Exploring Your Options

You have so many colleges to explore -- so many choices for your future. But perhaps you have made one firm decision -- you want to go to a college that understands the importance of values. A value-oriented education -- that is what distinguishes Catholic colleges and universities from many of the other options available to you. And that is what shapes today's students into tomorrow's leaders -- ethical decision makers, committed individuals, and fully prepared respondents to meet society's increasing challenges.

But don't just take our word for it.  Here are some factors that might help you:

Reputation

Catholic colleges and universities in the United States are among the world's most prestigious learning institutions. Many Catholic instituitions are cited again and again in colleges rankings featured in U.S. News & World Report, Barron's, Time and Money magazines.  Many of these Catholic schools Best Value, Best Regional Liberal Arts College, Excellent Buy, and finalists for College of the Year.

The John Templeton Foundation has nationally recognized many Catholic colleges by listing them on its Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges.

A Fit For You

Catholic colleges and universities are incredibly diverse.  You're bound to find one that fits your criteria.

1. They come in all sizes, with enrollments of fewer than 1,000 students to more than 20,000.
2. They are located in large cities and small towns from coast to coast. They are located in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
3. They offer a variety of majors, academic programs, extracurriculars, and athletics.
4. Of the more than 200 Catholic colleges in the United States, some are women's colleges; some are major universities with law, medical, and other professional schools; and one is an historically black university. Seven of them grant pontifical degrees.

Supportive Environment

Catholic colleges and universities provide an exceptionally supportive academic and social environment for the students they enroll. Professors are profoundly engaged with their students in fulfilling the college's mission and spirit. At the college you choose, you will be supported by faculty who genuinely care about you and your future. These professors celebrate the gift of life, and they cherish truth and virtue. They recognize that you are not just preparing for life, but living it.

Diversity

Catholic colleges and universities are unique in that they bring together people of all backgrounds and all faiths. They actually attract overall a higher percentage of minority students than four-year publicly supported colleges or other independent institutions.

On these campuses, you will be offered unparalleled opportunities to build lifelong friendships with peers of both similar and diverse worldviews and with people who value worship, community, and service.

Community Service

Catholic colleges and universities have a special commitment to community. Some offer special service opportunities that you will want to explore. Community service is even a graduation requirement at certain colleges. This spirit of community adds an invaluable dimension to your education, whatever your choice of career.

A recent graduate who attended a Catholic college near our nation's capital said, "I was looking for a college program that would allow me to do more. -- When we went on the Washington D.C. March for the Homeless, it really struck me that college students are given power to make a change in the world."

A Better Future

Is it a coincidence that students are happier at Catholic colleges and have a better chance of graduating in six years or less than at other institutions? Is it good fortune that the institutions have graduated so many of the political, business, and artistic leaders in the United States today?

The answer, of course, is that it's no coincidence -- it has to do with the essence of a Catholic college. When you have professors, trustees, deans, and other university employees who are committed to nurturing not only the student's mind, but the whole student -- body, heart, and spirit -- you are going to achieve excellence as a learning institution.

A recent study showed that recent Catholic college and university graduates are extremely pleased with their overall college experience.  You can read about the study here: 

Take A Good Look At Yourself

To find the right college for you, start by asking yourself the following questions:

1. What are your academic skills? Some people need a challenging academic environment and others don't.
2. What program(s) of study interests you at this time?
3. Do you prefer a rural, suburban, or urban environment?
4. Do you want a college that's near your home?
5. Do you like the feel of a large university or a small, intimate campus?
6. Are you active in varsity sports or intramural, in student government or the arts? One college may be perfect for a computer wizard but awful for a football fanatic.
7. Are you liberal or conservative? An introvert or an extrovert? Are you deeply spiritual? It's important to have some people who are like you on campus.

How Many Colleges Should You Consider?

The number of colleges to keep on your list of possibilities isn't set in stone, but you may be overwhelmed if you closely consider more than five.  Be sure to use all of your resources frequently. Talk to your guidance or college counselor, attend visits made by college representatives to your high school, ask questions, and visit campuses.  Check out some campus visit tips here. 

Prepping For College

Most eighth graders plan to attend college, but most have no plan to take college prep or advanced courses once they get in high school. Unfortunately, if you don't plan ahead and get started right away, you may have difficulty completing the required or recommended courses that will help you qualify for college.

Once you reach high school, your extracurricular activities also become important in the eyes of college admission counselors. Colleges are looking for depth, rather than breadth, when it comes to extracurricular activities. Some colleges and scholarship committees are looking for leadership potential, but most want to see commitment, responsibility, and the ability to follow through on an activity. Time management -- the ability to balance schoolwork with other activities -- is important, too.

Classes, activities, tests, and forms -- that's what on this checklist. The tips and advice on preparing for college will take you through your senior year in high school and beyond. We even include a list of what to pack when you move away from home.

The High School Checklist

Freshman Year

• Meet with your guidance counselor to make sure you're taking the courses that colleges require (scroll down to see our list of these courses below)  For example, many colleges prefer that high school students take at least geometry and trigonometry, rather than only general math and algebra. Basic computer skills are now essential, and some colleges prefer three or four years of a foreign language. Natural science courses should include labs.
• Take advantage of special academic opportunities at your high school such as Honors level or Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses are college-level courses in approximately 30 different subjects. Students who take AP courses are often more prepared for the academic challenges presented in college. In addition, a student who takes an AP course and scores a grade of 3 or higher on an AP exam can often receive advanced placement in college and/or credit for a college course. Even if you don't get credit, college admission counselors will notice that you were willing to challenge yourself.
• Become active in extracurricular activities that interest you. Many colleges will look at your involvement in clubs and organizations, as well as community service, when making their admission decisions. Start a list of your activities so that your resume will be easy to put together when you apply to colleges. Remember, though, that it's quality, not quantity, that counts when it comes to your involvement.

Sophomore Year

• In September, begin preparing for the College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) and/or the American College Test (ACT), as well as the preliminary tests for both -- the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and the PLAN (formerly P-ACT+). Visit your guidance counselor, library, or local bookstore and ask for guidebooks with sample tests. You'll want to see how the tests are organized and what types of questions are asked. Go ahead and take the preliminary tests this year, even though your sophomore-year scores won't count for the National Merit Scholarship competition.
• You may want to register for the June SAT II: Subject Tests. Some colleges require three of these one-hour exams that test proficiency in a particular subject area. The best time to take these is right after you complete the relevant course(s), so the information is still fresh in your mind. This might be the case with biology and chemistry, as many students complete these during sophomore year.  However, many SAT II tests are taken during the senior year as well.  Look at the admissions requirements of any colleges you are considering. Many don't require the SAT II at all.
• Whenever you can, visit college campuses to start getting an idea of various environments.
• Consider taking a summer course or getting a summer job to help pay for college.

Junior Year

• In the fall, practice for the SAT and/or the ACT by taking the PSAT and/or the PLAN. The National Merit Scholarship Program will use your PSAT as the basis for selection when you are a senior.
• In the spring, take the SAT I or ACT. Remember, you can take these tests more than once if you are not satisfied with your scores. Sign up to take the late spring SAT II subject tests also if the colleges you are considering require them.
• Explore various colleges and universities by checking out their web sites and attending college fairs in your area. Talk with college representatives and request viewbooks and other publications from the institutions that interest you.
• Begin investigating sources of financial aid during the fall, including government programs, community organizations, foundations, credit unions, commercial banks, and insurance companies.
• During spring break and the summer, visit the colleges on your list. Make appointments to talk with admission counselors and tour campuses, or attend a scheduled program offered on campus for prospective students. Review academic requirements, curricular offerings, campus life, and costs.
• Keep a file for each college to help you organize the materials you have received.
• This summer is a good time to write for private scholarship applications and to work on college application essays. If you are hoping for an athletic scholarship or want to get on an athletic team, contact the coaches at the colleges on your list. (Make sure you file with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you want to play for a Division I or II team. When registering for the SAT or ACT, enter "9999" as one of the college choices to have test scores sent to the Clearinghouse.)
• Consider taking a course at a local college or getting a job to help build your college fund.

Senior Year

• If necessary, take or retake the SAT I or ACT in the fall and have your scores sent to your chosen colleges. Take the SAT II: Subject Tests if you haven't yet taken them or if you want to try to improve your scores.
• In the fall, attend college fairs and schedule return campus visits to the colleges and universities that interest you most. Make these visits while classes are in session so you can talk with professors and students and see the campus in action. Make arrangements with the admission office in advance.
• Begin to finalize your college choices and submit admission and financial aid applications to the institutions on your list as early as possible in your senior year. Be aware of the deadlines at the various colleges.
• Follow up on transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other support materials required with your application. Make sure your transcript is accurate before it is mailed. Some colleges require that you submit everything together, so check with your high school to determine its procedure for mailing applications and transcripts.
• Apply for financial aid after January 1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) before February 1. Filling out the form online and submitting it via the Internet makes the process easier.
• You should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) four weeks after you send in the FAFSA form. Review your SAR for errors and correct them immediately. If you do not receive your SAR, call 1-800-4FED-AID to check on your application.
• Some colleges use the information collected on the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to help them award nonfederal student aid funds. Determine whether any colleges you are interested in require this financial aid application form. If so, ask your guidance counselor for a copy or register online.
• Make certain you file all the required financial aid paperwork with each college you are applying to. This may include your tax forms as well as your parents' form.
• At tax-filing time, parents should check their eligibility for the Hope Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, or other tax benefits outlined in the Internal Revenue Service's Publication 970. You can get a copy of the publication by calling 1-800-829-3676.
• At this point, you'll begin to receive responses -- offers of admission, scholarships, and awards. A great place to study and live is in your future!
• Remember, once you have decided on the college you will attend, inform other colleges that accepted you about your decision. They may be able to offer admission to one of the students on their waiting list.
• The college you attend may well send you many more forms to complete, such as a housing/meal plan application. Sending these back in a timely fashion will help smooth your transition to college.

Courses To Take In High School To Prepare For College

Selective colleges are looking for students who are willing to stretch their minds and challenge themselves by taking honors courses and Advanced Placement classes. If a high school offers advanced classes and a student decides not to take them, then it appears the student did not rise to the challenge. Most selective colleges require, or at least strongly recommend, the following courses.  Again, make sure to meet with your guidance/college counselor to verify that you are on the right track!

Social Studies  3 years
Geography, Economics, World History/World Cultures, U.S. History/U.S. Government, Civics

English  4 years
Composition, World, English, and American Literature, Speech

Mathematics  3 to 4 years
Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus

Laboratory Science  3 years
Earth/Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Foreign Language  2 to 3 years of same language
French, Spanish, German, Latin, Russian, Japanese

Visual/Performing Arts  1 year
Art, Drama, Dance, Music

College Prep Electives  1 to 3 years
Psychology, Statistics, Computer Science*, Communications
* A computer course is a good elective choice.

 

More Information Is Available!

Check out the College Search Process For Parents link for even more helpful information, including research studies about the value of Catholic higher education and tips on visiting campuses. Also check out Making The Most Of Your College Visit, written by a college admissions professional, Mary Grondahl from The College of Saint Rose.