Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What external sources do you recommend to help me in my college search?

A: Click on “Resources” at left to find the list of on-line and office resources.

Q: When should I visit colleges that interest me?

A: Summer is when most students and families have the opportunity to travel. Colleges at which interviews are recommended or required generally have more slots open in the summer. Summer visits are a good introduction to campus buildings and grounds, the look and feel of the place. Impressions gained then may influence subsequent visits. Spring and fall visits provide the opportunity to sit in on classes, talk with students and see the college in action.

Q: What should I do during a college visit?

A: Think of it like buying a car. Kick the tires. Check under the hood. Take it for a test drive. Some things are obvious. Go on the campus tour. Sit through the information session, if there is one. If you can, schedule an overnight visit and pretend to be a student. Go to classes. Eat in the dining halls. Read in the library. Sample the cultural and social opportunities outside of the classroom. If you have a special interest in a department, sport or activity, try to meet with someone in that area.

You may want to bring a portfolio, or a resume to discuss. Be thorough. Recognize first impressions but look beyond the surface stereotypes.

Q: Do I need an interview?

A: We encourage any student who wants an interview to seek an interview. An interview is one way to fully inject life into an application, to take it out of the realm of paper and numbers. Students who feel that their extracurricular records or special talents can be highlighted through an interview (for example some students bring slides or clippings) should pursue interviews. We suggest an interview if one is applying early or to a first choice. We also suggest interviews at small colleges where the personal approach to education predominates.

Please note: Many large state universities and some selective private universities no longer offer interviews. Some colleges and universities offer them as a courtesy. Others assign them to their alumni. Still others send admission officers to host regional interview sessions. These visits are announced, but you should call your schools just to ensure you don’t miss an opportunity.

Q: Do I need to do anything to prepare for SATs and ACTs?

A: Tutoring is a good step for some people, but contrary to popular belief, it is not required. You can do an awful lot of good on your own if you’re disciplined and willing to put in the time. Familiarity and comfort with the test are two key factors in improvement and so go find a relatively inexpensive book like The Official SAT Study Guide and 10 Real SAT IIs or an ACT prep book with sample tests and get to work.

Q: Which SAT-II Subject Tests do I need to take?

A: Each student is responsible for meeting the requirements specified by his or her college choices. Most selective colleges require three SAT-II Subject Tests. Certain colleges or programs, however, may require math or foreign language, while many engineering programs require chemistry or physics, in addition to math. Students should take the appropriate subject tests as soon as possible after completing the relevant courses, while the material is still fresh in their minds.

Q: What is the most important factor that colleges look at in making admission decisions?

A: Colleges tell us that the single most important part of a student’s application is his or her transcript. Admission committees like to see students doing well in the most rigorous course load he or she can handle, which is different from the most rigorous course load he or she can take. Simply put, what you do in class matters a lot. The other big part of your application is your standardized test scores. A combination of high grades and solid SAT, ACT or TOEFL scores will put you in the driver’s seat in this process. Colleges also look closely at your extra-curricular activities, community service, personal statement/essay and teacher and counselor recommendations to help them form a complete picture of you.

Q: Should I use the Common Application?

A: Yes. The Common Application was created in order to eliminate a lot of the “busy work” involved in applying to college; take advantage of it. However, make sure that you use the Common Application in conjunction with a thorough investigation of the school, which may include a visit, a letter indicating interest, an interview, etc. Also, make sure that you tailor each application, as much as possible, to each individual school through the essay or personal statement. Make sure that you double- or triple-check your applications to make sure that the right school is getting the right application. Finally, most colleges require a supplement to the common application, and these can be downloaded from their Web site.

Q: What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?

A: Early Decision (E.D.) is a binding agreement between you and the college, by which you agree that you will attend the college should you be accepted. At many schools, E.D. applications are due by November 1 or 15, but the dates and E.D. plans do vary, so read the applications closely. Normally, decisions are mailed before the Christmas holiday. If accepted under an Early Decision plan, you must withdraw your applications at all other colleges.

Early Action (E.A.) follows the same timetable as Early Decision, but it is not a binding agreement. If accepted to a college under an Early Action policy, you may still attend another college if you so choose.

Q: Who should write my recommendations?

A: Just about every school will require at least one teacher recommendation. We recommend sending two; one from a teacher who can evaluate your writing, and one from a teacher who can speak to your more quantitative or scientific side. We encourage you to ask for a recommendation from one of those core subject teachers in the 11th and 12th grade in whose class you have been successful or for whom you worked very hard and showed improvement and commitment throughout the year. You may also want to ask an employer, coach, scout master, etc., for a letter to support your efforts outside the classroom. Three recommendations are fine, but any more than that may be overkill.

Q: Where can I obtain Financial Aid forms?

A: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS/Financial Aid Profile registration forms can be obtained in the College Counseling Office or you can fill out the FAFSA online www.fafsa.ed.gov and register for the CSS/Financial Aid Profile online at www.collegeboard.com as well.

Q: I have a learning difference. How will this affect my college search?

A: The extent of your difference and your necessary accommodations will definitely effect your college search. You will most likely need to look for school that has programs in place to accommodate you. You also may have the option of taking extended time SAT I and SAT IIs. Documentation stating that you are eligible for extended time must be relatively current (within three years) and be on file with our Upper School learning specialist. Some resources for you would include the National Learning Disabilities Association, the College Board, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders and The Special Needs Education Network.

Q: What is Rolling Admission?

A: Rolling Admission is a process used mainly by large state universities, although not exclusively. Under a Rolling Admissions policy, applications are read on a continual basis rather than all at once after a certain deadline. If you apply to a school with a rolling admission policy, we recommend getting that application in as early in the fall as you can.

Q: What is the NCAA Clearinghouse?

A: The NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse is a body that was created to maintain academic standards regarding student-athletes in college. The Clearinghouse form must be filed for all student-athletes who plan on competing at the Division I or II level in college. The form consists of basic personal and academic information and must be sent with an official transcript upon completion of the junior year. If you have attended another high school prior to coming to Bullis, that transcript may also be sent from Bullis for you. See your college counselor for more specific information regarding the Clearinghouse.

Q. Who arranges to have standardized test scores sent to colleges?

A. This is the student’s responsibility and can be done at www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org.

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