• Important to take classes in core areas (English, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Social Science) . Minimum requirements for many colleges would be 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 3 years of Science, 2 years of Social Studies and 2 years of Foreign Language.

 

• Many colleges also like to see classes taken in the fine arts area.

 

• Colleges consider how demanding the classes are that students take. Select colleges look favorably on  who take advanced and Advanced Placement classes.

 

• Class rank and GPA (Grade Point Average) are important and reflect grades 9 – 11 as students apply senior year.

 

• Most all colleges also look at extra-curricular activities and require a resume ( summary of leadership, service, work, sports, music, etc.,through high school).

 

• The best way to get started in the college selection process is to visit colleges. Colleges provide campus tours, information sessions, financial aid information and opportunities to meet students and college personnel.

 

• Visiting a variety of colleges is helpful to experience different sizes, locations, facilities, costs, academics, activities, housing and the different feel colleges have.

 

• Most all colleges are open Monday through Friday and many have special visit days.

 

• The junior year is the best time to get started.

 

• College web sites provide detailed information on visit dates and you can sign up on-line.  You can also contact Mr. Shively to assist in the process.

 

• Dowling Catholic allows juniors one day and seniors two days to miss school to visit a college. Students need to see Mr. Shively for a form to submit to attendence.

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• Big factor in selecting a college is the cost. As with any major expense it is advisable to “shop around“.

 

• There are many excellent colleges with affordable tuition rates.

 

• Private colleges may seem too expensive but may provide assistance to make them affordable.

 

• Colleges use scholarships or grants (free money) to attract students and the criteria used to determine the gift money will differ with each college.

 

• Scholarships may be based on academics, test scores, service, music, athletics, art, dance etc. The college web site will provide the information to assist you.

 

• It is again important to apply to admission early as many colleges have scholarship deadlines.    

 

• www.fastweb.com is a national web site for many scholarships

 

• Scholarship applications that come in to Dowling are sent out through e-mail to all seniors. Be sure to give your e-mail address to Mr. Shively.

 

• Federal or state loans and grants to help with college expenses require the student and family to file a FAFSA ( Free Application for Federal Student Aid ). Income information is used to complete the form and cannot be filed until after the first of the year.  The web site address for the FAFSA is www.fafsa.ed.gov.

 

• Colleges may tell a student early about a merit based scholarship but it will be in March or April before they know on need based government assistance.

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• Dowling College and Career Coordinator Tom Shively is available to assist students in the college planning process.  Contact him at tshively@dowling.pvt.k12.ia.us or call 222-1023.

 

• Important to have your e-mail address listed on Mr. Shively’s distribution list.

 

• Information on colleges visiting Dowling, ACT and SAT dates, scholarships, financial aid, college planning activities and more will be distributed through the e-mail system.

 

• Dowling Catholic Counselors are available to assist students with recommendations, applications and transcripts.

• Students can apply to colleges after their junior year.

• It is advisable to visit college web sites to get detailed information on admissions requirements, deadlines, and instructions on the application process. Applications will be available on-line.

• Since many will require teacher, counselor recommendations and essays it is important to start early in the senior year.

• Colleges differ on the timing of the acceptance decision. Many are rolling ( notifying within a few weeks), some have set dates. Turn around on applications is quicker when  the student applies early as colleges have more time.

• Over 150 well known colleges encourage students to use the common application where students fill out one application and can electronically have it sent to many colleges. Information and a listing of the colleges is available on-line at www.commonapp.org. 

• Since colleges require the transcript, test scores and many will ask for a resume of extra-curricular activities it is helpful to prepare these in advance. Also, since the first ACT date in the senior year is in late October it is important to have taken the ACT in the spring. 

• Applying to several colleges is common and advisable. Most private colleges do not charge a fee for applying on-line.

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