Helpful hints to get you started. FAFSA applications open on Oct. 1, 2020.

BCHS College Financial Aid Meeting: October 1 -WEBEX MEETING DETAILS
https://mu.webex.com/mu/j.php?MTID=md0b11965ec5ff013fed6d7b90ed16784
Meeting number (access code): 171 451 5935
Meeting password: RtmSuBAs986

Visit the Indiana ACAC website, mentioned in the video, with FAFSA 101 and other informational opportunities, from Oct. 1 – 22, 2020.

Meeting details are now available for the College Financial Aid Virtual Information Meeting for Senior Parents. We are once again fortunate to have Monique Ware ’05, Marian University Director of Financial Aid, join us. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020.

WEBEX MEETING DETAILS
https://mu.webex.com/mu/j.php?MTID=md0b11965ec5ff013fed6d7b90ed16784
Meeting number (access code): 171 451 5935
Meeting password: RtmSuBAs986

TAP TO JOIN FROM A MOBILE DEVICE (ATTENDEES ONLY)
+1-415-655-0001,,1714515935## tel:%2B1-415-655-0001,,*01*1714515935%23%23*01* US Toll

JOIN BY PHONE
+1-415-655-0001 US Toll
Global call-in numbers
https://mu.webex.com/mu/globalcallin.php?MTID=m137f4d8145112ad9c6a7a1f48eaf8ec1

JOIN FROM A VIDEO SYSTEM OR APPLICATION
Dial sip:1714515935@mu.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join using Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business
Dial sip:1714515935.mu@lync.webex.com

Can’t join the meeting?
https://collaborationhelp.cisco.com/article/WBX000029055

A 2020 BCHS alumna offers Mary’s Top Ten Things to Remember for College Applications to help you with the search, application, and decision-making process you have in front of you.

In this episode, Mrs. Nixon interviews Ariel Moore, from the University of Louisville, on tips to consider when thinking about the location of a college you are interested in.

This video covers transcripts, dual credit transcripts, recommendations and applications, using SCOIR to help select a college and the importance of FAFSA.

Mrs. Nixon interviews Aimee Scheuermann, from Hanover College on campus visits, open houses and interesting tips from the pro!

When and how should I submit my application

The second in this series, introduces SCOIR and how to know your career interests and aptitudes.

View the introductory episode of BCHS’s Trojan College Counseling Video Series, from Mrs. Nixon.

1. Because of recent test center closures and other covid-related obstacles, Bishop Chatard will offer an SAT School Day, which gives students an extra chance to sit for the SAT, on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. This opportunity is open to seniors only. If you have not done so already, please complete this form to reserve your spot. More detailed registration and fee information will be available in subsequent weeks.This test date is in addition to the currently available Saturday test dates of September 26, October 3, November 7, and December 5. Registration for those tests is available at collegeboard.org. The school day test will not appear as an option in your College Board account.
2. Scoir has replaced Naviance as our college search and application resource. Before you go any further in your college search, you should complete the YouScience career assessment under Careers and the college search under Colleges. You can log in with your BCHS account under Log in with Google. 
3. Please complete your Common Application as soon as possible. When you get to the questions about our school, please indicate that we have A-F grading on a 4.0 weighted scale. There are 174 students in your class and we do not rank. You have to list Mrs. Nixon as your counselor in order for all of the proper paperwork to be submitted. Do not list anyone as your Advisor. If you are applying to a school that asks you to enter your grades (i.e., Purdue), enter No Grade and 0 credits for the Final, but put your grades and credits for S1 and S2 as they appear on your transcript. 
4. When applying to schools, please do not wait for letters of recommendation, transcripts, or counselor forms to be added to your application file before you click submit. You can click submit as soon as you finish everything; the colleges will add the other materials to your file when they arrive.
5. Remember, if a school does not accept the Common Application, you will need to apply through the college’s website and request your transcript through Parchment. You must request a transcript to be sent to each college or university through Common Application or Parchment. 
6. Your senior grades are so important when you apply to college. Admission reps frequently reach out to our office to check on your current senior grades when they are trying to make a decision, so please don’t wait to submit any missing assignments or test corrections. We want to give the schools more reasons to admit you, and an upward grade trend is a good reason!
7. Please complete your College Autobiography ASAP. This helps teachers write letters of recommendation for your college applications. After you complete it, you should ask them in person whether they are willing to write a recommendation for you. Then, send them the copies of your College Autobiography responses.
8. Colleges will not be visiting Bishop Chatard in person this fall. You can still connect with them! We have set up virtual college meetings with our reps; you can access the calendar of events and meeting links through your Scoir account.There are also opportunities to visit colleges through their virtual programs, which can be found on their websites. The National Association of College Admission Counselors is hosting virtual college fairs (multiple dates; see link) this fall. The Indiana Association of College Admission Counselors is hosting a Virtual College Exploration Program with sessions running from October 5-22. Registration is available here and an informational flyer can be found here. 
9. For 2021, some colleges are not requiring the SAT and ACT. A list of schools who do not require test scores is available here. If you are applying to a school that is still requiring scores, please let Mrs. Nixon know. Also, there are still certain majors and scholarship programs that require tests at schools not requiring tests for admission. Remember that free online test prep tools are available through Khan Academy for SAT and ACT Academy. It is important that you send your scores directly from the testing service through your CollegeBoard and ACT accounts. Take advantage of the free score sends when you register. You must send your test scores to each college or university directly from the testing service. If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you also qualify for test fee waivers. See Mrs. Nixon to access your code.
10. Most campuses are closed to visitors as a result of the virus. All colleges and universities should have virtual tours available. To make a physical visit and visit a college during a school day, register in advance on the college website. Have your family call you in the morning of your absence. When you return from your absence, take confirmation of your attendance or your itinerary for the day to Mrs. Kaminski. If you need a pre-arranged absence form for an extended absence, see Mr. Reilly. Colleges have admission counselors assigned to work with Bishop Chatard students; you should be able to determine our rep by going to the website and clicking a link similar to “Find My Counselor.” This person is your resource and your advocate; utilize them!
11. If you are pursuing college athletics, please register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (NCAA Division I and II), NAIA Eligibility Center (NAIA), and/or NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). NCAA Division III athletes do not need to register.
12. There are over 1,700 colleges that have Army ROTC on campus. For a complete list of all ROTC colleges, look over this link. Many of these programs have early deadlines; be sure to apply as soon as possible. 
13. Scholarships and Financial Aid: You can begin filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on October 1 at fafsa.ed.gov. You will be reviewed for financial aid based on your 2019 tax information. If your income has changed drastically from 2019 to 2020, or if you have special circumstances, please contact each college or university for assistance. We recommend fastweb.com, RaiseMe, and CollegeBoard Opportunity Scholarships for outside scholarship searches.
14. The Indiana University Groups Scholars Program provides academic, financial, and social support to selected underrepresented Indiana college students from matriculation to graduation and beyond. To see if you are eligible to apply, review the GROUPS 2021 Student Application. See Mrs. Nixon if you are interested in applying. To be considered, you must complete the Groups Application, the IU application for admission, and the FAFSA prior to November 1. 

Thank you to our friends at Marian University for supporting Bishop Chatard students.

(more…)

Local in-person college fairs are not being held this fall. Register instead for Virtual College Fairs. The first one is Sunday, 9/13.

Want to know more?
Watch This You Tube

Also, remember colleges are doing virtual presentations specifically for BCHS students each week. Check the College Rep calendar on this BCHS website and register in your Scoir account.

Event and registration information will continue to be updated on the website: https://ajcunet.edu/jet-tour

This Common Application Dictionary document walks you through some confusing terms from the college application process.

The NCAA Eligibility Center has made changes to the initial-eligibility certification process for students who initially enroll full time in a collegiate institution during the 2021-22 academic year.
View NCAA Eligibility Update

Visit https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/ for other information and application.

General information can be found at www.ncaa.org.

Welcome back to school! Information to kick off the year is below. Please contact Mrs. Nixon if you have any questions.

1. Please complete this form and submit prior to 8:00 am on Monday, August 17, 2020 to participate in an application process to be one of Bishop Chatard’s nominees for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Applications are due by Monday, August 17, at 8:00 am. Nominated students must: 1. Demonstrate financial need, 2. Plan to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study beginning in the fall of 2020 at a public or private college or university in Indiana, 3a. HAMILTON COUNTY: Be a Hamilton County resident, have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, demonstrate a commitment to community volunteerism, and demonstrate leadership and/or initiative in their school, community, and/or extracurricular activities, 3b. MARION COUNTY: Be a Marion County resident, have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, and demonstrate motivation and/or a high level of responsibility through school, community, family, and/or extracurricular activities. CICF review criteria: 10% essay, 15% academics, 20% interview, 20% resume of activities, 30% financial need. Please contact Mrs. Nixon with questions.
2. Scoir has replaced Naviance as our college search and application resource. Before you go any further in your college search, you should complete the YouScience career assessment under Careers and the college search under Colleges. You can log in with your BCHS account under Log in with Google. 
3. Class of 2021 Summa Cum Laude students need to review the Program Requirements for the program. We will have individual meetings prior to September 20; look for an email with details. If you are opting out of Summa, please email Mrs. Nixon to let her know.
4. There will be a National Honor Society meeting in September. Please check your email for details.
5. Please complete your College Autobiography ASAP. This helps teachers write letters of recommendation for your college applications. After you complete it, you should ask them in person whether they are willing to write a recommendation for you. Then, send them the copies of your College Autobiography responses.
6. Colleges will not be visiting Bishop Chatard in person this fall. You can still connect with them! We have set up virtual college meetings with our reps; you can access the calendar of events and meeting links through your Scoir account.There are also opportunities to visit colleges through their virtual programs, which can be found on their websites. The National Association of College Admission Counselors is hosting virtual college fairs (multiple dates; see link) this fall. The Indiana Association of College Admission Counselors is hosting a Virtual College Exploration Program with sessions running from October 5-22. Registration will open around September 8; the link will be available soon. 
7. Please complete your Common Application as soon as possible. If you are overwhelmed by how to start the application, check out this helpful guide. When you get to the questions about our school, please indicate that we have A-F grading on a 4.0 weighted scale. There are 174 students in your class and we do not rank. You have to list Mrs. Nixon as your counselor in order for all of the proper paperwork to be submitted. Do not list anyone as your Advisor. If you are applying to a school that asks you to enter your grades (i.e., Purdue), enter No Grade and 0 credits for the Final, but put your grades and credits for S1 and S2 as they appear on your transcript.
8. Not all schools use the Common Application; you can also use the applications available on their websites or the Coalition Application. Remember, if a school does not accept the Common Application, you will need to apply through the college’s website and request your transcript through Parchment. You must request a transcript to be sent to each college or university through Common Application or Parchment.
9. For 2021, most colleges are not requiring the SAT and ACT. A list of schools who do not require test scores is available here. If you are applying to a school that is still requiring scores, please let Mrs. Nixon know. Also, there are still certain majors and scholarship programs that require tests at schools not requiring tests for admission. If you do choose to take a test, remember that free online test prep tools are available through Khan Academy for SAT and ACT Academy. It is important that you send your scores directly from the testing service through your CollegeBoard and ACT accounts. Take advantage of the free score sends when you register. You must send your test scores to each college or university directly from the testing service. If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you also qualify for test fee waivers. See Mrs. Nixon to access your code.
10. Most campuses are closed to visitors as a result of the virus. All colleges and universities should have virtual tours available. To make a physical visit and visit a college during a school day, register in advance on the college website. Have your family call you in the morning of your absence. When you return from your absence, take confirmation of your attendance or your itinerary for the day to Mrs. Kaminski. If you need a pre-arranged absence form for an extended absence, see Mr. Reilly. Colleges have admission counselors assigned to work with Bishop Chatard students; you should be able to determine our rep by going to the website and clicking a link similar to “Find My Counselor.” This person is your resource and your advocate; utilize them!
11. If you are pursuing college athletics, please register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (NCAA Division I and II), NAIA Eligibility Center (NAIA), and/or NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). NCAA Division III athletes do not need to register.
12. There are over 1,700 colleges that have Army ROTC on campus. For a complete list of all ROTC colleges, look over this link. Many of these programs have early deadlines; be sure to apply as soon as possible. 
13. Scholarships and Financial Aid: You can begin filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on October 1 at fafsa.ed.gov. You will be reviewed for financial aid based on your 2019 tax information. If your income has changed drastically from 2019 to 2020, or if you have special circumstances, please contact each college or university for assistance. We recommend fastweb.com, RaiseMe, and CollegeBoard Opportunity Scholarships for outside scholarship searches.
14. The Miami University Bridges Program invites high-achieving high school seniors from historically underrepresented populations, as well as students who have a commitment to promoting a deeper understanding of and appreciation for diversity, to engage with current students, faculty, and staff for an inside look of Miami University for prospective students. Apply by September 28 if interested. 
15. The Indiana University Groups Scholars Program provides academic, financial, and social support to selected underrepresented Indiana college students from matriculation to graduation and beyond. To see if you are eligible to apply, review the GROUPS 2021 Student Application. See Mrs. Nixon if you are interested in applying. To be considered, you must complete the Groups Application, the IU application for admission, and the FAFSA prior to November 1. 

Thank you to our friends at Marian University for supporting Bishop Chatard students.

Class of 2021: Your PSAT scores were released online Dec. 10, 2019. Login at https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home to see the scores, test performance feedback and more. Take advantage of these opportunities:

1. Get free, personalized SAT practice. Your PSAT score unlocks free, personalized practice through Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®. Visit www.khanacademy.org/sat create an account, and link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts for a plan based on your test results.
2. Receive AP course recommendations.: Your PSAT score report identifies AP® courses that are the best match for you. AP can give you an edge in the admission process and earn you college credit while in high school, which saves time and money in college. https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/what-is-ap.
3. College Board National Recognition Programs. These are academic honors that can be included on college applications. They’re not scholarships, but colleges use them to identify academically exceptional students. Learn more at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/scholarships-and-recognition/recognition-programs.

Other Career/Testing Opportunities

1. 1. Get started on BigFuture. Begin your College Search using BigFutureTM. Explore colleges, majors, and careers based on your interests. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
   2. College Board Opportunity Scholarships: Juniors (class of 2021) are eligible to earn money for college by practicing for the SAT and improving their score through the https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/. Practice for six hours on Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy® to qualify and earn one entry in the monthly drawing of $1000 scholarship. Earn an entry for each additional hour you practice, up to a total of 20 hours. Details.

Register for the SAT
Take the next step toward college by registering. Juniors (class of 2021) should register for a March or May SAT (both offered at BCHS), and select up to four colleges to receive scores for free (COLLEGES REQUIRE SCORES DIRECTLY FROM THE COLLEGE BOARD AND THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO SEND THEM FOR FREE). https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register.

Nothing helps students and families more in the college search process than making an official college visit to schools of interest. Many college visits can take place on non-BCHS school days, but there are times when it is necessary to take a day off of school.

Every senior should try to take advantage of the opportunity to visit a college when the underclassmen take the PSAT/PLAN exams, usually in early-mid October. Seniors may choose to use additional days for college visits according to the following guidelines:

1. Parents need to report the student’s absence on the day of the college visit via Safe Arrival software. Coming soon — a college option in SafeArrival.
2. In order for the absence to be considered excused, upon return, the student must provide verification to the main office of the date, time and duration of the college visit that he or she has made.
3. Students must be in good standing with a satisfactory attendance record and adhere to the guidelines regarding visits.

Juniors are permitted a limited number of college-visit days.

Updated May 2019: method of reporting the absence See  Student Handbook  for other details.

Students often have questions regarding their potential to earn college credit as they evaluate which senior English course to take. This chart shows what credit some local universities currently award for AP Language, AP Literature, and W131.

A few reminders as you review this information:

1. The preparation you receive in these courses is a wonderful foundation for success in your college-level courses. Even if you will not be exempt from a specific English class at the college or university you attend, it is still advantageous to take these courses.
2. Most colleges have a policy that if you are awarded college credit from another university (100-level course or higher earning a C or better), you will receive transfer credit. There are exceptions to this.  Additionally, these credits sometimes come in as elective credit, but a certain number of elective credits are required for graduation as well.
3. Colleges and universities change their policies and the specific credit awarded on a very regular basis. Often, faculty review committees or new Provosts or Deans can change the requirements over the summer. It is important to opt into or out of a class based on the knowledge acquired and experience gained rather than always trying to work ahead at a specific college of university.
4. This information was compiled via various inquiries to registrars, admissions offices, transfer credit evaluation sites, and academic deans. There may be exceptions based on the major to which you are applying, etc. It is best to contact the college or university’s Registrar if you have questions or are trying to decide whether to enroll in a course.

College coaches often ask Bishop Chatard for copies of  the current transcript of a student-athlete as part of their eligibility screening process.  For the school to release your transcript, the school needs your permission. Please complete the BCHS Transcript Release Form now in order to save yourself a step later. Return completed form to the School Counseling Office.

Résumés are an important part of the college application process. The College Board offers some tips on the key features of an effective résumé and how to adapt it to various audiences. View  the CollegeBoardtipshighschoolresume for suggestions.

Did you know…

This helpful site allows you to see how some colleges and universities in Indiana accept AP credits. Indiana state law requires all two and four-year Indiana public colleges and universities to award college credit that counts toward a degree for scores of 3 or higher.

• Explore www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org –it’s free!
• ‘Explore Careers’: Find a career that interests you!
• ‘Explore Colleges’: Learn about colleges across the country!
• Helpful High School Courses: Choose classes that go with a college major!
• Explore the Quick How To Guide!

BCHS Top Recommended Scholarship Websites

• www.fastweb.com
• College Board Opportunity Scholarships
• www.Raise.me

Internet Links for College and Scholarship Information

Indiana-Based

• https://transferin.net/ — lists how colleges in Indiana accept AP course credits
• www.learnmoreindiana.org–Indiana’s career and college connection
• www.triptocollege.org— step by step college planning
• www.cicf.org: The Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) Indianapolis Foundation
  –Scholarship listing from the Foundation.
• http://www.IN.gov/ssaci/: State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana Scholarships (SSACI)

National Links

• www.scholarshipguidance.com — list of scholarships opportunities
• www.inlikeme.com — College Admissions & Student Aid Resource Hub
• www.scholarships.com
• http://www.princetonreview.com— find the best college for you using this tool from the Princeton Review
• www.firstinthefamily.org–resource website for 1st generation college students.
• www.collegeboard.com–SAT prep, registration, college search, career guidance
• www.actstudent.org–prepare and register for the ACT
• NCAA Sports and College Eligibility
  ncaa.org and 2point3.ncaa.org–everything student athletes and parents need to know about eligibility, ncaa sports and divisions, and registering with the ncaa.
• eCampus Tours Scholarship Search
• www.collegesurfing.com–provides valuable postsecondary resource to students (user-friendly education and career information).
• www.fafsa.ed.gov–official website for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Scholarship Search Websites

• www.scholarships.com
• www.fastweb.com
• College Board Opportunity Scholarships
• www.Raise.me
• www.collegeanswer.com
• http://www.studentawardsearch.com/
• www.goodcall.com