Dear Junior Student:
The materials presented in this handbook are designed to provide general information and guidelines about college selection, college admission procedures, and financial aid. Specific information pertaining to your individual situation should be discussed with your counselor or a college advisor. We hope that this booklet will be a valuable tool to you, and we strongly suggest that you share it with your parents. Please keep it as a reference tool to use for the remainder of your high school career.
Sincerely,
The Guidance Counselors
COLERAIN HIGH SCHOOL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. SOURCES OF INFORMATION...... ……...... 5
College Representatives...... 5
College Fairs...... 5-6
KUDER/OCPS (O.C.I.S.)...... 6
College Access Information Hotline…….…………………....7
College Visits...... 7
Special Programs or Visitation Days...... 7
Special Notice...... 8
College Comparison………………………………………...... 8
Additional Sources of Information...... …...... 8-9
II. COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTING...... …….....9
ACT: American College Test...... 9
SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Test...... 9
SAT Subject Tests...... 10
Registration for Tests...... 10
College Entrance Testing Schedule 2014-15...... 11
Preparation for Tests………………………………………….11
Testing Services for Students with Disabilities……….……...12
III. ADMISSION GUIDELINES FOR COLLEGE.……...... 13
IV. ADVANCED PLACEMENT...... ……...... ….…....14
Testing Services for Students with Disabilities.….…..14-15
V. CLEP - COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION.....……...... 15
VI. U. S. MILITARY ACADEMIES...... ……...... ……….16
VII.ROTC - GUIDELINES FOR ENTRANCE AND
POSSIBILITIES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS...... 17
Air Force...... 17
Army...... 17
Navy...... 17
- SELECTION OF A COLLEGE...... 18
IX. THE COLLEGE APPLICATION...... …...... 19
Student Section...... 19
Recommendations...... 19
Transcript Request...... 19
Secondary School Report...... 20
Mid-Year Report (which is completed by Counselor)...... 20
College Admission Test Scores...... 20
X. COLLEGE ADMISSION POLICIES...... …...... 21
Early Decision...... 21
Rolling Admissions...... 21
XI. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM COLLEGE
ADMISSION COUNSELORS...... 22
XII. FINANCIAL AID OVERVIEW...... 23
Need Based and Merit Based Financial Aid……………….23
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)..…...... 24
The Four Forms of Financial Aid...... 25
Grants…………..…………...……………………….……..25
Scholarships...... 26
Work- Study....……...... 26
Loans...... …...... ……...... 26-27
Selected Web Sites...... ………..……...... ….....………27
XIII.CHOOSING A COLLEGE...... ……..28
Junior Year Checklist...... …...... 29
Senior Year Checklist...... …...29-30
XIV.HOW SHOULD YOU CHOOSE YOUR COLLEGE?...31-32
XV.HOW DO COLLEGES ACCEPT YOU?.....…....…...... 32
XVI.VISITING A COLLEGE...... …...... ……...... 33
XVII.COLLEGE ATHLETICS…………………………………….33
APPENDIX:
- KUDER Career Planning System
- Career Cluster Survey
- The Sixteen Career Clusters
- College Visit Form (Sample)
- Map of Ohio’s Private Colleges and Universities
- Map of Ohio’s Two-Year Colleges
- Map of Ohio’s Public Universities
- Directory of Ohio Colleges and Universities
- College Comparison Worksheet
- ACT/SAT Prep Info (Free and Fee-based Resources)
- ACT/SAT- A Comparison of Two Brands
- Which Test Scores to Send: SAT or ACT?
- List of Colleges Offering Disability Services
- Greater Cincinnati Apprenticeship Contact Information
- Letters of Recommendation: How to Get the References You Need
- CHS UNDERGRADUATE Request for Transcript
- Sample Activity Sheet
- How to Complete the FAFSA
- FAFSA FAQ’s
- How to Apply for a Scholarship
- High School Junior Action Plan
- High School Senior Action Plan
- NCAA Quick Reference Guide
- NCAA Initial Eligibility
- NAIA Eligibility Center FAQ’s
I. SOURCES OF INFORMATION
College Representatives
College representatives from both private and public institutions throughout the United States visit Colerain High School during the school year.
- Junior seminar – in February during an extended advisory, representatives present in a small group settingabout the opportunities available at their post-secondary institution, student choose the sessions in which they attend.
- Senior seminar – in the fall during an extended advisory, representatives present in a small group setting about the opportunities available at their post-secondary institution, student choose the sessions in which they attend.
- Lunchroom visits - colleges/universities will set up displays in the cafeteria during lunch. This is a great time to speak to an admissions counselor to ask specific questions about their college.
College Fair
A college fair is a gathering of many colleges in one place. A representative from each university or college sets up a booth and is available to provide written as well as oral information about the particular college or university. Attending a college fair is a great way to gather a lot of information to help narrow down your choices. College fairs are usually held in the fall.
- There is a National College Fair held in the DukeEnergyCenter. This fair usually has over 200 universities and colleges represented. Please visit for more information. Announcements have been made with specific dates and times.
- There is a second National College Fair held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on April 11, 2015 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Please visit
- The college fair sponsored by ColerainHigh Schoolis held at Miami University Hamilton Campus. This fair usually has at least 100 colleges, universities, and technical schools represented.Please visit for more information. Announcements have been made with specific dates and times.
Ohio Career Planning System (OCPS)
The Internet-based KUDER Career Planning System offers innovative and comprehensive educational and career planning for all levels of involvement, including high school students. The system incorporates everything you need to create a solid plan for the future, including a lifelong portfolio, research-based assessments, and a powerful administrative database management system. You can assess this website at the CHSInformationCenter (Library) or from your home computer. Go to oh.kuder.com (See “KUDER/ OhioCareer Planning System” in the APPENDIX).
- Kuder Career Search with Person Matchscientifically aligns interests with career clusters into an easy to read report.
- With Kuder Skills Assessment, individuals rate different tasks to their skill ability and view results as they align to career clusters. With these results, individuals can explore more career options in their areas of high skill or choose a major in which to increase their skill level.
- Super’s Work Values Inventory rates is an assessment that rates work values based on 12 different workplace characteristics and allows individuals to learn what is most important to them as they explore many different career opportunities.
Ohio Board of Regents- College Access Information Hotline
This hotline offers callers information on preparation for college, admission, articulation and transfer and general facts about enrollment at colleges and universities throughout Ohio. In addition, the hotline service is paired with the existing State Grants and Scholarship Hotline to deliver information about college student financial aid, directing callers to available local, state and federal sources. This hotline is available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Call 1-800-AFFORD-IT (233-6734) to be connected with an Information Specialist.
College Visits
College visitation days are granted based on the need of the student and the distance of the college, which must be 100 miles away. Visits to local colleges should not be scheduled on school time (except in the case of special programs sponsored by the college).
Guidelines for Visitation
1.Contact the college/university and make an appointment with the Office of Admissions.
2.Bring a note to your counselor concerning the date and placeof the college visitation several days prior to your visit. You will then receive a “College Visitation Form”. (See “College Visit Form” in the APPENDIX).
3.Have the “College Visitation Form” signed by the person contacted in the Office of Admissions and return it to your counselor the day after your visit. A sample of this sheet is included in this booklet. Failure to return documentation will result in an unexcused absence.
Special Programs or Visitation Days
Check the institutions website for additional information.
Special Notice
Lists of college visits, scholarship lists, and other announcements are posted in senior advisories, on our web page, and on announcements. We also have a brand new College Corner located in the Guidance Office Conference room. Please stop by to gather information about college and university information, scholarships, financial aid, and college entrance exams.
College Comparison
There are resources available to help organize the search for the most suitable college. Current data about each college, the academic environment, student and campus life, and financial considerations should be collected and recorded. Determine which colleges have the most desirable characteristics to match you. (See “College Comparison Worksheet” in the APPENDIX).
Additional Sources of Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Dictionary of Occupational Titles
Lovejoy's College Guide
Peterson's Annual Guides toUndergraduate Study
How to Prepare for College
Ohio Higher Education Notes
Peterson's Annual Guides to Graduate Study
The Gourman Report
College Scope
AmericanUniversities and Colleges
College USA Info-Disc
Pamphlets on Topics such asFinancial Aid
Internet Resources:
You can also check the school and public libraries for books about college admission. Also, see page 27 for a list of other useful websites.
Check our school guidance website for additional information:
- Click on “Schools”
- Click on the “Colerain HS”
- Click on “Academics”
- Click on “Guidance”
II. COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTING
ACT: AmericanCollege Test
ACT consists of a multiple-choice test in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning, as well as a writing test. Students should take the ACT plus Writing at least once. These tests yield scores in each area and one composite score. Scores range from 0 to 36. The test is given in September, October, December, February, April, and June.
SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Test
SAT Reasoning is a test that measures critical thinking skills in reading, mathematics, and writing. Scores range from 200 to 800 in each area. The test is given in October, November, December, January, March, May, and June.
SAT Subject Tests
Certain selective schools want additional test information. There are specific subject tests administered on the same dates as the SAT Reasoning Test. Please research your college or university for their requirements. You can check individual college requirements at
Subject tests offered are Literature, United States History, World History, Math Level I and II, Biology (Ecological and Molecular), Chemistry,
Physics, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Many colleges require English Composition plus two other achievement tests. We suggest that you take these tests in December or January of your senior year. If you are considering early decisions, you should take these tests in May or June of your junior year.
Registration for Tests
Registration materials may be obtained in the Guidance Office. You must fill out the application and mail it along with your fee by posted closing dates for registration. Both ACT and SAT take registration for one or two weeks after the registration deadline but charge an additional fee. Important reminder: When registering, students must now upload a photo of him/herself.
Or you may register online (preferred method by both):
ACT
SAT
The registration process is YOUR responsibility. When registering for tests, be sure to select three colleges to receive your scores. After the test date, ACT and SAT charge an extra fee for sending scores. Colleges will receive selected test scores, not all. Most colleges will accept the highest scores earned on the exams taken more than once.
We suggest that you take these tests in the spring of your junior year and/or early fall of your senior year.
You may mail your college application your senior year before you take the ACT or SAT
College Entrance Testing Schedule 2014-2015
ACT December 13, 2014
February 7, 2015
April 18, 2015
June 13, 2015
SAT December 6, 2014
January 24, 2015
March 14, 2015
May 2, 2015
June 6, 2015
* The deadline for mailing the registration materials for these tests is
usually 4 - 5 weeks before the testing dates. Our school code is 360960.
Preparation for Tests
ColerainHigh School has an Individual Career Planning and TestingCenter(ICPTCenter) located in the InformationCenter (Library) 2nd floor. Students can work to achieve their best scores on the ACT or SAT college entrance tests by studying strategies and experiencing practice testing. The ICPTCenter provides an opportunity for Colerain Juniors and Seniors to become familiar with each section of the ACT Test and SAT Test. This program is sponsored by your CHS PTA. (See “ACT & SAT Preparation” form in the Appendix)
Testing Services for Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a diagnosed disability, you could be eligible to
receiveaccommodations(i.e. Extended Time, Test Read Aloud, etc.) on the SAT and ACT. To receive accommodations, you must have documentation on file at school that supports the need for accommodations and use those accommodations on school-based tests. It is recommended that you fill out the appropriate paperwork at least eight weeks before the registration deadline, as it takes this long for requests to be reviewed. ACT and SAT are private companies that do not always grant the requested student accommodations. Please contact the guidance office to get the necessary forms.
III.ADMISSIONGUIDELINESFORCOLLEGE
Counselors are available to assist students in their college searches. Adequate planning and research allows students to prepare themselves academically for the college of their choice and apply at the beginning of their senior year.
Many colleges have established minimum admission requirements:
English...... 4 units
Mathematics...... 4 units
Laboratory Science...... 3 units
Social Science...... 3 units
Foreign Language...... 2 units
Fine Arts...... 1 unit
If you intend to apply for college admission, keep these requirements in
mind as you plan your high school program. Some schools demand an even more rigorous academic program.
It is important that you check the requirements of the schools in which you are interested since colleges vary greatly in their requirements. Remember, too, that schools may have requirements unique to their particular needs or area. College catalogues and college information books should be explored. All of these sources are available in the ICPTC (IndividualCareerPlanning & TestingCenter). We also encourage you to confer with your counselor. Students are encouraged to begin researching colleges during their junior year.
IV.ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Advanced placement courses offer students the opportunity to receive college credit for work completed in high school. ColerainHigh School offers advanced placement courses in:
FrenchCalculus Psychology Biology
SpanishStatistics
American HistoryEuropean History
English (Junior/Senior Year)Chemistry
American GovernmentPhysics
Art
The fee for each examination is currently $91.00 and is due in early February for each AP exam the student desires to take. These fees cover the cost of AP exams, which are given in early May. Examinations are usually three and a half hours in length and are scored on a scale of one to five. Many colleges require a score of 3 or better on an AP exam to receive college credit. However, colleges have individual policies, and a student must contact each college of interest for its particular AP policy.
Testing Services for Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a diagnosed disability, you could be eligible to
receive accommodations on Advanced Placement Exams. To receive
accommodations, you must have documentation on file at school that
supports the need for accommodations and use those accommodations on
school-based tests. It is recommended that you fill out the appropriate
paperwork at least eight weeks before the registration deadline, as it
takes this long for requests to be reviewed. However, if you have already
filled this paperwork out for the SAT, you do not need to do so again for
Advanced Placement Exams. Please contact the guidance office to get
the necessary forms.
(AP accommodation testing cont’d)
These accommodations can usually be given for college placement or entrance exams as well. If you have a disability it is your responsibility to let the university know so you can receive services.
V.CLEP - COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM
CLEP is a national program of credit by examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. Many students who have a strong high school background and who pass the CLEP exam are able to omit one or more required college courses in English composition, social sciences, natural sciences, and basic math. Thus, many colleges now accept certain scores on the CLEP as demonstration of a student's competence in these areas and award college credit; however, colleges have individual policies, and a student must contact each college of interest for its particular CLEP policy.
VI. U.S. MILITARY ACADEMIES
AIR FORCE
ARMY - WEST POINT
COAST GUARD
NAVY –ANNAPOLIS
All of the academies with the exception of the Coast Guard require a
nomination before a student may be considered for an appointment. For the particulars of each Academy, see your counselor so that catalogues and pertinent information can be shared with you.
There are certain deadlines to be met, and your counselor can chart a timeline plan with you so your opportunities are enhanced and your needs met. All Academies require the SAT or ACT. Hopefully, all juniors will take the SAT and/or ACT during the spring.
- ROTC - GUIDELINES FOR ENTRANCE AND POSSIBILITY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
If you are interested in this option, contact your school early to find out specific contacts and programs offered because not every university offers every ROTC branch. There is an advantage in the selection process for those who apply early for scholarships, so start applying the junior year. Be sure to see your Counselor.
AIR FORCE
SAT and ACT scores should be sent by November of your senior year. Start application process by June of your junior year. Forms are obtained from: 1-800-423-USAF
ROTC Office of Information
Joint Recruiting Advertising Program
1600 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400
Arlington, VA22209-2593
Deadline for application is December 31st of your senior year.