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College Guidebook

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDEBOOK

 We recommend that you read this guidebook straight through; then continue to use it as a resource as you follow the suggestions. Each step may require effort over a period of time.

We also suggest that you purchase a milk crate and hanging folders to organize the information you will collect as you proceed in the college exploration process. (See "Crate Idea")

 HOW TO USE YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Counselors are one of the best ongoing resources students have. We are your ally throughout the entire admissions process. It is in your best interest for you to visit with us regularly. We can:

• Begin the admissions process with you by identifying the questions and finding honest answers. Questions such as "Do I want to stay near home? Does the college have my major? How important is size?"

• Review your academic record, suggest areas that need improvement, and recommend courses needed to qualify for college admission.

• Help you with information for filing testing applications and taking standardized tests.

• Provide specific information on your high school performance. Items such as test scores and grade point average are details that colleges ask for when a student applies.

• Provide the necessary forms for financial assistance (FAFSA and/or PROFILE).

• Show you where to find more information, such as books, catalogues, brochures, and videotapes that deal either with the admissions process or a specific college or university.

• Clarify or explain terms, ideas, and experiences for you that are encountered during readings, campus visits, or interviews with college representatives.

• Write a letter of recommendation to colleges or universities, complete secondary school and mid-year reports and assist you with applications.

• Offer the emotional support, warmth, and encouragement that you will need during one of the most important periods of your life.

Note: We also want to be supportive to your parents. Please ask them to schedule an appointment or call to discuss any concerns they may have.

STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS

As a student making application to colleges and universities, you have both rights and responsibilities.

Your RIGHTS entitle you to:

• Receive full information from colleges and universities about their admission, financial aid, scholarship, and housing policies. If you consider early decision application, obtain complete information from the college about its process and policy.

• Wait to respond to an offer of admission and/or financial aid until you have heard from all the colleges and universities to which you have applied or until May 1, whichever comes earlier.

• If you think that your rights as a student have been denied, • If you think that your rights as a student have been denied, you should contact the college or university immediately to request additional information or the extension of a reply date. In addition, you should ask your counselor to notify the president of your state or regional Association of College Admission Counselors. If you need further assistance, send a copy of any correspondence you have had with the college or university and a copy of your letter of admission to: Executive Director, NACAC, 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 430, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Your RESPONSIBILITIES are to:

  • Understand the admission, financial aid, and scholarship policies of the colleges and universities to which you plan to apply. This includes being aware of deadlines, restrictions, and other criteria.
  • Before you apply, you should understand the policies and procedures of each college or university regarding application fees, financial aid and scholarships, and housing. You should also be sure that you understand the policies of each college or university regarding deposits that you may be required to make before you enroll and the dates when refunds of the deposits are available.
  • Complete all material that is required for application, and submit your application materials on or before the deadlines. You should be the sole author of your applications.
  • Follow the procedures recommended by your high school for filing college applications.
  • Arrange, if possible, for interviews and/or visits to colleges of your choice.
  • Notify each college or university which accepts you whether you are accepting or rejecting its offer.

You should make these notifications as soon as you have heard from all the colleges to which you have applied or by May 1, whichever is earlier. Also, if you are accepted under an early decision plan which requires you to attend that institution, you must withdraw the applications submitted to other colleges or universities at the time of that acceptance and make no additional applications. If you are an early decision candidate and are seeking financial aid, the previously mentioned withdrawal of other applications presumes you have received notification about financial aid.

  • Confirm your intention to enroll and submit a deposit, if one is required, to only one college or university by its required notification date, usually May 1.

If you are put on a waiting list by a college or university and are later admitted by that institution, you may accept the offer and send a deposit. However, you must immediately notify any other college or university where you previously indicated your intention to enroll. 

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