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TRANSCRIPT
Staples High School
Class of 2016
College Application Procedures and Information
Mission Statement
The Staples High School community inspires learning,
fosters integrity, and nurtures empathy.
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY
Staples High School 70 North Avenue Westport, CT 06880 Phone: (203) 341-1225 Fax: (203) 341-1235 School Code: 070-920
Elaine Schwartz, Director of Guidance 341-1434 [email protected]
School Counselors
Thomas Brown, School Counselor 341-1229 [email protected]
Victoria Capozzi, School Counselor 341-5198 [email protected]
Jennifer Currie, School Counselor 341-5133 [email protected]
Leslie Hammer, School Counselor 341-1228 [email protected]
Denise Honeycutt, School Counselor 341-1232 [email protected]
Ed Huydic, School Counselor 341-1233 [email protected]
William Plunkett, School Counselor 341-1430 [email protected]
Deborah Slocum, School Counselor 341-1234 [email protected]
Christine Talerico, School Counselor 341-1238 [email protected]
P.J. Washenko, School Counselor 341-1431 [email protected]
Secretaries and Paraprofessionals
Angela Galbo, Guidance Paraprofessional 341-1236 [email protected]
Frances Geraci, Guidance Secretary 341-1225 [email protected]
Missy Ketley, Transcript Secretary 341-1224 [email protected]
Shauna Flaherty, 341-1886 [email protected]
College and Career Center Coordinator
Susan Fugitt, 341-1424 [email protected]
College and Career Center Coordinator
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Organizing the College Application Process 3
Senior Planning Calendar 4
Transcript Requests 6
Staples H.S. Transcript Release Form 8
Staples H.S. Secondary School Report Form 9
Staples H.S. Student Activity Sheet 10
Staples H.S. Parent/Guardian Brag Sheet 14
Teacher Recommendations 16
Staples H.S. Teacher Recommendation Request Form 17
The Application 19
The Common Application and Universal College Application 20
The Personal Essay and Supplemental and School-Specific Questions 21
The Interview 22
How Does Everything Get There? 23
Financial Aid and Scholarships 24
College Application Organizational Chart 25
Staples School Profile 26
Post-High School Planning Online Resources 27
Notes 30
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The Guidance Department has created this booklet for you to explain the college application process and to answer many commonly asked questions.
To begin, it is important to understand the components of a completed application. In general, the colleges to which you are applying must receive:
1. School materials, which include the transcript, secondary school report form, school profile and counselor recommendation, sent by the high school
2. Test scores (SAT and/or ACT) requested by the student and sent from College Board or ACT Student will log into their College Board and/or ACT account to specify which tests to send to the student’s particular colleges.
3. Teacher recommendations requested by the student and sent directly to the college by the teacher
4. Application, essay, and fee sent by the student
In addition, please always be aware of college deadlines.
If you are applying through an early application plan (i.e. early decision or early action), deadlines are typically in November.
If you are looking at colleges that use a rolling admission plan, it would be best to complete the process as early as possible in the fall.
Regular decision deadlines typically do not begin until January.
The following pages in this booklet will explain each part of the process in more detail. Remember, your counselor and the College and Career Center staff are here for you, so feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Staples Guidance Department
ORGANIZING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
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SENIOR PLANNING CALENDAR
September
Parents to attend Senior Parent Coffee
Counselor presentations in English classes
Students schedule appointments to see counselor as needed
Register for SAT and/or ACT if appropriate
Visit college representatives in the College and Career Center; visit dates are posted on
Naviance
Schedule remaining college visits and interviews
Finalize college list
Update your list of ‘colleges I’m applying to’ in Naviance
Begin organizer/file for each college
Attend Common Application Workshop in College and Career Center
Begin drafts of essays/edit essays
Review your transcript for accuracy
Request transcripts from Mrs. Ketley in Guidance 4 weeks before application
deadlines
Ask teachers for recommendations at least 4 weeks before college deadline using the
Teacher Recommendation Request Form
For prospective Division I or Division II athletes, register with NCAA and send official
transcript and test scores
Read the guidance section of the PTA Newsletter
October
Begin filling out applications
Continue to work on college essays
Take SAT and/or ACT if appropriate
Request official SAT and/or ACT scores to be sent to the colleges you’re applying to
Finalize résumé, portfolio, CD/DVD or other appropriate reflection of special talent as
advised
Send Rolling, Early Decision or Early Action applications (if applying early)
Attend Financial Aid Night at Staples
Check College Board to see if your colleges require the CSS/Profile Form for financial aid
Check with your colleges regarding possible scholarships
November
Take SAT and/or ACT if appropriate
If required, request 1st marking period grades
to go to Early Decision/Early Action/Rolling colleges from Mrs. Ketley in Guidance
Attend Alumni/Senior College Panel Program
Register for a FAFSA pin number (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Write thank you notes to Staples staff who have written your letters of recommendation
By December 1, submit your initial transcript request to Mrs. Ketley in Guidance
Early applicants: confirm with all colleges that they have received all of your application
materials
Explore the scholarship list in Naviance
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SENIOR PLANNING CALENDAR
December
Take SAT and/or ACT if appropriate
Check all application deadlines
Inform your counselor of admission decisions
Update your admission decisions in Naviance
If admitted to your early decision college, withdraw other applications
March/April
Review your admission decisions and aid offers with parents and counselor
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) if you applied for financial aid
Decide where you wish to revisit
If you have been placed on a waitlist, please see your counselor
Make final decision – send deposit by May 1
Inform colleges that you will not be attending
January/February
File FAFSA after January 1 online at www.fafsa.ed.gov as well as any other
required financial aid forms
Consider attending College Goal Sunday for assistance completing FAFSA (www.collegegoalsunday.org)
Check the College and Career Center, the PTA Newsletter, and/or Naviance for
information on Staples Tuition Grants and other scholarships
Check registration deadlines for AP exams
May
Take AP exams and have scores sent to the college you will be attending
Meet with counselor to complete Post-High School Information Survey online in
Naviance
June
GRADUATION ~~~ GOOD LUCK!
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TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
In order to have your school materials (including transcript, secondary school report form, counselor recommendation, and school profile) sent to colleges, please complete the following steps at least four weeks prior to your first college application deadline:
I. Common Application Account Matching
1. Create a Common Application account at www.commonapp.org.
2. Add at least one college to your ‘My Colleges’ list and complete the ‘Education’ section of your Common Application.
3. Complete the FERPA Release Authorization.
4. In Naviance, click on the ‘colleges’ tab, then click ‘colleges I’m applying to.’
5. Complete the Common Application Account Matching.
II. Submit the following items to Mrs. Ketley in the Guidance Office between the hours of 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.: These forms can be located and downloaded from the Staples Guidance website (Staples High School main page > ‘Departments’ tab > ‘Guidance’ > ‘Transcript Requests’ in left hand column)
a. Staples High School Transcript Release Form
This form is required in addition to the Privacy Notice completed online. Complete only one Staples High School Transcript Release Form regardless of how many colleges to which you are applying.
b. Staples High School Secondary School Report Form
Complete only one Staples High School Secondary School Report Form regardless of how many colleges to which you are applying.
c. Student Activity Sheet
This will be used by your counselor in writing your college recommendation. We encourage students to complete this form in Microsoft Word, then print a copy to be turned in along with the other paperwork.
d. Parent/Guardian Brag Sheet
This will be used by your child’s counselor in writing his or her college recommendation. We encourage parents/guardians to complete this form in Microsoft Word, then print a copy to be turned in along with the other paperwork.
e. Print-out of ‘colleges I’m applying to’ from Naviance (*see following page*)
If you are applying to a Common Application college, it must be listed on both your Common Application ‘My Colleges’ list and ‘colleges I’m applying to’ in Naviance prior to submitting your transcript request.
f. $5.00 fee per transcript
Paid in cash or check made payable to Staples High School.
If needed:
g. Only for colleges that do not accept online transcripts (*see following page*) 10” x 13” envelopes with Staples seal and return address should be picked up from the Guidance Office and addressed to the colleges prior to submitting transcript request. Staples will provide all postage.
Samples of items a-d can be found on the following pages.
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TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Completing and Printing ‘colleges I’m applying to’ in Naviance
1. Log into Naviance, click on the ‘colleges’ tab, then ‘colleges I’m thinking about.’
2. All prospective colleges should be listed under ‘colleges I’m thinking about.’ If not, you must first add each college to which you are applying to that prospective list.
3. From your list of ‘colleges I’m thinking about,’ check the box next to each college to which you plan to apply, then click on ‘Move to Application List’ at the bottom of your list.
4. For each college, select the application plan from the drop-down menu (regular decision, early, etc.), then check the appropriate box if you have submitted your application.
5. Click on ‘colleges I’m applying to’ and print that page.
Determining Which Colleges Accept Online Transcripts
Log into Naviance, click on the ‘colleges’ tab, then click on ‘colleges I’m applying to.’ Under ‘colleges I’m applying to,’ find the column labeled ‘Submissions.’ You will see one of three symbols identifying whether the college accepts online transcripts:
College accepts paper transcripts only; must provide envelope/label
College accepts online transcripts; no envelope/label necessary
Common Application college accepts online transcripts; no envelope/label necessary
If a college offers the choice of their own application or the Common Application, we recommend using the Common Application. If you choose to use the school-specific application over the Common Application, be sure to see your counselor.
Important Additional Information
Your counselor will write a letter of recommendation to accompany your transcript once all required items are received (items a-g on previous page).
For ease of matching materials, we suggest that you submit your application within 60 days of submitting your transcript request.
Once the initial request has been made, additional transcripts may be requested by submitting an updated print-out of ‘colleges I’m applying to’ from Naviance with additional colleges highlighted, an addressed 10” x 13” Staples H.S. envelope (if necessary), and the $5.00 fee for each transcript.
Midyear and final grades will be sent automatically to any college for which you have already completed a transcript request.
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STAPLES TRANSCRIPT RELEASE FORM
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Transcript Requests.’
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STAPLES SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT FORM
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Transcript Requests.’
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STAPLES STUDENT ACTIVITY SHEET
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Transcript Requests.’
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STAPLES STUDENT ACTIVITY SHEET
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Transcript Requests.’
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STAPLES STUDENT ACTIVITY SHEET
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Transcript Requests.’
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Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Transcript Requests.’
STAPLES STUDENT ACTIVITY SHEET
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STAPLES PARENT/GUARDIAN BRAG SHEET
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Transcript Requests.’
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STAPLES PARENT/GUARDIAN BRAG SHEET
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Transcript Requests.’
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TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
The college application process often requires one or two letters of recommendation from academic teachers. Read each college’s application instructions carefully to determine recommendation requirements. The purpose of the teacher recommendation is to describe their experience with the student in their class and give colleges an idea of how a student is likely to perform academically. Colleges are interested in various qualities including a student’s work ethic, motivation, creativity, and capacity for growth.
1. Be sure the FERPA Release Authorization for Common Application is completed in Naviance.
2. Four weeks before the first application deadline, complete a Teacher Recommendation Request Form for each teacher you ask to write a recommendation. This form is available for download on the SHS Guidance web site under ‘Publications and Forms.’ Check with the teacher to see if they have their own individual questionnaire or would like any additional information.
3. If you apply to additional colleges, resubmit page one of the Teacher Recommendation Request Form, with the additional colleges listed, to each teacher. (Note: You do not need to fill out page two a second time.)
4. If you are applying to a Common Application college, it must be listed on both your Common Application ‘My Colleges List’ and ‘colleges I’m applying to’ in Naviance prior to giving the Teacher Recommendation Request Form to a teacher.
5. For any college that does not accept online submission of recommendations, it’s the student’s responsibility to provide the teacher with a stamped, peel-and-seal Staples envelope (available in Guidance) addressed to the college, as well as the college’s teacher recommendation form (if required), with the student portion completed.
6. For ease of matching materials, we suggest that you submit your application within 60 days of providing the Teacher Recommendation Request Form to your teacher.
7. The teacher sends the letter of recommendation directly to the colleges.
8. A written thank you note to your teacher is most appreciated.
Please note: Letters of recommendation are confidential and are not shared with students or parents. Colleges prefer that you waive your right to access so that more credibility is given to the teacher’s letters of recommendation.
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STAPLES TEACHER RECOMMENDATION REQUEST FORM
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Publications and Forms.’
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STAPLES TEACHER RECOMMENDATION REQUEST FORM
Please download from SHS Guidance website under ‘Publications and Forms.’
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THE APPLICATION
Guidelines
Begin well in advance of the deadline.
Set up an appropriate email address to be used for college correspondence.
Make sure you name the correct college in the responses!
If you have an intended major, you can list it. Otherwise, “Undecided” is an appropriate choice.
When asked to list activities, remember to include out of school activities.
Clarify activities so the admission committee has a clear idea of its purpose and your commitment.
Be sure to send any supplemental material if required.
Don’t rely on spell-check. Proofread yourself, then have the application proofread by an adult.
Tips for Online Applications
Follow directions and complete all steps.
Use Microsoft Word or Google Docs to complete your personal essay and writing supplements,
then copy and paste into the appropriate box on the online application.
If the application you are using does not provide adequate space to thoroughly explain your
activities or achievements, you may also wish to use the “Additional Information” section.
Consult with your counselor as to what information, if any, to include.
Review your application before you submit the final version.
After submitting your application, look for email confirmation that your application has been
received.
There are three different types of applications: The Common Application, Universal College Application, and school-specific applications. More information regarding the Common Application and Universal College Application can be found on the following pages. The college’s website will list which application(s) it accepts. If a college offers the choice of its own application or the Common Application, we recommend using the Common Application. If you have questions, please see your counselor.
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THE COMMON APPLICATION
The Common Application (www.commonapp.org) is a single application that students can use to
apply to over 600 colleges. The participating colleges will not differentiate between use of the
application developed by the college itself and the Common Application. If a college offers the
choice of their own application or the Common Application, we recommend using the Common
Application. If you have questions, please see your counselor.
On August 1 of each year, the updated version of the Common Application is released.
Staples submits your school materials online through Naviance, so it is essential that your Common
Application and Naviance Family Connection accounts match. To ensure your accounts match,
follow the instructions below:
1. Create a Common Application account at www.commonapp.org. Be sure your name and email
address match exactly in both your Common Application and Naviance accounts.
2. Add at least one college to your “My Colleges” list on the Common Application.
3. Complete the FERPA Release Authorization.
4. In Naviance, select the “Colleges” tab, then select “Colleges I am Applying to.”
5. Complete the Common Application account matching by entering the email address you used on
the Common Application.
If you are applying to a Common Application college, it must be listed on both your Common
Application “My Colleges” list and “Colleges I’m Applying to” in Naviance. If the lists from Common
Application and Naviance do not match, your school materials will not be sent to the appropriate
colleges.
Students need to remain organized and be aware of necessary supplements and deadline dates
including an Early Decision Agreement if applying Early Decision. Please note that more specific
and detailed information is shared on the Common Application website.
The Universal College Application (www.universalcollegeapp.com) was created as an alternative admission application to the Common Application. It is accepted by some colleges and universities. Forms for the two applications are very similar. A Supplement may be required by the college. An added feature of the Universal College Application is that applicants can add a link to videos, pictures, or other online media files that demonstrate a student’s talent or highlight an activity.
UNIVERSAL COLLEGE APPLICATION
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THE PERSONAL ESSAY
On most applications, students respond to one of several questions. Application essay questions have no right or wrong answers. It is the content of the essay and how you organize and support your thoughts that are most important. Your essay should serve as a reflection of who you are and provide evidence of your personality and experiences that are not reflected in other parts of your application.
ESSAY DOs
Write in the voice of a teenager. This is what
the colleges expect and want.
Answer the question. Write an essay that
explicitly addresses the question asked.
Conform to guidelines, including length.
Write about a topic you care about, not
simply one that “sounds impressive.” It will not
come across as sincere.
Describe feelings as well as actions. Be
thoughtful and reflective.
Use examples, anecdotes and/or specific
details.
Share your essay with your counselor prior
to submission in a timely manner.
ESSAY DON’Ts
Don’t use gimmicks. Gimmicks are risky and
often not appreciated.
Don’t write about what you think admission
officers want to hear.
Don’t just write about where you have been
or what you have done. Reflect on what your
experiences say about you as a person.
Don’t complain about your circumstances
or make excuses. It is acceptable to write
about challenges or obstacles. However, what
is important to your reader is how you were
shaped by the experience in a positive manner.
Don’t submit an essay that contains any
individual college’s name. Proofread
carefully.
SUPPLEMENTAL AND SCHOOL-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
A number of colleges ask for responses to additional questions. Take the time to answer these questions thoughtfully. Carefully proofread your responses. The effort and quality of these responses should be comparable to that of your main essay.
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THE COLLEGE INTERVIEW
The purpose of an interview is to enable you to make a direct personal impression on an admission
representative. It is a chance for the college to learn about you and for you to learn about the
college. Check with each college to determine if interviews are required or recommended.
Interview Tips
1. Learn as much as possible about the college before your interview.
2. Be prepared to both answer and ask questions. Having a list of questions with you is suggested.
Do not waste time asking obvious questions that have answers contained on the website.
3. Bring a copy of your transcript and/or résumé if you have one available.
4. Arrive a few minutes early. Manners and appearances are very important – dress appropriately.
5. Be sure to shake the interviewer’s hand and maintain good eye contact.
6. Be yourself at all times.
7. Follow up with a thank you note or email to your interviewer.
Questions You Could Be Asked:
1. Why are you interested in this college?
2. What do you do for fun?
3. What are your academic strengths and
weaknesses?
4. Which one of your activities has given you
the most satisfaction?
5. What would you say your three best
qualities are?
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
7. What have you enjoyed most about your
high school years?
8. What would you change about your school
if you had the chance?
9. What book have you enjoyed the most in
the last year and why?
10. Which academic course has been your
favorite? Your least favorite? Why?
11. Describe your favorite teacher.
12. Is your academic record an accurate
gauge of your abilities and potential?
13. Have you ever had a job? For how long
and what were your responsibilities?
14. Describe the community in which you live.
15. What do you plan to study?
16. Are you involved in any community service/
volunteer activities?
Questions You Could Ask:
1. Are there new programs or facilities that
will be available in the next few years?
2. Does social life revolve around the
campus?
3. What do your students do on the
weekends?
4. What is the availability of professors to
students?
5. What are the living arrangements for first
year students?
6. What are the opportunities for
undergraduate research?
7. How do you help freshmen get adjusted to
your college?
8. Is there a core curriculum of classes or
distribution requirements that students
must take?
9. Who would my advisor be?
10. What do the majority of your graduates do?
11. What type of career services exist?
12. Do you have internship programs
available?
13. Are there community service opportunities?
14. Tell me about your study abroad program.
15. At what point do I have to declare a major?
16. How easy is it to change majors?
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HOW DOES EVERYTHING GET THERE?
It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to be sure all application materials have been received by the colleges.
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FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Financial aid comes in four basic forms. Most financial aid packages offer a combination of the following:
1. Loans must be repaid with interest.
2. College Work Study allows the student to work on campus to contribute toward expenses.
3. Grants do not have to be repaid. (Merit- and need-based monies)
4. Scholarships do not have to be repaid. (Merit-based monies)
Follow these tips:
Discuss the family financial situation in regards to paying for college with your child.
Check out the FAFSA Forecaster (www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov). It is a tool to help students and families estimate their eligibility for federal student aid.
Starting in the fall of your son/daughter’s senior year, complete any individual financial aid and scholarship application forms for each college to which the student is applying (if applicable).
Attend the Financial Aid Night held at Staples in October.
Have all of your tax information organized early and complete the FAFSA online as soon after January 1 as possible. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges also require the submission of the CSS/Profile. Go to www.collegeboard.org to learn more and complete the application.
Colleges may have an earlier application deadline to be considered for scholarships. Check the college’s website for such deadlines.
Ultimately, all financial aid decisions are made by the individual college; therefore, it is necessary for you to work with the financial aid office at each college to which you are applying. Also, be sure to apply on time.
There is no single source for all financial information available. Therefore, it is important to reach out to your place of employment, clubs, and organizations, which may also provide awards.
Scholarship notices received by Staples are published regularly in the PTA Newsletter, posted on Naviance, and cataloged in the College and Career Center for easy accessibility. Families need to access these resources on a frequent basis since they are continuously being updated.
Staples High School Tuition Grants Program (www.staplestuitiongrants.org) provides financial assistance to qualified seniors and graduates who continue their education. As the single largest distributor of tuition grant dollars in Westport, the Tuition Grants Committee is responsible for disbursing funds contributed by over one hundred individuals, PTAs, civic organizations, local businesses, trusts and private foundations. Tuition Grants information and applications are available in the College and Career Center during second semester of senior year.
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COLLEGE APPLICATION ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
This document may help you to organize the college application process. It can be downloaded (and altered to a student’s specifications) at the SHS Guidance website under ‘Publications and Forms.’
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STAPLES SCHOOL PROFILE
S
A
M
P
L
E
The School Profile is a comprehensive document describing the Westport community, SHS statis-tics, our grading system and Honors and AP course offerings. It also clearly states that SHS does not assign class rank. Below is a sample of a Staples High School Profile, which, along with your transcript, is sent to colleges by the Guidance Office.
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POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING ONLINE RESOURCES
There is a wealth of information relating to the college search and admission process on the
internet. Below are websites that students and/or parents can reference. You can find a more
comprehensive list on the SHS Guidance web site.
General Information
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/staples/: SHS Guidance programs, forms, and local scholarships
http://connection.naviance.com/staples/: Naviance college search and application resources
http://www.commonapp.org/: The Common Application for Undergraduate College Admission
http://www.universalcollegeapp.com/: The Universal College Application
http://www.collegedata.com/: general college information site
http://www.collegenavigator.gov/: U.S. Department of Education college statistics
http://www.collegeresults.org/: The Education Trust database of graduation rates
http://www.inlikeme.com/: site covering multiple topics related to college admissions process
http://www.knowhow2go.org/: site with general information that breaks down the college process
http://www.ucan-network.org/: National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
http://goseecampus.com/college-trip-planner/: guide for planning college trips
http://www.unigo.com/: student review site
http://www.studentsreview.com/: student review site
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/: active discussion boards on college process
Standardized Testing
http://www.actstudent.org/: ACT test information
http://www.collegeboard.org/: SAT, SAT Subject Test, AP, and PSAT information
http://www.fairtest.org/: List of test-optional colleges and universities
http://compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx/: SAT Subject Test requirements by
college
http://www.toefl.org/: Test of English as a Foreign Language
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POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING ONLINE RESOURCES
Financial Aid
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/: government site for financial aid information
https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile/: CSS/Financial Aid Profile
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/: College Board financial aid information
https://www.salliemae.com/: student loan and saving information
http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/: financial aid forecaster
http://studentaid.ed.gov/: government sponsored site
http://www.nasfaa.org/Home.asp/: general financial aid information
http://www.finaid.org/: financial aid information, advice, and tools
http://www.collegeanswer.com/: general info, financial aid calculators, scholarship search tools
http://www.collegegoalsunday.org/: local assistance with completing FAFSA
Scholarships
Be cautious when considering the source of scholarships. No fee should ever be paid for
scholarship services nor should any organization guarantee a student a scholarship.
http://www.staplestuitiongrants.org/: Staples Tuition Grants
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.scholarships.com/main.aspx/
http://www.collegescholarships.org/
http://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/ebook/: scholarship search and financial aid information
http://www.questbridge.org/: scholarships for low-income students
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/topics/Pages/scholarships.aspx/: low-income and students of color
http://www.uncf.org/forstudents/scholarship.asp/: scholarships for African-American students
http://scholarships.hispanicfund.org/applications/: Hispanic College Fund scholarships
http://www.disaboom.com/scholarships/all-general-disability-scholarships/2/: scholarships for
students with disabilities
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POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING ONLINE RESOURCES
Other Considerations and Special Populations
Visit the SHS Guidance website for extensive information on gap year and post-graduate programs, applying to the U.S. service academies, and athletics in the college admission process.
http://eligibilitycenter.org/: NCAA eligibility website
http://www.collegestudentathletes.com/index.cfm/: for students considering Division III athletics
http://www.campusstarter.com/: Universities and colleges in Canada
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/: clearinghouse for attending university in the UK
http://www.edonline.com/cq/hbcu/: historically black colleges
http://www.hillel.org/index/: guide to Jewish life on campuses
http://www.lgbtcampus.org/: lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in the college process
http://www.ctcl.org/: site dedicated to Colleges that Change Lives group devised by Lauren Pope
http://www.a2zcolleges.com/arts/Drama/: performing arts colleges and universities
http://portfolioday.net/: National Portfolio Day for students interested in visual arts and design
http://www.waceinc.org/assets/boc2011/boc_guide_2011.html/: college co-op programs
Students with Disabilities
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/staples/guidance/downloads/
Post_HS_Options_for_Students_with_Learning_Differences.pdf/: SHS Guidance Post-High
School Options for Students with Learning Differences reference guide
http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/adults/post_secondary/post_secondary.asp/: website for the
national organization of students with learning disabilities
http://www.dys-add.com/CollegeInfo.pdf/: learning disabilities and AD/HD and college
http://www.thinkcollege.net/: college options for students with intellectual disabilities
http://www.heath.gwu.edu/: post-secondary education for students with disabilities clearinghouse
http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/college/: students with learning disabilities and/or AD/HD
http://www.ncld.org/college-aamp-work/: National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/health/college-resources-for-students.gs?content=798/: resources for students with learning disabilities and/or AD/HD
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In the Guidance Office and College and Career Center we are here to assist you through this process. Good luck and remember to see your counselor whenever you need help!