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You, as parents, are the most important and influential people in your children’s lives. You are interested and involved in every aspect of their development, their activities, their academic progress, and in the planning of their futures. Your children also need you to take an active interest in their preparation and planning for college.
This handbook will give you the basic information you need to guide and advise your children as they approach the college admission process. It is not designed to provide the answers to all questions or to address the needs of all students. For answers to individual questions, please call the Parkland High School counseling office and ask to speak to your child’s counselor.
P.H.S. Counselors
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11TH GRADE COUNSELOR 12TH GRADE A-Cu L. POREMBA A-Dal Cv-Geo K. LENTZ Dam-Ge Gep-Ke K. PILGERT Gf-Joh Kf-Mc E. ROBERTS Joi-Man Md-Ra A. DAVIS Mao-P Rb-Sto P. MACDONALD Q-Sl Stp-Z D. GROSS Sm-Z
Colleges are interested in the information listed below when deciding whether or not to admit an applicant. Individual colleges differ in how they evaluate this information.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE
A student’s grade point average (GPA) is important for college admission. A GPA is the average of a student’s grades, starting with the freshman year. The higher the GPA, the greater the college and scholarship opportunities.
CLASS RANK
Class rank shows where a student stands academically in relation to the other members of his/her graduating class. Class rank is often presented with the student’s place in the class followed by the total number of students in the class (e.g., 59/561). Rank can be important when applying for scholarships because many scholarships stipulate that a student must be in the top 10% (or 20%, etc.) of his/her class.
TRANSCRIPT
A transcript is a document that outlines a student’s academic achievement in high school. A transcript contains the following information:
All applications request that an official transcript be submitted with the application. An official transcript must have a signature, stamp, or seal verifying its authenticity. An unofficial transcript is the same as an official transcript except there is no official signature, stamp, or seal. You may request an unofficial transcript for personal use (e.g. to take with you on a college visit) by contacting the counseling office.
SCHOOL PROFILE
A Parkland High School profile is included with each transcript. Our profile includes pertinent information about our school such as the size, the percentage of students who go on to college, the average SAT scores of the previous graduating class, and course information about the high school.
COURSES RECOMMENDED FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION
Four-year colleges require students to complete certain college preparatory courses while in high school. These include a minimum of:
Students lacking these courses may be required to take remedial and/or additional courses at college. Students should take as much college preparatory math, science, English, foreign language, and social studies as they can handle academically.
Extensive planning should go into your child’s testing schedule. The following tests may be considered:
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) - A practice test for the SAT which is also used to determine National Merit semifinalists. It is given each October to juniors and to some sophomores. The PSAT is divided into five sections (two verbal, two math and one writing).
SAT I - (Scholastic Assessment Test) - a college entrance examination taken in the spring of the junior year and the fall of the senior year. Students receive a verbal and math score. Registration bulletins as well as preparation booklets are available in the career/college resource center. There are numerous books, tapes, computer programs and preparation courses available. The best preparation for this test is a strong, challenging course load throughout the high school years. The SAT is offered in October, November, December, January, March, May and June. Parkland High School administers the SAT in November, March, May and June. Check the registration bulletin for specific dates.
Approximately two weeks before the test date, registered students receive an admission ticket to enter the SAT test along with instructions. Students must bring picture identification in order to be admitted to the test. This test is given on Saturday morning and takes approximately four hours. Scores are received in four to five weeks after the test date.
ACT- (American College Test) - a college entrance examination used widely in the South and Western part of our country. It is generally taken during the junior and/or senior year. Students receive scores in English, Reading, Math and Science Reasoning, as well as a Composite score. Some colleges will accept the SAT or the ACT.
SAT II - Subject Tests - one hour tests which measure a student’s knowledge of specific subjects, and his/her ability to apply that knowledge. These tests are required by some but not all colleges. Generally, the more competitive colleges require applicants to take one or more of these tests for admission and/or placement. Registration Bulletins and preparation booklets are available in the career/college resource center.
AP EXAM - (Advanced Placement) - the purpose of AP tests is not to get you into college, but to earn you credits once you get there. AP tests are administered in May and should be taken as soon as possible after taking a related AP course. Colleges differ as to what score is required for granting college credit.
ASVAB - (The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) - is available to all juniors and seniors in September and April. This test gives a student self-knowledge about his/her natural aptitudes. This information can be vital in career planning.
Athletes must meet specific academic criteria before receiving an athletic scholarship at a Division I or II college or even before playing a sport in college. A student must have a 2.0 GPA in 13 core courses or a combined SAT score of 820. A student with a minimum GPA will need a higher test score, and the student with a minimum test score will need a higher GPA.
Students must take specific approved "core" courses in order to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. It is important athletes be aware of these NCAA requirements and plan their courses and testing to meet these criteria.
We encourage all students to pursue post high school education/training. Only about 20% of today’s careers require a four year college degree. In many cases, students can prepare for today’s high demand career fields by attending a community college or technical school. Many of these schools do not require that a student has a college preparatory background, nor do they require SAT testing. Students may also begin their education at a two-year college and then transfer to a four-year college to complete their bachelor’s degree.
MONITOR ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Be aware of when all interim reports and report cards are issued and show active interest by providing encouragement and support. Do not assume that someone will contact you if there is a problem.
ENCOURAGE YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER TO BECOME ACTIVE IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES
In addition to an activities list, college applications ask for evidence of leadership. If your child has leadership potential, encourage him/her to develop this skill by assuming leadership roles in clubs and teams. Depth of involvement shows focus and commitment. Volunteer experience is also impressive.
DEVELOP AN ONGOING LIST OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, HONORS, AWARDS, LEADERSHIP POSITIONS, EMPLOYMENT, VOLUNTEER WORK, COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, ETC.
This will be very helpful later when your son or daughter is required to list activities on applications. It is also helpful to give this list to anyone you have asked to write a letter of recommendation. See recommendation profile located in this pamphlet.
REVIEW REGISTRATION FORM
Every spring, review your child’s registration form to make sure he/she has selected the most challenging courses for the next school year.
PLAN MEANINGFUL SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Be aware of the excellent summer enrichment programs available on college campuses. Other summer activities can give your child invaluable experiences. Consider athletic teams, courses, jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, lessons and travel.
RESEARCH AND DISCUSS JOBS, CAREERS, COLLEGE OPTIONS
As the opportunity arises, gather information, talk to people about their occupations, and make informal visits to colleges. Discuss your child’s aptitudes, interests and abilities with him/her and look at these in terms of career options.
LOOKING AT COLLEGE OPTIONS
What is important to your son/daughter when selecting a college?? There are over 2,600 colleges and universities in this country and the task of narrowing the list can be overwhelming. As you start this process, consider the following:
After you have determined your priorities, you can then begin to search for the schools that meet your criteria. We have excellent reference books available in our career/college resource center. A wealth of information is available in bookstores and on the Internet. Call admissions offices and ask to be placed on mailing lists so you will receive information pertaining to visitation days and upcoming events. Visitations, preview days, or open houses can be informative as they are held specifically for prospective students. They may provide opportunities to visit a class, tour the campus, and give information on specific majors and financial aid. You may also call to schedule an individual appointment, especially if there is something on your child’s academic record you would like to explain. Take an unofficial transcript with you.
To make the most of your college visit, make sure you do the following:
COLLEGE FILE
After contacting colleges and making visitations, start a filing system. Keep documentation of all contacts made including names, dates, copies of correspondence, completed applications and forms. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and disorganized with paperwork.
SENIOR TIMETABLE
Help your child set up a timetable/schedule, planning test dates, application deadlines, college visitation days and other dates of major importance. Consider previous test scores to determine if any of these tests should be taken again. Highly competitive colleges look for SAT scores of 1300 and over; moderately competitive colleges look for SAT scores in the 1100 range; state universities look for SAT scores of around 1000. Don’t forget to check college handbooks for SAT II requirements.
SENIOR COURSES
Once you are sure that senior courses meet all graduation requirements, you should then consider course requirements of the college(s). Some seniors may desire to "take it easy" but colleges are looking for students who are taking a strong and challenging course load. Senior courses are listed on the high school transcript. NOTE: Colleges will send a midyear report form to submit to the counseling office. If no form is required, please remember to notify the counseling office that a midyear senior transcript needs to be sent. A final senior transcript including end of the year grades will be sent to the school you select.
Many colleges require students to take English, math and possibly science placement tests before registering for freshman courses. A student who does not take challenging courses is not likely to do as well on these tests.
Parkland High School processes thousands of college applications each school year. In the past, all parts of an application were submitted to the counseling office for processing. However, colleges now offer various options for submitting application information. Some colleges accept applications electronically, on disc format, or during a visit, as well as the traditional paper application. Therefore, it is necessary for the high school counseling office to be aware of the method students are using to submit their applications. The following guidelines should be used in the college application process.
Note: Scholarship applications are to be handled in the same manner.
EARLY ACTION
Schools that offer EARLY ACTION admissions are willing to notify candidates of acceptance earlier than mid-April. Deadlines vary from school to school but are usually in the fall of the senior year. Students may still apply to other schools.
EARLY DECISION
If a student is positive he/she wants to attend a certain school, one can apply under their EARLY DECISION PLAN. When accepted, a student will say yes and withdraw applications to any other schools. This application of admission must be submitted early in the fall and no later than November 15. All testing must be done before the fall of the senior year. If a student is not accepted under early decision, his/her application is reconsidered without bias under the college’s regular admissions plan.
ROLLING ADMISSIONS
ROLLING ADMISSION schools process applications on a first-come, first serve basis and notify students within a few weeks of receiving the application.
OPEN ADMISSIONS
Open admission schools accept almost every student who has a high school degree without regard to test scores, grade average or class rank.
SELECTIVE ADMISSION CATEGORY
The specific requirements vary from school to school and may be rigorous but most students can expect to be admitted if they meet the admission requirements. Most four-year colleges classify themselves as selective.
COMPETITIVE ADMISSION CATEGORY
Even though a student may meet the specific admissions requirements, he/she cannot be sure of admission to a competitive college because more students qualify than can be admitted. Each applicant will be competing with other equally qualified applicants. The more competitive the college, the more likely it is to consider personal qualifications such as special skills or abilities, leadership capabilities, and community involvement.
Some colleges require an applicant to write an essay as part of the application. The college application answers questions about course work, grades, test scores, work, activities, honors and awards. The only place the admissions officer can find out how a student thinks or feels about life is in the essay. This essay can be the deciding factor in an acceptance and its importance should not be underestimated. Time and energy should be devoted to this undertaking to do it right. A student should write about what he/she knows and not try to impress the reader by trying to sound "smart" or "highly intelligent".
Eventually, all options must be evaluated before selecting a college. Do not choose a college before making a college visit. Once a decision has been made, complete the required forms and notify the other colleges. Be sure to submit any required housing deposit before the deadline if housing is desired.
Just about everyone is interested in information on financial aid. Don’t assume that you cannot afford a particular college or university until you have investigated all aspects of financial aid.
There are two basic categories of financial aid, merit-based and need-based. Merit-based is generally given in recognition of special skills, talents and/or academic ability. These include: merit scholars, top ten percent of the class, outstanding athlete, accomplished musician, etc. The second category, need-based, represents the major portion of help available for post-secondary education. Need-based (commonly called financial need) is the difference between what it will cost to attend the post-secondary institution and what the family will be able to pay (expected family contribution). There are basically four categories of financial aid:
Grants and scholarships are free money that do not have to be paid back. Loans and work study jobs are considered self help. It makes sense to apply for grants and scholarships before taking out loans. A college will put together a financial aid "package". This package is a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or work study. A package varies from college to college so it is important to compare financial aid packages.
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
There are two financial aid forms that you need to be aware of - the FAFSA (Free Application of Free Student Aid) and the College Profile, required by some colleges and universities.
The FAFSA must be completed by all students interested in obtaining financial aid. This form will be mailed to every senior who has taken the SAT in the spring of their junior year. The form will arrive in December of the senior year and cannot be filed prior to January 1. It is recommended that families complete their income tax form before completing the FAFSA as a lot of the same information will be needed. Approximately 3-10 weeks after you have mailed your FAFSA, you will receive a SAR (student aid report) which will inform you of your EFC (estimated family contribution). This is the amount they have determined you can afford to pay for education that year. If the cost of the college is more than your EFC, you have a financial need and should be eligible for financial aid. This aid may come in the form of grants and or loans.
In addition to the FAFSA, some private colleges require submission of the CSS/Financial Aid Profile. The Profile is a supplemental need analysis document used to determine eligibility for private, nonfederal funds. The Profile requires a registration fee and an additional fee for information sent to each college. We recommend that this form be completed only when required by a school.
Financial Aid Workshops are available each year through the local community college and special workshops are sponsored by the Morning Call. These are generally held December - February.
Complete the FAFSA as early as possible, even if you feel you will not quality for any need based aid because of your income. Colleges verify that students are not eligible for federal or state aid before they award institutional and/or private funds. Some loan programs require the FAFSA. Make a copy of your FAFSA before you mail it. Also keep a copy of your income tax return forms. The FAFSA must also be completed in order to be eligible for a federal Pell grant.
Parents and students often find that they must take out a loan to finance educational expenses. Lending institutions provide Stafford loans to students and PLUS loans to parents. Repayment of a Stafford loan begins after the student has graduated. The Subsidized Stafford Loan is for students with financial need and the unsubsidized Stafford Loan is for students without financial need. (The government pays the interest on Subsidized Stafford Loan). PLUS loans are not based on financial need and repayment begins within 60 days.
Other ways to finance a college education include co-op programs and military programs. Money can be saved by attending a local community college and then transferring to a four-year college after one or two years. Not all students live on campus but commute to college, saving room and board expenses.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship money sometimes goes unclaimed because many scholarships have very specific eligibility criteria. Academic scholarships generally require a 3.5 GPA or better, high SAT scores, excellent recommendations, and high involvement in extracurricular and community activities. Athletic scholarships or special talent scholarships go to the student who has demonstrated outstanding abilities.
When looking for scholarships, please consider the following:
COLLEGE SEARCHES
College Board On-Line Virtual College Day Ivy League University Jesuit Colleges and Universities US News Online Embark.com College.Net Colleges' Email Addresses College is Possible Guide to PA Post-Secondary Career
Schools US Two Year Colleges ExPan Peterson's Education Center Think College-Learn for a
Lifetime The Princeton Review
FINANCIAL AID
PA Higher Education Assistance
Agency American Express University American Student Assistance FastWeb Financial Aid Search Thru the
Web Financial Aid Service College Board Scholarships Student Loan Services FAFSA Express Scholarship Scams (how to avoid) KAP Loan Nellie Mae
COLLEGE ESSAYS
College View College Applications
CAREERS
Occupational Outlook Handbook Youth Resource Network Career Paths On-Line Career Quest Mapping Your Future Discover Careers That Fit You Military Career Guide On-Line
TESTING
SAT Vocabulary Educational Testing Service SAT registration Test Prep Com SAT Preparation Kaplan Prep Courses
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
College Selection College Express Go College
MINORITY
Universal Black Pages
COLLEGE PLANNING
Best Schools College Choice
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RESOURCES WITH OBJECTIVE DATA AND INFORMATION
RESOURCES WITH SUBJECTIVE EVALUATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS:
RESOURCES WITH COLLEGE RANKINGS AND RATINGS:
© Copyright 1999, Parkland School District, Allentown, PA. All Rights Reserved.