Applying

The admission process is as varied as there are over 4,000 institutions in the United States. Some institutions use GPA as the major determinant. Other schools may use standardized test scores. Yet, others may include an interview or a supplemental personal statement or essay. There isn’t a specific system. Before choosing the schools to which to apply, an understanding of how it an application will be reviewed is just as important as completing the application. Most colleges provide general information of which factors they use to admit students. This information can usually be found by visiting a college’s admissions or prospective student web page or contacting the admissions office.  However, the admissions process is not an exact science and can vary greatly even within the same school depending on a major. There are common factors that do appear in almost all application reviews, the weight; however, is very different among institutions.

Related Link: NACAC Guide to College Admission Process🔗

Related Link: College Board: Big Future🔗

Finding the best option answers the following questions:

• Where do you want live in the next 3 to 5 years?

• What type of home to wish to have?

• What are the current costs of the above?

• What do you want to do for a living?

• Will your chosen profession support your future goal?

• What do you value?

• What do you enjoy doing?

• What are the the personalities, characteristics, and traits of the  people do you enjoy hanging out with?

• What do you want to get out of college?

• What kind of person do you want to become?

• What financial resources are available to you?

The college search process is not solely based on finding a college; it’s based on you doing some soul searching about who you really are. The idea is to match your learning style, personality, interests, and values with an institution that will be your best fit. Any college that does this for you affordably is a "good college" – even if their basketball team never makes the NCAA Final Four®!

In Person Visits and Virtual Tours

One of the ways you can begin to differentiate between schools is to visit local institutions – as many different schools as you can. Even though you may not want to attend any of those schools, it is important to think about what you liked and disliked about each of them. The more schools you visit, the more your own preferences in an institution will become clear. Working closely with the Office of College Advisement throughout this process, attending college fairs, reading college guides and using the college and career websites, and meeting with the many college admissions representatives will be a great help any student seeking to find that match.

The truth is that while no one college will be perfect, you can will find many schools that are a great fit. There are many research resources available for your use in the college office. Always use multiple sources for information when you do your research. Researching a college correctly takes time and honest effort.

Learn How You Learn Best

We all learn differently. We have different values, interests, skills, and personalities. The same is true for the over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States; they will vary tremendously in how they deliver their education, what kinds of students they enroll, and the kinds of experiences they can offer their students. Many students in this country suffer from an obsession with "brand names"; prestige is the driving force behind their decision making process. When I am asked "Is —— University a good college?” what the student is really asking me is if the school is popular or hard to get in. There is a problem with this approach.

To start with, what makes a brand name college, anyway? It may be that the football or basketball team plays on ESPN® . It may be that the institution is very old and almost impossible to get admitted to because there is an extremely large applicant pool. Perhaps a student has a friend or relative that attended a certain school. Big schools are often well known simply because of their size. A college's geographic location, marketing budget, and rankings in non-scientific publications like US News & World Report© also play a role in making one school popular and another a "no-name" college or university. The problem with the prestige approach is that many of the factors that make a school "prestigious" have absolutely nothing to do with the quality of education the college will provide.

If a university has a great football team, does that now mean it is the best place to study engineering? Does heavy advertising mean a college's professors are more available to students or more qualified in their fields? These answers, as you may have guessed, are "no". Instead of looking at the football team, look at the graduation and retention rates, class sizes, the support available to students, and a host of other factors that say much more about the kind of educational experience you will have at this particular institution. Many of the so-called “no-name” schools offer tremendous academic, financial, and interpersonal opportunities to those students bold and diligent enough to look beyond the marketing hype.

Even if a student has a good shot at getting into big name schools such as Harvard, Princeton, or Yale that does not mean they should automatically go to school there. Prestige doesn't ensure a positive collegiate experience; a poor match can lead to some very difficult times. For example, if you are a student that learns best in small classes where the professor is readily available for questions, should you go to a university where your freshman science classes may have several hundred students?

Affordability

Most HSEF students need considerable financial aid for college. While some of the big names schools can offer great financial aid, many can't. Should you ever go to a college that will cost you over $100k in student loans? Take a step back for a minute. The college search process should be one of the most exciting times of your life. This is a time for you to really get to know yourself.

Comprehensive Research

The truth is that while no one college will be perfect, you can will find many schools that are a great fit. There are many research resources available for your use in the college office. Always use multiple sources for information when you do your research. Researching a college correctly takes time and honest effort.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grades are usually the most important factor. HSEF grades are cumulative. That means everything counts and is weighted into the high school average. The grades earned each semester are recorded on the permanent record transcript. A permanent transcript record must submitted to colleges, not once, not twice, but three times to all of the colleges you apply to. Contrary to what most students think, your most important year of high school is not junior year. It is your first three years of high school. Your freshman year, sophomore year, and junior year grades make up your initial transcript. Your initial transcript is submitted to colleges during the fall semester of senior year. Your mid-year transcript is sent to colleges at the start of the spring semester of your senior year. It contains: freshman year, sophomore year, junior year, and fall semester senior grades. Again, note that your entire high school performance is being reported. After graduation, your final transcript is sent to colleges and contains your entire high school career which now includes senior spring semester. Colleges generally like to see an upward trend of grades; not a roller coaster of ups and downs. If there is a semester of low scores, make sure to speak with your school counselor or advisor.

Academic Rigor

Another factor is the courses that you are taking. Most colleges prefer students that successfully complete academically rigorous courses and/or complete course sequences. You should strive to take as many challenging classes as possible. The Office of College Advisement submits a high school profile with every one of your applications. Our high school profile contains the programs we offer, such as the Academy of Finance, and course codes with explanations. For example, HES11 is Economics. The profile is usually used by admission committee personnel when reviewing your course grades and your application.

Examination Scores

Most schools require test scores. Some do not. Check with the institution to be sure. But; Which test scores do you send? ACT® or your SAT® ? Which set of scores? Most colleges “super score” which means they will take the highest score per category that you submit regardless of when the exam was taken. Check with each school before sending scores. You may wish to also check an ACT® -SAT® Concordance table for an approximate equivalency of test scores. See your college advisor for assistance. It gets a little trickier for private and out-of-state schools. Each one is different. You must see what they require as part of your research. Some schools are test optional, meaning they do not use your test scores as admitting criteria; however, some schools still require that you send in your scores. If you are not sure, check with the college’s freshman admissions office.

*Note - Class of 2021 - Many institutions are suspending the requirement of examination scores as part of the application process. Check with each institution for specifics.

Recommendations

Most four-year colleges and universities will require students to obtain letters of recommendation as part of the application process. Typically, this includes a letter from your guidance counselor or college advisor, along with two letters from two core course teachers. Some colleges may ask for an additional letter or letters from more specific sources; you must be careful to follow instructions based upon where they apply.

Generally speaking, students should ask teachers who have had them in class in recent years, who have taught them in major subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies - including economics and participation in government), and who are able to best illustrate the student's individual strengths, character, and potential. Students should request recommendation letters well in advance so teachers/counselors have ample time to write a letter.

Make sure to follow the college advisor’s guidelines when requesting recommendations. Teachers are aware of these guidelines and expect you to follow them. You don’t want to miss out on getting a great letter because you didn’t ask for it in the appropriate manner. Recommendation letters at the High School of Economics & Finance are kept confidential. Teachers complete letters and deliver them to the Office of College Advisement. Office personnel then forward them directly to colleges upon student requests. This is done to ensure that the admissions officers value the feedback provided about each student in these letters.

Extracurricular Activities

What do you do? Most students have difficulty answering this question. Colleges generally look for students that offer a positive impact to a community. How can you do this? Get involved! Most students understand this and join programs, clubs, and activities. You must do something other than signing up. Becoming a member of an activity, club, or program is NOT enough. You must be involved. If you join something – DO something. It does not have to be at school either; it can be at a local community center or other activity by your home. Find something to do that you enjoy. That way you will be more likely to do it. Remember, you should be able to answer the questions, “What do you do?” and "Why do you do it?".

Essays and Personal Statements

As part of their application most colleges ask that you respond to a question or choose from a menu of prompts. The importance of the college essay cannot be stressed enough because this is often the first thing that admissions officers read about you that is not statistical or someone else’s opinion about you. This is the chance for your “voice” to be heard–where you can share passions, dreams, talents, stories, and most importantly, what makes you unique.

It is recommended that you spend a good amount of time developing your essay, starting in the summer of junior year. A well written essay is often what an admissions officer will remember most about an applicant, and can create an advocate for you in the office of admission. Many students spend hours – even days – thinking about what to write that they believe the admission office wants to hear. The truth is that they are not looking for anything in particular.

The essay gives admissions officers a window into your personal life. The general rule is to construct an essay that is passionate and unique; not a generic work that you think that it is what someone else wants to hear. Passion makes an essay interesting, memorable, and can show admissions just who it is that they may be bringing to campus.

Check with each institution to see essay prompts.

Related Link: Common Application Essay Prompts🔗

Related Link: Coalition Application for College Essay Prompts🔗

Demonstrated Interest and Other Factors (Supplemental)

Proving to a college that you are seriously attracted to that school is demonstrating interest. Most colleges state that an applicant’s interest has an impact in the decision making process. Attending college fairs, visiting the campus (some institutions even provide a campus visit grant in financial aid packages), contacting admission personnel, and applying early are all ways to demonstrate interest. Colleges may also request you to submit a copy of your résumé. Some even request or require an interview. Sometimes supplemental materials are “optional” or “recommended but not required”. You are advised to always submit optional supplemental materials. It gives you an extra chance to convince admissions or add your voice to an advocate’s argument that you should be accepted. Spend time with supplemental materials; they can really make a difference.

College or University: What's the difference?

Before you choose to apply to college you should understand what colleges are. Colleges are post-secondary institutions of higher educations that have a specific area of study. In other words, colleges are schools that present content and training in an area not covered in high school or in greater depth.

Universities are institutions of post-secondary education that house many colleges of study. Most colleges’ first two years of study are generalized in the core subject areas that you are familiar with such as math, English, history, and science. Some institutions require specific courses to complete a major area of study that you select from the degrees offered at that institution.

Community, or two year colleges, usually offer study in the core subjects and also include a specialized study in a field that culminates in an associate’s degree. Generally, the credits are transferable to four-year institutions; however, it varies among institutions. Therefore is extremely important that you research any articulation agreements that exist between institutions.

You can discuss your plans with your counselor and advisor when you begin to conduct your serious college research. As you begin to determine your future you should know that there are three types of college and universities. There are public, private nonprofit, and private proprietary. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Your individual needs, goals, and desires will help you choose which type of school to apply to and attend.

Public

This is probably the most familiar to you because you currently attend a public school. A public institution receives most of its funds to operate from the government; not from tuition or other revenue streams. As a result costs are usually the lowest for students. There are both state and local public institutions. The five boroughs have the benefit of having an entire system of higher education. The City University of New York, known as CUNY has many colleges within it. There are all levels of higher education within the CUNY system. CUNY offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, master degrees, and doctorate degrees. It is usually the most affordable and has an intra-university transfer information and program planning system of articulation agreements throughout the system known as CUNY TIPPS. The State University of New York, or SUNY, also offers a variety of schools within its large system. Again, costs are subsidized by government funds and managed institutionally. SUNY schools are generally large institutions and have many students and areas of study.

Private Not-for-Profit Institutions

Private schools are primarily funded by private donations, endowments, and students payments. Nonprofit institutions are “in business” to educate and provide students with a learning environment that will allow them to earn a degree in an area toward a field or career of interest. Many private colleges use the Common Application, or their own, in some cases schools use the Coalition for College application. Always check with the institution as to which application it uses as part of your research. It is recommended that you speak with your advisor or counselor before submitting an application.

Related Link: Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities in New York🔗

Related Link: Common Application Guide for First Year Students🔗

Related Link: Coalition Application for College🔗

Private for Profit Institutions

For profit institutions are also called proprietary schools and are in business to make money. These institutions are funded by investments made by ownership. Operating costs are covered by revenue generated by sales. The Office of College Advisement does not usually recommend students attend proprietary institutions because the profit motive drives education and degree attainment.

The Counselor Brag Form and a Teacher Brag Sheet should be completed and submitted with your request for a recommendation to provide your recommenders with information and ample time to complete. Please keep in mind that these forms should be completed if you are thinking about a program or school that requires any type of recommendation.

Make your request in person if possible. If not via Jupiter Ed message or via e-mail. If you send an electronic request, offer to come by to discuss the letter in person or by phone or digital meeting. Recommenders will often like to meet (even through virtual means) with you before writing a letter. For colleges, make sure to use the form provided by the college advisor.

Give the recommender as much advance notice as possible to write the letter – at least 3 weeks. Your recommender will need information from you in order to write a great letter, such as the:

• name and address of the activity, program, internship, institution, or scholarship.

• program’s website or other information about the activity, program, internship, institution, or scholarship.

• date and time that the letter is due.

Include any specific instructions provided for recommender, for example:

• any specific points you would like to be discussed in the recommendation.

• if the recommendation letter needs to be mailed, provide your recommender with the address and post mark deadline

Include any information that will help the recommender to understand your motivations and interests. Be sure to include a copy of your:

• résumé and a list of your activities and achievements.

• application essay and/or personal statement.

• informal description of why you are applying to the activity, program, internship, institution, or scholarship if you haven’t discussed this in person with the recommender.

If you are applying to a number of different activities, programs, internships, institutions, or scholarships, prepare a summary of all of the programs, due dates, and other relevant information.

If there are any specific issues you would like your recommender to address in the letter (for example, your interests, your summer abroad experience, a weak grade in a class, etc.), it is helpful for both of you to discuss this. You can also provide them with a guide of topics to include, such as your:

• academic achievement; class rank.

• follow through on assignments, rigor of academic program.

• depth of involvement and achievement in work, volunteer, extracurricular activities.

• ability to communicate both in person (verbally) and in writing.

• maturity, emotional stability, concern for people, problem-solving skills, tenacity in reaching goals, curiosity, creativity, capacity for leadership, self-discipline, integrity.

• response to criticism, ability to relate to others, capacity for collaborative work with others,

• attitudes toward supervision.

• motivation and potential for success in career.

A week before the letter is due; you should send a friendly e-mail to your recommender reminding them about the due date. This can be done politely by mentioning that you are just “checking in” to see if they had any remaining questions about the letter. Be sure to make it clear in this reminder that you appreciate their time and effort.

After the recommender has completed the letter, you should send an e-mail thanking them. If the letter means a lot to you, or if you gave the recommender little notice, thank them by bringing a small card, etc. (This is not necessary for your guidance counselor – but it is greatly appreciated!).

When you find out about whether or not you were accepted or awarded the activity, program, internship, institution, or scholarship, inform your recommender to let them know – especially if you DID!

*Adapted from: "What is the best way to ask for a recommendation letter?" Harvard University Office of Career Services. Harvard University, 2014. Web. 25 Mar 2014.