Applying to college can be a long and sometimes confusing process. To help make some sense of this process, we have put together the following guidelines and helpful hints for you. Please read them over, and keep it for reference throughout the next few months. Since many schools require much of the application to be online, please be aware of the following procedures. Do not hesitate to ask questions; we are here to help you.

1. APPLICATIONS. Colleges are encouraging students to apply online. Applications may be downloaded or completed online or picked up from the NFA Career Resource Center. Counselors are available to review your applications with you before you mail or submit them, but students should mail or submit their applications themselves. Please make sure to fill out your applications neatly and completely in black ink. Double check to make sure you have included all requirements and have followed all directions.

2. RECOMMENDATION LETTERS. Please fill out the Request for Teacher Recommendation and Request for Counselor Recommendation forms (available on the NFA website under Guidance/forms and in the back of this handbook). Then make an appointment with your teacher or counselor. You may want to make copies of your activities or other information for teachers who are writing recommendation letters for you. BE SURE TO GIVE THOSE WRITING LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION PLENTY OF TIME. Be sure to set a date for you to pick up the letters.

3. SAT/ACT SCORES. These scores need to be sent to every school you have applied to and can be sent directly from the CollegeBoard or ACT. You may submit your request online at www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org, or at the time of registration. If you choose to send scores when you register, there is no additional fee. If you don’t select this option and use the Additional Report Request, an additional fee is charge for each score sent.

4. COLLEGE ESSAYS. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to write, proofread, and edit your essay(s). Have as many people as possible read them and give you feedback.

5.  FINANCIAL AID. If you are planning to apply for financial aid from any college, you must complete the FAFSA. This cannot be done until after January 1^st. Forms are available online (www.fafsa.ed.gov) or from your counselor. If you are completing your FAFSA online, you should apply for a PIN (both you and your parent will need) from the website before January 1^st. NFA will host a Financial Aid Seminar in December. Also, be sure to check www.collegeboard.com to see if any of the colleges you are applying to require the CSS/Profile. This can be done sooner than January and is another way of determining eligibility. The financial aid offices of the schools you are applying to are most knowledgeable about the intricacies of financial aid, and they are very willing to help, even if you have not been accepted yet. Utilize them!

6. NCAA. Athletes considering participating in Division 1 or 2 sports must file NCAA Eligibility Center forms immediately upon returning to school. Please see your counselor for details or visit www.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter.

7. COPIES. Keep copies of everything you send out.

8. HINT. Stay organized. Be sure you know all deadlines and allow ample time for each step of the process. Admissions officers read applications in the order they are received, so be sure to send your applications in as soon as possible.

9. QUESTIONS/PROBLEMS. Please ask if you have any questions or need further assistance. We are happy to help.

10. OUR EMAIL. Your counselor’s email address is last name with first initial and then @norwichfreeacademy.com (for example, Mrs. Elliott is elliottj@norwichfreeacademy.com). Please feel free to email us with any questions you might have.

11. THANK-YOU NOTES. It is important to write a personal thank-you note to each person who wrote a letter of recommendation for you. Thank-you notes should be written within two weeks of getting the letter of recommendation.

 CEEB CODE/SCHOOL CODE: 070590

 

The Norwich Free Academy

305 Broadway

Norwich, CT 06360

Phone: (860) 887-2505

FAX: (860) 889-7124

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBERS

Please feel free to call with any questions you may have

Revised October 22, 2008