College Handbook



Notre Dame Academy

College Counseling Handbook

2016-2017

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Notre Dame Academy Mission Statement

Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, as an educational ministry of the Roman Catholic Church, educates the whole person by developing each student's Christian faith, commitment to service, and full academic potential within a caring Church community.

Notre Dame Academy Values

Faith

Compassion, Forgiveness, Love of the Lord

Respect

Politeness, Tolerance, Fairness

Responsibility

Accountability, Excellence, Self-Restraint

Service

Caring, Charity, Citizenship

Trustworthiness

Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, Promise-Keeping

Notre Dame Academy Student Services

Becky Bain – College Counselor

920-429-6133

bbain@

Jill Zamzow-Gerl – School Counselor: Student Last Names A-K

920-429-6135

jzamzow@

Beth Abler – School Counselor: Students Last Names L-Z

920-429-6136

babler@

Cassidy McGowan – Learning Resources Specialist

920-429-6134

cmcgowan@

Maureen Campbell – Secretary

920-429-6116

Fax 920-429-6149

mcampbell@

College Entrance Examination Board Code (CEEB): 500800

INTRODUCTION

At Notre Dame Academy, our goal is to provide you with essential tools and knowledge that will allow you to form and realize your goals for success after NDA. It is an honor and a privilege to be the only school in the greater Green Bay area to have its own College Counselor working directly with a very knowledgeable Student Services staff. Please familiarize yourself this handbook, as it will guide you through the college application process.

You, your parents, and Student Services will all work as a team to help you through college applications. Your responsibility is to continue to study hard, stay involved, and actively pursue your goals and passions. The responsibility of Student Services is to provide you with the resources you need during this process.

STEP 1: SELF KNOWLEDGE

Knowing yourself is critical when exploring colleges that are a good fit for you. Now is time to reflect on who you are. Please honestly answer the following questions either by journaling or by asking others who know you well. Your answers will help in your college search as well as prepare you for the college entrance essays you’ll need to write.

Strengths: What comes easy to you? What are you good at? Ask others what they believe your talents are. Your strengths/talents may come naturally, but they should be developed. What are you doing to improve upon your natural abilities to make them even stronger?

Interests: Often, we enjoy what we excel in, but not always. You may have a natural talent in mathematics, but not particularly enjoy the subject. So, what do you really love doing?

Personality: You’ve had a long day at school and your energy is drained. Do you refuel by getting together with friends to talk or would you prefer quiet, alone time to think and read? Extraverted personality traits focus attention on the outer world of people and things where activity, oral communication, and socializing are important. Introverted personality traits focus attention on the inner world of ideas and thoughts.

God created you as a unique person with personality traits that make you who you are. It is up to you to discover and celebrate them. Using this knowledge when making college choices is wise. Taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality inventory may help you understand and leverage your personality traits. See for more details.

Values: What is important to you? What motivates you? What do you believe strongly in and why? You will be most satisfied if the values of the college you ultimately attend closely match with your own personal values.

STEP 2: DEVELOP YOUR INITIAL LIST OF COLLEGES

Now that you know yourself, it is time to make an initial list of colleges you’d be happy to attend. Only apply to colleges where, if accepted, you would actually attend. College admissions expert Frederick E. Rugg suggests keeping your list at 7 colleges and under.

Here are three broad questions for you to consider:

1. In state or out of state?

2. Large, medium, or small?

3. Public or private?

Your college list should include:

• Colleges that are sure to accept you (safety)

• Colleges where you have a good chance of acceptance (middle)

• Colleges that may be challenging for you to get accepted to (reach)

STEP 3: RESEARCH

Research your colleges using the internet, reference books, and trusted individuals. Visiting colleges helps greatly in your decision making process! Be cautious of college rankings (U.S. News & World Report, etc.). Just because a college is ranked #1 does not make it the best school for you. You want to pick a college that is a good fit for YOU!

Useful books include:

• Petersons Four Year Colleges

• Ruggs Recommendations

• The Gourman Report

• The College Board

Useful websites include:

NDA’s Family Connection: connection.ndba (NDA access code required)

Big Future: bigfuture.

University TV:

Petersons Education:

UCAN:

NACAC:

College View:

Embark:

STEP 4: DEEP RESEARCH/COLLEGE SELECTION CRITERIA

Now, start to refine your list of colleges using the following criteria…

Student Enrollment

Enrollment: Total % of undergraduate students

Retention: % of freshman who graduate

Location and Surroundings

Location: geographic region, distance from home, travel costs & convenience

Setting: urban/rural, weather, recreation

Facilities: library, laboratories, study spaces

College Type and Philosophy

Type: 2 year/4 year, college/university

Purpose: liberal arts, research, technical/vocational

Philosophy: traditional/progressive, deeply scholarly/career oriented

Calendar: semester/trimester/quarter, interim or J-term programs, acceleration

Curriculum

Academic Requirements: proportion of study, general education/concentration

Academic offerings: majors offered, strong academic departments

Special Programs: independent study, tutors, student services help, research opportunities, study programs, field work, internships, exchange programs

Academic Environment

Faculty: PhD %, origin of degree & original research published, faculty accessibility

Average class size: faculty/student ratio

Academic demands: workload, course expectations, academic pressure/competition

Intellectual vitality: student attitude toward learning, flexibility/structure for study

Career Preparation

Career & graduate school advising programs, % going on to graduate school

Campus and Student Life

Type of students: diversity, values, student culture, social life

Living Arrangements: roommate selection, dorm sizes & number of occupants, housing clusters, theme dorms/houses, dining options

Campus Activities: activities, clubs, organizations, and groups related to your interests, sports, religious/ethnic/cultural groups & opportunities on campus or in community

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition Costs: minimum/maximum total costs per year (sticker price/net price), books/laptops included, additional fees

Financial Aid: % of students receiving aid, average range of awards/scholarships

Application: CSS Profile, FAFSA, additional forms, priority dates/deadlines

Standards: accreditation (Educational Approval Board), grading system

Application requirements: fees, required classes, counselor forms, recommendations, resumes, essays, interviews

Tests required: ACT/SAT/SAT subject tests

Admission Selectivity: % of applicants offered admission, freshman class profile

FINALIZING YOUR COLLEGE LIST

You’ve learned about yourself, compiled and researched colleges you think might be a good fit for you, and refined your college list by applying the above criteria and doing some deeper research. Good job! You should now have a workable list of between 5-7 colleges you’d be happy to attend if accepted.

COLLEGE APPLICATION TIMELINE

It is very important to frequently check the following NDA sources of communication:

• Your school e-mail

• Family Connection

• Communique

• NDA News & Information

• Daily announcements

• NDA Student Services website

• Student Services hallway bulletin boards & scholarship drawers (located in the Learning Resource Center of Student Services).

Junior Year

□ Notre Dame Academy College Handbook: read cover to cover!

□ ACT/SAT tests: register in advance, practice and prepare yourself to take them

□ Junior Conferences; attend them Feb - March with Ms. Bain

□ Research colleges; consider attending college fairs (Xavier HS - March 8, 2016)

□ Develop a college list; keep re-evaluating & refining it as you research

□ Keep your grades up! Since college applications are completed in early fall of senior year, 2nd semester junior grades are the last and most important grades colleges will see

□ Extracurricular activities: continue your involvement and develop leadership skills

□ Visit colleges; if visiting during summer when few students are on campus, consider re-visiting colleges you are seriously considering when classes are in session

□ Make summer count; choose meaningful activities to develop your skills

□ Letters of recommendation: consider who you’ll ask to write one for you

□ NCAA Clearinghouse; register if planning to play Division I or Division II sports

□ High School resume: work on creating a professional document to send to colleges

□ Scholarships: although students will complete the majority of scholarship applications during fall/winter of their senior year, the earlier you research scholarships the better

Senior Year – Fall

□ College applications: begin filling them out and submitting everything well in advance of your deadlines. Applications with a December 31st or January 1st deadline MUST be complete at least 1 week before Christmas Break so Student Services can process transcripts & other application materials that colleges require (transcripts, etc)

□ Senior Conferences: schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with Ms. Bain to discuss your list of colleges, application pieces, and to ask any questions you may have

□ Transcripts: request them to be sent to colleges you’ve applied to by using your Family Connections account (connection.)

□ Application deadlines: know the deadlines for the colleges you are applying to! Each college differs in their deadlines for different applications (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, etc.). Many early application deadlines are November 1st.

□ Recommendation letters: request from teachers at least 4 weeks in advance.

□ Resume: finalize it so you can give it to teachers writing your letters.

□ ACT/SAT tests: re-take if necessary, registering in advance.

□ Work hard. Colleges may be interested in your first semester senior grades.

□ Continue visiting colleges and doing your research.

□ Register with the NCAA clearinghouse if you have not done so already.

□ Attend the SNC College fair and/or attend local financial aid information workshops.

□ Continue researching and applying for scholarships.

Senior Year – Spring

□ FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be processed as early as 10/1.

□ Decision letters start arriving if you have not already heard, so watch for them.

□ Continue applying to colleges if you are not finished.

□ Talk with Alumni and current students who are attending the college where you are applying.

□ Avoid senioritis! If you are waitlisted, the college they may ask to see your 1st semester or spring grades.

□ Continue to look for and apply for scholarships.

□ Mid-year reports and semester grades are submitted to colleges by Student Services only upon request.

□ Please let Student Services know if a college contacts you with a request for missing materials.

□ Discuss with Student Services or call the appropriate office if you have questions about admission decisions or financial aid.

□ Review college responses with your family.

□ Visit schools again to help with your final decision.

□ Notify colleges where you are on the wait list (if you still have interest) that you would like them to continue their consideration of your application.

□ Make final college decision.

□ Observe May 1st, National Candidate Reply Date. Accept an offer from one college only. Send in deposit to a school where you have been admitted, even if you are still on a waitlist at another school.

□ Decline in writing any other offers of admission.

□ Report final college decision to Student Services along with all scholarship offers and accepted scholarships.

□ You are finished...Congratulations! Good luck in the future!

TYPICAL PARTS OF THE COLLEGE APPLICATION

1. Application form & fee

2. Essay (personal statement)

3. 1-2 letters of recommendation

4. High school transcript

5. ACT (or SAT) scores

6. High school resume

7. Counselor form (depending on the college)

1. Application Form - This online form is found on college websites under “Admissions.” It is where demographic info, educational data, and activities are entered (see #7). It is also where you’ll indicate what type of admissions you are applying for (Early Decision, Regular Decision, Early Action).

AT NOTRE DAME: Student Services will assist you with any questions you may have on the application. Each college will have a deadline for each type of admissions. It is up to you to know your deadlines. Do not use the deadline as the date to start applying! Be aware of your college deadlines and plan well in advance.

2. Essay (Personal Statement) – This is usually found imbedded into the application form. It is an opportunity to give the admissions committee a better idea of who you are. Most colleges have specific questions (called “prompts”) they’d like you to answer. This is also an opportunity to communicate additional info ( grade discrepancies, sickness, family issues, etc.).

AT NOTRE DAME: a quality essay is important for admission into college; it should not be quickly written the night before the deadline. Each draft should be spell checked by the computer and a few proof readers before submitting the final. When schools give you the opportunity of an “optional” essay, you should write one.

3. Letters of Recommendation - Letters highlighting your strengths, interests, work ethic, etc. usually written by high school teachers or community members provide college admissions committees with a unique perspective on you. Writers want to craft the best letter they can and this takes time. Please request letters at least 4 weeks in advance of any deadlines!

AT NOTRE DAME: Some colleges and universities will have recommendation forms for teachers to rate students according to their own scales. This form may ask you to waive your rights to see the evaluation. We strongly encourage you to waive your rights as this reflects positively on you.

It is your responsibility to know how many recommendations each college requires and from whom. Some colleges want 1 letter and some don’t want any. Some are specific about the authors being academic teachers only, some want letters from guidance counselors. Usually students will ask for 1-2 quality letters of recommendation with at least one of them being from an academic teacher. It is good to provide the authors with a copy of your resume (see #7 below) when you make your request.

4. Application Fee - This fee covers processing costs and ranges from $25-$65 depending on the college. 

AT NOTRE DAME: When applying online, you pay the fee online. You are responsible for paying this fee. If paying the fee is impossible, please ask Student Services for a waiver.

5. Transcripts - Any high schools or college previously attended must send an official transcript to the college you are applying to.   Make sure you request these ahead of time.

AT NOTRE DAME: We send all of our transcripts electronically through a program called Naviance/Family Connection. You are responsible for creating an account on and requesting that your transcript be sent to your colleges. The transcript fee will be collected through the Parchment website. The school receives that requests and fulfills them ASAP. Parchment allows us to send all additional material electronically as well.

If you have completed a class from St. Norbert College, contact St. Norbert College Office of the Registrar and have your SNC transcript sent to the colleges you are applying to. There will be a fee. Most schools need this transcript for your application file to be complete. For more details, check the SNC Registrar’s Office website.

6. Standardized Test Scores – By the time your college application is submitted, you should have taken at least one ACT or SAT test. In order for your scores to be considered official, most colleges require you to send your scores through the official testing agency website. However some colleges will accept them from your high school. Pay close attention to what your college wants. If you are applying before your planned test date, indicate that on the application.

AT NOTRE DAME: NDA does not automatically send test scores. If your college will accept your scores from NDA, send an e-mail to Ms. Bain for which scores you want sent to which colleges. If your college needs scores from the official testing agency (example: ), you are responsible for sending the scores and paying the fees.

7. High School Resume – It is a good idea to include a 1 page resume with most college applications. Including a professional and organized resume that showcases your high school life will make you stand out favorably. Your resume should contain a detailed list of all activities and positions held during your high school years (clubs, athletics, community service, awards, one-time special events, employment, etc.). You may also list activities outside of high school if you’ve participated in them over many years (Example: Piano lessons since third grade). If you have plans to join a club or certain activity and it has not started yet (Example: spring musical, spring sports etc.), it is acceptable to include them. Make sure all information on your resume is accurate. The growing trend is toward including a picture on your resume. Certainly no college will accept or reject you based on how you look, but since the aim of your college application is to encourage your recognition as a person and not a number, the picture may help.

AT NOTRE DAME: Please prepare your resume and send it via e-mail to Ms. Bain. It will not only boost your college application, but it will assist teachers when writing your letter.

8. Counselor forms - Some applications (including the Common Application) have forms just for school/college counselors to fill out. They usually ask the counselor for a summary of the student, cumulative GPA, test scores, and rank. This is also when your high school resume can come in handy! Don’t wait until the last minute to give the forms to those completing them!

AT NOTRE DAME: Class Rank Policy: our policy, as stated in our school profile, is: "Notre Dame Academy calculates class rank at the completion of the first semester of the student's junior year. Class rank is considered private information and according to board policy is not published. It is made available only upon request by the student or parent/guardian." When asked for rank, we do not give it out unless you give us permission.

THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

1. Once any part of your application is sent, the admissions office will begin an application file for you.  You may receive an email (or letter) letting you know which parts of your application are missing, or it may be up to you to keep track of it on your college website account. If you receive a missing materials notification and know that your information has been sent by Student Services, the information may have just crossed in processing.  You can also check the status of your information online at the college website or by calling the college. Please give them a few weeks to process everything that was sent. Sometimes the processing time can be up to a month.  There also may be a lag time between the online application submission and sending in the rest of your information (essay, activity sheet, letters, and transcript).  

2. Once your application is complete, it will be sent to an admissions committee. The committee is usually made up of admissions counselors, directors, & other staff. They will review your application and decide on your status. It may take a while to get a decision back.

3. Admission status:

• ACCEPTED - Congratulations, you have been accepted and are ready for the next step.

• ACCEPTED CONDITIONALLY (Postponed) - You have been accepted on the condition that you meet certain requirements.  You may be required to submit additional information. 

• WAITLIST - This does not mean you are denied. You are qualified, but the college will wait to make a decision because currently there is not enough room for you.  If an accepted student declines their offer, you will have a chance to take the open spot. You may also have to submit first semester senior grades so they can make sure you have not succumbed to the senior slide.

• DENIAL - You are not a good match for this college.  Don't worry; there is a college out there for you.

4. A letter or email will be sent informing you of your status.  If accepted you may also receive an award letter that details the scholarships/financial aid offered.  You will continue to receive additional letters describing the next steps in the admissions process, such as additional financial aid or housing. Follow these steps carefully if you are accepting.

5. Decide which college you will attend by May 1st, National Candidate Reply Date.  Send in a deposit that will hold your place in the freshman class.  Please inform other schools that accepted you that you won’t be attending so they can offer your place to another waiting student.

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Financial aid is available to families who need assistance. Most students who apply to college must consider applying for financial aid as an integral part of the college application process.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

All students applying for federal financial aid must file the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2016 for the Fall 2017-2016 award year. Analysis of the information on this form will determine eligibility for Federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) and other federal and state programs. Many States, while requiring their own forms, will also require the FAFSA to award state grants to a student. Some scholarships also require that the FAFSA be filled out by all those who apply. You can file the FAFSA online at fafsa.. There is no cost to process the application.

FAFSA Prior Prior Year rule:

Prior-Prior Year (beginning 2016 for aid applications for the 2017-18 award year)

Beginning in October 2016 (for aid applications for the 2017-18 award year), the White House will allow students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using prior-prior year (PPY) tax data. Until the change is implemented, aid applications will continue to use prior-year (PY) tax data.​

Prior-Prior Year (PPY) refers to a policy enabling students and families to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using tax information from two years ago. For example, a high school senior planning to enroll in college in Fall 2016 would be able to file FAFSA using taxes from 2014.

PPY debuts in October 2016, for aid applications for the 2017-18 award year. This means that the high school class of 2017 will be the first high school cohort to use the PPY FAFSA, and all returning college students in that same year will also use it.

Prior-Year (for award years 2015-16 and 2016-17)

Under PY, when students and their families file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they must complete the form using tax information from the prior year. For example, a high school senior planning to enroll in college in Fall 2016 must file FAFSA using her family's 2015 tax information. The current FAFSA does not become available until January 1, and many families are not able to complete it until closer to April, when federal taxes are due for most filers. The PY FAFSA schedule does not align with the college admission calendar and serves as a deterrent for some students who would otherwise pursue higher education. 

The Financial Aid Package

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - is determined after income and assets are reviewed. Allowances are made for the number of family members, the number of children in college, necessary expenses, etc. Typically, you are asked to contribute a portion of your personal savings and other assets. Should you receive merit-based awards from organizations outside of the college, these are considered a part of your available resources and may be applied to the self-help portion of your aid package. Consideration is also given to special financial circumstances (illness, older parents approaching retirement, or special educational needs). Be certain that colleges are aware of any unusual circumstances that may exist in your family.

PLEASE NOTE: Colleges have different policies regarding parents who are separated, divorced and/or remarried. For example, some colleges take into consideration the income and assets of the stepparent with whom the student lives. Others do not. Federal fund eligibility (determined by the FAFSA) is based on household income only which can include a stepparent and exclude a biological parent. Always ask and read the fine print.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Student Services frequently receives scholarship applications in the mail from various agencies and inputs them into Family Connection. Hard copies are filed in the scholarship drawer in Student Services. If you would like to be nominated for a scholarship, please see Student Services.

There is an array of scholarships that are not connected to particular schools and which present a range of eligibility requirements. Some include financial need as one of the criteria for selection; other focus entirely on academic performance and ACT/SAT scores. Some require essays on specific topics, college attendance in Wisconsin, parental employment by particular companies, membership in an organization, a commitment to entering a given field, athletics, submission of tapes for artistic ability or performance or nothing but an interest in becoming part of a lottery.

FINANCIAL AID

Some institutions award aid only on the basis of documented financial need. Others however, will add assistance that is not based on need to financial aid packages in order to attract and enroll highly desirable students. Still others will have an extensive program of merit aid awarded entirely without regard for financial need but requiring an exemplary academic record and high test scores, a commitment to an area of study, involvement in specific high school activities or membership in a particular racial or ethnic group. In some cases students must apply separately for merit scholarships, in others the scholarship application is the college application. The school's website will be the best place to find this information on all types of aid available at that school.

The College Advising Process

Responsibilities for Counselors, Parents and Students

Student Responsibilities:

• Keep your Family Connection account accurate and updated. Request through Family Connection that your transcripts to be sent to colleges you’re applying to.

• Keep your grades up and stay involved in extracurricular activities, Bring your best effort all the time.

• Research schools and visit them during the spring and summer. Take tours and attend information sessions. Ask questions.

• Check announcements for upcoming College Representative Visits and sign up in Student Services.

• Create a realistic list of schools that you could imagine yourself attending.

• Ask teachers for letters of recommendation in a timely and respectful manner.

• Complete ALL portions of the application. Look it over one last time to make sure it is completed.

• Keep track of all deadlines. A deadline is a due date, not the date on which to start the application.

• Check e-mail regularly and respond to messages sent from NDA and your colleges.

• If your school wants official test scores, send them through the testing service.

• Report final college decisions and all scholarships offers to Student Services through Family Connection for inclusion in the graduate commencement booklet.

Parent Responsibilities

• Support your children unconditionally. Remind them of their strengths and talents regardless of admissions decisions, grades, or test scores.

• Keep an open mind.

• Help your student schedule and plan visits.

• Communicate to Student Services any concerns.

• Help organize the process, deadlines, scholarships etc.

Counselor Responsibilities

• Work hard to get to know all the students to truly understand and appreciate their goals, talents, and interests.

• Be an advocate for all students.

• Listen to, learn from, and communicate with parents.

• Be available to meet with students and parents to provide support and encouragement.

• Help create an appropriate list of schools using all available resources.

• Provide College Night, Junior Conferences, Senior Conferences, and Senior Seminars to give students the most up-to-date information.

• Schedule and announce college representative visits and stay current on each college happenings.

• Send all materials in on time.

TESTING

ACT

The American College Test (ACT) measures these skills in four subjects; English, Math, Reading and Science, and also a fifth optional writing portion. The ACT is the preferred test for all freshmen entering any institution of the University of Wisconsin System. The ACT is a three hour test, with each section scored on a scale of 36 points and then combined and averaged for a composite score also on a scale of 36. Each college will determine how the ACT is to be used in its admissions process. In no situation can the ACT be the sole criteria for admission.

Students have the option of taking the ACT or the ACT Plus Writing, which includes a 30-minute writing test for an additional fee. The ACT Plus Writing compliments the English portion of the ACT test. The combined results from both tests provide information about your understanding of standard written English and your ability to produce an impromptu essay. The ACT Plus Writing will provide you with two additional scores; a writing test sub-score (scored out of 12) and a combined English/writing score. Taking the writing test does not affect your subject area scores of the ACT or your composite score. The writing score cannot be separated from the rest of the scores from that test date. That is to say, if you did really well on writing the first time you took the test and decided not to take writing the next time, but had a better over all composite score the second time, you will have to show the schools both scores if they require the writing.

Not all colleges and universities require the ACT Plus Writing test. Always check with the institution you are considering; to find out their requirements. You can also check the ACT website () for a list of schools that have provided information about their policies. Students are encouraged to take the writing portion to allow them the most options when choosing a college.

SAT

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) which previously had two sections in English and Math has been revamped to now include a 25 minute essay portion. A perfect score is 2400, not 1600 as before. In addition to test scores, the student will receive special feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.

The SAT has recently been approved for admission use in the University of Wisconsin System, although the ACT is still the preferred test. A number of highly selective schools usually located on the east or west coasts require the SAT. To make certain of testing requirements, please check the college website, or a college guidebook located in Student Services.

See Appendix D for a comparison of the SAT vs. ACT.

SAT II (Subject Tests)

This is the third type of admissions test. The subject specific test compliments the SAT or ACT. SAT subject tests are one hour tests that measure the level of achievement in a particular subject. There are approximately 18 subjects available, and you choose up to three to take on a single test day. Colleges will sometimes specify a subject (usually math); and the other two tests are then your choice.

Additional Test Information

Recognize the importance of taking the ACT or SAT during or right after the junior year. The hectic pace of senior year, and earlier college application deadlines add to the urgency. Even if you are undecided about your plans for life after high school, keep your options open by taking the ACT. ACT and SAT registration forms are located online. You are responsible for registering yourself for these tests. There is a fee for each test. Please see Appendix B for 2013-2014 test dates.

What can you do if you are concerned about your ACT or SAT scores? There are a variety of approaches, from prep courses to positive thinking. What works best depends on you, your determination, motivation and interest. Our advice is basic: practice the test. As an article in The College Digest suggested, "When you drive a car, at first you are not good at it. As your practice driving, you come more and more comfortable and confident. With the SAT and ACT, the more you practice the easier the whole experience becomes.

How can you practice? Familiarize yourself with the test directions, practice vocabulary list, review basic math concepts, and take practice test under timed conditions. The practice tests are available in most ACT and SAT work books or online at the testing websites. Most local book stores carry a wide range of practice books. We have a number of work books in Student Services as well.

There are also many study aids on the market:

• Active Prep: The official electronic guide to the ACT - an interactive, multimedia CD set that includes real ACT tests with answer explanations. The program can help you develop a personalized study plan based on your individual needs. Active Prep is the only test preparation software developed by ACT.

• Visit the SAT Preparation Center () there you will find information about the official SAT online course.

There are also a number of test preparation courses that you can enroll in, such as those held at Notre Dame Academy. There are also prep courses offered by Sylvan Learning Center and Appleton Xavier High School. The Brown County Library has free online tools available as well.

A few colleges/universities will accept test scores that are sent from the high school, but most colleges need the official test scores sent from the testing website. If you need the scores sent from NDA, you must alert Ms. Bain so she is able to include them with your transcript. You can also send them for free when you register for the test or you can choose to leave that information blank and send the score at a later time, to control what the schools will see. Note that there is a fee when sending them at a later date.

GLOSSARY

Accreditation - A stamp of approval given to a college or high school. The accreditation process evaluates institutions and programs to determine whether they meet establishing standards of educational quality.

American College Test (ACT) - A test of the American College Testing Program which is required by some colleges for admission. The ACT Composite Score is the average of a student's scores on four subjects (Reading, Math, English and Science). Can also be taken with a writing portion.

Admission Committee - The group of admissions counselors and some combination of faculty members and administrators who review each candidate’s application and make decisions regarding admission.

Bachelors Degree - (BA, BS, BFA) A four year degree awarded by a college or university, usually in a specific area of study. A student can earn a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Fine Arts degree depending on the course of study.

Candidates Reply Date (May 1) - Originated by the College Board, May 1st has been established as the earliest a subscribing college may require an accepted applicant to say whether he or she plans to attend.

Common Application - A standardized application form used to ease the work load of students accepted by many private colleges.

Deferred Admission - The option, initiated at the student's request, allows the student to postpone enrollment for one year in a college where he or she has been admitted. The student then may take a year for travel, work, or other projects before attending college.

Early Action - A notification program which allows students to apply early, usually in November and receive a response back by mid-December. Early Action is non-binding, meaning a student does not have to attend if admitted and may submit additional applications to other colleges.

Early Decision - A notification program which allows students to apply early, usually in November, and receive a response back by mid-December. Early Decision is a binding agreement between the student and the college. This means, if admitted, the student agrees to attend this college and withdraw all applications to other colleges.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - The FAFSA is required of students applying for financial aid by all colleges. It is a needs analysis form which must be completed by parents and students to provide colleges and agencies with an estimate of their abilities to contribute toward the costs of post-secondary education. This form is available online starting January 1st. Guidebooks can be found in student services in November.

Financial Aid Package - The total amount of financial aid (federal and non-federal) a student receives from the colleges to which he or she has applied. The package is most often a combination of scholarships and/or grants, loans and part-time employment.

Honors Program - A plan of special courses, seminars or concentrated study for superior students. Those who meet the requirements of an honors program usually graduate with an honors degree. Most times needs an addition application form.

Loans - A type of financial assistance that requires repayment of the amount, with interest to the lender. Many student loan programs have low interest rates, and do not require repayment until after a student graduates.

Profile - The CSS/Financial Aid Profile form and service is offered by the College Board. It is used by many private colleges, universities, and private scholarship programs to award their own financial aid funds.

Rolling Admissions - A plan adopted by some colleges whereby a student is notified about his or her admission to that college within 4-6 weeks after receipt of completed application.

SAR (Student Aid Report) - The SAR is a detailed analysis of the applicant's financial aid status received by families in response to their FAFSA.

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) - A three hour test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities.

SAT II (Subject Tests) - SAT II subject tests measure knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge in specific subject areas. Colleges can use subject tests for admission, course placement, or both.

Scholarships - Financial awards that do not have to be paid back and that are based on outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated talent, need, and other predetermined criteria.

View Book - A short colorful booklet published by a college to highlight its programs, services and activates.

Wait List - In addition to accepting and rejecting applicant, many colleges place students on a waiting list for admission. As spaces become available, usually after May 1st, colleges may offer admission to a limited number of wait listed students.

TO SEND YOUR ACT SCORE TO A COLLEGE FROM THE TESTING WEBSITE: Go to and complete a request.  Know the date (month and year) of the test scores you wish to send. - 22 -Visa or MasterCard payment is required.  The cost will vary depending on how quickly you need your scores to arrive.  

ACT TEST DATES

ACT test dates & registration:

SAT TEST DATES

SAT test dates & registration:

WISCONSIN COLLEGES

4 YEAR

Alverno College

Beloit College

Bellin College of Nursing

Cardinal Stritch University

Carroll College

Carthage College

Concordia College Wisconsin

Edgewood College

Lakeland College

Lawrence University

Marian College of Fond Du Lac

Marquette University

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Mount Mary College

Northland College

Ripon College

Silver Lake College

St. Norbert College

Viterbo University

UW-Eau Claire

UW-Green Bay

UW-La Crosse

UW-Madison

UW-Milwaukee

UW-Oshkosh

UW-Parkside

UW-Platteville

UW-River Falls

UW-Stevens Point

UW-Stout

UW-Superior

UW-Whitewater

Wisconsin Lutheran College

2 YEAR

Blackhawk Technical College

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Columbia College of Nursing

Fox Valley Technical College

Gateway Technical College

Herzing College

Lakeshore Technical College

Madison Area Technical College

College of Menominee Nation

Mid-State Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Moraine Park Technical College

Nicolet Area Technical College

Northcentral Technical College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Waukesha County Technical College

Western Wisconsin Technical College

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

University of Wisconsin

Baraboo/Sauk

Barron County

Fond Du Lac

Fox Valley

Manitowoc

Wausau County

Marinette

Marshfield

Richland Center

Janesville

Sheboygan

Menomonie

West Bend

Waukesha

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