Plan

• Calendar
• Testing

Explore

• College Search
• Money Matters

Apply

• Process
• Common Application
• Early Decision / Early Action

College Search Process

Choosing which college to apply to is a real-life research assignment. It is necessary to apply many of the skills you have learned in your classes to be successful: organization, thoroughness and an awareness of requirements and timetables are all fundamentals. At the start of the process you will meet with your Gill St. Bernard's college counselor in the Spring of your Junior year. During this meeting you will discuss your college aspirations. The counselor will develop a list of roughly 15-20 potential matches. Over the next several months students, parents, and counselors work together to narrow the list. The reward of the process will be a list of about 5-7 schools that give you the programs and environment that you desire.

The listing below can help you clarify your thinking about college choices.

Key Characteristics

Student Enrollment: Size of the school, % undergrads, male/female ratio, commuter/resident ratio, % minority and/or religious affiliation, % of students receiving financial aid.

Physical Environment: Geographic location, urban/rural/suburban setting, distance from home, weather, campus facilities and environment.

College Type and Philosophy: Public or private, independent or religious affiliation, liberal arts or pre-professional programs such as business, education or engineering, traditional or progressive.

Curriculum: Majors offered in your field of interest, number of graduates in various majors, strong departments, co-op programs, cross registration with area schools, study abroad, internships and independent study opportunities.

Academic Environment: Faculty/student ratios, advisory systems, class sizes, availability of tutorial services and support services, career placement, % who go on to graduate school.

Campus Life: Dormitories and how rooms are allocated, student center, library, cafeteria, gym, labs, Greek life, social and cultural environment.

Costs and Financial Aid: Yearly expenses-tuition, room and board, books, lab/studio fees, personal expenses; your ability to pay-parents contribution, willingness to work while at school, financial aid policies of the school.

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Researching the Schools

College Guidance Counselor: Through a series of meetings your college counselor will provide a individualized list of colleges appropriate to your interests and academic progress.

College Publications: Catalogs, view books, school profile sheets are available by request through college admissions offices.

Computer Sources: College web sites and web based college search sites. The box to the right has a list of helpful sites.

Your Personal Network: Family members, friends, alumni, and others can often provide valuable information about colleges of interest.

College Guide Books: There are many college guide books available. Comprehensive guide books provide factual information on a wide array of schools. Many other guide books are more specialized, reflecting an author’s opinion. Bookstores and libraries have many to choose from.

Visiting Campus: A formal visit arranged through the admissions office will include an information session and tour, sometimes an interview. Walking around campus on your own is just as important. Look at the student body, read the student paper and find opportunities to talk to students on campus.

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