Notre Dame Academy
Guidance Newsletter
News for Seniors
Decisions! Decisions!
The last letter of recommendation has been written. Our file drawers are no longer bulging with applications. Most students have finished the initial leg of the obstacle/self discovery process called “applying to college.”
Believe it or not, the next stage of the senior cycle is making the final choice! It doesn’t seem possible during the dark hours of writing essays and filling out applications that the process will ever end! However, many of the students have already heard from their schools. The next few months will bring all seniors to the point of decision making. Some careful consideration of the same questions you asked yourself in the fall will help you in this process:
1. Do I want to stay close to home or go away?
2. Does this school meet my needs in terms of possible majors?
3. Does the school have a broad curriculum in case I am undecided as to my major . . . in case I change my major?
4. Do I want a large college or university or do I want a more personal, small atmosphere?
5. How have my desires changed since September?
6. Does the school offer the extra-curricular activities that are most important to me?
7. Is this school recognized for the particular depart-ment in which I plan to major?
8. How do the financial aid packages compare? (In judging this factor be sure to compare what the family is expected to contribute, not the amount of the package, and how much is grant or scholarship rather than loan.)
$$$$$$ Don’t Delay $$$$$$
Parents were most complimentary about
Paul Lynskey’s presentation at our
Financial Aid Evening.
We hope all students who need to file the
CSS PROFILE (for independent colleges)
have already done so.
Be certain that the FAFSA is filed
well before the earliest financial aid
deadline for your daughter’s college choices.
WHEN IN DOUBT . . .
Don’t neglect a few sources of valuable information when you are in the delightful quandary of having to choose among several acceptances. Guidance personnel are always available and willing to discuss the various factors that should be considered. We may be able to offer suggestions for you to ponder since we are likely to be more objective and less subject to the high emotions of this stage. Alumni/alumnae and current students at the school you are considering can be an invaluable source of information to help you consider your options. Many schools have information coffees, etc. or actual visitation programs at the college. Immersing yourself in the environment of the schools you are considering is an excellent way of discovering whether you will be happy in that particular setting. A second visit, perhaps?
Ask lots of questions and don’t discount your “gut” feelings. Parents should realize that this is an important decision for your DAUGHTER to make. Your input is needed, especially in financial matters, but it should ulti-mately be your daughter’s decision. Lots of understanding and communication are necessary during this difficult period.Don’t Take Rejection Personally
Our caveat at the beginning of the year about stress in seniors probably seemed a vague prophecy that would not affect your family. It may now be a little more real! The waiting time is a terribly difficult period for everyone, whether they have all A’s and 800’s on the SAT’s, or whether they are average performers. Students fare better if they try to keep an open mind rather than pin all their hopes on one college. The “Brand Name” colleges especially are so highly popular and selective that some small factor might determine an acceptance. Seniors, it is important not to judge yourself too harshly or to think that you personally are being rejected. These schools choose among the brightest minds in the country. Maybe they need a tuba player or a classics major this year. Don’t invest your whole self-image in an acceptance at one of these schools. . . . if it comes, fantastic! But, if not, know that you are still the same worthwhile person even if you are not going to “Big Name U.”
Wait a Minute!
For those families who did not attend the financial aid night at NDA, we distributed to your daughters the materials that were utilized that evening. The MEFA booklet contains tips for completing the financial aid form; do not miss deadlines, keep copies of everything you submit, estimate income as accurately as possible; apply online if possible, note that your name and Social Security Number is the student’s. In the booklet are also tips on choosing a college loan and making a plan to pay for college.
Some Encouragement
Parents often find this period is the ultimate in powerlessness! You want your child to do her applications, you want her to be accepted, but, basically, it is out of your hands. For the first time, perhaps, you cannot give your child what she wants! Sometimes it is a matter of economics ... you cannot afford the school she wants ... even with financial aid. It is a scary time for all parents. The good news is that kids will get into college! Somehow, parents seem to find the money to pay for it! If you have friends who have been through the process already, you may find some reassurance in hearing how they did it. We are sure that all those who attended our financial aid meeting received wonderful information, advice and tips on the whole financial aid process. Announcements of available scholarships come in the mail almost daily. Seniors should explore all options. Be sure to visit your area public high school for local scholarships.
Living at College
Another important decision that occurs during this stage of senior year is whether to apply for housing. We are blessed with many excellent colleges within easy commuting distance of Worcester. The temptation is to save money by eliminating the room and board charges. If you are thinking along these lines, here are some points to consider. College presents many rigorous academic challenges which often necessitate such measures as staying late to perform a lab experiment, researching at the college library, conferring with other students on projects and papers, obtaining computer time which might be late at night or early in the morning. Students are apt to live a schedule that may not conform to family standards... such as all-nighters to study for exams or write papers! It may be easier for a concerned mother to hear these aberrations at Thanksgiving when she can see that her daughter has had no ill effects from the experience! Little brothers and sisters, family chores and obligations may not be as easy to accommodate with the increased demands that a college program imposes. The experience of “individuation” from parents is an important part of living at college.
Having to handle the ups and downs of life can be a strengthening process. In times of real crisis you are only a phone call apart, but the independence living away can develop is invaluable. If it is not a terrible financial burden, families should give serious consideration to the benefits of living at college.Don’t Rest on Your Laurels
Maintain effort during the last leg of the journey! Colleges do send for midyear and final grades. It is by no means unheard of for a college to deny acceptance to a senior who has let her grades drop below the standards of the school. Remember: all acceptances are conditional upon satisfactory completion of the senior year.
No Deposit, No Return
Most schools abide by the universal reply date of May 1. This means you may put a deposit down on a college now and recover money later by notifying the college in writing before May 1. Some colleges, particularly state schools, do not use this procedure. The best way to make sure of your college’s procedure is to read the fine print on the acceptance letter, or call the Admissions Office. In the case of a state school, it might be better to risk your money anyway because public institutions are becoming increasingly popular. You may request an extension, but you may lose out on housing. Once you have relinquished your place in the class, you will be replaced with someone else.
Notre Dame Academy
425 Salisbury Street, Worcester MA 01609
Phone: 508-757-6200/ FAX: 508-757-1888