Choate-Rosemary Hall: College Handbook

10
09
C H O AT E R O S E M A RY H A L L | COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK
FIT
FOR
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FINDING THE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Office Information and Contacts .............................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Statement of Philosophy, Beliefs and Expectations ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Welcome!..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Getting Started ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
A Multi-Pronged Approach to the College Process ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Timelines ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
t Fourth Form Year ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
t Fifth Form Year ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
t Sixth Form/Post Graduate Year .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Naviance—Database/Resource for College Counseling ................................................................................................................................... 7
Standardized Testing ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Researching Colleges.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Campus Visits and Interviews ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Choate College Application Policies ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Applying to Colleges ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Decisions from Colleges ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Collegiate Athletics ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Visual and Performing Arts .................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Special Circumstances ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Financial Aid and Scholarships ............................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Resources .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
A Note to Parents...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Glossary...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Back Cover—Top Ten Facts
CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 1

OFFICE INFORMATION
AND CONTACTS
Choate Rosemary Hall
College Counseling Office
333 Christian Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
Main Phone Number: (203) 697-2528
Main Fax Number: (203) 697-2672
Director of College Counseling:

Tina Segalla Grant
(203) 697-2696
tgrant@choate.edu
Associate Directors of College Counseling:

Jill Atkinson
(203) 697-2414
jatkinson@choate.edu
Sam Bigelow
(203) 697-2565
sbigelow@choate.edu
Timothy Eash
(203) 697-2013
teash@choate.edu
Eric Stahura
(203) 697-2699
estahura@choate.edu
Shari Sutton
(203) 697-2142
ssutton@choate.edu
Testing Coordinator:
Elizabeth (Lisa) Rodenhizer
(203) 697-2461
erodenhizer@choate.edu
Office Coordinator:
Carla Zanoni
(203) 697-2528
czanoni@choate.edu
CEEB CODE: 070-810 The College Counseling Office is staffed year round. During the
summer months, please use the main office telephone number: (203)
697-2528.
Find us in Carrington House (at the Southwest corner of the

intersection of Elm and Christian Streets).
2 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The College Counseling Office collaborates and maintains close working relationships with counseling and college enrollment professionals.
Our counselors offer their expertise and experience to educate, counsel and advocate for students throughout the post-secondary selection and
application process. We help students set realistic and attainable college admission goals for themselves while encouraging each student’s talents,
character and self-confidence.
CORE BELIEFS—Working in partnership with families and other members of the Choate community:
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by helping them to find an appropriate college fit and/or interim year opportunity.
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necessary skills to take responsibility for their own decisions, they understand how to make important decisions affecting their lives beyond
the college admission process.
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reminding our students and families that one’s value as a person is neither enhanced nor diminished by any college admission decision.
COUNSELEE EXPECTATIONS—Students expect the following from their college counselor:

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timely, individualized attention.
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COLLEGE COUNSELOR EXPECTATIONS—College counselors expect the following from their counselees:
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self-reliant.
PARENT/GUARDIAN SUPPORT—Students and their college counselors expect the following support and guidance from
parents and guardians:
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belong to the applicant.
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knowledge and insight within the field of college admission.
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WELCOME! the eyes of a college admission office, a student’s record of academic
performance and good citizenship at Choate will factor into the
formula most heavily.
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of excitement, possibility and self-discovery for a student. Through This College Counseling Handbook serves as a resource to the
assessing their own traits, needs, skills and interests, a young person students and families of Choate Rosemary Hall. Along with a
has the opportunity to identify institutions and opportunities that not carefully researched and executed college search and application
only match these traits but also assist them in attaining future goals. process, this information regarding CCO policies and procedures
and key pointers to students should help usher them through
The College Counseling Office (CCO) of Choate Rosemary Hall seeks the admission process successfully. Students and families are
to arm students with the tools necessary to conduct a thorough encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Handbook and consult
college search. Students are empowered to take ownership in their UIFJSDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPSXJUIBOZRVFTUJPOTUIBUBSJTF
process through individual meetings with their counselor, group
meetings with their counselor and peers, attending college fairs
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create a well-balanced list of colleges and universities that offers
suitable matches and to assemble a compelling application that
GETTING STARTED
accurately conveys their character, personality and strengths. Built-
The College Counseling Office officially begins its formal work with
in timelines help ensure each student has the ability to achieve the
students mid-way through their fifth form year. While the office is
necessary goals along the way.
not in regular contact with students in their third and fourth form
The individuals in the CCO are professionals dedicated to helping years, the CCO communicates important information to underformers,
TUVEFOUTBDIJFWFUIFJSESFBNTPGBDPMMFHFFEVDBUJPO*OBEEJUJPOUP especially with regard to standardized testing. During the early
keeping abreast of the latest trends and best practices in college winter term of their fifth form year, students will be introduced to
admission and cultivating relationships with admission offices and the members of the College Counseling Office. Next, they will be
officers, the counselors of the CCO take seriously their primary roles: JOWJUFEUPSFRVFTUBDPVOTFMPSXJUIXIPNUIFZXPVMEQSFGFSUPXPSL
to counsel, educate, and supportBTXFMMBTadvocate for— "TUVEFOUNBZSFRVFTUBmSTUBOETFDPOEDIPJDFPGDPVOTFMPST BOE
Choate students to the best of their ability. FWFSZFGGPSUJTNBEFUPNBUDIUIFTUVEFOUXJUIBSFRVFTUFEDPVOTFMPS
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While it is no secret that college and university admission is the
counselor after carefully considering the student’s academic and
most competitive in recent history, a realistic and well-balanced list
personal interests and experiences.
is easily attainable, ensuring student success. Using the most up-to-
date tools and data possible, the CCO counsels students realistically, 8IFO1PTU(SBEVBUF 1(
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balancing the desire to reach for the most selective schools on attend Choate, they will be matched with the college counselor
their lists while introducing students to comparable schools that BTTJHOFEUPXPSLXJUIBMM1(TUVEFOUT8IJMFUIFJSJOEJWJEVBM
DBOQPUFOUJBMMZQSPWJEFiJOTVSBODFwBTXFMMBTBRVBMJUZFEVDBUJPO TJUVBUJPOTXJMMDFSUBJOMZCFVOJRVF BTBHSPVQUIFZBSFCFTUTFSWFE
Fortunately, although selectivity at the top schools in the nation is the by working with a counselor who understands both the challenges
most competitive ever, there are thousands of excellent colleges and BOEPQQPSUVOJUJFTPGVOEFSUBLJOHBDPMMFHFTFBSDIQSPDFTTBTB1(
universities from which to choose in the United States and beyond. TUVEFOU*UJTDSJUJDBMGPSUIFJSTVDDFTTBU$IPBUFBOEJOUIFDPMMFHF
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A critical piece of the puzzle is COMMUNICATION: communication
upon their arrival to the Choate campus.
between the student and the counselor, between the parent/guardian
and the student, and between the parent/guardian and the counselor. Once students are matched with their college counselor, they are
These partnerships create the foundation for the successful asked to complete a College Questionnaire. This document is to be
participation in and completion of the admission process. Open lines returned prior to the student’s first one-on-one meeting with his or
of communication are essential, and the CCO welcomes input from IFSDPVOTFMPS UPUBLFQMBDFQSJPSUPUIF$PMMFHF*OGPSNBUJPO8FFLFOE
parents/guardians. program in mid-February of their fifth form year. This initial self-
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extraordinary opportunities in a multitude of venues. Every student
are informed of the name and contact information of their student’s
is encouraged to take full advantage of the academic, social, artistic,
college counselor via letter, and they are also invited to complete a
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must feel certain that a student they choose to invite into their
community will be able and willing to contribute in positive ways.
While the ways in which students contribute vary greatly in

A MULTI-PRONGED TIMELINES
APPROACH TO THE FOURTH FORM YEAR
COLLEGE PROCESS Although fourth form students may not yet be researching colleges,
this year can be a useful time to assess academic interests, explore
new subject areas, and begin to take tests (when appropriate)
The College Counseling Office seeks to arm students with a solid that accompany college applications. Students work closely with
understanding of the college search and application process through a academic advisers to plan a course of study that is appropriately
variety of means. Once matched with their college counselors, students challenging and diverse. Co-curricular activities provide another
have the opportunity to enhance their own understanding of the college avenue for students to develop specific interests and skills that may
process. influence their final college list.
October 14"51SFMJNJOBSZ4"5required for all fourth form
Through one-on-one counseling sessions with his or her
students.
counselor, each student is able to focus on his or her own strengths
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interests, academic progress, community involvement, athletics, Spring Term Students meet with academic advisers to plan courses
standardized testing, etc. Since a successful college search GPSmGUIGPSNZFBSJOQSFQBSBUJPOGPSDPMMFHF TUVEFOUT
must include a degree of self-awareness on the student’s part, are advised by their form dean and academic advisers
students are asked to engage in activities that help to gain a greater to take a course load that includes solid academic
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BDUJWJUJFT RVFTUJPOOBJSFT QFSTPOBMJOWFOUPSJFT JOUFSFTUBTTFTTNFOUT to consider elective choices in their individual areas of
etc.) will also help a student assess the personal significance of interest whenever possible.
community, relationships, learning styles and more, and how these .BZ "EWBODFE1MBDFNFOU "1
&YBNT offered at Choate
concepts can play a role in the college search. Rosemary Hall (rarely taken by fourth formers).
Small group meetings with individual counselors allow students June * SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests offered at
UPMFBSONPSFBCPVUWJUBMUPQJDTSFMBUFEUPUIFDPMMFHFQSPDFTT Choate Rosemary Hall.
topics typically include (but are not limited to) the CCO timeline
and process, Naviance, tools for the college search, making the +VOF +VMZ 4VNNFSJTBHSFBUUJNFUPXPSL WPMVOUFFS PSUSBWFM
most of the college visit, resumé/activity profile building, essays, August these experiences can help students to learn about
teacher recommendations/evaluations, mechanics of the application, possible career paths, about potential areas of
financial aid and scholarships, self-advocacy in the process, etc. study for college majors, or simply more about
themselves.
College Information Weekend presents an opportunity to hear
GSPNDPMMFHFBENJTTJPOQSPGFTTJPOBMTPOBOVNCFSPGUPQJDTUIF * Usually, fourth form students do not take the SAT Reasoning
schedule includes panels and presentations that range from the Test. However, there may be SAT Subject Test(s) that would be
current state of college admissions to athletic recruiting to financial appropriate to take, especially in June.
aid. The CCO also hosts college fairs each academic year: one fall
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BOE FIFTH FORM YEAR
one in the spring (recommended for fourth and fifth form students)
allow students to meet representatives from a variety of colleges/ October 'BMM$PMMFHF'BJS1SPHSBN at Choate Rosemary Hall
universities from across the United States and beyond. 14"51SFMJNJOBSZ4"5 5IJTJTUIFRVBMJGZJOHFYBN
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Special programs are scheduled throughout the year to help required for fifth formers).
students better understand particular aspects of the college search
and application process. Carrington Conversations provide various %FDFNCFS 'JGUIGPSNFSTNBZSFRVFTUBTQFDJmDDPMMFHF
informal early evening programs on special topics. Large group counselor.
workshops are also schedule to explore topics such as essay writing, SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests offered
mock application exercises, Naviance training, etc. at Choate Rosemary Hall (Students studying abroad
winter term should take this SAT Reasoning Test).
January SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests offered at
Choate Rosemary Hall (recommended for fifth form
students).
Late January– Group and individual meetings with college counselor.
early February
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February– Group and individual meetings are held with college SIXTH FORM/POST GRADUATE YEAR
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initial list of colleges for further consideration.
counselors upon return to campus.
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information about colleges, for college tours and Each sixth former is expected to return to Choate with
information sessions (but not for formal interviews a balanced preliminary college list (12-15 schools
on college campuses as colleges will be focused on that have been well-researched) that represents a
current application decisions). range of selectivity (probable, possible, reach, extreme
Students interested in the Service Academies (Naval reach) appropriate for that student.
Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Air Force 1(TUVEFOUTTIPVMENFFUXJUIUIFJSDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPS
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TIPVMESFRVFTUBOETVCNJUB immediately.
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Athletes who have excelled in one or more sports and
April ACT–offered at Choate Rosemary Hall. Students XIPNJHIUQBSUJDJQBUFBUUIF/$""%JWJTJPO*PS**
BSFFODPVSBHFEUPUBLFUIF"$51MVT8SJUJOH level must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if
Spring College Fair at Choate Rosemary Hall they have not yet done so.
Spring Long Weekend–Another good time to visit
4FQUFNCFSo *OEJWJEVBMNFFUJOHTXJUIDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPSTUP
colleges.
December discuss sixth form year, assess testing needs, finalize
Athletes who have excelled in one or more sports
college lists, begin applications, etc.
should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if
Small group meetings are held monthly throughout
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the fall to discuss the application process, essays,
possibility.
recommendations, etc.
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October SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests offered at Choate
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Rosemary Hall.
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corresponding Subject Tests. Students who are not ACT offered on campus.
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130'*-& registration information (for financial aid
SAT Reasoning Test.
applicants) available in College Counseling Office.
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&YBNT offered at Choate
NOTE: For Early Decision/Early Action (ED/EA)
Rosemary Hall.
applications, some colleges require the family to
June SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests offered at Choate register by November 1; go to
Rosemary Hall. Students are encouraged to take http://profileonline.collegeboard.com.
either the Subject Tests or the Reasoning Test
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depending upon their testing needs (consult with
secure your electronic 1*/OVNCFS in order to file your
college counselor).
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in
mid-June Summer mailing to families including the ‘long’ list early January. Go to www.pin.ed.gov to register.
of colleges under consideration by student.
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mid-July The Common Application is typically available at this JOEJWJEVBMMZXJUIDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPSTBQQPJOUNFOUT
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students register for an account and begin to
Fall College Fair is held on Columbus Day.
complete relevant sections.
Fall Long Weekend–An excellent opportunity to visit
June, July, Time to visit colleges for tours, interviews, application
colleges.
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students are urged to continue drafting application &%&"BQQMJDBOUTNVTUSFRVFTUUFBDIFS
essays and begin to gather applications. recommendations at least four weeks prior to
application deadlines.
The fifth form year is also a perfect time for those students interested
in competing in collegiate athletics to continue conversations with /PWFNCFS %FBEMJOFTGPSNPTU&%BOE&"3PVOE*BQQMJDBUJPOT
their coaches regarding their abilities, ways in which to improve their (usually due November 1 or 15). Submit applications
skills, potential for recruitment and how to maximize that potential. The with rolling deadlines (some prior to October 31).
summer before the sixth form year can be a crucial one for participating *GJOUFSWJFXTBSFPGGFSFE BSSBOHFJOUFSWJFXTBU
in camps and competitions geared toward showcasing one’s skills. colleges or at Choate (especially ED/EA alumni
For those students interested in performing or visual arts, the fifth form interviews).
year is also important. Students should consult with their teachers
regarding ways to prepare portfolios and for auditions, if necessary.

SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests offered at Choate
Rosemary Hall. (The November administration NAVIANCE
is the only time students may take the Foreign The College Counseling Office strives to keep students and families
Language with Listening Subject Test, which well informed regarding the college process. To this end, Choate
requires registering by the regular registration utilizes the computer program Naviance as a means for students and
deadline.) parents to access information. Naviance is a comprehensive website
1SPWJTJPOBMDPMMFHFMJTUJTEVF BOESFTPVSDFUIBUDBOCFBDDFTTFEBOZXIFSFUIF*OUFSOFUJTBWBJMBCMF
Early Final College list due: All sixth formers must complete Naviance provides an assortment of potential uses for families
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documenting their final college list and making those EJSFDUMJOLUPTQFDJmDDPMMFHFBOEVOJWFSTJUZXFCTJUFT*GUIFSFJTB
colleges “active” applications in the CCO system. specific admission officer contact for Choate families and the College
Sixth formers must distribute all forms and pre- Counseling Office at an institution, the name and contact information
addressed, pre-stamped envelopes to teachers who will be listed. The CCO has also provided an assortment of links
are writing college recommendations. to other useful web resources (for scholarships and financial aid,
December SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests offered at Choate athletics, the arts, and more). Additionally, Naviance can be used to
Rosemary Hall. view an individual student’s information, including test scores and
ACT offered at Choate Rosemary Hall. grade point average, and families can compare a student’s statistics
to past Choate applicants who successfully applied to the same
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college or university. Further, families can view dates when college
–mid-January due January 1 or 15).
representatives may be visiting Choate, individually, to attend a
NJE%FDFNCFS &%&"3PVOE*DBOEJEBUFTBSFOPUJmFEPGBENJTTJPOT College Fair, or to conduct interviews.
–mid-January decisions.
While many students and parents use Naviance as an effective
January 1-15 The Free Application for Federal Student Aid research tool to learn more about schools, the CCO will also
'"'4"
JTBWBJMBCMFPOMJOFNPTUDPMMFHFTSFRVJSF periodically post information on the site (including handouts given
filing by January 15–February 1 for Regular Decision to students during our small group meetings in the fifth and sixth
BQQMJDBOUTDPNQMFUFPOMJOFBUwww.fafsa.ed.gov. form years). We feel that providing students and families with as
Deadline for most Regular Decision applications much information as possible will help everyone to better understand
(usually due January 1). the college process. We also hope that by providing students and
January SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests offered at Choate parents/guardians access to common information through postings,
3PTFNBSZ)BMMMBTUPQQPSUVOJUZGPSTDPSFTPGUFTUT and that by providing statistical comparisons, this will engender
taken in the sixth form year to reach colleges in time better communication within families.
for admission review. Fifth form students are generally provided access to Naviance shortly
January 15 Deadline for most college financial aid forms to be filed CFGPSF$PMMFHF*OGPSNBUJPO8FFLFOE4PPOBGUFS$PMMFHF*OGPSNBUJPO
Additional deadlines for Regular Decision Weekend, parents/guardians of fourth and fifth form students will be
applications. QSPWJEFEXJUIUIFJSPXOQFSTPOBMQBTTXPSETUP/BWJBODFBTXFMM 1(
and other students new to Choate after the formal college process
+BOVBSZo &%3PVOE**DBOEJEBUFTBSFOPUJmFEPGBENJTTJPO begins will be given access to the system during the summer prior to
February decisions. their arrival to campus.) While both students and families will have
.BSDI 4QSJOH#SFBLo"OBQQSPQSJBUFUJNFUPWJTJUPSSFWJTJU the capability to navigate around the website, only students
colleges. will have the ability to actively post information on the site.
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early April
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decisions.
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STANDARDIZED TESTING
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While standardized test scores are not the only credential (nor the
.BZ $BOEJEBUFT3FQMZ%BUF.PTUDPMMFHFTSFRVJSF most important) in a student’s application, they do provide colleges
students to accept or decline their offers of admission with a means of comparing student abilities nationally. Choate
by this date. students are well prepared for standardized tests. Because each
.BZ "EWBODFE1MBDFNFOU "1
FYBNT offered at Choate student’s course of study at Choate is tailored to his or her individual
Rosemary Hall. UBMFOUTBOEJOUFSFTUTBTXFMMBTUPPVSHSBEVBUJPOSFRVJSFNFOUT
students should discuss with their academic advisers, their deans,
.BZ+VMZ 8BJU-JTUDBOEJEBUFTCFHJOUPSFDFJWFmOBMEFDJTJPOT and/or with their college counselors the proper time to take specific
from colleges. TUBOEBSEJ[FEUFTUT*UJTJNQPSUBOUUPQBZBUUFOUJPOUPXIFOQBSUJDVMBS
June Commencement tests are offered, and the specific registration deadlines for each test.
Be sure to register in a timely fashion.

*UJTUIFTUVEFOUTSFTQPOTJCJMJUZUPLOPXXIJDIUFTUTBSFSFRVJSFECZ to student. Typically, an SAT Subject Test is most advantageous
each college to which he or she applies. Standardized test scores just after completing a course related to the test subject. Below
14"5 4"5 "$5 "1BOE50&'-
EPOPUBQQFBSPOBTUVEFOUT$IPBUF are some general guidelines to consider in regards to scheduling
transcript, nor does the CCO submit test score reports to colleges as tests. Students should always check with the CCO, the subject area
part of the application process. Students themselves must request UFBDIFS UIFJSBDBEFNJDBEWJTFSPSUIFJSGPSNEFBOXJUIRVFTUJPOT
from the appropriate test agency the official test scores to be about the appropriate time to take such a test. Each Subject Test is
sent to individual collegesUIJTBMMPXTTUVEFOUTUPNBJOUBJODPOUSPM scored on a 200-800 point basis.
over which scores each institution will receive. College counselors are
t Math Level 1: This test may be taken in any year of high school,
BWBJMBCMFUPQSPWJEFHVJEBODFBOEBOTXFSRVFTUJPOT
QSFGFSBCMZBGUFSDPNQMFUJOH1SFDBMDVMVT**PS5SJHPOPNFUSZ
Due to a special arrangement between Choate Rosemary Hall and )POPST CVUQPTTJCMZBGUFS"MHFCSB**JGBTUVEFOUEPFTOPUHFUUP
the College Board, students who prefer to take the SAT Reasoning 1SFDBMDVMVT**CZTQSJOHPGUIFmGUIGPSNZFBS
PS4VCKFDU5FTUBU$IPBUF.645SFHJTUFSWJBQBQFSGPSN5IFTF
t Math Level 2: This test may also be taken in any year of high
forms are available in the College Counseling Office as well as in the
TDIPPMBGUFS1SFDBMDVMVTIBTCFFODPNQMFUFE
Student Activities Center (SAC).
t Foreign Language Test: This test should not be taken before
The ACT, the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests are offered on Saturday
the third year of language study has been completed*G
mornings. Underformers are not excused from classes on
however, a student has just completed a term or summer abroad
Academic Saturdays to take standardized tests.
program, the test should be taken as soon afterward as possible.
For students with strong listening comprehension in the foreign
PSAT/NMSQT language, the Language with Listening test (administered
5IF14"5 JTTVFECZUIF$PMMFHF#PBSEFBDI0DUPCFS JTSFRVJSFEPGBMM in November only) may be a good addition to their testing
GPVSUIBOEmGUIGPSNTUVEFOUTBU$IPBUFTUVEFOUTBSFBVUPNBUJDBMMZ portfolio. Students must provide their own personal CD player for
registered for the test by Choate’s Testing Coordinator. The test the administration of a listening test.
is generally regarded as a logical method to prepare for the SAT Note: International students may wish to take a language test
Reasoning Test. Not only can a score be an indicator of how a in their native language in order to demonstrate verbal facility
student might fare on the SAT in the future, it can also identify areas beyond what can be measured on the SAT Reasoning Test, which
JOXIJDIBTUVEFOUNBZOFFEUPJNQSPWF*OUIFmGUIGPSNZFBS UIF is always given in English.
TDPSFJTVTFEBTUIF/BUJPOBM.FSJU4DIPMBSTIJQ2VBMJGZJOH5FTU5IF t Physics, Chemistry and Biology M: These tests may be taken
/.425JEFOUJmFTTUVEFOUTXIPQFSGPSNFEFYDFQUJPOBMMZXFMMPO after completing the corresponding year-long introductory course.
the test and who may later be invited to participate in the National Honors-level courses give especially good preparation for the
.FSJU$PNQFUJUJPO*GBTUVEFOURVBMJmFT IFPSTIFXJMMCFOPUJmFEJO tests, but some students have done very well after regular-level
September of their sixth form year and be contacted by their college courses. There is generally a modest correlation between grades
DPVOTFMPSUPDPNQMFUFUIF/.425BQQMJDBUJPO5IF14"5DPOUBJOT in a course and performance on the corresponding SAT Subject
UISFFNVMUJQMFDIPJDFTFDUJPOT$SJUJDBM3FBEJOH .BUIFNBUJDT BOE Test, but interest in science should be a primary consideration.
8SJUJOH&BDIJTTDPSFEPOBQPJOUCBTJT14"5TDPSFTXJMMOPU 5FBDIFSTXJMMDPVOTFMJOEJWJEVBMTTIPVMERVFTUJPOTBSJTF
be reported to, nor viewed by, colleges for purposes of admission.
t U.S. History: This test should be taken after a student has
SAT REASONING TEST successfully completed the year-long course.
.PTU$IPBUFTUVEFOUTXJMMUBLFUIFJSmSTU4"53FBTPOJOH5FTUJO+BOVBSZ t World History: This test is for those students who have
of the fifth form year. Typically, fifth formers are advised to take it again completed the World History program at the Honors level and
JO.BZPS+VOFPGUIFmGUIGPSNZFBS BOEPODFBHBJOEVSJOHUIFGBMMPG have achieved a grade of B+ or higher. Students should also
UIFJSTJYUIGPSNZFBS*GBTUVEFOUXJMMCFBXBZPOBUFSNBCSPBEQSPHSBN consult with their teacher for additional reading.
during the spring of fifth form, a meeting with a college counselor before t Literature: This test is recommended for students who love to
leaving can clarify the proper timetable for testing. The SAT contains read and study literature and who have sensitivity to literary
UISFFNVMUJQMFDIPJDFTFDUJPOT$SJUJDBM3FBEJOH .BUIFNBUJDTBOE HFOSF GPSN TUZMF BOEOVBODF*UTIPVMECFUBLFOOPFBSMJFSUIBO
Writing (which includes a 25-minute essay component). Each of the June of the fifth form or in the fall of the sixth form year.
three sections is scored on a 200-800 point basis for a possible score of
UIFFTTBZJTTDPSFEPOBQPJOUTDBMF ACT
The ACT, an alternative college entrance exam to the SAT, is comprised
SAT SUBJECT TESTS PGGPVSTVCKFDUBSFBUFTUT &OHMJTI 3FBEJOH .BUIFNBUJDTBOE4DJFODF

The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour in length, and a student can elect BOEBOPQUJPOBMFTTBZ UIF"$5QMVT8SJUJOH
$IPBUFSFDPNNFOET
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when only the Reasoning Test is offered. While some colleges do not colleges will accept either the SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject
SFRVJSF4VCKFDU5FTUTDPSFT TPNFNBZSFRVJSFBTNBOZBTUISFF5IF Tests, or the ACT plus Writing. Students who wish to take the ACT
right time to choose an individual subject test will vary from student may do so in April of the fifth form year, and October or December of

the sixth form year. The ACT is often a good choice for students who additional cost above the current score reporting fees. Any student
IBWFHPPEHSBEFTJO&OHMJTIDMBTTFTCVUBSFMBUJWFMZMPX14"5PS4"5 wishing to utilize the four free score reports associated with the test
3FBTPOJOH5FTU$SJUJDBM3FBEJOHTDPSF*UDBOBMTPCFIFMQGVMGPSTPNF registration must understand that they will be unable to view the test
athletes to take the test in order to meet specific college eligibility scores, and utilize Score Choice, before the test scores are sent to
guidelines. A student will receive four separate scores (1 is the lowest, the designated college(s).
36 is the highest), one for each subject area as well as a composite
*UJTUIFTUVEFOUTSFTQPOTJCJMJUZUPVOEFSTUBOEUIFUFTUJOH
TDPSFUIBUJTUIFSPVOEFEBWFSBHFPGUIFGPVSTVCTDPSFT*OBEEJUJPO UIF
SFRVJSFNFOUTGPSFBDIDPMMFHFPSVOJWFSTJUZUPXIJDIPOFJTBQQMZJOH
FTTBZJTTDPSFEPOBQPJOUCBTJT*GBTUVEFOUSFQPSUTUIF"$5UP
#FDBVTFDPMMFHFTXJMMWBSZJOUIFJSUFTUJOHSFRVJSFNFOUT TUVEFOUTBSF
an institution, he or she may choose to submit the highest composite
strongly encouraged to refer to the website of each college or
score from any test date.
www.collegeboard.comGPSTQFDJmDBENJTTJPOSFRVJSFNFOUT
AP EXAMS For more information on Score Choice, please visit
www.collegeboard.com or contact the CCO Testing Coordinator.
0GGFSFEJO.BZFBDIZFBS UIFTFUISFFIPVSMPOHUFTUTBSFBQQSPQSJBUF
whenever a student has completed a corresponding year-long Advanced
ADDITIONAL TESTING INFORMATION
1MBDFNFOUDPVSTF4UVEFOUTJOBEWBODFEDPVSTFTOPUEFTJHOBUFEBT
i"1wMFWFM FH IPOPSTCJPMPHZ
TIPVMEDIFDLXJUIUIFJSUFBDIFSTUP t "GUFSUIFUFTUBENJOJTUSBUJPOJO0DUPCFSPGUIFJSGPVSUIBOEmGUI
EFUFSNJOFXIFUIFSBO"1&YBNJTBEWJTFE*UJTSFDPNNFOEFE TJODF form years, Choate students will receive The Official PSAT
$IPBUFEPFTOPUPGGFS"1&OHMJTI UIBUNPTUmGUIGPSNFSTUBLFUIF Score Report Plus. This user-friendly document is a great way
"1&OHMJTI-JUFSBUVSF&YBN"1&YBNTBSFOPUSFRVJSFEGPSDPMMFHF for students to identify strengths as well as areas in which they
applications, but good scores could enhance a student’s chances for OFFEUPEPBEEJUJPOBMQSFQBSBUJPO5IFSFBSF14"5RVFTUJPO
BENJTTJPO JGQSPWJEFETUVEFOUTTIPVMEDPOTVMUUIFJSDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPS and answer explanations, an individualized SAT study plan, the
BCPVUSFQPSUJOH"1TDPSFTEVSJOHUIFDPMMFHFBQQMJDBUJPOQSPDFTT i.Z3PBEwNBKPSDBSFFSFYQMPSBUJPOUPPMBOEJOGPSNBUJPOBCPVU
Depending upon the credit policies of the matriculating college/ accessing scores online. Visit XXXDPMMFHFCPBSEDPNRVJDLTUBSU
university, a student may be granted advanced placement or credit for a for more information.
TUSPOH"1&YBNTDPSF'PSNPSFJOGPSNBUJPO WJTJUhttp://collegesearch. t $IPBUFQSPWJEFTUIFOfficial SAT Online Course for students
collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp"1&YBNTBSFTDPSFEPOB free of charge. Students must contact the CCO Testing
MPX
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CBTJT.PTUIJHIMZTFMFDUJWFDPMMFHFTSFRVJSFBTDPSFPG Coordinator for their access code before creating their individual
BUMFBTUCFGPSFUIFZXJMMHSBOUDSFEJUJOBTVCKFDU"1&YBNTDPSFTBSF BDDPVOU5IF0OMJOF$PVSTFJODMVEFTMFTTPOT RVJ[[FTBOE
not listed on Choate transcripts. practice tests and features an auto-score essay component. The
website is: www.collegeboard.com/satonlinecourseschool.
TOEFL iBT
t 5IF0GmDJBM4"54UVEZ(VJEF'PSUIF/FX4"5and The Real
5IF5FTUPG&OHMJTIBTB'PSFJHO-BOHVBHFJTBO*OUFSOFUCBTFE "$51SFQ(VJEFpublications are available in the Choate Library
test (iBT) and is for students whose native language is not English BTXFMMBTJOUIF$PMMFHF$PVOTFMJOH0GmDF*OBEEJUJPO UIFZ
(regardless of citizenship or language of instruction). Fifth form may be purchased online or can be found in bookstores featuring
students whose first language is not English should take the test standardized testing material.
over the summer and, if necessary, once again in the fall. This test
JTPGGFSFEPGGDBNQVTTFFUIF5FTUJOH$PPSEJOBUPSPSBDPMMFHF t 5IFXFCTJUF www.actstudent.org provides students with helpful
counselor for information on registering. UFTUUJQT TBNQMFUFTUT BOEUFTUEFTDSJQUJPOTGPSUIF"$5*O
BEEJUJPO UIFSFJTBO"$50OMJOF1SFQDPVSTFBWBJMBCMFGPSBGFF
SCORE CHOICE t $IPBUFIPTUTB,BQMBOtest preparation course each year.
Score Choice, The College Board’s new SAT score reporting feature, *OBEEJUJPO B-FBSOJOH4LJMMTXPSLTIPQJTBWBJMBCMFGPSTUVEFOUT
will replace the current policy of reporting all SAT and SAT Subject who meet the criteria for inclusion. For more information, contact
5FTUTDPSFTBTUVEFOUBDRVJSFTJOHSBEFTPOBTJOHMFDVNVMBUJWF the office of the Dean of Academic Affairs
record. Score Choice will now give students the option to send (203-697-2428).
EFTJHOBUFE4"5TDPSFTCZUFTUEBUF OPUCZUFTUTFDUJPODSJUJDBM t www.fairtest.org is a website that provides a comprehensive list
reading, math or writing) and SAT Subject Test scores by individual of all test optionalJOTUJUVUJPOT5IFTFTDIPPMTEPOPUSFRVJSF
test. Score Choice is optional, and if students choose not to use it, all standardized tests as a component of the application process.
scores will be sent to the designated college or scholarship recipient.
t &BDIUFTUJOHBHFODZIBTTUSJDUDSJUFSJBGPSTUVEFOUTUPRVBMJGZGPS
This new score reporting policy will be available to all students
extra time and/or special accommodations on test days. To
UBLJOHUIF.BSDIUFTU BTXFMMBTBOZTUVEFOUXIPIBTUBLFOUIF
determine whether he or she meets the criteria, a student should
SAT prior to the launch.
consult with the Testing Coordinator as soon as possible.
This score reporting option is accessible to students only after their
t 5IF4"5 3FBTPOJOHBOE4VCKFDU5FTUT
"$5BOE"1FYBNTPGGFS
scores have been made available and then by logging in to their
students the option to cancel a test score, but typically this must
College Board account or by calling SAT Customer Service. Students
be done either on the actual test day or within a few days
taking advantage of this score reporting option will not incur any

GPMMPXJOH*GBTUVEFOUGFFMTIFPSTIFEJEOPUQFSGPSNBUBMFWFM
he or she deemed acceptable and wishes to cancel a score, he
or she must see the test proctor on the test date or consult the
Testing Coordinator immediately after the test date. Rules vary
by test and test agency.
t 6OEFSGPSNFSTBSFOPUFYDVTFEGSPNDMBTTFTPO"DBEFNJD
Saturdays to take standardized tests.
COMPARISON OF SAT AND ACT EXAMS
ACT SAT
Curriculum-based test Measures critical thinking and your ability to analyze
For students with a strong academic program For students with a natural aptitude for solving problems
Score reports are not cumulative Score reports are cumulative for all test dates including
subject tests
Four Sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science Three Sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing
Each section is scored on a 1-36 scale (a composite Each section is scored on a 200-800 scale
score is provided)
2 hours and 55 minutes of testing (w/o essay) 3 hours and 45 minutes of testing
Optional: 30 minute essay Required: 25 minute essay
(1) 10 minute break (3) 5 minute breaks
May be used in lieu of the SAT Reasoning Test and /or
SAT Subject Tests
English: 75 Questions / 45 Minutes Critical Reading: 67 Questions / 70 Minutes
Understanding of the conventions of standard written Ability to identify genre relationships amongst parts of the
English (punctuation, grammar and usage, and sentence text, cause and effect, rhetorical devices, and comparative
structure arguments
Rhetorical Skills (strategy, organization, and style) Identifying main and supporting ideas, determining the
meaning of words, understanding author's purposes, and
understanding the structure and function of sentences
Reasoning and vocabulary
Mathematics: 60 Questions / 60 Minutes Mathematics: 54 Questions / 70 Minutes
Pre-Algebra / Elementary Algebra Number and Operations
Algebra / Coordinate Geometry Algebra and Functions
Plane Geometry / Trigonometry Geometry and Measurement
Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
Reading: 40 Questions / 35 Minutes Writing: 50 Questions / 35 Minutes
Determine main ideas, locate and interpret significant Ability to use language in a clear, consistent manner
details; understand sequences of events; make
comparisons, comprehend cause and effect
Determine the meaning of context-dependent words, Ability to improve a piece of writing through revision and
phrases, and statements editing
Draw generalizations Recognize sentence errors and to choose the best version of
a piece of writing, and to improve paragraphs
Analyze the author's or narrator's voice and method
Science: 40 Questions / 35 Minutes
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and the Earth / Space
sciences
Essay: One Question / 30 Minutes Essay: One Question / 25 Minutes
Express judgments by taking a position on an issue Measures the student's skill in developing and expressing a
point of view on an issue
Use logical reasoning and by supporting your ideas Ability to support a point of view using reasoning and
evidence from your reading, studies, experience, or
observations
Organize ideas in a logical way Follows the conventions of standard written English
Use language clearly and effectively according to the
conventions of standard written English
Scored by two readers on a 1-6 scale Scored by two readers on a 1-6 scale

RESEARCHING COLLEGES overnight visits or arrange meetings with faculty. But you will
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BTTFSUJWFMZSFRVFTUUIFBDUJWJUJFTUIBUXJMMNFBOUIFNPTUUPZPV
When beginning their college search, students may find the
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4UBUFTBOE$BOBEBBMPOFXIFSFBOEIPXEPFTPOFBDUVBMMZTUBSU *OUFSWJFXTBSFBOJNQPSUBOUNFBOTPGCPUIBSUJDVMBUJOHimUwCFUXFFO
to sort through all the options? Each individual student will work a student and a college and demonstrating interest in the institution.
with their college counselor to assess the criteria they deem most Demonstrated interest is an important factor considered by many
important to their search. Together, they will consider resources and DPMMFHFTVOJWFSTJUJFTEVSJOHUIFBQQMJDBUJPOSFWJFXQSPDFTT*OUFSWJFX
begin building the student’s college list based on those personal times and processes vary from school to school, however if an
QSFGFSFODFT*UJTDSJUJDBMUIBUFBDITUVEFOULFFQBOPQFONJOEBTUIF institution offers interviews, it is highly recommended that a student
process unfolds. To develop a list of schools that truly best “fit” each take advantage of the opportunity. While some institutions require
student, it is essential to initially consider a wide variety of options. interviews of students who submit an application, others may not
have the means to offer interviews to every student.
*OUIFi3FTPVSDFwTFDUJPOPGUIJT)BOECPPL BHSFBUOVNCFSPGCPPLT
HVJEFTBOEXFCTJUFTBSFQSFTFOUFEGPSDPOTJEFSBUJPOXIJMFOPOFNBZ An interview on the college’s campus might be conducted by
have all the answers, each offers helpful information to students and an upperclass student of the institution, selected and trained to
families on a variety of topics. Another major factor to consider while lead insightful conversations with prospective students, or by a
SFTFBSDIJOHJTUIFTFMFDUJWJUZPGUIFJOTUJUVUJPO*TBTUVEFOUTBDBEFNJD representative of the admission office. An off-campus interview
profile in line with that of the institution? Naviance, a college research NBZCFXJUIBOBMVNOJSFQSFTFOUBUJWFPGUIFJOTUJUVUJPO*GBTUVEFOU
database program, is also an effective tool for gathering specific is unable to visit a college’s campus, interviews can take place on
academic data for comparison with Choate students who have recently Choate’s campus or a location mutually selected by the interviewer/
been admitted. interviewee. Finally, interviews are usually initiated at the student’s
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The importance of research done by a student in the search process student completes an application.
cannot be overstated. Only the student can know if the place they
choose to spend the next four years feels like an appropriate fit Although interviews are often conversational, it is an important way for
when considering their needs and interests. Through the plethora of both student and interviewer to assess the student’s interest in and fit
information available through guide books, Naviance, the institution’s with the institution. Following an interview, an interviewer will provide
own website and other means, a student may get an accurate feel JOGPSNBUJPOVTVBMMZCZXSJUUFOSFQPSUBCPVUUIFJSJNQSFTTJPOTPG
for each school’s strengths and drawbacks. A visit to the campus will UIFTUVEFOU*GUIFTUVEFOUBQQMJFT UIJTSFQPSUXJMMCFDPNFBQBSUPG
certainly reveal even more. the student’s application file and will be reviewed. While it has been
said that an interview can usually only help a student in the application
process, it is important to prepare for them and go armed with good
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Throughout the fall and into the early winter, some colleges/
CAMPUS VISITS AND VOJWFSTJUJFTPGGFSJOUFSWJFXTPO$IPBUFTDBNQVT*UJTQPTTJCMFUPWJFX
upcoming visits on Naviance and the Daily Notice.
INTERVIEWS During the academic year, Choate students are allowed a limited
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One of the best ways to accurately determine if a college is a “good fifth form, students may miss one day of classes. During the sixth
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UPEFNPOTUSBUFSFBMJOUFSFTUJOBOJOTUJUVUJPOBGBDUPSUIBUNBOZ one day in the Winter term, and two additional days in the Spring
admission offices consider during the application process. term. To take advantage of these visit opportunities, students must
PCUBJOB1SFQ4MJQGSPNIJTPSIFSDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPS5IFEBZ T
PGUIF
Though visits to colleges may begin earlier, they should continue
absence(s) and the school(s) the student intends to visit are recorded
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POUIFTMJQPODFTJHOFECZUIFDPVOTFMPS UIFTMJQNVTUCFUBLFOCZUIF
feasible, plan to visit schools of various sizes, communities and locales
student to the appropriate form dean for his or her signature before
so that you can determine the type of institution and environment that
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CFTUNFFUTZPVSOFFET CPUIBDBEFNJDBMMZBOETPDJBMMZ*UJTCFTUUPWJTJU
is recommended that if a student plans to visit colleges while Choate
colleges when classes are in session so that you can get a true picture
classes are in session that they do so close to weekends or during
of the campus community. When you speak with colleges to arrange
breaks or Long Weekends to avoid missing more than the allotted days.
ZPVSWJTJUT CFTQFDJmDJOZPVSSFRVFTUTMFUUIFNLOPXZPVXPVMEMJLFB
campus tour and a personal interview, if possible. Helpful hints:
*GZPVXPVMEMJLFUPBUUFOEBDMBTT NFFUXJUIBQSPGFTTPS FBUMVODI t $BMMUIFBENJTTJPOPGmDFBUMFBTUUXPXFFLTQSJPSUPZPVSQMBOOFE
with a student or spend the night in a residence hall, make these visit to make your official appointment.
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t .BLFTQFDJmDSFRVFTUTZPVXPVMEMJLFUPUPVSUIFDBNQVT NFFU t 8IBUQFSDFOUBHFPGTUVEFOUTBSFGSPNUIJTHFPHSBQIJDBSFB
with an admission counselor, have lunch in the cafeteria, attend
t %PNPTUWJFXUIFDBNQVTBTMJCFSBM $POTFSWBUJWF .JYFE )PX
a class, meet with a certain professor, speak with a financial aid
can you tell?
officer, spend the night in a residence hall, etc.
t 8IBUJTUIFQFSDFOUBHFPGTUVEFOUTPGDPMPS %PTUVEFOUTPG
t #FTVSFUPEFUFSNJOFJGZPVXJMMUBLFQBSUJOBPOFPOPOF
different backgrounds mix or stick with others like themselves?
interview with an admission counselor or if you and your family
will be joining several other visitors for an information session. t "SFUIFSFNBOZJOUFSOBUJPOBMTUVEFOUTFOSPMMFE
.BOZTDIPPMTEPOPUPGGFSJOEJWJEVBMJOUFSWJFXT t %PFTUIFDBNQVTGFFMTBGFGPSHBZ MFTCJBO CJTFYVBMPS
t *GZPVBSFPGGFSFEBQFSTPOBMJOUFSWJFX HPQSFQBSFE5BLF transgendered students? Are these students visible in leadership
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assessment before you go. Learn as much about the college as t 8IBUJTUIFSFMJHJPVTNBLFVQPGUIFTUVEFOUCPEZ 8PVMEB
possible prior to your visit. student of any particular faith (e.g. Jewish, Catholic) feel isolated?
t 3FNFNCFS BOJOUFSWJFXJTBNVUVBMTIBSJOHPGJOGPSNBUJPOoLFFQ t 8IBUEPTUVEFOUTDPNQMBJOBCPVU 8IBUEPUIFZWBMVFNPTU
in mind that you are interviewing the college as much as they
are interviewing you. t 8IBUDBOCFNPTUEJGmDVMUGPSmSTUZFBSTUVEFOUTUPBEKVTUUP
when they first arrive?
t *GZPVBUUFOEBOJOGPSNBUJPOTFTTJPO MJTUFOBUUFOUJWFMZBOEBTL
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administration react?
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counselor conducting the information session. Ask if it is t )BWFUIFSFCFFOSFDFOUSFQPSUFEJODJEFOUTPGBMMFHFETFYVBM
possible to meet the counselor who recruits in Connecticut. EJTDSJNJOBUJPOPSIBSBTTNFOU %PXPNFOGFFMGVMMZFRVBMIFSF
academically and socially?
t %POPUTDIFEVMFNPSFUIBOUXPTDIPPMWJTJUTQFSEBZ(JWF
yourself ample time to roam the campus on your own before or t )PXEPFTUIFDBNQVTEFBMXJUIQSPCMFNTPGBMDPIPMPSESVHBCVTF
after the formal tour, interview or information session. t 8IBUQFSDFOUBHFPGTUVEFOUTMFBWFTDBNQVTGPSUIFXFFLFOE
t 8IJMFPODBNQVT SFBEUIFDPMMFHFOFXTQBQFS TDBOCVMMFUJO About Co-curricular and Social Activities:
boards and kiosks to discover the real campus pulse.
t 8IBUXFSFUIFTPDJBMPSDVMUVSBMIJHIMJHIUTMBTUZFBS
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representatives. Students tend to be very candid. The way you t )PXNVDITDIPPMTQJSJUJTUIFSF 8IBUBDUJWJUJFTBSFQPQVMBSUP
are received will also be an indication of the friendliness of the attend?
campus. t 8IFOXIFSFEPTUVEFOUTTUVEZ 1BSUZ )BOHPVU
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future correspondence to him/her. Do not forget to send a hand- might it limit my social life?
written or e-mail “thank you” note to the interviewer.
t )PXEJGmDVMUJTJUUPNBLFBTQPSUTUFBN 8IBUJOUSBNVSBMPS
QUESTIONS TO ASK COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES club teams are there?
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representatives during an interview, during an information session if t *TUIFSFBMDPIPMBUUIFQBSUJFTPODBNQVT 8IBUJG*DIPPTFOPU
not already covered in the representative’s presentation, or even in to drink?
BDPMMFHFGBJSGPSNBU$PMMFHFSFQSFTFOUBUJWFTXIFUIFSBTUVEFOU
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to high school students. They like to share their ideas about their (e.g. newspaper, drama program, fencing team)
colleges, and they all appreciate students who have thought about About Housing and Dining:
the college and who want to know more than what is stated in
the course catalog, in the viewbook, or on the website. Thoughtful t %PFTUIFDPMMFHFQSPWJEFIPVTJOHBMMGPVSZFBST 8IBU
RVFTUJPOTDBOMFBEUPBOTXFSTUIBUIFMQZPVEFDJEFJGUIFDPMMFHF percentage of students lives on campus? What alternatives are
JTBHPPENBUDI5SZUPDSFBUFBGFXGBWPSJUFRVFTUJPOTUIBUDPWFS available, on or off-campus, for upperclassmen?
a number of areas of college life and ask them of many different t "SFTPNFSFTJEFODFIBMMTSFTFSWFEGPSQBSUJDVMBSBHFTPSJOUFSFTUT
people. Depending on your particular interests, here are some useful
t "SFUIFSFTJEFODFIBMMTRVJFUFOPVHIGPSTUVEZJOH "SFUIFSF
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study rooms?
About Students:
t 8IBUNFBMQMBOTBSFBWBJMBCMF $BOZPVFBUBOZXIFSFPO
t 8IBUEPZPVGFFMJTUIFNPTUQSFWBMFOUUZQFPGTUVEFOUPODBNQVT campus? At alternative eating facilities? Are there vegetarian or
t *TUIFSFBUZQFPGTUVEFOUXIPNJHIUOPUGFFMDPNGPSUBCMFIFSF kosher alternatives?

About Facilities: t 8IBUUZQFTPGDBSFFSDPVOTFMJOHTFSWJDFTFYJTU "SFUIFSF
opportunities for internships?
t $BOBOZTUVEFOUVTFUIFSJOLQPPMXFJHIUSPPNXJUIPVUCFJOHJO
a specific class or on an athletic team? t *TBTFOJPSUIFTJTQSPKFDUSFRVJSFEGPSHSBEVBUJPO 'PSIPOPST
t "SFQSBDUJDFSPPNTBOEBSUTUVEJPTBWBJMBCMFXJUIPVUCFJOHJOB About Financial Aid:
class? Are they free?
t *TUIFDPMMFHFOFFECMJOE /FFEBXBSF
t %PBMMSFTJEFODFIBMMSPPNTIBWFIJHITQFFEDPNQVUFSDPOOFDUJPOT
t "SFNFSJUCBTFETDIPMBSTIJQTPGGFSFE *GTP JTUIFSFBO
t *TUIFDBNQVTXJSFMFTT application process to be considered?
t %PFTUIFMJCSBSZTUBGGBTTJTUJOSFTFBSDI )PXRVJDLMZDBOPOF t .JHIUXPSLTUVEZPSTUVEFOUFNQMPZNFOUCFBDPNQPOFOUPGB
get inter-library loans? Are there computer labs available? student’s financial aid package?
t *TUIFSFTBGF BDDFTTJCMFTUVEFOUQBSLJOH "SFTUVEFOUTBMMPXFE t 8IBUUZQFTPGXPSLTUVEZPSTUVEFOUFNQMPZNFOUQPTJUJPOTBSF
to have cars on campus? offered on campus?
About Community: General questions:
t 8IBUJTUIFSFUPEPJOUPXO )PXXPVME*HFUUIFSFXJUIPVUBDBS t 8IJDIDPMMFHFTEPZPViPWFSMBQwXJUINPTUJOBENJTTJPOT
t )PXXFMMEPUIFDPMMFHFTUVEFOUTBOEUIFUPXOTQFPQMFHFUBMPOH t 8IBUBSFUIFNPTUEJTUJODUJWFRVBMJUJFTPGZPVSJOTUJUVUJPO
t "SFUIFSFKPCTJOUPXOGPSTUVEFOUT *OUFSOTIJQT t 8IBUBSFUIFTUSFOHUITBOEXFBLOFTTFTPGZPVSTDIPPM
t "SFTUVEFOUTJOWPMWFEJODPNNVOJUZTFSWJDFPSTFSWJDFMFBSOJOH CAMPUS TOURS
classes in town?
Campus tours are usually led by current students of an institution.
t )PXTBGFJTUIFTVSSPVOEJOHOFJHICPSIPPE Generally, they will take prospective students and families through
About Academics: a variety of campus buildings and facilities and provide basic
information about the school, including academic, social and co-
t )PXNBOZTUVEFOUTBSFJOBUZQJDBMmSTUZFBSDMBTT 8IP curricular life.
teaches them (professors? graduate students?)? Do they break
into smaller discussion groups? Led by whom? Are first-year INFORMATION SESSIONS
seminars available?
.BOZJOTUJUVUJPOTPGGFSHSPVQJOGPSNBUJPOTFTTJPOTPODBNQVT
t 8IBUBOEIPXNBOZDPVSTFTBSFJODMVEFEJOBUZQJDBMmSTU These are typically coordinated by admission officers and serve as a
year program? Are certain courses unavailable for first-year complement to the campus tour. Although some of the information
students? may be repeated, these sessions will often delve deeper into specific
t )PXFBTZJTJUUPHFUUIFDMBTTFTPOFOFFETXBOUT UPQJDTTVDIBTUIFBQQMJDBUJPOQSPDFTT UIFTDIPPMTmOBODJBMBJE
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t %PTUVEFOUTGFFMUIFGPDVTJTNPSFPOHSBEVBUFTUVEFOUT as allow time for Q&A.
undergraduates, or evenly divided? Does the same faculty teach
both groups? Do all faculty teach at least one undergraduate AFTER THE VISIT
course? How many classes are taught by teaching assistants?
Not only is it important to do post-visit evaluations of each school,
t $BOBTUVEFOUDIBOHFGSPNPOFEJWJTJPOPSNBKPSUPBOPUIFS it is also important to continue appropriate communications
XJUIPVUEJGmDVMUZ 6OUJMXIFO 8JUIXIBU(1" with individuals encountered while on campus. This is especially
important should you decide to apply to the school. Upon returning
t )PXNBOZTUVEFOUTIBWFNBKPSFESFDFOUMZJO@@@
IPNF JUJTFODPVSBHFEUPJORVJSFBCPVUBOZSFNBJOJOHRVFTUJPOT
t 8IFOEPFTPOFEFDMBSFBNBKPSPSDPODFOUSBUJPO "SFUIFSF PSDMBSJmDBUJPOTBCPVUXIBUXBTMFBSOFEEVSJOHUIFWJTJU*UJTBMTP
NBOZQSFSFRVJTJUFT "SFBOZNBKPSTQBSUJDVMBSMZTFMFDUJWF *GTP important to send a note of thanks (and this can be via email) to any
how is one chosen? Can one double major? person with whom a student has met during this visit.
t 8IBUQFSDFOUBHFPGTUVEFOUTSFUVSOGPSTPQIPNPSFZFBS 8IBU WHAT IF YOU CAN’T VISIT?
QFSDFOUBHFHSBEVBUFXJUIJOmWFZFBST *GFTQFDJBMMZIJHIPSMPX
what do you consider the reason? There are many meaningful ways to express interest in an institution,
even if a student cannot visit the campus prior to applying. During
t 8IBUQSPQPSUJPOPGTUVEFOUTTUVEZBCSPBE *TJUFBTZUPEPPSJT the school year on Choate’s campus, students can attend the
JUSFTUSJDUFE $BO@@@@NBKPSTTUVEZBCSPBE 8JMMNZmOBODJBM college fairs and meet with visiting college representatives offering
aid “travel” with me? JOGPSNBUJPOTFTTJPOT5IFZNBZBMTPSFRVFTUBOJOUFSWJFXXJUIBO
t 8IBUQFSDFOUBHFPGTFOJPSTHPUPHSBEVBUFTDIPPM %PZPVIBWF alumni interviewer in the region. Students are encouraged to keep
a list of the graduate schools they’ve attended in recent years? abreast of the schedule of institutions sending interviewers to Choate
during the fall and winter terms of their sixth form year. Of course,
if a student is unable to visit a college’s campus, it is even more

DSJUJDBMUPDPOEVDUFYUFOTJWFSFTFBSDI8IFORVFTUJPOTBSJTF JUJT Yet every year the National Association for College Admission
appropriate to contact the institution via email (these are sometimes Counseling polls thousands of admission officers, and every year
USBDLFEBTBEFNPOTUSBUJPOPGJOUFSFTU
PSQIPOF*GBTUVEFOUBQQMJFT the answer is the same: grades in college preparatory courses
to an institution and is accepted, they are strongly encouraged to visit and strength of curriculum are the most important factors in
campus in April prior to making an enrollment decision. admission. As students work through their college process, it is
critical to keep academic coursework a priority at all times.
SPECIAL VISIT PROGRAMS
2. A Logical Plan. The College Counseling Office has a multi-
.PTUDPMMFHFTIPTUPOFEBZPSPWFSOJHIU7JTJU%BZPS1SFWJFX faceted plan to assist each student through the application
1SPHSBNTUISPVHIPVUUIFZFBS8IJMFPWFSOJHIUPQQPSUVOJUJFTXIFSF process. Through group meetings, individual sessions and
BTUVEFOUNBZTUBZJOBEPSNXJUIBDVSSFOUTUVEFOUBSFUZQJDBMMZ special program opportunities, we help each student understand
reserved for high school seniors, colleges welcome students and the offerings at different colleges, create a testing plan, and
families to many of their on-campus programs. Visit programs are perform the self-analysis that leads to self-advocacy and
often packed with tours, sessions and panels designed to give results in strong applications. The CCO is a key resource in each
visitors a comprehensive view of the institution. Regional programs student’s achievement of success.
also exist, with admission offices hosting receptions or interviews
in cities around the country. These activities typically are aimed at 3. Common Sense. The recent increases in college applications
interested students/families who may not have had the opportunity OVNCFSTBOEUIFTVCTFRVFOUJODSFBTFJOTFMFDUJWJUZBU
to visit campus. A student may receive an invitation to these many colleges have created a heightened awareness of
types of special programs by virtue of being on an institution’s the competitiveness in the process today, and it has also
mailing list. However, many schools list special program QFSQFUVBUFEGBMTFJOGPSNBUJPO1MFBTFEJTDVTTDPNNFOUTUIBU
opportunities on their website. EPOPUNBLFTFOTFXJUITPNFPOFGSPNUIF$$0*GJUTPVOET
outlandish or too good to be true, it probably is.
COLLEGE CONNECT 4. Selectivity. While it is accurate that many colleges continue
*ODPOKVODUJPOXJUIUIF%FWFMPQNFOUBOE"MVNOJ3FMBUJPOT0GmDF UIF to set records for numbers of received applications while also
College Counseling Office has developed College Connect, a program FYQFSJFODJOHBOJODSFBTFJOUIFRVBMJUZPGUIFJSBQQMJDBOUT
whereby current Choate students can contact former Choate students DPMMFHFTBSF45*--MPPLJOHUPmMMUIFJSDMBTTFTXJUIBOBSSBZ
at a variety of colleges and universities across the nation as well as of interesting, diverse students. However, this environment
abroad to hear first-hand about the student experience. A database NFBOTNPSFUIBOFWFSUIBUFBDITUVEFOUNVTUBMTPGPDVTPO
is maintained of Choate graduates who wish to serve as resources creating compelling cases for “fit” and “match” at each college.
for others considering the institution in which they are enrolled. This 5. One College. A student can only attend one college. The
EBUBCBTFJTQPTUFEVOEFSUIFSFTPVSDFTUBCPO$)*1*OBEEJUJPO B-PH process is not a competition to collect as many acceptances
Book is kept in the Carrington House living room to track connections as possible. Nor is it a time to explore, purely out of curiosity,
made. For more information, students may consult with their college whether acceptances to certain institutions can be gained.
counselor. By emailing a College Connect mentor, a student will be This process is about finding an educational community that
able to gain important knowledge and insight about a college from a will appropriately challenge and support a student’s needs and
resource who knows it best. aspirations.
With these five concepts in mind, we have developed a set of
standards and policies that will allow each student to present high
RVBMJUZBQQMJDBUJPOTUPBQQSPQSJBUFDPMMFHFTBOEBMMPXVTUPBEWPDBUF
CHOATE COLLEGE as effectively as possible on behalf of every Choate student. Our

ultimate goal is to allow each student to “reach for the stars” while
APPLICATION POLICIES maintaining the important balance necessary to have terrific options
if “reach” schools do not come to fruition. Every student should
complete the college application process with a feeling of success
The college process is paradoxically both simple and complex. and, most importantly, with a fine college choice that will prove to be
All Choate students must follow a simple and clear path: take a beneficial fit for both institution and student. We look forward to
standardized tests, learn about colleges, and complete applications. working with you on this exciting rite of passage.
Unfortunately, each will likely experience some of the anxiousness
caused by a multi-faceted and demanding process. Ultimately, it is RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
our hope that each student will make informed choices about what
is best for them in terms of schools that represent the best fit for Students are expected to attend all monthly small group meetings,
JOUFMMFDUVBM BDBEFNJD TPDJBMBOEDBSFFSPQQPSUVOJUJFT*OPSEFSUP required individual sessions with their college counselor and special
help navigate the path ahead, we offer the following rules of thumb: programs as announced.
1. High School Achievement. Different sources offer conflicting During these meetings, important information about the college
information about what is most important to admission officers. application process is shared. Additionally, individual meetings allow
for deeper conversation about each student’s interests and activities

while also allowing for a thorough review of the student’s academic There are a few special exceptions to the “ten school” limit. Students
history and testing plan, current courses, grades and test scores, should consult with their college counselor if circumstances might
as well as plans for future courses. The strong working relationship XBSSBOUBQFUJUJPOUPBQQMZUPBEEJUJPOBMDPMMFHFTVOJWFSTJUJFT
between the student and counselor is primary to Choate’s college petitions are sometimes, although not always, granted in those
counseling process. situations where a student’s application success might be difficult
to predict. (Examples include athletic recruits, students applying to
Students must take responsibility when researching colleges.
TFMFDUJWFDPOTFSWBUPSZQSPHSBNTPSQSPHSBNTSFRVJSJOHBOBVEJUJPO
Using advice from the college counselor, family, friends and reliable or portfolio, etc.) ALL STUDENTS, however, are encouraged to
resources and guides, students should assess their desires for DPOTJEFSTVCNJUUJOHBOBQQMJDBUJPOUPUIFJSIPNFTUBUFVOJWFSTJUZBO
college and research the basic characteristics and “personality” of a application of this kind often ensures a student a successful outcome
large number of schools. and DOES NOT count toward the “ten school” limit.
Students should visit colleges, if at all possible. A student must meet all college application deadlines, as well as
When possible, nothing replaces a personal visit to a college. Spring internal Choate deadlines, to maximize admission possibilities.
break, fifth form Spring Long Weekend and summer vacation are To receive full consideration for college admission, it is imperative
ideal times for students to go on college trips. First-hand impressions that students meet all deadlines for the submission of materials.
of college facilities, programs and people can be critical when
Regular Decision is the application process by which most students
deciding on a final college list. When a student visits an admission
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PGmDF JUBEETUPUIFDPMMFHFTTFOTFUIBUUIFTUVEFOUTJOUFSFTUJTSFBM
application deadline which typically falls on or after January 1st. Due
at some institutions, interest plays a vital role in admission decisions.
to the sheer volume of applications an admission office will receive
A student may apply to, at most, ten schools. and the time necessary to complete a fair and thorough review of each,
Choate Rosemary Hall’s policy is that students may have a final list of students applying through the Regular Decision plan usually receive a
no more than ten colleges. This maximum number allows a varied and EFDJTJPOUPXBSEMBUF.BSDIPSFBSMZ"QSJM"TUVEFOUNVTUNBLFBmOBM
competitive list without becoming counterproductive. Between visiting EFDJTJPOCZ.BZ"EWBOUBHFT 5IJTQMBOJTIJHIMZSFDPNNFOEFEGPS
colleges, interviewing, demonstrating interest and spending time to TUVEFOUTXJUIBCBMBODFEMJTUCVUXJUIPVUBDMFBSDVUmSTUDIPJDF*UJT
write a compelling application, students’ efforts can be diminished by also especially recommended for those students for whom financial aid
applying to too many schools. Because students can only attend one will be a factor. And perhaps most importantly, for students who need
DPMMFHF UIJTQPMJDZSFRVJSFTTUVEFOUTBOEGBNJMJFTUPNBLFDIPJDFT a strong fall term of the sixth form year, this provides an opportunity to
early in the process about which institutions will be the best match. demonstrate superior academic capability.
Excessive Choate applications to an institution can adversely affect the Rolling Admission is an application process by which institutions
chances for all applicants. This ten college limit policy helps to give review applications as soon as they become complete and inform the
each Choate student the best possible chance for acceptance. BQQMJDBOUPGUIFEFDJTJPOTIPSUMZUIFSFBGUFS.BOZJOTUJUVUJPOTXJUI
The CCO works together closely as a team. Using the most Rolling Admission plans begin accepting applications early in the fall,
applicable and recent data available, our selectivity predictions and some continue accepting applications well past Regular Decision
for each school on a student’s college list are highly reliable. deadlines. Applying as early as possible to a preferred institution
Taking into consideration each student’s own profile, we consider with Rolling Admissions may help a student gain an acceptance much
a variety of factors (including, but not limited to, gender, domestic earlier than their other choices but still have the luxury of waiting
or international citizenship, grade point average, course rigor, UPNBLFBmOBMEFDJTJPOVOUJM.BZUIJT JOUVSO BMMPXTUIFNUIF
(1"USFOET TUBOEBSEJ[FEUFTUTDPSFT MFBEFSTIJQBOEJOWPMWFNFOU “insurance” to reach higher with the remaining selections on their
parental or sibling legacy, academic interests, etc.) to determine the college list. With Rolling Admission, the earlier the application is
BQQSPQSJBUFTFMFDUJWJUZDBUFHPSZ*GBTDIPPMJTEFFNFEBOiFYUSFNF TVCNJUUFE UIFCFUUFSCFDBVTFTDIPPMTBSFSFBEJOHBQQMJDBUJPOTBT
reach” for a student, the likelihood of admission is less than 5%. they become complete and admitting students continuously, waiting
"iSFBDIwTDIPPMZJFMETOPHSFBUFSUIBOBBDDFQUBODFSBUFJO UPPMBUFUPBQQMZNBZNFBOBOPUIFSXJTFRVBMJmFETUVEFOUNBZOPU
other words, there is at least an 85% chance the student will not be be admitted due to limited space.
offered admission to the school. For schools in the “possible” range, A student may submit, at most, two Early applications.
UIFMJLFMJIPPEPGBENJTTJPOJTGPSUIFiQSPCBCMFwTDIPPMT UIF
Applying early to an institution implies extraordinary interest on the
likelihood of being admitted is 75% or greater.
part of the student.
*UJTPVSTUSPOHSFDPNNFOEBUJPOUIBUTUVEFOUTBQQMZUPOPNPSFUIBO
Early Decision (ED) is a binding application process through which
one “extreme reach” college. We also encourage students to have
a student submits an application early in the sixth form year (as
three to four “probable” colleges on their list. For the past several
early as mid-October, though most are due in early to mid-November)
years, selective colleges and universities have admitted ever smaller
BOESFDFJWFTBEFDJTJPOJO%FDFNCFS*GUIFTUVEFOUJTBENJUUFE UIF
percentages of their applicant pools. With sometimes dramatic
student is committed to attend that college. The ED option should
changes from year to year, it is important to ensure that our students
only be used in a situation where the school is the student’s first
have balanced lists that incorporate both their most ambitious
choice. Disadvantages? While applying early may yield a student
dreams and aspirations while providing attractive additional options
admission to their top choice school, the timeline does not allow a
that are a reliable “insurance policy.”

student/family to compare possible financial aid packages. For this applications—much like buying a lottery ticket—Choate, like many
reason, the Choate CCO strongly advises students/families with other fine schools that place similar expectations on their students,
expected financial need not to consider the Early Decision option. believes quality, not quantity, gets results.
This timeline also sometimes does not allow the college to consider
sixth form fall term grades and other achievement.
Some schools offer an Early Decision IIPQUJPOJUDBSSJFTUIF
TBNFSFRVJSFNFOUTBT&%*"QQMJDBUJPOEFBEMJOFTGPS&%**VTVBMMZ
fall in early January (oftentimes coinciding with Regular Decision APPLYING TO COLLEGES
application deadlines), and a decision can be expected in February.
"TXJUIUIF&%*PQUJPO UIJTFBSMZCJOEJOHBHSFFNFOUEPFTOPUBMMPX Applying to college can be a very challenging experience for students
a student to compare financial aid packages. The same strong caution and parents. The information and reminders provided here can help
EFTDSJCFEJOUIFQSFDFEJOHQBSBHSBQIBQQMJFT&%**JTQBSUJDVMBSMZ UPFBTFUIFDPOGVTJPOBOENBLFUIFQSPDFTTNPSFFGmDJFOU1MFBTF
attractive to students who desire to await more testing results, need take a moment to read these points before filling out your applications.
to establish a strong fall term performance or did not gain admittance And remember… it is essential to meet all application deadlines.
UPUIFJSmSTUDIPJDFTDIPPMUISPVHI&%*
GENERAL INFORMATION
Early Action (EA) is a non-binding application process. Under the
EA option, a student applies early, receives a decision early, yet is t The student completes the application and sends it directly to
not obligated to enroll at that institution if admitted. Some schools colleges (see your counselor for exceptions). Always keep a
offer Single Choice EA or Restrictive EA, which places limitations copy of your applications.
on the number of additional early round applications a student may t 5IFSFBSFUXPNBJOXBZTUPBQQMZUPDPMMFHFT
TVCNJU*UJTDSJUJDBMUIBUFBDITUVEFOUSFTFBSDIUIFQBSUJDVMBSTPGUIF
application policies of each school on their list, including deadline dates. 1) The college’s own application (hardcopy or online, if
available), or
The Choate policy on Early applications is as follows:
2) The Common Application.
t "TUVEFOUNBZBQQMZUPPOMZone school Early Decision, since that
is a binding commitment. t Teachers mail their recommendations directly to colleges.
t "TUVEFOUNBZBQQMZUPone school Early Decision and one t The College Counseling Office sends its version of the
school Early Action. (NOTE: Several selective colleges with 4FDPOEBSZ4DIPPM3FQPSU'PSNBOE.JE:FBS3FQPSU'PSN UIF
Single Choice or Restrictive Early Action programs now prohibit college counselor’s letter of recommendation, the Choate school
students from applying early to any other college.) profile, and official secondary school transcripts.
t "TUVEFOUNBZBQQMZUPBNBYJNVNPGtwo Early Action (non- t Students are responsible for sending official SAT/ACT scores to
binding) schools, unless one of those schools prohibits multiple UIPTFDPMMFHFTXIPSFRVJSFUIFN
early applications.
THE COMMON APPLICATION
The expectation is that a student uses an early application to apply
to a top choice college. This allows us to be the strongest advocates t 5IF$PNNPO"QQMJDBUJPOJTBDDFQUFECZPWFSDPMMFHFTBOE
possible with colleges in the early round. Therefore: universities. The form was originally developed so that students
could apply to multiple institutions with one original copy.
t *GBTUVEFOUJTBENJUUFEUPBO&BSMZ%FDJTJPODPMMFHF UIFZNVTU
immediately withdraw all other applications. t .BOZDPMMFHFTSFRVJSFUIFDPNQMFUJPOPGBTQFDJmDTDIPPM
supplemental application, which is often in the form of a short
t *GBTUVEFOUJTBENJUUFEUPBO&BSMZ"DUJPOTDIPPMSBUFEiSFBDI w
essay specific to each institution. These are available on the
the student may submit up to two additional applications.
Common Application website or on the individual websites of
t *GBTUVEFOUJTBENJUUFEUPBO&BSMZ"DUJPOTDIPPMSBUFE each school.
“possible” or “probable,” the student may submit up to five
t 5IF$PNNPO"QQMJDBUJPOJTBWBJMBCMFWJBUIF*OUFSOFUBU
additional applications.
www.commonapp.org. Each July, the version for the upcoming
Please note that we have created these policies to promote a clear year goes “live.”
understanding that success in the college process comes from thorough
t "TUVEFOUNBZBQQMZPOMJOFPSCZ64NBJMVTJOHUIF$PNNPO
research, a thoughtful self-evaluation (resulting in an analysis of the
"QQMJDBUJPO*GNBJMJOH$PNNPO"QQMJDBUJPOT QSJOUPVUBO
strengths and abilities that should be communicated to colleges), a
“original” for each school.
clear articulation of the “fit” with each institution to which a student
applies, careful writing of essays and other materials, and an active t 4JODFUIF$PNNPO"QQMJDBUJPOJTUSVMZNFBOUUPCFUIFTBNFGPS
partnership between the student, the college counselor and the each college that accepts it, the additional supplement most
parent(s) and/or guardian(s). While the rumor mill and heightened DPMMFHFTSFRVJSFUZQJDBMMZBMMPXTTUVEFOUTBOBNQMFPQQPSUVOJUZ
competition might tempt a student to submit an increased number of to express their interest in that specific school as well as to
articulate their fit.

t *OUIFBDBEFNJDZFBS 5IF$PNNPO"QQMJDBUJPO t "U$IPBUF TJYUIGPSNGBMMUFSNHSBEFTBSFQSPWJEFEUPFBDI
JOUSPEVDFEUXPOFXTVQQMFNFOUBMGPSNTPOFGPSBUIMFUJDTBOE DPMMFHFPOBTUVEFOUTMJTUBTUIFFRVJWBMFOUPGiNJEZFBSwHSBEFT
POFGPSBSUT5IFTFGPSNTBSFOPUSFRVJSFECZBMMTDIPPMTUIBUVTF "TTVDI UIFi.JE:FBS3FQPSU'PSNwJODMVEFEJOBOZDPMMFHF
the Common Application, but they do allow students to expound applications can be discarded.
on their interest and achievements in their areas of interest.
t 0ODFBTUVEFOUTDPMMFHFMJTUJTmOBM IFPSTIFXJMMDPNQMFUFB
5SBOTDSJQU3PVUJOH3FRVFTU'PSNXJUIUIFJSDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPS
RECOMMENDATIONS/TEACHER OR This form will contain the name of each college and the type
CHARACTER EVALUATIONS PGBQQMJDBUJPO 3FHVMBS &" &% 3PMMJOH FUD
*OBEEJUJPOUPUIF
t .PTUDPMMFHFTSFRVJSFUXPBDBEFNJDSFDPNNFOEBUJPOT SSR, your high school transcripts (an official Choate transcript
and unofficial copies of any previous high school work), Choate’s
t 6OMFTTZPVBSFBQQMZJOHUPBTQFDJBMQSPHSBN FHESBNB NVTJD
school profile and counselor recommendation will be sent to
colleges would prefer to have a fifth or sixth form teacher in one schools listed on this sheet.
of the five “core” academic fields (English, social science, math,
science and foreign language) as a recommender. t 4UVEFOUTTIPVMEJOGPSNUIFJSDPVOTFMPSJGUIFZQMBOUPBQQMZUPB
specific college within a university (e.g., the Steinhardt School of
t 5BMLXJUIZPVSDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPSBCPVUZPVSPQUJPOTGPSUFBDIFS &EVDBUJPOBU/:6 UIF8IBSUPO4DIPPMPG#VTJOFTTBU61FOO FUD

recommendations, as well as exceptions to the two-letter
SFRVJSFNFOU t 4UVEFOUTTVCNJUUJOHBQQMJDBUJPOTJOUIF3FHVMBS3PVOEXJMM
have an opportunity to send their winter mid-term grades. Since
t (JWFFBDIUFBDIFS these grades are unofficial, Choate does not send mid-terms

5IFDPNQMFUFEi$IPBUF3FRVFTUGPS5FBDIFS UPDPMMFHFTUIFTUVEFOUJTSFTQPOTJCMFGPSUIJT)PXFWFS JO
Recommendations” form (from the College Counseling Office), FBSMZ.BSDI mOBMXJOUFSUFSNHSBEFTXJMMCFTFOUUPBMMDPMMFHFT
where students have an active application.
2) The colleges’ recommendation forms or the Common
Application “Teacher Evaluation Form” with your section t "DPQZPGBTUVEFOUTmOBM$IPBUFUSBOTDSJQUTIPXJOHUIFJS
completed. When using the Common Application form, make TVDDFTTGVMHSBEVBUJPOXJMMCFTFOUUPUIFDPMMFHFJOXIJDI
each teacher a copy for each school, and they’ve enrolled following Commencement.

1SFTUBNQFE QSFBEESFTTFEFOWFMPQFTBEESFTTFEUPFBDI
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION MATERIALS
college admission office.
t 'PSTQFDJmDQSPHSBNT BTDIPPMNBZSFRVJSFUIFTVCNJTTJPO
t "TLZPVSUFBDIFSTGPSBSFDPNNFOEBUJPOat least four weeks in
of supplemental materials. Check the website for specific
advance of any deadlines; ask in person, never by e-mail!
instructions.
t "EEJUJPOBMSFDPNNFOEBUJPOTNBZCFBQQSPQSJBUF CVUDPOTVMU
t 5BMLXJUIZPVSDPVOTFMPSCFGPSFTFOEJOHBOZTVQQMFNFOUBM
with your college counselor. A good rule of thumb? One
material (e.g., a portfolio of artwork, a musical tape, an example
additional recommendation (from an employer or supervisor,
of creative writing).
a mentor, a leader of a volunteer program, etc.) that provides
additional information that might not be found in a teacher t *GTVCNJUUJOHTVQQMFNFOUBMNBUFSJBMT CFDFSUBJOZPVSOBNFBOE
evaluation is acceptable, but more than one is generally address are clearly marked on each item.
discouraged.
t The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
EARLY DECISION, EARLY ACTION AND
entitles students the opportunity to review his or her permanent ROLLING ADMISSION PROGRAMS
SFDPSEPODFUIFZIBWFNBUSJDVMBUFEBUBDPMMFHF*UJTIJHIMZ t 3FTFBSDIDBSFGVMMZ,OPXEFBEMJOFTBOESFRVJSFNFOUTBOE
recommended that students waive this opportunity on the comply with them.
UFBDIFSSFDPNNFOEBUJPOGPSNUIJTBTTVSFTBDPMMFHFUIBUUIF
recommendations were written candidly. t 3FNFNCFS&BSMZ%FDJTJPOBQQMJDBUJPOTBSFCJOEJOH BOEZPVBSF
morally obligated to enroll if accepted.
COLLEGE COUNSELING OFFICE FORMS t *GZPVIPQFUPBQQMZFBSMZBOEZPVSQSFWJPVTBDBEFNJDSFDPSEJT
inconsistent, work closely with your college counselor to decide
t 5IF4FDPOEBSZ4DIPPM3FQPSU 443
JTQSPEVDFECZUIF$PMMFHF
if applying early is appropriate for you.
Counseling Office for each sixth form student and is submitted
to each of the schools on his or her college list. The SSR is t %POUBQQMZFBSMZVOMFTTZPVBSFiJOUIFCBMMQBSLwGPSBENJTTJPO
generated automatically when a student has an active college an early application to an “extreme reach” school may result in a
application, and the CCO mails a copy of the form to each deferral or denial decision.
college. The SSR will list rigor of program, grade point average
t *GBENJUUFEVOEFSBO&BSMZ"DUJPO OPOCJOEJOH
QMBO JUJTPVS
and the sixth form academic year schedule. The student is
policy that you limit the number of additional applications
responsible for notifying schools if there are changes to sixth
TVCNJUUFEDPOTVMUUIF$IPBUFQPMJDZSFHBSEJOHQFSNJTTJCMF
form course schedule after the SSR is completed.
number of applications for an EA candidate.

t 'PSSPMMJOHBENJTTJPOT TVCNJUZPVSBQQMJDBUJPOFBSMZJOUIFGBMMPG ADDITIONAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER
your sixth form year, well before the last application deadline.
t "DBEFNJDSFDPSE$PMMFHFTBSFMPPLJOHGPSTUVEFOUTXIPIBWF
continually challenged themselves with their course selections
STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES AND SCORE and have done consistent academic work. Throughout their
REPORTS time at Choate, students should communicate with their
adviser, dean, teachers and later with their college counselor
t .PTUDPMMFHFTSFRVJSFUIF4"53FBTPOJOH5FTUBOETPNFUJNFT regarding their course schedule. Colleges often look for trends
two or three SAT Subject Tests. Some schools accept the ACT JOUSBOTDSJQUTBSFHSBEFTJNQSPWJOHFBDIZFBS %FDMJOJOH %P
1MVT8SJUJOHJOQMBDFPGUIF4"53FBTPOJOH5FTUBOE4VCKFDU5FTUT students take course work in all of the core academic areas? Has
t .PTUDPMMFHFTXJMMSFRVJSFTPNFGPSNPGBXSJUJOHUFTU VTVBMMZ BTUVEFOUUBLFOBEWBOUBHFPGUIFPQQPSUVOJUJFTBWBJMBCMF *UJT
UIF4"5PSUIF"$51MVT8SJUJOH
BMTPDSJUJDBMUPQBZDMPTFBUUFOUJPOUPBENJTTJPOSFRVJSFNFOUTGPS
each institution.
t 5BMLXJUIZPVSDPVOTFMPSPSUIF5FTUJOH$PPSEJOBUPSBCPVUXIJDI
tests to take or retake, and when. t 3JHPS"ENJTTJPOPGmDFSTXJMMBMTPIPQFUPTFFBEWBODFE
level course work where appropriate. Students should meet
t 5IF4"53FBTPOJOH5FTUBOEUIF4VCKFDU5FTUTBSFPGGFSFEJO
regularly with their dean and adviser to ensure they are meeting
.BZ +VOF 0DUPCFS /PWFNCFS %FDFNCFSBOE+BOVBSZ0OMZUIF
BMMHSBEVBUJPOSFRVJSFNFOUTBTXFMMBTUPEJTDVTTBQQSPQSJBUF
4"53FBTPOJOH5FTUJTPGGFSFEJO.BSDI DIFDLXJUIZPVSDPMMFHFT
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to determine the latest possible testing date they will accept).
t "DUJWJUJFT*OWPMWFNFOU-FBEFSTIJQ*UJTJNQPSUBOUUIBU
t 5IF"$5JTPGGFSFEBU$IPBUFJO"QSJM 0DUPCFSBOE%FDFNCFS
students have involved themselves in meaningful activities.
t 4UVEFOUTBSFSFTQPOTJCMFGPSIBWJOHPGmDJBMTDPSFTTFOUUPFBDI Whether through school clubs, church activities, community
of their colleges. Colleges will not consider scores official if service, athletics, music/drama/dance or other activity, students
UIFZDPNFGSPN$IPBUFTUBOEBSEJ[FEUFTUTDPSFTBSFnot on the should be able to demonstrate a reasonable dedication to
Choate transcript. POFPSNPSFBDUJWJUJFT*OBEEJUJPO UIPTFTUVEFOUTXIPIBWF
fulfilled leadership positions (student government positions,
t :PVNVTUSFHJTUFSby mail to take the SAT at Choate, and
team captainship, dorm prefect, etc.) have demonstrated a real
you must register by the deadline date to be assured a seat.
commitment to their communities by doing so.
NOTE: Walk-ins (“stand-bys”) are not guaranteed admittance.
Registration forms are available in the College Counseling Office t "QQMJDBUJPO&TTBZ4UVEFOUTBSFBTLFEUPSFUVSOUPTDIPPMJOUIF
and the SAC. fall of their sixth form year with two well-written essays. English
teachers or college counselors are happy to review any drafts
t 3FHJTUFSGPSUIF"$5BUwww.actstudent.org or by mail.
and provide feedback. An effective essay truly conveys the spirit
Registration packets are available in the College Counseling Office.
of the applicant to the admission committee. Students should
ask themselves, “What does my essay reveal about me? Will the
RECRUITED ATHLETES reader have a good sense of my character and personality after
t /$""%JWJTJPO*PS**BUIMFUFTSFDSVJUFEGPSUIFTFQSPHSBNT reading it?”
JODMVEJOHUIF*WZ-FBHVF
NVTUSFHJTUFSBOECFDFSUJmFE
t %PFTBTUVEFOUTDPNQMFUFBQQMJDBUJPOMFBWFUIFSFBEFSXJUIBOZ
as eligible to compete by the NCAA Eligibility Center
RVFTUJPOT *UJTJNQPSUBOUUPUIJOLPGBOZQPTTJCMFiHBQTwJOB
GPSNTBWBJMBCMFWJBUIF*OUFSOFUBUhttps://web1.ncaa.org/
student’s record and be sure to address them.
eligibilitycenter/common/index.html).
t 0ODFBOBQQMJDBUJPOJTTVCNJUUFE JUDBOUBLFUIFDPMMFHF
t %JWJTJPO***BUIMFUFTNVTUIBWFGPVSZFBSTPG&OHMJTIJOPSEFSUP
admission office a significant amount of time to receive, process
be eligible. Do not use the Choate English waiver option (see
BOESFWJFXJU.BOZJOTUJUVUJPOTIBWFBEPQUFEBQSBDUJDFPG
your counselor for details) in your sixth form year.
notifying students when/if their applications become complete
t *GZPVIBWFUBLFOBUFSNBCSPBE ZPVNBZOFFEBOBEEJUJPOBM via postcard, letter or online. Some colleges also notify students
English course in the spring of sixth form year (see your if parts of their applications are missing and often specify
counselor to determine this). XIJDIQBSUT*UJTUIFTUVEFOUTSFTQPOTJCJMJUZUPFOTVSFFBDI
application is complete, and the CCO is happy to help re-send
t %JWJTJPO***BUIMFUJDSFDSVJUTEPOPUOFFEUPSFHJTUFSXJUIUIF
any information when necessary.
NCAA Eligibility Center.
t "EWPDBDZ8IJMFTFMGBEWPDBDZJTJNQPSUBOUGPSTUVEFOUT
t #FTVSFUPDPNNVOJDBUFXJUIUIFDPMMFHFBENJTTJPOPGmDF5BLF
in the process, the Choate CCO also supports and advocates
coach comments and/or promises about your admission chances
for its students. After applications are submitted and before
XJUIDBVUJPO BOEDPOUBDUZPVSDPVOTFMPSJGZPVIBWFRVFTUJPOT
decisions are made, the CCO communicates with many colleges
to advocate for Choate applicants. During this time, if a school
needs additional or updated information or if the school has
RVFTUJPOTSFHBSEJOHB$IPBUFBQQMJDBOU UIF$$0JTBWBJMBCMFUP
provide the missing details.

DECISIONS FROM COLLEGES *GBTUVEFOUJTdeferred from an Early Decision or Early Action round,
his or her application will be placed into the Regular Decision pool of
applications. Often, a college may need to see additional course work
The job of a college admission officer is not an easy one. With large JOUIFTUVEFOUTTJYUIGPSNZFBSPSBEEJUJPOBMUFTUTDPSFT*GEFGFSSFE B
numbers of applications each year, they must sort through the pool student who still wishes to be strongly considered should contact the
PGBQQMJDBUJPOTBOEXIJMFSFBEJOHFBDIBTUIPSPVHIMZBOEGBJSMZ Office of Admission to express their continued interest and provide
BTQPTTJCMFDPOTJEFSUIFOFFETPGUIFJOTUJUVUJPO XIJDINBZWBSZ BQQSPQSJBUFVQEBUFTVOUJMEFDJTJPOTBSFSFOEFSFEJOMBUF.BSDIPS
GSPNZFBSUPZFBS8JUITPNBOZRVBMJmFEBOEEJWFSTFBQQMJDBOUT early April.
making decisions may sometimes hinge on the smallest of details.
As mentioned previously in this College Counseling Handbook, Some colleges will anticipate additional space in their residence
a student’s academic work often plays the biggest role in the halls mid-year. January admits, while still fairly rare, are becoming
admission decision. However, special talent, diversity (racial, ethnic, more popular. Students offered a January admit must weigh the
first-generation college student, etc.), legacy, connections to the pros and cons of starting college in the middle of an academic year,
institution, etc. can all factor into the decision. While some larger while their new classmates will already have experienced college
state universities may make decisions by a more formulaic method life for half of an academic year. For some, this presents no problem
(whereby the academic factors of test scores, grade point average BOEBMMPXTGPSVOJRVFPQQPSUVOJUJFTJOUIFGBMM'PSPUIFST JUJTNPSF
and academic rigor can be especially important), many private problematic. Students should consult their families and their college
DPMMFHFTTUSPOHMZDPOTJEFSBMMQBSUTPGBOBQQMJDBUJPO*UJTGPSUIJT counselor to discuss their options and opportunities if offered an
reason that in order to put their best foot forward, a student must admission for January.
invest the time to write thoughtful essays, select teachers whose *UTOFWFSFBTZUPIBWFBOBQQMJDBUJPOEFOJFECZBDPMMFHF*G denied
recommendations can best represent their classroom contributions, BENJTTJPO BTUVEFOUNBZGFFMDPOGVTFEBOEIVSU*GEFOJFEJOUIF
and communicate with their college counselor about all aspects of Early Decision or Early Action round, a student may not re-apply in
his or her college search. the same application cycle. Students should remember that a denial
*GBDPMMFHFadmits a student through the Early Decision round, JTOPUBSFnFDUJPOPOUIFJSRVBMJUZBTBQFSTPO CVUSBUIFSBTZNQUPN
that college expects that the student will enroll as promised in the of a highly competitive admission environment. Students should also
&%BHSFFNFOU*GUIFZBENJUBTUVEFOUUISPVHIUIF&BSMZ"DUJPOPS seek advice from their college counselor, who may be able to provide
Regular Decision rounds, they expect that students will thoughtfully some insight regarding the decision and offer advice should the
DPOTJEFSUIFNBWJBCMFPQUJPO*UNBZCFOFDFTTBSZGPSTUVEFOUT student opt to re-apply in another admission cycle.
to compare financial aid packages (and even contact a Financial Deferring college enrollment is becoming a more popular idea.
Aid Office if an offer of aid does not match the need of the family), Students may find it interesting or appealing to work, travel, study
so applying Early Decision is usually not a good option for those or become involved in a community service program. Regardless
students for whom financial aid will be a factor. of the reason, most students find this year both informative and
rejuvenating. However, a “gap” or “interim” year is not intended to
After carefully considering their acceptances, a student must decide
be an alternative for a student not happy with their admission results.
upon one college and pay a deposit there in order to hold a spot
Rather, a student should go through the admission process, pay an
JOUIFmSTUZFBSDMBTT1MBDJOHBEFQPTJUBUNPSFUIBOPOFDPMMFHFJT
enrollment deposit, then seek the permission of the college to which
unethical and should never be done.
they’ve enrolled to defer admission for a year to take advantage of
*GBDPMMFHFQMBDFTBTUVEFOUPOUIFWaitlist, it often means that the BVOJRVFPQQPSUVOJUZ.BOZDPMMFHFTMPPLGBWPSBCMZVQPOBTUVEFOUT
college deems the student both an admissible and a viable candidate. choice to take a year to become involved in a meaningful activity, as
However, it also often means that they simply did not have enough it may enable the student to make an even greater contribution to
SPPNUPBENJUBMMPGUIFRVBMJmFEBQQMJDBOUT4UVEFOUTXIPBSF their campus community when they do arrive. Check the Resources
waitlisted in the Regular Decision round are given the opportunity to section of this Handbook for websites and agencies/organizations
stay on the waitlist or to remove their name from further consideration. offering viable gap or interim programs. Students should speak with
*GBTUVEFOUPQUTUPTUBZPOUIFXBJUMJTU IFPSTIFTIPVMEDPOUBDUUIF their college counselor early in the process if they are considering a
Office of Admission to further express their interest in the school program of this type.
and provide any updates possible since the time of their application
Some Choate graduates choose to re-apply to colleges in the
TVCNJTTJPO"GUFSUIF.BZ$BOEJEBUFT3FQMZ%BUF DPMMFHFTXJMM
year(s) following their graduation. Because of the significant time
evaluate where they stand in relation to enrollment goals and make
demands on the College Counseling Office in their work with current
any decisions regarding the acceptance of any additional students on
Choate students, the services available to graduates are not as
UIFXBJUMJTUBTRVJDLMZBTQPTTJCMF8IJMFTPNFDPMMFHFTNBZNBJOUBJO
comprehensive. Students wishing to transfer or re-apply to colleges
their waitlists into the summer months, they will often indicate those
must contact the CCO. We will work with the student to ensure
plans to students who choose to remain on the waitlist. Because
UIBUSFRVJSFENBUFSJBMT DPVOTFMPSSFDPNNFOEBUJPO 4DIPPM1SPmMF
waitlist activity is often unpredictable, it is critical that a student
appropriate academic information) are sent in a timely fashion and
accept their most appealing offer of admission and pay a deposit by the
will assist in the sending of Choate teacher recommendations. The
.BZEFBEMJOF*GBTUVEFOUJTMBUFSBDDFQUFEPGGUIFXBJUMJTUPGUIFJS
TUVEFOUNVTUDPOUBDUUIF3FHJTUSBST0GmDFUPSFRVFTUUIBUPGmDJBM
UPQDIPJDFTDIPPM IFPSTIFNBZDPOUBDUUIFPSJHJOBMDPMMFHFUPSFRVFTU
transcripts are sent to each college to which the student wishes to
that they be released from their enrollment.

BQQMZ5IFTUVEFOUJTBMTPSFTQPOTJCMFGPSSFRVFTUJOHPGmDJBMUFTU c. This is a preliminary step in the recruiting process that
scores be sent by the appropriate testing agency. only places your name in a database and does not mean
that you are going to be recruited by the school.
#Z.BZ TUVEFOUTIBWFEFQPTJUFEXJUIUIFJSmSTUDIPJDFTDIPPM BOE
Thousands of students fill out these forms, but it is
are looking forward to graduation and starting to anticipate college
necessary to get the information to the schools in which
life. However, it is not a time to relax and let academic or citizenship
you have interest. Be sure to include involvement with
responsibilities slip. Though rare, colleges reserve the right to rescind
club teams or other teams outside of school.
PGGFSTPGBENJTTJPO)PXNBZBTUVEFOUBWPJEUIJTESBTUJDTUFQ *U
is critical to continue to work hard in the classroom and maintain t 0ODFZPVIBWFWJTJUFETPNFDPMMFHFDBNQVTFTBOEIBWF
an academic performance in line with the best work on a student’s identified some of your favorite schools, you should contact
USBOTDSJQU*UJTBMTPDSJUJDBMUPNBJOUBJODPDVSSJDVMBSDPNNJUNFOUTBOE the coaching staff at those schools to learn about the possibility
uphold the responsibilities of being a good citizen until graduation and of attending a camp in the summer.
CFZPOE*OMBUF+VOF GPMMPXJOHBTUVEFOUTHSBEVBUJPO BDPQZPGIJT
B *UJTOPUOFDFTTBSZUPBUUFOENPSFUIBOUISFFDBNQT
or her final transcript is sent to the college in which they’ve enrolled.
in the summer. As a matter of fact, it is not necessary
Students should take great care not to give colleges any reason to
to attend any camps in the summer to be recruited.
doubt their academic or other efforts in the spring term.
b. Athletic camps give the individual coaching staffs the
opportunity to evaluate you as a potential player at
COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS that particular school. Although coaches do evaluate

students who attend their summer camps, they do not
limit their recruiting to those students.
Athletic talent can provide opportunities for student athletes in the
DPMMFHFTFBSDIQSPDFTT8IJMFJUDBOQSFTFOUVOJRVFBEWBOUBHFT D *GZPVEPBUUFOEBDBNQ ZPVTIPVMEUBLFUIF
GPSTUVEFOUT JUBMTPDBOCSJOHVOJRVFDIBMMFOHFT5IFGPMMPXJOH opportunity to speak to the college coaches about your
HVJEFMJOFTTIPVMEIFMQUPBOTXFSTPNFCBTJDRVFTUJPOTBCPVUUIF ability as a player. They will be able to provide you
recruiting process. with feedback regarding your potential as an athlete
at the collegiate level.
FIFTH FORM YEAR GUIDELINES t *GZPVBSFBTQSJOHTQPSUBUIMFUF CFDBVTFPGUIFDPMMFHF
admission deadline calendar, your fifth form year is your
t *GZPVBSFBOBUIMFUFXIPEFTJSFTUIFPQQPSUVOJUZUPQMBZBUUIF
opportunity to be recruited.
collegiate level, you must speak to your Choate and/or
outside coach regarding your ability level. a. You must be proactive in the recruiting process and
market yourself. While your coach will be helpful in the
a. Ask your coach for an honest and realistic assessment
process, you must take the lead and contact coaches at
of your prospects in collegiate athletics. At which
the schools for whom you wish to play.
level does he or she believe you can compete? You
should use the information as a guideline for targeting C 1MFBTFVTFUIFBTTFTTNFOUZPVS$IPBUFBOEPSPVUTJEF
schools at which you can realistically compete. coach provided you as a guiding factor in your decision
to contact schools.
t "GUFSTQFBLJOHUPZPVSDPBDI ZPVTIPVMECFHJOUPDSFBUFB
balanced preliminary list of schools based on your athletic ability. D 1MFBTFCFBEWJTFEUIBUUIFPOMZPUIFSUJNFCFGPSFUIF
application process that you will be able to be seen by
a. For example, if your coach’s assessment places
college coaches will be in the summer. Thus, you must
ZPVBUUIF%JWJTJPO***MFWFM ZPVTIPVMECFHJOUPUIJOL
notify coaches when you have contests so they can have
BCPVUNPTU%JWJTJPO*TDIPPMTBTiSFBDIwTDIPPMTBOE
the opportunity to evaluate your ability.
TPNF%JWJTJPO***TDIPPMTBTiQSPCBCMFwBOEiQPTTJCMFw
schools in terms of your athletic ability. E :PVTIPVMESFRVFTUBDPQZPGZPVSCFTUHBNFmMNUPTFOE
UPDPBDIFTVQPOUIFJSSFRVFTU:PVSDPBDITIPVMECF
b. Athletic recruiting is not a science, so you should
able to help you with this process.
continue to pursue all options until the official recruiting
process begins during your sixth form year t %VSJOHZPVSmGUIGPSNZFBS FNBJMJTUIFCFTUXBZUPSFNBJOJO
contact with coaches. For most sports, July 1 of the summer
t 0ODFZPVIBWFJEFOUJmFEBQSFMJNJOBSZMJTUPGTDIPPMT ZPV
before your sixth form year is the earliest that coaches are able
should visit each athletic website of those schools to
to call you on the phone or speak with you in person when they
DPNQMFUFUIFQSPTQFDUJWFBUIMFUFRVFTUJPOOBJSFPOMJOF
are traveling on the road.
B "MMTDIPPMTEPOPUIBWFBRVFTUJPOOBJSFPOMJOF TPNFXJMM
If you intend on competing in athletics at the Division I or II level, you
have a paper form, but you should complete the necessary
NVTUSFHJTUFSXJUIUIF/$""&MJHJCJMJUZ$FOUFS TFF(MPTTBSZGPSNPSF
data for each school.
details). Preferably you will be registered by the end of the summer
b. This data will be placed in the individual school prior to the sixth form year.
database and will supply each school’s coaching staff
with your contact data.
SIXTH FORM YEAR GUIDELINES t 5IFBUIMFUJDSFDSVJUJOHTZTUFNJTOPUEFTJHOFEUPQSPUFDUZPVBTB
TUVEFOUBUIMFUFJOTUFBE JUJTEFTJHOFEUPQSPUFDUUIFTDIPPMTBOE
t :PVNBZCFHJOUPGFFMBTUIPVHIZPVBSFCFJOHSFDSVJUFE
the coaches. No matter how supportive a coach may seem, only
when college coaches contact you over the telephone or by
the admission office can make the final decision.
email. Understand that coaches will contact a large number
PGBUIMFUFT*GZPVBSFPGGFSFEBOPGmDJBMWJTJUUPB%JWJTJPO*MFWFM t 5IFSFDSVJUJOHQSPDFTTJTOPUPWFSVOUJMZPVSFDFJWFBOPGmDJBM
school, it may be an indication of strong interest on the part of letter of acceptance from the admission office. For example,
the coach, however, this does not automatically result in an even if a coach brought your application to the admission office
offer. You are restricted to taking only five official visits at the for a pre-read, even if admissions deemed you acceptable, and
%JWJTJPO*BOE**MFWFMTDPNCJOFE even if the coach guarantees his or her full support of your
application, there is still a chance you may not be accepted
t "OPGmDJBMWJTJUJTPOFUIBUJTQBJEJOQBSUPSJOGVMMCZUIFDPMMFHF
to the school*UJTJNQFSBUJWFUIBUZPVDPOUJOVFUPXPSLXJUI
An unofficial visit is one in which the student incurs the cost of
all parties involved in your college process to craft a balanced
travel, food and lodging and does not count against your five
list of schools that you believe will offer you a successful and
official visit opportunities.
enjoyable experience.
a. There are no restrictions to the number of overnight
t "%JWJTJPO*MFWFMSFDSVJUNBZCFBTLFEUPTJHOB/BUJPOBM-FUUFS
WJTJUTZPVDBOUBLFBUUIF%JWJTJPO***MFWFM5IVT UIF
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critical that the student read the letter carefully and share it with
MFWFMJTOPUBTTUSPOHBTBUUIF%JWJTJPO*BOE**MFWFMT
his or her parents, coaches and college counselor.
in terms of the visit.
t 5ISPVHIPVUBSFDSVJUNFOUDZDMF BDPMMFHFDPBDITSFDSVJUJOH
t *OTPNFDBTFT DPBDIFTXJMMQVTIZPVUPXBSEEFDJEJOHUPBQQMZ
list can change dramatically. Needs of the team, academic
to their school Early Action or Early Decision. You must
DSFEFOUJBMTPGUIFSFDSVJUTBOEJOUFSFTUPSMBDLUIFSFPGPGUIF
understand that they are also encouraging other athletes they
recruits can all play a major role in the shifting of a recruitment
are recruiting to do the same, and therefore admission is not
list. Communicate with coaches to gain a sense of where you
HVBSBOUFFE*GZPVFMFDUOPUUPBQQMZFBSMZ LOPXUIBUJGBDPBDI
TUBOEPOUIFJSMJTU*UNBZCFDPNFDMFBSJGUIFDPNNVOJDBUJPOJT
only has “x” spaces and if “x” players are admitted, he or she
OPUSFDJQSPDBUFEUIBUZPVNBZOPUmUJOUIFSFDSVJUJOHTDIFNF
has completed their recruiting for the year.
of a particular coach or program.
a. This is by no means a reason to apply early, but it is a
If you plan on competing at the Division I or II level and have not yet
reality of the recruiting process. You should not apply
registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center, you should do so as early
Early Decision to a college unless you are 100% sure
in the sixth form year as possible.
it is the right school for you.
t *GZPVBSFPGGFSFEBWJTJUBOEFMFDUUPUBLFJU ZPVOFFEUPBTL
EJSFDURVFTUJPOTPGUIFDPBDIFT

a. For athletes:
J 8JMM*SFDFJWFBlikely letter of admission? (Division 1 only)
VISUAL AND
1. A likely letter states that you are “likely” to be PERFORMING ARTS
admitted to the institution unless your performance
drops in or out of the classroom. (These are offered Like athletes, students thinking about attending art school or a
NPTUMZBU*WZ-FBHVFBOE1BUSJPU-FBHVFJOTUJUVUJPOT
conservatory in one of the performing arts have many additional
ii. Has the admission office deemed me as an details to pay attention to in the application process. Below are some
“admissible student” through an early read process? things to consider, and some helpful hints as you explore options for
your education after Choate.
iii. Has an admission officer reviewed my application
and made a decision? .PTU$IPBUFTUVEFOUTJOUFSFTUFEJOUIFmOFBSUTXJMMBUUFOEMJCFSBM
JW8IFSFBN*POZPVSSFDSVJUNFOUCPBSE arts colleges with strong art and/or performing arts departments.
Other students will prefer conservatories or art schools. Our
.BOZDPBDIFTSBOLPSEFSUIFJSQMBZFSTJOUFSNTPG recommendation is always to include several liberal arts colleges on
their needs, positions, etc. your list even if you are primarily interested in a conservatory. This
2. How many athletes are you supporting and what will provide you with flexibility should you change your mind about
does your support mean in the admission process? ZPVSFEVDBUJPOBMQMBOTCFGPSFUIFFOEPGZPVSTJYUIGPSNZFBSJUBMTP
%PZPVHFUTMPUT "SFUIFSFBDBEFNJDCBOET helps ensure that you will have college options, since conservatory
and art school admissions are extremely difficult to predict.
t $IPPTFUIFTDIPPMUIBUJTUIFSJHIUQMBDFGPSZPVDPBDIJOHJTB
VOJRVFQSPGFTTJPOBOEDPBDIFTUFOEUPTXJUDIDPMMFHFQPTJUJPOT
often. Choose the college for the community and the program,
not for the coach you most admire.

A GENERAL GUIDE TO TYPES OF DEGREES guidelines before returning to Choate. Upon their re-entry to Choate
IN THE ARTS and participation in the college process, it is essential that the
student disclose the leave to their college counselor so they may
t &WFOTDIPPMTPGGFSJOHUIFTBNFEFHSFFTNBZIBWFvery different discuss the most effective way to present the information to colleges.
structures and programs. For example, many art schools offering
BFAs have highly structured foundation years, while other REPORTING DISCIPLINARY INCIDENTS
schools offering BFAs have no such prescribed program.
TO COLLEGES
t *OHFOFSBM JGZPVXBOUUPDPOUJOVFTUVEZJOHTVCKFDUTPUIFSUIBO
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those in the arts (e.g., French literature, or economics, or the
discipline. We disclose disciplinary violations of the Honor Code
sciences), then a liberal arts college is definitely the right choice.
that result in probation, suspension or dismissal. Choate does not,
Only students ready for pre-professional training should be
however, report disciplinary violations that are specific to boarding
considering a conservatory approach.
school students (such as co-ed or curfew violations, etc.). When
t )PXDBOZPVLOPXXIFUIFSBDPOTFSWBUPSZPSBSUTDIPPMJTSJHIU asked on an application about disciplinary actions they’ve received,
for you? We recommend that, if you have not yet done so, you TUVEFOUTBSFFYQFDUFEUPSFQMZIPOFTUMZ*G BGUFSBTUVEFOUIBT
strongly consider enrolling in an intensive summer program submitted their college applications, a loss of a leadership position
in your area of interest. You need to experience what it is like occurs as a result of discipline, the student’s form dean will send a
to “do art” (or music or theater or dance) all day (and often all letter to the colleges to which the student has applied explaining the
FWFOJOH
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UIBUTKVTUBTJNQPSUBOUUPSFBMJ[F5BMFOUJTOPUFOPVHIFOFSHZ SERVICE ACADEMIES
confidence, courage, and endurance are just as important.
"QQMZJOHUPUIFTFSWJDFBDBEFNJFTPSUP305$QSPHSBNTJTRVJUF
t 0ODFZPVIBWFEFDJEFEUIBU ZFT ZPVXPVMEMJLFUPJODMVEFTPNF a different process than the standard college application process.
DPOTFSWBUPSJFTPOZPVSMJTU VTFUIF*OUFSOFU HVJEFCPPLT BOE Admission depends not just on academic and personal credentials
course teachers and other knowledgeable people to find the but also the passing of physical examinations and often a nomination
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interest you before the date is set for an audition or portfolio 4UBUFT$PBTU(VBSE"DBEFNZ
*GBDDFQUFEUPBTFSWJDFBDBEFNZ UIF
review, so that you can see the place without having to worry academic experience and the day-to-day living conditions will be much
about anything else. Facilities are very important for artists, EJGGFSFOUUIBOUIFUZQJDBMDPMMFHFFYQFSJFODF*OBEEJUJPO UIFSFJTPGUFO
BTBSFBEWJTJOHBOEDBSFFSDPVOTFMJOH"TLMPUTPGRVFTUJPOT a post-graduate obligation of service and the possibility of serving in
For example, did you know that many of the most competitive DPNCBU*UJTFTTFOUJBMUPSFTFBSDIOPUPOMZUIFBQQMJDBUJPOQSPDFTT
theater programs eliminate students at the end of the first or CVUBMTPUPCFGBNJMJBSXJUIUIFFYQFDUBUJPOTBOESFRVJSFNFOUTPGB
second year, keeping through until graduation only a select few? cadet. To receive full consideration, it is recommended that a student
Can you live with that level of risk? begin the process in the spring of their fifth form year. The first step
t :PVNVTUBTLZPVSDVSSFOUUFBDIFSTBCPVUZPVSMFWFMPGUBMFOU JTUPDPNQMFUFBOETVCNJUB1SF$BOEJEBUF2VFTUJPOOBJSF5IFOFYU
BOEXIBUUIFZUIJOLZPVSQSPTQFDUTNBZCF.PSFJNQPSUBOUMZ TUFQJTUPXSJUFUPZPVSTFOBUPSTBOEDPOHSFTTQFSTPOSFRVFTUJOHUPCF
ZPVOFFEUPEPBGSBOLBTTFTTNFOUPGZPVSTFMG.BOZBO considered as one of their nominees. R.O.T.C. scholarship programs
accomplished professional had to persevere despite negative involve an application process, too, with an application, a physical, and
feedback, little support, and poor reviews. BOJOUFSWJFXBMMSFRVJSFE
t 'JOBMMZ SFNFNCFSUIBUUIFSFBSFNBOZmOFHSBEVBUFQSPHSBNT INDEPENDENT COUNSELORS

in visual and the performing arts. A foundation in the liberal arts
can do wonders to deepen your craft as an artist, actor, or even The CCO is aware that some families prefer to hire and work
singer. The exceptions to this include dance and instrumental XJUIJOEFQFOEFOUDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPST*OUIFTFTJUVBUJPOT JUJTTUJMM
music, which are more highly dependent on intensive training at necessary for the student to communicate fully with their assigned
a younger age. Choate college counselor. As we serve as the Choate liaison between
the student and the colleges to which they apply, it is essential that
students working with an outside college consultant still participate
GVMMZJOUIF$IPBUFQSPDFTTUIFTUVEFOUNVTUBUUFOEBMMSFRVJSFE
group meetings and one-on-one meetings and meet all deadlines and
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES expectations of the CCO.
MEDICAL OR PERSONAL LEAVE LEARNING DIFFERENCES (LD)

Occasionally, a Choate student is granted a leave of absence for A student with a documented learning difference may choose to
medical or personal reasons. The original leave agreements must EJTDMPTFIJTPSIFS-%UPDPMMFHFT*ODBTFTXIFSFEJTDMPTJOHBO-%
involve the Dean of Students, the Dean of Academic Affairs and the may help a college more accurately interpret the student’s transcript,
.FEJDBM%JSFDUPS BOEUIFTUVEFOUNVTUPGUFONFFUBTFUPGSFRVJSFE it might be beneficial. A student should discuss his or her specific

DJSDVNTUBODFTXJUIIJTPSIFSDPVOTFMPST$PMMFHFTBSFSFRVJSFECZMBX offices. The most prevalent loans are the Federal Stafford Loan
to accommodate students with disabilities, but it is helpful to know GPSTUVEFOUTBOEUIF'FEFSBM1-64-PBOGPSQBSFOUT4UBGGPSE
what types of accommodations the college offers. Loans can be awarded on either a need or a non-need basis:
Subsidized Stafford Loans are awarded to students on the basis
of financial need. As such, the government pays the borrower’s
accrued loan interest while the student is in school, thereby
ATVCTJEJ[JOHUIFMPBOSFQBZNFOUBOEJOUFSFTUBDDSVBMEPOPU
FINANCIAL AID AND begin until six months after the student has graduated. An
unsubsidized Stafford Loan is non-need-based, and the borrower
SCHOLARSHIPS is responsible for accrued interest throughout the life of the loan.
However, as with the subsidized Stafford Loan, this unsubsidized
loan also has a six-month ‘grace period’ after graduation before
The escalating cost of higher education makes it necessary for many loan repayment begins.
families to apply for financial assistance. Financial aid is money that
is given or lent to students (or in the case of work study, earned by t Scholarships.PTUTDIPMBSTIJQTBSFmerit-based, thus
students) to help pay for their college education. Sources of financial awarded in recognition of academic achievement, special
aid include federal and local governments, colleges and universities, abilities or talents (athletic, musical, etc.), religious affiliation,
and private organizations. Financial aid comes in four forms: grants ethnic or racial heritage, community activities or special
and scholarships (gift aid), or loans and work-study (self-help aid). interests. Scholarships may come from specific colleges or
The information in this section introduces you to the various types of from private sources. While most of these scholarships are not
financial aid and guides you in understanding the process involved CBTFEPOOFFE TPNFNFSJUTDIPMBSTIJQTNBZSFRVJSFUIBUB
in applying for aid. You are encouraged to refer to the web sites student have demonstrated financial need. Scholarship searches
provided below to gain greater insights into the workings of the can begin in the spring of the fifth form year and continue
financial aid process. into the sixth form year. Hometown public libraries and local
newspapers may offer listings of local scholarships available to
TUVEFOUT*OBEEJUJPO BTUVEFOUTQBSFOUTQMBDFPGFNQMPZNFOU
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID may offer scholarship consideration for dependents of their
There are both need-based and merit-based financial aid programs. FNQMPZFFT BOEOBUJPOBMDMVCTPSPSHBOJ[BUJPOTGSFRVFOUMZBXBSE
Need-based financial aid is awarded to students whose families do scholarships through competitions. The CCO maintains a list
OPUIBWFTVGmDJFOUSFTPVSDFTUPQBZGPSDPMMFHFBGBNJMZTFMJHJCJMJUZ of scholarships available through a variety of sources. While
for need-based financial aid is determined through the filing of not a comprehensive list, it is a diverse listing of scholarships
federal forms (see Applying for Financial Aid, below), which assess a commonly applied to by Choate students. www.fastweb.org and
family’s income and assets and ability to pay college tuition. Loans, www.finaid.org are two websites that offer free information
XPSLTUVEZBOEHSBOUTBSFBMMTPVSDFTPGOFFECBTFEBJE.FSJU about scholarships.
based aid is given to students on the basis of talents, abilities or Note: A student’s financial aid package from a college may be formed
achievements and is typically in the form of a scholarship. by a combination of need-based and non-need-based programs. For
t Grants: Various forms of need-based grants are awarded by instance, a student may qualify for Federal grants, loans and work-
both the government and individual colleges. Grants are a form study as well as receive additional institutional grants and scholarships
of ‘gift aid’ for which no repayment is needed or expected. One and/or outside scholarships. Each college reviews a family’s financial
PGUIFNPTUDPNNPOHSBOUTJTUIF'FEFSBM1FMM(SBOU BXBSEFE profile and forms a financial aid package according to the ability and
BDDPSEJOHMZUPSVMFTTFUCZ$POHSFTTJGBTUVEFOUJTEFFNFE awarding policies of that respective institution.
FMJHJCMFGPSB1FMM(SBOU IJTPSIFSDPMMFHFXJMMBXBSEUIFHSBOU
dollars to the student. A student may also be eligible for a APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG),
which is a campus-based program administered by the financial t 'BNJMJFTNVTUDPNQMFUFUIFFree Application for Federal
BJEPGmDFTBUQBSUJDJQBUJOHDPMMFHFT.BOZDPMMFHFTBMTPPGGFS Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for, or to receive,
institutional grant monies for families who demonstrate need. need-based financial aid. The government uses this form to
determine a student’s eligibility for financial assistance. All
t Federal Work-Study: Like the FSEOG, this is a campus-based DPMMFHFTSFRVJSFUIJTJOGPSNBUJPOJOPSEFSUPBXBSEOFFECBTFE
program, and participating eligible colleges receive program financial aid, whether it be federal or institutional aid dollars. The
funding from the Federal government. Through work-study, a FAFSA should be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov as
student is employed part-time on his or her college campus and soon after January 1st as possible in the student’s sixth form year.
is able to earn money to contribute towards college costs. Electronic submission of the FAFSA ensures greater efficiency
t Loans: A loan refers to borrowed money that must be repaid BOEBDDVSBDZ 1BQFSDPQJFTBSFBWBJMBCMFCZDBMMJOH
by the student or the student’s parents. High-need families may
'PS'"'4"RVFTUJPOT DBMM1-800-4-fed-aid. Meeting all
RVBMJGZGPSUIF'FEFSBM1FSLJOT-PBO1SPHSBN BOPUIFSDBNQVT application deadlines for financial paperwork is a MUST.
based program administered by individual college financial aid

t *OUIFGBMMPGUIFTJYUIGPSNZFBS BUMFBTUPOFQBSFOUBOEUIF t "GBNJMZTdemonstrated financial aid need is the difference
student will need to obtain personal identification numbers called between a college’s comprehensive annual fees (room, board,
PINs5IF1*/DBOCFVTFEUPFMFDUSPOJDBMMZTJHOUIF'"'4" tuition, books, personal expenses) and the Expected Family
ESBTUJDBMMZEFDSFBTJOHQSPDFTTJOHUJNF:PVDBOBMTPVTFZPVS1*/ Contribution.
to access Corrections on the Web, to include additional schools t 4PNFDPMMFHFTXJMMNFFUPGEFNPOTUSBUFEOFFE XIJMF
PSDPSSFDUVQEBUFEJOGPSNBUJPO1MFBTFWJTJUwww.pin.ed.gov to others will not. Colleges who are “need blind” make admission
SFRVFTUB1*/JO0DUPCFSPS/PWFNCFSPGUIFTJYUIGPSNZFBS decisions without regard to a student’s financial need. Some
t Many private collegesSFRVJSFUIF$PMMFHF4DIPMBSTIJQ4FSWJDF colleges may be “need blind” for a portion of their application
(CSS) PROFILEGPSNJOBEEJUJPOUPUIF'"'4"ZPVNBZSFHJTUFSGPS pool, but financial need may enter into the decision in the later
UIF130'*-&POMJOFBUhttps://profileonline.collegeboard.com. stages of the decision-making process. Consult colleges to learn
$POTVMUUIJTTJUFUPEFUFSNJOFXIJDIQSJWBUFDPMMFHFTSFRVJSF of their individual policies or review a list of 100% need-met
TVCNJTTJPOPGUIF130'*-&3FHJTUSBUJPOGPSUIF130'*-&TIPVME colleges at www.cslf.com.
be done in the fall of the sixth form year. You must register for t 'BNJMJFTBSFFODPVSBHFEUPHFUBOearly estimate of their
UIF130'*-&BUMFBTU two weeks before the earliest priority filing eligibility for federal student aid by completing the estimator at
date specified by your colleges. either www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov or at www.finaid.org.
t .BOZDPMMFHFTXJMMBMTPSFRVFTUGBNJMJFTUPmMFBOin-house (Both of these websites also provide detailed information regarding
financial aid form1MFBTFDPOTVMUXJUIJOEJWJEVBMDPMMFHFT all facets of federal student aid and free scholarship searches.)
t Early Decision/Early Action (ED/EA) college applicants
BQQMZJOHGPSmOBODJBMBJEBSFSFRVJSFEUPmMFUIF130'*-&PSBO
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
estimated FAFSA form in the fall of the sixth form year. Consult t Gapping occurs when a financial aid offer does not meet a
with the particular ED/EA college early in the fall to determine family’s financial need to pay the costs of college. While some
UIFJSSFRVJSFNFOUT colleges may have the ability to reconsider a financial aid package
and issue a more attractive offer, it is a rarity and often hinges on
t *UJTUIFSFDPNNFOEBUJPOPGUIFDPMMFHFDPVOTFMJOHPGmDFUIBU
special circumstances unforeseen in the application process.
students seeking financial assistance apply to at least one
home-state public institution, as that option is typically the t %VSJOHDPMMFHFWJTJUT JGmOBODJBMBJEJTHPJOHUPCFBDPODFSOGPS
most affordable. a family, it is perfectly appropriate to ask to meet with a member
PGUIFmOBODJBMBJEPGmDF*GUIFTUVEFOUDIPPTFTUPBQQMZUPUIBU
t *UJTBMTPSFDPNNFOEFEUIBUTUVEFOUTGPSXIPNmOBODJBMBJEJT
school, this representative can be an outstanding resource and
crucial avoid Early Decision as an option. Because of the binding
point of contact during the application process and beyond.
status of the ED application, it eliminates a student’s ability to
compare financial aid awards with offers of admission. t “No loan” programs are becoming more popular. Colleges with
particularly large endowments are increasingly able to meet a
Note for international students: Financial aid is extremely limited
student’s financial need without including loans in the financial
for non-U.S. citizens as state and federal funds cannot be used to
BJEQBDLBHF*ORVJSFXJUIFBDIDPMMFHFBCPVUUIFJSmOBODJBMBJE
support international students. To qualify for federal, need-based
packaging policies.
financial aid, a student must be a legal U.S. citizen or eligible non-
citizen. If an international student receives financial aid, it must be
from a college’s own funds. While some colleges may admit students
without regard to their financial situation, the same is not true of
international students. Colleges often require international students
RESOURCES
to submit a statement of finances and an International Financial Aid While there are many resources to help students and parents through
form at the time of admission. Discuss your needs with your college the college selection and application process, here are some we’ve
counselor and check with each of your college’s financial aid offices found particularly good and helpful:
as to their policies regarding financial aid for international students.
DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR NEED- GENERAL COLLEGE GUIDES

BASED FINANCIAL AID Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges
t 0ODFUIF'"'4"GPSNJTTVCNJUUFE UIFGBNJMZXJMMSFDFJWFB 5IF'JTLF(VJEFUP$PMMFHFT, Edward B. Fiske

Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is a summary of the 5IF*OTJEFST(VJEFUPUIF$PMMFHFT, Staff of the Yale Daily News
information entered on the FAFSA and it indicates how much the The College Handbook, The College Board
student’s family will be expected to pay for college the following
year. This amount is called the Expected Family Contribution The Best 368 Colleges 5IF1SJODFUPO3FWJFX
(EFC). Colleges, lending institutions, federal and state aid Rugg’s Recommendations on the Colleges, Frederick E. Rugg
programs use this EFC when determining financial aid eligibility
-PWFKPZT$PMMFHF(VJEF, Lovejoy’s Educational Guides
and in forming financial aid packages.
(SFFOFT(VJEFUP&EVDBUJPOBM1MBOOJOH

POPULAR BOOKS ON SELECTING COLLEGES scholarships, sponsored by NASFAA, the National Association
for Student Financial Aid Administrators. This site includes
Colleges That Change Lives -PSFO1PQF
many special searches, such as scholarships for special ethnic
Looking Beyond the Ivy League -PSFO1PQF groups and athletes, and a formula to help parents get a personal
$IPPTJOHB$PMMFHF"(VJEFGPS1BSFOUTBOE4UVEFOUT, Thomas Sowell “estimate” of their family contribution to the cost of college.
t www.internationalstudent.comBDPNQSFIFOTJWFTJUFGPS
FINANCIAL AID international students researching and applying to U.S. colleges.
Funding Your Education, U.S. Department of Education, Student t www.ncaa.orgUIFIPNFQBHFPGUIF/BUJPOBM$PMMFHJBUF
'JOBODJBM"TTJTUBODF1SPHSBNT "UIMFUJD"TTPDJBUJPO*GZPVQMBOPODPNQFUJOHJODPMMFHJBUF
BUIMFUJDTBUUIF%JWJTJPO*PS**MFWFM ZPVNVTUSFHJTUFSXJUI
Peterson’s College Money Handbook 1FUFSTPOT(VJEFT
the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly known as the NCAA
Paying Less for College 1FUFSTPOT(VJEFT Clearinghouse). You must complete, print, sign and give to your
Scholarship Handbook, The College Board college counselor Forms One and Two to authorize the release
of your transcript to the NCAA – available at https://web1.ncaa.
MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS AND GUIDES org/eligibilitycenter/common/index.html.
t www.petersons.comUIFIPNFQBHFPG1FUFSTPOT QVCMJTIFS
Campus Opportunities for Students with Learning Differences, Judith
of one of the most widely used college guides on the market.
.$SPPLFS
This site also allows you to access general information on
College Admissions Index of Majors and Sports, Orchard House colleges and universities as well as links to on-line applications,
The Complete Handbook for College Women, Carol Weinberg and includes helpful information for students and parents.
Directory of Art and Music Colleges, Roberta Carr t www.princetonreview.comBDPMMFHFTFBSDISFTPVSDF"MTP
DPOUBJOTMJOLTUPXIBUTUVEFOUTBSFTBZJOHBCPVUUIFJSDPMMFHFT
5IF(BUFLFFQFST*OTJEFUIF"ENJTTJPOT1SPDFTTPGB1SFNJFS
plus “What are my chances for admission at this school?”
College +BDRVFT4UFJOCFSH
t &BDIDPMMFHFTJOEJWJEVBMXFCTJUFJTBXFBMUIPGJOGPSNBUJPOBOE
(VJEFUP$BUIPMJD$PMMFHFTBOE6OJWFSTJUJFT, The College Connection
a source for their application.
(VJEFUP$PMMFHFTGPS"GSJDBO"NFSJDBO4UVEFOUT, Thomas LaVeist
Jewish Life on Campus, B’nai B’rith Hillel Foundations GAP/INTERIM YEAR RESOURCES
-FUUJOH(P"1BSFOUT(VJEFUP6OEFSTUBOEJOHUIF$PMMFHF:FBST, -POFMZ1MBOFU5IF(BQ:FBS#PPL, Joe Bindloss, Charlotte Hindle and
,BSFO-FWJO$PCVSO Andrew Dean Nystrom
5IF1FSGPSNJOH"SU.BKPST$PMMFHF(VJEF, Carole J. Everett 5BLJOHB(BQ:FBS UIFEJUJPO
, Susan Griffith
Teaching English Abroad, Transitions Abroad
HELPFUL WEBSITES
t www.americorps.org"NFSJ$PSQUFONPOUISFTJEFOUJBMOBUJPOBM
t www.act.orgUIFIPNFQBHFPGUIF"$5"UUIJTTJUF ZPVDBO service program
register for the ACT, check your scores and submit them to colleges.
t www.interimprograms.com$FOUFSGPS*OUFSJN1SPHSBNT
t www.campustours.comBTPVSDFGPSWJSUVBMDPMMFHFUPVST
t www.cityyear.org$JUZ:FBSVSCBODJUZDPSQTJOTFWFODJUJFTJO
campus maps, etc.
the United States
t www.collegeboard.comUIFIPNFQBHFPGUIF$PMMFHF
t $POTFSWBUJPO*OUFSOBUJPOBM
Board. At this site, you can register for the SAT, check your
scores, release and send scores to colleges, register for the t www.usexperiment.org5IF&YQFSJNFOUJO*OUFSOBUJPOBM-JWJOH
130'*-& POFPGUIFNBKPSmOBODJBMBJEEPDVNFOUTZPVNBZ t www.icye.org*OUFSOBUJPOBM$VMUVSBM:PVUI&YDIBOHF
need), find financial aid and scholarship information, and link to
college information and applications. t www.nols.edu/BUJPOBM0VUEPPS-FBEFSTIJQ4DIPPM /0-4
t www.collegenet.comBHFOFSBMSFTPVSDFPOBMMBTQFDUTPG t www.outwardbound.org0VUXBSE#PVOEPVUEPPSMFBEFSTIJQ
the college search process. wilderness programs
t www.fafsa.ed.govBUUIJTTJUFZPVNBZSFHJTUFSGPSUIF'SFF t www.whereyouheaded.com5JNF0VU"TTPDJBUFT
"QQMJDBUJPOGPS'FEFSBM4UVEFOU"JE BGPSNSFRVJSFECZOFBSMZBMM t 7PMVOUFFSTJO4FSWJDFUP"NFSJDB 7*45"

institutions if you are applying for financial aid.
t www.fairtest.orgBMJTUPGDPMMFHFTUIBUEPOUSFRVJSFUIF4"5
or ACT.
t www.fastweb.comBHPPETJUFGPSGSFFTDIPMBSTIJQJOGPSNBUJPO
t www.finaid.orgBGSFF JOEFQFOEFOUHVJEFUPmOBODJBMBJEBOE

A NOTE TO PARENTS t *OTJTUUIBUZPVSDIJMESFnFDUVQPOUIFDBNQVTWJTJUBOEXSJUF
down the ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes’ of the college before the family
We know you want to be involved in the college search process, and discusses the school. Let your child share his or her impressions
here are some healthy ways to help your child: first, before you share your opinions.
t *EFOUJGZXIFOZPVBOEZPVSGBNJMZDBOBSSBOHFDPMMFHFDBNQVT t "UUFOEDPMMFHFGBJSTBU$IPBUFPSJOZPVSMPDBMHFPHSBQIJDBMBSFB
WJTJUT1SPWJEFBQQSPYJNBUFEBUFTBOEEJTUBODFQBSBNFUFST(JWF t %POPUiUBLFPWFSwUIJTJNQPSUBOUNPNFOUJOZPVSDIJMETMJGF8F
a deadline when your child must give you a list of colleges he/ know you are excited about the college possibilities, and we know
she wants to visit. You can schedule the trip. that you could accomplish many of the application and research
t 5FMFQIPOFUIFDPMMFHFBENJTTJPOPGmDFTUPBSSBOHF tasks faster (and perhaps better) than your child. But remember,
appointments. Get travel directions where necessary. your child needs to “own” this process and be responsible for his
or her choices. This is an important rite of passage.
t #VZmMFT GPMEFST CJOEFST NJMLDSBUFTPSXIBUFWFSPSHBOJ[BUJPOBM
tools might be helpful for your child to stay organized as he or
she gathers college information. Ask your child what system is QUESTION PROMPTS
preferable for him or her. )FSFBSFRVFTUJPOTZPVDBOVTFUPTQBSLDPOWFSTBUJPOXJUIZPVSDIJME
t (PUPBMPDBMCPPLTUPSFBOEJOWFTUTPNFUJNFQFSVTJOHUIF #FQBUJFOUXIFOBTLJOHPQFOFOEFERVFTUJPOT5IFTFDBOCFEJGmDVMU
“college section.” You know your child best, so select one to RVFTUJPOTGPSPSZFBSPMEZPVOHTUFSTUPBOTXFS BOEJOTPNF
four resource guide books he or she will find especially helpful. DBTFTUIFSFTQPOTFTDBONBLFBTUVEFOUGFFMRVJUFWVMOFSBCMF
1VSDIBTFBUMFBTUPOFGBDUCPPL BOEPOFPSUXPSFQVUBCMF t 8PVMEZPVMJLFZPVSDPMMFHFFYQFSJFODFUPCFTJNJMBSUPUIFZFBST
anecdotal books. Treat guidebooks as guides, not gospel. Don’t spent at Choate? Why? What would you like to be different?
be seduced by the “hype.” Why?
t 5BLFTPNFQIPUPT EJTDSFUFMZ PGDPVSTF
PGUIFDBNQVTEVSJOH t 8IBUEPZPVQFSDFJWFZPVSTUSFOHUITUPCF "TQBSFOUT DPOmSN
your visits to help your child accurately remember the college these personality traits with anecdotal stories or experiences
weeks after the trip. you have observed over the years.)
t %FDJEFCFGPSFZPVBSSJWFPOBDPMMFHFDBNQVTXIPJTHPJOHUP t 8IBUBSFZPVSDIBMMFOHFT -JTUFODBSFGVMMZUPUIFJSSFTQPOTFT
BTLTQFDJmDRVFTUJPOT JFTFDVSJUZJTTVFT SFTJEFOUIBMMTBGFUZ
and encourage your child to turn challenges into opportunities
if an admission officer meets with the family as a group. so he or she can develop new behaviors.)
t 8IFOUPVSJOHUIFDBNQVT MFUZPVSDIJMEXBMLOFBSUIFUPVS t 8IZEPZPVXBOUUPHPUPDPMMFHF
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absolutely appropriate for you to travel at the back of the pack.
GLOSSARY
ACT The ACTJTBDVSSJDVMVNCBTFEUFTUVTFEUPEFUFSNJOFBENJTTJCJMJUZUPBDPMMFHF*UJTBNVMUJQMFDIPJDFUFTU
TDPSFEGSPNUP5IFSFBSFGPVSTVCUFTUT&OHMJTI NBUIFNBUJDT SFBEJOH BOETDJFODF*GUIFTUVEFOUFMFDUT
UPUBLFUIJTUFTU UIF$PMMFHF$PVOTFMJOH0GmDFSFRVJSFTTUVEFOUTUPSFHJTUFSGPSUIFPQUJPOBMXSJUJOHUFTU"
composite test score is the rounded average of the four sub scores. The website is www.actstudent.org.
AP Advanced Placement: these are college-level courses offered by Choate and endorsed by the College Board.
"GUFSBO"1DPVSTFJTDPNQMFUFE TUVEFOUTHFOFSBMMZUBLF"1FYBNT XIJDIBSFTDPSFEPOBTDBMF CFJOH
the highest possible score). Colleges may offer either credit, or advanced standing, to any student who has
SFDFJWFEBSFDPNNFOEFE"1FYBNTDPSF
Candidates Reply Date The Candidates Reply DateJT.BZBOEJTUIFOBUJPOBMEFBEMJOFGPSTVCNJUUJOHBEFQPTJUUPone college.
Class Rank The rating of a student based on an academic comparison with all other students in a class. Choate Rosemary
Hall does not rank its students.
CSS College Scholarship Service is a division of the College Board devoted to the financial aspects of a college
FEVDBUJPO$44QSPDFTTFTJOGPSNBUJPOQSPWJEFECZmOBODJBMBJEBQQMJDBOUTPOUIF130'*-&GPSNBOEEJTUSJCVUFT
that information to colleges.

College Board A not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and
PQQPSUVOJUZ"NPOHJUTCFTULOPXOUFTUTBOEQSPHSBNTBSFUIF14"5/.425 4"53FBTPOJOH5FTU 4"54VCKFDU
5FTUTBOEUIF"11SPHSBN5IFJSXFCTJUF www.collegeboard.com) offers several test preparation products
(including “SAT Question of the Day”) and descriptions of each test/product.
Common Application A standard application form accepted by over 350 colleges. A student completes one application form and
TVCNJUTJUPOMJOFPSNBJMTEVQMJDBUFTUPTVCTDSJCFSDPMMFHFT.BOZDPMMFHFTSFRVJSFJOEJWJEVBMBQQMJDBUJPO
supplements. The website is www.commonapp.org.
Deferral This is an admission decision which may be received if a student has applied under an Early Decision or Early
Action plan. A deferralNFBOTUIBUUIFBQQMJDBOUIBTOPUZFUCFFOBENJUUFEPSEFOJFEUIFBQQMJDBUJPOXJMMCF
QMBDFEJOUIFSFHVMBSSPVOEGPSBOPUIFSSFWJFX BOEBOBENJTTJPOEFDJTJPOXJMMCFSFOEFSFEJO.BSDIPS"QSJM
Students who apply Early Decision and are deferred are no longer bound by the Early Decision Agreement and
may apply to other colleges.
Double Deposit Committing to enroll at more than one college by sending a financial enrollment deposit to multiple colleges is
considered unethical.
Division I, II, III These are designations for college athletic programs as defined by the National Collegiate Athletic Association
/$""
%JWJTJPO*BOE**QSPHSBNTBSFUIFNPTUDPNQFUJUJWFBUIMFUJDBMMZBOEBSFUIFPOMZQSPHSBNTUIBUNBZ
BXBSEBUIMFUJDTDIPMBSTIJQT%JWJTJPO***QSPHSBNT NPTUDPNNPOMZGPVOEBUTNBMMFSDPMMFHFTBOEVOJWFSTJUJFT EP
OPUSFRVJSF/$""DFSUJmDBUJPO TFFCFMPX
1PUFOUJBMBUIMFUJDSFDSVJUTTIPVMENFFUXJUIUIFJSDPMMFHFDPVOTFMPS
early JOUIFQSPDFTT UPCFDFSUBJOUIBUBMMUIFBQQSPQSJBUFSFRVJSFNFOUTXJMMCFNFUCFGPSFHSBEVBUJPOBOEUP
insure that students understand the process of working with college coaches.
*Students interested in playing at Division I or II colleges must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
(formerly known as the NCAA Clearinghouse) at the end of their fifth form year.
Early Action (EA) A process whereby an application is submitted and a decision received early in the sixth form year. Usually,
application is made by November 1 and decisions are sent by mid-December. Early Action is a non-binding
QMBOTUVEFOUTXJMMOPUSFDFJWFBmOBODJBMBJEQBDLBHFVOUJM"QSJM UIFTBNFUJNFBTSFHVMBSEFDJTJPOBQQMJDBOUT
4UVEFOUTXJMMUZQJDBMMZIBWFVOUJMUIF$BOEJEBUFT3FQMZ%BUF .BZ
UPEFDJEFJGUIFZXJMMFOSPMM
Early Decision (ED) A process whereby application is made to one Early Decision school early in the sixth form year, and if accepted,
the student agrees to enroll at that institution and withdraw applications to all other colleges. This is a binding
agreement among the student, the college, and the parents. For financial aid applicants, an estimated award is
provided with the admission decision and finalized once tax returns are completed. Some institutions offer both
BO&%*BOEBO&%**QMBOUIF&%**QMBOJTMBUFSBOEBMMPXTNPSFUJNFGPSTUVEFOUTGPSUFTUJOH BEEJUJPOBMBDBEFNJD
XPSL FUD .PTU&%*BQQMJDBUJPOEFBEMJOFTBSF/PWFNCFSPS&%**EFBEMJOFTBSFUZQJDBMMZ+BOVBSZPS
FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid: As the name implies, a no-cost Federal form used by colleges to
determine a student’s and family’s eligibility for Federal financial aid funds.
Federal Methodology 5IFGPSNVMBVTFE WJBJOGPSNBUJPOQSPWJEFEPOUIF'"'4"

UPEFUFSNJOFFMJHJCJMJUZGPS'FEFSBMGVOETTPNFTUBUFT
use it as a rationing device for state funds as well.
Fee Waiver Those students who demonstrate a substantial need for financial assistance may be eligible for a waiver,
exempting them from paying some application and/or testing fees. Specific eligibility guidelines must be met.
Financial Aid /FFECBTFEBJEPGGFSFECZUIF'FEFSBMHPWFSONFOUBOECZDPMMFHFTQBDLBHFTHFOFSBMMZJODMVEFgrants (which do

not need to be repaid), loans (which must be repaid) and often work-study (funds earned by the student through
PODBNQVTFNQMPZNFOUEVSJOHUIFTDIPPMZFBS
/FFEJTEFUFSNJOFEUISPVHIBDPNCJOBUJPOPGUIF130'*-&GPSN
UIF'"'4" BOEUIFDPMMFHFTPXOGPSN JGUIFZIBWFPOF
*OUFSOBUJPOBMTUVEFOUTHFOFSBMMZDPNQMFUFBEJGGFSFOU
form and are not eligible for Federal funds unless they are permanent resident aliens and have a “green” card.
Gapping A term used to describe a financial aid package that does not meet demonstrated need. The package leaves a
“gap” between a family’s need and the offered financial assistance.

GPA (SBEF1PJOU"WFSBHF: a number (such as 3.0), which indicates the average of all grades for courses earned in
BUFSNPSBZFBS"OVOXFJHIUFE(1"SFnFDUTUIFOVNFSJDWBMVFPGBTUVEFOUTHSBEFTEJWJEFECZUIFOVNCFSPG
DPVSTFTJOXIJDIUIFZXFSFFOSPMMFEGPSDSFEJU"XFJHIUFE(1"HJWFTBEEJUJPOBMOVNFSJDiXFJHIUwGPSDMBTTFTBU
UIFBEWBODFE IPOPSTPS"EWBODFE1MBDFNFOUMFWFM
Institutional Methodology The formula used by a college to determine eligibility for its own financial aid packages.
Naviance A college research database program utilized by Choate.
NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association: The governing body for many college athletic programs. The NCAA
NVTUDFSUJGZBOBUIMFUJDSFDSVJUXIPXJTIFTUPDPNQFUFBUUIF%JWJTJPO*PS**MFWFM5IFXFCTJUFGPSUIF/$""JT
www.ncaa.org.
NCAA Clearinghouse See NCAA Eligibility Center.
NCAA Eligibility Center Formerly known as the NCAA Clearinghouse. A branch of the NCAA established to monitor the eligibility of
TUVEFOUBUIMFUFT*GBTUVEFOUQMBOTPODPNQFUJOHJODPMMFHJBUFBUIMFUJDTBUUIF%JWJTJPO*PS**MFWFM IFPSTIF
must register at https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/index.html. The student must complete, print,
sign and give to their college counselor Forms One and Two for submission to the NCAA.
PROFILE The financial aid form processed by the College Scholarship Service (a division of the College Board) and used
by some colleges to further define a family’s need for financial aid funds.
PSAT Preliminary SAT3FRVJSFEPGBMMTUVEFOUTEVSJOHUIFJSGPVSUIBOEmGUIGPSNGBMMUFSNT5IFmGUIGPSNTJUUJOHNBZ

RVBMJGZTUVEFOUTGPSDPOTJEFSBUJPOJOUIF/BUJPOBM.FSJU4DIPMBSTIJQDPNQFUJUJPO
Regular Decision 5IFNPTUDPNNPOBENJTTJPOQMBO.PTUEFBEMJOFTGPSSFHVMBSEFDJTJPOBQQMJDBOUTBSFJO+BOVBSZPS'FCSVBSZ

although some colleges/universities may have an earlier deadline (for example, the University of California
system).
Rolling Admission The practice at some colleges and universities of making decisions on applications as they are received.
Since, under this plan, colleges are accepting students every day, the later one applies, the more difficult it may
become to be admitted.
SAT Reasoning Test The SAT consists of three sections: critical reading, math and writing (including an essay portion).
SAT Subject Tests 'PSNFSMZDBMMFE4"5**T*OEJWJEVBMTVCKFDUUFTUT TVDIBT4QBOJTI #JPMPHZ BOE.BUI

NBZCFSFRVJSFECZ
particular colleges for admission.
School Code National testing agencies assign a six digit number to each secondary school for identification purposes.
Choate’s school code is 070-810.
Score Choice The College Board’s new SAT score reporting feature gives students the option to choose to send designated
4"5TDPSFTCZUFTUEBUF OPUCZUFTUTFDUJPODSJUJDBMSFBEJOH NBUIPSXSJUJOH
BOE4"54VCKFDU5FTUTDPSFTCZ
individual test. Score Choice is optional, and if students choose not to use it, all scores will be sent to the
designated college or scholarship recipient.
Secondary School "SFRVJSFEQPSUJPOPGUIFBQQMJDBUJPOUIBUNVTUCFTVCNJUUFEUPBMMDPMMFHFTCZTUVEFOUT$IPBUFT$PMMFHF

Report Form Counseling Office uses a customized version of the SSR form which is accepted by all colleges.
TOEFL iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language5IJT*OUFSOFUCBTFEUFTUTIPVMECFVTFECZTUVEFOUTXIPTFOBUJWF

language is not English (regardless of citizenship) and whose SAT critical reading score is below 650. Students
should work closely with their college counselor to determine whether this test is necessary. The TOEFL iBT
exam is offered only at ETS-approved test centers, and appointments must be made in advance.
Wait List "MJTUPGSFHVMBSEFDJTJPOBQQMJDBOUTXIP BMUIPVHIRVBMJmFEGPSBENJTTJPO BSFQMBDFEiPOIPMEw8BJUMJTU

candidates are usually given the opportunity to decide whether or not they wish to wait for a final decision,
which usually occurs over several weeks. Wait lists are usually maintained for the shortest possible period.
Yield The percentage of accepted students who matriculate. Generally, the higher the yield, the more competitive the
institution.

TOP TEN FACTS
STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS
1) You have the right to request information from colleges and universities without feeling high pressure tactics to
persuade you to apply or enroll.
2) You have the right to accurate information about each institution’s academic programs, facilities, and faculty, along with
each institution’s retention and graduation statistics.
3) You have the right to the names of all accrediting, certifying, or licensing organizations for each institution.
4) You have the right to complete information about all direct and miscellaneous expenses, the types of non need-based
and need-based financial assistance provided, and the methods by which eligibility is determined.
5) You have the right to accurate information about all aspects of campus safety, including institutional crime statistics.
6) You have the responsibility to ensure that all required items necessary for the completion of your application are
received by each institution within the required timeframe.
7) Once admitted to a college or university, you have the right to wait until May 1 to respond to an offer of admission and
financial aid (unless you have been admitted under a binding Early Decision program).
8) You have the right to request in writing an extension to May 1 without penalty if an institution requires an earlier
commitment (unless you have been admitted under a binding Early Decision program).
9) You have the right to historical information about prior waiting list activity including the number wait-listed, the number
ultimately admitted and the availability of housing and financial aid. Colleges and universities cannot require a deposit
from you to maintain your place on a waiting list.
10) You have the responsibility to submit a deposit to only one institution and—upon submitting that deposit—to withdraw
from all other institutions to which you have beenadmitted.
By the New England Association for College Admission Counseling, www.neacac.org

Choate-Rosemary Hall: College Handbook

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10

Ofﬁce Information and Contacts .............................................................................................................................................................................. 2

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 1

Director of College Counseling:

Associate Directors of College Counseling:

Find us in Carrington House (at the Southwest corner of the

2 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

COUNSELEE EXPECTATIONS—Students expect the following from their college counselor:

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 3

4 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 5

6 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 7

8 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 9

COMPARISON OF SAT AND ACT EXAMS

10 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 11

12 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 13

CHOATE COLLEGE as effectively as possible on behalf of every Choate student. Our

14 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 15

16 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 17

18 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 19

COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS that particular school. Although coaches do evaluate

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 21

t 'JOBMMZ SFNFNCFSUIBUUIFSFBSFNBOZmOFHSBEVBUFQSPHSBNT INDEPENDENT COUNSELORS

MEDICAL OR PERSONAL LEAVE LEARNING DIFFERENCES (LD)

22 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 23

DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR NEED- GENERAL COLLEGE GUIDES

t 0ODFUIF'"'4"GPSNJTTVCNJUUFE UIFGBNJMZXJMMSFDFJWFB 5IF'JTLF(VJEFUP$PMMFHFT, Edward B. Fiske

24 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 25

Candidates Reply Date The Candidates Reply DateJT.BZBOEJTUIFOBUJPOBMEFBEMJOFGPSTVCNJUUJOHBEFQPTJUUPone college.

26 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

Federal Methodology 5IFGPSNVMBVTFE WJBJOGPSNBUJPOQSPWJEFEPOUIF'"'4"

Financial Aid /FFECBTFEBJEPGGFSFECZUIF'FEFSBMHPWFSONFOUBOECZDPMMFHFTQBDLBHFTHFOFSBMMZJODMVEFgrants (which do

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 27

Naviance A college research database program utilized by Choate.

NCAA Clearinghouse See NCAA Eligibility Center.

PSAT Preliminary SAT3FRVJSFEPGBMMTUVEFOUTEVSJOHUIFJSGPVSUIBOEmGUIGPSNGBMMUFSNT5IFmGUIGPSNTJUUJOHNBZ

Regular Decision 5IFNPTUDPNNPOBENJTTJPOQMBO.PTUEFBEMJOFTGPSSFHVMBSEFDJTJPOBQQMJDBOUTBSFJO+BOVBSZPS'FCSVBSZ

SAT Subject Tests 'PSNFSMZDBMMFE4"5**T*OEJWJEVBMTVCKFDUUFTUT TVDIBT4QBOJTI #JPMPHZ BOE.BUI

Secondary School "SFRVJSFEQPSUJPOPGUIFBQQMJDBUJPOUIBUNVTUCFTVCNJUUFEUPBMMDPMMFHFTCZTUVEFOUT$IPBUFT$PMMFHF

TOEFL iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language5IJT*OUFSOFUCBTFEUFTUTIPVMECFVTFECZTUVEFOUTXIPTFOBUJWF

Wait List "MJTUPGSFHVMBSEFDJTJPOBQQMJDBOUTXIP BMUIPVHIRVBMJmFEGPSBENJTTJPO BSFQMBDFEiPOIPMEw8BJUMJTU

28 CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL / 2009-2010 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

By the New England Association for College Admission Counseling, www.neacac.org

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Candidates Reply Date The Candidates Reply DateJT.BZBOEJTUIFOBUJPOBMEFBEMJOFGPSTVCNJUUJOHBEFQPTJUUPone college.

Financial Aid /FFECBTFEBJEPGGFSFECZUIF'FEFSBMHPWFSONFOUBOECZDPMMFHFTQBDLBHFTHFOFSBMMZJODMVEFgrants (which do

PSAT Preliminary SAT3FRVJSFEPGBMMTUVEFOUTEVSJOHUIFJSGPVSUIBOEmGUIGPSNGBMMUFSNT5IFmGUIGPSNTJUUJOHNBZ

Regular Decision 5IFNPTUDPNNPOBENJTTJPOQMBO.PTUEFBEMJOFTGPSSFHVMBSEFDJTJPOBQQMJDBOUTBSFJO+BOVBSZPS'FCSVBSZ

SAT Subject Tests 'PSNFSMZDBMMFE4"5**T*OEJWJEVBMTVCKFDUUFTUT TVDIBT4QBOJTI #JPMPHZ BOE.BUI

Secondary School "SFRVJSFEQPSUJPOPGUIFBQQMJDBUJPOUIBUNVTUCFTVCNJUUFEUPBMMDPMMFHFTCZTUVEFOUT$IPBUFT$PMMFHF

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Wait List "MJTUPGSFHVMBSEFDJTJPOBQQMJDBOUTXIP BMUIPVHIRVBMJmFEGPSBENJTTJPO BSFQMBDFEiPOIPMEw8BJUMJTU