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1
Jonathan Law High School
Post High School Planning Guide
CEEB CODE: 070423
20 Lansdale Avenue
Milford, CT 06460
(203) 783-3574 Fax (203) 783-3401
The Jonathan Law High School community is committed to developing all students
into productive contributors to our global society, while empowering them with 21st
century skills. Our beliefs are embedded in all of our endeavors which contribute to
establishing full, responsible, and meaningful lives.
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Directory
Jonathan Law High School School Counseling Department
School Counselors
Jennifer Dunnuck Cristina Scarpa
[email protected] [email protected]
Mollie Moe Barbara Kovacs
[email protected] [email protected]
Marguerite Raymo
College and Career Center
Blair Sylvia
Administrative Assistants
Meg Stofko
Renee Rogers (p/t)
3
Junior Planning Calendar
September
Think about college and career plans.
Obtain dates/places of local college fairs.
Plan next two years extracurricular and
community service activities/volunteer.
October
Take PSAT administered during the school day.
Start to attend area college fairs.
November
Consider taking the ASVAB (Aptitude Survey) to
explore and narrow career interests.
December
Talk with graduates who are home from college.
Research colleges through College Board.
www.collegeboard.org
Prepare for midterm exams.
January
Continue career/college exploration. Use
Naviance for assistance.
Make an appointment with counselor to begin the
college process and plan appropriate career
planning.
February
Schedule student/parent meeting with school
counselor.
Continue to research colleges using College
Board.
Plan and call to schedule college visits with
family.
Download the Naviance app for easy website
access.
March
Attend Milford’s College Fair at Law.
Consider taking SAT Subject Area Tests (SAT II)
in courses you are finishing this year. Consult
with teachers and counselors.
Apply for academic summer programs.
Continue the college search and college visits.
Use Naviance to prepare a resume highlighting
activities and honors.
Plan senior year courses with counselor.
April
Develop or revise a preliminary list of colleges.
Think about teachers whom you may ask for
recommendations.
Begin writing college application essays.
Continue college visits.
May
Attend Financial Aid Night at Foran.
Ask teachers for recommendations in person.
Take AP Exams, if applicable.
Take SATs or ACTs, if applicable.
Continue to develop a resume using Naviance.
June
Take SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Area
Tests, or ACT.
Continue college search.
Arrange college visits and/or interviews for
summer.
Summer
Plan a productive summer with activities.
Continue writing college application essays.
Create a Common Application account (August).
Investigate college costs and financial aid options.
IMPORTANT TIP
Put forth your best academic effort and study hard.
Colleges are paying close attention to your junior year!
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Senior Planning Calendar September
Make an appointment to see counselor.
Register for SATs and/or ACTs if applicable.
Finalize college list.
Consider carefully your responsibilities if
applying for Early Decision or Early Action.
Continue drafts of essays/edit essays.
Plan college visits and interviews.
Review transcript with counselor.
Submit gold information release form.
Begin filling out applications.
Gather financial materials.
October
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) opens October 1st. www.fafsa.ed.gov
Check if CSS Profile is required by colleges for
financial aid.
Take SATs and/or ACTs if applicable.
Order official test scores from College Board or
ACT to be sent to the schools on your list.
Develop resume, portfolio, audio/videotape or
other appropriate reflection of special talent, as
advised.
Continue to work on college essays.
Follow up with teachers for recommendations if
needed.
Continue filling out applications.
Attend College Fairs in the area.
Plan additional college visits and interviews
(remember to write thank you letters).
Fill out blue transcript request form and return to
School Counseling Department 15 calendar days
before deadline.
Send Early Decision or Early Action applications,
if applicable.
Check Naviance for scholarship information.
November
Take SATs and/or ACTs if applicable.
Check all application deadlines and continue to
submit.
Complete CSS Profile if college requires it.
Request transcripts 15 calendar days before
application deadlines.
Consider completing ASVAB test to narrow
career interests.
Request 1st marking period grades to go to Early
Decision/Early Action colleges, if you wish.
Review scholarship information on Naviance.
December
SATs and/or ACTs if applicable.
Check all application deadlines and continue to
submit.
Thank teachers for writing recommendation
letters.
Talk with graduates who are home from college.
January
Submit mid-year grade request (blue form) to
Mrs. Stofko, if college requires.
SATs and/or ACTs if applicable.
Continue researching scholarships.
February
Verify all necessary forms and applications for
financial aid have been completed and submitted.
March
Keep checking scholarship list on Naviance.
Send any new materials to colleges which may
help admissions.
Be sure to notify counselor of college responses/
wait listing, etc.
April
Review your college responses and aid offers with
parents and counselors.
Decide where you wish to revisit.
Make final decision – send deposit by May 1st.
If you have been placed on a wait list, please see
your counselor.
Update Naviance account with college
acceptances.
May
Take AP Exams and have scores sent to selected
colleges.
Notify counselor of final college decision/post
high school plans.
Update Naviance with college choice.
June
GRADUATION
GOOD LUCK!!!
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER. ENJOY
YOURSELF!!! YOU DESERVE IT.
IMPORTANT TIP
Stay organized throughout your college application process.
Keep track of the many forms and deadlines
that need to be submitted during this year!
5
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE
HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Your high school curriculum is crucial as you focus on finding the best match in a college. It is also key to
college admission departments when they evaluate candidates. Criteria for college admissions vary greatly.
However, all colleges focus on the rigor and quality of your high school curriculum.
Admission personnel judge “rigor” and “quality” by evaluating the importance of the academic subject matter
in a course, the grades you make in those courses, the level of difficulty of your courses, and the rank in class
that result from the grades you have achieved and the program you have taken.
Generally, colleges now prefer a traditional and classical college preparatory curriculum which includes the
following areas:
English (literature and composition courses) (4 credits)
Mathematics (3-4 credits)
Science (laboratory courses) (3-4 credits)
Social Studies (3-4 credits)
Foreign Language (at least 3 years of the same language at the high school level)
Colleges also look favorably on enrichment courses when they supplement a strong academic program.
Performing arts, fine arts, technical/computer science, and business education all prove to be important electives
for Jonathan Law students who wish to enhance their course of study.
Different types of institutions of higher education have general requirements unique to their classification. The
more selective a college, the more that college can demand in academic achievement.
Minimum course requirements for entrance into most four year colleges are shown above. Use the academic
prerequisites only as general, minimum guidelines. Many colleges look for candidates who take the more
rigorous program and achieve successfully. Since college expectations may change from year to year, obtain
specific information directly from the college.
Take as rigorous and personally
challenging a program as you can.
Fit your course selection to your
interests and goals.
Draw upon the information gained
from your self-assessment, your
earlier performances, and from
standardized testing to determine the
best program for you.
6
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Another selection criterion considered by college
admission personnel is a student’s performance on
standardized tests. Most selective colleges and
universities require candidates to submit scores from
either the SAT or the ACT. A complete list of
acronyms and their actual test titles and purposes is
shown below.
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/ National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test)
The PSAT/NMSQT test is given in October to high
school sophomores and juniors nationwide. The
PSAT is a useful indicator of scholastic aptitude as
well as the basis of some merit scholarships. Also,
the PSAT, administered by the College Board, is the
source of some college mailings that you will receive.
Students receive three scores: Verbal, Math and
Writing, as well as a fourth titled the “Selection
Index” (SI). The SI is used exclusively for the
National Merit competition.
ACT (American College Testing Program)
These are four, 35-60 minute tests in academic areas:
English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning.
There is also a 30 minute optional writing test. In the
past, this test has been commonly preferred by
colleges in the Midwest, West and South. Now,
schools will accept either the ACT or SAT
Reasoning Test. Students receive four separate
scores plus a composite score, with the highest score
being 36. There is also a 30 minute optional writing
test.
SAT Reasoning Test (formally known as the SAT I)
The SAT Reasoning Test measures developed
reasoning skills important to college success. More
than two million students take the SAT Reasoning
Test each year. Because courses and grading
standards vary widely from school to school, scores
on the SAT, along with other criteria like high school
GPA, help colleges predict a student’s ability to
succeed.
SAT Subject Area Tests (formally known as the
SAT II)
The Subject Tests measure students’ knowledge and
skills in a particular subject and their ability to apply
that knowledge (no student may take more than three
tests on any testing date). Each Subject Test is a one-
hour multiple-choice test.
AP (Advance Placement Tests)
These are three-hour high school examinations based
on college level courses. AP exams are given once a
year in May. The scores are primarily used for
college placement, credit or advanced standing. The
most highly selective colleges may also consider AP
scores as part of the admission decision.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL, administered by the College Board,
provides an alternative test for students who have
been speaking English for fewer than five years.
The test is used to evaluate the English proficiency of
these students. Highly selective colleges may require
students to submit SAT Reasoning scores for the
mathematics component along with the TOEFL.
Many selective colleges and universities require
candidates to submit scores from either the SAT
or the ACT. Standardized testing is only part of
all the information that represents and presents
you and your accomplishments.
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WHAT TESTS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
If you are planning to go to college, you should take the SAT and/or the ACT at least twice, once in the spring
of junior year and again in the fall of senior year. You may find that you score better on one type of test than
the other. Talk with your counselor in the spring of junior year about these tests. All students should take the
PSAT’s.
WHAT ABOUT TEST PREPARATION?
The best preparation for scoring well on college entrance examinations is to take a strong high school program,
do your homework diligently and read regularly for information and enjoyment. Results from tests such as the
PSAT will provide you with information on your test taking skills as well as identify potential gaps in your
knowledge base. A wide range of test prep options are available with dramatic differences in description, time
commitment and cost. Select carefully. Make sure that test preparation does not negatively affect your
performance in school.
One free option is Khan Academy. This is a service offered by College Board in conjunction with Khan
Academy. It provides FREE personalized test preparation utilizing your previous scores on College
Board assessments. For more information, please speak to your school counselor.
WHAT ABOUT TEST OPTIONAL SCHOOLS?
Many schools have adopted a testing optional approach to the admission process. The approach varies from
school to school. The website that reports which schools take part in this practice can be found below:
Fair Test – The National Center for Fair and Open Testing - http://fairtest.org/university/optional
As a way to address the sometimes prohibitive costs of applying to college, there are many colleges accepting
SAT and ACT scores as reported by either the student or school counselor. The website that reports which
schools take part in this practice can be found below:
Self-reporting Colleges and Universities - https://princetonreview.blog/2017/11/03/can-you-self-report-sat-
and-act-scores/
Remember, standardized testing is only part of all the information that represents and presents you and your
accomplishments
**To register for the SAT tests, please go to
www.collegeboard.org
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NCAA – POTENTIAL COLLEGE ATHLETES
Many collegiate athletic programs are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an
organization founded in 1906 that has established rules on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid. The NCAA
has three membership divisions – Division I, Division II and Division III. Institutions are members of one or
another division according to the size and scope of their athletic programs and whether they provide athletic
scholarships.
If you are planning to enroll as freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or Division II athletics, you
must be certified by the NCAA initial-eligibility clearinghouse. Website: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3
Obtain information from your coach in the spring of your junior year about the rules and calendar governing
your filing with the clearinghouse. Forms for filing with the NCAA are available on-line or from the athletic
director.
Core Courses
NCAA Division I requires 16 core courses. Students must earn a core course GPA of at least 2.3. See the chart
below for the breakdown of this 16 core-course requirement.
NCAA Division II also requires 16 core courses. Students must earn a core course GPA of at least 2.2. See the
breakdown of core-course requirements below.
Test Scores
Division I has a sliding scale for test score and grade-point average.
Division II has a sliding scale for test score and grade-point average.
All SAT and ACT scores must be reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center by the testing agency.
Test scores that appear on transcripts will not be used. When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the
Eligibility Center code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported to the Eligibility Center.
DIVISION I - 16 Core-Course Rule
16 Core Courses:
4 years of English.
3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school).
1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
2 years of social science.
4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy).
DIVISION II - 16 Core-Course Rule
16 Core Courses:
3 years of English.
2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school).
2 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
2 years of social science.
3 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy).
**For more information, please consult with your school counselor and/or your Athletic Director.
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RESEARCH AND SELECTION OF A COLLEGE
Now for the exciting part of this process: Researching and selecting an institution that offers you the best
opportunity to achieve your goals. The experience is made more manageable if you use the resources
available. Steps in selecting a post-secondary school are:
1. Evaluate your goals.
2. Determine your selection criteria.
3. Discover your best fit.
There are several web based programs that open a world of opportunities for students with excellent information
about occupations, colleges, and financial aid for their postsecondary planning. These programs engage
students in an interactive process that builds self-knowledge, encourages school and occupation exploration,
and helps plan for the future. Students receive immediate results with the capacity to save and print wanted
information.
Jonathan Law High School utilizes Family Connection from Naviance, a Web-based service designed especially
for students and families. Family Connection is a comprehensive website that you can use to help in making
decisions about your courses, colleges, and careers. It is also a valuable tool to take career interest and
personality type profiles. These profiles will help you generate potential career lists, college lists, determine
careers and majors that will interest you, and guide you through the post high school process. To access Family
Connection please go to https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=jonathanlaw
Comprehensive searches can be conducted in Naviance for colleges and universities by region, state, size,
activities offered, athletics, major programs of study and much more.
Tests such as the ASVAB, and other career exploration assessments gives you a variety of information on
different occupations, and the skills you must have to do these jobs successfully. Sites such as
www.collegeboard.com and www.mycollegeoptions.org also help students find information about colleges and
universities, including financial aid and scholarships.
With more than 7,000 colleges and universities, technical trade and community colleges from which to choose,
your task can be challenging. Make a list of priorities to help you choose several places where you can be
successful and happy. When assessing the academic environment of the college or university, ask yourself the
following questions:
Have I satisfied the course or other academic requirements of the college?
Are my test scores/GPA in the appropriate range for school?
Are the standards appropriate for my abilities and interest?
VISITING WITH COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES AT JONATHAN LAW HIGH SCHOOL
Each year over approximately 100 colleges send representatives to Jonathan Law High School for the Milford
City Wide College Fair to talk with prospective students. This fair is open to all students as well as their
parents/guardians. More information will be forthcoming regarding the specifics of this year’s College Fair.
Jonathan Law also has small group college visits during the day. The representatives will provide current,
accurate information about the institution and the admission policies. He or she also is another contact for you
with the admissions office. The representative with whom you speak with may be the same one who will
process your application and participate in your admission decision.
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THE COLLEGE VISIT
The purpose of the college visit is to assess whether the school is a good fit for you.
You or your parents should call the admissions office directly to schedule a visit. Inquire about the times and
days of the week of tours and information sessions as well as the availability of individual interviews. Schedule
accordingly.
ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS
1. Interviews are not required at most college campuses. You may check with each individual school to
determine if interviews are available.
2. Learn as much as possible about the college before your visit. Be prepared both to answer and ask
questions. Having a list of questions with you is acceptable.
3. Do not waste time asking obvious questions which have answers contained in the college catalog. Be
prepared to talk about yourself.
4. If you visit before you apply or before your school reports arrive, you should take a copy of your
transcripts and a résumé; a copy of an unofficial transcript can be obtained in the school counseling
office with sufficient notice.
5. Arrive on time or a few minutes early. Manners and appearances are very important – dress appropriate.
6. Explore student life. Can you see yourself on this campus? Does it feel right?
7. Be yourself at all times. Do not pretend to be someone you are not.
8. RELAX! Interviews are meant to be informative to both parties. Try to get as much out of the
interviews as you put into it. This is your opportunity to shine.
9. Follow up with a thank you note to your interviewer.
QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED
1. What kinds of things do you do outside of school?
2. What are your academic strengths and weaknesses?
3. Which one of your activities has given you the most satisfaction?
4. Describe the community in which you live and your participation in it (work, sports, church, etc).
5. What are some of the qualities that may set you apart from the other ten people I spoke to today?
6. Name three adjectives that describe you?
7. Do you have any part-time jobs? What do you do?
8. How did you choose this college?
9. What major do you intend to follow?
10. If your SATs are low, why do you think they are?
11. What are the career areas you’ve considered during high school?
12. What are some recent books/magazines/newspapers you have read?
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QUESTIONS YOU COULD ASK
1. What is distinctive about this college which might separate it from other colleges?
2. What are the strengths of the college’s advising system?
3. What kind of campus jobs can I get if I quality for financial aid?
4. Are there new programs or facilities that will be available in the next couple of years?
5. Does social life revolve around the campus, or do most students leave on weekends?
6. How important are fraternities/sororities to social life? (Make sure they have these organizations before
you ask this question.)
7. What are the living arrangements for first year students? Co-ed/single sex dorms?
Singles/doubles/triples/quads? Small dorms/large dorms?
8. What is the system for housing allocations after freshman year?
9. Are upperclassmen guaranteed space on campus?
AFTER THE INTERVIEW 1. Send a thank you note to the interviewer.
2. Try to trigger the interviewer’s memory of you in a personal way.
IF YOU CANNOT VISIT
Sometimes it is impossible for you to visit a campus. You can still get the feel of a college by talking to recent
graduates or current students who are from your area. Many colleges have produced videos of their campuses.
Check with the college’s admissions office or their website. Be sure to see college representatives when they
visit JLHS.
ASSESSING THE CAMPUS
One of the most common misconceptions held by pre-college students is that there is an “ideal” college. This is
not true; any of several colleges or universities may be right for you. To best assess the atmosphere and
offerings of a prospective college, visit the following places:
Library
Visit the campus library (or libraries)
Classes
Try to visit a class.
Residence Halls
Ask to view student rooms and other living spaces.
Student Union
Visit the student union and other “hangouts”. Be prepared for a diverse atmosphere.
Dining
Try to eat in a campus dining facility.
Support Services
Investigate what academic or mental health support services are available to you if needed.
NOTE: Many colleges are offering only information sessions or group interviews on campus. These are
generally combined with an informative tour of the campus. In place of the on-campus individual
interviews, some colleges substitute alumni interviews in your home area. Take advantage of both
opportunities.
12
THE APPLICATION
Most college application forms are self-explanatory. The best advice is to read the entire form before you
complete it and follow all directions.
COMPLETING THE FORM
Follow the directions carefully.
The most common errors result from failing to submit all the components required for your admission file in
addition to the application. Make sure you know all the parts necessary to complete your file.
Please submit applications electronically, as this is the preferred method by colleges and universities!
Check the accuracy of your social security number.
Check over and submit the application.
Send your completed application directly to the college.
Each college or university will ask you to send a transcript of your high school work. Please see transcript
request procedure.
You are responsible to have your standardized test scores reported to colleges you are applying to. This official notification is required; it is not sufficient to report your scores on the application form. For
more information, see www.collegeboard.org or www.act.org
Note deadline dates on the school’s websites.
The type of admission you are seeking may determine the deadline for your application – Early Decision
and Early Action candidates have a much earlier application date than others. Also, if you are applying to a
school with rolling admissions, it is advantageous to apply as early as possible.
Proofread all parts of the application.
Have your parent(s) or school counselor review your application. Another proofreader can often find
mistakes or missing components.
COMMON APPLICATION
The common application is a great way to apply to several schools and only fill out ONE application and
write ONE essay. To register and use the common application, please go to www.commonapp.org. A list
of all colleges and universities that accept the common application can be found at commonapp.org or in the
JLHS Counseling Office. If using the common application, please remember:
College Specific Supplemental Questions
FERPA
Link your common app to your Naviance account
13
APPLICATION ESSAY
For many students, the most intimidating part of college admission application is the essay. Understanding
the purpose of the college application essay should help to reduce some of the anxiety associated with it.
The application essay is a college’s effort to understand what makes you different from other applicants.
Faced with many applicants with similar GPAs, SAT or ACT scores and co-curricular involvements, the
admissions officer looks for other ways to distinguish between candidates for admission.
Application essay questions have no “right or wrong” answers. Rather, it is the content of the essay and
how you organize and support your thoughts that are most important. Your essay should be a clear
indication of your ability to think analytically and creatively and to communicate your thoughts in writing.
Essays are evaluated for sophistication, confidence, critical thought, and originality. The
admission committee also looks for evidence of initiative, self-direction, imagination, and
passion.
Hints for Writing a Powerful Essay
Answer the question. A good essay is the result of a writer who has examined the essay question and
written an essay that explicitly addresses that question.
Conform to guidelines. If the essay instructions tell you that the essay should be two pages long, then the
essay should be two pages long.
Allow plenty of time to write the first draft. Proof read and rewrite multiple times. Don’t wait until the
night before the deadline.
Strive for depth not breadth. A good essay is not a list of your accomplishments.
Write about something you care about. Writing on a topic that “sounds impressive” will not come across
as sincere.
Be thoughtful and honest. A superb essay demonstrates that you have thought about and gained a clear
perspective on your experiences and what you want in the future.
If you are comfortable, do not be afraid to use humor or be daring. But do not feel an obligation to do
either unless this is natural for you.
Be yourself and have a little fun with it! This is your chance to use your own voice.
Others can and should read your essay and give you feedback, but the language and style should be yours
alone.
Avoid the following:
Writing what you think admissions officers want to hear. Be honest about who you are and what you
believe.
Complaining about your circumstances. While it is okay to write about obstacles you have faced, what is
important to your reader is how you overcame the obstacle.
Submitting an essay that contains the wrong school name. Proofread carefully.
Discussing how much money you will earn or a college’s ranking as motivating factor for applying.
Making claims in the essay that is not backed up by the application. Claims made about your grades or
extracurricular activates should be backed up by the application.
Submitting an essay that contains mechanical errors, or meaningless prose.
APPLICATION ENCLOSURES
In most cases, it is not advisable to enclose actual materials with your application form unless requested by
the college. For example, if you are applying for admission to an art or design school, you may need to
include a portfolio of your work.
14
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
The college application process often requires one or more recommendation letters. Make sure that you
request recommendation letters far enough in advance that the writer has ample time to write a
comprehensive recommendation. DO NOT request letters of recommendation from more than two of
your teachers (unless required to by a college).
Steps for securing teacher recommendations:
Read the directions on the application. How many recommendations do you need?
Students need not ask a different teacher for each college. The same teachers may be used for each
college.
Choose the teachers who know you well to write recommendations for you.
Ask your selected teachers if they are willing to write you a recommendation letter. Do not assume they
will do so – some teachers are asked to write more than 50 recommendations per year. Ask early.
Provide all necessary forms and deadline dates to your teacher at least four weeks before the
recommendation letter is due.
After asking your teacher, in person, formally invite them via Naviance. Please thank them and include
deadline dates (if you have them).
Be sure to thank your teachers for writing the letters for you. They will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
* Note: Letters of recommendation are confidential and are generally not shared with students or
parents. Many, if not all, college applications have a space for you to waive your rights to view your
recommendations and all of the supplements. In general, colleges prefer that you choose to waive
your rights. The less access allowed to recommendation letters, the more credibility they are given.
Ask your selected teachers if they
are willing to write you a
recommendation letter. Do not
assume they will do so – some
teachers are asked to write more
than 50 recommendations per year.
15
College Application Process
at Jonathan Law High School
The college application process is established with the primary goal of preparing the
best application package for each student. The School Counseling Department has developed the following procedure to provide for the most efficient and trouble free process. Please read and follow each step carefully:
1) Pay special attention to all deadline dates. (Application, SAT and SAT Subject Tests). *You must request to have all your SAT and SAT subject test scores, sent by The College Board, directly to each college which you submit an application.
2) Do not delay in obtaining the application. Common Applications are available at
www.commonapp.org. Students are responsible for obtaining all applications at each individual school website.
3) Do not delay in filling out the application. Check the deadline date of each application.
Allow 15 calendar days for processing after you turn in the completed transcript request to your school counseling secretary/counselor.
4) School counseling secretaries/counselors will accept only completed transcript request
forms. Check it carefully and be sure all deadlines are filled in accurately. 5) SEE YOUR COUNSELOR FREQUENTLY DURING THE ENTIRE PROCESS.
ALTERNATIVES
Some seniors are not interested in a four-year academic program after high school. Community college
provides one option. Many vocational and technical schools exist for those who want to learn skills that will
help them find good jobs.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES
When you enroll at a community college, you may choose to earn an associate’s degree and transfer to a
four-year institution, or you may choose a career program designed to prepare you for a job when you
graduate. Counselors will assist you to choose the one that will address your interests.
ARMED SERVICES
Opportunities in education and training are available for men and women in all branches of the Armed
Forces. In peacetime, one of the major functions of the military is training. All branches of the military
now prefer to take high school graduates for specialized training.
Your options include the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and U.S. Merchant
Marines.
16
PRIVATE VOCATIONAL TRADE & TECHNICAL SCHOOLS
A number of privately-owned schools provide vocational training. Areas of specialization include
broadcasting, fashion, cosmetology, medical and technical training, and many more. When choosing a
private school, carefully check the school’s credentials.
GAP YEAR
Some students and their parents want to explore organized opportunities for personal growth and experience
during an interim semester or year, some exciting and valuable programs are:
Internships in community, social service
Leadership training, outdoor education
Post-graduate year (PG) at preparatory school
Structured travel/education
TYPES OF ADMISSIONS DECISIONS
Colleges and universities have varying admissions practices. Information pertaining to the policy of a
prospective school will be found in its publications. Some of the most frequently mentioned practices include
the following:
Early Admission
An exceptional student would terminate his or her high school education after the junior year without
earning a high school diploma and enroll in college. Early admission is generally highly selective.
Early Decision
Early decision, a plan offered by some colleges, allows a student to apply for an early determination of
admissibility. If accepted, the student is obligated to attend. The student may submit other applications
during this period, but only one can be Early Decision. If accepted through the Early Decision program, the
students must withdraw all other applications.
Early Action
Early action is a plan offered by schools that invites early application but does not require the students to
attend if accepted. Application deadline is usually in early October/November. Some schools offer single
choice early action. Read your application carefully.
Deferred Decision
The college or university determines that more information is needed to make a final decision about a
candidate’s application. Often the decision is delayed until final grades and/or new test scores are received.
Rolling Admissions
The college will notify the applicant as soon as the application has been processed (usually in four to six
weeks) and the file is complete. It is the student’s advantage to apply early.
Open Admissions
Students are accepted upon application in Open Admissions (usually community colleges).
Deferred Admission
Deferred Admission is a plan which permits a student, once accepted, to postpone matriculation for one year
in order to pursue other plans.
Note: If you would like the school counseling office to send your first quarter grades to the colleges
for Early Decision or Early Action, you must see the school counseling secretary/school counselor to
make this request and/or indicate it on your transcript request form.
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FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid comes in four basic forms. Most financial aid packages usually offer a combination of these four:
Grants (need-based monies) and gifts (merit-based monies). Grant and gift monies do not have to be
repaid.
College work study allows the student to work either on or near campus in a job arranged by the
Financial Aid Office.
Loans usually have low interest rates and must be repaid.
Scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Follow these steps:
1. In the fall of your son/daughter’s senior year, complete the individual financial aid (and scholarship)
application forms for each college to which the student is applying.
2. See www.fafsa.ed.gov and have all of your tax information organized early and apply online after
October 1st.
3. In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges also require the submission of the CSS/profile. Go to
www.collegeboard.com
4. Even if you know that you will not qualify for any need-based aid because of your income, you should
still complete the FAFSA. Colleges and organizations may want it on file. Check with the individual
college.
RESEARCHING FINANCIAL AID AT JLHS
Locating scholarships and other awards is somewhat complicated. Unfortunately, no single source lists
where all financial information might be found; places of employment, places of worship, and clubs and
organizations may provide awards.
Scholarship notices received by JLHS are published regularly and changes are made weekly on the
Jonathan Law High School Counseling Website, Naviance and in the College and Career Center.
Many other local scholarships are available to seniors in the spring of their senior year. Applications will be
given to all seniors at this time to complete.
**Naviance is a comprehensive program that can be used for college/scholarship searches and even
apply for scholarships. All seniors have usernames and passwords for Naviance. .
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 school to which you are applying.
Also, be sure to apply on time.
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INFORMATION THE COLLEGE-BOUND LEARNING-
DISABLED STUDENT SHOULD KNOW
1. The number of learning-disabled students on campus.
2. The approximate number of students in large and small lecture classes.
3. The name and telephone number of the learning-disabled program coordinator.
4. Who the class teachers are: professors or graduate students.
5. The office hours of the faculty.
6. Whether the people who provide support services are peer tutors or resource staff.
7. The ratio of students with learning disabilities to learning disability teachers.
8. Whether or not recorded texts are available.
9. Whether or not there are extra costs for support services.
10. The availability of diagnostic testing services.
11. How many students are there per room in the dormitories, and if the dormitory atmosphere is conducive
to proper study. If it is not, are there rooms for rent nearby?
12. Data, if available, on how successful learning-disabled graduates have been with respect to employment
and graduate study.
13. Whether or not SATs can be waived for identified learning-disabled students.
14. Whether or not foreign language requirements can be waived for identified learning-disabled students.
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College and Career Websites
www.collegeboard.org Widely used college/career exploration and SAT registration website
www.princetonreview.com College and career search plus test prep for SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests
www.petersons.com Compare and contrast college choices
www.collegeview.com Find and select the right college for you
www.collegenet.com Search colleges, and find financial aid and scholarship information
www.campustours.com Virtual tours of various college campuses including photos, videos, and interactive maps
www.ctdhe.org, and www.cttech.org Technical School Information
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ The Occupational Outlook Handbook - Learn everything about specific jobs, careers, and
related majors
http://online.onetcenter.org Online Occupational Information
Test Preparation
www.act.org Allows students to register for the ACT, learn test taking strategies, and sample questions
www.collegeboard.org Registration and information on the SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests
www.kaptest.com Test prep on line
www.number2.com Free SAT site that offers tutorials, practice sessions, a vocabulary builder, and college planning
information
www.testprep.com Helps diagnose your weak areas and provides skill building lessons after taking the practice SAT test
Financial Aid
www.fafsa.ed.gov FAFSA form
https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/ CSS Profile form
www.finaid.org Find Aid
www.collegenet.com Financial Aid and Scholarship information
www.fastweb.com Access over 1.5 million scholarships
www.salliemae.com Student loan marketing association
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NOTES
Use this page to help you organize your information. Remember the school counseling office is here to assist
you through this process. GOOD LUCK!