College Admissions

FINDING COLLEGES THAT FIT YOUR PREFERENCES AND ABILITIES

When you use college search databases such as Naviance, the first step is to reflect on the criteria that are important to you. Use these search engines to create lists of colleges and schools to research further and pare them down as you learn more about each college. With the support of your school counselor, categorized colleges into:

• Safety – Colleges where you have a good chance of being accepted
• Target – Colleges where you meet the admissions criteria and a 50/50 chance of  admission based on historical data
• Reach – Colleges that may be your “dream school” – most competitive colleges

Criteria to consider when using College Search Database in Naviance.

School type: Four-year college or two-year college

Public or private or both
Coed or single sex
Campus surroundings (rural, large city, etc
Religious affiliation
Distance & Location: You can select distance from home, or you can select individual states or regions
Student Body Demographics
Enrollment

Naviance Advanced Search contains national admissions data; however, the most reliable data for students to use is the Cardinal Mooney High School data contained in the Scattergrams and school statistics on each college’s page in Naviance.

• Use the comparison tools to understand how your GPA and test scores match admitted students.

Intercollegiate Sports: Search colleges by the type of sport, association, and division.This is especially helpful if this is something you are considering.

Consider the results of your career interest inventories in Naviance and generate a variety of lists based on academic majors offered.

Costs:

In state tuition, out of state tuition

Special Programs:

• Co-op – A program at select colleges that enables students to receive career training through paid work experience in their field of study. Well known co-op programs include such schools as Drexel University, Northeastern University and Rochester Institute of Technology.
• Pre-professional – Programs that guide you in selecting undergraduate majors, coursework, and test preparation for admission to graduate professional schools for careers in dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary, law, etc.

 

• SAT/ACT: Many four-year colleges require applicants to submit SAT and/or ACT scores as part of the application process. A growing number of colleges are “test optional.”Information about test optional colleges can be found on the Fair Test website:www.fairtest.org.

• Most students take the SAT and/or ACT in the fall/spring of junior year and fall of senior year. Each student is different and your counselor will advise you and help you decide when to take college admissions tests.

• Students must register for SATs directly through the College Board websitewww.collegeboard.org and the ACT directly through the ACT website www.actstudent.org. Record your username and password. You will need it again! The Cardinal Mooney High School code is: 101572

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE SAT and ACT

Students who receive accommodations for testing through a 504 Plan or an IEP must apply for accommodations with the College Board or ACT. Information about the application process and eligibility procedures is available through your School Counselor and through our Learning Strategies Specialist.

Other valuable information can be found on the College Board SSD website or ACT website. Only students who have approval from the College Board or ACT are eligible for accommodations on the PSAT, SAT, APs and ACT.

ACT STUDENTS WITH ACCOMMODATIONS: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html

SAT STUDENTS WITH ACCOMMODATIONS: https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities

2022–23 School Year Test Dates SAT

SAT Test Date*	Registration Deadline	Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration
Aug 27, 2022	Jul 29, 2022	Aug 16, 2022
Oct 1, 2022	Sept 2, 2022	Sept 20, 2022
Nov 5, 2022	Oct 7, 2022	Oct 25, 2022
Dec 3, 2022	Nov 3, 2022	Nov 22, 2022
Mar 11, 2023	Feb 10, 2023	Feb 28, 2023
May 6, 2023	Apr 7, 2023	Apr 25, 2023
June 3, 2023	May 4, 2023	May 23, 2023

2022-2023 ACT TEST DATES

 

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline
September 10, 2022	August 5, 2022	August 19, 2022
October 22, 2022	September 16, 2022	September 30, 2022
December 10, 2022	November 4, 2022	November 11, 2022
February 11, 2023	January 6, 2023	January 20, 2023
April 15, 2023	March 10, 2023	March 24, 2023
June 10, 2023	May 5, 2023	May 19, 2023
July 15, 2023*	June 16, 2023	June 23, 2023

Academic Record – High School Transcript

• Quality of courses taken
• Challenging and competitive classes
• GPA
• Consistency of performance
• Test Scores

The College Essay

• The essay is the space where you, the student, have an opportunity to differentiate yourself from the hundreds of applicants.

Activity Resume

• 9-12 grade activities

• Include athletics, clubs, community service, the arts, music, and employment

Recommendations

• Teachers

• Counselors

• Employers

• Coaches

THE APPLICATION

Some schools provide web-based applications. The Common Application allows students to fill out one application online and submit the materials to multiple colleges. There are also several other public universities which continue to have their own application.

The single most important step in completing a college admission application is also the simplest: Read the instructions before filling out the form. Colleges expect you to read and follow directions; accomplishing this can set the stage for a favorable decision. Applicants should not hesitate to talk with their counselor or one of the members of the English department about their essays, for colleges consider originality, organization, and presentation of one’s ideas an important factor in the admissions process. Many colleges ask for one or two teacher recommendations. These are separate from the counselor’s letter. Be certain to indicate the deadline for the recommendation to the teacher.

Begin your applications early. Be sure to pay close attention to deadline dates which vary among schools. Early applications to state universities are often particularly important, for when applicants are accepted on a rolling admission basis, the competition for available space increases as the deadline for applications approaches.

TIPS ON ORGANIZING YOUR APPLICATION

Where should you begin?

Step 1

Create a folder for each college. Include the following:

• college catalog

• financial aid material

• correspondence between you and school

• your impression of the college visit

• other relevant material

 

Step 2

Decide upon your list of college applications

• safety schools

• target schools

• reach schools

THE APPLICATION

Some schools provide web-based applications. The Common Application allows students to fill out one application online and submit the materials to multiple colleges. There are also several other public universities which continue to have their own application.

The single most important step in completing a college admission application is also the simplest: Read the instructions before filling out the form. Colleges expect you to read and follow directions; accomplishing this can set the stage for a favorable decision. Applicants should not hesitate to talk with their counselor or one of the members of the English department about their essays, for colleges consider originality, organization, and presentation of one’s ideas an important factor in the admissions process. Many colleges ask for one or two teacher recommendations. These are separate from the counselor’s letter. Be certain to indicate the deadline for the recommendation to the teacher.

Begin your applications early. Be sure to pay close attention to deadline dates which vary among schools. Early applications to state universities are often particularly important, for when applicants are accepted on a rolling admission basis, the competition for available space increases as the deadline for applications approaches.

TIPS ON ORGANIZING YOUR APPLICATION

Where should you begin?

Step 1
Create a folder for each college. Include the following:

• college catalog

• financial aid material

• correspondence between you and school

• your impression of the college visit

• other relevant material

Step 2

Decide upon your list of college applications

• safety schools

• target schools

• reach schools

Your list of schools should range from five to ten institutions. If you are undecided about a particular school, put the folder aside. Come back to that college after you have completed the remainder of your list and determine whether you wish to attend the school.

Remember: do not apply to any university that you do not wish to attend. A school is not considered “safe” if you really do not want to go there.

TYPES OF APPLICATION DECISION PLANS

1.Early Decision: means that a student has decided on one first-choice college, and in exchange for submitting to an earlier application deadline, and being prepared to sign a statement of commitment, the candidate will receive an early reply, usually by December 15th. The student, if admitted, must withdraw all other applications, and must attend this school in the fall. ED is a legal, binding contract.

2.Early Action: means colleges will make an early admission evaluation, usually between December 15 and January 31, but the candidate is not required to make a commitment until May and is not committed to attend.

3.Rolling Admissions: means applications are reviewed as they are received, notifying students within four to eight weeks of the admission committee’s decision. Since places are filled on a first – come first – served basis, procrastinators are often hurt by this plan.

4.Single Choice Early Action: means a student will receive a non-binding decision usually by December 15, but the candidate is prohibited from applying early elsewhere unless it is a non-binding program at a public institute. Students can apply under regular decision programs to all colleges.

 

COLLEGE REPS VISITS AT CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH SCHOOL

Each year admissions representatives from colleges and universities across the country visit Cardinal Mooney High School. This is an opportunity to hear about colleges and to ask specific questions of the admissions representatives. Often, these are the admissions representative that will read your application. A list of scheduled visits is posted on Naviance. These visits are open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors and students must get a College Visit approved by their teacher and bring it to the meeting.

COLLEGE CAMPUS VISITS

The most realistic method of deciding upon a college is to visit the campus. While a campus visit is not always practical, especially for schools which are far from your home, the college visit allows you to judge the school on a first-hand basis.

Campus visits should be scheduled during your junior or senior year of high school. Try to set aside a block of time in which to see each school. The advantage of visiting early is that you can then make a second appointment later before you come to your final college decision. Visits during the school year are more beneficial than visits during college vacation periods since you can see the college in session and will be able to assess the school more realistically. If that cannot be arranged, however, utilize the summer to make some of your college stops. To make the most of your campus visits, we suggest the following:

Arrange the visit well in advance

• Arrange for a formal campus tour and information session by registering on the college website of the college you would like to visit.

• Reach out to guidance for our admission contact for any university you are visiting.

• Try to visit when classes are in session

Ask permission to sit in on some classes, especially in areas that are of interest to you.

Notice all the following:

• How many students are in the class?

• Is the class being taught by a graduate student, an instructor, or a professor?

• What textbooks are being used?

• What are the assigned readings, papers, examinations, and projects?

• What is the tone of the class: formal, relaxed, or laissez-faire?

• Does this suit your learning style?

Finally, what is your gut reaction to the class: positive, negative, indifferent or unsure?

Stay overnight if possible

• Try to sleep in a dormitory so that you get a taste of college life.

• Staying over will also afford you the opportunity to sit in on additional classes.

Talk to students and teachers. Tell them that you are a high school student and that you are considering this college. Ask the students what they like and dislike about the college. Ask if they would recommend the school to their friends.

Visit the cafeteria, the library, and the dormitories.

• Have a meal on campus. Look around; strike up a conversation with strangers.

You’ll find that most people will try to be helpful.

Look up any campus activities that appeal to you.

• These include clubs, teams, newspapers, and organizations. Talk to students who are members. You will find that you share interests with these students.

Walk the campus without a formal guide.

• Look around; notice the buildings, the students, and the layout of the campus. Try to get a “feel” for the college.

COLLEGE FAIRS

One of the simplest ways of obtaining information about colleges is to attend college fairs in our area. They are well advertised, especially to high school students and their parents. One distinct advantage of attending college fairs is that you are introduced to numerous colleges. You may find one or more schools which you had not previously considered that now hold some interest to you. Cardinal Mooney High School hosts an annual college fair in the spring.

If you want to be eligible to play a Division I or Division II sport at the college level, you must take NCAA approved core courses while in high school. This section summarizes the most recent student-athlete eligibility requirements for prospective student athletes as well as the necessary steps that are needed to be taken to become academically eligible to play.

Refer to the NCAA student athlete timeline on the NCAA website or located in the document resource section of the the student Naviance account. 

All student athletes who are interested in participating at the college level should register with the NCAA Clearinghouse in your sophomore or junior year at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Students must request to their School Counselor to have their official transcript sent to the NCAA. Students must send the NCAA your SAT or ACT scores. Create a separate “athletic resume” that you can use when communicating with coaches.

NCAA Division I & II

Requirements: •Earn a core-course GPA of at least 2.200.•Earn the ACT/SAT score matching your core-course GPA on the sliding • Graduate high school.

Complete 16 core courses in the following areas: •4 years of English•3 years of math (Algebra I or higher)•2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered)•1 year of additional English, math, or natural/physical science • 2 years of social science

• 4 years of additional courses (any area above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy)

Full Qualifier: College-bound student-athletes may practice, compete, and receive athletics scholarships during their first year of enrollment at an NCAA Division II school.

Partial Qualifier: College-bound student-athletes may receive athletics scholarships during their first year of enrollment and may practice during their first regular academic term but may NOT compete during their first year of enrollment.

Nonqualifier: College-bound student-athletes may not practice, compete, or receive athletics scholarships during their first year of enrollment at an NCAA Division II school.

FAFSA: We encourage all seniors and families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).This is the only financial aid application required by many colleges, and should be filed as soon as possible after Oct. 1st of senior year. As the name says, this is free! The preferred method for completing this form is online, although a paper copy is available. The website is: www.fafsa.ed.gov (not .com, which is a fee-based, unnecessary service).

Other Aid Forms: Some colleges and universities also require students to complete a financial aid form specific to the institution, or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE application, which is offered through the College Board. There is a fee for this form, but fee waivers are available through school counseling and college financial aid offices.

Financial Aid Package: Describes the total amount of aid that a student receives. A package consists of several parts: grants/scholarships, loans, and jobs. Grants and scholarships are considered “gift aid.” Loans and jobs are considered “self-help aid.”

To be considered for federal financial aid, you are required to file a FAFSA. The FAFSA is the only application that makes you a candidate for all federal student aid, including:

 

• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• The Federal Perkins Loan 
• Federal Direct Loans
• Federal Pell Grant

Many states use the FAFSA for state grant or scholarship consideration. The FAFSA may also be used for institutional aid, although colleges dispersing their own funds may require an additional application, or the CSS Financial Aid PROFILE.

The instructions that accompany the FAFSA and all other financial aid applications are very explicit. Read these directions carefully. Follow them step by step, and begin early enough to allow for some inevitable delays as you seek answers to your questions. Be thorough and organized. Be aware of deadlines for filing college financial aid forms and applications, especially because institutions often have earlier deadlines than the deadline for the submission of the FAFSA.

Do not delay filing the FAFSA form until the IRS 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ is submitted. You can use estimated data on the FAFSA if necessary. Many financial aid offices require a copy of the federal income tax forms filed by the family and/or student to confirm FAFSA data. If there are significant differences between the tax return data and the data on the FAFSA, your original financial aid offer may be revised.

Applying for financial aid can seem complex and confusing, but the reward of an education is too great not to give the process a chance. Help is available. Your high school guidance counselor is available to answer questions relating to financial aid. Financial aid administrators at colleges and universities can also provide assistance. Finally, you can contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center for help via online chat, phone (1-800- 4FED-AID) or email ([email protected]). Think of your college education as an investment that will repay its cost to you many times over during your lifetime. And remember, it is worth the effort.

Types of Financial Aid: Grants are also known as gift aid; they are based on need and do not have to be repaid. They come from the federal or state government or from the college itself. Grants are based on a student’s financial need, and when the need is high, the grant aid tends to be high as well. Grants come from various sources. There are five types of federal student aid grants. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA.

Loans: These funds must be paid back, usually with interest. There are federal student loans, federal parent loans and private loans. You must demonstrate financial need for some loans, like the Perkins Loan. To find out more about loans, visit finaid.org/loans.