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Junior & Senior Handbook

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WHERE TO APPLY

Most students make application to at least three colleges.   As you narrow your choices your selections may fall into three categories:

 

Identify Priorities

Think about what criteria are most important to you when selecting a college. They might include:

 

 

Make a Preliminary List of Colleges

 

Evaluate Each College

 

Make a Final List of Colleges

 

 

WHAT COLLEGES LOOK FOR

It is the responsibility of the college admissions committee to assemble a freshman class that meets the requirements of its institution. Since most colleges have more applicants than they have available space, they establish certain criteria for selection. These include, but are not limited to, academic record (GPA, class rank, and strength of the program), test scores, activities, letters of recommendation and interviews.  Other factors they consider are athletic ability, special talents, legacy, and diversity.

 

No single factor will determine acceptance or rejection. Some colleges may look only at grades and test scores. Most, however, are interested in more than just the academic record. They want to know about interests, accomplishments and future goals. However, poor grades and weak course selections will not impress an admissions officer even if you are editor of the yearbook, president of the student government, and captain of the basketball team. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who will be academically successful at their institutions. It is important to take challenging courses and work hard. 

 

If you hope to be admitted to a selective college, you should take the most demanding courses offered by the school and maintain a high scholastic average. Most competitive colleges expect their applicants to have at least the following high school preparation:

 

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

Most colleges require some form of testing to determine your readiness for college-level work. They will require the SAT I or the ACT, not both.  It is your responsibility to find out what tests are required by the colleges on your list. This information is available from the colleges themselves or guidebooks in the Career Center. Registration booklets and study guides for all tests, except Advanced Placement, are available in the Career Center and guidance office.

 

PRELIMINARY SAT I/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST (PSAT/NMSQT)

 

SAT I

 

SAT II (SUBJECT TESTS)

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTS (AP)

 

AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING ASSESSMENT (ACT)

TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL)

SAT I verbal would be affected by the language difference. Minimum acceptable scores established by individual colleges.The TOEFL Test may only be taken at approved test centers throughout the world.  Information Bulletins are available in the career center and the guidance office

 

COLLEGE ADMISSION PROGRAMS

Regular Admission

            Students are required to apply by a fixed date. Decision letters are mailed to students in the spring.

Rolling Admission

            The college considers each student's application as soon as all the required credentials, such as application, school record and test scores have been received. The college usually notifies applicants of its decision in 4-6 weeks.

Early Decision

            The student who has a definite first choice college and strong academic profile might consider applying for early decision. Applications are submitted early in the fall, usually by November 1; and students receive notification of decision early in December. At that time the students agrees by contract to enter that college and withdraws all other applications. If not accepted under the Early Decision Plan, a student is usually reconsidered for admission later in the year.

 

Early Action

            Students receive an admissions decision before the standard April notification date. Early action is distinguished from early decision in that students, if accepted, are not required to accept admission or withdraw other applications. They have until the May 1 Candidate Reply Date to respond.

 

Open Admission

            Colleges grant acceptance to all high school graduates without regard to additional qualifications such as test scores or specific high school courses.

 

Deferred Enrollment

            Students have an opportunity to delay or defer enrollment for a semester or year.

Delayed/Provisional Admission

            Students are accepted for admission but not necessarily for the fall semester of the upcoming school year. They may begin after either successful completion of a summer program on campus or a fall semester at another college.

 

Early Admission

            Students are allowed to complete their high school requirements at college. This program is for the exceptional student and usually requires approval of the parents and the high school, as well as selective screening by the college.

 

Service Academies

The United States maintains five service academies: the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The mission of the service academies is to provide the instruction and experience necessary to produce graduates with the knowledge, character, and leadership abilities to become career military officers. 

 

Service Academy Admissions Process

1.   Determine if you meet the requirements and qualifications. Each candidate must:

 

2.   Apply for a nomination for all academies except the Coast Guard. As a minimum you should apply to your two United States senators, your congressional representative, and the Vice President. Some members of Congress will not accept applications for nomination after a specific date. You should request a nomination as soon as possible. In addition to the letter, the nomination process may include a questionnaire and interview.

 

3.   Start a file at the academy. Send a letter to the admissions office requesting a pre-candidate questionnaire. The academy will open a file for you upon receipt of the completed questionnaire.

 

4.   Fill out the academy forms. These forms will be sent to you after an evaluation of your pre-candidate questionnaire.

 

5.   Take the SAT I or ACT. Send your scores to the academies to which you are applying.

 

6.   Take the Qualifying Medical and Physical Aptitude Exams.

 

7.   Await the evaluation and status of your application. Notification may arrive as early as November for outstanding candidates; final decisions are made in April.

 

For more information, consult your counselor, career resource specialist, academy catalogs and the academy representatives at the college fairs

or when they visit your high school.

 

GENERAL ENLISTMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Age: Must be between 17 and 35 years. Consent of parent or legal guardian required if 17.

Citizenship: Must be either (1) U.S. citizen, or (2) an immigrant alien legally admitted to the

Status: U.S. for permanent residence and possessing immigration and naturalization documents.

Physical: Must meet minimum physical standards listed below to enlist.

Condition: Some military occupations have additional physical standards.