DOHERTY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL - Worcester Public Schools

DOHERTY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
299 Highland Street
Worcester, Massachusetts
Sally Maloney, Principal
COLLEGE HANDBOOK
For Juniors - Seniors
2009 - 2010
Guidance

INTRODUCTION
This handbook is designed to assist students and their parents in the college
application process. The junior and senior years of high school are important
years in the student’s adolescent development, and they are, at the same time,
particularly crucial for careful planning for their adult future. We hope to simplify
the planning process for you by focusing on key steps in applying to college during
these busy years.
As we all know, applying to college takes a considerable amount of time and effort
on the part of students and guidance counselors. College admission counselors
take into account the following factors when making admissions decisions: high
school transcript, rigor of courses, grade point average, SAT/ACT scores, college
essay, class rank, extra-curricular activities, recommendations, community service
and leadership. In order to be successful, a student must have a clear
understanding of the factors involved in the college selection process.
In addition to the materials presented in this handbook, students should take
advantage of the many services that are available in the Guidance Department.
Services include: individual college counseling, visits from college representatives,
college field trips, College Night Forum, Career Day, On-the-Spot Decision Days
and Financial Aid Night. In addition, Mrs. Colleen Paradis, Financial Aid Advisor,
is available for assistance with completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile forms.
Students are encouraged to utilize the resources in the Guidance Library (Room
105) including scholarship resource materials.
Primarily, the student should plan to meet regularly with his/her guidance
counselor. Remember, your counselor is eager to assist you. Make an
appointment as soon as possible.
Counselors:
Ms. Barouk
Ms. Prior
Ms. Knox
Ms. Pulda
Ms. Fairfull (Head Counselor)
(508) 799-3277

TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Junior Year – Application Guidelines …………..……………….…………….….1, 2
The Senior Year – Student Responsibilities...……...……………………..............3, 4, 5
Tips for Choosing a College………………………………………………...…………..6, 7
Massachusetts State Colleges & University
New Minimum Admission Standards ………………………….…………………..……..8
Standardized Tests ……………………………………….………………………….........9
Entrance Exams, Deconstructed …………………………….……………………........10
Test Score Comparison – Old/New SAT/ACT ……………………………….………...11
The College Board, SAT Dates ……………………………………………………........12
Taking the TOEFL …………………………………………….…………………..……...13
Stanley Koplick & John and Abigail Adams Scholarships…………....……………….14
SAT and ACT Preparations ………………………………….……………………...…...15
Websites: Careers, Colleges, Tests ……………………….…………………..………..16
College Resources for Students and Families …………..…………………..........17, 18
Financial Aid ………………………………………….…………………………..……….19
Tips on Writing the Admissions Essay …………………………………………..……..20
• DMHS Class of 2007 College Acceptances
• College Admissions Vocabulary
• Sample form: Transcript Request to Guidance Counselor
• Sample form: College Counseling Questionnaire
• Sample form: Activity Sheet for Teacher Recommendation
Page ii

Doherty Memorial High School
College Process Guidelines
The Junior Year
The College Application Process Starts Now!
March
1. Make an appointment with your guidance counselor to discuss college/career planning.
2. The deadline for registration for the May SAT Reasoning Test is March 31, 2009 and for
the April ACT it’s February 27, 2009. The College Board recommends that juniors take
the SAT Reasoning Test in May of their junior year and all applicable SAT Subject Tests
by June of their junior year.
3. If you plan to apply for early decision to college, you should take all SAT/ACT tests by
June of your junior year.
4. Check your mail. Many colleges will send information and offer to send catalogs and
applications. Start to compile a list of colleges and universities you are interested in
knowing more about.
April
1. The deadline for registration for the June SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Test is
May 5, 2009 and for the June ACT test it is May 8, 2009.
2. If you plan to apply for early decision to college, meet with your guidance counselor.
3. Use your vacation to visit colleges. Bring a transcript and set up an interview if colleges
hold them. The best way to get a grasp on a college is to experience the campus for
yourself!
4. Think about what type of school you prefer: size, geographic area, cost, selectivity,
programs, etc. Continue to narrow down your choices. Determine whether you meet
admission requirements in terms of SAT/ACT scores and class rank. Select a range of
schools, from your top choice (a “reach”) to a “safety” school (where you are reasonably
certain you will be accepted).
MAY
1. Take the SAT Reasoning Test in May (or the ACT in June) if you have not already done
so.
2. Ask teachers for letters of recommendation for college now so that they have time to
write them over the summer. Letters of recommendation must be submitted with your
college application next fall or winter. You will need a letter from one teacher (no more
than two), AND a letter from your guidance counselor.
1

June
1. Take SAT Subject Tests for colleges that require them or take the SAT Reasoning
Test/ACT if you have not done so.
2. Plan to visit campuses or attend local events hosted by alumni to meet with college
representatives.
3. Consider requesting a personal interview for selective colleges. Call colleges early
because interview slots fill up quickly.
4. Narrow down the list of colleges to which you plan to apply (approximately 5 colleges)
5. Write a first draft of your college application essay. Check college applications for
sample essay topics.
6. If you have failed a class (es) or lost credit in any course, or need additional credits see
your guidance counselor for information on Summer School, Burncoat Evening High
School, Buyback, Community Service, Work Experience and Work Plus Program.
www.CollegeBoard.com
www.Mefa.org
2

The Senior Year – Student Responsibilities
September
1. Make sure your senior courses meet graduation requirements.
Graduation Subjects:
4 years English
3 years Math
2 years Science
3 years Social Studies (includes 1 year US History)
1/2 year Health
2 years Physical Education
Receive a passing score of 220 on both the English Language Arts (ELA) and
Mathematics sections of the Grade 10 Massachusetts Comprehensive
Assessment System (MCAS).
Earn Twenty-four (24) credits.
2. If you have not already asked a teacher for a letter of recommendation, do so now.
3. Concentrate on doing your best work in your courses. Remember your senior year
grades are viewed seriously by colleges. Class rank is calculated after the first quarter
of senior year.
4. If you have not done so, write your college application personal essay now. You do not
have to wait until you do it in class.
5. Make a list of community service and extra-curricular activities for your college
application. Complete College Counseling Questionnaire for your counselor and
complete the Student Worksheet For Teacher Recommendation form and give to the
teachers who are writing your recommendations by October 1 st .
6. Call or write for college applications if you have not done so by now. Many college
applications are available in the Guidance Department. Also, many schools ask for
applications to be submitted on-line. The Common Application is available at
www.commonapp.org.
7. Read college application instructions carefully for requirements and deadlines.
Requirements and deadlines vary, so read carefully.
8. Register for the October or November SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Test or
ACT exams. Seniors should take the SAT Reasoning Test/ACT by November and
remaining SAT Subject Tests by December.
9. Early Decision candidates: begin application preparation to meet NOVEMBER deadline.
Notify your counselor of your intention.
3

October/November
1. Register for the December SAT/ACT now if you have not already scheduled your
exams. Check test dates.
2. Meet with college representatives who come to Doherty. Check the calendar in the
Guidance Office for scheduled visits and obtain a pass to come to Room 105 for the
presentations.
3. Make sure that you have requested letters of recommendations from teachers and filled
out the Student Worksheet For Teacher Recommendation form.
4. Take SAT/ACT.
5. Begin processing your applications according to application deadlines.
6. Early decision candidates begin applying for financial aid. See Education Advisor Mrs.
Paradis for assistance.
7. Online applications are often encouraged by the college. If you apply online you “must
remember to tell your counselor.” Request that your transcript be sent in stamped
(postage provided by you) envelopes to the college. Each application you send should
generate a “Transcript Request” form to be given to your counselor. (Again, don’t forget
to supply stamps!) 4 stamps per application.
8. Attend Financial Aid Workshop for parents and read Important Financial Aid
Information.
December/January
1. Take SAT Reasoning Test/ACT or SAT Subject Tests now if you have not taken the
tests earlier.
2. Review deadlines for college applications. College application deadlines vary, some as
early as November. It is your responsibility to keep track of deadlines.
January
1. Follow up on your college references. Make sure that each person who has agreed to
write you a letter of recommendation has completed and mailed the letter or given it to
your guidance counselor.
2. Call each college to which you have applied to check on the status of your application
and to make sure it is complete. Or check status on-line.
4

3. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form should be filled as soon after
January 1 as possible; when the previous year’s total income is known. Everyone
should complete this to apply for federal student aid, including student loans. Pick up a
FAFSA application in the Guidance office or apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. (You
must also apply for a pin number before filling out the FAFSA on-line, at
www.pin.ed.gov.) Some schools will also require the College Board’s Financial Aid
Profile. (The Profile is not free. Go to www.collegeboard.com to apply.) These forms
are essential to applying for student grants, loans, and work/study. See Mrs. Paradis
(Room 105) for assistance.
4. Bring in stamped envelopes to Guidance Office so that mid-year senior grades can be
mailed to colleges.
5. By May 1 you must notify the colleges of your final decision. You cannot accept
admission to more than one college. Notifying the colleges you do not plan to attend
opens the way for other students on the Wait List.
6. Bring in copies of letters from colleges (accepted, wait list, denial) to the
guidance office, as soon as you receive them.
7. Bring in copies of the Financial Aid Award letters of each college/university to the
guidance office.
8. As soon as you have decided which college you will be attending, please bring a
legal size envelope with a stamp, addressed to the college/university admissions
office. In the left hand corner of the envelope print your name only (we will stamp
Doherty’s address). We will send your final transcript to the college/university
after graduation, in early July.
5

Tips for Choosing A College
In the United States….
There are over 3,000 colleges and universities
There are hundreds of vocational and technical schools
They can be:
in a city, in the country, or the suburbs
small, medium, or large
coed or single sex
a range from open admission to highly selective
expensive or more expensive
super competitive or super social
Whatever you do next, be it college or something else, will influence your
lifestyle, values, occupation, and/or place of residence. It is the time to make
thoughtful choices. We encourage you to think about all of these factors:
Location
Where do you want to go to school How far away from family and friends do
you want to be How often do you want to be able to come home Is there a
particular region of the country you like Are you interested in an urban,
suburban or rural setting
Size
Would you prefer a small, medium or large institution How many students
would you like to have in your classes
Cost
How will finances play a role in what you decide to do after high school How
much can you and your family afford to spend on your education Do you know
what kind of financial aid is available to you Have you thought about loans and
payment plan options Are there scholarship opportunities available to you
Standards for Admission
Have you investigated how competitive admission is at the schools you are
thinking about Do you know what each school is looking for Have you
checked to see how your grades and standardized test scores match up with
6

each college’s average Do you have a combination of reach, probable and
safety schools
Safety: Your credentials are higher than the school’s averages. You are
confident you will be admitted to this school.
Likely: Your credentials are competitive and higher than some of the
school’s averages. You are fairly confident you will be admitted to this
school.
Probable: Your credentials for admission are truly competitive with what a
particular school is looking for. You are qualified for admission.
Reach: Your chances for admission are less likely based on your
credentials, but there is a possibility of admission. Your credentials are
not as strong as the students who are typically admitted, but there is a
niche you can fill at that college and you really want to go there.
Stretch: Oh my!
Choice of Programs
If you are selecting schools based on a specific academic area, are you sure that
is what you want to study Are you considering the overall qualities of each
school Are you looking for liberal arts, professional training, or both How
important is it for you to have a wide variety of choices in terms of majors and
courses
Some Other Important Questions to Ask Yourself
What do you want from your college experience
In what type of environment do you learn best and feel the most
comfortable
Do you thrive in a competitive environment or do you prefer a more
relaxed laid back approach
Does the school’s philosophy and atmosphere reflect or support your
goals and values
7

vp lEN FAe,s
STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS
1) You have the right to request information from colleges and universities without feeling
high, pressure tactics to persuade you to apply or enroll.
2) You have the right to accurate information about each institution's academic programs,
facilities, and faculty, along with each institution's retention and graduation statistics.
3) You have the right to the names of a" accrediting, certifying , or licensing organizations
for each institutio n.
4) You have the right to complete information about a" direct and miscellaneous expenses,
the types of non need-based and need-based financial assistance provided , and the
methods by which eligibility is determined .
5) You have the right to accurate information about a" aspects of campus safety, including
institutional crime statistics.
6) You have the responsibility to assure that a" required items necessary for the completion
of your application are received by each institution within the required timeframe.
7) Once admitted to a college or university, you have the right to wait until May 1 to respond
to an offer of admission and financial aid (unless you have been admitted under a
binding Early Decision program).
8) You have the right to request in writing an extension to May 1 without penalty if an
institution requires an earlier commitment (unless you have been admitted under a
binding Early Decision program) .
9) You have the right to historical information about prior waiting list activity including the
number wait-listed, the number ultimately admitted and the availability of housing and
financial aid. Colleges and universities cannot require a deposit from you to maintain
your place on a waiting list.
10) You have the responsibility to submit a deposit to only one institution-and upon
submitting that deposit to withdraw from all other institutions to which you have been
admitted.
NEW EN GLAND ASSOCIATION FOR CO LLEGE ADMISSION COUN SELING
www. neacac.org
8

DEFINITIONS OF ADMISSION OPTIONS
IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Which college admission process best suits you
Non-Restrictive Application Plans
Regular Decision
Students submit an
application by a
specified date and
receive a decision
in a clearly stated
period of time.
COMMITMENT:
NON-BINDING
Rolling
Admission
Institutions review
applications as
they are submitted
and render
admissions
decisions
throughout the
admission cycle.
COMMITMENT:
NON-BINDING
Early Action (EA)
Students apply
early and receive a
decision well in
advance of the
institution’s regular
response date.
COMMITMENT:
NON-BINDING
Students are not restricted from applying to other institutions and have
until May 1 to consider their options and confirm enrollment.
Restrictive Application Plans
Early Decision (ED)
Students make a commitment
to a first-choice institution
where if admitted they
definitely will enroll. The
application deadline and
decision deadline occur early.
COMMITMENT:
BINDING
Restrictive Early Action (REA)
Students apply to an institution
of preference end receive a
decision early. They may be
restricted from applying ED or
EA or REA to other institutions.
If offered enrollment, they have
until May 1 to confirm.
COMMITMENT:
NON-BINDING
Students are responsible for determining and following restrictions.
9

- COLLEGE ADMISSIONS VOCABULARY-
ACT
American College Testing
www.act.org
an alternative to the SAT. Register at
Associate Degree
A degree granted by a college or university after the satisfactory
completion of the equivalent of a two-year program of study (or its part-time
equivalent).
AP Exam
Advanced Placement exam
a placement exam.
an opportunity to earn college credits through
Bachelor Degree
CEEB Code
College Board
Common
Application
A degree granted by a college or university after the satisfactory
completion of a four or five-year, full-time program of study (or its part-time
equivalent).
College Entrance Examination Board - Doherty High code is 222492.
The organization that offers many exams including the PSAT, SAT and
Advanced Placement.
An application used by over 250 college and universities. The student
completes one common application and then sends copies of it via the mail
or internet to the colleges chosen from the list of participating schools. This
application is available in the guidance office and at www.commonapp.orq.
CSS
College Scholarship Service
application.
processes PROFILE financial aid
Deferred Admissions
EA
ED
ETS
FAFSA
Fee Waiver
GPA
Liberal Arts
The practice of permitting students to postpone enrollment, usually for one
year, after acceptance to college.
Early Action - Apply by an early deadline and receive an early notification.
There is no commitment to enroll.
Early Decision - Apply by an early deadline and receive an early
notification. The student must enroll if accepted.
Educational Testing Service - The operational phase of many College
Board programs. It includes the development and administration of the
major testing programs.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid - Required by all colleges and
universities if you apply for financial aid. Available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
A form available to students who are eligible for a free/reduced meal plan
at Doherty High. The Fee Waiver is submitted instead of money when
registering for SAT's. See your counselor if you are eligible.
Grade Point average
The study of the humanities (literature, the arts, and philosophy), history,
foreign languages, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences.
10

NCAA Clearinghouse
Open Admission
PROFILE
Reach School
Realistic School
Rolling Admission
Safety School
SAT Reasoning Test
SAT Subject Tests
Agency which processes academic qualification forms for all Division I and
II athletics. Forms available at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
The college admissions policy of accepting virtually all applicants with high
school diplomas or their equivalent: generally offered by community
colleges.
The financial aid form used by many private colleges. This is in addition to
the FAFSA. Register at www.collegeboard.com.
Colleges whose standards are slightly above your credentials but where
you may have a chance to be accepted.
Colleges whose standards correspond with your credentials.
Decisions are usually mailed 5 to 6 weeks after the application is received.
No commitment on the part of the student is necessary. The student has
until May 1 st to commit.
Colleges whose standards are slightly below your credentials and your
chance of acceptance is fairly high.
Scholastic Assessment Test: Reasoning - A 3 hour 45 minute test
including critical reading, math and writing components.
Scholastic Assessment Test: Subject Test One hour test covering a
specific subject area. Not required by all colleges.
SAR
Student Aid Report
Verification of information submitted on FAFSA.
TOEFL
Transcript
Wait List
Test of English as a Foreign Language
A copy of student's official academic record listing all courses taken and
grades received.
Many colleges place students on a waiting list for admission. As accepted
applicants decide to attend other colleges, the school will offer places to
students on the list.
11

Massachusetts State College
Admissions Standards
The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (BHE) admissions standards for the state colleges
and universities emphasizes a strong academic high school background so that students enter the
college ready to learn. The standards represent the minimum requirements for admission and
could be higher based on a program and the college selectivity. (For example: Nursing,
Occupational Therapy, Education programs may require higher grade point average requirements,
etc.)
Freshman Admission:
I. SAT Sliding Scale Range: The scale applies when students fall below the minimum grade
point average of 3.0
Recalculated GPA Minimum Combined SAT ACT Equivalent
State College University State College University
3.00 - 4.00
2.51 - 2.99 920 950 19 20
2.41 – 2.50 960 990 20 21
2.31 – 2.40 1000 1030 21 22
2.21 – 2.30 1040 1070 22 23
2.11 – 2.20 1080 1110 23 24
2.00 – 2.10 1120 1150 24 25
No student may be accepted to a State College or University with a GPA less than 2.0
II. The grade point average for eligibility for four-year public colleges in Massachusetts is listed
above. Admissions officers at the college must recalculate the high school grades for all
college preparatory courses. Calculations include weight based on Honors or Advanced
Placement coursework. The recalculated grade point average may be different than the
average reported by the high school.
III. Academic Unit Requirements: 16 required courses must be successfully completed. Only
courses designated as college preparatory levels are counted.
English
Mathematics
Sciences
Foreign Languages
Social Sciences
Electives
4 courses
3 courses (minimum of Algebra I, II and Geometry)
3 courses (including 2 courses with labs)
2 courses (in a single language)
2 courses (including 1 course I US History)
2 courses (from the above subjects or from Arts &
Humanities areas or Computer Sciences)
12

STANDARDIZED TESTING
PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying test is a two hour test taken by students in October in both the sophomore and
junior years. The test contains a verbal and math section. Students with very high scores in
the junior year are automatically entered into the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Finalists are selected during the Senior year and may receive a National Merit Scholarship
toward college.
The Guidance Office will alert students about the PSAT and pass out the applications and
bulletins.
SAT Reasoning Test: (Formally called SAT I) The SAT Reasoning Test, which lasts three
hours and forty-five minutes is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for
academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—
skills you learned in school that you'll need in college.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section will contain
two subscores. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is
administered seven times a year.
Each edition of the SAT includes a Critical Reading, Math (calculators are allowed) and
Writing section with a specific number of questions related to content.
Please read the College Board Bulletins for important information about dates, fees, sample
questions, and application forms. Bulletins are available in the Guidance Office.
SAT Subject Tests: (Formally called SAT II) Subject Tests are designed to measure your
knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that
knowledge.
Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects
like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any
particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current
trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.
Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise
students about course selection. Used in combination with other background information
(your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher
recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement
and are a good predictor of future performance.
Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others
allow applicants to choose which tests to take.
ACT – AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING ASSESSMENT: The ACT Exam is an alternative
test to the SAT used by many colleges for student selection. The ACT includes a student
profile and interest inventory which may be useful in career planning. The multiple-choice
tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test,
which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
13

How to …
Access your FREE
PSAT/NMSQT College
Planning Kit
Go to
www.collegeboard.com/quickstart
1. Click on Sign in to my College QuickStart
2. Sign In
a. Already a member – enter user name and password
OR
b. Not a Member – Click on Sign Up
- Enter your information … name, address,
username, password, email address …
3. You will be prompted to enter your MCQ Access Code
- Found on the PSAT Score Report
4. Click on My Online Score Report
- View question and answer explanations.
- See how your performance compares to that of
students in your state.
- Click on “Improve your Skills” link, which will take
you to the SAT Study Plan (practice test questions).
- Find lists of colleges, majors and careers right for
you.
14

By Sara Ivry
Entrance Exams, Deconstructed
SAT ACT TIP
NUTS AND BOLTS
The new SAT consists of three parts: math,
critical reading (a new name for the old
verbal section) and a new writing section.
Each will be worth 200 to 800 points,
increasing a perfect score to 2400. The
whole experience will take 45 more
minutes, including 25 minutes to write an
essay and an extra stretch break.
WHICH TEST TO TAKE
For students matriculating in 2006, many
universities will consider scores from either
the new SAT (first sitting, March 12, 2005)
or the old SAT (Dec. 4, 2004, Jan. 22,
2005). But policies vary. The University of
Michigan, for example, will require students
who submit SAT scores to take the new
version. Historically, the SAT has been
viewed as the test preferred by elite
institutions. Admissions officers say that
such bias no longer exists, and that the
decision whether to take the SAT or ACT
has more to do with geography than
anything else; students on the coasts tend
toward the SAT, and their inland peers
prefer the ACT.
WRITING
The new section includes grammar for the
first time – “improving sentences,”
“improving paragraphs” and “identifying
sentence errors” – and the written essay
(accounting for 30 percent of the section’s
score). Scoring on the essay is holistic,
assessing overall clarity and reason more
than grammar and spelling (though an
essay rendered unreadable because of
such errors is unlikely to receive a high
mark). Like the SAT Writing Test, the
essay prompt will ask students to respond
to a quotation or an adapted passage.
READING
Analogies, long criticized as irrelevant to
what students actually study in school, are
no more. Students will continue to find
sentence completions and reading
passages. Shorter passages have been
added.
MATH
The new test has done away with the
mathematical equivalent of analogies –
quantitative comparisons. Between 15 and
20 percent of questions will test material
that has not before been examined on the
SAT including algebra II, and concepts
introduced before the junior year but not
previously addressed.
Still four sections (English, reading,
math and science), the ACT
introduced an optional essay on Feb
12, 2005. Essay writers get 30 extra
minutes to complete the task, and
they will receive an additional score.
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to
36.
Some colleges will require students
who choose the ACT to take its
writing test. A survey this fall by ACT
Inc. shows that 37 percent of fouryear
colleges and universities – many
of them the more elite institutions –
will require or recommend that
students write the essay. To find out
what a particular admissions office
has decided, consult the ACT site
(act.org/aap/writingpref/index.html).
The ACT has long included a
grammar component. For the new
essay, writers are instructed to take a
side on an issue that is “relatable to
students in some sort of universal
way,” like mandatory dress codes,
say Ed Colby, an ACT spokesman.
“The writing test specs are based on
the writing skills teachers tell us
they’re teaching in high school.”
No changes. Still consists of reading
passages and multiple-choice
questions. Analogies Never.
The ACT already tests the spectrum,
from plain geometry to precalculus.
Thinking of everything, the education
publisher Thomson Peterson is
offering hints on diet (eat
strawberries, for brain power), color
(surround yourself with pale apricot,
for focus: never red) and scent (sniff
spearmint for stress, lavender for
energy).
Counselors advise students to take
practice tests to see which test they
score better on, and to prepare for
only that one exam.
“Colleges are looking for a level of
discourse that shows that a student
can deal with college-level writing, but
they’re not looking for a polished,
complete essay,” says Brian O’Reilly,
executive director of SAT information
services at the College Board, the
test’s owner. Sample essays, with
the merits and weaknesses of each,
are posted on the College Board’s
Web site (collegeboard.com)
Coaches and administrators agree on
a key preparatory tool. “The best way
to develop your range of vocabulary
is by reading,” says Mr. O’Reilly. “If
you’re a big reader, you’re going to
tend to be a better writer as well.”
The consensus is to take third-year
math. Also: brush up on concepts
learned in middle and elementary
schools; take practice tests and
register for the exam at the end of
junior year to get the greatest amount
of schooling before the test.
15

TEST SCORE COMPARISON
This chart shows comparative scores for the three major college entrance
exams: The Act, the “old” SAT, and the “New” SAT.
ACT
Old SAT
New SAT
If you scored a …
Or a … It’s about the same as a …
36 1600 2400
35 1560 – 1590 2340
34 1510 – 1550 2260
33 1460 – 1500 2190
32 1410 – 1450 2130
31 1360 – 1400 2040
30 1320 – 1350 1890
29 1280 – 1310 1920
28 1240 – 1270 1860
27 1210 – 1230 1820
26 1170 – 1200 1760
25 1130 – 1160 1700
24 1090 – 1120 1650
23 1060 – 1080 1590
22 1020 – 1050 1530
21 980 – 1010 1500
20 940 – 970 1410
19 900 – 930 1350
18 860 – 890 1290
17 810 – 850 1210
16 760 – 800 1140
15 710 – 750 1060
14 660 – 700 1000
13 590 – 650 900
12 520 – 580 780
11 500 – 510 750
16

{
What are the differences }
Check out this side-by-side comparison
and see for yourself.
vs.
How often is it
administered
SAT
Seven times per year
ACT
Six times per year'
What is the
test structure
Ten-section exa m:
three Critical Reading, three Math, three Writing, and
one Experimental
The Experime ntal section is masked to look like a
regular section.
Five-test exam:
English, Math, Reading, Science Rea soning, and
Writing (optional)
An Experimental test is added to exams on certain
dates only and is clearly experimental.
What is the
test content
Math: up to geometry and algebra"
Reading: sentence completion, short and long critical
reading passage s, reading comprehension
Writing: grammar, usage, word choice, and a
mandatory essay
Math: up to trigonometry
Science: charts, graphs, data interpretation
Reading: four pa ssages, one each of prose
fiction, social sciences, humanities, and
natural sciences
English: stresses grammar
Writing: optional essay
Is there a penalty
for wrong answers
Yes, 1/4 of a point for each wrong answerpn multiple­
choice questions
No
How is the
test scored
200-800 for each subject, added together for a
combin ed score of 600-2400
2-12 for the essay
1- 36 for each test, averaged together for a com posite
score of 1-36
2-12 forthe Writing test
Are a II scores
sent to schools
Yes. If a student requests that a score report be sent
to specific colleges, then the report includes the
scores the student received on every SAT taken .
No. There is a "Score Choice" option. Students can
choose which schools receive their scores AND
which scores the sc hools see.
Are there other
uses for the exams
Schol arship purposes
Certain statewide testing programs
Schol arship purposes
Certain statewide testing programs
Need more
information
Educ ation al Testing Servic e (ETS):
609-771-7600, ETS.org;
The College Board: collegeboard.com
ACT, Inc.:
319-337-1270,
ACTstudent.org
800-2Review (800-273-8439) I PrincetonRev"ew.com
Te~ r.lMCS r:fe !he tIadernarI:s of &!erl M:$pet~o \'.'refi.vAQfi 10 affif\aled W'ttI The ffirallJl A~" the Pmcel«l ~vand The Pnnceloniteview
logo are lI~O: S flS9.5.t~·e!I .n tnI u.s Patent MId Tri!la'l'G:: (Jffiee tJv Tht PJ"'DHon fiovTC",-" 11'1:: .,,'hIth IS f'ItIt a'ffihall!d wlm PrirJ:BT.OIl Unt.'i!"~ W.
17
/ lne---­

THE COLLEGE BOARD
2008 – 2009 SAT TEST DATES
TEST DATES TEST REGISTRATION
DEADLINES
LATE
REGISTRATION
DEADLINES
May 2, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests March 31, 2009 April 9, 2009
June 6, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests May 5, 2009 May 15, 2009
PROPOSED 2009 – 2010 SAT TEST DATES
TEST DATES
October 10, 2009
November 7, 2009
December 5, 2009
January 23, 2010
March 13, 2010
May 1, 2010
June 5, 2010
TEST
SAT & Subject Tests
SAT & Subject Tests
SAT & Subject Tests
SAT Only
SAT & Subject Tests
SAT & Subject Tests
SAT & Subject Tests
Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Test
(PSAT/NMSQT)
Test Date Wednesday, October 14, 2009
www.collegeboard.com
2008 – 2009 ACT TEST DATES
TEST DATES REGISTRATION
DEADLINES
LATE
REGISTRATION
DEADLINES
April 4, 2009 February 27, 2009 February 28-March 13, 2009
June 13, 2009 May 8, 2009 May 9 - 22, 2009
2009 – 2010 PROPOSED ACT TEST DATES
TEST DATES
September 12, 2009 February 6, 2010
October 24, 2009 April 10, 2010
December 12, 2009 June 12, 2010
May 4, 2009
May 3, 2010
www.act.org
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Exam Dates
Monday – Friday & May 11, 2009 Monday – Friday
Monday – Friday & May 10, 2010 Monday – Friday
18

TAKING THE T.O.E.F.L. – IBT EXAM
“Test of English as a Foreign Language
Who should take a T.O.E.F.L.
o Students whose first language is not English who:
o Plan to attend a four year college
o Scored less than 450 on the Critical Reading portion of the SAT
o Plan to apply to highly competitive colleges
When should you take a T.O.E.F.L.
o May or June of Junior year
o September or October of Senior year
Cost of T.O.E.F.L.
o $140 ($70 with fee reduction voucher)
REGISTER EARLY – SLOTS ARE LIMITED
Registration:
o Call 1-800-468-6335
o On-line at www.ets/toefl.com
o Worcester Location: (Near Greendale Mall)
Worcester Prometric Testing Center
146 West Boylston Drive
Worcester, MA 01606
508-853-7250
See Ms. D’Angelo in Room 105 to apply for this voucher if you are eligible for
Free or Reduced Lunch.
19

Koplick Certificate of Mastery & John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and the Stanley X. Koplick Certificate of Mastery
Tuition Waiver Program both provide undergraduate tuition waivers at Massachusetts State
Colleges and Universities to qualified students. Students will be notified during their senior
year if they are eligible for either of these scholarships.
The chart below shows the differences between the two scholarships. For more information
you can log on to www.osfa.mass.edu
Koplick Certificate of Mastery
Students initially qualify by scoring, at the
least, in the Advanced category in English
Language Arts or Mathematics and
Advanced or Proficient in the other subject
area on the grade 10 MCAS assessments.
Students must apply for the Certificate
through their guidance counselors by May of
their senior year. In order to receive the
Certificate they must demonstrate
additionally academic achievements, such
as high scores on AP or SAT II subject tests
or high academic achievements or
recognitions beyond their individual school.
Full information on additional requirements
is included in the application forms available
to guidance counselors on MassONE.
Students must keep a copy of their
Certificate of Mastery to show when they
register for college.
Students receive a tuition waiver to state
colleges and universities that is in effect for
8 semesters. The waiver does not cover
fees, books, or other expenses. The waiver
is in effect as long as the student maintains
a GPA of 3.3 or better.
The tuition waiver applies to Massachusetts
public state colleges and universities with
the exception of the Massachusetts Maritime
Academy.
John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
Students qualify by scoring, at the least: (a)
in the Advanced category in English
Language Arts or Mathematics and
Advanced or Proficient in the other
Subject area on the grade 10 MCAS
assessments; and, (b) in the top 25% of the
students in the district on these tests.
Students who qualify are notified by letter in
their senior year. NO further application is
necessary, but students must keep their
letter to show when they register for
college.
Students receive a tuition waiver to state
colleges and universities that is in effect for
8 consecutive traditional semesters or 4
years. The waiver does not cover fees,
books, or other expenses. A student must
begin to use the waiver in the first fall
semester after graduation from high school.
The waiver is in effect as long as the
student maintains a GPA of 3.0 or better.
The tuition waver applies to all
Massachusetts public state colleges and
universities with the exception of the
Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the
Massachusetts College of Art.
It should be noted that only students who are legal Massachusetts’ residents are eligible to receive a tuition waiver.
20

College resources for students and families
General Web sites
ACT, Inc. The Web site for information on the ACT, including registration, test dates, etc. ",'"w,v.act.org.
Campus Tours: Virtual College Tours. Virtual tours with still pictures and descriptions, webcams. campus maps,
and videos of hundreds of colleges throughout the United States. Provides a first look at colleges.
wwvv.ca,mpustours.com.
The College Board. A complete site, with college and scholarship searches, information about the SAT* and SAT
Subject Tests, and other material pertaining to the college search and application process. Easy-to-use college-search
feature. www.collegeboard.com.
Collegiate Choice Walking Tours Videos. A site run by a group of independent counselors in New Jersey who offer
videos of walking tours of more than 350 colleges, providing "an unedited recording of an actual student-guided
campus tour offered at that college:' \';·ww.collegiatechoice.com.
eCampusTours.com. Virtual tours of colleges. eseful for its 360-degree views of dorm rooms and other bUildings.
www.ecampustours.com.
MyRoad~. Interactive planning tool that includes a personality assessment, career information, college-search tools,
and articles about colleges and careers. \Nww.myroad.com (also accessible through W\'\T\v.collegeboard.com), Schools
or individuals can purchase this service.
NCAA Clearinghouse Online. Official :\"CAA Web site that gives details ofstudent-eligibility requirements to play
NCAA sports. Watch this site for changes in eligibility; students can print the Guide for the College-Bound Student­
Athlete. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
Peterson's Education Portal. An all-purpose site including a college search, as well as information about summer
programs, summer camps, and jobs, The site asks you to register before using some of the search engines and other
resources, but there is no registration fee. There is a charge for some of the services provided. www.petersons.com.
u.s. Department of Education. The federal government's Web site is easy to use and an excellent source of
information on financial aid, much of it in Spanish as well as English. Look for two signature publications here:
Funding Your Education and The Student Guide: Financial Aidfrom the US. Department ofEducation. www.ed.gov.
Financial aid Web sites
The College Board. Has a scholarship search, a loan calculator, and an online application form for the CSS/Financial
Aid PROFILE" form, which is required by some colleges. www.collegeboard.com.
FAFSA on the Web. The Web site for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form must be submitted in
the senior year (after January 1) for families applying for need-based aid. Students may complete it electronically at
this site. wv,.'W.fafsa.ed.gov.
FasnVeb. Extensive information on merit- and need-based scholarships and aid. www.fashveb.com.
FinAid! Good site for information about types of financial aid and applying for financial aid. www.finaid.org.
Student Guide: Financial Aid from 'C.S. Department of Education. The Student Guide is a comprehensive
resource on student financial aid from the Department of Education. Grants, loans, and work-study programs are
the three major forms of aid available through the department's Federal Student Aid office. L-pdated annually. http://
studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html, go to w\Iv,v.studentaid.ed.gov and type "swdent
guide" into the search engine.
21
Handout 3M page 1 of 2
College Counseling Souccebook 1004. Copyright © 2004 by CoJege Entrance Examination Board. :\11 rights reserved.
Permission granted:o copy this for edL:cational pl!rposes.

College resources for students and families
(page 2)
Wired Scholar. Pointers on the search and application process, from preparation to getting loans;
also has interactive tools for analyzing the affordability of schools and comparing financial aid award letters.
v'lww.wiredscholar.com.
Books
Comprehensive objective directories
Barron's Profiles ofAmericall Colleges. ::\ew York: Barron's Educational Series, Inc. Updated every two years.
Chronicle Four- Year College Databook. Moravia, NY: Chronicle Guidance Publications. Published annually.
The College Board College Handbook. New York:
Entrance Examination Board. Published annually.
Peterson's Guide to Four- Year Colleges. Princeton, NJ: Peterson's Guides. Published annually.
Peterson's Guide to Two- Year Colleges. Princeton, NJ: Peterson's Guides. Published annually.
Subjective guides
Fiske, Edward, and Robert Logue (contributor). The Fiske Guide to Colleges. Illinois: Sourcebooks Trade. Updated
annually.
Greene, Howard R., and Matthew W. Greene. The Hidden Ivies: Thirty Colleges ofExcellence. New York: Cliff Street
Books, 2000.
Pope, Loren. Colleges 17wt Change Lives: 40 Schools You Should Know ),bout Even If You're Not a Straight-A Student.
New York: Penguin, 2000.
Staff of Yale Daily News. The Insider's Guide to the Colleges.
York: St. Martin's Press. Updated annually.
Specialized topics
College Board Book of;'vlajors. New York: College Entrance Examination Board, 2004.
Detailed descriptions, written by professors, ofmore than 180 popular majors, plus lists of900 majors and the colleges that
offer them.
College Board College Cost & Financial Aid Handbook. New York: College Entrance Examination Board.
Published annually.
Peterson's Christian Colleges and Universities. Princeton, ::\J: Peterson's Guides. Updated every two years.
Princeton Review et al. (eds.). The Hillel Guide to Jewish Life 011 Campus. 14th ed. New York: Random House
Information Group, 1999.
Princeton Review et al. (eds.). K':- W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit
Disorder. 7th ed. :-;-ew York: Random House Information Group, 2003.
Sherrill, Jan-Mitchell, and Craig A. Hardesty. The Gay, Lesbiml, and Bisexual Student Guide . .'-."ew York: r:.... ew York
University Press, 1994.
Strichart, Stephen S., and Charles T. Mangrum, II (eds.). Peterson's Colleges with Programs for Students with Learning
Disabilities or Attention Disorder. 6th ed. Princeton, ~J: Peterson's Guides, 2000.
22
Handout 3M page 2 of 2
College Counseling Sourcebook 2004. Copyright 2004 by Col1ege Entrance Examination Board. All rights reserved.
Permission granted to copy this for educational purposes.

SENIORS!!!
IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
1. The F.A.F.S.A. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used for ALL colleges
(Public and Private) and cannot be filled out/sent in until AFTER JANUARY 1, 2010.
This is FREE.
2. The F.A.F.S.A. can be filled out on-line (www.fafsa.ed.gov). The student and parent
each need to register for a pin number at www.pin.ed.gov, before they start filling out
the form. This can be done before January 1 st . See Mrs. Paradis for assistance in
room 105. Available in English and Spanish.
3. The CSS/PROFILE financial aid form is used for certain private colleges (see
registration form, look in the College Handbook, contact the college) and can be filled
out beginning October 1, 2009. This form must be filled out on-line at
www.collegeboard.com. There is no paper version of this form. There is a registration
fee of $25 and $16 per college. See Mrs. Paradis for assistance.
4. Find out the FINANCIAL DEADLINES for each college by contacting the college,
reading the college literature, going to the college website or looking in the College
Handbook, under “application procedures”.
5. DO NOT miss FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES! Fill out the application at least 2 weeks
before the earliest deadline.
6. Mrs. Paradis will be available to help seniors fill out the FAFSA or Profile in January
through March. Students or parents filling out the CSS/Profile can receive assistance
from her, beginning in November. Students who are applying early decision should fill
out the financial aid applications by the early decision deadline date.
7. For scholarships: there will be a local scholarship book distributed in December. There
will be a file cabinet in the guidance office which will contain scholarships in January.
Check it out after the holiday break. Check it weekly for new scholarships.
8. The Financial Aid Seminar will be held in late November. Date will be announced later.
9. See Mrs. Paradis with any questions or concerns regarding financial aid and the
applications. She can be reached at (508) 797-6228 or at cparadis@cowc.org.
10. Register for MEFA’s Free Parent Assistance Services at www.mefa.org/parent
23

Tips by E+ayEdge (com
nps Oil Wrltillg the Admissioll. ,ssay
It may be on (V 500 1J)ords, but the admissions essay portion ofa college app~ation can mean the
difference bent'een acceptance and rejection. Without the essa}), admissions officers would have
to choose arbitrarily' bet'vveen two (or even two hundred) applicants with identical profiles. Your
personal essay sh011JS the admissions committee 110ft' YOli are different from everybocZV else. It
provides information about J'OU that test scores, grades, and extracurricular pursllits just cannot,
YOll can use the essaJ' to describe a favorite acth'ity or to tell a story about yourselfor even your
dog, bl/t make sure to real(v lise it--in.a 'way that captures the reader's attention and shows that
you are exceptional,
Step One: Brainstorming
You should expect to devote at least a week to brainstoffi1ing possible essay topics, To help you
select a topic, you can view over 100 sample college admissions essays at EssayEdge,com or
take the free essay help course, Reading successful essays and completing free brainstoffi1ing
exercises at EssayEdge.com should help you to select a final topic. Consider these helpful
brainstoffi1ing questions:
What Are You Like
• What is your strongest personality trait Does any attribute, quality, or skill distinguish
you from everyone else How did you develop this attribute
• How would your friends characterize you What would they say if they
were writing your admissions essay for you
• Consider your favorite books, movies, works of art, etc. Have these
influenced your life in a meaningful way Why are they your favorites
• Have you experienced a moment of epiphany, as if you suddenly realized
the essence or meaning of something
What Have You Done
• What are your major accomplishments, and \I.-hy do you consider them accomplishments
.. What have you done outside of the classroom that demonstrates qualities sought after by
universities Of these, which means the most to you and \\hy
• Have you ever struggled mightily for something and succeeded What made you
successful Have you ever struggled mightily for sOr:1ething and failed How did you
respond
• What was the most difficult time in your life, and v;hy How did your perspectiye on life
change as a result of the difficulty
\Vhere Do You Want to Go
.. Of everything in the world, what would you most like to be doing right now
Where 'A'ould you most like to be Whom, of everyone living and dead, would
you most like to be with
• What are your dreams of the future When you look back on your life in thirty
years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful
.. How does this particular university fit into your plans for the future Why do you
want to spend two to six years of your life at this particular school
24
Information Supplied by EssayEdge's Harvard-Educated Admissions Essay Editors at:
http://www.essaved2e.com

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY/PERSONAL
STATEMENT
What Admissions Officers Look For:
A great application essay will be: Vivid, personal, compelling, and genuine.
Note: It will round out the rest of your application and help you stand out from the
other applicants. The essay is one of the only parts of your application over which you
have compete control, so take the time to do a good job on it.
Tips: Keep you focus narrow -- your essay must prove a single point or thesis. The
reader must be able to find your main idea and follow it from beginning to end. Try
having someone read just your introduction to see what he or she thinks your essay is
about.
Essays that try to be too comprehensive end up sounding watered down. Remember.
It’s not about telling the committee what you’ve done – they can pick that up from your
list of activities – instead, it’s about showing them who you are.
Prove it
Develop your main idea with vivid and specific facts, events, quotations, examples, and
reasons. There’s a big difference between simply stating a point of view and letting an
idea unfold in the details”
Be Specific
Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing by using vivid and specific details.
DON’Ts
Don’t Tell Them What You Think They Want To Hear and Don’t Be Disingenuous
Most admission officers read plenty of essays about the charms of their university, the
evils of terrorism, and the personal commitment involved in being a doctor.
Bring something new to the table, not just what you think they want to hear.
25

DOHERTY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2008
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Air Force Lab Institute of Merchandising St. Joseph's College
Art Institute of Boston Lasalle University St. Michael's College
American International C Lasell College Stanford University
American University LeMoyne College Stonehill College
Andrews University Lesley University Suffolk University
Anna Maria College Lincoln University SUNY Albany
Army Louisiana Techncial University SUNY Oswego
Art Institute of NYC Loyola University Chicago SUNY-StoneyBrook
Assumption College Lynn University Syracuse University
Barry University MA College of Liberal Arts Temple University
Bay State College MA College of Art Tulane University
Becker College MA College of Pharmacy UMass Amherst
Boston College Marines UMass Boston
Boston University Marymount Manhattan UMass Dartmouth
Brandeis University Mass Bay Community College UMass Lowell
Bridgewater State College Merrimack College Universal Technical Institute
Brigham Young University Mt Ida College University of Rhode Island
Brooklyn Community College Mt Wachusett C.C. University of Arizona
Bryant University National College of Business & Tech University of Colorado
Catholic University NE Institute of Art University of Colorado at Denver
Clark University New England College University of Connecticut
Cleveland State University New York University University of Hartford
Coastal Carolina University Newbury College University of Hartford
College of New Rochelle Nichols College University of Maine Orono
College of the Holy Cross Norfolk State University University of Maryland
Community College of RI North Carolina State Univ University of New England
Concordia College Northeastern University University of New Hampshire
Connecticut College Nova Southeastern University University of New Haven
Curry College Pace University University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Daniel Webster College Philadelphia University University of Notre Dame
Dean College Pine Manor College University of Pennsylvania
Drexel University Plymouth State University University of Pittsburgh
Emmanuel College Point Park University University of Rhode Island
Endicott College Police Academy University of Rhode Island
Fairfield University Providence College University of Scranton
Fashion Institute of Technology Quinnipiac University University of Southern Maine
Fisher College Quinsigamond C.C. University of Tampa
Fitchburg State College Regis College University of Texas
Florida Atlantic University Rensselaer Polytechnic Ins University of Toronto
Florida Institute of Tech Rhode Island College University of Vermont
Fordham University Rider University Ursinus College
Framingham State College Rivier College US Air Force
Franklin Pierce University Rochester Institute of Tech Utah State University
George Mason University Roger Williams University Utah Valley State College
Hampshire College Rutgers University Utica College
Hartwick College Sacred Heart University Virginia Commonwealth University
Hesser College Saint Mary's College Wake Forest University
Hofstra University Salem State College Wentworth Institute of Tech
Houston Community College Salter College Western CT State University
Indiana University Salve Regina University Western New England C
Ithaca College Simmons College Westfield State College
Johnson & Wales U Miami Skidmore College Wheelock College
Johnson & Wales University So New Hampshire U Wingate Universtiy
Johnson State Spelman College Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Keene State College St. Anselm College Worcester State College
St. John's University

COLLEGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST
1. Pass in the following items to your counselor:
__ Completed Transcript Request form (for each college)
__ Completed College Counseling Questionnaire
__ Completed Activities Questionnaire
__ Section of application for Guidance Counselor to fill out,
(if applicable)
__ 4 postage stamps (for each college)
Your counselor will send out the official transcript, with her letter
of recommendation (if requested) and the Doherty HS Profile.
*Make sure you allow 2-3 weeks for your counselor to
prepare her letter of recommendation and the official
transcript.
2. It’s the student’s responsibility to send all application
Materials to each college:
Most application packets sent out to each school include:
__ Completed Application (typed or printed neatly)
__ Application Fee or Application Waiver (for students who have
free or reduced lunch)
__ Essay (if requested)
__ Teacher Letter(s) of Recommendation
__ Resume (if requested)
__ Any other forms from the college
__ Copy of Permanent Resident card (“green card”), if applicable
__ Make sure that your SAT or ACT scores will be sent to each
college (Requesting online is the fastest way).
Please don’t miss your
APPLICATION
and
FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES!!!

COLLEGE COUNSELING QUESTIONNAIRE
Return this completed form to your Guidance Counselor by October 1 st .
Name: ____________________________________________
1. What do you consider to be your most outstanding personal strengths and/or personality
traits
2. I have a particular interest in, or I enjoy:
3. Do you have an idea of what you would like to pursue as a college major Have you had
experience which has helped form or influence this idea
4. Are there any special circumstances, which may have affected your personal or
academic growth in a positive or negative way
5. If you have SITE, an internship, or a job, describe FULLY what you do there.

ACTIVITIES QUESTIONNAIRE
I. Please list all school activities in which you have participated while in high school. Use the
following “KEY SYMBOLS” in completing this form. Specify sport, event or position.
M – Member T – Treasurer C – Captain
P – President V – Varsity CC – Co-Captain
VP – Vice President JV – Junior Varsity ED – Editor-in-Chief
S – Secretary F – Freshman MGR – Manager
Consider such things as the following, but remember these are only a guide, not a complete list:
Student Council, School Newspaper, Yearbook, Class Officer, Band, Choir, Clubs, National
Honor Society, Sports.
9 th 10 th 11 th 12 th SCHOOL ACTIVITY/POSITION WHAT YOU DO THERE
II. Please list outside school/community activities during the last four years:
9 th 10 th 11 th 12 th COMMUNITY ACTIVITY WHAT YOU DO THERE

STUDENT WORKSHEET FOR TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
Teacher ___________________________________ Course _____________________________
Student ________________________________________________________________________
Directions:
To provide background information for your recommending teacher, complete this
form with concrete, anecdotal information.
If this recommendation is for a particular college/university, why is it a good match for you
What are the first words that come to your mind when you describe yourself
How did you grow in this class
What was the most outstanding paper(s)/projects(s) you produced in this class
How did you contribute academically to this class
How did you contribute socially to this class

DOHERTY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE OFFICE
REQUEST TO SEND TRANSCRIPT/NOTICE OF COLLEGE APPLICATION
NAME: ________________________________________________
DATE OF REQUEST: _____________________________________
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR: ________________________________
*This request form is due to the guidance office not later than 2 weeks
before the application deadline noted below.
My application for admission to the college indicated below has been submitted
or will be submitted on my own as noted below.
I request that my official academic transcript, school report form and counselor
statement be sent directly to this college in connection with my application.
I understand that it is my responsibility to request the official reporting of any
standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, etc) to each college that requires
official scores.
College: _________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Application Deadline: _______________
_____ Early Decision _____Early Action _____Regular _____Rolling
My application for admission was or will be submitted directly to the college on
(date) _____________________.
I will submit the application _____ By mail _____ Electronically/online
_____Other (how) _______________________
I have requested teacher recommendations from
______________________________ and ____________________________
School report form given to counselor _____
Date supporting materials sent by counselor
4 stamps _____
__________________