Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Just as teachers at the Harkness table create a student-centered learning environment, PEA counselors foster active and
open-minded collaboration with students. In this supportive environment, students learn to identify their goals and inter-
ests, to manage a complex and stressful process, and to make healthy and confident decisions about higher education.
Fundamentally, we believe that each student should control the self-evaluation, research, and application writing that is
essential to good college selection.
Pamela R. Appleton
Associate Director
p a p p l e t o n @ e x e t e r. e d u
Gretchen Bergill
Associate Director
j b e r g i l l @ e x e t e r. e d u
Joseph J. Bobrowskas
Associate Director
j b o b r o w s k a s @ e x e t e r. e d u
Karen Clagett
Associate Director
k c l a g e t t @ e x e t e r. e d u
R. Cary Einhaus
Associate Director
c e i n h a u s @ e x e t e r. e d u
Sarah A. Herrick
Manager of College Counseling Office Programs
s h e r r i c k @ e x e t e r. e d u
S . Tr u e D ow
Office Assistant
s d o w @ e x e t e r. e d u
Cori A. Kingsley
Office Assistant
c k i n g s l e y @ e x e t e r. e d u
Lynn M. Seidenberg
Administrative Manager
l s e i d e n b e r g @ e x e t e r. e d u
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
INTRODUCTION
THE COLLEGE COUNSELOR/STUDENT/PARENT PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT .......2
CHAPTER II SUMMER
THE COLLEGE VISIT ....................................................................................................................21
Preparing for Your Trip......................................................................................................................21
Overview of Visit Options ...............................................................................................................21
Tours.................................................................................................................................21
Group Information Sessions...........................................................................................21
Interviews.........................................................................................................................21
Class Visits........................................................................................................................22
Overnights........................................................................................................................22
Types of Interviews............................................................................................................................22
Personal Interviews..........................................................................................................22
Alumni/ae Interviews ......................................................................................................22
Interviews at PEA ............................................................................................................22
Tips for Success..................................................................................................................................23
C H A P T E R I I I FA L L
OPTIONS FOR ADMISSION ....................................................................................................27
Early Decision and Early Action – Is applying early right for you?.........................................27
Early Evaluation and Early Notification.........................................................................................27
Types of Applications.........................................................................................................................28
State Applications ............................................................................................................28
British Universities ..........................................................................................................28
The Common Application ..............................................................................................28
Institutional Applications................................................................................................28
A Step-By-Step Guide to Filling Out Applications .....................................................................29
Part I of the Application - Personal Information ..........................................................29
DECISION PLAN....................................................................................................29
NAME .......................................................................................................................29
ADDRESS .................................................................................................................29
PARENT AND SIBLING INFORMATION .............................................................29
PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY INFORMATION..................................................29
FEE/FEE WAIVER ....................................................................................................29
Part II of the Application- Everything Else....................................................................29
LISTING SENIOR COURSES..................................................................................29
INFLUENCES ON YOUR DECISION TO APPLY..................................................29
QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE ELSE YOU ARE APPLYING ................................29
LANGUAGE, IF OTHER THAN ENGLISH............................................................30
INTENDED MAJOR ................................................................................................30
Reporting Standardized Tests..........................................................................................30
Presenting Your Extracurricular Interests and Activities ..............................................30
COMMITMENT TO ACTIVITIES..........................................................................30
LEADERSHIP ...........................................................................................................30
VOLUNTEER WORK/COMMUNITY SERVICE ...................................................30
HOBBIES/OUTSIDE INTERESTS ..........................................................................30
ACADEMIC HONORS OR AWARDS .....................................................................31
Recommendations ...........................................................................................................31
SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT (SSR)................................................................31
CLASS RANK ...........................................................................................................31
MIDYEAR SCHOOL REPORT FORMS..................................................................31
ACADEMIC RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TEACHERS....................................31
THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 .............31
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................31
Additional Credentials.....................................................................................................32
WRITING YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY ......................................................................................32
Getting Started ...................................................................................................................................32
The E Book..........................................................................................................................................33
College Days .......................................................................................................................................33
Disciplinary Issues..............................................................................................................................33
Medical, Personal and Dean’s Leaves .............................................................................................34
Transcripts and Recommendations................................................................................................35
Access to Student Records .............................................................................................................35
Depositing............................................................................................................................................36
Student Rights and Privileges ..........................................................................................................36
CHAPTER IV WINTER
REPORTING WINTER TERM GRADES ....................................................................... 37
FINANCIAL AID FORMS............................................................................................. 37
LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS ................................................................................ 37
MISSING CREDENTIALS ............................................................................................ 37
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION FORMS .................................................................... 38
CHAPTER V SPRING
DECISIONS, DECISIONS .........................................................................................................39
SENIORITIS ...............................................................................................................................39
WAITLISTS ................................................................................................................................40
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OFFER OF FINANCIAL AID ....................................................42
Application Process...................................................................................................................53
Points to Consider ............................................................................................................53
Nomination Process...................................................................................................................54
Complete Service Academy Application..............................................................................54
Complete Fitness Exam............................................................................................................54
ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS ............................................................................................................54
THE COLLEGE TRANSFER APPLICANT .............................................................................55
A P P E N D I X G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S
I N T RO D U C T I O N
Welcome to the college process. Since you This guidebook is written directly for you
have already gone through a selective the student, although it is intended to be
admissions process when you applied to shared with your parents and others who
The College Counseling
Phillips Exeter, you have a sense of all that may be interested in its contents.
is involved. You have taken appropriate Office is open Monday,
The college process is one of self-discovery,
testing, filled out applications, asked teach-
when students take stock of their ambi- Tuesday, Thursday and
ers to recommend you, and interviewed in
tions, strengths, and challenges as they
order to gain admission to Exeter. Friday from 8 a.m. until
begin to build a list of college choices.
This time, the task may appear more Students are responsible for contacting col- 5 p.m., Wednesdays from
daunting. There are more than 2,500 col- leges for interview appointments, signing
8 a.m. until noon, and
leges and universities in the United States up for appropriate tests by the deadlines,
from which to develop a list of appropriate and putting the necessary energy into all Saturdays, from 9 a.m. until
matches. You have also heard about today’s aspects of the application process. Just as
competitive admission picture at the most you were responsible for attending to your
11:30 a.m., when classes
selective colleges and the increasing tuition academic commitments and personal are held. Please schedule
costs at these schools. You are maybe left needs at the Academy, you must invest fully
wondering, “Which schools will admit me, in researching and applying to colleges. At an appointment; parents
and can I afford to attend?” all times, you should be at the center of your are encouraged to do the
college admissions process, learning to take
The staff of Exeter’s College Counseling same. Our office telephone
charge of it and eventually owning it.
Office stands ready to guide you through
the college admissions maze, ready to talk In this endeavor, your parents and college number is (603)777-3415,
with you about your choices and concerns counselor will support and encourage
and our email address is
as we work together in the months ahead. you. As stewards, the college counselors
In addition, we offer you this guide. will offer you important guidance along ccoffice@exeter.edu.
the way. Your college counselor is a coun-
The College Counseling Guidebook offers The office fax number is
selor, not a placement officer, who sup-
vital information all in one convenient
ports you in your choices and offers a real- (603)777-4326.
place. The information is organized
istic assessment of your chances of admis-
chronologically, according to the seasons.
sion to colleges. Your parents will offer
Winter and spring of your upper year is the
you moral support and encouragement
time when you and your counselor get to
along the way. The process requires close
know each other and begin to form college
communication and cooperation among
lists. In summer and fall of your senior year
the important players—student, parents,
campus visits, research, and college lists are
and counselor. Success is most often
finalized. By early winter, the applications
achieved when we all approach our vari-
are completed. Finally, in the winter and
ous roles with an open mind, humor, and
spring, admissions officers make their deci-
commitment.
sions, and you finally make your choice.
Additional chapters cover candidates with
special considerations and discuss how
decisions are made.
1
THE COLLEGE COUNSELOR/STUDENT/PARENT PARTNERSHIP
AT PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY
The College Counseling Office believes that to you and the colleges in the
the college admissions process involves a admissions process.
Your “To Do” List partnership between you and your coun-
J Research Category I, II, III and IV
selor. The success of this partnership college choices from your college
................................... depends upon students, parents, and coun- search homework, using the
selors fulfilling their obligations and main- resources available in the College
................................... taining open communication throughout Counseling Office and attending
the admissions process. We have detailed the spring college fair.
...................................
below the expectations and responsibilities
Before the beginning of summer
................................... of each partner.
STUDENT
break:
...................................
Prior to your first individual meeting
J Establish a tentative list of college
choices with the guidance of your
................................... with your college counselor:
college counselor and your parents.
...................................
J Complete the Self-Assessment Form You must include colleges across
found on the College Counseling the spectrum of admissions selec-
................................... Office website. It is imperative that tivity (Category I, II, III and IV
you answer all of the questions on schools), and colleges that will
................................... the Self-Assessment thoughtfully address your financial aid concerns.
...................................
and thoroughly. The information
J Take both the SAT I and the SAT II
from the assessment helps guide Subject Tests once during the spring
................................... counselors in their discussions with term. Students considering an Early
you and aids them in writing the Decision or Early Action applica-
...................................
recommendation they send to your tion should have taken three SAT IIs
list of schools. by the end of spring term.
J Discuss college costs with your
...................................
2
THE COLLEGE COUNSELOR/STUDENT/PARENT PARTNERSHIP
AT PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY
During the fall of your senior year, students’ well-being during what for some
students are expected to do the adolescents can be a very stressful process.
following: At all times, parents are welcome to con-
Remember,
J Meet at least twice individually tact college counselors to talk with them
with your counselor. about their child’s process.
colleges,
J Finalize and narrow your list of col- During uppers’ winter and spring
lege choices. terms, parents should: not college
J Complete your standardized test- J Complete the Parent Questionnaire,
ing and have your scores forwarded mailed to parents in early January, to counselors,
to all your colleges. help your child’s counselor under-
3 3
At all times during the college process,
parents should:
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
4
CHAPTER I
WINTER & SPRING
OF UPPER YEAR
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
5
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
ence varies. But at the beginning of your • What do I like or dislike about the
college search we strongly encourage you Academy’s location?
to consider all private colleges, regardless • What extracurricular activities do I
of religious affiliation. generally enjoy?
STUDENT BODY AND GENDER • Will my family allow me access to a
Coed, Single Sex, Historically Black Colleges car in college?
Ask yourself these “self-evaluation” The location of your academic home for
questions: the next four years will determine your
• Would I consider single-sex quality of life and should reflect your per-
education? sonal values and lifestyle. Colleges and
universities can be located right in the
• How important is it for me to
hearts of major cities, in the suburbs, or in
attend college with others who
more rural settings. Each setting has its
share my ethnic heritage?
own distinct advantages and disadvan-
The consideration of single-sex educa- tages.
tion is predominantly one for women,
although there is a very small handful of Attending college in a major metropoli-
There is no outstanding all-male colleges (such as tan setting offers extensive opportunities
Wabash and Morehouse). Similarly, stu- for cultural events, internships and part-
one college dents might consider one of the small time jobs, and research. Most students do
number of colleges enrolling predomi- not need or use a car and have the oppor-
nantly African-American students. tunity to build an extensive social life
that is the
National studies have shown that stu- outside of the campus. Yet college life in
dents at these institutions are more acad- a city also embodies big city problems.
“perfect fit”
emically involved in classroom participa- Suburban areas afford more limited cul-
tion, have greater academic self-esteem, tural and resume-building opportuni-
for anyone. ties, but also possess fewer of the social
and are more likely to pursue advanced
degrees. problems of major cities.
6
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
concerts and speakers to their campuses to class. There can be a wonderful comfort in
supplement social life. being a bigger fish in a small pond.
Consider what you appreciate or dislike Larger colleges and universities can offer a
about the town of Exeter and living and greater breadth and depth of course selec-
learning here. Do you live for “out-of- tion than smaller schools, allowing oppor-
towns” to Boston? Or do you relish the inti- tunities to explore a wider range of poten-
mate feeling of living and learning along- tial majors for students who are undecided
side your teachers? about their field of study. Faculty at larger
ENROLLMENT SIZE
institutions may balance teaching with
research. This research keeps them up-to-
Size of Academic Community
date on current developments in their
Think about the following “self-evalua-
fields and enhances their classroom
tion” questions:
instruction, but it may also decrease their
• How have I felt learning in a com- available time for informal interaction out-
munity the size of Phillips Exeter? side of class. Class size tends to vary great-
• What do I like or dislike about the ly. While courses requiring greater faculty
Academy’s classroom size? interaction (such as foreign language or
English composition) may be smaller, Consider your
• How important is faculty accessi-
many introductory courses are taught in a
bility?
large lecture format using graduate teach- experience at Exeter.
• To what extent do I desire academ- ing assistants. Larger colleges and universi-
ic and social recognition for ties usually have a more diverse student Do you relish
achievement? body and a broader selection of extracur-
Colleges can vary dramatically in size: ricular opportunities to explore. Finally, the intimate,
think carefully about which size is best for many students prefer the greater anonymi-
you both academically and socially. Use the ty intrinsic to a larger academic setting.
small town feeling?
following generalizations to reflect on your
While we encourage you to gain a better
experience both in and out of class here at
feel for the size environment most appro- Or do you live
Exeter.
priate for you, we would also encourage
Over 80 percent of American private col- you to investigate colleges of a wide variety for “out-of-towns”
leges — and almost a quarter of public col- of sizes in your search.
GEOGRAPHIC SEARCH
leges — have enrollments under 2,500. to Boston?
Smaller colleges generally place a greater
Location in the United States or Overseas
emphasis on teaching as opposed to
When considering the possible locations of
research. Similar to the opportunities avail-
your future colleges, ask yourself these
able through the Academy’s Harkness
“self-evaluation” questions:
Table seminar pedagogy, lecture and dis-
cussion classes at smaller colleges can • How do I feel attending Exeter in
afford a high level of interaction with fac- relation to its proximity to my
ulty and opportunities to contribute in home and family?
7
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
8
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
CAMPUS LIFE
student’s home state is an appropriate
choice.
9
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
10
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
offering extensive support services for Division III. There are some very general
students with learning disabilities may be rules of thumb concerning athletic divi-
an important factor in their college sions. Most small liberal arts colleges and
search. smaller universities will have a majority of
ATHLETICS
Division II or Division III athletic pro-
grams, with perhaps one or two high-pro-
As you think about your interest in colle- file sports competing at a higher division
giate athletics, ask yourself these “self-eval- level. Most Exeter alumni participating in
uation” questions: intercollegiate athletics will compete at this
• What sports am I currently partici- level. By definition Division III colleges do
pating in at the Academy that I not offer athletic scholarships, while
might continue in college? Division II programs offer partial scholar-
• Will my athletic participation be ships. Most larger colleges and universities
at the intercollegiate, club, or field predominantly Division I programs,
intramural level? with some of their underdeveloped pro-
• Will I be a recruited athlete in any grams occasionally competing at a lower
of my Exeter sports? division level. Division I athletic programs
are generally the college sports which
• Have I spoken with any Exeter Take advantage
receive the most extensive media coverage,
coaches to gain a better sense of my
including such athletic conferences as the
potential for intercollegiate athletics? of your coach’s
Ivy League, the Big Ten, and the Big East. A
Many Exonians who currently engage in handful of truly exceptional Academy
athletics may want to continue such partic- alumni will compete at the Division I level. wisdom in assessing
ipation in college. College students partici- Almost all Division I programs offer athlet-
pate at three levels: intramural, club, and ic scholarships with the noteworthy excep- your potential
intercollegiate. Intramural play is most tion of the eight members of the Ivy League
common. Intramurals allow students to conference (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, as a recruited
compete at a variety of different levels of Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, University
competition with a primary emphasis on of Pennsylvania, and Yale). collegiate athlete.
enjoying the sport for personal fitness,
relaxation, and fun. Club sports are usually The College Counseling Office strongly
jointly sponsored by students and the col- believes that student-athletes should dis-
lege, and can compete against other cuss their collegiate potential with their
schools’ club sports as well as varsity inter- Academy coach and other club coaches
collegiate programs. early in the college search process.
Coaches offer a supportive, seasoned per-
Intercollegiate athletics is the university spective that can prove invaluable in stu-
equivalent of varsity-level sports. These dents’ own self-assessment of their ath-
programs are categorized by the NCAA into letic ability. Take advantage of your
three divisions of varying degrees of com- coach’s wisdom.
petition: Division I, Division II, and
11
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
12
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
note that while all of the most-highly com- than fifty percent are generally Category
petitive colleges and universities offer I or II schools for many Exeter appli-
need-based assistance, only a handful offer cants. Note that the admission rate may
any merit-based aid. not always provide the most accurate
ADMISSIONS SELECTIVITY
sense of selectivity. For example, many
nationally ranked state universities (such
Category I, II, III and IV
as UC-Berkeley and the University of
As you think about admissions selectivi-
Virginia) may have higher than a 50 per-
ty, ask yourself these “self-evaluation”
cent admission rate for in-state stu-
questions:
dents, yet select a mere handful of out-
• What percentage of applicants is of-state applicants.
offered admission?
Standardized testing plays a critical role
• How does my academic achieve- in admissions. Most colleges and univer-
ment compare with other appli- sities require the SAT I and many require
cants? three sets of SAT II subject examinations.
The most important factor to consider in Other colleges will accept the ACT exam.
building your college list and conducting a When reviewing potential colleges and
college search is finding institutions for universities, keep in mind their ‘middle
which you have a good chance of being 50 percent’ range of testing. While a quar-
offered admission. While the review of ter of admitted students have scores
your application will take into considera- either above or below this test range, such
tion numerous subjective factors, such as a median range will give a general indica-
your essay, teacher letters of recommenda- tion of the strength of the applicant pool.
tion, and perhaps major field of study, you
Including colleges with a broad range of
must focus your search on the more con-
admissions selectivity is important to a
crete factors involving your academic
successful start to your college search. Be
performance and standardized testing.
honest with yourself, making a realistic
One tool to help narrow down your assessment of your chances for admission.
prospective colleges is the percentage of The more truthful you are with yourself at
students admitted. This ‘admit ratio’ the start of your college search, the better
provides a general guidepost for admis- your chances of having a good number of
sions selectivity. Approximately six per- choices in the spring of your senior year.
cent of colleges and universities nation-
Your academic performance in a challeng-
wide admit fewer than fifty percent of
ing, rigorous program of study is the most
applicants to their freshman class. For
important factor in determining your
many Exonians, the institutions in this
admissibility to highly selective colleges.
category would most likely be classified
Admission committees value a consistent
as Category III or IV schools for admis-
level of achievement over four years, but
sion selectivity. Colleges admitting more
they also give strong weight to students
13
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
14
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
Although only the PSAT score from your SAT II—Subject Tests
upper year counts in the National Merit Many colleges to which Academy stu-
competition, we strongly encourage low- dents apply require two or three Subject
ers to take the PSAT. Taking the test in the Tests: Math level I or II, and one or two
lower year is good practice for your “offi- other tests of the student’s choice.
cial” PSAT as an upper as well as your Carefully check the testing requirements
SATs. Also, you can look at your mistakes of the schools and particular programs
on the PSAT, practice on those areas, and in which you are interested. The Subject
potentially raise your scores. Tests are each one-hour long and you
may take as many as three different tests
SAT I—Reasoning Test
on any one test date. Like the SAT I, the
The SAT I is the most general standardized
scores range from 200 to 800.
test offered by the College Board, and the
exam that almost every member of In selecting which Subject Tests to take,
Exeter’s Class of 2009 will take for college focus on your strongest areas of study and
admission. With three sections that mea- plan to take the corresponding test on the
sure critical reading, mathematical reason- dates you will be best prepared, usually
ing, and writing skills, the SAT is a long when you complete a certain course. If
test, at three hours and 45 minutes. The you have any questions about the appro-
Critical Reading section emphasizes priateness of a particular test and the tim-
reading skills and tests vocabulary in the ing of your taking it, please consult your
context of short and long reading passages teacher and your college counselor.
and sentence completion questions. The
Writing section includes both multiple A C T- A m e r i c a n C o l l e g e Te s t i n g P r o g r a m
choice questions and a student-written For some Exonians, the ACT may be a
essay, and tests a student’s skill with testing option to consider. The ACT can
grammar, word usage, and word choice. be used at many colleges as a substitute for
The Math section includes topics from the SAT I, and sometimes even for certain
advanced algebra and precalculus, and SAT II Subject Tests. You should review
emphasizes data interpretation and applied the testing requirements of the colleges
math questions. Although it is possible to you are interested in and discuss the ACT
complete the Math section without one, option with your college counselor. Please
students should use a four-function, sci- note that the ACT is not offered at a test-
entific, or graphing calculator for the ing site in Exeter, New Hampshire.
exam. Student scores will include Critical
The ACT consists of four 35-50 minute
Reading (CR 200-800), Mathematics (M
200-800), and Writing (WR 200-800), subtests in the areas of English, mathemat-
with two Writing subscores for multiple ics, reading, and science reasoning. You will
choice and the essay. The SAT tests are receive four separate scores in addition to a
usually offered seven times a year: January, composite score that averages the tests.
March or April, May, June, October, Scores range from 1(low) to 36 (high).
November, and December. Most competi-
tive colleges require the SAT I.
15
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
16
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
Some students benefit through more tar- Sending SAT Scores by Phone:
geted preparation. More than half of 1. Before calling the College Board’s
Academy students currently use an out- Educational Testing Service(ETS),
side tutor or a test-preparation course, gather the following information:
although such services are generally very *Score reports for each test
expensive. If you decide to use an outside *College CEEB codes
tutor or service, you should do so when *Credit Card
you have ample time. Many Exeter stu-
2. Call 1 (800) SAT SCORE.
dents are too busy during the academic
year to take on the additional responsibil- 3. ETS will ask for your name, registra-
ity of an outside prep course; so summer tion number (on the bottom of the
may be a better time for such extended score report) for each test or your
preparation. Social Security number, date of test,
name of test and score of test.
Members of the class of 2009 will have an
introduction to the SAT during the win- 4. Give ETS the CEEB codes of the col-
ter term of their upper year. This oppor- leges you wish to receive the scores.
tunity is unique to the Academy in that it
5. Your SAT I scores will automatically TEST TAKING TIPS
balances Exeter student’s needs for test
be sent with your SAT II subject • You cannot take both the
preparation with an understanding of the
scores. SAT I and SAT Subject Tests
demands already placed on them.
Featuring two one-hour workshops, this Sending SAT Scores electronically on the same date.
curricular supplement will teach effective Follow the directions online at • Not all SAT subject tests are
test strategies, fit comfortably into stu- www.collegeboard.org. offered on every test date.
dents’ busy schedules, and be accessible to Sending SAT Scores by Mail:
• You are responsible for
all Exeter uppers. Follow the directions in the SAT
SENDING TEST SCORES TO COLLEGES
sending your SAT scores
Registration Bulletin.
to colleges.
It is the student’s responsibility to send Sending ACT Test Scores:
standardized test scores to colleges. The Follow the directions in the ACT
following offers details on how to send Registration Bulletin.
your SAT scores. Sending TOEFL Test Scores:
Follow the directions on their
website: www.toefl.org.
17
CHAPTER I WINTER & SPRING OF UPPER YEAR
COLLEGE COUNSELING
WEBSITE
publications, college and university web-
SEARCH
You will also complete the important
Upper Questionnaire on the site, and have
Exeter’s College Counseling website pro-
access to it through your personal Profile
vides a foundation tool for you as you nav-
Page. This will enable you to update your
igate the college selection process. As a
personal and extracurricular information
public “browsable” site, it offers lots of
as necessary, thus keeping your counselor
information about the process, with a cal-
fully informed and giving yourself a well-
endar of events, pages on scholarships and
organized database for filling out your col-
financial aid, a library of links to our
lege applications.
Guidebook, and much more. It is also a
private “registered” site for you to manage There are many more helpful aspects of
most aspects of your college search. With the college counseling Office website,
your password, you will take advantage of which you will discover as you use it.
the rich interactivity of your personalized The college counselors will give you a
Student Profile Page and the Academy’s training session on the site at the all-
unique College Profile Pages. You will use upper class College Counseling “kickoff”
these features to create and modify your meeting in January. The more you use it,
college list, plan your college selection however, the more you will take advantage
schedule by saving events and dates from of its many features.
the College Counseling Office calendar,
and bookmarking “hot” links to relevant
content from College Counseling Office
18
CHAPTER II SUMMER
CHAPTER II SUMMER
Summer may seem to offer a break in your intended visit. By calling ahead you can set
college search process, but in fact the oppo- up a schedule that ideally suits your travel
site is true. The summer between your needs and makes the best use of your lim-
upper and senior years is ideal for commit- ited time. Avoid the drive through and
ting a significant amount of time to drop in approach.
21
CHAPTER II SUMMER
HOW TO INTERVIEW
interviews in the admission process.
Interviews at PEA
The interview serves two purposes. It rein- Every fall over 120 university representa-
forces your interest in a particular institu- tives visit the Exeter campus either at our
tion and it is an opportunity for the admis- mini college fairs, or at an evening presen-
sion staff to clarify the match between their tation. When the universities’ staffing and
school’s offerings and your interests and schedules permit, representatives will
abilities. Every school treats interviews dif- spend an additional day or evening on
ferently, so it is important to read their lit- campus interviewing interested students.
erature closely and determine where and Interview sign-up sheets are posted in the
when to interview. Your college counselor College Counseling Office and all seniors
will guide you. are notified of upcoming interviewing
opportunities through the Daily Bulletin.
Also, students who have a specific univer-
sity on their college list on their Student
22
CHAPTER II SUMMER
Profile Page will receive a sign-up notice in Keep the conversation focused on
their post office box and an email stating strengths. While it may be important for an
when the interviews will take place. admission officer to have a sense of family
Interview slots fill quickly. Seniors are transition or teacher conflicts, the overrid-
encouraged to check the Daily Bulletin and ing tone of the conversation should be
to check their post office boxes and e-mail upbeat, geared toward the last two years in
early each day. school, and show a fit with an institution.
MAKING PROCESS
iar with the offerings of the school.
Check out your interview style. Do you As most admission officers will tell you, the
appear poised, confident, articulate? Work interview is just one piece in the student’s
at containing any nervous habits and try to application file, and no one credential
keep your thoughts focused on what you alone gets a student admitted or denied.
are saying. If you are shy, reticent, or a non- Rather, all information is examined, and
native speaker, we strongly encourage you typically the interview evaluation rein-
to do some practice interviews before going forces or clarifies other aspects of the file.
to your Category III and IV schools. You
Occasionally, an interview may not be in
will naturally become more comfortable
the student’s best interest, or could adverse-
with the interview format once you have
ly affect the student’s application. Discuss
done a couple and know what to expect.
with your college counselor whether inter-
viewing is appropriate for you.
23
CHAPTER II SUMMER
FINANCING YOUR
COLLEGE EDUCATION
In addition to the “scholarship” file of
printed material located in the College
Counseling Office, we also provide
Beginning the Search for Need
detailed information about scholarships in
and Merit-Based Assistance
the “Financial Aid” and “Library” sections
As increasing college costs put more stress
of the College Counseling webpage.
on family resources, the topic of financial
aid can be a decisive factor in the college Need-based aid is the most common
search for many families. The College form of financial assistance. Since private
Counseling Office strongly encourages you colleges cost more than Exeter, most col-
to honestly and openly discuss with your leges have an even higher percentage of
Filing for
family the role of financial assistance in students on need-based aid; the Academy
your college selection. While we believe provides need-based aid to more than a
financial aid?
that the total cost of college should not be third of our students.
the primary factor which shapes your col-
Make sure Need-based aid requires a family to submit
lege search, availability of financial aid fre-
financial documentation which establishes
quently plays a critical role in the final deci-
you have completed their eligibility. All colleges and universities
sion about which college to attend.
require a student to submit the federal gov-
There are two basic types of financial aid: ernment’s Free Application for Federal
the FAFSA
merit-based and need-based. Merit-based Student Assistance (FAFSA). Some col-
aid is offered to a student based on acade- leges and universities will also require their
and CSS Profile.
mic, artistic, athletic, or other criteria; the own institutional form. In addition, over
college or scholarship-sponsoring group 200 private and public colleges also require
makes the determination of the merit the Profile form, which is customized by
award on their own criteria. The most each college to provide the specific addi-
common merit awards are college-spon- tional financial information each college
sored scholarships, corporate or non-prof- needs to assess a student’s eligibility for aid.
it scholarships, government-sponsored Two external parties - the federal govern-
scholarships (such as service academies ment’s Central Processing Agency, which
and state scholarships), athletic scholar- reviews the FAFSA, and the College Board’s
ships for highly-talented Division I and II College Scholarship Service (CSS), which
athletes, and multicultural scholarships. processes the Profile form - serve as impar-
tial agents in assessing eligibility.
The timetable for some merit scholarships
can be as early as the summer between It is vitally important that students and
your upper and senior years. During this families not wait until senior year to find
time, students who are interested in merit- a way to finance their education. To
based aid should begin their research assist families, almost all colleges and
by looking at two websites devoted to universities provide printed and website
scholarships: www.fastweb.com and material which gives guidelines about
www.ed.gov/students/prep/college their individual policies and timetables.
24
In addition, we suggest using some of • Our experience has shown that
the most helpful and commonly Exeter often awards much more
used financial aid website resources: generous financial aid than colleges.
www.fafsa.ed.gov, www.finaid.org, • Although many colleges are “need-
and /or www.collegeboard.com. blind,” some schools may consider a
Every family contemplating applying for student’s financial eligibility as they
need-based aid should try at the beginning make admissions decisions. Because
of the college search process to determine of this, students should apply to sev-
what their approximate eligibility will be. eral colleges where their credentials
By completing the College Board’s ‘Finding will place them among the strongest
Scholarships and Financial Aid’ calculator candidates in the applicant pool.
or the ‘Need Analysis Financial Aid • It is possible for colleges to admit
Estimation Form’ on the finaid.org website, you but deny financial aid, or to pro-
families can be provided with an approxi- vide you with an aid package that
mate Expected Family Contribution (EFC). does not meet your calculated need.
In addition, some colleges will have their This is known as “gapping.”
own worksheet which can calculate the EFC • On your summer college visits, ask
as determined by their own unique policies. questions about each school’s finan-
It is important to remember that this EFC cial aid policies: Is the college need-
figure is only an estimate; some colleges and blind/need-aware? Any merit-based
universities will expect a family to pay more scholarships?
or less than the EFC, depending on the col-
• If receiving financial assistance is
lege’s admission and financial aid policies
critical to your ability to attend col-
and the availability of institutional funding.
lege, you must include a financial
However, by knowing your estimated EFC,
aid “safety” school on your college
you can begin to look more knowledgably
list. This financial “safety” school
at grant and loan options for paying for col-
must both be affordable and fall in
lege costs.
the Category I group for admis-
In addition, keep in mind these points sions. Often a state university in the
about financial aid: student’s home state is an appropri-
• Aid is offered in packages consist- ate choice.
ing of grants, work-study, and a siz- • Deadlines are important, and many
able amount of loans. Carefully come early; a handful of scholar-
consider whether you are willing to ship applications are due as early as
assume a heavy loan burden. the summer prior to the senior
• Most highly-selective institutions year. Although the federal govern-
offer few, if any, merit-based schol- ment’s FAFSA form cannot be filed
arships. until January of the senior year, we
recommend that the College Board
25
College Scholarship Service (CSS) The College Counseling Office encour-
Profile registration form (Part 1) ages parents and guardians to discuss
should be submitted shortly after a financing higher education with their
student’s return to campus in children in order to assure that college
September. Students planning will reflect family circum-
can register on-line with Profile by stances and will promote the search for
checking the website http://pro- any and all means of supporting our stu-
fileonline.collegeboard.com. If you dents’ aspirations. Please feel free to
are applying under an Early speak with your college counselor if you
Decision or Early Action plan, you have any questions regarding financing
should register with the Profile as your college education.
early as possible. Worksheets to
help families complete on-line the
Free Application for Federal
Student Assistance (FAFSA), the aid
form required by all colleges, arrive
in the College Counseling Office
after the Thanksgiving break.
26
C H A P T E R I I I FA L L
C H A P T E R I I I FA L L
ROLLING ADMISSION
to apply by November 1 and receive a
decision by approximately December 15. Many state universities render decisions
Some schools offer Early Decision, a bind- as applications become complete.
ing plan that states that a student agrees to Therefore, we encourage students to
matriculate if offered admission. Students apply to state universities with rolling The College
can only apply Early Decision to one admission plans (for example, University
school. Some schools offer an Early of Michigan or University of Wisconsin) Counseling Office
Decision II plan which is still binding but by late September of the fall term.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
has an application deadline later than
assumes that a student
November 1. Typically Early Decision
candidates, if accepted, are required to
The time has come. You have made your accepted under
make a deposit at the university to secure
college list, checked it twice, and are ready
their place in the class.
to put pen to paper and start filling out your an early admission plan,
Early Action, also an early admission plan, college applications. Before you begin the
is not binding. Students, if accepted, do process, keep a few things in mind.
either Early Decision or
not have to deposit until May 1. Some
First, college admission officers expect hon-
schools offering Early Action plans
est and complete answers to the questions Early Action,
include: Boston College, Georgetown and
asked. Take time to read each part of the
MIT. However, the College Counseling
application fully and, when possible, use the has completed
Office assumes that a student accepted
space that has been provided. Whenever
under an early admission plan, either Early
possible, type your application. the application process
Decision or Early Action, has been admit-
ted to their first choice school and therefore Second, many application booklets provide
has completed the application process and a checklist for keeping track of required cre- and will file no further
will file no further applications. This phi- dentials and important dates. Keep a copy
losophy parallels the spirit of the of this along with a copy of your completed applications.
Academy’s motto of “Non sibi,” and allows application for each school.
the greatest number of Exonians to be
Last, work on your college applications a lit-
favorably considered at the most selective
tle bit at a time. Read through the applica-
colleges.
NOTIFICATION
thinking about how you want to organize
your academic and extracurricular record.
With Early Evaluation and Early Jot down some essay ideas. Revisit the whole
Notification plans, universities send a process again and again. By working at it a
preliminary letter indicating the likeli- little bit at a time, you will have more time to
hood of acceptance in late February with prepare a full and attractive application.
27
C H A P T E R I I I FA L L
OUT APPLICATIONS
Our CEEB number is 300185. The College
Counseling Office address is J. Smith Hall,
Read the directions thoroughly and follow PEA, 20 Main Street, Exeter, NH 03833. Students are
the instructions. The phone number is (603)777-3415. The
If you are uncertain where to start, make a fax number is (603)777-4326. responsible for
copy of the application and write out a Fee/Fee Waiver: Personal checks or money
draft to see how the information appears. orders are acceptable. If you receive sub- contacting the Educational
Remember that writing assignments often stantial financial support from the
take longer than you think they will. A Academy, application fee waivers are avail- Testing Service directly
short-answer essay question may take you a able through the College Counseling Office
long time since you are trying to find just Be sure to speak with your counselor early and requesting
the right four lines. in the fall. An application may be processed
and read without a fee or fee waiver but the that their SAT scores
Also, technology can be both a blessing university might withhold notification of
and a curse. Be sure to allow time to work the final decision.
out the unforeseen kinks. be sent to their schools.
Part II of the Application
Part I of the Application Everything Else
Personal Information Part II of an application takes a little more
The receipt of your Part I will often convert time and thought to complete and must be
you in the university’s system from a submitted by the application deadline. Part
prospective student to an official applicant. II questions include:
Some of the typical questions asked in Part
I of the application are: Listing Senior Courses: Admission officers
want to see your full senior schedule. If the
Decision Plan: Standard options include Early space provided is divided into semesters,
Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. draw a line down through the second
Name: Be consistent. Use the same name semester and separate out winter and
that is on your Exeter transcript and SAT spring term. Be sure to denote intensive-
tests. level or college-level courses.
29
C H A P T E R I I I FA L L
dents to apply. A sampling of choices is scores and have attended a previous high
usually provided and you should just school should check about the reporting of
answer honestly. testing on their previous transcript. While
the College Counseling Office submits all
Questions About Where Else You Are
transcripts to admission offices, we cannot
Applying: Some universities might pose
be held responsible for the testing informa-
this question to see where their applicant
tion provided by other schools.
pool overlaps with the competitors. You
can either leave it blank or offer a partial Presenting Your Extracurricular
list (say three other similar schools). It is Interests and Activities
Using a not advisable to offer a full list of schools Just as college admission officers try to
under consideration. assess your academic record by looking at
your course of study and grades, they will
Common Application? Language, If Other Than English: If a stu-
also try to gauge your level of achievement
dent has a low SAT Reading or Writing
outside of the classroom by looking at how
Remember to submit score, an admission officer will look here
you spend your time. While there may be
to see whether another language is spoken
significant personal merit and enjoyment
any required supplements. at home.
by being involved in a variety of activities,
Intended Major: Most colleges and uni- admission officers tend to look for students
versities recognize that students will with commitment.
change their minds several times before
Commitment To Activities: Most colleges
officially declaring a major at the end of
will ask students to amplify their commit-
their sophomore year, so the emphasis here
ment to an activity by defining hours per
is on “intended.” Be aware some universi-
week, positions held, and whether or not a
ties suffer from over-represented majors
student plans to continue with the activity
(for example, science majors interested in
in college.
pre-med). Discuss with your college coun-
selor the possible impact your intended Leadership: As you consider your senior
major may have on the admission process. activities, think about ways that you can
take on a leading role, perhaps in your
Reporting Standardized Tests
dorm, in clubs/organizations, or on athlet-
Standardized testing information is not
ic teams. If an organization does not exist
reported on the Phillips Exeter Academy
at PEA, think about starting one. Many
transcript. Students are responsible for
established groups started this way.
contacting the Educational Testing
Service directly and requesting that scores Volunteer Work/Community Service:
be sent to their university choices. At cer- Admissions officers are interested in how
tain times in the admission process, univer- you help others, whether during the acade-
sities may contact Phillips Exeter and mic year or on breaks from school.
request scores. Only with your prior written Through the Exeter Social Service
approval will the College Counseling Office Organization (ESSO), potential contribu-
release the scores to admission offices. tions are limitless. Rather than being active
Students who want to report only ACT in five or so different social service groups,
30
C H A P T E R I I I FA L L
try identifying which issues are of most Exeter sends final winter term grades,
concern to you and play an active role in which are usually available mid-March, to
making a difference. all schools on a student’s list, even if a stu-
dent was accepted under an Early
Hobbies/Outside Interests: Admission
Decision plan. Exeter does not release
officers are interested to see how you spend
midterm grades to colleges since they are
your free time.
an internal assessment tool. A final tran-
Academic Honors or Awards: Be sure to list script is sent to the school where a stu-
all the academic achievements that you dent matriculates.
have earned since ninth grade.
Academic Recommendations from Be sure to ask
Recommendations Teachers: Generally, two teacher rec-
Secondary School Report (SSR): Most ommendations are requested by col- your teachers for
colleges and universities require the leges, and you should ask teachers from
College Counseling Office to submit infor- the upper or senior year. Some schools
recommendations early
mation about you—your academic perfor- will require an English teacher and one
mance, your personal qualities and your other instructor, but be sure to read each
—a month or two
extracurricular accomplishments—as part application closely. Be sure to ask your
of your application. We provide this infor- teachers early—a month or two in
mation with a form, called the Secondary advance is not too soon. Fill out the top in advance
School Report, to which we attach your portion of the form with your name,
high school transcript(s), documentation address, and Social Security number and is not too soon.
of medical leaves or probations, and a provide your teachers with pre-
detailed recommendation written by your addressed, pre-stamped envelopes. Share
counselor. In the applications that you your interests with your teachers, either
receive from most colleges, you will find a through conversations or by providing
Secondary School Report form. You can an outline. Academy faculty graciously
ignore this form, because at PEA we have extend themselves by writing for seniors,
our own Secondary School Report form so please be considerate and give them
that all colleges and universities accept. as much notice and information as pos-
sible. And remember to thank them!
Class Rank: Many schools request infor-
mation on class rank and ask the coun- One year seniors and postgraduates are
selor to compare students within certain encouraged to talk with their college
categories. Phillips Exeter does not rank counselors about asking teachers from
its students, but we do provide a range of both Exeter and from their previous high
cumulative grade point averages attained school.
by seniors who entered the Academy in a
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy
particular year.
Act of 1974: The act entitles a student to
Midyear School Report Forms: Students review his/her permanent record once
do not need to submit the midyear report she/he has matriculated at a college. Most
forms found in most college applications. students opt to waive the right to see the rec-
31
C H A P T E R I I I FA L L
ommendation because it implies that the Every essay should reflect both of these
recommendation was written candidly. attributes. This is your chance to distinguish
yourself to the college admissions officers.
Additional Recommendations: If you
GETTING STARTED
have one or two additional people who
would like to write on your behalf, it may The end of the upper year is not too early
be worth considering. However, too to begin. Make a list of traits and experi-
many additional reference letters can be ences that set you apart from others. Make
distracting to the admission reader. a chronological list of important things
Again, talk with your college counselor you have done in and out of school.
about the value of your additional letters. Finally, boil it down to a few that have
Before you mail your
application: Additional Credentials meant the most to you, or carry index
The deadline for alumni/ae interviews is cards with you and every time you think of
Check to see that you signed
usually well in advance of the application something write it on one of the cards.
the application forms.
deadline. If needed, check the application When your applications arrive in the fall
Make sure someone proofreads booklet for details about how to arrange list all the questions. Make sure you answer
your entire application. an interview. the question or questions that the college
asks. Choose a topic that is close to your
Make sure you mail the appli- Students with talents in the performing
heart. Let your personality shine through.
cation to the correct school (it arts should discuss with their college
Tell them what you want them to know,
is very easy with the Common counselor the process for sending art,
not what you think they want to hear.
Application for materials to music, theater or dance material. See the
Never underestimate the power of your
get mixed up). chapter “Special Applicants” for more
own written words. Make one experience
ESSAY
your completed applications. in your application.
Use transition sentences between para- one term; students who wish to take both
graphs to retain continuity. The first draft their college days in one term must petition
will be very rough. Leave it for a few days, the Dean’s Office. We advise students to
then read it again with fresh objective eyes. reserve at least one college day for a visit
Rewrite. Ask a literate friend to read it and after the receipt of college admission letters
make suggestions. Ask him/her if your per- to help inform their final choice. All college
sonality shows through in the essay. Take days must be taken before May 1.
criticism gracefully. Re-read your essay,
Students who are admitted through an
being aware of grammar, spelling, and
Early Decision or Early Action program will
correct organization around the theme.
not be allowed to miss a class for a college POINTS TO REMEMBER:
Remember to be concise; the reader allows
visit subsequent to their acceptance unless • Follow the directions in
approximately 2-3 minutes per essay.
they receive an invitation to an orientation regard to length, format and
Finally, college admission officers are savvy or open house program for admitted stu- whether it should be typed
to essays that have been over-edited by par- dents. In such a situation, you must submit or in your own handwriting.
ents or purchased on the Internet. Please a copy of your invitation or a description of
• Read the question carefully
do not download any part of your essay the program to the College Counseling
and answer the question
required. If you have questions about report- In situations where a student is required to
ing such matters to colleges with your initial withdraw from the Academy, the College
application, you should seek clarification and Counseling Office will notify in writing all
guidance from your college counselor. the colleges to which the student has
applied describing the charge and the
If you are placed on probation during or
change in status within 10 calendar days of
shortly after the filing of your application, and
the decision. Students are encouraged to
the colleges to which you have applied ask a
contact the colleges involved immediately
direct question about probation, you should
and discuss the specifics of their situation.
submit a supplemental letter explaining the
If such disciplinary action is taken after the
incident in question to the particular colleges,
student has been admitted to college, the
despite the fact that the actual application may
College Counseling Office is still obligated
have already been submitted. Colleges have
to notify the colleges to which the student
numerous ways of uncovering such informa-
has applied of the change in status, through
tion, and a straightforward, honest approach
a written statement describing the charge
concerning the disciplinary process at the
and the change in status, within 10 calen-
Academy has proven to be the most effective
dar days of the decision.
method of dealing with such issues and the
college application process. Once again, you Medical, Personal and Dean’s Leaves
should always check with your counselor if By Academy policy, when a student takes a
there are lingering concerns or questions medical or personal leave from Exeter, the stu-
regarding such a specific situation. dent’s transcript reflects the change in status.
In most cases, college admission officers will
In those cases where the question is asked
ask questions about such leaves of absence. It
directly of the student and/or the college
is the practice of the College Counseling
counselor on the application forms, the
Office to indicate that the medical or personal
College Counseling Office will forward to
leave has occurred, and to encourage the stu-
the college a brief statement describing the
dent to discuss the leave and the reasons
Academy’s philosophy about discipline, a
behind it with each college directly.
brief description of the disciplinary
process, and a simple statement of the In cases where the student has taken a med-
charge brought against the student. If you ical leave of absence and has returned to
are on probation after filing an application, school prior to the filing of his/her applica-
you will be instructed by the College tion, the fact that the student has successful-
Counseling Office (in writing or through a ly continued his/her academic career after
personal meeting with your college coun- the medical leave often reassures college
selor) to notify the college in writing about admission offices of the student’s readiness
the disciplinary action. After 10 calendar to handle the rigors of college life. In cases
days, to allow the student to inform the col- where the leave is prolonged or occurs close
lege, the College Counseling Office will to or after the filing of the college applica-
send a statement concerning the probation tions, colleges will be more concerned about
directly to the college. the leave and its ramifications.
34
C H A P T E R I I I FA L L
36
CHAPTER IV WINTER
CHAPTER IV WINTER
By now you have mailed your applications, as soon as they know the admission status
have requested that test scores be sent to of your application. If you are having trou-
colleges, and are finishing up supplemen- ble getting your financial aid forms pre-
tal application materials that arrived after pared, speak with your college counselor.
MISSING CREDENTIALS
senior has applied. Early Decision and
Early Action candidates should note that
By the beginning of winter term, all tran-
the College Counseling Office sends win-
scripts and counselor letters of recom-
ter term grades to the school where they
mendation have been mailed to your list of
have been accepted. While many colleges
colleges. Occasionally, students will receive
request midyear grades by February 15,
notification that their application is
the winter term at Exeter does not end
incomplete because of missing documents
until mid-March. As soon as the term
or test scores. Don’t panic. Admissions
ends, the grades are sent to the schools to
officers are processing tens of thousands of
which a senior has applied. Though stu-
pieces of mail with varying degrees of effi-
dents receive midterm grades, they are
ciency. Often the “missing credential” let-
unofficial and are not released to admis-
ter and the Exeter materials have crossed
sion officers.
37
CHAPTER IV WINTER
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38
CHAPTER V SPRING
CHAPTER V SPRING
SENIORITIS
charter member. when left untreated, can
Use your college counselor as a resource to
cause extensive damage to
help you sort through your options, con-
future college goals, often
firm your financial aid award, and make You’ve made it! The 1st of May has come
irreparably. Also known as
your final decision. and gone, you have deposited with your
senior slide or senior slump.
first-choice school and are already begin-
As the College Counseling Office celebrates
ning to anticipate the start of college. You
your admission offers with you, we recog-
are now ready to relax, knowing that the
nize that many of you will also have received
pressure of performing academically in
some disappointing news from colleges. A
order to get into college is off. It is time to
denial letter is never pleasant,
take it easy because, after all, grades don’t
even if you were anticipating it. Being
count anymore.
denied admission does not mean that you
were unqualified or did something “wrong.” This is false. The college process isn’t over
With many more highly qualified students until that Sunday in June when the final
applying by record numbers at institutions senior’s name is announced at gradua-
nationwide, a denial letter simply means tion. Until that moment, and even
that there were other candidates who better beyond, colleges retain the right to
met the college’s unique needs and criteria. rescind offers of admission for students
Your college counselors firmly believe that who have failed to maintain consistent
the college didn’t turn you down — they academic performance. Reread your offer
turned down your résumé. Use the support of admission. Colleges require students to
resources of your family and friends as you agree to maintain their academic status
sort through your decisions.
39
CHAPTER V SPRING
quo and complete their Exeter career at Sometimes a college’s projections for its
the same general standard which they had target may be dead-on … other times, sig-
achieved before. Your failure to do so is a nificantly over or under its goal. At any
breach of your end of the bargain, thus per- point just before or after May 1, once the
mitting colleges to reconsider their part of college has recognized that they have not
the contract — your offer of admission. met their target enrollment, admissions
offices review their waitlist to select a num-
Some clever students may attempt to gauge
ber of students to round out their class.
the threshold at which they can lessen their
When waitlist letters are mailed, it is
effort without causing their grades to raise
impossible to know which colleges will be
You should only remain any “red flags.” Yet only the college knows
able to admit students from their waiting
its own threshold. Continue to work hard
lists or how many students they will admit.
active on a waiting list to maintain your present standard of per-
The status of the waiting list will become
formance.
much clearer after May 1 when admissions
if you are sincerely Colleges have been known to rescind offers offices will have a final tally of matriculat-
of admission. While colleges are not eager ing students.
interested in attending to take such a dramatic step, they are will-
No two colleges look at waitlists in the
ing and able to rescind offers of admission.
same way. Some schools use it as an effec-
that college. Remember that you are not a freshman at
tive enrollment tool, others hope never to
that college until the first day of class. Any
go to their waitlist. Others inappropriately
action you take — not only academic
use the list as a supposedly gentler way of
inconsistency, but also disciplinary matters
saying “no,” without any intention of ever
both on- and off-campus — can impact
admitting a student. The number of stu-
your offer of admission. Don’t be foolish.
dents taken from a waitlist can be a mere
Do not do anything that can jeopardize all
handful or in the hundreds. Sometimes
WAITLISTS
of your hard work.
colleges have “special interest” waitlists for
athletes or legacy cases; others group every-
Many students incorrectly judge a college’s one together. Some institutions rank wait-
decision on the size or weight of the enve- lists, others do not. Recognize that there are
lope: a big, fat packet means an offer of numerous variables to how a college uses a
admission; a thin envelope signifies the dis- waitlist. Waitlist opportunities can fluctu-
appointment of being denied admission. ate from year to year — no two years are
Yet colleges mail out more than two types exactly alike at a given institution. Carefully
of decision letters. Often, that thin enve- review the waitlist letter for clues about
lope can convey a different type of deci- past waitlist activity. A telephone call to
sion: a waitlist letter. admission offices can also provide valuable
information.
Most selective colleges and universities use
waitlists as an “insurance policy” for meet- Being placed on a waitlist can be both a
ing their target for their freshman class. blessing and a curse. The good news is
College admissions is art, not science. that you might have received a simple let-
40
CHAPTER V SPRING
ter of denial. Yet there are downsides. cation of whether the college
Accepting a place on a waitlist prolongs encourages additional supporting
your admissions process at a time when evidence or recommendations.
most of your peers may be wrapping up Some schools welcome such “lobby-
their own. There is also absolutely no ing” from candidates, while others
guarantee of any positive outcome to may discourage it.
remaining on a waitlist. Despite a college’s • Decline offers of admission at col-
statement that only a handful of waitlist leges you do not plan to attend
students may be admitted, many students before May 1. In the spirit of “Non
cling to a false sense of hope, only to be sibi,” such action could benefit one Your “To Do” List
disappointed. Whatever happens, a waitlist of your peers in getting off that
can be an emotional roller coaster ride. school’s waitlist and being offered ...................................
waiting list if you are sincerely inter- in their freshman class is guaran-
...................................
ested in attending that college. If you teed. Your deposit will be forfeited
have other college choices about ...................................
if you are accepted off the waiting
which you are excited, then it is not list at your other choice, but you
...................................
advisable to remain on a list. It may cannot postpone depositing
not be wise to remain on a waiting because you will lose your place at ...................................
list if your recent grades or other the college which offered you
parts of your college candidacy have admission. It is an accepted prac- ...................................
not shown improvement. tice to commit to one college while
• Many colleges provide information remaining on the waiting list at
on how often and to what extent the another. Remember that there is no
waiting list has been used by their guarantee that any college will offer
admissions office in the waitlist let- admission to any students placed
ter. The letter may also give an indi- on its waitlist, so it is IMPERATIVE
41
CHAPTER V SPRING
that you accept an offer of admis- can assure yourself of a good college
sion that has been made to you option.
before May 1.
The College Counseling Office will stay in
• Keep up your performance in the contact with the colleges during this time
classroom and remain active to support your efforts. Remain patient,
in extracurricular activities. keep this process in perspective, and con-
• Discuss with your counselor the tinue communicating openly with your
efficacy of writing a direct, succinct family and your college counselor. Use the
letter to the appropriate admissions support network you have to assist you
UNDERSTANDING YOUR
Accept one college’s officer at your waiting list school. through this challenging time.
OFFER OF FINANCIAL
(The College Counseling Office has
AID
offer of admission his/her name.) Restate your reasons
for wanting to attend the college,
and make a deposit there mention any recent accomplish- For students who have applied for need-
ments or pertinent new informa- based financial aid, most colleges will noti-
BEFORE May 1 tion about which the college may fy students of their aid package shortly
not be aware and emphasize that after their offer of admission. If a student
you will attend if offered admission has submitted required documents, such as
so that your place
from the waiting list. Show this let- the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal
ter to your college counselor Student Aid) and the Profile forms, on
in their freshman class
before mailing it. time, college financial aid offices are usual-
• Resist the urge to telephone admis- ly able to notify students of their aid award
is guaranteed.
sions offices to lobby on your own prior to the May 1 deadline for accepting
behalf. an admission offer.
• Discuss frankly with the college, Upon receipt of their financial aid package,
your college counselor, and your students and families should thoroughly
family the opportunities available read all of the information that has been
for need-based financial aid for included in their aid award. Families who
waitlisted students. Many colleges have questions about award packages
completely deplete their institu- should contact the college’s financial aid
tional resources for grant money office as soon as possible. Aid officers are
on or before May 1. Some schools available to help families make sense of
do not have the resources to offer their packages and financing options.
any aid to waitlist students. When contacting aid offices, be patient –
Above all else, try to maintain perspective many other families are also seeking to
and a sense of humor. Remember that you clarify their packages in the next three
probably have wonderful college choices weeks, before the May 1 deadline.
available to you. By concentrating your Remember that need-based financial aid
focus and energy on those and making a packages consist of two types of assistance:
deposit before May 1 to one of them, you
42
grant and ‘self-help’ money. Grants may source - Tree Loans, CitiAssit loans, or other
come from the college or from federal/state loans recommended by the New
governments, and do not require repay- Hampshire Higher Educational Assistance
ment. The most common forms of grants Foundation - to meet the ‘gap.’ Please rec-
Exonians receive in their financial aid ognize that some of these loans have origi-
award include SEOG, Pell Grants, and col- nation fees, in addition to interest payments
lege-sponsored scholarships or grants. and requirements that students begin to
Colleges expect students and families to repay during their undergraduate years.
help finance their education through such
If you have any questions about under-
‘self-help’ means as college work-study or
standing your financial aid award, or need
student loans. Students are required to pay
help in determining how to proceed with
back ‘self-help’ money. Exonians may see
questions and negotiations with college
in their award packages such ‘self-help’
financial aid officers, please feel free to con-
funding as Perkins Loans, college work-
tact your college counselor.
study, Stafford Loans, and privately-spon-
sored loans, such as PLUS loans. If you have not heard about your financial
aid package by the first week in April, we
When reviewing the aid package, students
strongly recommend that you contact the
may also consider college-sponsored
college financial aid office immediately, to
options, such as payment plans and
confirm that your aid application is com-
deferred payment programs, that can help
plete. Frequently, the following missing
spread out a family’s contribution. Some
information can hold up a student’s aid
colleges and universities may include their
package:
own college-sponsored loans, which are
often offered with attractive payment plans • Did you complete your FAFSA/Profile
and competitively low interest rates. Check on time? Delays in submitting these
with the college aid office to see how to forms create delays in receiving finan-
apply for these programs. cial aid.
On occasion, some colleges’ financial aid • Have you returned your Student Aid
awards do not fully meet a family’s demon- Report (SAR)? Four to six weeks after
strated financial need, as calculated by the submitting the FAFSA, students will
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from receive their SAR, the official record
the FAFSA and Profile forms, with suffi- that the federal processing agency
cient grant dollars, leaving a significant dif- received your FAFSA. Upon receiving
ference between the cost of attendance and their SAR, students should carefully
the total aid award. This administrative review all the information to make
policy is known as ‘gapping.’ If you have sure it is correct. Students must
received a ‘gapped’ aid package, we suggest return their SAR to the federal pro-
you speak directly with the respective cessing agency. Failure to promptly
financial aid office. Some students may return the SAR to the agency can hold
choose to borrow funds from an outside up your aid package.
43
• Has your SAR been selected for verifi- • Does your family own a business or
cation? On the form, look for the let- are they self-employed? Usually, col-
ters EFC followed by a series of num- lege financial aid offices require addi-
bers. If there is an asterisk (*) after tional documentation (such as specif-
your EFC, your FAFSA has been ic tax return schedules) for small-
selected for verification. About 30 per- businessmen.
cent of FAFSAs are selected for verifi-
• Do you have any siblings or parents
cation. If selected, you will be asked by
who are enrolled as undergraduate
college financial aid officers to pro-
college students? Financial aid offices
vide more information.
may require verification of full-time
• Have you submitted copies of tax enrollment.
returns and W-2 forms to financial aid
Because every family’s financial cir-
offices?
cumstances are unique, each financial
• If your parents are divorced or sepa- aid case will be different. Do not hes-
rated, have you submitted documen- itate to speak directly with a college’s
tation verifying their marital status? financial aid office, should any of
Financial aid offices may seek addi- these specific areas of concern pertain
tional information about a student’s directly to you.
non-custodial parent.
44
CHAPTER VI ADMISSIONS
DECISIONS
CHAPTER VI ADMISSIONS DECISIONS
ADMISSIONS DECISIONS:
HOW THEY ARE MADE
• School profile: context of learning
environment, number of 400+/AP
There are many factors that influence an courses offered, faculty/student
An admissions officer
admissions decision. The type of institution ratio, percent of graduates attending
(public vs. private), the size (large, medium four-year colleges, unusual pro-
reviews two main
or small), the level of selectivity, the philoso- grams, history of school with col-
phy of the institution and the “context of the lege/university, grade distribution.
applicant pool” in any given year will influ- ingredients
• Grade distribution vs. class rank vs.
ence how an admissions officer will read and grade-point average.
rate an application, present an application to of a student’s
• Standardized Test Scores (SAT I,
a committee, and make a final decision on an
SAT II, ACT, TOEFL).
application. application—
• Teacher and counselor recommen-
Most often at public institutions, objective
dations. Both should provide specif- the student’s
data (rank, GPA, SAT I, SAT II Subject tests,
ic information about strengths,
ACT) will direct a decision. However, this is
accomplishments, areas of improve-
not true for every public institution — you academic
ment and aberrant performance.
must ask each institution how it evaluates
• Achievements/Awards/Scholarships. and personal
in-state and out-of-state applicants. At the
most selective private institutions, a stu- • Academic programs beyond the tra-
dent’s academic and personal profile as well ditional, including study abroad profiles.
as the secondary school context (the num- programs and summer study.
ber of applicants from Exeter in any given • Academic interest (major).
PERSONAL PROFILE
year, the strength of their as well as our
applicant pool, the history of admissions
• Extracurricular activities including
decisions, matriculation rates and present
time commitment and roles within
performance of Exeter students) are taken
activities, both in and outside of
into consideration. If you have attended
school. (Colleges are not necessarily
more than one secondary school, each edu-
looking for the “well-rounded stu-
cational experience will be evaluated.
dent,” they are looking for a well-
An admissions officer reviews two main rounded freshman class.)
ingredients of a student’s application — • Character traits (leadership, fellow-
the student’s academic and personal pro- ship, inspiration, discipline, determi-
files. The outline below will offer some nation.) What traits do you possess?
insight into the many facets of each profile.
A REVIEW OF:
cation, or clarify a special talent or
lapse in your record.
• The transcript. Balance and rigor
• Recommendations (counselor,
of courses (Intensive/Honors/
teacher, employer, volunteer
400+/AP), as well as grades.
supervisor, etc.).
45
CHAPTER VI ADMISSIONS DECISIONS
46
CHAPTER VII SPECIFIC
APPLICANTS
CHAPTER VII SPECIFIC APPLICANTS
47
CHAPTER VII SPECIFIC APPLICANTS
48
CHAPTER VII SPECIFIC APPLICANTS
NCAA
SAT Verbal and Math sections or a
50
CHAPTER VII SPECIFIC APPLICANTS
courses for students with disabili- • How much is your talent used in the
ties, obtained from your college decision-making process?
counselor. Also, review the section • How do they evaluate your talent If you are a
on “Learning Disabilities” in this (portfolio, audition, and tape)?
PERFORMING AND
guidebook.
VISUAL ARTS
• Does each institution look for spe- student with talent in the
cific ingredients in talent? What does
each college want to see in your arts you may want to
If you are a student with talent in the visu-
portfolio or audition?
al arts, music, dance or theater, you may
• For this year’s applicant pool, is the include a sample of your
want to include a sample of your ability to
college looking for one type of
the various colleges to which you are apply-
instrument more than another (e.g. ability to the
ing. Consider the following in determining
harp players over violinists, or oil
what you send:
painters over graphic designers)? colleges
• Does your Academy or private
• How do you make an audition
instructor believe your talent will
appointment? Who does the actual to which you are applying.
win a favorable review from a partic-
evaluation? Are there regional
ular college? Which pieces should be
auditions available? Can you send
used to demonstrate your talent?
a tape?
• Do you have the time and resources
After learning more about the evaluation
to present your talent in a format
process at each college, have a conversation
that is acceptable to the college (e.g.
with your college counselor, adviser, and
art in the form of slides not original
Exeter teacher to determine which schools
canvas)?
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
are a better match for you.
• Contact each of your respective col-
DEFINING “INTERNATIONAL”
leges to learn what supplemental
materials they will accept and where
to send them (i.e. the admissions It is important to determine how each of
office or the music department your respective colleges defines an “inter-
and/or both). national student.” Some students are
defined by citizenship, while others are
If you are planning to apply to a conserva-
defined by foreign educational experi-
tory, art institute, or school devoted to the
ence, sometimes both. Check with each
arts (e.g. Julliard or Museum of Fine Arts)
school on how they define your particular
or a school for the arts within a larger uni-
status and whether you must submit a
versity (e.g. The Tisch School at NYU or
different international application, sup-
Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art and
plemental form, or declaration of finan-
Planning), you should understand how
cial status form.
your application will be evaluated. Ask
each college:
51
CHAPTER VII SPECIFIC APPLICANTS
TESTING
universities. Ask your college counselor for
a copy of this list.
Most colleges ask international students
who are not native English speakers to take DECLARATION OF FUNDS
the Test of English as a Foreign Language Most colleges and universities will ask
(TOEFL) exam or the English Language international students for a declaration of
Proficiency Test (ELPT) exam. The ELPT funds. This is a statement from your par-
test is used to test language proficiency of ents’ bank indicating in American dollars
non-native speakers of English who have that your family can afford at least one year
been enrolled in ESL programs in and as much as four years of college. Some
American high schools. The TOEFL exam colleges ask to see a balance that will cover
is used for international students whose more than one year. Ask each institution
native language is not English and who are exactly what they are looking for in their
applying for admission to colleges and declaration of funds. Many colleges and
graduate schools in the United States. universities will not notify a student of
Therefore, the College Counseling Office their admissions decision until supporting
recommends students take the TOEFL financial documentation has been submit-
LEARNING DISABILITIES
exam in the summer between their ted for review.
upper and senior year and/or in the fall
of their senior year. Exeter offers an
If you are a student with a documented
“institutional” version of the TOEFL
learning disability (i.e. a professional has
exam; however, some colleges will only
evaluated your learning style with diag-
accept the “computer-based” exam
nostic tools and has written a report indi-
offered at regional sites throughout the
cating a learning style difference), you
United States and world. The computer-
have the right by law not to share this
based exam is expensive and has limited
information with colleges. However, most
admittance, so plan ahead.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
ties have developed various strategies to
help them with their academics and share
U.S. citizens, dual citizens with the United with colleges their learning difference and
States, and permanent residents are all eli- coping strategies.
gible for federal financial aid dollars
52
CHAPTER VII SPECIFIC APPLICANTS
Colleges must accommodate students with ate match for you personally, academical-
learning or physical disabilities by law. ly, physically, and vocationally. The exten-
However, it is helpful to inquire what the sive steps necessary to complete the appli-
individual college offers in terms of sup- cation include nomination by a senator or
port for students with learning disabilities. congressperson, as well as evaluation of
Do they presently have the services you your academic credentials, personal
need? integrity, and physical fitness.
TESTING
ences continue to be strong at the service
academies. Are you interested in one of
As a student with a learning disability, you these academic areas?
may want to take untimed SAT I or SAT II
Lifestyle Change
Subject testing. Discuss with your college
The service academy requires a change in
counselor whether extended timed testing
lifestyle. It is very different from the
is appropriate for you and what the proce-
traditional undergraduate experience.
dures are for such testing. Students who
Investigate and comprehend the magni-
require extended time must register with
tude of the change and whether you are
the College Board in their upper year.
ready to fully embrace it on a daily basis.
SERVICE ACADEMIES
Postgraduate Obligations
As a service academy graduate, you are
obligated to give at least six years of mili-
If you are considering one of the service
tary service in return for your free educa-
academies among your college choices,
tion. Determine whether this obligation is
the College Counseling Office recom-
reasonable to you.
mends you think carefully about the
education and experience found at a ser-
vice academy. First and foremost, you
must know yourself well enough to
understand whether this is an appropri-
53
CHAPTER VII SPECIFIC APPLICANTS
THE COLLEGE
TRANSFER APPLICANT
• How much weight is given to the high
school record in the evaluation? It is
The College Counseling Office recommends usually less if you are applying for
The same process
each student carefully consider the resources junior status.
at their present college before pursuing a • How much weight is given to SAT for first-year students
transfer admissions process. Often, your pre- scores in the evaluation process?
sent institution will allow you to achieve your (Again, it is usually less if you are apply-
academic goals through independent study or applies to transferring,
ing for junior status.)
access to graduate courses in order to accom-
• What are the required courses the with slight modifications.
modate your needs. However, if you are truly
admissions office is looking for trans-
unhappy, here are some guidelines to consid-
fer applicants to have completed by
er when transferring.
the close of their first year? Usually,
If you are a senior dissatisfied with your college colleges will evaluate transfers more
choices in spring of your senior year, the favorably if they have taken some of
College Counseling Office suggests preparing the basic requirement courses towards
now to enhance your transfer candidacy later. their major. This may not hold true
The same process for first-year students applies for students attending a focused pro-
to transferring, with some slight modifications. gram (e.g. conservatory); they may be
Begin the transfer process by thinking about a evaluated differently due to the cours-
range of schools (i.e. Category I, II, III, and IV). es and opportunities available.
Review your original criteria for colleges and
• Does financial aid play a role in the
call each of the colleges that you believe meet
transfer admissions decision?
your criteria. Ask if you can speak to someone
• What was the percentage of aid given to
who evaluates transfer applications. Write
accepted transfer students last year?
down this person’s name as your contact
What was the average grant for transfer
source and call him/her for all future inquiries.
students?
It is important to ask the following questions
and review the answers to determine how to • Does the college have a separate finan-
proceed in your college course work in order to cial aid budget for transfer students?
enhance your transfer application. Does this budget fluctuate each year?
How much?
• What is the percentage of transfer stu-
dents accepted as sophomores for the Transcripts Requests
last two years? Percentage projection If you are a current Exeter upper or senior
for the year you plan to apply? or an Academy alumna/us requesting a
• What is the percentage of transfer transcript, all requests must include:
students accepted as juniors? Percentage • your full name and any former names;
projection for the year you plan to apply?
• your graduation year
• What was the average college GPA
• name and address to where tran-
and SAT I score accepted in the last
script(s) are to be mailed
two years?
• your daytime phone number
55
Seniors can stop by the College Counseling request a transcript. Remember that the
Office and complete a ‘pink sheet’ request College Counseling Office requires 10
form. Requests from alumni/ae can be working days to complete your request.
faxed to the College Counseling Office
If you are pursuing a gap year, please let
at (603)777-4326, or e-mailed to
your former college counselor know how
ccoffice@exeter.edu. Please note that the
you have spent your interim year and if
College Counseling Office will only mail
you are currently deferred from any other
‘official’ transcripts from our office directly to
university. If you are transferring, it is very
a third party (such as a college admission
helpful to our counseling of other students
office, employers, scholarship organizations,
to know why alumni/ae are considering
etc.). Since there may be as much as a 10-day
transferring from their current college. To
processing period, particularly during busy
that end, we would appreciate your
periods when the office is helping current
response to our year-end “Transfer and
seniors or processing their applications,
Gap Year Application Results” question-
we encourage you to plan accordingly.
naire when it is emailed to you in June.
Standardized test scores, such as the SAT, Your feedback is extraordinarily helpful
ACT, AP, and TOEFL, do not appear on and greatly appreciated.
Exeter transcripts. If you need your previous
The Academy follows the Principles of Good
standardized test scores, you are responsible
Practice set by the National Association of
to contact the College Board and/or the ACT
College Admission Counselors. The College
for all testing reports.
56
57
58
59
60
APPENDIX
G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S
APPENDIX G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S
Academic Discipline: A college depart- Asset Protection Allowance: The por- Budget: The estimated cost of atten-
mental or subject area, such as English tion of parents’ assets that is not includ- dance for a student at an institution
literature, history, or business. ed in the calculation of the Expected which typically includes tuition, fees,
Family Contribution (EFC) (q.v.), as cal- books, supplies, room, board, personal
Academic Year: The period in which
culated by Federal Methodology (q.v.). expenses, and transportation.
school is in session - typically September
through May. Bachelor of Arts (B.A. or A.B.): Traditional Category I: Selective colleges and uni-
degree awarded by a liberal arts college or versities on an Exonian’s college list, to
Accelerated Programs: Exceptionally-
university following successful completion which s/he has the greatest chance of
selective admission programs which
of a course of study.These degrees may be gaining admission; generally colleges with
offer graduate school admission, gener-
granted in any number of fields in the a higher percentage of applicants offered
ally for medical school, to freshman
humanities, social sciences, natural sci- admission.
applicants. Program length can vary
ences, or fine/performing arts. Some col-
from seven to eight years, often includ- Category II: Selective colleges and uni-
leges award an A.B., which is simply the
ing summer coursework. versities on an Exonian’s college list, to
Latin abbreviation (Arts Baccalarius) for a
which s/he has roughly 50/50 odds of
Accrual Date: The date on which inter- Bachelor of Arts degree.
gaining admission; frequently subjective
est charges on an educational loan begin
Bachelor of Business Administration factors, such as the college’s own institu-
to accrue.
(B.B.A.): Degree offered by undergradu- tional needs and a student’s demonstra-
Adjusted Available Income: The remain- ate business and management programs, tion of interest, can play a large role in
ing income after taxes and a basic living which are accredited by such national the application review for Category II
allowance have been subtracted in agencies as the American Assembly of schools.
Federal Methodology. (q.v.). Collegiate Schools of Business, by meet-
Category III: Highly-selective colleges
ing a required set of certification and
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: Tests and universities on an Exonian’s college
course requirements. Accredited busi-
sponsored by the College Board for stu- list, to which s/he has a moderate chance
ness programs can differ significantly
dents who have taken advanced, college- of gaining admission.
from B.A. (q.v.) liberal arts degrees.
level courses here at the Academy. Some
Category IV: The most-selective col-
colleges may allow students to receive col- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.): Degree
leges and universities on an Exonian’s
lege credit for high scores on these exams; offered by fine arts, design, theater, dance,
college list, to which s/he has the small-
still others will place students out of intro- and other visual and performing arts pro-
est chance of gaining admission; general-
ductory-level courses into higher levels. grams. Admission to B.F.A. programs can
ly colleges with the lowest percentage of
be based to a large extent upon artistic
American College Test (ACT): College applicants offered admission.
talent, determined through an audition
admissions examination administered by or portfolio review, and to a lesser Clearinghouse: Division of the National
the American College Testing Program, extent upon standardized testing and Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA]
measuring through multiple-choice academic performance in traditional cur- (q.v.) which certifies that all Division I
questions four areas of academic knowl- riculums. and Division II athletes have taken 16
edge: English, mathematics, reading, and
“core” high school courses, meeting a
science reasoning. While widely accept- Bachelor of Science (B.S.): Degree usual-
minimum level of achievement in acade-
ed throughout the United States, this ly awarded for successful completion of
mic and testing performance. Prospective
exam is used more commonly by requirements in the natural and physical
athletes must register and be cleared by
Midwestern and Western colleges and sciences, or for more professionally-ori-
the NCAA Clearinghouse prior to their
universities for admission testing. ented programs, such as education, engi-
participation in college sports. Most
neering, or business. Note that many col-
Assets: Cash in checking and savings Academy students initiate the
leges award B.A.s (q.v.) for similar
accounts, trusts, stocks, bonds, other Clearinghouse process during the fall of
degrees. Some universities may offer
securities, real estate, income-producing their senior year.
both degrees in a particular academic
property and business equipment and discipline; generally the B.S. degree may Collateral: Property used to secure a
inventory which is all considered in require additional work in the major for loan which can be seized if the borrower
determining the Expected Family graduation. defaults on the loan.
Contribution (EFC) (q.v.).
A P P E N D I X G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S
College Board: For-profit organization Cooperative Education (Co-op): College- Demonstration of Interest: An internal
which sponsors such educational testing sponsored programs designed to help measure by selective colleges and univer-
as the SAT I, SAT II, AP, and CLEP exams undergraduates meet college expenses sities that may be sensitive to their fresh-
and such financial aid forms as the Profile and gain work experience, alternating man yield (q.v.) of an applicant’s level of
form. The informal name of the College periods of study with periods of work in interest in their institution. Such factors
Entrance Examination Board [CEEB] a field related to a student’s academic or considered can include on-campus visits,
(q.v.). professional interests.Traditionally, but not interviews with an alumnus/a or admis-
exclusively, used by students in such pre- sions officer, meetings with an admissions
College Days: Academy policy currently
professional programs as engineering, officer off-campus, or the level to which a
allows for a student to use two days dur-
computer science, and business. student engages with the college’s applica-
ing the senior year to visit colleges, known
tion and essay.
as college days. In addition to the standard Core Curriculum: Required college
out-of-town procedure, students must courses necessary for graduation, consist- Dependency: A student’s dependency
procure from their college counselor a ing of a comprehensive selection from status determines the degree to which
permission slip to request a college day such fields as the humanities, social sci- the student has access to parental financial
from the Dean of Student’s office. Visits ences, natural and physical sciences, quan- resources.
must take place prior to May 1. titative fields, and requiring English and
Differential Packaging: Administrative
foreign language proficiency. Core curricu-
College Entrance Examination Board policy where colleges use enhanced finan-
lums can range from a handful of courses
(CEEB): Another name for the College cial aid offers to entice academically-
to well over half the required courses
Board (q.v.). In filling out applications and stronger or under-represented students
necessary for graduation.
other college forms, students are fre- to matriculate (q.v.). While meeting
quently asked for their high school’s Cosigner: Individual who assumes demonstrated financial need (q.v.), differ-
CEEB number; the Academy’s CEEB responsibility for a loan if the borrower ential packages may consist of a larger
number is 300185. fails to repay. percentage of grant money vs. student
loans than what most students would
College Level Examination Program Credit Hour: Measure of degree of diffi-
receive.
(CLEP): Exam offered by the College culty of courses, frequently proportionate
Board testing knowledge in a subject to the number of hours of weekly class- Disbursement: The process by which
area without regard to how a student room instruction. For example, a four- financial aid funds are made directly to
gained that knowledge. Unlike AP exams, credit hour course will generally require students for use in meeting educational
these tests do not require that a student more work and be more demanding than expenses.
complete high school coursework to a three-hour course. Most colleges
Discipline: See “Academic Discipline.”
take the exam. Some colleges award col- require students to meet a certain thresh-
lege credit for high CLEP results; others old of credit hours in order to graduate. Division: Academic unit of a college or
will waive certain general curriculum university; can also be a school (“School of
Custodial Parent: In cases where a stu-
requirements. Business”) or college (“College of Arts &
dent’s parents are divorced or separated,
Sciences”) within a university.
College Scholarship Service (CSS): the custodial parent is the parent with
Branch of College Board (q.v.) which whom the student lived the most during Double Deposit: Accepting two colleges’
administers the Profile (q.v.) form and the past 12 months. offers of admission by submitting a binding
other financial aid services. deposit to secure a spot in the freshman
Default: Failure to repay or otherwise
class at both. This practice is prohibited by
College Work-Study Program (CWSP): meet the terms and conditions of a loan.
the regulations of the National Association
A federally-sponsored program which Penalties include a damaged credit rating,
of College Admissions Counselors
allows students to pay for part of their withholding of tax refunds, and loss of
(NACAC), and is vehemently discouraged
educational expenses through part- future aid eligibility.
by the College Counseling Office.
time work on campus. A portion of the
Demonstrated Financial Need: Amount,
work-study salary comes from the col- Early Action: The non-binding admission
as determined through Federal, private
lege employer; most is through federal process used by a handful of colleges
and/or institutional financial aid forms,
subsidies. Only students with demon- whereby a student applies to his first
which is the difference between the total
strated financial need are eligible for choice college in late fall and is notified of
cost of attendance and the estimated fam-
work-study jobs. his admission decision in mid-December,
ily contribution (q.v.).
A P P E N D I X G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S
yet does not need to respond to the through needs analysis, (q.v.) from ing college, which does not require
institution until the May 1 common noti- Federal and institutional financial aid repayment, like a loan.
fication deadline (q.v.). While Early Action forms, that a family can afford to spend
Honors Programs: Special college cours-
colleges do not require a student to with- for college.
es within an informal or structured pro-
draw other applications, the College
Extracurriculars: Activities in which gram offering greater intellectual chal-
Counseling Office takes the approach
students participate outside of the class- lenge for highly-qualified, motivated stu-
that, since a student has been offered
room, such as athletics, student organi- dents. Some programs are open by invita-
admission to her/his first choice school,
zations and clubs, volunteer work and tion only; others require a supplemental
s/he will withdraw all other college appli-
community service, music lessons or application, different from the application
cations.
groups, or part-time jobs. for admission. Many honors programs
Early Admission: An admission process offer scholarships or special prerogatives,
Feder al Methodolog y (FM): The
whereby a student who has completed such as preferential registration.
method created by the U.S. Government
11th grade applies for college admission,
and calculated from the information sup- Hook: A subjective factor in the admis-
thus skipping their 12th grade year.
plied by the FAFSA (q.v.) used to deter- sions decision-making process which can
Occasionally, though infrequently, used
mine a student’s expected family contri- influence, to varying degrees, a student’s
synonymously for Early Action (q.v.).
bution (q.v.). final decision, such as legacy (q.v.) status,
Early Decision: The binding admission athletic recruitment, exceptional artistic
Federal Processor: The organization that
process whereby a student applies to his talent, or membership in an underrepre-
processes the information submitted on
first choice school in late fall, and is noti- sented multicultural population.
the FAFSA (q.v.) and uses it to compute
fied of their decision in mid-December. If
eligibility for federal student aid. Humanities: Fields of study including
offered admission under Early Decision,
English, literature, languages, philosophy,
the student must withdraw any other 4-1-4 Plan: An academic calendar usually
classics, history, music, fine arts, theater,
applications from other colleges. including a fall term with four courses, a
and religion.
shortened winter term with one course,
Early Evaluation: A non-binding admis-
and a spring term with four courses. Institutional Methodology (IM): The
sion process where a student is tenta-
method used by individual colleges from
tively notified of their admission decision Free Application for Federal Student Aid
the information supplied by the Profile
in January or February, receives their (FAFSA): The Federally-sponsored finan-
form (q.v.) to determine a student’s EFC
official offer in late March, yet does not cial aid form required by all U.S. colleges
(q.v.).Where Federal Methodology is uni-
need to respond to the college until May and universities to apply for Federal
versally standard, the individual compo-
1. While the Early Evaluation college loans and grants, used to determine a
nents of Institutional Methodology can
does not need to be a student’s first- student’s financial need based upon
vary from school to school.
choice school, most applicants use the Federal Methodology (q.v.).
program for their first or near first Interest: See “Demonstration of Interest.”
choice college. Gapping: Administrative policy where
the college’s financial aid award does Internship: A part-time paid, volunteer,
Educational Testing Service (ETS): not fully meet a family’s demonstrated and/or for-college-credit position offer-
Branch of the College Board (q.v.) which financial need (q.v.). Such a “gap” can ing hands-on experience in a student’s
administers the SAT I and SAT II (q.q.v.) range from a few hundred to several academic or professional field of inter-
examinations, and processes requests thousand dollars. est. Internships are undertaken either
for scores to be reported to colleges. while enrolled during the academic year
Grade-Point Average (GPA): Numerical
or in the summer.
Enrollment Status: For financial aid pur- conversion of letter grades into a cumu-
poses, the amount of time a student is lative average, by term, year, or academic Ivy League: While its eight members
enrolled in courses per semester – “full- career. Generally GPAs are computed (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth,
time” for a full course load generally using a 4.0 scale (4.0 = A, 3.0 = B, etc.); Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale) are
consisting of four or more classes and the Academy utilizes an 11.0 scale (11.0 = highly selective colleges for admission, the
“part-time” for less than that amount. A, 10.0 = A-, 9.0 = B+, etc.). designation “Ivy League” only refers to
their membership in a common athletic
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Grants: Financial aid money from the
conference.
The amount of money determined Federal/ state government or matriculat-
A P P E N D I X G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S
Joint Degree: Also may be known as a Admission Counseling (NACAC): Need Aware, Need Conscious or Need
“dual degree” program. Academic pro- Professional association of college admis- Sensitive: A college financial aid policy
gram of study which allows a student to sions and high school guidance/college where a family’s ability to pay may influ-
either major in two separate undergradu- counseling personnel. As a member of ence the college’s admission decision.
ate fields in completely distinct disciplines NACAC, Exeter and its students agree to Students with a higher demonstrated
(such as engineering and business, or busi- abide by the “Principles of Good financial need who may not be near the
ness and foreign language), or to pursue a Practice,” which outlines the appropriate academic top of a college’s applicant
joint undergraduate-graduate degree pro- ethical standards for such issues as Early pool are most vulnerable in the admis-
gram (such as joint B.A./M.B.A., B.A./J.D., Decision, application deadlines, and dou- sions process at need aware colleges.
or B.A./M.D. programs). ble depositing.
Need Blind: A college financial aid policy
Legacy: Having an immediate family NCAA Clearinghouse: where a family’s ability to pay does not
member, generally a parent and occa- See “Clearinghouse.” influence the college’s admission decision.
sionally a grandparent or a sibling, as an
National Collegiate Athletic Association Needs Analysis: The standard, uniform
alumna/a of a college to which the stu-
(NCAA): National organization which process by which a college financial aid
dent is making application.
supervises and regulates most intercol- office determines how much a family can
Liberal Arts: A broad-based introduc- legiate athletic programs. Based upon afford to pay, using two systems: federal
tion to a wide variety of subjects, includ- size of institution and level of competi- methodology and institutional method-
ing the social sciences, humanities, and tion, these programs are divided into ology (q.v.v.).
natural sciences (q.v.v.). Generally does three divisions: Division I, II, and III. The
Package: A student’s financial aid award,
not include professional programs, such first two Divisions generally award ath-
“packaged” together with such compo-
as business, engineering, or nursing, letic scholarships; Division III athletic
nents as loans, grants, work-study, and
although these programs may contain programs do not.
scholarships.
some coursework in the liberal arts.
National Merit Commended Student: A
Parent Contribution (PC): Another
Loans: Financial assistance which must designation given to students by the
name for the EFC (q.v.), usually not
be repaid over an extended period of National Merit Corporation for stu-
including any of the student’s summer-
time, generally after a student completes dents who score high on the
employment savings.
an undergraduate degree, but occasion- PSAT/NMSQT (q.v.) examination, but do
ally beginning during undergraduate not pass the state-specific threshold Payment Plans: College-sponsored pro-
enrollment. score to become a Semifinalist (q.v.). grams which allow families to spread the
yearly cost of attendance out over
Major: Concentrated field of collegiate National Merit Finalist: A National
monthly installments.
study in one academic discipline (q.v.), Merit Semifinalist (q.v.) who becomes eli-
requiring a set number of required gible for merit-based academic scholar- Pell Grant: Named in honor of Sen.
courses for completion beyond any ship, based upon the student’s strong Claibourne Pell (RI), Federally-funded
required core curriculum (q.v.) require- PSAT/NMSQT (q.v.) scores, high school grants (q.v.) designed to help students
ments. Students concentrate in two aca- record, and counselor recommendation. with the lowest EFC (q.v.). Eligibility is
demic fields by “double-majoring.” determined through the information
National Merit Scholar: A National
provided through the FAFSA (q.v.). The
Matriculate: Academic term meaning Merit Finalist (q.v.) who receives a merit-
yearly maximum amount of a Pell Grant
to “enroll” at or “attend” a college or based academic scholarship, sponsored
is about $3,000.
university. by a member organization or college, or
the National Merit Corporation. Perkins Loans: Federally-funded college
Merit-based Aid: Financial aid based on
loan with traditionally lowest interest
academic, artistic, athletic, or other non- National Merit Semifinalist: The initial
rate of educational loans, with repay-
need based criteria. designation by the National Merit
ment deferred until nine months after a
Corporation for students who pass a
Minor: A secondary field of concentrat- student leaves school. Students may bor-
state-specific threshold score on the
ed study during the final two years of row up to a total of $15,000 for an
PSAT/NMSQT (q.v.) examination.
college, similar to a major (q.v.) yet with undergraduate degree (approximately
fewer requirements. $3,000 annually), and eligibility is deter-
mined through the information provid-
National Association of College
ed through the FAFSA (q.v.).
A P P E N D I X G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S
PLUS Loans: Federally-sponsored col- fields of study. Law and medical schools promise, regardless of whether a student
lege loans administered through individ- generally offer basic guidelines on under- qualifies for assistance on the basis of
ual banks and loan lenders available to graduate courses for students interested demonstrated financial need (q.v.).
parents who are U.S. citizens of an in gaining admission to these graduate
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT):
undergraduate student enrolled at least programs. However, students can gener-
Standardized tests administered by the
part-time. Parents must pass a credit ally integrate these basic requirements
College Board (q.v.) which provide col-
check to qualify for PLUS loans and are into many divergent majors, including
lege admission offices with a common
legally responsible for repayment. business, engineering, and other non-tra-
national standard for evaluating student
Available without regard to financial ditional pre-professional majors.
records from different high schools.
need, PLUS loans may cover the full cost
Profile: Financial aid form sponsored by Along with a student’s academic perfor-
of education minus other forms of aid.
CSS (q.v.) and utilized by approximately mance in high school and other more
Prepaid Tuition Plan: A college savings 320 participating colleges, which is simi- subjective factors such as recommenda-
plan guaranteed to rise in value at the lar to the FAFSA (q.v.), but is cus- tions, extracurriculars (q.v.), and essays,
same rate as college tuition. Several tomized by colleges to supply additional the SAT is used with variable success to
states and private institutions offer such information as required by the colleges attempt to predict a student’s academic
programs. to which the student is applying for aid. performance in college.
Principal: The amount borrowed or Quarters: Academic calendar consisting SAT I: The most general standardized
owed on a loan. of four terms, approximately 10 weeks test offered by the College Board – a
in length; some quarter-system schools three-hour, primarily multiple-choice
Professional Judgment: For need-based
have courses in the summer. test which measures Verbal and
federal aid programs, financial aid admin-
Mathematical reasoning abilities. The
istrators can adjust the Expected Family Rate of Attrition: Percentage of stu-
SAT is required by almost all U.S. col-
Contribution (EFC) (q.v.) or the cost of dents who do not return, due to acade-
leges and universities for freshman
attendance, or change the dependency mic, financial, or personal reasons, usu-
admission.
status (q.v.) with documentation when ally given at the end of the freshman
extenuating circumstances exist, such as year. SAT II: One hour-long, primarily multi-
when a parent becomes unemployed. ple-choice tests measuring knowledge
Reser ve Officer Tr aining Cor ps
of particular specific subject areas and a
Promissory Note: A legally binding con- (ROTC): U.S. military program offering
student’s ability to apply that knowl-
tract which a student signs before receiv- one-, two-, and four-year scholarships at
edge. SAT II Subject Tests fall into six
ing the disbursement (q.v.) of their finan- select colleges and universities, covering
general areas: English, history and social
cial aid package that details the terms of tuition, books, and fees in addition to a
sciences, mathematics, sciences, and for-
the loan contract and obligating the bor- living stipend, in exchange for a set num-
eign languages. Many highly selective col-
rower to repay the loan. ber of years in a branch of the service.
leges and universities will require SAT II
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Rolling Admission: Admission process exams for admission.
Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship whereby students are offered or denied
Secondary School Report (SSR):
Qualifying Test): Administered by ETS admission throughout the calendar year.
College-generated form requesting a
(q.v.), a standardized exam generally admin-
Satisfactory Academic Progress: A col- copy of the applicant’s high school
istered during the 10th and/or 11th grade
lege or university’s policy stipulating record and, frequently, a college coun-
enabling students to practice for the SAT I
that a student maintain a certain mini- selor letter of recommendation. Exeter
and SAT II: Writing tests. The PSAT test
mum number of courses that must be creates its own SSR forms and does not
offered in October of the 11th grade year
completed each semester, the maximum use any of the colleges’ own copies.
is the qualifying exam for the scholarship
time permitted, and the minimum
competitions administered by the National Selective Service: U.S. Department of
grade-point average (q.v.) required to
Merit Scholarship Corporation. Defense bureau which requires registra-
continue to receive financial aid.
tion by all 18-year-old U.S. citizens.
Pre-Law/Pre-Med: Not a major (q.v.) or
Scholarships: Merit-based financial assis- Confirmation of registration with the
academic discipline (q.v.), but an intended
tance offered in recognition of a student’s Selective Service is required for eligibility
direction for graduate school allowing a
academic, personal, extracurricular for federally-funded financial aid money.
student to concentrate in many different
and/or athletic achievements and
A P P E N D I X G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S
Self-Help: The amount of money, in Student Contribution: An estimate of Pell Grants, PLUS Loans, Perkins Loans,
addition to receiving non-repayable the student’s ability to contribute to and Stafford Loans (q.q.v.).
grants, which colleges ask students to his/her college education, typically up to
Title IX: Federal government law
help finance their education through col- 35 percent of savings and up to half of
requiring that any college or university
lege work-study or loans (q.q.v.). student summer earnings above $1,750.
that receives money from the U.S. gov-
Semester: The most common academic Student-Faculty Ratio: The ratio deter- ernment must have roughly the same
calendar, dividing the year into two equal mined by dividing the number of stu- proportion of female athlete opportu-
terms. dents by the number of professors. The nities as female undergraduates.
student-faculty ratio is often of ques- Schools must also demonstrate a con-
Servicer: An organization that is paid by
tionable value; “average class size” fre- tinuing history of expanding athletic
a loan lender to administer student
quently provides more useful informa- opportunities for women.
loans.
tion about faculty-student interaction.
Transcript: Official school record of
Simplified Needs Test: An alternative
Subsidized Loan: Student loans on grades and courses.
method of calculating the expected fam-
which borrowers do not have to pay
ily contribution (q.v.) for families with Trimester: Academic calendar divided
interest until after their grace period
adjusted gross incomes over $50,000, into three roughly-equal terms (i.e., the
expires, usually within six months of
who have filed or are eligible to file an Exeter academic calendar).
completion of a terminal degree.
IRS Form 1040A or 1040EZ, or who are
Tuition: The portion of college expens-
not required to file an income tax Supplemental Educational Opportunity
es which covers the cost of a student’s
return. Grant (SEOG): Federally-funded grants,
academic program and enrollment. For
with priority funding going to students
Social Sciences: Academic fields of study full-time students, tuition is calculated at
receiving Pell Grants (q.v.).The maximum
which focus on human behavior and a set figure; part-time students pay a
annual SEOG is $4,000.
societal interactions, such as psychology, pro-rated amount calculated per class or
sociology, political science, anthropology, 1040/1040A/1040EZ Form: Federal credit hour (q.v.).
and economics. income tax form frequently required by
Unmet Need: Difference between cost
colleges to verify accuracy of financial
Stafford Loan: Formerly known as of attendance and the student’s available
information submitted on FAFSA and
“Guaranteed Student Loans” and resources, including his/her financial aid
Profile (q.q.v.) forms.
renamed in honor of former Sen. Robert package.
Stafford (VT), low-interest loans spon- Test of English as a Foreign Language
Verification: Review process in which
sored by the Federal government for stu- (TOEFL): Examination providing a more
the financial aid officer requests all doc-
dents enrolled at least half-time. Loans accurate assessment of non-native ver-
umentation from a federal aid applicant
can be both subsidized (for students with bal ability that the SAT I (q.v.) Critical
to verify accuracy of information.
demonstrated financial need) and unsub- Reading and Writing Sections.
sidized (for students who do not qualify Waitlist: Limited number of freshman
Three-Two (3-2) Program: Degree
for need-based financial aid). While the applicants who are neither admitted nor
program where a student begins their
U.S. government will pay the interest on denied admission, but are told they will
studies at one institution, generally a
subsidized Stafford Loans until six be notified after May 1 of their final deci-
smaller liberal arts college, and after
months following a student’s final full- sion as spaces within the freshman class
three years, transfers to another larger
time semester enrolled, students pay the become available during the summer.
institution to complete his or her stud-
interest (no principle) on unsubsidized Waitlists are utilized by most selective
ies. Most of these programs are in busi-
Stafford loans. institutions to ensure that they will meet
ness, engineering, computer science, or
their target enrollment numbers.
Student Aid Report (SAR): The form a related field. Three-two programs can
returned to a student following the be either single or dual undergraduate Yield: The percentage of students offered
completion of the evaluating processing degree programs; others are under- admission to a college or university who
of the FAFSA (q.v.) by the U.S. govern- graduate and graduate B.A./M.S. or matriculate as depositing students.
ment’s Central Processing Agency. M.B.A. combinations.
Copies of this form are frequently
Title IV Programs: Federal student aid
required by colleges, and are necessary
programs authorized under Title IV of
for sending additional copies of the
the Higher Education Act of 1965, such as
FAFSA information to colleges.