Mrs. Nixon and students discussing college information

College Counseling

College For All

Juniors: PSAT info — your next steps

1/9/20
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.
October 2019 Senior College Counseling Newsletter

9/30/19
Worried about being behind on your college applications?

Think you are done but aren’t sure and want to double check?

Do these things in this order:
1. SEND YOUR TEST SCORES! 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. It takes 2-3 weeks for your scores to arrive to the schools, so you cannot wait until a few days before the deadline to order them. Suggested deadline: October 4, 2019
2. SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPTS! You have to list Mrs. Nixon as your counselor under “Recommenders and FERPA” in Common Application in order for all of the proper paperwork to be submitted. Do not list anyone from Chatard as your Advisor. 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. Suggested deadline: October 10, 2019
3. Complete your applications. Please do not wait until the last minute to submit your applications. You do not want to miss out on the best chances of admission and scholarship by not submitting your application by the deadline. Most schools have a November 1 deadline, but some are October 1 or October 15. Check the websites for each of your schools to confirm the application deadlines. Do not wait for your teacher or counselor recommendation letters to be submitted first. Suggested deadline: October 25, 2019
4. Check your application status! When you apply to a college or university, they will send you login information to access an online portal. Please look for these emails and log in to view your application status, see next steps, and learn about potential scholarship application or interview processes. You may think your application is complete but be missing materials; checking your portal will help you verify your application is complete. In related news, it is very important for you to check your email from schools to which you have applied. To make things easier, unsubscribe from emails from schools you are no longer considering. Suggested deadline: October 29, 2019
5. FILE YOUR FAFSA: 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 2018 tax information. Many schools have moved their priority deadlines to November 1 or December 1, so please complete the FAFSA as early as possible. If your income has changed drastically from 2018 to 2019, or if you have special circumstances, please contact each college or university for assistance. Suggested deadline: October 31, 2019
6. Search for Scholarships: We recommend fastweb.com, RaiseMe, and CollegeBoard Opportunity Scholarships for scholarship searches.
7. Let us celebrate with you! It is important for our school data for you to let us know where you have been admitted and what scholarships you have received. Bring copies of your admit letters and scholarship notifications to room 213 or email screenshots to pnixon@bishopchatard.org or aalerding@bishopchatard.org. Pro Tip: It is better to do it when you receive it than to save it for when you have heard all admission decisions.
September 2019 Freshman and Sophomore College Counseling Newsletter

9/3/19
* Freshmen will be able to log in to Naviance by September 17.*
1. The Jesuit Excellence Tour College Fair will take place before school on Monday, September 9 from 8:00 to 9:00. This is a great opportunity for you and your parents to ask questions in a smaller setting. Please plan to attend if you are interested in any of these schools: John Carroll University, Loyola Chicago, Marquette University, Regis University, Louis University, or Xavier University. A schedule of other Indianapolis area college fairs can be found at https://counseling.bishopchatard.org/2019-2020-college-fair-calendar/. You can Google many tips on how to navigate a college fair; this list is simple and provides the most important questions: https://www.colorado.edu/admissions/2018/10/12/top-questions-college-fair.
2. Sophomores may sign up to meet with colleges who will be visiting Bishop Chatard this fall. To register: Log in to Naviance Student. (Use your student number without @org and your regular BCHS password.) Click on “Colleges” in the top right. Scroll down to “College Visits.” Click on “Show More.” Next to the collegename for the meeting you want to attend, click on “Register Now” over to the right. You will not receive a pass for the meeting. Attendance will be taken when the bell rings. Meeting locations and room numbers will also be found on the Student Activities calendar on the BCHS website. Our policy for college rep meetings is: You must sign up for a visit in advance to attend the session. Each student is allowed to participate in up to eight meetings. You are responsible to make up any work missed. You are not to miss a test, mandatory presentation, important quiz, etc., for a college meeting. If you are not sure what will take place in class on the day of the visit, be proactive and check with the teacher the day before or the morning of the meeting to see if it is acceptable for you to miss class. You will go directly to the meeting room rather than reporting to class first. Attendance will be taken. You must be in the designated room or area of the meeting prior to the ringing of the bell or you will be marked tardy for that period’s class. College meetings that take place during Seminar take up the entire period. You will not be released from the meeting room for any reason. College meetings that take place during a class period will typically end well in advance of the end of the period; you will be given a pass to return to class promptly. The Guidance Office reserves the right to remove you from the college meeting if your academic profile does not match the admission standards of the school or if your actions do not meet the desired expectations for our students.
3. This is a great time to start researching colleges. Check out Naviance Super Match (log in with your student number and your regular password, click on Colleges, click on Find your Fit, click on SuperMatch) and College Board Big Future.
4. Freshmen and sophomores should complete Naviance assessments: Strengths Explorer (freshmen and sophomores), Career Interest Profiler (sophomores). Watch this video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1omNN3vJz26To56hID0tP77KSn-Jwnctf/view, then log in to Naviance Student at https://student.naviance.com/bishopchatard. Enter your BCHS student number (do not include @bishopchatard.org) and your regular school password. Counselors will be calling small groups of students in during Seminar in the next several months to work with these results. Another helpful personality assessment is https://www.16personalities.com/. Another helpful career assessment is https://indiana.kuder.com/landing-page.
5. Plan ahead for academic success in high school. https://www.postguam.com/forum/featured_columnists/tips-for-academic-success-in-high-school/article_660c84c0-cd8c-11e7-b6bc-abad68c0ec31.html
6. Don’t forget to check out the School Counseling Canvas page for additional information and helpful links.
Thank you to our sponsors at Marian University for supporting Bishop Chatard students.
September 2019 College Counseling Newsletter for Juniors
1. The Jesuit Excellence Tour College Fair will take place before school on Monday, September 9 from 8:00 to 9:00. This is a great opportunity for you and your parents to ask questions in a smaller setting. Please plan to attend if you are interested in any of these schools: John Carroll University, Loyola Chicago, Marquette University, Regis University, Louis University, or Xavier University. A schedule of other Indianapolis area college fairs can be found at https://counseling.bishopchatard.org/2019-2020-college-fair-calendar/. You can Google many tips on how to navigate a college fair; this list is simple and provides the most important questions: https://www.colorado.edu/admissions/2018/10/12/top-questions-college-fair.
2. Colleges will be visiting Bishop Chatard this fall. To register: Log in to Naviance Student. (Use your student number without @organd your regular BCHS password.) Click on “Colleges” in the top right. Scroll down to “College Visits.” Click on “Show More.” Next to the collegename for the meeting you want to attend, click on “Register Now” over to the right. You will not receive a pass for the meeting. Attendance will be taken when the bell rings. Meeting locations and room numbers will also be found on the Student Activities calendar on the BCHS website. Our policy for college rep meetings is: You must sign up for a visit in advance to attend the session. Each student is allowed to participate in up to eight meetings. You are responsible to make up any work missed. You are not to miss a test, mandatory presentation, important quiz, etc., for a college meeting. If you are not sure what will take place in class on the day of the visit, be proactive and check with the teacher the day before or the morning of the meeting to see if it is acceptable for you to miss class. You will go directly to the meeting room rather than reporting to class first. Attendance will be taken. You must be in the designated room or area of the meeting prior to the ringing of the bell or you will be marked tardy for that period’s class. College meetings that take place during Seminar take up the entire period. You will not be released from the meeting room for any reason. College meetings that take place during a class period will typically end well in advance of the end of the period; you will be given a pass to return to class promptly. The Guidance Office reserves the right to remove you from the college meeting if your academic profile does not match the admission standards of the school or if your actions do not meet the desired expectations for our students.
3. This is a great time to look for colleges to add to your list. Check out Naviance Super Match (log in with your student number and your regular password, click on Colleges, click on Find your Fit, click on SuperMatch) and College Board Big Future.
4. Juniors should complete three Naviance assessments: Strengths Explorer, Career Interest Profiler, and Career Cluster Finder. Watch this video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1omNN3vJz26To56hID0tP77KSn-Jwnctf/view, then log in to Naviance Student at https://student.naviance.com/bishopchatard. Enter your BCHS student number (do not include @bishopchatard.org) and your regular school password. You should have completed one or two of the assessments last August during homeroom; please be sure all 3 are complete now. Counselors will be calling small groups of students in during Seminar in the next several months to work with these results.
5. This is the time to prepare for and register for taking a winter or spring SATand ACT. Remember that free online test prep tools are available through Khan Academy for SAT and ACT Academy. When you apply to college next year, it will be important that you send your scores directly from the testing service through your CollegeBoard and ACT accounts, so take advantage of the free score sends when you register instead of waiting to see your scores and paying additional money for each school to receive your scores. You must send your test scores to each college or university directly from the testing service for your college applications to be complete as a senior. If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you also qualify for test fee and score send waivers. See Mrs. Nixon to access your code.
6. The top five things you should do now to set yourself up for admission success next year are: A) Be sure to work hard to do the little things in class to raise your grade in each class. Junior grades are so important to colleges! B) Prepare for the tests on Khan Academy for SAT and ACT Academy. C) Visit college campuses and register for official tours through the admission offices. D) Explore your areas of career interest. Ask family and friends if you can job shadow them. Volunteer at places that are related to your potential careers. Demonstrated interest in career fields can also be important to colleges when they are reviewing students for competitive majors. E) Remember that your choices follow you to college. We have to notify them if you have been suspended from Bishop Chatard. They will also learn additional things about you through your essay, resume, letters of recommendation, and in some cases, your social media accounts. Think about your future when you are making academic and social decisions.
7. Check out these tips for coping with school-related stress: https://www.verywellmind.com/top-school-stress-relievers-for-students-3145179.
8. Don’t forget to check out the School Counseling Canvas page for additional information and helpful links.
9. Thank you to our sponsors at Marian University for supporting Bishop Chatard students.
September 2019 Senior College Counseling Newsletter
1. The Jesuit Excellence Tour College Fair will take place before school on Monday, September 9 from 8:00 to 9:00 AM. This is a great opportunity for you and your parents to ask questions in a smaller setting. Please plan to attend if you are interested in any of these schools: John Carroll University, Loyola Chicago, Marquette University, Regis University, Louis University, or Xavier University. A schedule of other Indianapolis area college fairs can be found at https://counseling.bishopchatard.org/2019-2020-college-fair-calendar/. You can Google many tips on how to navigate a college fair; this list is simple and provides the most important questions: https://www.colorado.edu/admissions/2018/10/12/top-questions-college-fair.
2. Colleges will be visiting Bishop Chatard this fall. To register: Log in to Naviance Student. (Use your student number without @org and your regular BCHS password.) Click on “Colleges” in the top right. Scroll down to “College Visits.” Click on “Show More.” Next to the college name for the meeting you want to attend, click on “Register Now” over to the right. You will not receive a pass for the meeting; please come to room 213 during the passing period.
3. Please remember to avoid the two most common mistakes: forgetting to send your test scores and forgetting to send your transcripts. Transcripts: 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. 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. Test scores: 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. It takes 2-3 weeks for your scores to arrive to the schools, so you cannot wait until a few days before the deadline to order them.
4. 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 2018 tax information. Many schools have moved their priority deadlines to December 1 or December 15, so please complete the FAFSA as early as possible. If your income has changed drastically from 2018 to 2019, 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.
5. When you apply to a college or university, they will send you login information to access an online portal. Please look for these emails and log in to view your application status, see next steps, and learn about potential scholarship application or interview processes. In related news, it is very important for you to check your email from schools to which you have applied. To make things easier, unsubscribe from emails from schools you are no longer considering.
6. There is still time to complete your College Autobiography. 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.
7. Still looking for more colleges to add to your list? Check out Naviance Super Match (log in with your student number and your regular password, click on Colleges, click on Find your Fit, click on SuperMatch) and College Board Big Future.
8. To visit a campus, register on the college or university website, preferably at least 3 weeks in advance. Please have a parent or guardian call the BCHS attendance line on the day of your visit and bring a copy of your itinerary or a school excuse form to Mrs. Kaminski when you return. For out-of-town trips or absences of more than one day, please also complete a Pre-Arranged Absence Form – pdf and return it to Mr. Reilly.
9. The Common Application indicates that some schools require Midyear Reports from BCHS. These cannot be completed until first semester grades are stored, so they will be submitted between January 10 and January 20. On January 8, please request any non-Common App transcripts to be sent through Parchment. This is important if you have been deferred or a school has requested additional academic information from you.
10. Check out these tips for coping with school-related stress: https://www.verywellmind.com/top-school-stress-relievers-for-students-3145179
11. Don’t forget to check out the School Counseling Canvas page for additional information and helpful links.
Thank you to our sponsors at Marian University for supporting Bishop Chatard students.
2019-2020 College Fair Calendar

8/29/19

Local college fairs offer a great chance for families to learn more about colleges and universities nationwide. Mark your calendar and plan to attend as your schedule allows

Before attending, it’s best to make your fair experience better by registering at https://app.strivescan.com/students.

September 23: Indy Westside College Fair, 6:30-8:00 PM, Ben Davis High School

September 24: NACAC – Indianapolis National Fair, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, Indiana Convention Center

September 24: Hamilton County College Fair, 6:30-8:00 PM, Hamilton Southeastern High School

September 26: Indianapolis Black Alumni Council College Fair, 6:00 – 9:00 PM, Crispus Attucks High School

October 22: NACAC Indianapolis National Visual & Performing Arts Fair, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Butler University

March 9: Greater Indianapolis Southside Fair, 6:30-8:00 PM, University of Indianapolis

March 10: Northeast Indianapolis College Fair, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Lawrence North High School

March 11: Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair, 6:00-8:00 PM, Grand Park Event Center – Westfield

March 11: Indianapolis South Christian College Fair, 6:30-8:30 PM, Greenwood Christian Academy
College Representative Schedule 2019/2020

8/19/19

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are eligible to attend college representative meetings when colleges visit Bishop Chatard. Students must sign up for each visit. You will go directly to the meeting room rather than reporting to class first. Attendance will be taken. How to Register through Naviance

Future College Reps Visits to BCHS will be displayed here as they are scheduled. Check back!
August 2019 Senior Newsletter

8/9/19

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 7:50 am on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 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 Wednesday, August 14, at 7:50 am. Nominated students must: 1. Demonstrate financial need, 2. Plan to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study beginning in the fall of 2019 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. Class of 2020 Summa Cum Laude students need to see Mrs. Nixon for an individual senior Summa meeting between August 21 and September 11. If you are unsure of your Summa status, please come in anyway. If you are opting out of Summa, please email Mrs. Nixon to let her know.

3. There will be a National Honor Society meeting next week. Please check your email on Tuesday, August 13 if you are currently in NHS or may be eligible to apply this semester.

4. 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.

5. Colleges will be visiting Bishop Chatard this fall. To register: Log in to Naviance Student. (Use your student number without @bishopchatard.org and your regular BCHS password.) Click on “Colleges” in the top right. Scroll down to “College Visits.” Click on “Show More.” Next to the college name for the meeting you want to attend, click on “Register Now” over to the right. You will not receive a pass for the meeting. Attendance will be taken when the bell rings. Meeting locations and room numbers will also be found on the College Reps calendar on the BCHS college counseling website. Our policy for college rep meetings is: You must sign up for a visit in advance to attend the session. Each student is allowed to participate in up to eight meetings. You are responsible to make up any work missed. You are not to miss a test, mandatory presentation, important quiz, etc., for a college meeting. If you are not sure what will take place in class on the day of the visit, be proactive and check with the teacher the day before or the morning of the meeting to see if it is acceptable for you to miss class. You will go directly to the meeting room rather than reporting to class first. Attendance will be taken. You must be in the designated room or area of the meeting prior to the ringing of the bell or you will be marked tardy for that period’s class. College meetings that take place during homeroom take up the entire period. You will not be released from the meeting room for any reason. College meetings that take place during a class period will typically end well in advance of the end of the period; you will be given a pass to return to class promptly. The Guidance Office reserves the right to remove you from the college meeting if your academic profile does not match the admission standards of the school or if your actions do not meet the desired expectations for our students.

6. 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 195 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.

7. 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.

8. This is the time to prepare for and take/retake the SAT and ACT. 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.

9. To 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 2018 tax information. If your income has changed drastically from 2018 to 2019, 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.

Thank you to our sponsors at Marian University for supporting Bishop Chatard students.
College Visits

6/1/19
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.
Class of 2020 College Counseling Newsletter

5/21/19
We look forward to helping you reach your post-secondary goals. Basic information for the summer of 2019 is included below. Please contact Mrs. Nixon if you have any questions.
- There are still spots available for a Just for Juniors meeting with Mrs. Nixon. Please sign up for a time slot if you are interested.
- Please complete your College Autobiography by June 5. 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.
- If you are taking an ACP dual credit class through IU next year, please read Ms. Marx’s email from 5/21 and complete the form.
- You can begin your Common Application now. After you create an account, you can enter demographic information and make your life easier in the fall. Keep track of questions that arise as you work on the application and register to attend the Common Application Workshop at BCHS on Thursday, August 1 to have your questions answered. 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.
- Summer is a great time to prepare for and take/retake the SAT and ACT. 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.
- 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.
- Thank you to our sponsors at Marian University and Huntington Learning Center for supporting Bishop Chatard students.

Quick Look at College Credit for English Courses

2/27/19

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.

	*AP Language*	*AP Literature*	*W 131*
Ball State University	ENG 103 (3 or 4) ENG 103 & 104 (5)	ENG 206 (3, 4, or 5)	ENG 103
Butler University	EN 185 (4 or 5)	EN 185 (4 or 5)	General elective: 100 level credit
Indiana University	W 131 (4 or 5)	X 101 (3, 4, or 5)	Grade is taken in GPA
Marian University	ENG 101 (4 or 5)	ENG 101 & ENG 112 (4 or 5)	ENG 112
University of Notre Dame	WR 13100 (4 or 5)	No credit transfers	No credit transfers
Purdue University	ENGL 10600 (4 or 5)	ENGL 23100 (4 or 5)	ENG 10300

College Athletics Recruiting and Transcripts

10/18/18

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.
Building a high school résumé: tips from The College Board

9/11/18

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.
AP Credits at Colleges

11/22/16

http://www.transferin.net

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.
Big Future: Career and College Exploration Site

10/30/16
- 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!
NCAA Eligibility

10/14/16

Any student who plans to play sports in college should visit the NCAA Eligibility Center to sign up and begin the required academic verification process. Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org to get started. It is recommended that this process be initiated by the summer prior to senior year. View Athletics for further information and tips on playing sports in college.
College and Scholarship Links

10/11/16
BCHS Top Recommended Scholarship Websites
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some college visit tips?

Best Time to Make a Visit

If you can, visit when campus in in full swing during the academic year. But if that’s not possible, a Saturday or in the summer will still give you the campus flavor.

Official tour or hang out?

Do both. An organized tour will allow you to understand process, logistics, dates and deadlines and all the nitty gritty. Hanging out helps you get a feel for the environment.

On the tour and beyond

Ask questions that aren’t about facts and figures you can find on their website. And don’t judge a university by just one tour guide or the weather on the day. After your visit is over, everybody should compare notes. Mom may have noticed something that perhaps the student didn’t. Remember, you can always visit again.
These insights are from Mitch Warren, Purdue Director of Admission, 2016

Bishop Chatard and College Visits

Visit the BCHS Senior Page . On that page, go to the ‘College’ tab to find out what you need to do if the visit is during school hours.

Why should I attend a College Rep Session?

Many colleges track students’ demonstrated interest. (If a student shows up at the high school meeting, it goes into the application record and can help chances of admission or scholarship. It is a reality of the admissions process these days.)
This is a great chance for you to find out whether schools are a good fit for your academic statistics (GPA and test scores) and desired majors.
These meetings help to make you aware of deadlines, special scholarships, and important information regarding your applications to your top choice schools.
You will be able to expand your horizons to hear about some schools that you may not have previously considered.

View the College Rep Calendar

What is FAFSA?

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is nationwide application that calculates the EFC (Expected Family Contribution), that is used to determine federal, state and institutional financial aid and sometimes scholarships for a college student.

Application generally opens around October 1 with early submission recommended by December 1. Students must submit the FAFSA application in order to be eligible for both Indiana and Federal Student Aid.

Do I need to send my AP scores to colleges when I apply?

You do not need to send AP scores during the application process. Colleges typically use AP scores for placing you in classes and awarding credit, not for admissions. When you take your senior year AP tests, you can enter the code for the school you will attend and they will automatically send them all of your scores, so you won’t have to order them. Another option is to order them to one school only after you decide where you will enroll. You do need to send your SAT and ACT scores directly from the testing service in order for your application to be considered complete, however. It takes approximately 3 weeks for scores to be received.

How do I know my household size on the FAFSA or scholarship application?

Your household size is the number of people living in your home who are dependent on the primary unit for 51% or more of their finances. For example, if your grandparent lives with you but does not have an income, he or she would count in the household size. If your brother is employed and moves home while he is building his first house, he does not count in your household size. If your parents are not involved in financially supporting you and you live with another family member who does not have legal guardianship, but who does support you financially, you will want to complete a dependency verification form. If your parents/guardians cover your living costs but cannot contribute to financially supporting the costs of your tuition and living expenses, you are not an independent student. Their income must be counted on the FAFSA; your EFC should reflect your financial need. If the parents are separated, but live together, they must select “Married or Remarried” when filing the FAFSA. If the student’s legal parents are divorced or separated, and do not live together, the parent with whom the student primarily lives (often called the custodial parent) should complete the FAFSA. Additional information is available at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/dependency. The best resources for these questions are fafsa.ed.gov, INvestEd, and the financial aid offices at the colleges and universities to which you are applying. They are experts and are very willing to help.

College Fairs: when are they, do you have any tips?

College Fairs are events where students of any grade can get acquainted with the multiple colleges at the fair in one evening or afternoon. BCHS posts College Fair information we receive during the school year.

View list of 2019/2020 College Fairs

We recommend this article from the University of Colorado for tips and top questions to ask at a college fair.

View College Fair Tips

How can I keep track of all of my college application details?

Use this College Application Checklist, from Collegeboard!

How do I begin to think about a major in college?

College Board has a wonderful article they call the Ultimate Guide on Choosing a College Major. It is a good place to start. They suggest

Think about what you like
Consider your career goals
Talk to advisors and professionals

Read the CollegeBoard article

How can I get quick information about college items?

A really good way to view upcoming and new items is to follow Mrs. Nixon’s and the College Counseling twitter, @BCHSCollege. Mrs. Nixon tweets on many topics, some not found on this website. Of course, checking this website will help you find college, career and scholarship topics too, many not found in her tweets.

Can I get a waiver for SAT/ACT testing or college application fees?

Students who qualify for free/reduced school meals are encouraged to contact BCHS College Counselor Pam Nixon (pnixon@bishopchatard.org) for information about SAT/ACT test fee waivers and possible college application waivers.

I’m struggling in school now. Where can I find help?

First: Congratulations on looking here to see how to find out how you can get help!

Listed are some of the options at the school that are available to all:

School Counselors and the BCHS Social Worker Becky Wilde are there to help you in whatever needs you have. Stop by the BCHS Counseling Office or see their contact information at the bottom of this page.
Tutoring Opportunities: Visit the main website to see the current opportunities for tutoring or other help.

Stressed?
It’s inevitable that we all experience stress in our daily lives. Some stress is actually good for us but too much stress can be harmful. Check out the special edition School Counseling Newsletter specifically addressing stress and how to effectively manage it.

Inside you will learn about…

•Tips for staying healthy
•How to create a stress plan
•Who you can talk to if you are stressed
•Apps to help you identify and manage your stress/anxiety
•Deep breathing exercises
•And more!

Read the Newsletter

How can I start thinking about which college to attend?

Here is one suggestion from Ruth P., from Louisville U.:

I made 4 lists that were the backbone of my search. The first contained my extracurricular activities, skills/abilities, leadership roles, community service, honors/talents and awards. The second held potential effective recommenders. The third consisted of scholarships that I qualified to apply for, based on my ACT score and GPA. And, finally, the fourth, a list of colleges that fit my intended major.

I turned the first list into a resume, the second into actual recommendations, the third into applications that I filled and submitted, and the fourth into colleges that I applied to, based on my intended program/major.

After getting accepted into my college choices, I then made the decisions considering “location, tuition, advantage of my intended program/major, involvement opportunities.”

Taylor Keasey, BCHS Class of 2016, offers her advice:

Take the SAT/ACT early, beginning in your junior year, and often, to get the best score.
Make sure you let your parents help you. This is a new beginning for them too. They are there to help and are more than willing.
Take a deep breath and take it one thing at a time.

What can I do to get a good start at college?

John Michael Mason, BCHS Class of 2016, offers this advice:

Get into the habit of checking your emails, during the summer.
Try to get the earliest orientation date possible so that you can get the best choice of classes before they fill up.
When you arrive on campus, be careful, especially before school starts, with going to parties, and manage your time properly.
Spend a few hours each day studying to retain the information learned in class. College is not like high school. You apply what you learn to real life situations through problem solving and critical thinking. The critical thinking aspect is something to look forward to because thinking grades matter will take away the motivation to learn.
Get involved in a few clubs, but do not get too involved because studying is the number 1 priority.
If you go to office hours for your struggling classes every week, you will be more likely to succeed than those who do not.
If you want a job or internship, go to career fairs.
Build connections, make friends, and have fun because with being your own boss, there is a lot to enjoy and learn from the experience.

Sami Katra, BCHS Class of 2016, offers her experience:

Do what is best for you! Give yourself a balanced schedule and take care of yourself and you will be fine. Be healthy, sleep when you can, take a break when need to, and take advantage of the small amounts of free time. Meet new people, love your friends, and let God do the rest.
Don’t be afraid to keep in touch with your high school friends and don’t be afraid to come home. Your parents will miss you and love to see you home, but make sure you get the college experience, you won’t regret it.
So, do your best and be thankful for the life you have and those around you. Live the 4^th and Go Trojans!