May 1st

Happy May 1st, seniors!

May 1st is National Decision Day!  May 1st is when pre-enrollment deposits are due for many four year schools.  For many students, it's the last possible day to make a decision on where they want to go to school.

Not all schools adhere to this deadline.  There are many schools (SUNY Orange, for instance) that will accept pre-enrollment deposits throughout the summer.  Make sure to look into the deadlines of all your accepted schools.

Here are some factors to consider when making your college decision:

• Academics: Does the school offer the major(s) you have in mind?  How strong are their programs?  Do they have a wide variety of majors in case you change your mind?  How selective is the school?  Are there a lot internship opportunities? 
• Financial: How much does the school cost after your financial aid packages?  Are scholarships renewable for all 4 years?
• Campus Location: How far away is the school?  If  the college is across the county, can you afford transportation for college breaks?  What kind of area is surrounding the campus?  Big city?  Quaint college town?
• Campus Size: Are you considering a large school with over 10,000 students?  Maybe something smaller than Middletown High School with less than 2,000 students?  Either way, do you want to be a big fish in a little pond or little fish in a big pond?
• Extra-Curriculars: What types of clubs and extra-curricular activities does the school offer?  Greek life?  Sports?  Are there are a lot of events happening during the week and weekends?
• Other Important Factors: Study abroad programs, housing options, diversity, food, and anything else that is important to you.

Still haven't made up your mind on where you are attending next fall?  Make an appointment with the College and Career Center.  We can help you out!

College Fair

The College and Career Center's annual College Fair is tomorrow! The fair will take place right here in our gymnasium.

Over 100 colleges will be represented!

Click here to see the list of colleges attending.

What to Ask a College Rep

With our college fair coming up (on April 27th, don't forget!), it's important that you know what types of questions you can be asking the college representatives.  Your time with the college reps will be brief; try to make the most of it.

20 Questions to Ask a College Representative

General Information:

1. What is the average GPA and SAT/ACT scores of a typical accepted freshman?

2. How many students attend your institution?  How many live on-campus?

3. Where is this institution located?  How many hours away is it?

4. What is the average class size?

Admissions:

1. Is an individual interview required in the application process?

2. What are the application deadlines for admission and financial aid?

3. Which financial aid forms do you require?

4. Do you accept college courses taken at the high school level?

Academics:

1. Can you tell me about advisors or any other support services offered to all students?

2. How often are professors available to me outside of class?

3. Are most students able to schedule the classes they want each semester?

4. What is the average time for a student to complete their degree at your institution?  Graduation rates?

5. When do I have to declare a major area of study?

6. What types of internships or co-op programs does your institution offer?

Student Life:

1. What types of extracurricular activities are available on your campus?

2. What types of study abroad opportunities does your institution offer?

3. How are roommates selected?

4. What is your policy on students having a car on campus?  

5. Can you tell me more about meal plans and food on campus?

6. How safe is your campus?  What precautions do you provide for student safety?

College Fair Booklet

Our annual College Fair is coming up on April 27th.  We will have over 100 colleges attending this year!

Want to see which ones?  Click on the image below for a list of colleges attending and their majors.

Door of Acceptance: Update

We have had a ton of new additions to our "Door of Acceptance" this month!  Congratulations to those seniors who have received college acceptances!

Don't see your name on our door?  Stop by the College and Career Center to fill out a graduation cap.

Reminder: Field Trips

Attention Juniors!  The College and Career Center will be taking two field trips this month.  Please see the College and Career Center for more information or for a permission slip. 

 Space is limited!

Here is the list of colleges we will be visiting:

• Thursday, April 21st to Marywood University in Scranton, PA.

• Friday, April 29th, to Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

As a reminder, these field trips are for JUNIORS only.

You've been accepted!

You've been accepted to college!  Now what?  Applying to colleges was hard work, but making a college decision can be even more stressful.

Narrowing down which college you will attend is a challenge.  Don't worry; you don't have to make this decision overnight.  You do, however, need to be mindful of response deadlines.  For many colleges this is May 1st, but each college differs.

Here are some pointers on how to make your decision:

• Compare financial aid packages: At this point you, should have already completed your FAFSA and submitted most of your scholarship applications.  As your financial aid packages begin to roll in, start comparing.  How much will it cost out of pocket to attend each year?  How much money in student loans will each college require you to take out?  These decisions should certainly be discussed with your family, if possible.
• Gather information: Create a list of questions that are important to you and ask each college.   For example, if studying abroad has always been a dream of yours, make sure to ask the colleges about their study abroad options.  Don't be afraid to call or e-mail admission reps; that is what they are there for!
• Visit colleges:  If you are able to, try to schedule a campus tour or attend an Open House.  Seeing the campus with your own eyes is often the best way to figure out whether or not a college is a good fit for you.  Can't make it to your campus?  Many colleges have virtual tours online.  Visit their websites for more information.

Want more tips?  Check out this article from College Board!