College Counseling
One of the easiest methods you can use to eliminate unnecessary angst
is to identify both your responsibilities in the college admission
process (those things over which you have control) and the
institution's responsibilities (those things over which you DO NOT have
control). As a student/applicant you have control over creating your
student record, navigating your college search, and preparing your
application. The Admission Committee has control over the decision to
offer you admission or not to offer you admission.- Step 1: Creating Your Student Record
- Step 2: Navigating the College Search
- Step 3: Preparing The Application(s)
- Step 4: The Admission Decision-The Waiting Game
- Step 5: Your Decision
- During The Process: A Few Helpful Suggestions
- Westover Profile
Step 1: Creating Your Student Record
You have been building your student record since the first day you
attended Westover. Your academic record serves as the foundation of
your student record. We encourage you to take the most rigorous
curriculum that you can handle. We also encourage you to pursue your
passions as you continue to take a balanced curriculum. Your testing
record serves as another piece of your student record. Students here
create a testing portfolio, and we will elect to send to
colleges/universities the scores that best represent your abilities. An
entire test prep industry is available to facilitate your test
preparation, yet some benefit from individual practice for tests. It is
your decision how to address test preparation. Your extracurricular
record also serves as a piece of your student record. Westover students
are often involved in other activities as they pursue their interests.
Whether you are gifted artistically or athletically, or you have
performed service to the greater community, the activities in which you
choose to participate and the time you devote to them are recognized by
colleges/universities.
For more info:
Summer Opportunities
College Testing
For more info:
Summer Opportunities
College Testing
Step 2: Navigating the College Search
You are the consumer. Take advantage of all of the resources available
to you as you research your options. First, take an inventory of your
interests, abilities, aspirations, and dreams. Your college handbook
has a personal inventory sheet. Second, use the web, college
literature, and visits to cull your list as you hone in on what you
feel is a good fit for you.
For more info:
College Search
College Visits and Interviews
For more info:
College Search
College Visits and Interviews
Step 3: Preparing The Application(s)
You have the ability to create a powerful application that speaks about
your passions and talents. The amount of time you invest in preparing
your application will be evident to colleges/universities. You will
need to write several essays. The most successful pieces are those that
address topics that are important to the writer. Both your English
teachers and the College Counselor can serve as sounding boards for
your ideas as you work to create your essays. You will ask several
teachers to write letters of recommendation for you, and the College
Counselor will help you identify those teachers who can best support
your application. You will create a student resume focusing on your
strengths and providing details about your extracurricular activities.
You will send official test scores and an official transcript. You will
need to review what other materials each college/university requires
(for example, you may need a graded piece of writing, a portfolio, or a
tape/compact disc recording). You are in control of the amount of time
and effort you invest in preparing you application.
For more info:
Application Definitions
Application Checklist
For more info:
Application Definitions
Application Checklist
Step 4: The Admission Decision-The Waiting Game
Once your file is complete, the Admission Committee will review it and
make a decision. Your job is to continue to work hard and to meet your
commitments here at Westover while you wait for a result from each
college/university. Having worked closely with the College Counselor,
you should believe in the strength of your applications and the depth
and breadth of your college list.
Step 5: Your Decision
Once again, you are back in charge of your own destiny. Colleges and
Universities must wait for you to choose your new home for post
secondary education.
Financial Aid
Scholarships
Financial Aid
Scholarships
During The Process: A Few Helpful Suggestions
The College Admission Calendar is designed to eliminate a significant
amount of stress by having you plan ahead and get organized early on in
the process. Work toward meeting the deadlines on the College Admission
Calendar.
For the majority of the college application process you are in charge. Take responsibility, and work closely with the College Counselor to make the most of every step of the process.
For the majority of the college application process you are in charge. Take responsibility, and work closely with the College Counselor to make the most of every step of the process.
1237 Whittemore Road
Middlebury, CT
06762-0847
tel: 203-758-2423