year nursing program. These schools confer an AS (Associates) degree in nursing. Out‐of‐State Student: As defined by a public institution, a student who is not a legal resident of the state or local district that is legislatively and fiscally responsible for supervision of that institution; generally, such students are assessed higher tuition rates than those for legal residents. Also referred to as non‐resident students. Petition: The process and the form a student fills out to request consideration of special circumstances. For example, if a student is denied admission, they may petition for admission based on extenuating circumstances. Placement Tests: Tests given prior to admission used to recommend students to the appropriate class level. Principal: The amount of money borrowed for a loan. Interest is charged on this amount. Private/Public Institutions: Private and public institutions differ primarily in terms of their source of financial support. Public institutions receive funding from the state or other governmental entities and are administered by public boards. Private institutions rely on income from private donations, or from religious or other organizations and student tuition. Private institutions are governed by a board of trustees. Professional School: This type of school offers specialized study in areas such as art, music, drama, dance, photography, etc. Proprietary college: A private institution operated by its owners as a profit‐making enterprise.


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Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC): Programs conducted by certain colleges in cooperation with the United States Air Force, Army, and Navy. Naval ROTC includes the Marine Corps (the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine do not sponsor ROTC programs). Local recruiting offices of the services themselves can supply detailed information about these programs, as can participating colleges. Residency Requirements: Most colleges and universities require that a student spend a minimum number of terms taking courses on campus (as opposed to independent study, transfer credits from other colleges, or credit‐by‐examination) to be eligible for graduation. Also, residency requirements can refer to the minimum amount of time a student is required to have lived in a state in order to be eligible for in‐state tuition at a public (state‐controlled) college or university. Resume: A resume is a written document that lists your work experience, skills, and educational background. It is used as a marketing tool for job seekers. Rolling admission: An admission procedure by which the college considers each student’s application as soon as all the required credentials, such as school record and test scores, have been received. The college usually notifies an applicant of its decision without delay. At many colleges, rolling admission allows for early notification and works much like nonbinding early action programs. Scholarship: A form of financial assistance that does not require repayment or employment and is usually made to students who demonstrate or show potential for distinction, usually in academic performance. Section 504: A clause in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requiring that, “no otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Service Academy: The five postsecondary institutions administered by branches of military (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy). Service Learning: Method of instruction whereby student/participants learn and develop skills through unpaid active involvement in community service. The involvement integrates and enhances the academic curriculum of the students or the educational components of the local community service program. It engages students in projects that serve the community, build their social and academic capacities, and provide opportunities for them to have active roles in the community while providing contextual, real world learning experiences. Student Aid Report (SAR): A report produced by the U.S. Department of Education and sent to students in response to their having filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).


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The SAR contains information the student provided on the FAFSA as well as the federally calculated result, which the financial aid office will use in determining the student’s eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and other federal student aid programs. Student Contribution: A quantitative estimate of a student’s ability to contribute to postsecondary expenses for a given year. Technical School: A two‐year institution which offers terminal occupational programs intended to prepare students for immediate employment in fields related to engineering and the physical sciences. These schools may also offer a one‐year certificate program in certain crafts and clerical skills. Title IX: Part of the Education Amendments to the Civil Rights Act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in all educational institutions that receive federal financial assistance or that have students receiving federal financial aid. Students and employees are protected by this law. Trade School: Trade schools offer specialized study in areas such as cosmetology, computer technology, medical or dental technology, culinary arts, and drafting. Transcript: The transcript is a permanent academic record. It show courses taken, grades received, academic status, and honors received. Tuition: The amount paid for each credit hour of enrollment. Tuition does not include the cost of books, fees, or room and board. Tuition charges vary from college to college and are dependent on such factors as resident or out‐of‐state status, level of classes enrolled in (lower, upper or graduate division), and whether the institution is publicly or privately financed. Tutors: A person, generally another student, who has completed and/or demonstrated proficiency in a course or subject and is able to provide instruction to another student. Tutors usually help students better understand course material and make better grades. Undergraduate: A student pursuing either a one‐, two‐, or four‐year degree and has not achieved the level of baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree. University: An academic institution which is composed of undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. It is composed of a number of “schools” or “colleges,” each of which encompasses a general field of study. Unmet Need: The difference between a student’s total COA at a specific institution and the student’s total available resources. Verification: The process of confirming information submitted on the FAFSA through the comparison of specified documents to the data on the output document.


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Verification Worksheet: The document the postsecondary institution sends to the student, to be completed by the student and his or her family, and returned to the institution to obtain documentation of the verification. Wait‐list: A list of students who meet the admission requirements but will only be offered a place in the class if space becomes available.


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Appendix A Worksheet for College Selection

Considerations Your Priorities

College #1 College #2 College #3

Location

Size

Type (Public vs. Private)

Type (2‐year vs. 4‐year)

Degree(s) Offered

Academic Level of Students

Extracurricular Activities

Campus Environment

Housing

Cost

Scholarship/ Financial Aid


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Appendix B College Visit Summary Sheet

Complete this form after visiting each college. Write your responses to the issues contained here and compare summaries for each college you have visited. (A blank copy is provided on the following page). Name of College: Location: Date of Visit: Interviewer:

Student Body What is your impression of the student body in regard to appearance, style, degree of interest and enthusiasm, diversity of their social religious, and ethnic background?

Academic Factors How serious about academics is the school and the student body? How good are the facilities for academics? How much variety is offered in the curriculum? How strict or flexible are the requirements?

Campus Facilities and Social Life How complete and modern are the facilities such as student center, cultural center, dormitories, dining room, and athletic facilities? How active is the social life? How diverse is it? What are the rules for students? Is it mostly a commuter or dormitory campus?

Overall Impression What did you like the most and least? What makes this school stand out in your mind?

Rating On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being the top grade) rate your level of interest in this school.


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Appendix C College Visit Summary Sheet

Complete this form after visiting each college. Write your responses to the issues contained here and compare summaries for each college you have visited. Name of College: Location: Date of Visit: Interviewer:

Student Body

Academic Factors

Campus Facilities and Social Life

Overall Impression

Rating


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REFERENCES Bishop Garcia Diego High School College Handbook for Students and Parents, 2005, Santa Barbara, CA. The College & Career Preparation Glossary, Chicago Public School District Department of College and Career Planning, Chicago, IL. CICS Northtown Academy College Planning Guide, Class of 2009, Chicago, IL. Highland Park High School Department of Guidance and Counseling College Planning Guidebook for Juniors Class of 2009, Emerson, TX. Highland Park High School Counseling Department College Planning Handbook, Highland Park, IL. Hindsdale Central Guidance Department College Planning Guide, 2009‐2010. Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Northside College Prep High School College Planning Handbook 2009‐2010. Palisades Charter High School College Handbook 2002.

Revised: Fall 2014 by Krista Carlson and Bridgid Titley, Counseling Interns 2014 ‐ 2015


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Notes:


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Notes:

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