from left to right, UCLA,
Stanford, Harvard, USC;
below, Yale
College Application Guide
for students entering college in 2016-2017
Rowland High School
Principal: Mitchell Brunyer
A.P. of Guidance: Kelli Reese
2000 S. Otterbein Ave.
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
626-965-3448
rowlandhs.org
Courtesy of the RHS Guidance Department
Please do not duplicate without permission
Contents
Introduction
Guidance Staff
The College List
Application Options
The Applications
Application Process & Paperwork
1.Submit Application
2.Report Scores
3.Send Transcripts
4.Letters of Recommendation
5.Supplements
6.The Interview
7.Extra Materials
After the Applications Are Submitted
Financial Aid
College Parents Learn to Survive the First Year
Application Summary
Estimated College Expenses
Brag Sheet
College Planning Calendar
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Introduction
Welcome. If you are a senior this year, we hope you have spent time visiting and/or researching
colleges and are now ready for the application process. You have worked hard to get to this stage
and should be excited about life after high school. There is still some work to be done and we are
here to help. If you are not a senior in high school, we hope you find this packet an informative
tool in helping to plan and prepare for college admission.
This College Application Guide is designed to give you an overview of what you should be aware
of in your senior year. It will not answer all of your questions, but it will let you know what lies
ahead. We hope you will read this guide thoroughly and come to us with any questions you
have.
Guidance Staff
Dr. Cross
Ms. Gonzalez
Mr. Elder
Mrs. Hupman
Mrs. Liu
Mr. Thomas Roach
Student's Name
A-Chan
Chao-He
Hi-Maj
Mak-Sam
San-Z
AVID & Special Ed
Email
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Extension
3214
3218
3212
3215
3211
3232
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The College List
The key to a good college list is research and an open mind. Explore a wide range of schools
before you start focusing on your list. Research does not commit you to anything except time and
taking notes. By now, you may have a list of 10-15 schools that seem appropriate for your
interests and abilities. If you haven't done so already, you and your family should spend time
researching each of these schools. Over the course of this investigation, you may re-think your
ideas about colleges entirely. This is perfectly natural. Remember: the more you know about what
you want, the easier it will be to find it.
Tip: It is reasonable to consider a college because it offers a major that you are interested in,
but don't use that as the sole reason for a college being on your list. If your interests change
(which is highly likely), you will have no reasons left to be at your chosen college.
Tip: For students who are interested in the medical field, you should not consider a college
just because it has a great medical, dental, or pharmaceutical program. In reality,
undergraduate and graduate programs at a university rarely mix and undergraduate students
are unlikely to have opportunities to take advantage of the graduate school's resources.
Your final college list needs to encompass an appropriate spectrum of selectivity. The increased
competitiveness in college admission has done away with the term "safety school." With the
growing number of applications to every college, you will need to work effectively to gain
admission to every school on your list. This means you must feel strongly and positively about
every school to which you apply. If you cannot imagine being happy at a particular school, it
should not be on your list.
One of our goals is to help you identify schools that are "strong possibilities." These are schools
for which you are likely to be a strong candidate with a good chance of admission. Remember,
these schools must appeal to you since this is where your chances of admission are best. A school
should not be on your list simply to satisfy the "strong possibility" component of your list. In other
words, don't apply only because you know you can get in. If that is the case, then you must
replace the school with another school where you know you’ll be happy. You should have at least
three or four strong possibilities on the list.
Your list should also include three to four schools that are "eye-level." These are schools for which
you are a good candidate and where your chances of admission are about 50/50. Again, you will
have to work hard to gain admission to this group of schools. However, you will have the
advantage of knowing that your credentials are typical of their applicant pool. Your job for
admission to these schools will be to provide a profile that will tip the scales in your favor.
Finally, you should absolutely include a "dream" school or two. Take a risk. You might not get in,
but you will have tried. These are typically highly selective schools where no
one would question your ability to do well, but where your academic profile suggests you should
not count on admission. The application process is time-consuming and requires real
commitment.
Tip: For those who are seeking merit-based scholarships, it is a good idea to have a couple
more "strong possibility" schools on your college list. This is because you will be viewed as
a top candidate at your "strong possibility" schools, thus increasing your chances in
attracting merit-based aid.
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There is no need to apply to more than 10 schools. You may consider the University of California
as one school. Please note, however, that students should not apply indiscriminately to all of the
UC campuses. Like all other colleges, if you apply to a UC campus, make sure it is a school that
you have researched and feel is a good match.
Some students, in a misguided effort to increase their chances, submit up to 20-25 applications.
This increases the amount of work you do, but doesn't necessarily increase your odds of being
admitted.
What do you lose by applying to lots of schools? Consider this:
You rob yourself of quality time needed to do well in senior fall semester courses.
You impose unfair demands on your work energy and those of your teachers.
You fail to make individual schools aware of your genuine interest.
You spend more money than is necessary.
You expose yourself to more rejection than anyone needs. Regardless of how hard you
work to prepare for disappointment, it hurts!
Your senior year at Rowland is an exciting time. We want you to enjoy it!
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Application Options (see the chart at the very end of this document for more info)
The admission process is driven by deadlines. Regular Admissions, Rolling Admissions, Early
Admissions, Early Decision, and Early Action are all terms used by different colleges and
universities. The following explanations should help you understand the terminology. Please note
that with the exception of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, however, the UCs, CSUs, and some private
colleges like USC do not offer any of these application options.
Regular Admissions
This is the most common option for four-year colleges and universities. All students must submit
their applications by a specific date, usually between November and January. The admissions
board then reviews all the applications and sends out acceptances and rejection letters on the
same date.
Rolling Admissions
Common at large state universities, schools that provide rolling admissions allow students to
apply at any time during their admissions period; typically, September through July. The school
then evaluates each college application as it’s received and sends acceptance letters to students
who meet their requirements. Since admission is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, you’ll
want to submit your application as early as possible.
Early Admissions
If you have one or two schools that are your absolute dream colleges, you should consider one of
the early admissions options. However, while applying to college early and enjoying your senior
year without the typical acceptance stress may seem tempting, you need to make sure you don’t
lock yourself into a school and then change your mind.
If you’re sure, applying early lets universities know they’re your number one choice, which could
improve your chance of acceptance. Learn more about the different options and how your
admission works with these methods.
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Early Decision
Under this admissions program, you agree to attend this school if accepted, and you can’t apply
to any other college or university. If you receive an acceptance letter, you must withdraw any
other applications to other schools. Since this option is binding, you need to be sure about your
choice and realistic about your application. Make sure you get your guidance counselor’s opinion
before you submit an application with early decision.
Early Action
Like early decision, you are applying only to your top-choice school. However, unlike early
decision, you are not bound to attend if accepted and you can apply early action to more than
one university. You can accept an offer as soon as you receive it or wait to make your final
selection in the spring after you’ve found out where else you’ve been accepted.
The Applications
You have researched many colleges and universities. You have visited quite a few. You have
received plenty of advice. Now you have to apply. The admission process is an attempt by
colleges to select the most appropriate students for their particular institution in that given year.
The following are the types of applications you will likely work on this fall.
University of California (UC)
The UC application is used for applying to any of the nine UC campuses. The UC application can
be found at universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/apply. Students can begin working on the
application August 1 and can submit it between November 1st and November 30th.
Reminders
• The UC application fee is $70.00 per campus (price subject to change). If you apply to 9
UC campuses it would cost you $630.
• Make sure to complete the 2016-2017 application.
• Application workshops will be held in October & November.
• For help with your Personal Statement, go to rowlandhs.org > Counseling > College >
UCs.
• UC applications do not require letters of recommendation or transcripts.
• UC entrance exam requirements are SAT with essay or ACT plus writing.
• Register for the SAT online at collegeboard.com. Test dates for 2015 are October 3,
November 7, and December 5, and the cost is $54.50.
• Register for the ACT online at actstudent.org. Test dates are September 12, October 24,
and December 12, and the cost is $56.50.
• Rowland High School’s SAT/ACT code: 052696
California State University (CSU)
The CSU application is the simplest of the three and is used for applying to any of the 23 CSU
campuses. The CSU application can be found at csumentor.edu, but unlike the UC’s, you must
submit one application per each CSU campus you are applying to. Students can submit their
application between October 1st and November 30th. After November 30th, campuses will
accept applications on a rolling basis, which means first-come, first-served until they are full.
Please note that the more-selective Cal State (CSU) campuses will not accept applications after
the initial filing period. The same holds true for majors that are already impacted.
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Reminders
• The CSU application fee is $55.00 per campus
• Make sure to complete the 2016-2017 application
• Application workshops will be held in October & November.
• CSU applications do not require letters of recommendation or transcripts.
• CSU entrance exam requirements are the SAT Reasoning or ACT without writing.
• Register for the SAT online at collegeboard.com. Test dates for 2015 are October 3,
November 7, and December 5, and the cost is $54.50.
• Register for the ACT online at actstudent.org. Test dates are September 12, October 24,
and December 12, and the cost is $39.50 (without writing).
• Rowland High School’s SAT/ACT code: 052696
Tip: To be safe, submit all CSU applications by Halloween and all UC applications by
Thanksgiving.
Tip: CSU’s only count the Critical Reading and Math sections of the SAT (1600-point total).
When calculating your SAT score for admission to a CSU, do not include the Writing
section of the exam.
Tip: Make sure you use your legal name on all applications: college, SAT/ACT, FAFSA, etc.
And use proper punctuation and capitalization. You want to present yourself as
professional!
Common Application
The Common Application is an application that is accepted by over 500 private and public
colleges throughout the country. The Common Application can be found at commonapp.org.
College-Specific Applications
The colleges that don't use the Common Application have their own application. These
applications are usually similar to the Common Application in terms of the paperwork needed.
Please check with the individual college's website for application information.
Application Process & Paperwork
1. Submit the Online Application-required by all colleges (to be sent in by student)
You can't apply without using an online form. Although each of them looks different, they all
tend to ask for similar information. Most of the information will be fairly straightforward and
sensible.
Biographical Data
Be sure to be as accurate and complete as possible. Mistakes will cause problems for future
communication. As for parents and siblings, the colleges like to have information about them in
order to form a more complete picture of your home and background. Please be precise. Find out
what your mother or father's exact title is at work and where he or she works. Know their dates of
graduation, degrees held, and colleges attended. The care you take in completing the application
is considered to be a reflection of your precision of thought.
Educational Data and Grades
Fill in the courses you have taken here at Rowland and at any other schools and grades received
(if asked). Colleges typically do not just look at a student's grade point average (GPA). A student's
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GPA is meaningless without some context. Colleges will also look into the strength of your course
selection and the trend of your academic performance.
Standardized Test Scores
Standardized test scores are seldom used as the primary criterion for admission decisions.
However, since it is difficult to compare so many students from different high schools, the tests
sometimes assist in admission decisions. Students need to send their SAT/ACT scores directly to
each college to which they are applying.
Extracurricular Activities
When you get to the section about awards and honors, don't worry about quantity. Be sure to list
all of your significant commitments but be careful of Rowland jargon. Colleges may not
understand what Envirosci or Link Crew refers to. You should also be careful to specify the time
you spent each week on each activity. If the activity is seasonal or episodic, note that. The
colleges simply want to know how you spend your time. If you have a job, take care of a younger
sibling, are a member of a band, or do volunteer work, put it down.
Tip: Some students find it easier to complete this section of an application by first creating a
profile of all their activities and awards. Given that most applications don't have enough
space to list all your accomplishments, it is easier to identify your most significant activities
and awards when you have all of them written down in front of you on one piece of paper.
The Essay
Remember two points: First, your essay is the one part of the application process over which you
have complete control, and second, no essay is perfect because there is no absolute standard.
Don't try to determine what the colleges want you to write. Each admission officer has a different
view of the essays. Some read for content, some for form. Others don't read them at all. What the
colleges do want is for you to put forth your best effort and to share information about yourself
that is authentic. Use your own voice (too many adult proofreaders diminishes students’ voice
dramatically), make certain to answer the questions asked, and turn to your counselor for advice.
Carelessness is cruelly punished. So, too, are blandness, superficiality, and insincerity. This is no
time to be satisfied with a first draft. This process is about rewriting. It takes time, but an excellent
final product is worth it.
We have seen the result of well-intentioned family members or friends who write or rewrite
student essays. The product of too much time spent with a thesaurus or someone of a different
generation is easy to spot. Originality, creativity, and candor are valued in this process.
Your biggest ally is time--time to write, think, edit, rethink, rewrite, and start all over again. The
more time you dedicate to the process the more comfortable you will become with writing about
yourself. Your counselor is happy to review your essays and give feedback, but keep in mind that
while you are writing your essays, he or she is writing your recommendations, so an early start is
crucial.
Tip: Although you may not need to spend a lot of time writing, you will need to take a lot of
time planning a great essay. An essay may look great to you when you first write it, but it is
not likely to look nearly as good after two weeks. Be prepared to spend between four to six
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weeks and at least four or five rewrites for each essay. We suggest using a planning tool
such as a Thinking Map.
Tip: The Common Application's essay prompts are cut and dry. Some students have found
the prompts from the individual colleges to be much more interesting, but also more
difficult (students rarely get practice writing reflectively; this is why using a Thinking Map
will help a lot).
Application Fee
Almost all colleges charge an application fee. Please remember that applications aren't complete
until the application fee is paid. If you are eligible for a CollegeBoard fee waiver you may qualify
for an application fee waiver. Please see your counselor for further information.
2. Report SAT/ACT to Colleges-required by all colleges (submitted by the testing agencies at the
request of the student)
The reason that colleges want to see an official copy of your test scores is two-fold. First, they
want to confirm your test scores. Second, you may not know all your test scores at the time you
apply (especially if you are planning to take the November and or December exams). It is your
responsibility to ensure that your official scores are sent to every college you are applying to.
CSU: If you use the College Board's online score reporting service you can send your SAT scores
to all 23 campuses in the CSU system by simply choosing the CSUMentor code which is 3594. If
you use this code you do not need to send a copy of your scores to every campus.
UC: If you are applying to the UC system and you send an official test score to any one campus,
a copy of the score is also sent to UC’s application processing service. This score is matched to
your admissions application and sent as official to all campuses to which you have applied. You
do not need to send a copy of your scores to every campus.
You should take advantage of the pre-paid reports (four for every test) and send your scores to
colleges you are considering.
For the SATs: Students are given four free score reports each time they take the test IF they request
that their scores be sent within nine days of taking the SAT. Additional reports can be requested
for an additional fee.
For the ACT: Students are given four free score reports each time they take the test IF they request
that their scores be sent within four days of taking the ACT. Additional reports can be requested
for an additional fee.
For both the SAT and ACT: Remember to supply Rowland’s high school code when registering for
the test. This lack of information can cause delays in your college applications. Rowland High
School's SAT/ACT is 052696.
Tip: For students who are planning to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse, do not forget
to submit your test scores to them in addition to the colleges you are applying to. The NCAA
Clearinghouse's College/Scholarship code is 9999.
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3. Send High School Transcripts to Colleges (sent by the counselor at the request of the
student)-required by most colleges, but not the UC's, while the CSU's (other than Channel
Islands) will request transcripts on an individual basis.
If you want to send transcripts to college coaches, scholarships, or the NCAA Clearinghouse,
please request transcripts by completing a Transcript Request Form available from the Registrar’s
desk in the main office.
In addition to sending your transcript, we will also include a copy of Rowland’s School Profile.
This includes a great deal of information about Rowland and puts your GPA in some context. The
profile helps admission professionals understand the difference between our school and the
thousands of other schools from whom they receive applications. In addition, it helps them put
your performance in the context of other Rowland students.
Once you are accepted to a college and you decide to accept their offer, you must request a
FINAL transcript in June and pay $3.
4. Letters of Recommendation-usually required from private colleges and from some public
colleges, not required by the UC's and the CSU's. The initial form is found in the application
and completed and sent by the counselor and/or teachers at the request of the student.
There are two forms in college applications that would usually be accompanied by letters of
recommendations: the Secondary School Report, which is completed and sent by your counselor,
and the Teacher Recommendation, which is completed and sent by your teacher.
The Secondary School Report
This is the form for communication between Rowland and the college. In essence, this report
details the highlights of your secondary school career, noting your ups and downs, your strengths
and weaknesses if they help illuminate the picture. Rowland does not seek to keep anyone from
further education, yet we do attempt to be honest in our evaluations. Seldom do we make a
negative evaluation that is not already evident from a student's own academic record. The normal
procedure is to include positive factors that might otherwise not come to the attention of the
admissions officer. This is simply an attempt to put your young life here in some context for the
colleges. Keep in mind, however, that the secondary school report, no matter how glowing, will
almost always be less important than your grades, courses, testing scores, and personal statement.
Tip: When a student asks an individual to write a letter of evaluation, s/he must sign a
statement that s/he either reserves the right to see the letter or forfeits the right to see the
letter. While colleges will not take into consideration whether the applicant reserved the
right, most evaluators will. Evaluators often write very neutral letters when the student
reserves the right to access them. This is self-defeating to the applicant as colleges do not
want to see neutral letters.
Teacher Recommendations
Not all schools request or even accept recommendations. Those that do typically want them from
teachers and others who know the student well. These letters represent the student's chance for
some glowing support and should be given to persons who will be positive. If a teacher declines
to write on your behalf, which is a right they have, you should be less hurt and more grateful for
their honesty. You want your recommendations to be positive. Ideally, if you are asking for
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recommendations from two teachers, you would like to select teachers who can positively
highlight different aspects of you.
Recommendation Request Protocol
You should ask teachers and/or counselors well in advance whether or not they would be willing
to write on your behalf and give them at least three weeks prior to the deadline. Do not count
holidays or school breaks as part of the three weeks. The Rowland Guidance staff sets November
30 as the last day for students to request a letter of recommendation.
What Your Teacher/Counselor Needs to Write Your Letter of Recommendation
• The due date for the letter of recommendation (you must submit your request by November
30th).
• A Brag Sheet (page 19 or download one from our website).
Other Comments about Letters of Recommendations
Remember this: how you behave, how you appear, and how you treat faculty will determine what
your letters will be like. In a sense, you write the letter long before the faculty member actually
gets to it. Behave as you would like to be perceived.
Colleges will usually ask for three letters of recommendation: one from your counselor and two
Teacher Recommendations. Please only ask a maximum of two teachers to write letters of
recommendations. Teachers' time is just as important as your time. Please do not make them do
more work than they already do. Teachers are extremely busy and they may want to write you a
letter but they need time.
The question always arises, "What about letters from people outside of Rowland? Can I have them
write for me too?" One extra letter won't hurt. Two, maybe three extra letters might be trying too
hard. A final thought about extra letters of recommendation: family, friends, or alumni who offer
to write on your behalf should know you well (not just know your parents or the Dean of
Admissions, but YOU!). Politely decline otherwise.
5. Supplements-required by certain colleges
Supplements are additional information required by certain colleges. The supplements' questions
vary widely by institution. Some are fairly simple, such as asking you to list any relatives who
have attended the college. Others require additional essays. You must be very careful, however, to
make sure that you carefully and completely fill out any supplemental forms required by schools.
6. The Interview
First and foremost, inquire about the interview requirements. With the increase in applicants,
some colleges have done away with on-campus interviews and depend on local alumni to
provide them. Many have taken it a step further and done away with them entirely. Schools are
very clear in their admission literature about their
preferences. Required, recommended, encouraged, available or fully irrelevant--what they say is
what they mean. Look at the websites and brochures to find out what the school wants.
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Here are some observations:
•
The interview is primarily an exchange of information. You are evaluating the college as
they evaluate you. Make sure you have some questions in mind for your interviewer. Don't
miss this opportunity to determine what they are all about. Think of it NOT as impressing a
stranger but as making a friend.
•
Interviewers come in as many varieties as students. Some are the dean or director; others
are associates or assistants. Some are simply locals hired to do interviews and some are
currently students at the school. Some care, some don't. Some are perky and bubbly;
others are quiet and analytical. All are human beings. Don't be fooled by the title on the
door or the lack of title or even the lack of a door. Be interested and engaged.
•
Don't try to second-guess how you did in the interview. You probably can't tell anyway.
Just give it your best shot and go home happy.
•
Always be honest, forthright and complete with the interviewer. Sometimes they can help
you clarify decisions, identify strengths, offer advice or suggest alternatives.
•
Don't bother bringing up your grades or SAT scores. Typically admission officers will not
request this information during an interview. However, should they ask, provide the
necessary information and move on. Admission officers take their roles as counselors
seriously and can often give you helpful feedback regarding your options.
•
Please, please don't think that the hour and a half interview is a better interview than the
30-minute one. Some interviewers have the time, others don't. Here quality beats quantity
every time.
Here are some tips:
• Be sure to set up the interview well in advance and then arrive early. You can walk around
and clear your head.
• You don't have to dress for the prom. If you're overdressed you'll probably feel
uncomfortable. A sweater, slacks or skirt, and casual shoes are just fine. Just don't be too
casual and do be neat and well groomed. Jeans, T-shirts, shorts, or any clothing that is too
revealing are not a good idea.
• Be sure you have basic information about yourself and the college committed to memory.
• It is critical to know fundamental facts about the college (number of students, male/female
ratio, key programs, etc). Also be sure that the college offers the major you express an
interest in. Know the courses you have taken and plan to take your senior year. The college
can then give you an idea as to whether your courses meet their expectations.
• Thank you notes are a must.
Possible interview questions that you may be asked:
• How did you hear about us?
• Why are you interested in us?
• What other colleges are you looking at?
• What are your favorite subjects?
• What are your strengths, weaknesses?
• Do you have a specific major in mind? (Don't be afraid of being undecided.)
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Tell me about Rowland High School.
Tell me about your family.
Tell me about your community.
What activity do you enjoy most?
What books have you recently read outside of school?
What are you passionate about?
Remember, there are no right answers, only your answers. Don't be afraid to pause and think. Be
enthusiastic! It pays to be specific about what you like and why you like it, whether in regard to
your own life or to the college.
Alumni Interviews
Some colleges rely on alumni around the country to help conduct interviews. Most alumni
interviews are fair and productive, perfectly adequate substitutes for an on-campus interview.
Some points to remember:
• Some colleges require an alumni interview. Someone will contact you directly after you
have applied. It is the student's responsibility to follow through on the request for an
interview.
• Don't let yourself be talked into thinking that the interviewer will be able to "get you in."
He or she is only one part of a large, complex process.
7. Extra Materials
Should you consider sending an art portfolio, a music tape, an athletic video, or a sample of
creative writing or special science project? All of these forms should be carefully selected and
produced, and should only be submitted in consultation with your counselor. If you decide to
submit supplemental materials, get to work on them as soon as possible. Some colleges will
consider these projects or have their faculty evaluate them for potential. If you want the material
back, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with the materials. With regard to art materials,
slides for their Art Department and prints for the admissions office are often the best practice. For
music, make sure the tape is clear and that your part is prominent. For writing, choose a sample
of your best work and reproduce it clearly. For science, it helps to offer a brief explanation for the
non-scientist. Caution: Do not send materials that are irreplaceable--you may never get them
back.
After the Applications Are Submitted
By the start of the Spring Semester, you should have finished with the entire application process.
You can now relax some, but not too much, as there is still plenty to do.
A. For students applying to private colleges: you will need to have your counselor complete and
submit Midyear Report forms. The Midyear Report consists of your updated transcripts (with first
semester senior year grades). The Midyear Report forms are found in the individual college
application packet or in the Common Application. Please submit them to your counselor no later
than January 15.
B. In January, apply for financial aid attend and attend our Financial Aid Workshop. See our
section below on Financial Aid for more details.
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C. This is a great time to be searching and applying for outside scholarships. A great scholarship
search website is fastweb.com. Please note that the Scholarship page on our website also keeps
an updated list of local and national scholarships.
Tip: Although the large awards for many of the national scholarships sound tempting, the
odds of winning those are slim as you will be competing with thousands of other students
nationally. You are likely to have better luck with smaller scholarships offered by local
organizations (Rotary, Red Cross, Kiwanis, Elks, etc) as they receive significantly fewer
applicants.
D. Be certain to reply to any further requests for grades or information from the colleges as soon
as they arrive. Sometimes additional information is needed for colleges to make their decision.
E. Keep working hard in your classes and do not drop your core classes. The college expects you
to complete courses listed on your application. If it is absolutely necessary that you change your
schedule, it is your responsibility to notify each college admissions office and explain your
decision to drop.
F. Remember to update your college application decisions with your counselor as you receive
your acceptance/denial/waitlist letters and any scholarship award letters so we can prepare the
graduation list of college acceptances and placements.
G. You will gradually receive your letters of acceptance, with a majority of them arriving during
March and early April. Financial aid awards are usually sent about two weeks after the
acceptance letters. You will have until May 1st to submit a deposit to the college you plan to
attend in the fall. To be fair to the colleges and other applicants, please do not make multiple
deposits. By then, you have had more than enough time to research and decide.
Financial Aid
Students interested in applying for financial aid for college need to complete the FAFSA (Free
Application for Federal Student Aid). Use the FAFSA to apply for financial aid for all 4-year
colleges/universities and community colleges in the United States.
All parents should attend our FAFSA workshop in January. A financial aid officer from a local
college will explain the financial aid process and talk about the different types of financial aid
and scholarships available. The time and location will be announced.
• Fill out the 2016-2017 FAFSA
• Submit your FAFSA online between January 1-March 2 at fafsa.ed.gov
• Are you applying to any private colleges? If so, check to see if they require the CSS Profile
application. The CSS Profile is an additional financial aid application required by certain private
colleges/universities. You can register for the CSS Profile at profileonline.collegeboard.com.
• You must submit a FAFSA even if you are submitting the CSS Profile.
• Within a week of submitting your FAFSA, you should receive an email notifying you that your
FAFSA has been processed and where to log in to access your Student Aid Report (SAR). The
SAR is a summary of the FAFSA information you submitted.
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• It is extremely important that you log in to check your SAR and immediately correct any
mistakes then resubmit it for recalculation. Failing to correct any mistakes could delay the
financial aid process.
FAFSA tips:
• The FAFSA will require you to list at least one college to send your FAFSA information to. Since
you probably will not have been accepted to any colleges yet you'll have to list all the colleges
you applied to in the fall.
• The FAFSA only allows a student to list up to 10 colleges to send their FAFSA information to so
make sure you list your top 10 choices first. Don't worry if you applied to more than 10
colleges, you'll be able to list more colleges later on in the process.
• Always list your most expensive California college first.
• Once you've verified that all the information on your SAR is correct then you can log back into
your FAFSA and delete the previous 10 colleges and add 10 more colleges to have your FAFSA
information sent to them also.
Cal Grants:
• GPA Verification Form: Rowland will electronically upload GPAs for all seniors to the California
Student Aid Commission. Students do not need to submit a separate GPA Verification Form.
• If you listed at least one California college on your FAFSA then you should be receiving an
email from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) confirming your eligibility.
If you were accepted to a college that you listed on your FAFSA then you will soon receive a
financial aid award letter. The financial aid award letter will show you which types (grants, loans,
scholarships, etc.) of financial aid you are eligible to receive and the amount that you were
awarded. You will receive an award letter only from the colleges that you have been accepted to.
College Parents Learn to Survive the First Year
By Steve Gladis * Special Thanks to The Washington Post
It's been a torturous year waiting for test scores, grinding out trips to every college campus within
a 500-mile radius of home and reminding your child to submit applications to a half-dozen
schools. Then finally the acceptance letters come and as parents, you think your troubles are over.
Think again.
You are about to embark on an odyssey over which you have little control but in which you have
enormous responsibility for financial, legal and, most of all, emotional support. However, you're
not alone. Every fall, thousands of parents say tearful goodbyes to their sons and daughters
leaving for college.
But here's a stunning statistic: During that first, most critical year, nearly 25 percent of students at
four-year institutions drop out. That is a significant financial and emotional cost to themselves and
you -- their parents. So, to assist you along the way, here are 10 tips to help you survive your
child's first year at college:
1.) Offer roots and wings: Let's start with the toughest one first. Providing a touchstone, a link
back to stability during a year of continuous adjustment, is critical. As parents, you can offer firm
roots to first-year students being blown around by the strong winds of change. At the same time,
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as students begin to stabilize, you have to let them go -- to give them wings. First-year students
need to make their own decisions.
Thus, the first year is a balancing act for parents -- both a time for stabilizing -- yet, at the same
time, for adjusting to their children's independence. Offering roots and wings is a difficult task
best done in stages by starting as early as possible -- perhaps over the summer before classes
begin.
2.) Communicate, communicate, communicate: With phone cards, cell phones, e-mail and
instant messenger, there's no excuse for not staying in touch with your college-bound student.
Don't be surprised to get a lot of contact in the very beginning and for it to taper off as the
semester rolls on.
Typically, kids hold on to you through communication -- roots. And as they let go -- get their
wings -- they feel more confident and take you for granted. This is not a bad thing but a reality.
No matter where they are on their roller-coaster ride, communicate with them. Tell them what
you're doing and ask them what they're doing. It's not a sin to ask them if they're going to class,
eating well and getting sleep.
In fact, if you suspect a problem, send a letter or an e-mail about the issue before you discuss it.
This will enable you to express your concerns without the heavy emotion that often comes in a
face-to-face meeting or in a phone call.
I learned this from my wife, who is a master at well-worded and thought-through e-mails that
pose important questions and offer honest, loving advice. Kids listen despite what you might
think. So tell them what you think, but only after you've done a lot of listening first.
3.) Fasten your seat belt: You're in for a roller-coaster ride, too. The smiley faces of the first few
days as kids meet their cool roommates and their interesting teachers will turn into frowny faces
by mid-semester, if not sooner. Students' idealized views of college -- parties, fun and sun -- will
turn rudely into the reality of tests, compromises and adjustments.
So don't get crazy when you get a call or an e-mail that reflects the elation of the first few weeks
or the frustration of the mid-semester despair. It is normal. Let me repeat this: It is normal.
4.) Hang tough: While you're on the receiving end of "This place really sucks," it's not always
easy to hang in there. You may feel helpless or at a loss for words. The important thing to do is
listen. Eventually, if your child's concerns require action, you, as a parent, will make that
decision.
When my youngest daughter hit this trough in her first semester, she announced that she wanted
to leave the very university that six months ago she had done cartwheels to get into. We listened,
talked and listened more. We had a family meeting and listened more. Then I announced that
we'd have another conversation after the first year and that leaving during the first semester was
not an option.
Some tears, a few raised voices. We hung tough. Now a senior, my daughter announced how
glad she was to have stayed at such a wonderful university. Hang tough. Did I mention that such
vicissitudes are normal?
This document may not be reproduced in any format without permission from Rowland High School !15
5.) Ask for help: When in doubt, check your feelings with other parents. Find parents who have
already survived the first year of college. Talk to other kids, such as recent college graduates. They
tend to have the best hands-on advice, and you'll be surprised both by their wisdom and their
delight to offer it.
Finally, if you ever sense that your child has a serious problem, don't hesitate to contact the
school's counseling office. As a rule, school counselors are excellent, confidential and very
experienced in problems that might arise. Enlist their help. They'll not only counsel you but
they'll also make every attempt to get your child in for a listening session. Remember, school
counselors treat both what you say and what your child says in strict confidence. Translation:
They won't tell any party what the other said unless given permission.
6.) Embrace the quiet: After students leave in August for school, their empty rooms, now-missing
voices and even the lack of phone calls may at first be an emotional downer. After all the
activities dissipate -- the sports, the dates, the friends and the background noise of our kids -- we
naturally respond to the environmental change. But I will guarantee that at some point well into
the semester, you'll wake up after a refreshing uninterrupted night of glorious sleep to hear not a
sound except birds chirping.
7.) Keep eyes half shut: There's a story about an aging minister who gave advice to a young
couple about having a long, loving marriage: Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half
shut after marriage. I advise the same with adult children.
At some point, first-year students come home for a weekend break or for the longer, more
challenging holiday break. The first visit home will be interesting. Kids and parents aren't quite
sure how to react to each other.
As best you can, treat them like guests, not like big children. For example, forget curfews. They
haven't had curfews for months and won't have them when they go back to school. Respect gets
you a lot further than rules, advice and criticism. It's not easy, but effective.
8.) Visit students carefully: Visiting first-year students at school can be tricky. Why? Simple: You're
a parent, with all the natural baggage parenting brings, and now you are invading their turf. So
you need to be careful and deliberate.
I suggest the following formula for a successful campus visit: 1. Always announce your visit.
Again, ask permission. This pre-visit request will save everyone mounds of embarrassment and
disappointment. 2. Stay only for a short time. I suggest anything more than a few hours is
overstaying your welcome, especially if it's on a weekend -- you'll likely get in the way of a party
or road trip. 3. Feed them. Take students out to dinner or lunch. They'll enjoy the relief from
institutional cooking, and it gives you all something to do as you exchange information and catch
up. 4. Leave money. I suggest leaving $20. 5. Leave town. If you've come a long distance, find an
excuse to visit a nearby tourist attraction. That's it.
9.) Trust them to do the right thing: Research by sociologists suggests that children are valueprogrammed by the time they're 10 years old. Certainly, by the time they've hit college, you've
inculcated your values in them. I've proven this in numerous seminars I've conducted with
students and parents.
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All the advice and counseling you've given your kids runs on a continuous loop in their heads.
They may not live their lives exactly the way you wish they would, but your lifetime of instruction
will not be ignored.
When I talk to students, I tell them about the red-face test. Whenever they're faced with difficult
personal decisions, they should consider this: If my parents were to see what I'm about to do on
the television or on the front page of the local newspaper, would I be embarrassed? If the answer
is yes, I tell them to run from the situation.
Students know what's right and will usually do the right thing. Besides, when they're miles away
from home, what choice do you have but to trust them?
10.) Remember a simple prayer: The first line of the "Serenity Prayer," made famous by its use at
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, offers consoling advice: "God, grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the
difference. . . . " Such wise counsel can well serve any parent of a college-bound student:
Serenity, courage and wisdom.
Application Summary
UC
CSU
Other Private
10/1 to 11/30
Common
Application
Varies
Application Dates
11/1 to 11/30
Application Fees
$70
$55
Varies
Varies
Send Official Test Scores
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Send Official Transcripts w/
Application
No
No
Yes
Yes
School Report
No
No
Yes
Varies
Teacher
Recommendation
No
No
Yes
Varies
Supplements
No
No
Varies
Varies
Varies
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Estimated College Expenses
All expenses are based on the 2014-2015 academic school year for California residents.
International student fees vary from college to college. You need to contact each individual
college for current tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses. Fees subject to change without
notice. Visit californiacolleges.edu for more information.
Mt. SAC
Cal Poly Pomona
UCR
USC
Fees/Tuition
$1,288 (12 units)
$6,822
$14,800
$48,347
Books & supplies
$1,710
$1,550
$1,700
$1,500
Room and board
N/A
$13,284
$15,000
$13,334
Miscellaneous
$138
$2,265
$2,800
$1,580
TOTAL
$3,136
$23,921
$34,300
$64,761
Estimated Cost to Apply to College for 2016 Seniors
2 SAT Reasoning Tests
2 SAT Subject Tests
2 ACT
2 Private College Apps
2 UC Applications
2 Cal State Applications
2 CSS PROFILEs
Total
$109
$ 70ish
$113
$200ish
$140
$110
$41
$783ish
Most take this test more than once
Optional
Some students take both the ACT and SAT
Average fee is $100 per application
The fee is $70 per campus
The fee is $55 per campus
UC and CSU do not require this
This document may not be reproduced in any format without permission from Rowland High School !18
RHS Brag Sheet
Directions: Please complete this Brag Sheet with as much detail as possible. This form should be typed and emailed
to your counselor as an attachment (please do not type your answers in the body of an email).
Student Name:
1. Explain why you are choosing to apply to your top college. Why is this college a good fit for
you? What are the qualities that the top college looks for in their applicants?
2. What is your college major and/or your career goal and why?
3. List 5 words you would use to describe yourself and why.
4. How do you spend your free time (answer this question only if you have something worth mentioning; no
need to tell me about how you hang out with your friends)?
5. Is there anything unusual about you or your family (cultural background, travel, size, etc.)?
6. Describe an experience that has had a great impact on your life and why (writing about the 3Ds is
a no-no: divorce, death or disease).
7. What’s important to you? What are you passionate about? How have you pursued your
interests?
8. What are your top two traits and how have you used them (provide an example/anecdote that explains
why you selected these traits as your two most important)?
9. What is one of your weaknesses? How have you overcome or compensated for this weakness?
10. Describe and explain your pride in one accomplishment while at Rowland (it could be a project,
paper, working diligently to learn a difficult concept, or anything else you’re proud of).
11. Which community service activity was most meaningful to you during high school?
12. How have you grown during high school?
13. What makes you a successful leader?
14. What is your greatest accomplishment so far in life?
15. How do you plan to impact the future?
16. Is there other information you would like for me to share with your prospective colleges?
Tip: Give specific, concrete examples that demonstrate why you are a student who would contribute to the
educational environment and intellectual vitality of a college campus. What makes you unique or stand out from the
other students who have similar GPA’s and test scores? What gifts distinguish you? Try not to include anything that
will appear on your application.
Tip: Remember to write thank you notes to the people who took the time to write your recommendations. A little
appreciation goes a long way.
This document may not be reproduced in any format without permission from Rowland High School !19
2016-17 College Planning Calendar
August
October
• 8/1: UC application open
• 10/1: Cal State application opens
September
• 10/1: CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE opens
• Finalize research on colleges
• 10/3: SAT
• Getting good grades all year long starts now
• 10/24: ACT
• 9/12: ACT
• Work on college essays
November
December
• 11/1: UC application submission opens
• Last SAT/ACT for UCs & Cal States
• Deadline for Early Action/Early Decision
• SAT Subject Tests are optional for UCs but
might be a good idea
• 11/7: SAT
• 11/30: Deadline to request letters of recommendation
• 11/30: Deadline for Cal State and UC applications
• 12/5: SAT test
• 12/12: ACT test
• Financial Aid Application Workshop on 12/17 at
6:30pm in the Gym
January
February
• 1/1: FAFSA opens (Free Application for Federal
Student Aid)
• Check that colleges have received all materials:
applications, test scores, and financial aid forms
• Check for scholarships
• Carefully read all information you receive from
colleges
• Do we have your correct social security #?
• Continue to check for scholarships
March
April
• 3/2: Deadline to submit FAFSA to qualify for Cal
Grants
• Most college admission decisions will arrive
• UC and Cal State decisions will arrive
• If colleges request additional information send it to
them immediately
• Financial aid offers will begin to arrive
• Make a final decision and mail the enrollment
form and deposit to your selected school before
May 1st
• Register for Cal State placement tests
May
June
• 5/1: Enrollment deadline for UCs and Cal States
• Complete a final transcript request form with
our Registrar to be sent to the college you’ve
chosen to attend.
• AP & IB exams at RHS
• Fill out housing forms with your selected college
• Write thank you notes to teachers and counselors
who wrote your letters of recommendation
• Make sure you have responded to all requests
from your college
• Remember to thank everyone who helped you
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