ACT's News You Can Use Issue 57, November 2008

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ACT's News You Can Use
Issue 57, November 2008
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In this issue:
1. Key dates
2. Improving study skills
3. College planning tips for high school students
4. Writing your college essay
5. Establishing homework strategies
6. Test date reminder

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KEY DATES

November
* If any schools on your target list offer Early Action/Early
Decision, consider the option and complete any paperwork
they require.

December
* Some early admission decisions will be available, so check with
any schools to which you submitted an application.
* The ACT® is administered on December 13.
* Complete and mail college applications with January 1 deadlines.
* Prepare for the FAFSA, because it will be available January 1.
Visit http://fafsa.ed.gov to get a head start on the process.

January 2009
* The FAFSA becomes available January 1. File the FAFSA as soon
after January 2 as possible.
* Registration deadline for the February ACT test date is
January 6. (No test centers are scheduled in New York for the
February test date.)

February 2009
* The ACT is administered on February 7. (No test centers are
scheduled in New York for the February test date.)

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IMPROVING STUDY SKILLS

You can always improve your study skills. Developing good skills
and habits in high school will help you make learning the material
more effective and ease the transition to college classes. In
college, learning is a much more individual effort so going the
extra mile in high school will pay off later on.

Some good study skills to develop:

* Questioning.
If a concept doesn't make sense to you, ask someone to explain it.
Talk with a teacher or even a classmate who gets it. Ask questions
until you feel like you have a grasp on the topic.

* Make studying a regular habit.
And don't just focus on getting homework done. Really put effort
into learning, understanding and applying the concepts learned in
class to your daily activities.

* Take notes every day in class.
Then review those notes. Highlight key points. Write down
questions you want to ask and points to study further.

* Go beyond the assignment.
Writing helps many people retain information, so take advantage
of that and write down key points from reading assignments, make
flash cards or create your own practice tests.

* Schedule it.
Don't let studying become just another item on the to-do list
that remains undone. Schedule a regular time and place. Keep
distractions to a minimum.

Studying is really about developing a set of habits and skills
that work best for you. Like any habit, it can be difficult to
get into a routine, but stick with it and you'll find it gets
easier.

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COLLEGE PLANNING TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Planning for college and a career doesn't happen overnight. It's a
process, filled with research and exploration. ACT encourages
high school students to do some of the work each year. You can
find a college planning checklist at
http://www.actstudent.org/college/checklist.html.

Many high school freshmen and sophomores do not know what career
they want, let alone where they want to go to college or what they
want to study. Use the scores from your EXPLORE and PLAN tests to
guide your planning. Talk with your counselor about what those
scores mean and visit the World-of-Work Map at
http://www.act.org/wwm to match your interests with potential
fields. You can find out more about careers and their
requirements at http://www.actstudent.org/wwm.

Juniors can do more career exploration by talking to someone in
the field. See if you can spend a day with a professional to see
what the job really entails. Also, you should be looking at dates
to register for the ACT in the spring. The ACT tests you on what
you learn in school, so spring of junior year is the appropriate
time to take it. Free practice tests are available at
http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html. You can use your
scores to see areas in which you might need to improve.

Seniors who haven't settled on a particular career have probably
narrowed to an area of focus. As you complete college
applications, be sure the schools meet your needs. And remember
that you won't be able to slack off after your last application
has been submitted. College admissions officers are increasingly
putting more weight on a student's performance during the last
semester to evaluate your ability to perform consistently.

ACT's student bloggers are in the college application process now.
Read what they have to say about applications and their senior
years at http://www.actstudent.org/blog.

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WRITING YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY

Like your ACT score, the essay is just one component of your
college application. An essay can say a lot—or a little—about who
you are. The point of the essay is to paint a picture of you to a
total stranger. Admissions officers want get to know you and why
you belong at their school.

Tips for writing sound essays can be found online from many
sources. Just type "writing a college essay" into a search
engine. Here are some quick pointers to help craft a
stand-out essay.

1. Plan.
Review application deadlines and plan ahead. Outline, then draft,
then proof, rewrite, have someone else proof it and then revise
accordingly. Give it one last look before submitting. Remember,
spell check doesn't catch everything!

2. Stand out.
Admissions officials review hundreds of applications and the ones
that pique their interest are unique. While the essay should
single you out from the crowd, be careful not to focus so narrowly
on something others cannot relate to or understand.

3. Be real.
This one can be interpreted a couple different ways. First, don't
use a story or essay found online or written by a friend.
Admissions officers can spot a "borrowed" essay from long
distance. Secondly, don't write to what you think others want to
hear. Show personality and individuality.

4. Stay on topic.
Review each application's essay question, develop a few ideas and
settle on one. Follow that theme throughout the essay.

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ESTABLISHING HOMEWORK STRATEGIES

Homework is a valuable part of learning. Though you probably think
it's a pain, homework does help to cement lessons taught in class.

* Assume that you will have homework every night.
Even if you completed your assignments, take time to review them.
It's easier to see any errors the second time around. Don't forget
to look ahead to long-term assignments like research papers or
science projects. And if you're fortunate enough to have time
during the school day to finish all homework assignments, use
your scheduled homework time to develop solid studying habits.

* Don't be intimidated by homework.
It's like a sporting event, but for your mind. Homework is part
of your learning process. If you're having problems with an
assignment, check with your teacher or look for free homework
help that might be available in your area. Many public libraries
offer either a live or online homework service. Tutors are
another option.

* Make it a routine.
Find a place and set a consistent time for doing homework. The
adage states that it takes three weeks to develop a habit.
Practice your homework routine and it should become second nature
before long.

Homework is one aspect of your study skills. While homework
focuses on a specific assignment, studying goes beyond that to
enhance understanding of the concepts and topics taught in class.
You can find ideas for enhancing your studying skills elsewhere in
this newsletter.

Homework tips for parents
Parents can help students establish good homework skills. The
National Education Association has valuable homework tips for
parents at http://www.nea.org/parents/homework.html. And homework
motivation ideas for parents are at
http://www.act.org/path/parent/motivate/homework.html.

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TEST DATE REMINDER

The next national ACT test date is December 13, 2008. The
registration deadline is November 7. Late registration,
with an additional fee of $20, is available through November 20.
Register online today at http://www.actstudent.org.

Other test dates during the 2008-09 school year are
February 7, 2009; April 4, 2009; and June 13, 2009. Registration
deadlines for these dates are normally about five weeks before
the test date.

An optional Writing Test is available in addition to the multiple-
choice achievement test. Go to http://www.actstudent.org/writing
to learn more about the Writing Test, including the colleges that
require it.

Test-day tips, a list of what to bring and approved calculators
for use on the Math Test are listed on the site, too. For all your
questions about the ACT test, visit http://www.actstudent.org.

ACT's News You Can Use

ACT's News You Can Use
Issue 56, October 2008
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In this issue:
1. Key dates
2. College planning terms
3. Making the most of college visits
4. Inexpensive test prep tools
5. Narrowing down college options
6. Test date reminder

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KEY DATES

November
• The deadline to register for the December ACT® test date is
November 7.
• If any schools on your target list offer Early Action/Early
Decision, consider the option and complete any paperwork.

December
• Some early admission decisions are available, so check with any
schools to which you submitted an application.
• The ACT is administered on December 13.
• Complete and mail college applications with January 1 deadlines.
• Prepare for the FAFSA, because it will be available January 1.

January 2009
• File the FAFSA as soon after January 2 as possible.
• Registration deadline for the February ACT test date is
January 6.

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COLLEGE PLANNING TERMS

Common/universal application.
Form that allows a student to submit one application to many
different schools. Both are available online:
http://www.commonapp.com and http://www.universalcollegeapp.com.
Some schools also require supplemental forms.

Early decision.
A binding agreement between you and the school. You apply early,
and if admitted, are bound to attend the school. The application
deadline occurs early and the admission decision is
delivered early.

Rolling admissions.
A process in which a school reviews applications and makes
decisions on them throughout the year.

Early action.
You can apply to an early action school and receive your
admission response early. The decision is usually non-binding,
but you may agree to forgo applying to other early action/early
decision institutions. When conditions apply it is sometimes
called Restrictive Early Action.

Open admissions.
An admission decision, usually made by public junior and
community colleges, without regard to your academic performance.

Transcript.
The official record of your educational achievements, provided by
your high school.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The key to unlocking student financial aid, it should be completed
and submitted as soon after January 2 as possible. The form and
supporting information can be found at http://www.fafsa.gov.

You can find glossaries of college and financial aid terms on
several websites, including:

Finaid.org: http://www.finaid.org/questions/glossary.phtml
College Confidential: http://tinyurl.com/4vfskn
FastWeb: http://tinyurl.com/545n5f

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MAKING THE MOST OF COLLEGE VISITS

College visits allow you to "try on" potential colleges. For
juniors, early visits can be the starting point for a list of
potential schools. Seniors can use visits to pare their list down.
Wherever you are in the process, ask lots of questions. Here are
a few suggestions:

• What activities and services are available to help first-year
students adjust academically and socially?

• What are the total costs of attending this school? Be sure the
response includes additional fees, books, room and board, etc.
And be sure to factor in any travel costs.

• What types of financial aid does this school offer and how do I
apply for it?

• Who does the majority of the teaching—graduate assistants or
professors?

You can find a list of other questions at
http://www.actstudent.org/college/visit.html. Also, the National
Survey on Student Engagement offers a college visit pocket guide
at http://www.nsse.iub.edu/html/pocket_guide_intro.cfm, which you
can download and print. It's available in English and Spanish.

And don't forget to take good notes. You can easily become
confused if visiting several colleges. It might be helpful to
take along a camera or camcorder to help capture the feel of
each campus.

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INEXPENSIVE TEST PREP TOOLS

The ACT is a curriculum-based test, so it covers what you learn in
school. To take full advantage of your education, ACT recommends
that you take the test in the spring of your junior year.
This way, you'll have time to re-take the test, if you choose,
before college application deadlines.

Free test prep aids are available at http://www.actstudent.org.
Sample questions are on the site along with Preparing for the
ACT, a free booklet with a complete practice test, scoring key,
writing prompt and sample essays. The ACT registration packet,
available from the counseling office, also contains the booklet.

ACT Online Prep, the only test prep program developed exclusively
by ACT test development professionals, is only $19.95 for a
one-year subscription. The Real ACT Prep Guide, a book featuring
retired test questions, test-taking strategies, and optional
writing test overview, is just $25. Both Online Prep and the Guide
are available at http://www.actstudent.org.

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NARROWING DOWN COLLEGE OPTIONS

Finding a college that "fits" means taking into account majors,
study abroad programs, internship opportunities, career placement
success rates, and much more. Compiling data from many different
schools can be challenging if you're relying on marketing
materials or information received during a campus visit.

One easy way to get a snapshot of a potential school is to review
its Common Data Set. These uniform reporting documents, which are
provided by many four-year colleges and universities, contain a
wealth of information, including admission rates, financial aid
sources, high school course requirements and recommendations,
and more.

Here's a sampling of the information you'll find on a Common Data
Set form:

• The relative importance placed on various factors in an
application review.

• Freshman class profiles showing average GPA, ACT scores and
class rank, allowing you to see your relative chances of
being admitted.

• Tuition, room and board costs, as well as estimated expenses
(books, transportation and others).

• How financial aid is determined (using federal methodology, an
institutional methodology or both), and how much and what kinds
of financial aid (loans, scholarships, need-based, merit-based)
are awarded.

These forms quickly tell students whether or not the school fits
with their graduation goals, skills and ability to afford a
school. To locate, type "Common Data Set" into the search function
on each school's website.

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TEST DATE REMINDER

The next national ACT test date is December 13, 2008.
The registration deadline is November 7. Late registration, with
an additional fee of $20, is available through November 20.
Register online today at http://www.actstudent.org.

Other test dates during the 2008-09 school year are:
February 7, 2009; April 4, 2009; and June 13, 2009.
Registration deadlines for these dates are normally about five
weeks before the test date.

An optional Writing Test is available in addition to the multiple-
choice achievement test. Go to http://www.actstudent.org/writing
to learn more about the Writing Test, including the colleges that
require it.

Test-day tips, a list of what to bring and approved calculators
for use on the Math Test are listed on the site, too. For all
your questions about the ACT test, visit
http://www.actstudent.org.

Learn More About Dartmouth

Thursday, October 23, 2008
7:00 pm
Shaker Heights High School
15911 Aldersyde Drive
Shaker Heights, Ohio

RSVP at
http://inyourcity.dartmouth.edu/infosessions

University of Notre Dame Pre-college Programs

Greetings from the University of Notre Dame!

Please mark your calendars with the application and program dates for our nationally profiled ND Summer Scholars (limited scholarship assistance available) and our three all-expense paid seminars: African American Scholars, Latino Community Leadership Seminar, and the Global Issues Seminar.

Online applications available:
December 1, 2008

Program information is available on our website:

http://precollege.nd.edu

Fall College Fairs

Monday, October 6 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Greater Cleveland West Suburban College Fair at Baldwin-Wallace College
St. Edward High School is a co-sponsor
For more information go to www.sehs.net/wscf.htm

Wednesday, October 8 (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center College Night
8001 Brecksville Road Brecksville, Ohio 44141

Thursday, October 9 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Lorain County College Fair at Lorain County Community College

Tuesday, October 14 (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
Lakewood High School College Night

New Job Listing

Alternatives Unlimited has a job posted on the job board.
For information go to http://sehs.net/job_board.html

Discover Duke

Tuesday, October 28 7:00pm
Shaker Heights High School
15911 Aldersyde Dr

Each Discover Duke program includes an audio-visual presentation, information about academic opportunities and research, and a discussion of admissions policies and financial aid. A current Duke student or recent Duke graduate will accompany an admissions officer at each program.

To register visit www.admissions.duke.edu

Tuition Funding Sources

TuitionFundingSources.com is a private website that contains the world’s largest scholarship database – at least five to ten times larger than any other source of scholarship information along with college and career information.

Unlike other scholarship search websites, the TFS website does not collect student’s names and other personal information for resale making it the only safe place to search for scholarships on the internet. And there is no advertising – not even for Pepsi-Cola products – even though Pepsi pays for the program.

St. Edward High School is selected to use the TFS website annually by our local Pepsi-Cola bottling company.

National Free PSAT Test Fest

This year, free practice PSATs will be offered in the following locations:

Beachwood Embassy Suites

Broadview Heights Recreation Center

Cleveland State University West Center

The Akdon-Fairlawn Holiday Inn

PSAT Test Fest is on Saturday, September 13, from 9:30am-12pm. There is no charge to take the test, but students must sign up in advance as space is limited! Students can enroll online at PrincetonReview.com/events or you can click here: Free PSAT Day registration.

Students should also attend the free follow-up session the following week to receive their score report and learn more about tips and techniques they can use on the PSAT, SAT and ACT.

New SAT Score-Reporting Policy

The College Board has approved an important change to the current SAT score-reporting policy. This new policy will give students the freedom to send the scores by sitting (test date) that they feel best represent their ability to colleges and universities, at no additional cost. Designed to reduce student stress and improve the test-day experience, this new score-reporting feature will launch in early February 2009, and will therefore be available to students participating in the March 2009 test administration.

Any student who has taken an SAT prior to the policy launch or who registers for the SAT after launch will be able to take advantage of this new policy. The students who have taken tests prior to the launch can use the score-reporting feature retroactively. Additionally, this new score-reporting feature will be optional to students. If a student chooses not to select their scores, all of their scores will be sent.

This new score-reporting feature also gives colleges the ability to choose which scores are required for admission. Colleges and universities will communicate any changes to their admissions policies or application requirements to students.

Fast facts

• Students will be able to select which scores they send to colleges by sitting (test date) for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests™.
• Scores from an entire SAT test will be sent—scores of individual sections from different sittings cannot be selected independently for sending.
• Students can send any or all scores to a college on a single report—it will not cost more to send one, multiple or all test scores.
• Students will be instructed to follow the different score-reporting requirements of each college to which they apply.
• The new score-reporting feature will be optional—if students do not use it, all scores will be sent automatically.
• The score-reporting feature can be used on any score report that students send:
  • The four score reports available through online or phone registration (applying to already scored tests) and additional score reports
• The new score-reporting feature functionality will be available to all students via the Web or by calling Customer Service toll free (within the United States)
• Students who complete a test prior to the launch of the new score-reporting feature will be able to take advantage of this option when sending past or future scores.

FAQs

Q: Will this new score-reporting feature be available to students who have already registered for test dates that occur after launch?

A: Yes. Students who have already registered for the March 2009 administration or later 2009 dates can revisit their registration information and take advantage of the new score-reporting feature after launch.

Q: Is the new score-reporting feature available for both SAT and SAT Subject Tests score reports?

A: Yes. Students will be able to select which scores they send to colleges by sitting (test date) for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests.

Q: Does the new score-reporting feature affect other aspects of SAT registration and score-report timing, policies or processes?

A: No. The new score-reporting feature allows students to select which scores are sent to institutions. It does not affect score-report timing or other policies and procedures that are not directly related to sending score reports.

James Madison College at Michigan State University Fall Visit Days

If you are interested in the fields of Government, Public Service, Political Economy,
Law, Public Policy, Politics, Social Services, or International Relations then
James Madison College at Michigan State University is the place for you.
This is your opportunity to visit Michigan State’s premier residential college for liberal arts and public affairs.
Madison College is a small, student centered undergraduate community in the middle of a major research
institution. This unique combination allows for interactive and rigorous educational endeavors in the classroom
and beyond. Teaching is the first priority for our thirty-five distinguished faculty members. James Madison
College is an academically challenging program that develops analytical, problem solving, and strong
communications skills. Because of this emphasis, top corporations, government agencies,
graduate schools, and law schools recruit our students.
The Fall Visit Day program is designed to expose students interested in public affairs to the
James Madison College experience.
For information go to http://www.jmc.msu.edu/ps/visitdays.asp

QuestBridge

QuestBridge is a non-profit program that links bright, motivated low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation's best colleges. QuestBridge is the provider of the National College Match Program and the College Prep Scholarship.
For information go to www.questbridge.org.

The Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis

The Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis honors the student who embraces high ideals, whose life choices are guided by personal integrity, selflessness, a commitment to community, and a dedication to leadership and academic excellence.

Named in honor of William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth, the former Chancellor and First Lady of Washington University from 1971 to 1995, the program is a tribute to their exemplary leadership and service. The program is funded by friends of the Danforths.

The Scholarship

Danforth Scholars may receive full- or partial-tuition scholarships. The scholarship is renewed each year for the duration of the degree program, provided the scholar maintains academic progress and upholds the high standards of character required of those in the program.

The Program is open to prospective undergraduate or graduate students applying to Washington University. Undergraduates will be considered from nominations only; students may not apply directly for the program. This is a merit-based program, but need will be considered as part of the award process. Scholars are selected annually.

If interested in being nominated for this scholarship, please see your college advisor as soon as possible.

Cornell University Engineering Fall Diversity Hosting Program

Saturday October 18 – Monday October 20, 2008

This three-day hosting event offers under-represented minority high school seniors a first hand view of Cornell University’s College of Engineering, providing insight on academic, social, and post-Cornell career opportunities. Participants will be immersed in Cornell’s diverse community, interacting with students, faculty, and staff. We cannot imagine a better way for someone gifted in the realms of math, science, technology, and problem solving to learn more about the field of engineering than by spending a couple of days on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York.

For information go to
http://www.engineering.cornell.edu/prospective/undergraduate/Fall-Hosting.cfm

University of Akron Hispanic Heritage Day

The Offices of Admissions and Multicultural Development invite you to attend UA's Hispanic Heritage Day on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008. For information go to http://www.uakron.edu/admissions/HispanicHeritage.php

Horatio Alger Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity; strength of character; financial need; a good academic record; commitment to pursue a college education; and a desire to contribute to society.
For information go to https://www.horatioalger.com/scholarships/apply.cfm

Wendy's High School Heisman

Criteria and How to Apply

For the past fourteen years, Wendy's Restaurants have teamed up with the Heisman Memorial Trophy Committee to create the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. The award honors both male and female high school students who excel in academics, athletics and student leadership.

Criteria for Application

We want applications from both male and female student athletes who exhibit excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and within their communities. Eligibility for application is limited exclusively to men and women whose senior year of high school is the 2008–2009 academic year, who have at least a “B” grade average, and participate in at least one of 32 sports. We want to hear from all student athletes who work hard, are dedicated, and have become role models for underclassmen.

The Application Process

A student begins the application process by selecting Apply Now! An account must be created with name, address, and email information. It is here that students establish their own User ID and password, which will be required to log in, as often as needed prior to the deadline, to complete the application.

Once the account is created, the student can launch the online application. At the initial launch, the student must answer eligibility questions.

Eligible students will then proceed to the remaining sections of the application. They will describe their school involvement, athletic participation and leadership, and relate experiences from community involvement activities. In addition, the student must provide an accurate email address of a school official who will log in to review the application and its contents, and confirm its accuracy.

All of this must be done prior to 5:00 p.m., central time, October 1, 2008.

• Applicants should plan on submitting their application in September to allow time for the review.
• The reviewer must submit by 5:00 p.m., central time, on October 6.

Very Important Notes

• Students must remember their User ID and password until October.
• Save the application frequently while logged in.
• Log out if you leave the computer.
• Be assured your personal, private information will not be shared with anyone outside of the Wendy's High School Heisman Program and selection committee.
• Security concerns prevent the use of bookmarks to return to pages within the application. It is recommended, however, to bookmark THIS page.

One of the common oversights is failure to submit prior to the deadline. Applications must be completed and submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., central time, on Wednesday, October 1. Reviewers must submit their review no later than 5:00 p.m., central time, on Monday, October 6, in order for applications to be considered.

You can follow the selection results online at www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com.

Ready to apply? If you meet the criteria for application listed above and would like to apply . . . Apply Now!

Coming back? If you have already started an application and are returning to complete it . . . Go to Log In

Fast Web July Bulletin

The summer bulletin is a Test Prep Guide which offers an overview on the testing format for the SAT & ACT, as well as the associated costs, fees and test prep materials needed to help you succeed.
To read the bulletin go to
http://www.fastweb.com/fastweb/resources/bulletins/pdf/Test_Prep_Guide_062008.pdf

Job Opportunity

St. Bernadette School After-Care Program
click here for information

College Week Live Paying for College

CollegeWeekLive (CWL) is a virtual college fair to help prospective students in their college planning by connecting them with colleges in a live, interactive environment. The last CollegeWeekLive event that took place was CollegeWeekLive: Paying for College. It was a financial-aid fair that connects students with the necessary resources to help pay for college.
A number of excellent online presentations from this fair are now available at their website .
http://collegeweeklive.com/

Interview with Lynn O’Shaughnessy, author of The College Solution

The Financial Aid Podcast has an interesting interview on the topic of choosing the right college and financial aid.
It is available at
http://media.libsyn.com/media/financialaidpodcast/20080709.mp3
The Financial Aid Podcast is a great source of financial aid information.
For more information and to subscibe go to
http://www.financialaidpodcast.com/

Plain Dealer College Guide

Today's Plain Dealer contains their College Guide Supplement.
In addition to the print edition there is also an online version at
http://www.cleveland.com/collegeguide/

Job Opportunity

McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

101 W. Prospect Ave., Ste. 1800

Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1088

Mail Room Clerk Assistant

McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA is a law firm in the heart of downtown Cleveland. The firm is in need of assistance in our mail room for the hours of 2pm – 5pm Monday thru Friday. Below is a list of duties:

Copies, faxes, postage, supplies, running errands and other projects as they arise.

Please contact Debbie Myers at 216-696-1422 ext. 146
Or by e-mail: dmm@mccarthylebit.com

Starting in 2010, Students Can Select the SAT Scores That Reach Colleges

From the Chronicle of Higher Education

Starting in 2010, Students Can Select the SAT Scores That Reach Colleges

The College Board is going to increase the amount of control students have over which SAT scores college-admissions officers can see, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The new policy, which was announced on Friday and is scheduled to take effect with the high-school class of 2010, will let students take the test multiple times and select those scores that they want to reach admissions officers. Now colleges get all of the scores but are supposed to take into account only the highest ones. Laurence Bunin, a senior vice president of the College Board and general manager of its SAT program, said in a letter to members of the organization that colleges could still set their own policies on whether to require applicants to send all of their scores.

Critics say the new policy will stack the test in favor of students from families with enough money to take the test repeatedly. But Mr. Bunin said the new flexibility was intended to make the testing experience less stressful for all students. —David L. Wheeler

A Great Book for Parents

I would encourage all St. Edward High School parents to consider reading College Admissions Together: It Takes a Family by Steven Roy Goodman and Andrea Leiman.
The following description is from Amazon.com.
College Admissions Together is more than a practical how to get into college book, though it does explain key aspects of today's college admissions process for both parents and students. It is a guide to healthy family relationships during the college admissions process. This invaluable book looks at the often stressful process of finding the right college for your child not as an ordeal but as an opportunity to bond as a family and to give your child safe passage to adulthood as he or she determines which colleges are the best fit. In College Admissions Together, educational consultant Steve Goodman and family psychologist Andrea Leiman help parents recognize that what makes the college admissions process a potential danger zone for families is the combination of the teen's growing independence and the parent's need to help him or her make critical decisions for the future. They answer difficult questions like how to stay involved in the process while allowing your child to make more choices. They help you put the college admissions process into the context of your child's passage to adulthood and understand what he or she is feeling and facing as your child makes the decision of where to go next. Using Goodman and Leiman's advice, tips, and exercises, the college admissions process will lead to a greater appreciation of each other and mutually rewarding family relationships that last a lifetime. College Admissions Together serves families, counselors, teachers, and others as an essential resource during a stressful time in most families' lives.

Dan Rather Reports

Stress Test: Getting Into College
Original Air Date: Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 on HDNet
A behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes, high money world of the college admissions process. Is it fair? And is it serving the interests of parents, students, or the colleges themselves?
To view this informative program online go to
http://www.hd.net/danrather_videos.html

FastWeb's May Student Bulletins

Below are links to FastWeb's May Student Bulletins. The first bulletin takes a look into the concept of taking and planning a gap-year of study. This bulletin is beneficial for students who want a break from formal education or have a desire to travel, volunteer or study abroad. For the student that is still unsure about their summer plans, our Summer Planning Guide, offers tips and helpful advice on how to remain productive during the summer months.

Postponing College: Taking a Gap-Year
Summer Planning Guide

Final College Transcripts

Seniors....if you have not yet done so, please notify us as to which college we should send your final transcript.

Welcome to the St. Edward High School College Counseling Blog

As you proceed with the college search and application process, we want to provide you with the most up-to-date information available.

Plan to check our blog periodically for information on scholarships, college news. and other important information.