Seniors

  • Continue to take the most challenging courses that you can handle. The strength of your senior schedule will be a factor as you apply to colleges. While Honors or AP courses are a good fit for some, they are not a good fit for all. Strength of schedule also means that you are challenging yourself to the best of your ability. Be sure to include a math and science in your senior schedule and to round it out with academic electives so that it is obvious that you are continuing to prepare yourself for college.
  • Follow up with the teachers with whom you requested letters of recommendation.
  • Meet with college representatives in the fall as they visit the SK campus. These meetings are important as usually, the college admission representative who visits the campus is the person who will review your application file and present it to the admission committee. Be sure to make a good impression in these visits by being personable, interested and engaged.
  • Be sure to sign up for the Fall SAT and/or ACT dates. You should try to finish taking these tests by December so that the scores are available in time for your application to be reviewed in a timely manner.
  • Stay on top of admission and financial aid deadlines. These are published on each school’s website or in their admission materials.
Regular Admission

Applications are due by a certain date and decisions are sent out on a certain date.  (ex. Applications are due to the college by January 15 and the decisions are mailed on March 15.)

Early Decision: (Binding)

  • By selecting this option, you agree to attend the college if you are accepted and you receive adequate financial aid. Basically, if you are accepted, you will attend.
  • You can only apply “Early Decision” to one college. You can apply to other colleges, but you can only use the Early Decision option once.
  • Once you are accepted, you are to withdraw your applications from other colleges and your deposit will be due early.
  • Advantage: You’ll know your acceptance status in December or January.
  • Concern: Need to be sure it is your first choice school and that you have examined your financial situation.
Early Action (Non-binding)
  • You can apply to more than one college using this option.
  • You will hear from the college by December or January
  • You will not need to send your deposit until the spring
  • Early Action Restricted:  Some schools offer this, where students cannot apply using an early action option with any other school—you still have until the spring to send your deposit.
Rolling Admissions
Colleges with rolling admissions accept applications until they fill their spots.  As each application comes in, it’s reviewed and decisions are then made on a case by case basis and you will usually hear back within four to eight weeks.

Advantage: You can find out early if you have been accepted and adjust your application strategy accordingly.

College Application Tips

Admission to college can be a subjective, complicated process. Decisions are generally based upon a committee’s evaluation and discussion of the applicant’s file. When a student applies to college, the admissions office collects a number of pieces of information in order to have a full picture of the applicant. The application is one way that an applicant’s character and personality can emerge. A careful, thoughtful job on the application can make a difference.  College admissions officers often comment on how a poor application has hurt someone’s chances and how a thoughtful, well-presented application has pushed a more borderline candidate to the admitted group.  In general, an admission counselor will spend 20 minutes on an applicant’s file—that’s how long you have to make a memorable impression!

To make a positive impression:
  1. Proofread before submitting or sending the application!  If you are sending the application electronically, don’t hurry—be careful and precise. After you submit your application, look for a confirmation receipt to arrive. Print it once you receive it and save it. If you do not hear from the college within a week, call to confirm that they received your application.
  2. Answer questions thoroughly, but don’t overdo it! It’s tempting to tell the admissions officer everything you have ever done or are interested in doing. Try to resist the temptation and concentrate on quality rather than quantity.
  3. Complete all questions.
  4. Be yourself—sometimes this is easier said than done. You will drive yourself crazy if you try to figure out what the college wants to read. There is seldom a wrong answer. The committee wants an honest, clear answer that will tell them something about YOU.
  5. Email addresses should be appropriate—set up an email address just for college applications and correspondence.
  6. Print a hard copy of your application to save for your records. If you are using a hard copy, be sure to make a copy before you send it in the mail.
Regarding Teacher Recommendations:
  1. Teachers will need at least a three week notice for writing a recommendation. Be sure to provide a copy of your resume. Teachers should forward their letters of recommendation to the guidance office.
  2. Some colleges require that a form be completed as part of your teacher or counselor recommendation. Be sure to give those forms to the appropriate people. Many times the top section of the form needs to be completed and signed by you before you give it to the teacher.
  3. When requesting transcripts from the guidance office, be sure to pay attention to deadlines!  For example, if the deadline is November 1, you will need to meet with your guidance counselor two to three weeks earlier to request your transcript, etc.
Information you will need to complete your applications:
Seton Keough High School
1201 Caton Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21227
Phone: 410-646-4444

School Code (CEEB #): 210034

Guidance Counselor Information:
Beverly McIntyre (bmcintyre@setonkeough.com)
Susan Yost (syost@setonkeough.com)

The SAT vs. the ACT

Most colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?

It’s all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT.  To help you zero in on the right exam, here are seven key differences:

ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.
ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you’re being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT Writing Test (their name for the essay):

SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?

The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.
If you’re an ardent wordsmith, you’ll love the SAT. If words aren’t your thing, you may do better on the ACT.|

The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
You don’t need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills, based upon a given set of facts. But if you’re a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.

The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.
The ACT requires you to know a little trigonometry, in addition to the algebra and geometry you’ll find on the SAT. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.

The ACT Writing Test is not required.
The 25-minute SAT essay is required, and is factored into your Writing score. The 30-minute ACT Writing Test is optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score—schools will see it listed separately.
 
The SAT is broken up into more sections.
On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning) in one big chunk, with the optional Writing Test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing) are broken up into ten sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. Will it distract or refresh you to move back and forth between different content areas?

The ACT is more of a “big picture” exam.
College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they’re most concerned with your composite score. So if you’re weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score.

(Information above is from www.princetonreview.com)

Completing and Processing the College Application 


How to Apply!
  1. Complete the Application:  Each student is responsible for completing the college application.  This can be done either on-line or by mail.  If the student is completing the application on-line, it is important to proofread and to be sure that all sections have been completed before submitting the application.  Make sure that once you have submitted the application electronically, that  you receive a confirmation that the application has been received.  It is also a smart idea to print a hard copy of your application to keep for your files.

    Common Application:  Over 400 colleges and universities accept the Common Application.  Once completed on-line or in print, copies of the application can be used at any of the participating colleges.  To learn more about the Common Application and to view the list of participating colleges go to www.commonapp.org.

  2. Send SAT/ACT Scores: It is the responsibility of the student to determine which colleges require which test scores and to request that scores be sent directly from the SAT or ACT testing services. Standardized test scores do not appear on the SKHS transcript. Students can request that scores be sent to up to 4 colleges when they register for the SAT or ACT.  They may also indicate colleges on the Correction Form which is attached to their admission ticket. 

    Scores can also be sent via online requests at www.collegeboard.com (SAT) or  www.act.org (ACT).  There are fees associated with these online requests.  It can take a few weeks for the scores to be received by the colleges, so it’s important to make these requests as soon as possible.  For an additional fee scores can be rushed.

    College Board has recently announced “Score Choice” which means that students will be able to choose which scores they want sent.  Please note that colleges have responded to this new policy in very different ways, so it’s important to check with each individual college if you are thinking about using this option.
  3. Request Transcript Packet:  Once the application has been completed, students should make an appointment with their guidance counselor. A Transcript Request form will be completed at this time, indicating what needs to be included with the transcript. It is the student’s responsibility to know what other documents the college requires. 
The Guidance Office will not accept any transcript requests that are dropped off—students must meet with us in order for the transcript packet to be sent.

What you might want SKHS to send along with your transcript:
  • Teacher Recommendations
  • Secondary School Reports
  • Counselor recommendation
  • Senior Schedule
  • Essay
  • Application fee
  • Resume
  • Other
How long will it take for a transcript packet to be mailed?  In most cases, transcript packets will be mailed within a week of the request. However, it is important that you follow the deadlines below:
  •  If the college has a November 1 deadline date, transcript requests are due to your guidance counselor by October 15.
  •  If the college has a December 1 deadline date, transcript requests are due to your guidance counselor by November 15.
  •  If you would like your transcript mailed before the Christmas break, your transcript request must be submitted by December 8.

SKHS will send the first 6 transcripts at no charge.  After the 6th transcript, there will be a $3 charge.

Teacher Recommendation Forms, Secondary School Reports, Letters of Recommendation
When you are completing your application, be sure to print any of the forms that need to be completed by a teacher or guidance counselor.  Teachers will need a few days to complete these forms.  If you have not already asked a teacher to write a recommendation for you, this should be taken care of as soon as possible. 

Common Application

More than 400 colleges use the Common Application. This allows students to complete one application and send it to more than one college. For a listing of schools who offer this application, visit www.commonapplication.org. Some schools accept the common application but also require a supplement. These instructions would be listed clearly on the school’s web-site. After completing the application and proofreading it, remember to submit the application!

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market is a group of schools among 16 southern states that allow non-residents to enroll in specific degree programs at in-state tuition rates provided the academic program they are pursuing is not offered in the student’s home state.  A list of undergraduate programs that Maryland students can take advantage of can be found at the Maryland State Higher Education Commission: www.mhec.state.md.us.

Fair Test

There are many colleges that make admission decisions without using the SAT or ACT.  Some schools exempt students who meet grade-point average or class rank criteria while others may still require scores after the student has been accepted (used only for placement purposes and/or research studies).  It is very important to look at each school’s admission criteria as their requirements will vary.  A full list of schools that do not require SAT or ACT can be found at www.fairtest.org.

Admission Criteria:  What do colleges consider when making their decisions?

Sometimes it doesn’t seem quite clear, but each college does have its own set of criteria to evaluate its applicants.  Schools may differ in how they weigh the various aspects of the application, but most consider the following, in order of importance:

  1. Academic Record: Colleges will examine the student’s transcript to determine the student’s grade point average, the quality and range of courses (how well did the student challenge herself within her high school’s curriculum), and attendance trends.

    • GPA (Grade Point Average):  SKHS submits only a weighted GPA. With each application that is sent, a School Profile is included. The School Profile describes for the college the high school’s academic program, grading scale, etc. Many colleges recalculate each student’s grade point average, so that all the applicants are looked at in the same way.

    • Trends: Trends in student grades can be important. Did the student start off weak, but progress to stronger courses and better grades? Did the student start off strong and then drop? Has the student been consistent?

    • Curriculum:  For some colleges, the types of classes that were taken are more important than the grade point average.  Has the student challenged herself in preparation for college?  College prep program?

    • Senior year:  Senior year is important!  Many schools will ask for a student’s mid-year grades before making a decision, so it is important that students continue to prepare and study for classes and exams. Also, keep in mind that a college can rescind its admission decision if the student’s final grades drop significantly.

  2. Standardized Test Scores: Most schools will accept SAT or ACT scores. Some of the more selective colleges may also request SAT II Subject tests.

    • It is the responsibility of the student to determine which colleges require which test scores and to request that scores be sent directly from the SAT or ACT testing services.

    • What scores do colleges consider?  Most colleges consider the highest math and highest verbal scores among all the SAT tests that the student has taken.

    Ex.  May SAT:          Critical Reading 510     Math  480
           October SAT:    Critical Reading 480     Math 530

    Colleges will take the Critical Reading Score of 510 and the Math score of 530 when evaluating this applicant. Important to note that colleges will not generally “mix and match” scores for the ACT.  Instead, colleges typically use the ACT with the highest composite score.

    • Test Optional Policy:  Some colleges offer a Test Optional Policy for students who believe that standardized test scores do not accurately reflect the strength of their academic achievements. In place of submitting SAT or ACT scores, students may submit a graded writing sample/research paper.  Once accepted, the student may need to submit scores for placement purposes. Some schools will also require the scores if the student wants to be considered for academic scholarships. For a list of schools that offer a test optional policy, go to www.fairtest.org.

    When registering for the SAT or ACT,  students are to enter their school code.  Seton Keough’s School Code: 210034

  3. Extracurricular Activities/Student Resume:  This is an important area for colleges as they want to see how the student utilizes their free time/what might they be able to contribute toward college life?

    • What types of activities are they involved in?
    • Do they hold any leadership positions?
    • Employment
    • Have they demonstrated commitment to service?

  4. Letters of Recommendation:  Letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counselors, provide the colleges with a broader, more subject view of the student. Students should select a teacher who knows them well—it does not need to be from a teacher in whose class they received an A.

  5. Essay: The essay is important as it provides the student the opportunity to distinguish themselves from other students.  When writing the essay, it is important that it is organized, thoughtful and well-written. STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE A TEACHER, COUNSELOR OR OTHER ADULT PROOFREAD THEIR ESSAY—spell check does not always do the trick!  Several admission counselors who have visited SKHS this fall have mentioned that poorly written essays with typos, etc. have negatively affected a student’s admission.

College Financial Aid Information

A few reminders about applying for Financial Aid:  Schools will require any combination of the following three forms:

  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):  The FAFSA is the most commonly requested form.  It should be filed electronically after January 1, 2012 but before March 1. More information is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

    PLEASE NOTE…
    To be eligible for any sort of financial aid from the State of Maryland, the FAFSA must be submitted no later than March 1 of the student’s senior year.  To learn more about the state’s programs for financial aid, visit www.mhec.state.md.us.

  • CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile: This form is used by many private colleges. To see if your student’s college requires this form visit  https://profileonline.collegeboard.com. Completing this form involves a two step process. Families must complete a pre-registration form during the fall of the senior year. CSS will then use the information to send families the appropriate financial forms.

  • Individualized College Form: If this form is required, the form and instructions on how to complete it should be included with the college’s admission materials.

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are financial awards that are based on merit. Basically there are two types of scholarships:  those that are awarded by the college or university and those that are given by various organizations, clubs, corporations, etc. Most colleges offer scholarships to students based on academic merit, special talents in athletics, art, music, etc. and many times students are automatically considered for these scholarships if they are accepted. Check with the admission offices to determine if your student would be automatically considered or if they need to apply separately.

  • Information about organizational scholarships and grants is available through a variety of sources. The two best web-sites for this are:  www.finaid.org and www.fastweb.com.  Students are also encouraged to contact any fraternal, church or civic organizations to which members of your family may belong, as well as the personnel department of the company in which you work.  Many of these institutions offer scholarship programs for the children of members or employees.
Here are some things that can be done to prepare for the financial aid process:

  • Request financial aid information from each school that you are planning to apply.  Include in your request, information regarding any institutional grants and scholarships that are non-need based.  It’s a good idea to make a chart for each school indicating the required financial aid applications and the filing deadlines.

  • Visit the following web-site for any state scholarship information: www.mhec.state.md.us.

  • If you are interested in filing your financial aid application electronically, both parent and student should obtain Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) from the US Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov.

  • If you are interested in getting an estimate of your financial need, log on to www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/401.html. This College Board web-site provides an excellent financial aid calculator.

  •  Investigate private sources of financial aid for college.  The following internet sites provide excellent resources:
  1. College Board’s Scholarship Search at www.collegeboard.com/paying
  2. FastWeb Scholarship Search at www.fastweb.com
  3. Scholarship Resource Network Express at www.srnexpress.com

College Resources


College Search Links

http://www.catholiccollegesonline.org
National Catholic College Admission Association:  Provides information about Catholic colleges and universities.

http://www.collegeresults.org/
Provides an interactive web-tool that allows students to learn more about graduation rates from four year colleges and universities

http://www.collegeboard.com/
College Board:  Search for colleges, sign up for the SAT, practice the SAT, and learn about financial aid information

http://www.campustours.com/
Provides students the ability to visit colleges without leaving home

http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
Provides college search and information on many colleges and universities, including retention rates, financial aid information, and SAT scores for admitted students

http://www.edonline.com/cq/hbcu/
Provides information and a listing for Historically Black Colleges and Universities


SAT/ACT Links

www.collegeboard.com
Allows students to register for the SAT, site provides registration information, deadlines, and more.

www.actstudent.org
Allows students to register for the ACT, view sample questions and more

http://www.fairtest.org
Lists the colleges and universities that waive the SAT/ACT requirement in their application process

Financial Aid Links

http://www.finaid.org/
Provides information about scholarships and loans

http://www.fastweb.com/
Provides information about scholarships

http://www.ed.gov/finaid.html
US Department of Education:  Provides information on financing a college education as well as information on loans and grants

http:///www.mhec.state.md.us
Maryland State Department of Higher Education:  Provides information on financial aid in Maryland including state sponsored scholarships and grants, Delegate and Senatorial Scholarships, and information on colleges and universities in Maryland.

www.fafsa.gov
Provides information about financial aid, families may apply for federal financial aid on-line

http:///profileonline.collegeboard.com
Some private schools require the CSS Profile form to award financial aid.  This site provides the list of schools which require the Profile.  Families may access form at this web-site.

www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/401.html

Provides families a way to estimate their financial need when it comes time to pay for college

www.scholarships.com
Provides a tool to complete a scholarship search.
 
www.meritaid.com
Provides a directory of scholarships by college—very useful!
 
www.findtuition.com
Provides information about scholarships.

Miscellaneous Links

www.eligibilitycenter.org
NCAA:  Students interested in participating in Division I or II athletics in college should log on the NCAA Initial Eligibility Website by the spring of their junior year.

http://www.nacacnet.org/EventsTraining/CollegeFairs
National Association for College Admission Counseling:  Provides information for students planning to pursue art in college, offers valuable information regarding preparing a portfolio, and posts regional dates and locations for the National Performing Arts Fair and National Portfolio Day for Visual Artists.

http://www.tryengineering.org
Provides information about engineering programs and careers

www.commonapp.org
Over 300 colleges and universities utilize this application.  The website provides an electronic version of the application and a listing of the participating colleges and universities.

College Board Code

Seton Keough School Code (CEEB #): 210034

College Scholarships for Seniors

Available College Scholarships


B. Davis Scholarship, Deadline May 28

Applicants are to write an essay of less than 1000 words on the following topic:  how your education has contributed to who you are today or how it will affect who you become. Visit www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm to learn more. The winner will receive a $1000 scholarship.

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program, Deadline June 15, 2012
Applicants will submit an essay on the topic, “What was the most difficult time in your life and why?  How did your perspective on life change as a result of this difficulty?”  For more information, visit their website at: http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm. A $1000 scholarship is awarded each year.

AES Engineers Scholarship, Deadline, October 5, 2012
The consulting firm of AES Engineers is committed to continuing its support of higher education by providing scholarships to deserving students.  Their belief is that a high grade point average should not be the only criteria for determining who deserves to be helped.  For that reason, the scholarship will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by essays that are submitted.  For more information, visit their website at http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm.
 

College Visits Fall 2011

9/14 York College, York PA, @ 10:40 a.m.
9/15 Virginia Commonwealth University, @ 8 a.m.
9/16 Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC, @ 12:45 p.m.
9/19 Longwood University, @ 8 a.m.
  Seton Hall University, @ 9 a.m.
9/22 Notre Dame University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, @ 8 a.m.
  University of New Haven, @ 9 a.m.
  Roanoke College, Salem, VA, @ 12:10 p.m.
9/27 Alvernia University, @ 8:10 a.m.
  Messiah College, @ 9 a.m.
  Frostburg State University, @ 9:50 a.m.
9/28 Albright College, Reading, PA, @ 1 p.m.
9/29 Marymount University, Arlington, VA, @ 8:30 a.m.
  Radford University, Radford, VA, @ 10:40 a.m.
9/30 Hood College, @ 11:20 a.m.
  Bridgewater, @ 8:10 a.m.
10/4 University of Maryland, Baltimore County, @ 8:10 a.m.
  Mt. St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, MD, @ 12:10 p.m.
10/6 McDaniel College, Westminster, MD, @ 9 a.m.
10/11 Washington College, Chestertown, MD, @ 1 p.m.
10/13 The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, @ Noon
  Stevenson University, Baltimore, MD, @ 2 p.m.
10/14 Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA, @ 9:50 a.m.
  University of MD, College Park, @ 11:30 a.m.
10/20 LaSelle College, Massachusetts, @ 9 a.m.
10/21
 Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL, @ 8:10 a.m.
  Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA, @ 10 a.m.
10/25 Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL, @ 10:30 a.m.
  Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, @ 11:30 a.m.
  Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA, @ 1:15 p.m.
10/28 University of Scranton, @ Noon
11/10 Washington/Jefferson College, @ 1:15 p.m.
 11/11 Christopher Newport College, Newport News, VA, @ 8:30 a.m.
  Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA, @ 9:50 a.m.
11/15 St. Joseph’s University, @ 9:30 a.m.
11/16 Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown, PA, @ 8:10 a.m.

2011-12 Counselor Assignments

Grades 9-11
Students with the last name A-J:
Mrs. Beverly McIntyre

Students with the last name K-Z:
Ms. Susan Yost

Grade 12
Students with the last name A-Ma:
Mrs. Beverly McIntyre

Students with the last name Mc-Z:
Ms. Susan Yost

 

Events

Sat Jun 02

SAT Test Date

Details

Sat Jun 09

ACT Test Date

Details

View All