Myths and Facts: Understanding College and Admissions Emily Parliman, University Counselor *Adapted from “Know Show” by Jim Paterson, NACAC Journal of College Admission, Fall 2015

Let’s start with an activity What are some things that confuse you about college or the admission process?

MYTH: I’ll have no free time in college School work will keep you busy. BUT: Your time will be structured much differently than it is now. You’ll have free time. College won’t be “easier,” but the workload will be different. Homework will be different. Instead of worksheets and quizzes and short-term assignments, you’ll have longer essays and long-term projects. Learning is more self-directed: blocking out time to read, prepare, and study for lectures and exams.

MYTH: I have to choose a major now, and my major will limit/impact my career choices. Some colleges require you to choose a major when you apply. BUT: You can always change majors, and possibly apply “undeclared.” Many people work in fields that have nothing to do with their college major. A major just indicates your area of interest. It won’t restrict your long-term career options. Choose a major/school that emphasizes writing and communication skills. These skills will serve you well in any career.

MYTH: Grades only matter in premiere & terminale Some Canadian universities only look at grades from seconde through first trimester of terminale. BUT: US universities consider grades from ninth grade (troisième) onward. The transcript actually shows quatrieme onward. Because most Rochambeau students receive their high school diploma at the end of première, our transcript shows grades from quatrième onward (four full years of grades). An upward trend is important. Don’t “slack off” at the end of terminale– US schools will ask for your mid-year and final grades.

MYTH: All colleges have the same requirements Having a Maryland state diploma plus the French Bac will serve you well as you prepare for college. BUT: Many Canadian and UK universities have a minimum Bac score required for admission, and this may vary by program/course. Your série can also limit your choices. Example: Applying to Management at McGill requires that you be in série S or ES. For US schools, you may need to have taken a certain amount of courses in math, science, history, etc. during high school. In the US, you’ll probably need SAT or ACT. Possibly TOEFL or IELTS. Different admission, financial aid deadlines.

MYTH: I should only apply to “brand name” schools / Ivy League It’s important to attend a college with a good reputation. BUT: There are about 3,000 four-year colleges and universities in the US. Research what’s out there using various websites and resources. Look for schools that are a good “fit” based on size, location, majors available, sports, social organizations, residential options, etc. Don’t be fixated on the Ivy League or other “big name” schools. If those schools are a good fit for YOU, great; but don’t apply because of the name alone. You won’t be happy at a school that’s not a good fit. Apply to schools with a range of selectivity– some of the most competitive schools only admit 5-10% of applicants. Choose some colleges that have higher admission rates so that you can hopefully have several options in the spring.

MYTH: I can’t afford college The “sticker price” of some schools can look intimidating, up to $65,000 per year. BUT: That’s not what most students and families pay. Your “net price” can be lower depending on family resources. Public and private institutions can be similar in cost, in the end. Most students receive “need-based” aid, “merit-based” aid, or a combination of the two. You can search for outside scholarships, and apply for scholarships sponsored by your universities of interest.

MYTH: I’ll get a free ride / scholarships will pay for college Many colleges offer generous scholarships that can cover up to full tuition, room and board, and fees. BUT: These awards are very competitive. A university may receive thousands of applications for five full-tuition scholarships. Don’t assume you’ll receive a scholarship. Admission is the reward for earning good grades. View scholarships as a pleasant surprise, if you receive any. Apply to schools with a wide range of “sticker prices,” and consider applying to schools in a range of countries/locations. Different schools have different resources.

MYTH: College is not worth the expense Other than a home, college could be the second-most expensive thing you will ever buy. BUT: Look at it as an investment. From salary to health care to personal well-being to living longer, the benefits of a degree outweigh the initial debt. Understand the value of a college education when it comes to your choice of career and who you are as a person.

Application process: Who does what? Student: Complete applications for each college (often, Common App, UCAS, or on university’s website) Request that necessary test scores be sent to each university Request recommendations from teachers, provide them with accurate deadlines, and follow up to ensure completion Provide Ms. Parliman & Ms. Bessaha with a timely and accurate University List Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile (where necessary) if interested in need-based financial aid School sends: Your grades (transcript or bulletins), the school profile, and a list of your current courses Counselor rec & any teacher recs

What to do now Research a variety of universities. Attend university representative visits to Rochambeau, and college fairs. Talk with your family about important factors: Cost? Location? Language? Size? Course/major offered? Search websites, read admission requirements, get correct deadlines. How many applications does the school receive? How selective is it? Rankings: Don’t place too much importance on these. Focus more on whether a school is a good “fit” for you. Prepare for and take necessary tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL, IELTS, UK tests such as BMAT, HAT, etc.)

What to do now Meet with Ms. Parliman to discuss your plans. Fill out the surveys to help your teachers and Ms. Parliman write your recommendation letters. Ask two teachers for recommendations Start thinking about college essays. Review prompts on university websites. Summer is a good time to start writing. Most applications for Fall 2017 will be available on August 1, You can find the new prompts there. Check your Rochambeau frequently!