How to Plan for College - The Handbook - Bishop O'Dowd High ...

Counseling College Planning Guide
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Dear Students and Parents:
We are pleased to present you with our College Planning Guide. It is specific
to Bishop O’Dowd with references to our Family Connection/Naviance
account, and to the way we work with and advise our students. Providing a
wealth of information, we hope this manual will guide you through the
complex maze that is college admissions today. We work closely with our
students and guide them through every step of the college process, including
helping you and your student through the maze of financial aid. Please use
this guide, and us, as your primary resources. While we acknowledge there
are many other sources you might access to help you, we ask that you start
here and stay in close contact with your counselor.
While we feel our entire guide should be read closely and carefully, there are
two sections to which we would like our Seniors to give special attention. The
section titled “Important Deadlines” is critical to making the process run
smoothly. Please meet them! Please also pay particular attention to the
section titled, “Writing Your College Applications.” Included are our detailed
instructions on the counselor and teacher recommendations. Your attention
to these details will help make this process run smoothly both for yourself and
for the counselors and teachers.
From now until you graduate, we will be referring to this guide many times as
we meet with you throughout the junior and senior years. Please become
familiar with it – the information is thorough, and many of your questions can
be easily answered in the guide. In fact, we will often refer you to the guide.
You will find this to be an exciting and joyous time that may occasionally
cause you anxiety and self-doubt. This is also a time for self-discovery, a time
to deeply explore who you are. You can relieve much of the anxiety if you
read all your materials carefully, observe deadlines, and organize yourself
early. And take a deep breath! Work to the best of your abilities in all your
classes and you should have no regrets. Enjoy these final months of high
school by making the most of your time here.
Wishing you well,
Bishop O’Dowd Counseling Department
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE SOPHOMORE YEAR………………………………………………………...3
Page
COLLEGE PLANNING FOR JUNIOR YEAR ............................................................................................................. 4
COLLEGE PLANNING FOR SENIOR YEAR ............................................................................................................. 6
DATES TO REMEMBER ................................................................................................................................................ 8
GOOD ADVICE TO KEEP IN MIND ............................................................................................................................... 9
IMPORTANT DEADLINES ........................................................................................................................................ 10
TESTING PROGRAMS FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ......................................................................................... 11
PSAT/NMSQT ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
ACT .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
COLLEGE BOARD EXAMINATIONS (SAT REASONING AND SAT SUBJECT TESTS) .................................................... 12
REGISTRATION FOR COLLEGE BOARD EXAMINATIONS ............................................................................................ 12
SCORE REPORTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
REVIEW COURSES ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
GENERAL INFORMATION ON COLLEGES .......................................................................................................... 15
THE UNIVERSITY VERSUS A LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE .............................................................................................. 15
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ................................................................................................................................................. 16
COLLEGE CALENDAR SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................ 16
GETTING READY TO APPLY FOR COLLEGE ...................................................................................................... 17
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS AND OPTIONS .................................................................................. 18
ADMISSIONS OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 18
Regular Admissions ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Early Decision ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Early Action ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Service Academies/ROTC .................................................................................................................................. 20
Candidates’ Reply Date Agreement .................................................................................................................... 21
Wait List .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
THE COLLEGE ESSAY .............................................................................................................................................. 22
WRITING YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ........................................................................................................ 24
COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 24
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 25
FINANCING COLLEGE: COSTS AND RESOURCES ............................................................................................ 27
COST OF ATTENDANCE (COA) ................................................................................................................................. 27
FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................................... 28
COMMON MYTHS STUDENTS HAVE ABOUT COLLEGES ............................................................................... 32
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS ..................................................................................... 33
SOME COLLEGE GUIDES AND OTHER HELPFUL BOOKS ON THE PROCESS ................................................................ 33
USEFUL WEBSITES .................................................................................................................................................... 35
A FEW PARTING THOUGHTS (Some famous college graduates and their colleges)……………………………..38
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GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE IN SOPHOMORE YEAR
IN GENERAL:
Ø Work hard in class. Your UC/CSU GPA begins this year with your college prep classes
(preceded by a “P” on your transcript). If you were not serious in your freshman year,
this is your “wake-up” year.
Ø Develop good study habits. If you do not feel you have good habits, it is not too late to
start. They will carry you through college and will contribute to later success in your
working life. Cultivate them now when you have the support and encouragement of your
parents and your school. Your counselor can help you with this.
SPECIFICALLY:
Ø Take the ASPIRE test. This is a pre-ACT normed on sophomores. All sophomores at
Bishop O’Dowd take it on testing day in mid-October.
Ø In January, when scheduling your classes with your counselor, choose to take
challenging classes but also seek a healthy balance.
Ø Don’t miss your scheduled appointment in the Counseling Resource Center. In the
spring you will be called in to the center to learn more about Naviance’s Family
Connection, the web-based program that allows you to discover more about who you are,
explore career interests, and begin an early search for colleges.
SUMMER:
Ø You have many options. Find something meaningful to you and something that will
also be restorative. Some of you may work on your Peace & Justice hours, do paid work,
travel, take enrichment classes, or develop a passion. Read – it is good for you and will
help you earn better scores on your SAT or ACT! Ask your English teacher or counselor
for recommendations, or read something that connects you to a passion or interest.
Ø Visit a college or two. Begin to learn about the different types of colleges (small vs.
large, university vs. liberal arts) by visiting some schools close to home or near where
your family may be vacationing. Register for the tours and go to information sessions.
Don’t get too serious about the search process yet, but make it fun and exploratory.
There is no pressure now so enjoy it and think about who you are and what fits for you.
This is practice because next year you will really take it seriously.
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COLLEGE PLANNING FOR JUNIOR YEAR
September:
October:
Jan/Feb
Attend College Night held at Bishop O’Dowd High School. While it is still fresh
in your mind, brainstorm all the things that appealed to you (or not) from the
information you gathered.
PSAT/NMSQT is administered. Read what the College Board website says about
it, and read the information booklet on the exam. Pay particular attention to test
taking strategy. Get a good night’s sleep!!
PSAT results are distributed to students. You are assigned a special ID number so
you can review your results online at the College Board. Learn from your
mistakes and speak with your counselor for further interpretation.
During the scheduling meeting with your counselor, make sure your course
selections for senior year are in line with your college aspirations. Take the most
academically challenging classes that are appropriate for you. Your counselor will
compare your sophomore and junior pre-test scores to determine which is the
better test for you, and work with you to set up a testing plan for SAT and/or
ACT. See Family Connection, under “Documents,” where you will find a
helpful chart differentiating the SAT from the ACT.
Sign up online for an SAT test in March or May (or ACT in April or June)
and SAT Subject Tests in June, if applicable (see your counselor for this).
UC’s no longer require SAT Subject exams. If taken, they will be used in
considering you for admission, and they may be recommended for certain
majors. Check UC campus websites for specific major requirements
(Engineering is often the exception). Some highly selective private
colleges/universities still require two or three SAT Subject Tests.
Mar-May:
Review this booklet with an emphasis on:
Ø General information on colleges
Ø Testing programs used for college planning and admissions.
Ø The application process
Ø Bishop O’Dowd Counseling Department DEADLINES!!
Ø Financial aid information
Ø BECOME AN ACTIVE USER OF FAMILY CONNECTION!
Meet with your counselor to create a list of prospective colleges and discuss
strategies for visits, interviews, and applying.
Parents are encouraged to ask for meetings with the counselor to discuss the
process from both the student and counseling perspectives, to discuss/create a list
of prospective colleges, to understand where their child might gain admission and
have a positive fit, and to gain a clear understanding of how our process unfolds.
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April through August:
Ø Complete the first round of SAT testing (if you are lucky, it may be your only round!).
Ø Consider the type of college or university experience that might fit you best, keeping in
mind factors such as location, size of student body, tuition, and courses of study.
Ø Research with the Naviance program, “Family Connection,” accessed through the
BOD website. In addition to the links from Family Connection, please also refer to the
section in this book titled “Useful Websites.”
Research college web sites for:
Ø Campus life – diversity of student body; social options/activities
provided by the college; community service opportunities; campus
ministry options; are students active and involved beyond
academics
Ø Take a virtual tour
Ø Academic programs; majors; opportunities to create your own
major and/or possibilities for interdisciplinary majors.
Ø Research and internship opportunities for undergraduates
Ø Libraries (most campuses have more than one) and the hours they
stay open, the extent of their collections, is it a pleasant place to
study
Ø What is the career placement center like – what types of career
workshops and assessments are offered for juniors and seniors;
who interviews on campus; availability of summer internships on
or off the campus.
Ø Residence hall options; menus being served that week; are there
options for vegetarians as well as for others with special dietary
needs; social events (lectures, concerts, road trips, etc)
Ø Read the school newspaper and learn what are the hot issues on
campus
Ø If you are an athlete, check out the facilities and gauge your
abilities; contact a coach
Ø Contact an admissions officer; ask to link up with a student
ambassador who can tell you what life is really like on campus.
The admissions office will take this as another indication of your
interest
Ø What is happening in the town/city/region
Augment your research with college guides (we are partial to the Fiske Guide to Colleges). See
other recommended books at the end of this booklet.
Use Family Connection as a primary source of information. Under “Document Library” there is
a description of the Naviance features that will help you understand how to use the program.
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COLLEGE PLANNING FOR SENIOR YEAR
July through December (broad picture):
As you continue your research, e-mail colleges about questions that might arise
regarding their programs. Write a rough draft of your college essays; topics can
be found at college websites and at the Common Application site.
If you’re one of the lucky 60 seniors who sign up early, attend College Boot
Camp before senior year begins. Most of what we discuss below will get taken
care of there. If you’re not able to…
August:
Meet with college representatives who visit BOD during the Fall semester – see
the “Visit Schedule” in Family Connection, under the “Colleges” tab and sign up.
Write and rewrite essays; share with your counselor for help!! Attend College
Night in September. Complete applications.
Note requirements and deadlines. Register to take October SAT, and others, if
needed. UC will accept SAT tests taken from junior year through December of
senior year. The same holds true for CSU, however Cal Poly SLO asks that your
testing be complete by October test (and they often prefer the ACT with Writing
option. Many private schools will also accept a January test date, but verify this
with the college. Be very aware of each college’s test requirements for
admission.
Fill out and turn in Senior Questionnaire if you did not do it over the
summer. Counselors will meet with you regarding college after the
questionnaire is returned, and in the order they receive them. For ED/EA
applicants (see section titled “The College Application Process and Options”) it
is essential that you turn in your questionnaire early – no later than the end
August.
September:
Attend College Night. Narrow your college choices to a reasonable number of
schools (6 – 10; count the UC’s as “one” school since it is one application). At
Family Connection check to see if representatives from colleges on your list are
visiting O’Dowd. These are updated regularly. Sign up to meet with them
through Family Connection. Why
Ø The college rep is usually the person who will be the first reader of your
application. She will be your advocate with the admissions committee.
Meet this person, ask intelligent questions, and help her remember you.
Ø If you cannot visit the campus, this may be your best chance to personally
indicate your interest.
Ø Later, when your application is read, your rep will count meeting you as a
plus in your favor (of course you want to make a strong impression).
October:
Early Decision/Early Action (ED/EA) candidates – it is absolutely essential that
you turn in your counseling paperwork to your counselor by October 10, and
you must observe the same deadline with your teachers. If required at your
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ED/EA college, register for CSS Profile at the College Board’s website (link to
CSS is at Family Connection).
Write application essays and have them reviewed/critiqued by your counselor.
Regular decision candidates: Submit paperwork to counselors and teachers
for recommendations by November 10 even if applications are not due until
February. If you know only one or two schools to which you definitely plan to
apply, we ask you still submit the paperwork by November 10. You can ask that
your recommendations be sent to additional schools at a later date in the semester.
Our deadlines are firm if you want a letter of recommendation that is
thorough, complete, and well-articulated.
Senior grades are important – the work you do in fall semester is crucial to your
acceptance. Admissions committees at private colleges will see the 7 th semester
grades of regular decision candidates before they make decisions on your
applications, and they may ask for your progress report grades before they go to
committee in the winter. WORK HARD!! If you are an early ED/EA
candidate, colleges may ask our office for your midterm grades – it is essential
you work at a consistently strong level.
November:
December:
File UC and CSU applications by November 30. UC applications can only be
filed only between November 1 and November 30. CSU applications can be
filed between October 1 and November 30. Early decision/action applications
have filing dates this month. Remember – regular decision candidates request
recommendations no later than November 10. Financial aid forms for ED/EA
colleges (private schools who use the CSS Profile) will be due early as well.
Complete testing for UC/CSU applications. When you are done with testing,
order your official scores to be sent from the College Board to each college to
which you are applying. With score choice, take care that you are sending
the correct number of scores that colleges need – they will vary. Many
schools will ask for all your scores. They will pick your best to put you in the
best light. UC’s and some out of state publics will use your best sitting; CSU’s,
and most privates will pick your best section scores from multiple sittings.
Remember: They are looking for ways to accept, not to deny you!
Check Family Connection and scholarship bulletin board (in the Counseling
hallway) for local and national scholarship information.
Begin compiling information for financial aid applications and their deadlines,
which vary. The FAFSA portal opens on December 1 but cannot be filed until
after January 1; CSS Profile opens earlier and may have an earlier date if applying
ED/EA.
January:
Parents complete and file the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA). You
must mail/file between January 1 and March 2, however to be considered for
some scholarships, earlier deadlines may apply. Check each college for
deadlines. If you are also using the CSS Profile for private schools, due dates
will vary, with some starting as early as January 15. Pay attention to deadlines.
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If applying to colleges (public and private) in California, turn in a GPA
Verification Form (for Cal Grants) to Counseling by the end of February.
February through April:
Colleges will begin to inform you of their decisions. You have until May 1 to
decide which offer you will accept. When you have made a decision, reply to that
college. It is a nice gesture to inform the others that you have accepted another
offer and to thank them for their interest in you. .
A note on housing: When accepted to colleges with limited housing, apply as
soon as you receive notice, even if you are not sure you will attend. While you
may lose a deposit, it is far worse to not have housing your freshman year. This is
particularly critical for public colleges, some of which do not have sufficient
space to accommodate all freshmen.
During second semester, maintain or improve academic grades. Remember, your
acceptance is always conditional and can be rescinded if after you graduate, your
college sees a significant drop in your spring semester grades.
In late June/early July we mail your final transcript to the one college you chose.
Grades are of special significance to wait list candidates.
Dates to Remember
College Night
September
UC Applications Due between November 1 and November 30
CSU Applications Due between October 1 and November 30
Private Applications
CSS Profile
FAFSA
SAT Reasoning Test
ED/EA varies by campus but usually in November. Check dates.
Regular Decision varies from December 1 to March 1.
Regular candidates can file as early as October 15 – ED/EA
candidates must file early, often at the same time as your
application. Pay attention to dates set by each college – some
merit scholarship programs require earlier filing.
File between January 1 and March 2 but check deadlines for each
college. Some scholarship programs require earlier filing.
October (last test date for some selective CSU’s), November (last
test date for most ED/EA applications), December (last test date
for all UC and some CSU schools)
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SAT Subject Tests
ACT
Same as SAT Reasoning dates
Fall semester testing dates – different Saturdays from the SAT
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Good Advice to Keep In Mind
We recommend the following words of wisdom given by Fr. Aloysius Galvin, S.J., of
Georgetown Prep:
“You, the applicant, really hold and control all the aces and trumps in the deck;
your senior course selection, your grades, GPA and testing scores, your activity record,
(in school and out), your written application, your essay(s), your interview. That’s a
strong hand, one to be played with care and thoughtfulness, with energy and courage.
Play it well.”
1. Initial Attitude: Peace. Be positive about yourself and confident of your future. Be
honest with yourself about who you are. Keep an attentive ear open to parental and other advice.
Run your own ship and steer your own course, trying to sail free from subtle peer pressure. In a
word, keep a clear head and a free heart. This is a process that began earlier than senior year. At
any given moment during high school you may have had an opinion about your college choices,
and each time, that opinion probably changed. You will be different in junior spring than you
are in fall – what you thought you loved a year ago could be different from what you love now or
what you may love in April when you make your decision. Be patient.
Remember that the application/acceptance/matriculation enterprise is not a canonization process,
nor is it intended to be an ego trip for family or student, nor is it a measure of your worth. It is a
search for a home away from home where you will be productive and happy, grow and prosper.
There are many fine colleges out there. You are the chooser. Do not let the process eat you up
or determine your worth. Be yourself and find the right fit.
2. A Typical Application Pattern will include schools that are:
Ø “Long Shots,” “stretches,” or “reaches” or schools which you might love,
but would have difficulty getting into.
Ø “Targets” or schools to which you have a possibility of acceptance.
Ø “Safeties” or schools to which you are sure of acceptance.
Fall in love with your safety schools as much as your stretch schools. If you did your research
well, you chose those safety schools because you liked them. Keep this in mind.
3. Initial List and Selection of Possible Choices: There are many colleges you may not
have heard of that have strong programs, quality faculty, distinguished alumni, impressive
graduate school placements, excellent facilities, good research opportunities, etc. A college’s
“reputation” or “brand name” is not necessarily a marker of a great school.
No college, whatever its merit or general reputation, is in itself better or best. The “name” of
some colleges is based more on their graduate school rather than their undergraduate school, and
others gain a reputation based on their athletic teams. Some college reputations lag behind their
real quality. The college you select should fit YOU and not your friend or your parents. The
only college that deserves the title good, better, or best is the one that is the BEST FIT FOR
YOU – WHERE YOU CAN REACH YOUR HIGHEST POTENTIAL.
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IMPORTANT DEADLINES
SAT Testing:
ACT Testing:
Fall semester: Testing dates on 1 st weekends of October, November, and
December. Registration deadlines are one month prior to test.
Spring semester: Testing dates are usually on 3 rd weekend or 4 th
weekend of January, the 2 nd weekend of March, and 1 st weekends of May
and June. Registration deadlines are one month prior to test.
Fall semester: Testing dates are in September, October and December
and generally a week after the SAT test date. Registration deadlines are at
least one month prior to test.
Spring semester: Testing dates are in February, April, and June, and
again, generally a week after the SAT test date. Registration deadlines are
at least one month prior to test.
Application & Recommendation Deadlines:
September 1: Final date for EA/ED candidates to return completed
Senior Questionnaire to counselor
October 10: Final date for EA/ED candidates to ask counselor and
teachers for a recommendation and to give them required documents and
list of colleges (see pp 25-27). Envelopes also must be included.
November 10: Final date for regular decision candidates to ask counselor
and teachers for a recommendation and give required documents and list
of colleges (see pp 25-27).
Financial Aid:
October 1: Registration portal opens for CSS Profile which is required
by many private schools; register online at www.collegeboard.com
NOTE: Deadlines and priority dates vary at schools and you can quickly
check them at college websites by searching the site with: “Financial Aid
deadlines.” See Counseling handout on financial aid for more tips and
strategies regarding financial aid.
January 1: FAFSA filing period begins. Check college websites for
priority dates as well as regular filing dates. They will vary. Merit
scholarships often ask you to file by an earlier “priority” date.
Last week of February: Final time for submitting Cal Grant GPA
verification forms to Counseling. We submit the Cal Grant forms, as a
group, to the Cal Grant website.
March 2: Final filing date for FAFSA (found at fafsa.gov, not fafsa.com)
and CSS Profile (see note above regarding earlier and priority filing
dates)
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TESTING PROGRAMS FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
Bishop O’Dowd School Code 052185
(Use on all SAT and ACT test registration materials)
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying
Test (PSAT/NMSQT)
The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT that measures verbal and mathematical
abilities important in college work. It is normed on juniors and given only once a year, in
October. This test is not required for college admissions, nor will colleges ever see your PSAT
scores. The PSAT serves two purposes:
1. It provides information on student abilities to do college work and it helps
students estimate the caliber of college he/she could attend. It also familiarizes
students with the types of questions that are on the SAT.
2. It helps students who are seeking recognition and financial assistance. Several
organizations use the results to determine scholarship recipients. They are the
National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the National Achievement Scholarship
Program for Negro Students, and the National Hispanic Recognition Program.
Winning one of the awards, as well as being named a National Merit Commended
Student, can be beneficial for college admissions.
Score Reports: The PSAT reports verbal, math, and writing scores scaled between 20
and 80. Add a 0 to predict a possible SAT score; the report will also give you an expected SAT
range based on the PSAT. The Selection Index, scaled between 60 and 240 is determined by
adding the verbal, math, and writing skills scores. NMSC uses the Selection Index to determine
candidates for their scholarship programs. The score threshold for scholarships varies every
year.
Use your score report and test booklet to learn where your problem areas might be and
how you can improve your results when you take the SAT Reasoning Test. Read the score
report carefully as the information can be very helpful.
American College Testing Program (ACT)
Colleges and universities in the Midwest have traditionally preferred the ACT assessment
to the SAT. The ACT tests you on knowledge you have learned and the abilities you need to
succeed in college. It is scored differently than the SAT and some students find they perform
better on the ACT than the SAT.
The ACT is a four part exam that tests abilities in English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Within each of these areas, sub scores are also generated, indicating your strengths and
weaknesses. ACT offers an optional Writing test along with the regular ACT. It is scored
separately and will not be included in your composite score. If you take the ACT for
admission to the UC/CSU systems you must also take the optional Writing test. Admissions
requirements for the ACT will vary among colleges and universities – you must check each
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individual college for their requirements. ACT’s website, www.act.org, has a listing of colleges
and universities that require or recommend taking the writing test.
Colleges throughout the U.S. accept the ACT or the SAT. See your Counselor to
determine which test might be best for you. Because you took the PLAN in sophomore year,
you have a predicted ACT score. In converting this score to an SAT, we can make some
assumptions as to how you will test on the ACT compared to the SAT. See “Document Library”
in Family Connection for a comparison of the ACT and SAT Reasoning.
College Board Examinations (SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests)
1. SAT Reasoning Test 2014-2015: This exam is more than 3-1/2 hours
and it measures a student’s ability to communicate and to reason with
words and abstract concepts. Separate verbal, math, and writing scores are
reported, each scaled between 200 and 800 points. To optimize earning
your best scores, take the test once in spring of your junior year. Retakes
can be done in the Fall (October, November, or December) of senior year,
taking advantage of your summer to study. We do not recommend taking
this test earlier than junior spring, as most students do not score as well
prior to that time. If you retake the SAT Reasoning, we recommend you
take it no more than once or twice more.
2. SAT Reasoning Test 2015-2016: Beginning with the March 2016 test
date, the SAT Reasoning test will consist of just two sections (Math and
Evidence-Based reading and Writing) for a total score of 1600. The
Writing test will be optional, but we suggest you add this option since
some of your colleges may require it. If you are unsure, talk to your
counselor about this. Please see the link at Naviance, Document Library,
Counseling Resources, for a full description of the changes for 2015-
2016.
3. SAT Subject Tests: These are one-hour exams that measure a student’s
achievement in various high school subject areas. Some colleges require
or recommend two exams for admission and/or placement in college
classes. You may take as many as three exams in one day. If you plan to
take subject exams, you should take them in June of the year in which
you complete the subjects. Retakes can be done in the fall.
Registration for College Board Examinations
Register for exams online at www.collegeboard.com. There is also a link from Family
Connection. Following are guidelines that will make the process run smoothly:
1. Keep a record of your user name and password and always use Bishop O’Dowd’s
CEEB code of 052185.
2. When you register, use your name as it is on your social security card and the
name you will use on your college applications. So that the College Board
keeps all your records in order and reports your scores accurately, it is important
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to give your name and all other information in exactly the same manner on all
College Board forms/website and in all communication with the Board. For
example, using initials or a middle name one time and not the next may cause
confusion and your scores may be delayed or not reported to your colleges, or
colleges will not match your scores with your application. Important Note: If
your name is different on your transcript, now is the time to make sure all your
names “agree” otherwise colleges may set up two files for you when you apply.
3. Pay attention to deadlines. The earlier you register for an exam, the more likely
you will have first choice of your preferred location for the exam (check with
your counselor for recommended testing sites).
The College Board website is rich with information. Explore it and use it. You will find the
site provides tutorials and information that can be very helpful. At the website you can:
1. Compare SAT Subject exams by taking a brief diagnostic test online of the exams
you are considering. College Board will analyze your results.
2. Prep for SAT Reasoning Test – for practice, take an entire SAT exam online!
Become familiar with test taking strategy.
3. Learn about financial aid and have your need estimated. Do calculations for both
institutional and federal methodologies. Link is at Family Connection.
4. Complete the CSS Profile.
5. Under “Plan for College” read articles that help you develop action plans, learn
better time management skills, get help with procrastination and senioritis (see
motivation article), and many more
6. Go to the AP Test Prep Center and pick up valuable hints that could help your
performance on the AP exams.
7. Get help with writing your college application essay that will augment the help
you receive from your teachers and counselor.
8. SENIORS – See the Decision Making Guide when you start considering your
college acceptances. This can be an agonizing decision for many – your
counselor can help you too.
Score Reports
Score reports are sent to the student’s home. We do not show your SAT Reasoning and
Subject Test scores on your transcript.
All colleges will require an official score report to be sent to them. It is your
responsibility to see that your scores are sent to your colleges. Do not send scores in junior
year. We also receive all your scores, electronically. Important note: Because of the College
Board’s Score Choice Policy, you may not want to order your scores sent to your colleges until
you have seen them. Here are some considerations:
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1. Score choice is an optional feature, e.g. you can still send all your scores to colleges,
and most colleges will continue to consider only your best scores.
2. Colleges continue to set their own test requirements and they will vary from college
to college (UC’s and CSU’s will be uniform within their systems). It is your
responsibility to note the different requirements.
3. If you choose Score Choice, you may send Reasoning scores to colleges by sitting
(test dates and not by section) and by individual Subject test.
4. At the time you register for your last SAT exam (Reasoning or Subject), you may
request that the scores to be sent to four colleges for free. An extra fee is charged for
reports to additional colleges.
5. NOTE: Except for UC and CSU, most colleges will use your highest verbal, math,
and writing scores, mixing them from different sittings. Some schools will still
require all scores be sent. Read the college policies carefully!! REMEMBER:
Most colleges are looking for reasons to accept you, not to reject you.
Review Courses
If you decide to consider a course, investigate it thoroughly. Ask for verification of all
claims of results. Weigh the investment in both time and money. Information regarding test
preparation programs is available in the Counseling Center and through your counselor. Prep
courses are offered on the Bishop O’Dowd campus. One course focuses on tips and strategies ad
covers some content, which is enough for many students. Another, through Revolution Prep,
will also cover tips and strategies, and include more content as well as several diagnostic tests,
carrying a guaranteed raise of 200 points from the first diagnostic to the actual test. Private
tutors are also available if you wish one-on-one help. See your counselor for references. If you
cannot afford a review course or private tutor, the College Board has an official SAT online
course at a reasonable cost, and they publish The Official SAT Study Guide. Both of these can
be reviewed at their website and appear to be very good, inexpensive resources. At your
Naviance homepage, there is a link to a free online test prep course at www.Number2.com.
Finally, ask yourself what you can do in your regular schoolwork, in your free time, or in
working with fellow students or adults to prepare for the SAT’s. Sign up for “Question of the
Day” (a daily e-mail) at the College Board website, or download the app for your phone.
The mere 10 minutes a day that you spend on this will accustom you to SAT questions. Read
books outside of class, read editorials in a well-respected newspaper, read magazines with good
writing (Time, Sports Illustrated, Atlantic Monthly, etc. – if you are a consistent reader and
pursue these activities regularly, you will likely have stronger verbal scores.
16

GENERAL INFORMATION ON COLLEGES
The University versus a Liberal Arts College
Choosing a university or a liberal arts college can have a tremendous impact on your own
personal development. Before you fully settle on one or the other, keep an open mind about the
advantages of both, and think about the way you learn and how you like to relate to your
teachers, how you socialize and make friends, and the extra curricular activities you enjoy or
hope to pursue, including how available the opportunities are for those activities.
At a university the student body can range from small to very large (3,000 to 45,000
students). Multiple areas of study are available, often in different colleges, e.g. Arts & Sciences,
Engineering, Business, Conservatories (music or theater), and Agriculture. Universities are
known for their graduate schools and research activities. Resources can be wide-ranging.
Universities will generally have museums that are well regarded and have extensive library
holdings. However, keep in mind that often some resources are available primarily to graduate
students. Professors who prefer research to teaching commonly choose to affiliate with
universities and may teach only two or three undergraduate classes a year. There are exceptions,
yet accessibility to classes taught by the most exciting and finest teachers can be competitive,
and classes large. To be successful, students must learn self reliance and be comfortable taking
the initiative. Many classes are large (50 – 1000 students) and your grade may depend on a
combination of only two or three measures (paper/midterm/final); class discussions may be
limited.
At a liberal arts college the student body can be small to medium-sized. In general,
professors who choose to work at these schools do so because they love to teach and mentor
undergraduates. They are approachable and interested in their students, and a very high
percentage of classes are small, often taught in seminar style. Professors at liberal arts colleges
are also researchers, and because there are generally fewer or no graduate students,
undergraduates are offered the opportunity to participate in research. All of the professors are
expected to publish as well, though their primary duties are to the undergraduates, and they are
hired because they are engaging teachers (or believed to be). If you anticipate attending graduate
school someday, you will be able to ask for recommendations from professors who really know
you and the work you do. There is a strong sense of community in liberal arts colleges.
Some liberal arts colleges have joined forces with others in close proximity to form a
consortium. Students attending any college in the consortium may cross-register for classes at
any of the other schools, use the libraries, etc. Consortiums expand your social opportunities,
and provide many advantages of a university while maintaining the integrity of a smaller college.
Some well-known examples include:
Amherst, Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire, and U Mass at Amherst (Five College
Consortium)
Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer (Claremont Colleges)
Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Swarthmore, University of Pennsylvania
17

Special Programs
Cooperative Education: This is a college program in which a student alternates between
semesters of full-time study and full-time employment in a student’s major area. The student is
usually paid for the work, and the opportunity is invaluable as a resume-building experience and
a valuable networking opportunity. Sometimes five years are required to complete a bachelor’s
degree program. This type of program usually appeals to someone who has very well-defined
career plans. Look at Northeastern University in Boston for the best example of a coop school.
3-2 Program: Usually found in a liberal arts college, this is a program by which the college
works in cooperation with another university that offers technical preparation for professional
careers (business and engineering for example). Five years of study are required, resulting in a
BA or BS from the liberal arts school (three years) and a second degree from the school offering
the technical degree (two years). The distinct advantage of this program is the graduate obtains a
broad, liberal education that enables creative, flexible thinking as well as a technical education
that can be advantageous in the job market. This type of program can enhance a graduate’s
prospects for management within a technical field. Some examples are engineering through
Occidental and Cal Tech or through Whitman and Columbia.
College Calendar Systems
Semester System: Like Bishop O’Dowd, the academic year is divided into two periods.
Semester exams usually occur at the end of each period.
Trimester or 3-3-3 System: The school year is broken into three ten-week periods of study
(September to mid-December, January to Mid-March, and April to early June). Students usually
take three courses each term.
Quarter System: Like the trimester system except there is an additional quarter in the summer.
An advantage to students is that any quarter can be used for work (think about the opportunities
of not competing for jobs during the summer months). Theoretically, a student could earn a
degree in three years.
4-1-4 System: This is an adaptation of the traditional semester system. After the three to four
month fall semester, there is a one month term in which students take one or two classes that are
often conceptually unique. They might include travel to Hawaii for biology, to Florence for art
history, to an archeology dig, or simply a fascinating class taught on campus. This often
provides a welcome break that stimulates and rejuvenates.
4-4-1 System: Similar to the 4-1-4 system except the one month term falls at the end of the
school year, opening up interesting possibilities that can combine with summer plans.
Block System: An example is Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Students take one class
for three and one-half weeks and then have four to five days off before starting the next block
class. Eight classes are completed in the year. This allows for an intensely rich experience, and
in many instances, allows you to study away from campus (in an archeology class the students
might become part of a team at a dig in New Mexico, biology students take off into the
mountains for a few days to study the ecosystem, etc.).
18

GETTING READY TO APPLY FOR COLLEGE
Senior year is unquestionably the busiest, and the hardest, of your high school years.
You must continue to work in school at your highest academic level, and you must spend extra
time on your college applications, keep up with your extracurricular activities, and cope with the
emotional ups and downs of looking ahead to separating from your family. This is an exciting,
challenging, and sometimes difficult time for you as well as your family. In preparation for
your senior year and the application process, some of the following tips will help insure a
smoother process for you:
Ø The summer following junior year is important! Rest, work, visit colleges, pursue an
interest, follow your passion, broaden your personal experience, and do community
volunteer work. Highly selective colleges ask how you spend your spare time and, if you
have a particular talent, developing interest, or passion, they expect to see you follow
through with it at a consistent level. Colleges seek students who have interesting,
developing interests, and they often equate this with people who will contribute to
campus life when they are college students.
Ø Read and write! Always have a book you are reading for pleasure. Read editorials for
three reasons: To broaden your horizons and familiarize yourself with current issues; to
develop your vocabulary; and to encounter good writing style. Not only will these
activities help you with your SAT, but they will make you more interesting to colleges,
and just perhaps, a new interest will be sparked that moves you in a new direction. You
may also find inspiration for your college essay. Remember, this is a process!
Ø Complete your Senior Questionnaire during the summer (you can find it at the
Counseling website), and turn it in to your counselor. This is your chance to reflect –
essay ideas may come from it. Be thorough – if you have not seen your counselor much
during your high school years, this may be a starting point to help him or her get to know
you better. Believe us when we say that we really do rely on the questionnaire to give us
more information about what makes you tick and to use as a starting point for
conversation with you. PARENTS: Your input is invaluable – you provide another
perspective on your teenager. We truly appreciate your thoughts and ask that you
please return your input (the last page in the questionnaire) to your son or daughter’s
counselor – mail it in separately if necessary.
Ø NOTE: In the fall of your senior year, you will meet with your counselor in the order of
receiving the Senior Questionnaire. At that initial meeting, if you are applying to private
schools, you will receive BOD-generated forms that are required by us to see you through
the process. You will also receive information on the UC and CSU applications. Every
high school has a system that works for them – this is ours and we ask that you respect it.
Keep on top of the process!
19

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS and OPTIONS
The application process actually begins when you decide where you will apply.
Hopefully you will have a chance to visit campuses, but if you cannot, we strongly recommend
you meet with the college admissions officers who visit Bishop O’Dowd (check College Visits
on Family Connection often!). Typically an admissions officer covers a specific region of the
United States with the express responsibility of getting to know the students, their counselors,
and the high schools in their region. This contact can be particularly important since the
admissions officer who visits is usually the first reader of your application, and he or she will be
the admissions committee member who is most familiar with Bishop O’Dowd and the quality of
our students. This person can be a strong advocate for you. Make your presence known!!
As you begin to sort out your list, you will no doubt find some schools you love and
others you merely like, although throughout the months of application and waiting, the ‘loves’
and ‘likes’ often switch places. The best advice we can give you is to learn as much as you can
about each of the schools on your list. Make contact with the admissions office in each of
these schools – learn to love each one. There are good reasons for this:
Ø If your first choice school rejects you, you will be happy with the schools that do
accept you.
Ø If you have visited and/or made contact several times, the admissions committee
takes this a strong sign of your interest. If you never make contact, they could
turn you down because they feel you are not interested, even if you are a dynamite
student.
Ø Ask yourself two questions: “Can I get in” and “Do I want to get in” You may
not be able to answer “yes” to the first question for every college, but you must be
able to answer “yes” to the second for every single college to which you apply.
Admissions Options
When considering all of the following options, keep in mind that this is a process, and
you will change throughout the months to come. This final year and a half of high school is a
time of tremendous growth. Think about how different you are now from when you entered high
school as a freshman. Assuming you are reading this in the spring of your junior year, you will
be considerably different a year from now when you are weighing decisions in your senior
spring. By keeping an open-minded perspective, you will have an easier time making and
accepting your decisions. You are stepping into new territory that is rich and varied, exciting
and daunting, and finally, a big decision. Explore the territory carefully and intelligently – you
may never again have such an opportunity.
Regular Admissions: Most colleges require applications to be submitted by a specific deadline,
and members of the admissions committees begin reading an applicant’s file once all the
required documents are received. You will be considered within the larger pool of applicants
and colleges will notify you of their admissions decisions by the commonly adhered to date of
April 1.
Ø The University of California application must be filed between November 1 and
November 30. It will not be accepted before the 1 st or after the 30 th . All
20

applications are to be filed online. In rare instances they will allow a written
application. All of your SAT/ACT testing must be completed by December of
your senior year – and scores sent as well.
Ø The California State Universities’ application must be filed between October 1
and November 30. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the most selective of the CSU
schools, is sometimes the exception to this rule. Check the CSU Mentor website
to determine if Cal Poly or any other CSU schools have an earlier application
deadline (sometimes October 1 – October 31). As with the UC system, all testing
must be completed by December of your senior year, and in the case of Cal Poly,
October may be the last testing date they will accept.
Ø Private universities, liberal arts colleges, and out-of-state public universities
have variable deadline dates ranging anywhere from November 15 (Scripps)
and December 10 (USC) – both these deadlines apply if you want to be
considered for a merit scholarship – to anywhere up to March 1 and sometimes
later. These deadlines vary from school to school and sometimes from year to
year. Be serious in observing these deadlines. Schools that have later deadlines
will usually accept January test scores, but always verify this with the college if
you intend to sit for a January test.
Early Decision: A limited number of private schools offer an ED Plan under which you file
your application by a specified date (usually November 1 or 15) early in the fall semester and
you learn of the school’s decision by December 15. This is a very serious matter and when you
apply, you are required to sign a statement that specifies you understand the acceptance is
binding, e.g. you must accept the offer and withdraw all other applications. This is a
binding contract between you and the college. The only recourse to backing out of an
acceptance is if the financial aid is not sufficient, which award you may not receive until much
later. Consider all of the following before applying ED to any school:
Ø The applicant pool is extremely competitive for the type of students that the
college accepts. Check the college website for the statistics of the current
freshman class. To be competitive, you should be in the upper 5 to 10%
(minimally) of their current freshman class (grades and scores), and there should
be something particularly unique about you that will make you stand out among
the applicants. Statistics vary with each college – you do not have to be a rocket
scientist at every school – some are more competitive than others.
Ø You should have visited the campus, taken the tour and attended the information
session, at the very least. If you have not done this, unless you have won the Intel
Science Talent Search or done something else extraordinary, the college will
likely turn you down – how can they assume you will like the campus if you have
not visited
Ø If you need to compare financial aid offers, ED is not an appropriate option. If
you be assured that the college will meet your financial need, this is a risky
option. Check with your counselor for more information on how to assess a
college’s financial aid program.
Ø You will hear that the odds for acceptance are higher under an ED plan, however
this is only true if you are extremely competitive for the school, e.g. your grades
21

and test scores are similar to those of the students they accept early. Be realistic
about who you are.
Ø As with regular admissions, you must continue to work in school at your highest
level, keeping your grades up throughout your senior year. Often counselors
receive phone calls to find out how you are doing. Counselors are ethically bound
to respond to their questions. If there are erratic grades on the transcript we
send, they take particular note and will want to know your progress report
grades. You must be aware that your application will be taken very seriously and
you will be closely scrutinized. Anything lower than the grades you consistently
earn in high school may jeopardize your application.
Ø Colleges will give you one of three decisions: Accept, defer to the regular pool,
or deny altogether. If you need to show a strong senior fall, and you are
developing as a leader in the fall, regular decision is a better option and will
increase your chances of getting in. Colleges like to see growth and will take that
into consideration – they cannot always see that in an ED candidate.
Ø Notify your counselor immediately once you learn of your ED decision. If
you are accepted under an ED plan, you must immediately withdraw your
applications from the other colleges to which you applied. Your counselor will
send your Mid-Year Report only to the ED school that accepted you.
Ø Your counselor can help you assess your realistic chances – remember that they
have shepherded students through many cycles of applications, and they are well
aware of how Bishop O’Dowd students fare at particular schools. Consider their
advice.
Early Action: Many private schools offer an EA Plan. As with ED, you must file your
application by an earlier date, and the school will notify you of their decision, usually by
December 15, although there can be variance with the reply date. You may also submit regular
decision applications to other schools and keep those applications active even after you are
admitted under an EA plan. You are not bound to accept the school’s offer of admission and
may wait until the common reply date of May 1 to decide which college admissions offer you
will accept. In the last few years, some highly selective colleges have moved to a “Single
Choice/Early Action” (SCEA) program, which specifies that you may not apply to any other
school’s EA or ED plan. The acceptance you receive however is non-binding. We expect that
more schools will move in this direction. Read application materials very carefully to determine
the limits of your application.
Service Academies/ROTC: West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy, as well as
ROTC programs have unique application procedures. The academies offer a free education in
exchange for service in a branch of the Armed Forces. You must begin the process early – no
later than spring of your Junior year – and be in touch with your local recruiting office. You
must also contact local Congressional district office. Appointments are very competitive, and in
addition to top grades and scores, leadership experience during high school is an important
criterion. See your counselor for more information.
Candidates’ Reply Date Agreement: Colleges notify students of their admissions decisions by
April 1, although some schools may stretch notification for an additional week. You do not need
to commit to the college of your choice until May 1, at which time you must also notify the
22

colleges whose admissions offer you are not accepting. April is a good time to visit – for some
of you it will be the first time, for others to take another look – does the college still meet your
expectations
Wait List: In addition to accepting or denying students, private colleges develop wait lists of
students they like but cannot accommodate with an acceptance. Since colleges gamble on how
many students will accept their offers, the wait list serves as an insurance policy in case they do
not reach their numbers (their “yield”). You will be asked if you wish to remain on the wait list.
If you choose to remain on the list, you must still accept at one of your other colleges to hold a
place for yourself in the fall freshman class. Typically a college may place hundreds of
students on a wait list. If you elect to stay on one, check with your counselor on how you and he
or she can advocate for your admission. If this is your first choice school, be proactive but do
not be obnoxious. There is a delicate balance, and your counselor can help you determine the
best course of action.
23

THE COLLEGE ESSAY
The essay (UC calls it a personal statement) is important to both you and the college.
According to one admissions director, “It makes the facts in the student’s folder come alive for
us. Because it is the student’s personal statement, no single piece of admissions evidence gets as
much attention and provokes as much discussion.”
What will colleges look for in your essay:
Typically those who read your application essay will evaluate it on several different levels:
Ø Your ability to use standard written English that is correctly written (generally typed,
although some schools will ask you to write in your own hand), punctuated, and that
contains proper grammar, word usage, and syntax.
Ø Content, substance, and depth of insight are also critical. These qualities reflect your
ability to think about yourself and to convey your true feelings or opinions about a topic.
Ø Creativity and originality of thought are considered. “It is at this level,” according to one
dean of admissions, “that students can position themselves as unique, as individuals who
would bring a freshness of vision and viewpoint to the college that will enhance the
quality of its academic life.” Above all, make sure you are actually answering the
question or responding to the essay prompt. Important: Do not tell them something
they already know from your application.
Ø Keeping the above in mind please be aware that colleges are “sculpting” a class when
they accept students. They are looking for diversity – not only racial and
socioeconomic diversity, but diversity of thought, talents, culture, and geography to
name a few. Admissions committees are charged by the faculty to accept those students
who will take advantage of the college’s resources, enjoy inquiry, be curious, and who
will enhance the learning for all, recognizing that learning takes place in the classroom
and in your out-of-class interactions with your friends and professors.
Some practical tips for the essay are:
Ø The essay is yours and yours alone. Write what you feel strongly about, not what your
parents or friends tell you to write about unless you agree with them. Only you know
best what matters most to you. The tone of your essay should be revelatory, honest, and
vivid. It does not have to be academic.
Ø Show, don’t tell and revise, revise, revise!
Ø Avoid the following:
• Vague language
• Passive voice – use the active voice and you will likely “catch” the reader
• Inappropriate words – including slang
24

• Flowery language
Ø Be cautious with the spell check feature – instead, always proofread!
Ø Finish the essay with time to spare. Ask your counselor and your English teachers to be
readers for you. Listen to their critiques. Your counselor can be especially helpful since
he or she knows the process by which admissions officers scrutinize the essay.
Ø Do not even think of modifying an essay sample you have read on the web or in a selfhelp
book. Remember that admissions officers read thousands of essays, and they do
know when something sounds familiar. This can result in an absolute denial.
A short list of topics to explore and get you “thinking”:
Ø When was time when you were conflicted How did you come to a decision Why
Ø When were you inspired What did you do with that inspiration
Ø Wow! I have changed! What shifted you in a new direction
Ø When did you have unexpected fun
Ø Have you ever seen friends or family in a different way
Ø Ever lose your sense of time
Ø When have you felt intellectually connected and felt compelled to pursue something
Ø Ever felt unusually or exceptionally alive
These ideas are not meant to limit you, but to help you think about how you can show another
aspect of yourself that will not be readily apparent in the rest of your application. Reflections on
your senior questionnaire can provide a valuable springboard to your essay.
You can find more help under the “Counseling Resources” of the “Document Library,”
found at your Family Connection homepage. See the following:
“Brainstorming Ideas for the Personal Statement”
“Personal Statement Do’s and Don’ts”
25

WRITING YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Because many colleges now use the common application, you may find you need only
write one application to most of the private schools on your list. However, you may write
multiple supplements and essays to various colleges. You must be aware of the requirements
and deadlines for each college.
Read all application instructions carefully. If you are completing a Common
Application, make sure you know what supplements are required. This information is
accessed through common application website. A note about the Common Application:
Some schools will offer alternatives to the common application, while others have adopted it as
their sole application. Some people believe that using the common application can hurt your
chances for admissions when those alternatives are available. This is not the case, since each
member school of the Common Application has signed a pledge that they will not discriminate
against students who choose to use it. Recently, marketing firms have started representing
colleges by sending out mass emails to students with applications that are titled as “VIP”,
“Priority”, “Fast App”, etc. These are marketing tools only and will complicate the process
for you and for us. Please trust us when we ask that you use only the Common Application
at a Common App school. For more information about this, speak with your counselor.
At Bishop O’Dowd, we ask that you follow certain procedures. Our philosophy is that
this is a shared responsibility between the student and the counselor. In college you will be on
your own, managing your time and your affairs without the oversight of your parents, teachers,
counselors, and school. Learn independence and responsibility now – you will feel a great deal
of accomplishment if you take charge of the application process. Remember – you are the one
going to college, and once there, you will find many more forms to fill out. Get comfortable
with this responsibility. We also recognize that parents will want to help, but it is also up to the
student to do his or her own part. Following are not only suggestions, but also directions as to
how we work in the Counseling Department:
Ø The application is yours to write – not your parents, your siblings, your teachers, or
your counselors. If you are preparing a common application for several schools, you can
begin the process after their portal opens on August 1. The common application will save
a great deal of time – and do remember the supplements!
Ø Counselor recommendations are required for nearly every private school. Colleges ask
for a Secondary School Report (SSR), completed by your counselor, as well as a
counselor’s letter of recommendation, an official transcript that covers freshman through
junior years, and a School Profile. After the fall semester, in January and early February,
the counselors also send a Mid Year Report (MYR) that includes a “seventh semester
transcript,” which adds an updated look at the applicant after fall grades are in.
§
For private schools that accept files electronically but are not common app
schools, (at your “Applying to” list on Family Connection this is signified by
a computer icon) the counselor will use an electronic document similar to the
common application SSR. Like you, we will fill it out online and file all our
documents electronically. For those that do not accept electronic applications
(signified by a postage stamp), we will print out the common application SSR and
mail it. Do not give us individual forms from colleges that might be included in
26

an individual applications Please give your counselor plenty of lead-time if you
are applying to private schools. Be considerate of our time and respect our
deadlines as follows:
ED and EA applicants – you must notify us of your intent by October 1.
Regular admission applicants – You must give your college list to your
counselor by November 10.
We are serious about our deadlines. Please adhere to these deadlines. If you
know you are applying early, turning your senior questionnaire in early (by the
end of August) is essential. If you are late with your paperwork, your
recommendations may not reach the colleges by their deadlines. This does not
create a good impression to the colleges or us.
Ø Teacher recommendations are required for most private schools – usually one, but
sometimes two. Colleges prefer recommendations from teachers in your core subjects
(English, History, Math, Science, and Foreign Languages) who you had in your junior or
senior year, and who preferably taught you for a full year. If you have a teacher in your
senior year who taught you in freshman or sophomore year, that is a fine choice since he
or she can also assess your academic growth. Please be very considerate of your
teachers. Teachers have the same deadlines as the counselors. They know that they
will be writing recommendations, but it is an extra responsibility for them. Do not
exceed the number of recommendations requested by a college. Discuss with your
counselor who you will be asking for teacher recommendations. They know the faculty
and can strategize your choices with you. Your counselor will guide you through the
process of electronically requesting a teacher recommendation.
Ø Provide the following for your counselor:
Your list of colleges (called the Document Request Form, which must match
the list you have made in Family Connection under “Applying to.” Indicate
application due dates and whether the school accepts electronic filing. (Look
for the icon)
For schools that require mailed recommendations: Give counselors two
envelopes, stamped and addressed, for each of the college admissions offices,
with a return address of Bishop O’Dowd. We will use one for the initial mailing
(SSR, counselor recommendation, transcript, and School Profile) and the other to
send your Mid-Year Report and 7 th semester transcript in January. Provide new
stamped envelopes if you add schools that do not accept electronic filing.
Ø Provide the following for your teachers:
A photocopy of the Document Request Form you gave your counselor, as well
as a completed Teacher Recommendation Resource Form.
Each teacher will need to complete a Teacher Recommendation Report, similar
to the counselor’s SSR, but addressing their assessment of you in the classroom.
Like the SSR, this report is electronic; teachers fill it out online and file
electronically. For schools that require mailed recommendations, for each
27

teacher, provide one envelope for each of those colleges, pre-addressed and
stamped. Organize all the paperwork for teachers in a large manila envelope so
that everything stays together. Mark the envelope on the outside with your
name and the earliest due date.
Ø Recommendation instructions are also posted in the Document Library at Family
Connection.
Ø Read this section before filing your application: Print a copy of your complete
application before filing/sending it to the college (this is the best way to proofread it
and identify egregious errors). REMEMBER: If you are filing electronically (UC,
CSU, or Common Application), have your counselor review them, and download a
hard copy of your application before pushing the “Send” button.
Ø Send your test scores to each college. We do not send your test scores. You must ask
College Board and/or ACT to send your scores (SAT and/or ACT) to every single
college to which you apply. This is absolutely essential – every single school wants an
official report, and the reports should be sent with respect to application deadline
dates. More detailed instructions are in the Document Library at Naviance.
Ø If you have read this section, and adhered to this advice, you can safely assume that you
have completed your applications in a timely fashion. Please remember that if you
miss deadlines, there is usually no recourse and your application will not be
accepted. It is essential you meet deadlines. If you do not notify your counselors or
teachers in a timely fashion, their documents may be late. While this will not jeopardize
your application (assuming you mailed or filed your part on time), it will raise your
anxiety level, wondering when everything will be mailed. Your recommendations, SSR,
and transcripts may be late, and the admissions committee may take this as a bad sign. If
you have not already learned to be organized, this is the best time to begin.
Ø The Counseling staff is eager and ready to help you and answer your questions – you are
responsible for applying!
28

FINANCING COLLEGE: COSTS AND RESOURCES
Cost of Attendance (COA)
Financing a four-year college education today is a daunting experience. Public
institutional costs continue to rise and many private schools’ tuitions are inflating at a rate of 4%
a year. Regardless of whether you attend a public or private institution, families are often jolted
by the realities of that expense when they read the financial aid packages that arrive with the
acceptance letters. More often than not, families are not prepared for all the expenses.
Students and their families are also consumers in the academic marketplace, and all good
shoppers know the value of comparison-shopping. Comparing colleges is a complex task but
doing so will pay off. Comparing the costs of colleges includes looking at several major factors:
Tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses.
Most colleges publish a brochure that explains the typical expenses incurred by their students.
Information is also on the web at individual college financial aid office websites.
Tuition and Fees: These costs vary widely, but the basic dividing line is between the
public and private schools. While private schools are more expensive, public schools are no
longer the bargain they once were. The average cost of attendance (COA) for a UC school can
exceed $25,000, and a CSU school can cost as much as $18,000 or more. Fees continue to rise
in the California public system as less and less state money is available to support the
universities. Other factors should be taken into consideration. Because of overcrowding, often
students cannot enroll in classes needed for graduation. Some students change majors once or
twice, and therefore continue their attendance for upwards of six years. Finally, if you can factor
in the cost of lost wages graduates might have earned for that extra one or two years, some
private colleges, or out-of-state publics, begin to look more attractive. Most private colleges
guarantee that graduation in four years is realistic, and it is encouraged and facilitated by faculty,
deans, and administrators, even when majors are changed.
Books and Supplies: These costs do not differ much from school to school, but will
vary depending on your area of study.
Room and Board: These costs can vary depending on the cost of living in any particular
area. Colleges offer meal tickets with different options and pricing, and after freshman year,
many students move into apartments and cook their own food. This option can save money (if
you truly do cook your own food), though parents might worry if their students are eating
healthily. Living at home does not necessarily cut costs as parents support their children
financially even at home and a car and parking costs are probably also incurred in this plan – the
costs are simply less well-defined.
Transportation and Personal Expenses: Travel expenses may include airfare for outof-state
students or gas and a car for students who take a car to college (or live at home).
Personal expenses include entertainment, laundry, road trips, eating out, and clothing required
for a colder climate. Don’t forget ski expenses for those colleges that have access to winter
sports activities! Again, items such as entertainment will vary widely. Schools in urban areas
may not provide and/or subsidize concerts if they are already occurring in the general area.
However, schools in small towns and rural areas do import entertainment for their students, and
they subsidize the cost to make it affordable for student budgets.
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Financial Aid Resources
There are many possible sources of financial aid for students. The federal government
sponsors some programs and states, local cities, businesses, associations, individuals, and other
private sources sponsor others.
A note about the timeline for financial aid: Please check the Document Library at
Family Connection for “Financial Aid Info for Seniors.” This outline gives you a basic “to do”
list for senior fall. Do not miss deadlines!
Most students will need to seek financial assistance to meet their college expenses.
Remember this one important fact: Do not rule out any college on the basis of cost alone.
Many schools that have higher tuition costs are sometimes more able to provide aid than
schools that have a lower cost. Determining who will receive aid is the job of each college
financial aid office where your financial aid applications are sent. Family income alone will not
predict eligibility. Other factors considered are family size, indebtedness, or educational
expenses for other family members. In the past only sibling or parent college costs were factored
in the equation, but in recent years, many colleges are taking into consideration the costs of
paying private school tuition for siblings. Take heart, it may not be as bad as you think
“Need” is the difference between what it costs to attend a particular college and
what a student’s family can afford to pay, as determined by the college’s Financial Aid
office. Need is defined differently at each college, depending on the costs of the college,
their resources, and what they define as your resources. The sum that you will be expected
to pay is called “Expected Family Contribution” or EFC.
Use the Financial Aid Calculator at the College Board to determine your estimated need.
See the “Fin aid calculator” link at Family Connection. Do both federal (public schools) and
institutional (private schools) methodologies.
The guidelines by which college financial aid offices determine your package can vary
yearly. Be sure to get updated information. Pay attention to deadlines – filing dates differ at
each college and missing them can be very costly – you may not receive aid even if you are
eligible.
Types of Financial Aid:
Ø Grants or scholarships do not have to be repaid. Grants usually are awarded on the basis
of need. Scholarships may be awarded on the basis of need or on some other criteria such
as academic achievement, community service, citizenship, or leadership. In some cases
they are awarded purely on merit without regard to financial need. If you think you do
not qualify for need-based aid, you may still qualify for merit aid. Most colleges will
want you to file a FAFSA and /or CSS Profile in order to award you a merit-based
scholarship.
Ø Loans must be repaid. Repayment of federally subsidized loans is deferred until after a
student graduates, usually six months.
Ø Federal work-study programs involve earning money through a job usually arranged by
the college. Your salary is paid partially by the college and partially by the Federal
Government. These are the best jobs to obtain as you usually will not work when the
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college is recessed for vacation. Some colleges do not participate in work-study
programs, but they still employ students and pay them a good wage – they simply are not
a part of the federal program. Do not be discouraged if a college says they do not have
work-study jobs. Ask about other employment for students.
Federal Grants:
Pell Grants are distributed based on family need and education costs at the school to
which you apply. The minimum and maximum amounts vary each year. You are considered for
a Pell Grant when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the
deadline date of March 1 of your senior year. The deadline date for some private colleges is
much earlier – check individual applications.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) supplements the Pell Grants
and do not have to be repaid.
Federal Loans:
Perkins Loans are made by the college with federal money and must be repaid. These
loans offer low interest rates. Repayment begins several months after you leave college (whether
you graduate or not) and you have up to ten years to repay the loan.
Stafford Student Loans are based on student need and are capped at different amounts
each year. In your junior and senior years you receive nearly twice as much as in your first two
years of college.
PLUS loans are parent loans and you do not need to have identified need for them.
However, you do need to file the FAFSA, and therefore apply for the Pell Grant and Stafford
Loan before you can apply for a PLUS loan. Loan rates vary, and some states have money set
aside for parents at lower interest rates, even if you are not a resident but your child goes to a
college in that state. Information about PLUS loans will be included in your financial aid
package.
California State Aid:
The majority of state aid to undergraduates is need-based. There are three categories of
state aid called Cal Grants A, B, and C. Please refer to the Appendix for a copy of the current
income ceilings and amounts available in each of these categories. You must complete a Cal
Grant GPA Verification Form to receive Cal Grant money. The GPA Verification forms are
available in the Counseling Department in late December or early January. The student
completes Section B and then gives it to his or her counselor to complete Section A. There is no
need to make an appointment to do this – give it to your counselor before school and pick it up
later in the day. Deadline for submission is March 2. Please note that certain restrictions apply
and only those who qualify by GPA, have a certain income level, and will attend college (public
or private) in California will be eligible to receive money. File this form even if you are not sure
that you will attend school in California.
Individual College-based Funds:
This money includes everything from athletic to academic or merit scholarships. Schools
that are heavily endowed often pass money on to students in the form of scholarships. Certain
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very wealthy schools have begun to replace loans in a financial aid package with money from
their endowments, and although some of those schools base all of their financial aid decisions on
need only, they will make sure you have as few loans as possible. Some colleges offer long-term
and short-term emergency loans out of their own funds.
Financial Aid Directly from a College:
Within your application packet for a private school (or at the website), you may find an
additional financial aid form, or a request to complete the CSS Profile (see the College Board
website for the Profile). College financial aid offices may also require a copy of the parents’
most recent income tax return. Most colleges and all federal and state aid programs use the
FAFSA as a basis for granting aid, and all students applying for aid must fill out the FAFSA.
The FAFSA asks for a detailed account of a family’s financial situation. After processing, the
results are sent to the colleges indicated by the student.
You may complete the initial application for the CSS Profile online in October. You will
be sent the long form, which asks similar questions to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile can be
submitted in the fall, while the FAFSA cannot be submitted until January 1. Once again, be
aware of individual college financial aid priority dates – each one may be different. Priority
dates mean that if you do not file your forms on time, you may not receive full financial aid.
February 15 is the deadline for submitting FAFSA for state scholarship programs. Paper forms
for the FAFSA are available in the Counseling Center, and the application is online as early as
November or December – if you file electronically, remember to download a copy for your files,
and do not push the send button until January 1!
National Merit Scholarship Corporation:
The NMSC administers many scholarships for colleges and businesses. Scholarships are
awarded on a competitive basis using the results of the PSAT you took in October of your junior
year. A student becomes a semi-finalist based on a high selection index score (usually the top
1% of those who tested) on the PSAT/NSMQT exam.
Although the amount of most scholarships is somewhat minimal and one-time only, the
prestige of being named a scholar is significant. Scholarships come from the National Merit
Corporation (one-time only, non-renewable), individual colleges (may or may not be renewable),
and corporations (usually renewable) that award to students who live in the vicinity of one of the
sponsoring company’s place of business.
Private Scholarships:
Scholarships are awarded by many private organizations that are local, state, and
national. They look for many attributes in a student, ranging from particular extracurricular
activities, academic abilities, and personal qualities. The Scholarship Board in the Counseling
Center advertises many opportunities and is updated every few days. The most valuable
computer search every student should make is at www.fastweb.org (see the link at Family
Connection). This is a free scholarship search that requires your registration. Provide as much
information as possible and you will begin to receive regular updates as to scholarships for
which you might be eligible.
Parents should also explore scholarship opportunities that may be available through their
own workplace, communities, and religious affiliations.
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Be very careful about private scholarship searches. You should never have to pay money
to obtain scholarships. Most of these organizations have been reported to the Better Business
Bureau, and there is a warning at the federal funding web page, www.finaid.org (link at Family
Connection) for more information about scholarship scams. Please also refer to the FastWeb
Student Bulletin in the Appendix for a discussion of scholarship scams.
Other resources that can be used for college funding are home equity loans (tax
deductible). Sometimes these rates and payment schedules are more reasonable than those
offered on student loans from private sources and colleges.
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COMMON MYTHS STUDENTS HAVE ABOUT COLLEGES
1. Colleges look at what you have done only in sophomore and junior years. Senior
year is “party time.”
Not true. If a college is interested in you, they may ask for your progress report
grades both in your fall and spring semesters, before they make their decision. They
are looking for patterns. If your GPA drops, admissions offices will be concerned,
and if they have already accepted you, they will likely ask for an explanation, put you
on probation, or require that you successfully repeat classes in the summer before you
enroll in the fall. They may also rescind your acceptance.
2. It is not worth sweating taking AP classes or hard courses like Chemistry or Physics,
when a college’s academic high school assessment of you is only based on your GPA.
Not true. The more prestigious colleges will be interested that you took AP classes
and the other more challenging elective classes. They do know the difference
between difficult and easy high school classes, and they want students who take the
initiative to seek a challenge.
3. So called Ivy League schools and other small colleges throughout the country that are
considered elite are too expensive.
Yes, they are among the most expensive in the country. But many students receive a
series of scholarships, work-study plans, and delayed payments (loans). Many have
internship programs with major companies, which hire intern students to work
sometime during their junior or senior year summers. After college these
organizations often permanently hire students who interned. There is a hidden value
in these schools that should not be discounted if you are competitive for the applicant
pool.
4. I need to decide on a major now. If I do not, colleges will not be interested in me.
Most colleges do not expect you to have a set major. They know that most students
change majors once in college. There are certain instances when you should declare a
major, e.g. in an application to an engineering, business, or nursing school. Most
students will take a wide variety of classes and investigate new areas of study. This is
an exciting time, and the liberal arts student is at a distinct advantage – liberal arts
study (includes English, math, science, history, social sciences, and the fine arts)
prepares you for life and gives you the tools to be flexible in an ever changing job
market.
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RESOURCES TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS
Some College Guides and Other Helpful Books on the Process
On choosing a college—The first three books on this list are favorites, and if you actually read
them (or most of them) you will feel better about the process and be able to face the
coming year of change and transition with calm and a positive attitude (we hope):
The Fiske Guide to Colleges, by Edward B. Fiske. The most useful book to own and is the first
book every high school counselor reaches for. Not all schools are listed in here, but
most of the schools to which O’Dowd students apply are listed.
The Fiske Guide to Getting into the Right College, by Edward B. Fiske. Another guide that
gives a step-by-step process that is well written. This book is very approachable if
you are looking for a how-to book.
Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College that is Best for You, by Jay
Mathews. Similar in perspective to Loren Pope’s, this book offers insights into the
admissions process and points out that the best college is the one that brings out the
best in you. Jay Mathews is the education writer for the Washington Post and a
regular contributor to the Atlantic Monthly. This book provides a very refreshing
perspective.
College Unranked, edited by Lloyd Thacker. Bob Laird, UC Berkeley’s former director of
admissions, says “College Unranked is the most important effort yet to yank back the
college application/admission process from the grasp of college rankings, commercial
guidebooks, and expensive private consultants and to restore it where it belongs: in
the hands of students and their parents.” A collection of essays from admissions
directors, guidance counselors, and parents, this book will calm your nerves and give
a realistic, rational picture of college and finding the best fit. Available only from
www.educationconservancy.org.
The College Handbook updated and published yearly by the College Board. A complete listing
of every college in the country, both 4-year and 2-year, this is primarily a reference
book that lists merely data, but can be helpful when looking at snapshot factual data
on a college.
Looking Beyond the Ivy League, by Loren Pope. This book dispels myths and encourages
students and their parents to consider schools based on how well they serve the
growth and development of students. He urges families to look beyond the prestige
factor to find some true gems.
Colleges that Change Lives, by Loren Pope. A companion book to Looking Beyond the Ivy
League, Pope profiles 40 colleges that he believes are top quality but often
overlooked.
Winning the Heart of the College Admissions Dean, by Joyce Slayton Mitchell. This book
provides a down-to-earth perspective and a step-by-step guide to all of the factors that
go into the application process. It is practical and insightful.
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8 First Choices, by Joyce Slayton Mitchell. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to say you got into your
first choice school This is about looking for the best fit and falling in love with all
the schools to which you apply. It is also about being realistic.
The Multicultural Student’s Guide to Colleges, by Robert Mitchell. This book offers a critical
look at top schools and tells what is offered socially and academically to students of
color. The last printing was 1996, and in recent years, many schools have made
strong strides addressing minority concerns. Check college websites to receive the
most updated information. However, this can still be a valuable resource.
Cool Colleges: For the Hyper-Intelligent, Self-Directed, Late Blooming, and Just Plain
Different, by Donald Asher. This book offers a different perspective on what makes a
great education that carries value beyond the college years. For the student who has a
different take on life this may be just the right guide.
The Hidden Ivies, by Howard Greene and Matthew Greene. Written by a father and son who are
well respected in the field of college advising, this book focuses on 30 liberal arts
colleges and universities that are of comparable quality to the Ivy League schools.
They discuss the value of a liberal arts education and present the schools they feel
have exceptional merit in providing their graduates a strong foundation for life after
graduation.
For books that will help you sort through the financial aid maze:
Discounts and Deals at the Nation’s 360 Best Colleges, by Bruce Hammond. Although last
published in August 1999, this book still delivers good information about merit-based
aid. Do verify the information with financial aid websites at various colleges.
The Ambitious Student’s Guide to Scholarships, published by Octameron and available through
their website. Part of their college admissions series, this book demystifies the
process. Many of the books in the Octameron series are excellent for their
straightforward approach to college admissions and financial aid.
For help in improving study habits and techniques, this is also a valuable resource for
studying in high school:
How to Study in College, by Walter Pauk. We recommend this book to everyone who wants to
become a better student. It covers a wealth of information and techniques, which can
help any student understand how to study better, read better, write better, and learn
more effectively. Often recommended for students with learning disabilities, this
book is an essential tool for every student. While the author appears to be targeting
college students, his suggestions are entirely applicable to high school students.
And one for the parents to help you understand the roller coaster you and your child are on:
Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn and
Madge Lawrence Treeger. This book is a particularly valuable resource for parents
who will be entering a new phase of parenting when the first child ships off to
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college. The college years are a transition for teenagers and their parents, and the
sage advice in Letting Go may provide understanding and relief.
Useful Websites
www.bishopodowd.org * The Counseling Center’s own website, accessed through Counseling,
we provide information on our process and links to many of the sites listed in this
document as well as to college web pages. We are continually updating and refining
the information on the site.
http://connection.naviance.com/odowd * Bishop O’Dowd and our families are users of this
site that complements the work that counselors do with students around careers,
colleges, and the application process. Various assessments are assigned students,
including a personality assessment based on Myers-Briggs, a learning styles survey,
and the Holland assessment for career interests.
Testing
www.collegeboard.com * Sign up for SAT Reasoning and Subject tests. Bishop O’Dowd
school code is 052185
www.act.org * Sign up for ACT (must include Writing option). Bishop O’Dowd school code is
052185
www.fairtest.org For a critical look on testing for college, visit this site. You will find a current
list of schools where submission of SAT’s is optional
Perspectives on the College Process
www.nacacnet.org The official site for the National Association of College Admission
Counseling, there are web pages with plenty of information for students and parents.
www.ctcl.com * This is Loren Pope’s website that links to his book, Colleges That Change
Lives. The site has thumbnail sketches of those colleges, plus articles addressing
issues of interest and concern to students and their parents. This is a very interesting
and informative site that also provides links to other sources important to your search.
www.womenscolleges.org Website established by the Women’s Colleges Coalition to promote
the benefits of a women’s college. Understanding these benefits should be a part of
every woman’s college search. Provides very valuable information and compelling
presentation.
http://www.hbcu-central.com/ * The official Historically Black College and University
homepage.
www.blackexcel.org/ This is a rich website that offers a valuable perspective on opportunities
for minorities. While it is primarily aimed at African-Americans, it also addresses
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issues that Hispanics and Native Americans face, and it has a number of articles that
are valuable resources to all students who conduct a thorough search into higher
education.
College Research and Applications
www.ucop.edu * This is the University of California home page. Every campus can be accessed
from this site. You will file your application from this site. Everything you need to
know about UC can be found here.
www.csumentor.edu * This is the home page for the California State University System. All
the requirements for admissions are listed here, and there are links to each campus in
the system. You may also apply online to any of the CSU campuses.
www.commonapp.org * This is a one-stop site for applying to private colleges and universities.
Schools that are members of the common application organization have agreed to
giving the same regard for the common application as they do for their own college
application. Many use only the common application. Pay particular attention to
supplemental requirements.
http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/cdemello/univ.html A commercial website that provides
direct links to college and university home pages.
http://www.ucan-network.org/ * This is a non-profit website that only posts information about
independent colleges and universities (e.g. no public schools).
www.ncaa.org * Register here for NCAA Clearinghouse if you expect to play on an NCAA
team in college. In your junior spring, download initial and final transcript release
forms and give to Mrs. Soller in Counseling.
http://www.campustours.com/ * This is a commercial website that provides at-a-glance data
about colleges, photo tours, webcams (what it really looks like in winter!), and
summaries and information about colleges from a wide variety of sources.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
www.finaid.org * This is a non-profit website that was established as a public service to aid
parents and families in navigating the financial aid process. You may complete the
FAFSA online, access information on financial aid, read about financial aid scams.
Become familiar with this site as it will demystify financial aid and help you navigate
this process.
www.fafsa.ed.gov * Families can apply for financial aid online in a secure, encrypted format.
Do not use fafsa.com – the FAFSA stands for FREE – and fafsa.com charges you
$80!
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http://www.calgrants.org * The California Student Aid Commission website with everything
you need to know about Cal Grants – and more.
http://www.parentplusloan.com/plus-loans/ PLUS loans are for parents and the rates are
nicely discounted. These loans are not need based – anyone can apply. Often
overlooked, this is a valuable resource for parents funding their child’s education.
www.fastweb.com * Use this free searchable database to find more than 400,000 scholarships.
The monthly newsletters have valuable, up-to-date information on scams, money for
college, and the application process and is downloadable in Adobe Acrobat.
https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp * Apply online for financial aid from
private colleges (some use only the FAFSA – check each college’s financial aid web
page.
http://tuitionfundingsources.com/index.php * Tuition Funding Sources is a privately
sponsored (Coca Cola) site that claims to hold the world’s largest scholarship
database. They accept no advertisers and collect no data on those who use it. They
claim to be safe and secure.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/401.html * Calculate your estimated
family contribution (EFC) for college expenses. Note: The federal methodology is
for public schools and the institutional methodology will give you your EFC private
schools. The estimates are rough and aid will also depend on college resources.
* This site is linked from Family Connection. Scroll down the left hand bar to “From your
School” where links to other websites are listed.
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A FEW PARTING THOUGHTS . . .
As you begin your college search, you will discover some wonderful schools that have
been unknown to you and your parents. Are they any good, you wonder They certainly can be
– and always keep in mind, that the “cream always rises.” It is all up to you, following your
passion, and making the most of your talents and resources. Some of the most successful people
with incredible careers came from schools that just might make you sit up and take notice. These
people found opportunity, support, and the freedom to pursue a vision. Following are just a few
we have gathered from various sources*.
Pearl Buck, author and Nobel Prize in Literature
Agnes Scott College, GA
Blythe Danner, Actor
Chevy Chase, Actor
Bard College, NY
Bryant Gumbel, TV Newscaster
Edmund Muskie, US Senator
Bates College, ME
Joan Benoit Samuelson, President of LL Bean and winner of first Women’s Olympic Marathon
George Mitchell, US Senator and chief negotiator of the Irish peace settlement
Bowdoin College, ME
Emily Green Balch, first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (1946)
Bryn Mawr College, PA
Garrick Utley, ABC News
Carleton College, MN
General Colin Powell, Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff, Secretary of State
City College of CUNY
Robert Reich, economist, writer, UC Berkeley professor, commentator for NPR
Theodore Giesel (Dr. Seuss), writer and cartoonist
Dartmouth College
Michael Eisner, former CEO Disney
Denison University, OH
Barbara Kingsolver, Author
John Glenn, Astronaut
Vernon Jordan, Washington D.C. lawyer and Clinton advisor
DePauw University, IN
Michael C. Hall, Actor on Six Feet Under
Earlham College, IN
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Andrew Grove, Founder of INTEL
Herbie Hancock, Musician
Grinnell College, IA
B.F. Skinner, Psychologist
Hamilton College, NY
Joseph Taylor, 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics
Juan Williams, Author of Eyes on the Prize, reporter for the Washington Post, and Senior
Correspondent for NPR
Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist
Haverford College
Debbie Allen, Dancer, Choreographer, Director, Actress
Ed Bradley, TV Commentator, Radio host
Edward Brooke, 1 st African-American elected to US Senate
Thurgood Marshall, 1 st African-American US Supreme Curt Justice
Howard University
Bob Jamison, ABC News
Ismat Kittani, Former President of the UN General Assembly
Knox College, IL
Lee Iacocca, former CEO Chrysler
Lehigh University, PA
Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General
Walter Mondale, former US Senator and Vice President
Macalester College, MN
Lawrence H. Summers, 27 th President of Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA (he was rejected by Harvard!)
Brad Pitt, Actor
U of Missouri
Samuel L. Jackson, Stage and film actor, Academy Award Hominee
Arthur E. Johnson, President and COO Lockheed Martin Information Services Sector
Shelton “Spike” Lee, Filmmaker and President, 40 Acres and a Mule
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Morehouse College
George Clooney, Actor
Northern Kentucky University, KY
Carl Rowan, Newspaper columnist
Oberlin College, OH
Steve Jobs, Founder of Apple Computers
Reed College, OR
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Harrison Ford, Actor
Ripon College, WI
Fred Rogers, Creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
Rollins College, FL
Milton Friedman, Economist
Rutgers University, NJ
Gwen Ifill, first African-American moderator and managing editor, PBS’ “Washington Week in
Review”
Simmons College, MA
Laura D’Andrea Tyson, first woman to head White House Council of Economic Advisors
Smith College, MA
Oprah Winfrey, TV talk show host, Actress
Tennessee State University, TN
Barbara Jordan, Member US House of Representatives
Texas Southern University, TX
Hillary Rodham Clinton, NY State Senator
Madeleine Albright, first woman Secretary of State
Wellesley College, MA
Christine Todd Whitman, Former NJ Governor, and former EPA Director
Wheaton College, MA
James Farmer, Civil Rights leader
Wiley College, TX
Glenn Close, Actor
Scott Glenn, Actor
Thomas Jefferson, US President
Jon Stewart, TV host
College of William and Mary, VA
Arthur Compton, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics
College of Wooster, MA
Joe Morgan, ESPN analyst; Baseball Hall of Fame
Scott Kriens, Chairman, Juniper Networks
Mark Mastrov, Founder, 24 Hour Fitness
CSU, East Bay
*While we believe the above information is correct, we have not verified its accuracy.
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