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tYPES OF COLLEGE APPLICATIONSTHE COMMON APPLICATION
Students can use the Common App to apply to multiple colleges. Most questions are answered only once and then sent to each college the student is applying to, saving lots of time in the application process. Over 600 colleges in the US and around the world accept the Common App. INSTITUTIONAL APPLICATIONS Many colleges utilize their own internal applications, which can typically be found on the college's Undergraduate Admissions webpage. Some colleges use institutional applications as well as other ways to apply, such as the Common App. In some cases, colleges offer "Fast Apps," "Priority" applications, and other quick means for students to apply. Schools that use institutional applications as well as something else like the Common App do not have a preference for which application you choose to submit. OTHER MULTI-SCHOOL APPLICATIONS Some colleges utilize applications such as the Universal College Application or the Coalition Application. The vast majority of schools that use these applications also use the Common Application or an institutional application, and do not have a preference on which application students choose to submit. UCAS APPLICATION For students interested in applying to colleges and universities in the United Kingdom Testing for College AdmissionTHE SAT
The SAT is a standardized test that many colleges use in the admissions process. It consists of two required sections: Evidence Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) and Mathematics (M), and an optional essay. Students often take the SAT for the first time in the spring of junior year. Students register for the SAT directly through The College Board. Westborough Community Education offers SAT prep courses through the Princeton Review. Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations on the SAT and all other College Board exams such as the PSAT, Subject Tests, and AP exams. Students who receive free or reduced lunch may receive fee waivers and/or reductions for College Board exams. Learn more about College Board testing accommodations and fee waivers. Contact your school counselor if you believe you may qualify for either. THE ACT The ACT is used throughout the country by college and university admission offices. Somewhat like an SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests combined, it is curriculum based and includes tests related to high school content areas: English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. The optional written portion of the ACT is also strongly recommended. Students often take the ACT for the first time in the spring of junior year. Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations on the ACT. Students who receive free or reduced lunch may receive ACT fee waivers. Learn more about ACT testing accommodations and fee waivers. Contact your school counselor if you believe you may qualify for either. FAIRTEST Fairtest.org provides information about colleges that are test-optional, or do not require submission of the SAT or ACT for some or all programs. THE TOEFL (TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE) The TOEFL is often required in the college admissions process for students who were born outside the United States or whose first language is not English. The exam measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level, and evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. SAT SUBJECT TESTS These exams are hour-long content area exams which are recommended or required by a small handful of colleges. There are 20 different exams in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and sciences. Students may take one, two or three SAT Subject Tests during one sitting, but cannot take Subject Tests and the regular SAT on the same day. Students typically take SAT Subject Tests in any year of high school, either after completing specific courses or progressing through multiple years of a sequential subject. Your school counselor and teachers can advise you on the most appropriate tests to take and when to take them. THE PSAT This exam is practice for the SAT and is administered every October. The exam mirrors the sections and scoring on the SAT but does not include an essay. The exam also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for juniors. Sophomores and Juniors are encouraged to take the PSAT. Registration information for the PSAT is communicated by WHS directly at the beginning of each school year. AP (ADVANCED PLACEMENT) AP Courses are college level classes taken in high school, and AP exams are the culminating tests at the end these courses. Courses are available in numerous subjects at Westborough High School and may also be taken through the VHS (Virtual High School). Most AP courses are first available to students in junior year, and AP exams are taken in May. THE ACCUPLACER This is a placement exam that students often take before enrolling in some colleges, including community colleges and other two-year schools. Individual schools can advise students on if the ACCUPLACER will be required and how to register for the exam. Services for Students with DisabilitiesDIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
US Department of Education: Office of Civil Rights NACAC Publication: Helping your Students with Disabilities During Their College Search COLLEGE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME |
EARLY/REGULAR Admissions OptionsEARLY DECISION (ED)
Students make a binding commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll. The application deadline and decision deadline occur as early as October 15. EARLY ACTION (EA) Students submit a non-binding application, which can be as early as October 15. They will receive a decision usually within 4-8 weeks of the application deadline, and have until May 1st to to submit a deposit if they choose to enroll. RESTRICTIVE EARLY ACTION (REA) Similar to Early Action, students apply early to an institution of preference and receive a non-binding decision, however they may be restricted from applying ED, EA, or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1 to confirm. REGULAR DECISION Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time. ROLLING ADMISSIONS Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle. College FairsNACAC NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR
NEACAC COLLEGE FAIRS METROWEST COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR COLLEGES THAT CHANGE LIVES FAIR NACAC PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS COLLEGE FAIR THE EDUCATION COOPERATIVE COLLEGE FAIR Financial Aid/Paying for CollegeNEW ENGLAND BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION
The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) promotes greater educational opportunities and services for the residents of New England. Their Regional Student Program (RSP), enables thousands of New England residents to enroll at out-of-state New England public colleges and universities at a discount.
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