OLD SAYBROOK HIGH SCHOOL 1111 Boston Post Road Old ...

OLD SAYBROOK HIGH SCHOOL
1111 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
COLLEGE PLANNING
GUIDE for JUNIORS
Casey Weber, School Counselor
Maureen Healy, School Counselor
Debby Dwyer, Administrative Assistant
High School Code Number
CEEB and ACT
070605
January 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1
Page 2-3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Pages 17-20
Page 21-22
Page 23
Junior Year College Planning Timetable
Senior Year Timetable
Preparing for the SATs – Upcoming Test Dates
College Search
College Admissions – Catalogs
Kinds of Colleges
Two Year Colleges
What Are Your Chances of Admission
College Visits
College Visit Comparison Chart
College Entrance Examination
American College Testing (ACT)
Sending for College Catalogs – College Interview
Sample Questions – College Interviewer
Sample Questions – Student
Terms
College Related Internet Sites
Military Information Sheet

College Planning Timetable
Class of 2013
Junior Year
December 2011
January 4, 2012
February 2012
February 10, 2012
February – May
March 10
• PSAT score reports distributed to all students
•Junior Parents’ Night – 6:30 p.m. OSHS Auditorium
• Guidance presentation through classes
• Registration deadline for March 10 th - SAT I
• Meet with counselors for post-secondary planning
• Research schools, talk to college representatives who visit
OSHS, use resources in Guidance Office
• Take SAT I
March • Course selection for academic year begins for 2012-2013
April 6, 2012
Mid April
April, May, June
April – August
May 8, 2012
May 5
May 7 – 18
June 2
Summer Activities:
• Registration deadline for May 5 th SAT I and II
• Take Armed Services Vocational Aptitude
Battery (ASVAB) at Old Saybrook High School
• Develop a preliminary list of colleges
• Write or call for applications and catalogs
• Visit colleges and schedule interviews
• Registration deadline for June 2 nd SAT I and II
• Take SAT I or SAT II
• Advanced Placement exams
• Take SAT I or SAT II
• Visit colleges, schedule interviews, request applications, and
catalogs, start thinking about college essay topics; review
for SATs; volunteer; do something extraordinary!

CLASS OF 2013
SENIOR YEAR
Timeline
September 2012
Start senior year off strong academically
-Review your lists of colleges
-Plan college visits and interviews with admissions offices
-Call or get on line regarding information, applications and campus
information sessions and tours
-Remember to send thank you notes to Admission representatives if
they meet with you or interview you.
-Start putting together resume
September 2012
September 17, 2012
September-October
October
October 15
October/November
November
November 12
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
Evening Meeting for Senior Parents and seniors
6:30 p.m., OSHS
Old Saybrook High School College Fair
Old Saybrook High School Gym, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Finalize colleges to apply to with counselor
-Remember always to have safety schools
-Apply Early Decision or Early Action (if appropriate)
-Update resume
-Request letters of recommendation from teachers and coaches
Tell them to drop off to Guidance Office
(Again, remember thank you notes!)
-Review college representative visitation program in Guidance
-Work on College Essays
Take SAT I or SAT II
-Make sure colleges that you are applying for are receiving your SAT
score report. Can be done at time of registration
Resumes due from all seniors to Guidance Office
Submit college applications. Must be submitted to Guidance
at least two weeks prior to application deadline.
********see page 9 from application process********
Take SAT I or SAT II
*send your scores to four colleges
Completed applications due to Guidance if college deadline is
December 1, 2012.

November 30
December 2012
December
December 2012
Completed applications due to Guidance if college deadline
is December 15
Submit completed college applications to Guidance Office and
monitor your deadlines
-Research scholarship opportunities
-Does your school require the CSS/Financial Aid Profile
Make sure you check into that on www.collegeboard.com
Take SAT I or SAT II
Financial Aid Evening Program
Old Saybrook High School Auditorium
6:30PM
**FAFSA information will be available that evening**
January 1, 2013
January – March
February
February-March
March-April
May
June
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be filed
(see www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Local scholarship applications available
Check Guidance Office for details and check daily announcements
Have you sent all necessary forms and applications for financial
aid
Profile, FAFSA and college financial aid forms
Decide, which schools you want to revisit
(Accepted Student Days)
Make final decision and send deposit – check deadlines*
-Write withdrawal letters to colleges you will not attend
-Inform the Guidance Office of any letters of acceptance/denial and
your plans
-Revisit your schools if necessary
Still not sure what you want to do after graduation
Don’t wait, come to the Guidance Office for help.
-AP Exams
-Continue keeping up with academics!
-Graduation! Have a great summer and good luck!
* Students should review application and financial aid deadlines
to all schools they apply to.

Get to know the test:
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SATs
• Do the practice tests in the SAT Registration Bulletin or online @ collegeboard.com.
• SAT review books
• SAT preparation courses
• Take the test more than one time
• Visit www.collegeboard.com for test taking tips and strategies
Do the little stuff the day before:
• Set your clothes out the day before
• Put your pencils, calculator and admission ticket together
• Go to bed early the night before
• Have a good breakfast
During the test:
• Listen carefully to all instructions and ask questions if you hear something you don’t
understand
• Focus your attention entirely on your work
• Before answering each question read it completely, as well as all of the possible responses
• When you are unsure of an answer, narrow your choices down and choose the one you think
is best and go on to the next question
• Pace yourself throughout the test
• If you complete the test before your time is up, go back and check your answers
UPCOMING TEST DATES
March 10, 2012 (SAT I only) Registration Deadline: February 10, 2012
Late Registration Deadline: February 24, 2012
May 5, 2012 (SAT I and SAT II) Registration Deadline: April 6, 2012
Late Registration Deadline: April 20, 2012
June 2, 2012 (SAT I and SAT II) Registration Deadline: May 8, 2012
Late Registration Deadline: May 22, 2012
REMINDERS:
• Be sure to list prospective colleges on your SAT registration form so these schools receive your
scores (you may choose four colleges free).
• SATs are only one factor looked at by Admission Officers. Colleges admit people, not test
scores.

THE COLLEGE SEARCH BEGINS WITH YOU
1) You need to ask yourself these questions:
What is important to you
What do you value
How do you learn
What motivates you
What do you want to study
Do you like the city or natural beauty of the country
Do you want the diversity of a large university or the personalization of a small college
2) What are my options
Four-year college or university
Two-year junior or community college
Full-time employment
Military career
3) Set realistic goals for your future:
• Where do my personal strengths, weaknesses, and interests lie
• What major am I interested in pursuing in college
• What job opportunities does this major open up for me
• What information can I gain from doing a job shadowing or internship experience
4) Explore information sources:
• College representatives, alumni, present college students
• Guidance resources: catalogs, individual school/university viewbooks, videos
• Teachers, administration, school counselors – where did they go to college What were
good academic programs at their alma maters
• Interview people in your field of interest
• Visit college campuses - attend open houses or schedule a personal tour
• Attend college fairs
5) Size Up Schools: You are looking for the best match for you. Remember, no
place is perfect! Consider these components when choosing a school:
Academic majors
Size of school
Location
Coed, only women, only men
Atmosphere of school
Campus life
Social opportunities
Athletics
Costs
Diversity
Clubs/Organizations/Intramurals Admission chances (safety, reach, realistic)

GAINING ADMISSION TO COLLEGE
In evaluating the candidates for admission, the college considers the following:
• The student’s academic record (transcript) – THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR
• Standardized test scores: SAT I, SAT II, ACT
• Letters of recommendation
• Participation in school/community/activities
• Employment
• Interview
• Application essay
READING A COLLEGE CATALOG
There are several ways to find out about colleges, but the most reliable source is the college
catalog. You will find many catalogs in the Guidance Office, the counselors’ offices, and the
library. If you wish to have your own copy of a catalog, send a postcard to the admissions office
of the college(s) you are interested in. Once you have the catalog be prepared to do some
thoughtful, time-consuming research. It is advisable to read more than one catalog in order to
compare colleges. In addition, college catalogs can usually be found on each individual college
website.
While reading look for:
• The philosophy of the college. What are the objectives of the college The entrance
requirements What are the minimum requirements
• The total expenses. How much is the tuition Are there dormitory and boarding facilities
Are there additional fees What sort of financial aid is available to entering students
• The rules and regulations governing student behavior. What are the policies on hours,
weekend trips, using a car, residence rules, etc.
• The courses offered in your area of interest. What courses will you be required to take
• The educational background of the faculty.

KINDS OF COLLEGES
College: An institution that offers educational instruction beyond high school level in a twoyear
or four-year program.
University: An academic organization which grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in a
variety of fields and which supports at least two degree-granting professional schools that are not
exclusively technological (such as medicine, journalism, or agriculture). It is composed of a
number of ‘schools’ each of which encompasses a general field of study.
Liberal Arts College: A liberal arts college generally has fewer than 5,000 students and can
be either a two or four year institution. The mission of most liberal arts schools is learning for the
sake of learning with a strong emphasis on creating lifelong learners who will be able to apply
their education to any number of careers. This contrasts with objectives of the profession-based
preparation of specialized colleges.
Engineering or Technological College: Independent professional schools which provide
four-year training programs in the field of engineering technology or polytechnic institutes.
Technical School: A two-year institution which offers terminal occupational programs intended
to prepare students for immediate employment in fields related to engineering and the physical
sciences. These schools may also offer one-year certificate programs in certain crafts and clerical
skills.
Nursing School: There are three kinds of nursing education. At schools affiliated with
hospitals, students receive RN degrees upon completion of their training. At schools affiliated
with four-year colleges students receive both a BS degree and a RN and have possibilities of
entering the field of nursing administration. At schools associated with two-year colleges,
students receive both an associate degree and a RN.
Military School: Federal military academies prepare officers for the Army, Navy, Air Force and
Coast Guard. These institutions, with the exception of the Coast Guard Academy, require
recommendation and appointment by a member of Congress. Private and state-supported
military institutes, however, operate on a college application basis. They all offer degree
programs in engineering and technology with concentration in various aspects of military service.

Why a two-year college after high school
TWO-YEAR COLLEGES
ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM
• Education and training for the student who wishes to complete his/her formal schooling in two
years
• General education to prepare youth for effective personal and community living
• Orientation and guidance to help the student discover his best talents, find a direction in life,
and prepare successfully for a vocation
• Courses equivalent to freshman and sophomore work in senior colleges leading to satisfactory
accomplishment in further studies in liberal arts, education, science and engineering
• Opportunity to remove matriculation deficiencies. If a student’s high school record does not
meet the admissions standard of a particular four-year college, the student may prove himself
in a two-year program after which a four-year school may be willing to accept him.
Two Types of Programs:
• TERMINAL – Designed for students who will enter an occupation or assume home civic
responsibilities immediately after graduation.
• General Education: Social Studies, English, the arts, languages and literature but not
working toward a bachelor’s degree
• Vocational: Designed to prepare for immediate entry into one of the semiprofessional
or technical fields
• TRANSFER – Designed to prepare for immediate entry into one of the semi-professional
or technical field
Admissions Requirements:
As with four-year colleges, admission requirements to a two-year college vary widely from one
school to another.
The entire school record, test results, and references are evaluated. Be sure to check the
admissions requirements of any school you are particularly interested in.
Generally speaking, entrance requirements for programs in the health field (dental,
physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiation technology, and nursing) are more
strict than for admission into other programs.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES FOR ADMISSION
Narrow your list of possible college choices down, select one or two colleges which fit into the
following three categories:
REACH:
Presents an admission challenge for you. Your academic qualifications may not
exactly match the profile of typical students admitted.
TARGET/REALISTIC:
Your academic qualifications closely match the requirements of
the school, and those of a typical student they may admit.
SAFETY:
Your qualifications exceed the profile of the typical student admitted to the college.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING COLLEGES
• Give as much thought to your middle and safety schools as your reach schools
• Apply only to schools where you believe you would be happy for four years
• Visit all schools which make your final list
• Remember, you are looking for the best match for you!
PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING TO COLLEGE
• Once you have decided which colleges you will be applying to, you will need to complete a
college application folder (available in the Guidance Office) for each school.
• The completed application folder and a copy of your resume must be given to your counselor
at least two weeks prior to the application deadline. There is a $3.00 mailing fee for each
application.
• The Guidance Office will provide an official copy of your transcript and letters of
recommendation for each application.

COLLEGE VISITS
YOU SHOULD VISIT ALL SCHOOLS THAT MAKE YOUR FINAL LIST!
-Go on college visits during junior/senior years
-To get the best view of the college, you should schedule a college visit when school is in session.
This allows you to get a sense of the school and campus life.
-Make an appointment for a visit. This should be scheduled 2-4 weeks in advance.
-Attend an open house sponsored by the college. Open houses are usually advertised on school
websites
1) Go prepared: -Read the viewbook, catalog, and admission requirements
-Have a few questions prepared before the visit
-Bring an unofficial copy of your transcript and latest report card
2) Visit different parts of the campus:
-Eat in the cafeteria
-Visit a dorm room
-Sit in on a freshman class -Visit the library and computer facilities
-What other amenities does the school have to offer: gym, pool, field house, student
center…
3) Talk to people while on the campus:
-Make appointments to meet with financial
aid office, admissions office, coaches
-Faculty members in your intended major
-Talk to students in your intended major
-Talk to students about campus life, how
they like the school and weekend activities
4) Important information to come away with
from your college visit:
-student to faculty ration -parking availability/registration
-housing availability options -student activities/clubs/social events
-faculty availability
-size of typical classes
-campus safety
-additional services available to students: counseling, career placement and planning,
freshman and/or writing centers, computer assistance, internet access from your dorm
room
5) Write impressions of college, campus atmosphere, available services and
senses of student body immediately after you visit.
How comfortable you felt on the visit could be a good indication of how you would feel on
campus as a student.

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
Entrance examinations are required for admission at most colleges. Students should carefully
check the admissions requirements at prospective colleges to determine whether SAT I or SAT II
tests are required or if the American College Testing (ACT) is an acceptable alternative.
CEEB – COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD
1) What is the SAT I
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is an examination that measures mathematical problem
solving, reading for understanding and writing using standard English.
2) What is the SAT II
SAT II is a one-hour examination that measures the student’s level of achievement in
certain subject areas. Some colleges require or recommend three subject Achievement
Tests for admission or placement purposes. Up to three subject tests may be taken at one
sitting.
3) How do I know which SAT II tests to take
You should take the SAT IIs in those subject area sequences which you are completing this
year and in any one-year subject which you will want to offer in your college admission
credentials or for which a particular college requires. For instance, if you are finishing your
study of a foreign language, you would take the Achievement Test this year rather than
delay it until your senior year, when you will no longer be studying the subject. Also, if you
are currently taking Chemistry or a similar one-year course and wish to offer this test for
college admission, you should take the Achievement Test in May.
4) Which mathematics Achievement Test should I take
Most candidates take the Level I Mathematics Achievement Test regardless of the number
of years they have studies mathematics. The Level II test is narrower in scope and
concentrates on more advanced work. It calls for a greater depth of understanding and
sophistication. Calculators may be used. Please consult with your present math teacher to
get the proper placement.
5) When should I take the examinations
There is no need for a student to take the SAT I or SAT II more than once before senior
year unless he/she must do so to meet the requirements of a specific college (early
decision), or if his/her scores seem low and inconsistent with his/her academic record
and/or PSAT scores. Then he/she may wish to repeat this test.

ACT – AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING
ACT examinations are required for admission at many colleges, especially in the west and
midwest. Students should carefully check the admissions requirements at their prospective
colleges to determine whether SAT tests are required or whether the ACT would be an acceptable
alternative.
1) What is the ACT
The ACT is a four-part, two hour and forty minute test of the abilities which students will
need to succeed in college work. It deals more with the use of skills than with specific
subject matter. In addition, the student is asked to complete a 25-minute Student Profile
Section to indicate his/her grades, background, goals, personal needs, and non-classroom
activities.
2) What areas of study are tested
English Usage:
Mathematics Usage:
Social Studies Reading:
Measures students’ understanding of conventional standard
English and their ability to produce a direct writing sample
Measures reading comprehension, special study skills,
and problem solving
Measures reading comprehension, special study
skills and problem solving
Natural Science Reading: Measures evaluative and critical reasoning and problem solving
skills
3) When and where do I take the ACT Exams
In most cases it is advisable to take the ACT examinations as early as possible in the senior
year. Sign up on the website.
4) Why does the ACT request my high school grades
ACT reports, to the colleges that you designate, a predictive correlation between your test
scores and your grades to estimate how well you will probably do in college work.
5) May I repeat the ACT Examination
Re-testing is only recommended if the student were physically ill, emotionally upset,
misunderstood directions, or attempted in any way to falsify his/her record during the
initial examination. As scoring is weighted to compensate for different test dates, a later
testing would be likely to improve scores.

YOUR COLLEGE INTERVIEW
A personal interview with a member of an admissions staff is an advantage to all concerned.
Visiting a college campus gives the prospective student a first-hand look at the students and
faculty, the program, and physical facilities which no catalog can do. Guided tours of a campus,
sitting in on a class and talking with students and faculty are all invaluable.
The fact that a prospective student is interested enough to visit the campus and to talk with the
admissions staff indicates a serious interest and gives the college a chance to find out more about
you as a person. The college considers the personal conference to be of great value and
importance as a basis for evaluation. If feasible, this personal interview should take place during
the spring of your junior year or early in your senior year while college is in session.
Your interviewer will want to know what your goals and interests are, and in which programs you
might possibly be interested. If you are not sure of your choice of major program tell your
interviewer. Perhaps he will have some helpful suggestions. If you will need financial assistance,
discuss this at the time of the interview so you will know what funds the college has available for
academic scholarships, part-time work and student loans.
Do not be afraid to ask about your chances of being accepted. You won’t get a firm commitment,
but you will get an indication of whether or not you live up to the college’s academic standards.
Be sure to ask your student guide about classes, extracurricular activities, residence rules,
transportation, medical services, churches, etc. Do take a good look at the library, studios,
laboratories, dormitory rooms and all other facilities.
If you cannot visit the campus, notify the admissions office and they will ask an alumna or other
college representative in your area to interview you.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS ASKED BY COLLEGE INTERVIEWER
The purpose of a college interview is two-fold: to give you a chance to meet personally with a
representative and ask questions you have about the college; and to give the college
representative an opportunity to see first-hand what you are like as an individual.
It may help you to be at ease in the interview if you have some idea in advance of the kinds of
questions you might be asked. While no two interviews will be the same, recent high school
graduates report that the questions below were some of the most commonly asked:
• What major field are you interested in
• Why did you pick this college
• What are your extra-curricular activities, both in school and in the community
• What were your scores on the College Boards (SAT)
• What are you interested in doing after college
• What subjects are you taking in high school
• What books have you read not required by classroom teachers during the past year
• What are your favorite school subjects
• What have you done with your summers
• What do you like about the college
• How many are in your family
• How large is your graduating class
• Do you have any scholastic problems
• What is your average grade
• What questions would you like to ask
• Why do you want a college education
• What do you think a college education is
• Who or what influenced you to choose the college
• What have you done in your proposed major field
• Do you know any alumni or present students
• Have you definitely decided upon your future plans, and do you think you can accomplish
these plans
• Have you written any long term papers On what subjects
• What other schools have you applied to
• What do you know about the college
• Is this your first college decision
• Do you intend to work while in college
• Do you have much composition writing in school
• What do you cover in English class
• What subjects do you dislike the most

QUESTIONS STUDENTS MIGHT ASK AT AN INTERVIEW
• What is the student-faculty ratio
• What is the attrition rate at your college for the previous academic year
• What is the size of the freshman class that you plan to accept for next year, provided your
attrition rate remains constant
• What is the size of the resident population that you can accommodate without overcrowding
your facilities
• Does the college anticipate an increase in the prices it will be charging next year
• Does the college offer any programs that have a quota What is the rationale for this
limitation on numbers
• What are the new majors/minors that have been added to the curriculum to meet job market
needs in the last three years
• Is the college researching any new concentrations that might be marketable
• How has it expanded its physical plant within the last five years
• What academic majors include work experience opportunities
• How many students does a freshman advisor have as his/her official advisement responsibility
• What was the total amount of money spent by the college on financial aid last year
• Does the college award any scholarships on the basis of academic merit or talent
• How many transfers were accepted into the college last year
• How successful have graduates in my intended major been in getting jobs in their own or
related academic areas
• What is the placement rate in professional and graduate schools
• What are the chances of being admitted based on my high school record
Don’t forget:
Research the college
before your interview!

TERMS
When you plan for college you need to understand certain terms that are commonly used by
colleges to describe their programs, admissions procedures, and financial aid policies. The
definitions given here are necessarily general, and it is suggested that students consult the
college catalogs of specific institutions in order to get more accurate, detailed and up-to-date
descriptions of the procedures, programs and practices discussed.
Admission Tests – See SAT, SAT II Tests, and ACT
Advanced Placement: Admission or assignment of a freshman to an advanced course in a
certain subject on the basis of evidence that he/she has already completed the equivalent of the
college’s freshman course in that subject. In some cases the college may also grant academic
credit for the college-level work that has been completed.
Advanced Placement Program (APP): A service of the College Entrance Examination
Board that provides schools with course descriptions in college subjects and Advanced Placement
Examinations in those subjects. Schools administer that examination to qualified students and
several hundred participating colleges offer advanced placement, college credit or both to
students who obtain satisfactory grades. (See Advanced Placement)
American College Test (ACT) Assessment: A battery of tests similar to the
SAT Is offered by the American College Testing Program, given at test centers in the United
States and other countries on specified dates throughout the year. It includes tests in English
usage, mathematics usage, social studies reading, and natural sciences reading. The composite
score referred to in some colleges’ descriptions and tables is the average of a student’s score on
these four tests.
Associate’s Degree: The degree given for completing certain undergraduate college
programs of at least two but less than four years of study, usually in a two-year institution such
as a junior college or community college.
Bachelor’s Degree: The degree given for completing certain undergraduate college
programs that normally take four years. Also called the Baccalaureate Degree.
Pell Grants: A federally sponsored and administered program that provides grants based on need
to undergraduate students. The grants cannot exceed $2,200 per year but Congress often sets a
lower ceiling.
Calendar: The system by which an institution divides its year into short periods for instruction
and awarding credit. The most common calendars are those based on semesters, trimesters and
quarters.
Candidates Reply Date Agreement (CRDA): A college subscribing to this agreement will not
require any applicant offered admission as a freshman to notify it of his/her decision to attend (or
to accept an offer of financial aid) before May 1. The purpose of the agreement is to give

applicants time to hear from all of the colleges they have applied to before they have to make a
commitment to any one of them.
Certificate Program: An educational program to prepare students for immediate employment
after completing it. The term usually refers to a program that takes less than four years beyond
high school to complete, such as many of the programs in junior colleges, community colleges
and vocational-technical institutes.
College Scholarship Service (CSS): An activity of the College Board that provides colleges
and scholarship agencies with an estimate of the amount of money an applicant’s family might
reasonably be expected to pay toward his/her college expenses. This estimate is based on
information that the family has given about its income and assets and is sent to the college
scholarship agencies in determining how much financial aid, if any, an applicant will need in order
to meet the full costs of attending particular colleges.
Early Admission: Currently available in a limited number of schools. Students apply early, are
notified of acceptance early are not obligated to attend.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A financial information collection
document of the College Scholarship Service (CSS), used by independent students or parents of
dependent students to supply information about their income, assets, expenses, and liabilities.
The CSS uses this information in estimating how much money a family is expected to contribute
to a student’s college expenses. Most post-secondary institutions are requiring the use of this
form.
Early Decision: Candidates can apply in November or December and learn the colleges
decision a month or so after deadline. Accepted students are binded to enroll at the college
which accepts them.
The Profile: Another financial aid form which must be completed by the students/parents if they
want to be considered for financial aid. This form is used by a small number of colleges listed on
the form.
Honors Program: Any special program for very able students, usually offering the opportunity
for educational enrichment, independent study, acceleration, or some combination of these.
Independent Study: Any arrangement by which a student is allowed to complete some of
his/her college program by studying independently instead of attending scheduled classes and
completing group assignments. Typically the student plans his/her program of study, often on
topics of his/her own choice, in consultation with a faculty advisor or committee, to whom he/she
may report periodically and submit his/her final report for evaluation.
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT):
Approximately a two-hour version of the College Board’s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) measuring
verbal and mathematical abilities that are important in many college programs. Schools
administer the PSAT/NMSQT) each year in October.

Quarter: A period of about 11 weeks, four of which comprise an academic year. In colleges
following the quarter calendar, a student makes normal progress by attending three quarters each
year. In some colleges a student can accelerate his/her program by attending all four quarters in
one or more years.
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC): Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program
conducted by certain colleges in cooperation with the United States Air Force, Army and Navy.
Local recruiting offices of the services themselves can supply detailed information about these
programs, as can the participating colleges.
SAT II Tests: College Entrance Examination Board tests in specific secondary school
subjects, given at test centers in the United States and other countries on specified dates
throughout the year. These tests measure a student’s knowledge of particular subject areas.
Colleges that require these tests of applicants may specify the subjects and dates. Used by
colleges not only in deciding about admissions but also in course placement of enrolled students.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I): The College Entrance Examination Board’s test of writing,
verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities, given on specified dates throughout the year at test
centers in the United States and other countries. Required of all applicants by many colleges and
sponsors of financial aid programs.
Semester: A period of about 17 or 18 weeks making up half of the usual academic year in
colleges that follow this kind of calendar. See: Calendar, Trimester and Quarter
Study Abroad: Any arrangement by which a student is enabled to complete part of his/her
college program – typically the junior year but sometimes only a semester or a summer – of study
in another country. His/her own college may operate the campus abroad or it may have a
cooperative agreement with some other American college or an institution of the other country.
3-2 Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Combination: Program in which a student
completes three years of study in a liberal arts college followed by two years in professional
studies, usually in another institution.
Transfer Student: A student who enrolls in a college after having previously attended one or
more other colleges.
Trimester: Three periods of about 15 weeks, with breaks in-between, which fill a calendar year.
A student makes normal progress by attending two of the trimesters each year, and in some
colleges he/she can accelerate his/her program by attending all three trimesters in one or more
years.
University – Parallel Program: An educational program in a two-year college that is
equivalent to the first two years of a similar program in a four-year college or university. The
university-parallel program is designed to qualify a student for entrance to the third year of the
four-year program with full credit for the two years already completed.
Upper-Division College: An institution offering bachelor’s degree programs that begins with the
junior year.

Bookmark These College Related Internet Sites
TEST PREP:
www.testprepreview.com
www.kaplan.com
www.collegeboard.com
RESEARCHING COLLEGES:
Choices College Planner www.portfolio.bridges.com
Virtual College Tours www.campustours.com
College Express
www.collegeexpress.com
College View
www.collegeview.com
College Link
www.collegelink.com
U.S. Dept. Of Education www.ed.gov
College Board Online www.collegeboard.com
Peterson’s
www.petersons.com
Miscellaneous Sites
www.edweek.org
www.collegefreshman.com/
www.yahoo.com/education/collegeentrance
Google’s University Searches www.google.com/options/universities.html
APPLYING TO COLLEGE:
The following websites can assist you with the application process. A number of
colleges and universities have made their application available via the Internet to
make applying more convenient for the student. These applications can be filled out
on line and printed.
www.collegelink.com/, www.nassporg/, www.commonapp.org
FINANCIAL AID SITES AND SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH SITES:
Nellie Mae Loans
www.nelliemae.org
Federal Aid Form
www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Federal Family Ed Prog. www.salliemae.com or www.cashe.com
Free Scholarship Search www.fastweb.com & www.brokescholar.com
Financial Aid info page www.finaid.org
Student Guide to your
Education
www.ed.gov
National Assoc. of Student
Financial Aid Admin. www.nasfaa.org
Grants
www.yahoo.com/education/grants
Other:
www.ed.gov/proginfo/sfa/fye/
www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/Student/hopegd.html
Educational Opportunities in CT www.ctdhe.commnet.ed
Educational Financing Authority
In Mass.
www.mefa.org

ATHLETES:
athletes.com/NCAA.org
BOOKS:
Colleges That Change Lives – Loren Pope, Penguin Books
Profiles of American Colleges – Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. – published annually
Peterson’s Four Year Colleges – Peterson’s – published annually
Best 361 Colleges – Princeton Review, published annually
Cool Colleges: For the Hyer – Intelligent, Self-Directed, Late Blooming and Just Plain Different -
Donald Asher, Ten Speed Press
Best Buys in Higher Education – Barron’s Educational Services
Choosing the Right College – Intercollegiate Studies Institute
America’s Best Colleges for B Students – Supercollege
Questions and Admissions: Reflections on 100,000 Admission Decisions at Stanford – Stanford
University Press
Launching Your Child from High School to College- W.W. Norton
College Knowledge, 101 Tips for the College Bound Student – University of Michigan Press
College Match: A Blueprint to Choosing the Best School for You – Steven Antonoff and Marie
Friedemann, Octameron Associate

MILITARY ENLISTMENT
Students planning to join a branch of the Armed Services upon graduation from high school are
encouraged to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This battery is
given at the high school at no cost and with absolutely no student obligation to the military.
When individuals who took the ASVAB as high school seniors seek to enlist in one of the military
services within two years of having taken the test, their results from the school testing program
will be used to determine job guarantees for the enlistee unless the job he/she is seeking is one
of those few which require additional qualifications.
Military enlistees should also be aware of the fact that they are eligible for benefits under the
Veteran’s Educational Assistance Act, a voluntary program funded by the Veteran’s Administration.
US Coast Guard
United States Air Force
Recruiting Service
USAF Recruiting Office
Federal Office building
Union Station
135 High St., Room 330 New London CT 06320-6373
Hartford CT 06103 860-442-1707
860-722-3457
Navy Recruiting Station
Connecticut Army National Guard
55 Church Street Suite 103 National Guard Armory
New Haven, CT 06510
249 Bayonet Street
203-865-1005 New London CT 06320
860-441-2977
United States Marine Corps
United States Army
200 Main St. Recruiting Station
Middletown CT 06457
170 Main Street
860-346-3525 Middletown CT 06457
860-347-3972
United States Army
New London Recruiting Station
78 Howard St.
New London CT 06320
860-442-7653