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College Entrance Guide

IB Coordinator and College Counselor: Barbara Kuhl

INTRODUCTION

The college process is a series of procedures designed to help the student gain admission to at least one institution that meets his/her abilities, needs and interests. It’s important to remember that there is more to getting into college than taking standardized tests and filling out applications. While some of the process is straightforward and easily understood, other parts may seem very complex and confusing. There are many different options and many choices to be made. In order to make a wise choice among all of the available options it is essential to know who you are now, and what you want to, or may want to, do in your future. The self-examination process can be exciting and challenging, as will be applying to college. For this reason, the sooner you start, the better your chances of getting into the college that fits your interests and abilities.

Though this is a very personal process and you, the student, are the only one concerned by every aspect of it, you will be accompanied and supported in this process by your parents and LILA’s College Counselor. The goal of this guidebook and the College Awareness Center at LILA is to help you find the colleges that will support your academic, social and emotional achievements, challenges and needs, and to find institutions where you will be academically challenged and socially comfortable. The job of the college is to admit students who will not drown in the academic pressure of their campus, who will feel at home in the residence halls and who will enjoy and participate in their extracurricular activities. There are over 3200 accredited four-year colleges and universities. We will help you find the ones that are best for you.

It’s important to remember that the college application procedures and policies change every year, so what may have worked years ago for your parents, or what worked for a sibling 5 years ago, may no longer apply to you. From your sophomore year on, it’s essential that you stay up-to-date with admission policies and become familiar with college admission literature. Numerous newspaper articles, magazines, and websites are available to assist you with any aspect of this long process.

Once the application process starts, be sure to respect all the LILA and the colleges’ deadlines. Be sure to inform yourself of policies and procedures concerning application fees, deposits, refunds, housing and financial aid. You may write to defer a response or a deposit on any offers of admission or financial aid until you have heard from all colleges and universities to which you have applied or until May 1, whichever comes first. As we complete your applications, remember that thousands of students are completing the same forms. Make sure your application reveals the real you.