If you are like many people considering college, you might
already have one in mind that you want to attend. Maybe
it's a college or university that someone in your family
attended, or one that a friend is happy to call their school of choice. Perhaps
the college is in your hometown, or you're a fan of its
sports teams. These are strong influences, and should not be ignored.
There are approximately 3,500 colleges and universities in
the United States – and, like the students who attend
them, they're all different and offer different amenities.
They are private and public, large and small, located in
cities and small towns. Some are church-related, others are
not. Some offer the liberal arts and sciences, while others
are specialized or technical.
As you look at colleges, you will have to ask yourself how
important these factors are to you. Your choice of a
college should not be dictated by a short visit or a casual comment, but by extensive research, and review, and consideration.
There isn't one perfect college, but there should be many strong matches that reflect your preferences. If you
narrow your sights to only one college, you may spend too
much time worrying about gaining admission to that particular
school. That will keep you from seriously considering other
colleges and universities.
We urge you to look at a variety of options, and you'll
quickly find that each one has its own advantages.
Please utilize the this Web site complete with information
about making an informative campus visit, preparing for
interviews and information about selecting courses as your
guide. For more information, speak with your college
counselor or visit www.acm.edu
and review their pre-college planning information.
Application Information
Student Applicant's Rights and Responsibilities
(taken directly from www.nacacnet.org, Students' Rights & Responsibilities brochure)
- You have the right to receive factual and comprehensive information from
colleges and universities about their admission,
financial aid, scholarship and housing policies. If
you consider applying under an early admission plan,
you have the right to complete information from the
college about its process and policy.
- You have the right to wait to respond to an offer of
admission and/or financial aid until May 1.
- Colleges that request commitments to offers of
admission, financial assistance, and/or housing
prior to May 1, must clearly offer you the opportunity
to request (in writing) an extension until May 1.
They must grant you this extension and your request
may not jeopardize your status for housing and/or
financial aid. (This right does not apply to candidates
admitted under and early decision program.
- The letter that notifies you of placement on a
waitlist or alternate list should provide a history
that describes the number of students on the list,
the number of students offered admission, and the
availability of financial aid and housing.
- Colleges may require neither a deposit nor a written
commitment as a condition of remaining on a waitlist.
- Colleges are expected to notify you of the resolution
of your waitlist status by August 1 at the latest.
Your Responsibilities
- You have a responsibility to research and understand the
policies and procedures of each college or university
regarding application fees, financial aid, scholarships,
and housing. You should also be sure that you understand
the policies of each college or university regarding
deposits that you may be required to make before you enroll.
- You must complete all material that is required for
application and submit your application on or before the
published deadlines. You should be the sole author of
your application.
- You should seek the assistance of your high school
counselor early and throughout the application period.
Follow the procedures recommended by your high school
for filing college applications.
- It is your responsibility to arrange, if appropriate,
for visits to and/or interviews at colleges of your choice.
- You must notify each college or university that accepts
you whether you are accepting or rejecting its offer.
You should make these notifications as soon as you have
made a final decision as to the college that you wish
to attend, but no later than May 1.
- You may confirm your intention to enroll and, if
required, submit a deposit to only one college or
university. (The exception to this arises if you
are put on a waitlist by a college or university
and are later admitted to that institution. You
may accept the offer and send a deposit. However,
you must immediately notify the college or university
at which you previously indicated your intention to
enroll, if applicable.)
- If you are accepted under an early decision plan,
you must promptly withdraw the applications submitted
to other colleges and universities and make no additional
applications. If you are an early decision candidate
and are seeking financial aid, you need not withdraw
other applications until you have received notification
about financial aid.
HELPFUL WEBSITE:
Over 200 colleges have subscribed to the Common Application. A student
with several of these colleges are on his/her list may want to consider
using the common application.