Devon Prep College Counseling Handbook

Devon Preparatory School 363 N. Valley Forge Road Devon, PA 19333

COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK 2016-17 Mrs. Elizabeth Eshleman Director of College Counseling

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Mission Statement Devon Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, college prep school, grades six to twelve, focused on the holistic education of young men for life.

The Devon Prep Identity Devon Preparatory School is singularly focused on preparing young men not just for college, but for the entirety of their lives. By operating our school at the speed, intensity, and standards of real life, our young men are well-positioned to succeed and be leaders for their lives and callings beyond Devon Prep.

We educate and inspire our students by holding them accountable to the highest academic and moral standards. Through the support of the entire Devon Prep community, students learn how to demand high standards from themselves.

At the same time, we understand the stresses a rigorous environment can create for our young men. The Devon Prep community is committed to the emotional well-being of our students.

Through the teaching of coping skills, stress management, and creating a trusting environment where students can share concerns, students learn how to navigate the challenges of life in a constructive, healthy way.

Academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities serve to: â—?

Challenge students in a nurturing way to step outside their comfort zones, learn more about themselves, and their capabilities

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Create an environment where students demand of themselves high expectations and standards

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Develop an intellectual curiosity of the world and have a strong moral and ethical compass to both anchor and guide them

The Key Principles that fulfill the Devon Prep Identity ●

Our Catholic, Piarist centered tradition ensures the highest priority is educating the total young man (intellectually, spiritually, physically, and emotionally)

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Devon Prep’s intimate, but diverse, student body population is a strength and an advantage. Faculty and staff get to know each student on an individual level, the school can make adjustments and adaptations more quickly than larger, slower institutions, and we can foster a deeper sense of school community.

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Devon Prep is a rigorous, world class academic institution. Our key differentiator is our focus on offering the highest quality education through a challenging, cutting edge curriculum taught by a well-credentialed faculty with a deep personal alignment to Devon Prep’s mission. We teach faculty and students to focus on the learning process, not just the outcomes. By focusing on the learning process, students increase attention and focus, develop critical thinking skills, and practice true learning.

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Athletics and extra-curricular activities serve to supplement and complement academic ​

learning by building a well-rounded person.

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We will use tools and technology to enable students and faculty access to the best learning and teaching vehicles. Tools and technology will be evaluated to ensure they serve our learning process and not replace the process.

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College Counseling Program Upon entering Devon Prep, many students are already beginning to develop the personal motivation to succeed so they may go to the college of their choice. Our curriculum is structured so that every graduate will meet course requirements at colleges and universities throughout the United States. The College Counseling Program at Devon Prep has been designed to empower the young person so he can have success through the college explorations and application processes.

The College Counseling Program has enjoyed considerable success. 100% of our graduates continue their education at a four-year institution of higher level learning.

The College Counseling Program is available to all students in the Upper School. The formal program begins in the Junior year, when the Director of College Counseling hosts an information session for students and parents on the college exploration and selection process, standardized testing programs, and the application process. At this session, families receive an additional college guidance manual, designed to help the student to select the right college in a timely manner. From Junior year through early Senior year of the Upper School, students have personal appointments in which the Director of College Counseling helps the student to explore his interests and options. Parents are required to attend the first appointment and encouraged to attend all other meetings.

In addition to 1x1 meetings, Juniors will meet in a Small Group College Counseling meeting during Advisory. The meetings begin for Juniors during the second semester of his Junior year. Seniors will continue to meet in Small Group College Counseling sessions during the fall of his Senior year.

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College Counseling Timeline It’s never too early to think about the future beyond Devon Prep. While the formal College Counseling Program does not begin until Junior year, there are many things underclassmen should consider: Freshman Year: This is the time to start building your academic and social foundations. Don’t worry about specific colleges at this point. Establish strong academic performance and activities, as this is important to your development and your college acceptance. Colleges will look at freshman year grades during their evaluation of your application so be sure to do your very best work.

During freshman year, you should: ● ​

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Think about taking AP classes for next year

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Prepare for and take PSAT in October Learn study skills Get involved outside of class in interesting activities Plan an exciting summer

8 Sophomore Year: In sophomore year, you want to build upon the foundations you established in freshman year.

Improve upon your grades and take more challenging courses. Start thinking about possible major or career interests. Students’ Personal Guidance Counselors will begin to take career exploration inventories to see where his interests lie. ●

Prepare for and take PSAT in October

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If enrolled in an AP Course, consider taking the SAT Subject Test(s) in May or June, if recommended by your teacher

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Meet with the Director of College Counseling and/or personal Guidance Counselor to see if you are on the right track with academics and activities (go for quality, not quantity of activities)

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Begin a career search

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Financial Aid night (for parents)

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Think about course choices for junior year. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself academically (with support of your current teachers and college/personal counselors)

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Take AP exams in May

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Plan an exciting summer

9 Junior Year: Junior year is the last full year of grades that colleges see before making a decision. Continue improving your grades and curriculum. Academics is most important in the evaluations of your application for college. Colleges want to see the TYPE OF CURRICULUM you are enrolled in and THE GRADES you are achieving. This is also the time to stretch your wind and dig deeper in your extracurricular involvements. Consider taking on leadership roles in your activities. During Junior year, students should be exploring all his options for his future. Take time to visit a college campus while classes are in session. There are a number of days in the fall where students have no classes, yet college campuses are in full swing. This is a great opportunity to visit a college/university and get a full experience, not only of the campus setting but a chance to meet the students and see if this institution will be a “fit”.

Juniors will have the opportunity to meet with the Director of College Counseling with his parents for their 1x1 college strategy session. In addition, Juniors will meet every other cycle with the Director of College Counseling in Small Group College Counseling meetings during Advisory period beginning in the second semester.

September ●

Start your college search (see next chapter) (​www.princetonreview.com​, www.Petersons.com​, ​www.collegeboard.com​)

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Meet with colleges representatives who visit Devon Prep (see College Visits section)

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Prepare for October PSAT/NMSQT

October

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Continue participation with the college visit program

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Financial Aid Night (parents)

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Take PSAT

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Participate in local, evening college fairs (PACAC Delaware County College Fair, PACAC Montgomery County College Fair for example – see College Visits section)

November ●

Continue with college meetings

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Fill out Student Profile (with essay and activities resume) and Parent Form

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National College Fair at PA Convention Center in Philadelphia

December ●

PSAT results returned

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Register for spring SAT/ACT

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Start thinking about summer study, jobs, travel, etc.

January ●

Student Profile and Parent Form due to College Counseling Office

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Mid-year exams – focus on your grades!

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January SAT

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“Introduction to College Counseling ” information session in the evening for both ​

student and parents February ●

Small group college counseling meeting during Advisory begin

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1x1 meetings with college counselor begin

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Schedule courses for senior year

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February ACT

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Think about and register for SAT II: Subject Tests

March ●

Meetings with college counselors continue

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March SAT

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Mock Admissions Committee Case Study presentation

Continue to visit colleges while they’re still in session

April ●

Meetings with college counselors continue

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April ACT

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Study for AP exams and finals

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PACAC Regional College Fair at Villanova University (Monday, May 15, 2017)

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Meetings with college counselors continue

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Request teacher recommendations

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AP and final exams

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May SAT and SAT IIs

June ●

June SAT/SATII/ACT

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Start summer job, coursework, etc.

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If interested in pursuing Division I/II athletics, register for the NCAA Clearinghouse and

Continue visiting colleges to solidify list

contact coaches about visits.

July ●

Narrow your college list

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Gather applications and look over essays and finalize resume

August ●

Work on essays, resume and applications

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Get in contact with your admissions representative

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Register for fall SAT/ACT

13 Senior Year: Fall of your Senior year is the time to apply to colleges. Colleges want to see that you continue the progress that you have made earlier in high school: more challenging courses, higher grades, leadership positions. It is important for you not to lose academic focus during your senior year as most colleges will want to see your first quarter/semester grades prior to making a decision on your candidacy.

Seniors will continue to meet in Small Group College Counseling meetings during Advisory for the first semester.

September ●

Discuss college application selection with college counselor

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September ACT

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Meet with colleges who visit Devon Prep

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Participate in Mock Interview Night (evening program)

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Thank your teachers who will writing letter of recommendation for you. Provide the teachers with a copy of your activities resume and a list of your colleges and their respective deadlines.

October ● ​

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Attend Financial Aid Night (evening presentation for parents)

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October SAT/ACT

List applications due in November/December in Naviance and email list to the College Counseling Office

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Attend Open Houses on campus

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Complete the FAFSA online before college deadlines (application opens on October 1)

Continue meeting with colleges at Devon

Gather financial records and fill out worksheets at fafsa.ed.gov ●

Sign up (with a parent) for a Financial aid PIN number at pin.ed.gov

November ●

Keep in contact with your admissions representative

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November SAT

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Fill out PROFILE or college’s financial aid form

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Get applications due in January to College Counseling Office

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Complete the FAFSA online before college deadlines

Attend Open Houses

December ●

December SAT/ACT

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Complete the FAFSA online before college deadlines

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Early application decisions returned – let the College Counseling Office know the outcome

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Give copies of admissions decision letters and scholarships to College Counseling Office

Get all remaining applications to College Counseling Office

15 January ●

Mid-year exams – senior grades count!

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January SAT

February ●

“Letting Go” presentation for senior parents ​

March ●

Get copy of Regular Decision application letters to College Counseling Office

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If you have decided on a college, withdraw your application from others

April ●

Attend accepted Student Days on college campuses - sit in on classes, participate in overnight programs

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Make decision of where to go, if you haven’t done so

May ● ​

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Final exams – senior grades count!

AP exams

June ●

Graduation!

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What Colleges Consider Let’s examine the important pieces of the college application puzzle. ●

Curriculum and Grades

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Standardized Tests

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Activities Essay Letters of Recommendation Other Factors

17 Curriculum and Grades The best indicator of future success in college. The Admissions Committee will focus first and foremost is your academic record: the types of courses you have taken as well as the grades you have earned. All four years of high school will be considered, including Freshman and Senior years. Colleges want you to take the most rigorous coursework you can handle, including, for some students, Advanced Placement courses. They like to see trends of improvement and progression in your GPA over the course of high school. Most colleges will also want to see your first semester grades in senior year. Whichever college you enroll at will require your final transcript through the end of senior year. If you do not successfully complete senior year – and each college defines “successfully” differently – the colleges reserve the right to reconsider and possibly rescind your acceptance. To avoid such a scenario, it is in your best interest is to continue to work diligently throughout your senior year.

18 Standardized Tests Standardized tests play a significant role in college admissions. As a student, you need to be familiar with the different tests and how they are used. There are several major standardized tests used in the admissions process. They include: ●

PSAT/NMSQT

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SAT

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ACT

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SAT II

PSAT/NMSQT: All Devon Prep ninth through eleventh grade students will have experience with ​PSAT/NMSQT Test. The PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This is a standardized test (typically given in October) that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. For more information about the ​PSAT/NMSQT​, please see www.collegeboard.org/student/testing/psat/about.html​.

SAT: Most students will first take the ​SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) ​during their junior year. The SAT will assess how you analyze and solve problems. There are two required sections to the SAT: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section and the Math section.

Most colleges and universities will consider the highest ERBW and Math scores, even if they are at different sittings. That said, we encourage students to take the SAT more than once. Students

19 are recommended to take the SAT in the spring of their Junior year and again the fall of their Senior year.

The SAT is offered multiple times throughout the academic year. Current test dates and registration deadlines for this year include:

SAT Date

Register-By Date*

October 1, 2016

September 1, 2016

November 5, 2016

October 7, 2016

December 3, 2016

November 3, 2016

January 21, 2017

December 21, 2015

March 11, 2017

February 10, 2017

May 6, 2017

April 7, 2017

June 3, 2017

May 9, 2017

More information and registration for the SAT can be found at www.collegeboard.org/student/testing/sat/about/SATI.html​ and​ ​www.collegeboard.org.

20 ACT TEST: Another option for students is to consider the​ ​ACT Test​.​ The ACT Test assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.

Students are tested in four general areas: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The ACT Test, like the SAT Test, is typically offered multiple times during the academic year.

This year’s ACT test dates and registration deadlines include:

Test Date

Registration Deadline

September 10, 2016

August 5, 2016

October 22, 2016

September 16, 2016

December 10, 2015

November 4, 2016

February 11, 2017

January 13, 2017

April 8, 2017

March 3, 2017

June 10, 2017

May 5, 2017

21 SAT II: Many of the “most selective” colleges will also require two to three ​SAT Subject Tests​. Many colleges, however, do not. These are hour-long tests in specific subjects such as Physics, U.S. History, Spanish and Molecular Biology, among other subjects. They are administered on the same day as the SAT, so you can only do one or the other on a given day. Even if not required for admission, they may be used for placement purposes. So if you are strong in a subject, you may still want to take the SAT II. We strongly recommend that you take the SAT IIs when you have completed the course. You have the greatest chance for success at that point in time. For more information, please see ​https://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-subject-tests/faq​.

SAT Date

Register-By Date*

October 1, 2016

September 1, 2016

November 5, 2016

October 7, 2016

December 3, 2016

November 3, 2016

January 21, 2017

December 21, 2015

March 11, 2017

February 10, 2017

May 6, 2017

April 7, 2017

June 3, 2017

May 9, 2017

22 Activities Resume Colleges want students who will be active and engaged on their campus. The best predictor for campus involvement is looking at the applicant’s involvement in high school. Colleges want to see what you have been involved in, both in and out of school. Please note that they are looking at the quality of involvement not just quantity.

Colleges don’t want to see you involved in 30

activities for only a semester each. They’d rather see you pick a few activities, focus on them, and develop into leaders through them, especially if they are diverse (e.g., Newspaper, Student Council, Basketball). With our club meetings taking place during Advisory, there is no reason why students can’t get involved in our extracurricular programs. Devon’s size and family-oriented atmosphere provide an excellent opportunity for many students not only to get involved in extracurricular activities but to develop into leaders. Colleges like to see well-rounded students, with an emphasis on leadership and community service.

Please also include any out-of-school activities and employment opportunities. They are just a powerful as Devon Prep student activities.

23 Essays Most colleges will also require an essay or personal statement from the applicant. This is a chance for you to give your application some personality, a chance to go beyond the black and white of your GPA and SAT scores. Colleges will look at your style, grammar and how well you answered the question, but the most important part is what the essay tells the college about you.

Often, it is less important ​what you write than ​how you write. Make sure you’re answering the question they ask, and if you make reference to a college, make sure it’s the right college. If you use the same essay for different colleges, it’s all too easy to leave something in an essay that doesn’t belong.

Make the essay personal, specific and ​interesting. Give it a good title and have a strong introduction to engage the reader. Make them care about reading your essay, and it will help you in the evaluation process.

24 Recommendations The Director of College Counseling will prepare a letter of recommendation for each senior, but many colleges will also ask for one or two letters of recommendation from teachers. The teachers who gave you A’s may not always be the best recommendation. Sometimes if you worked extra hard for a C, that teacher may be able to give more insight for the admissions committee.

Consider also your intended major and if the teacher knows you outside of class in selecting your recommenders.

Students should ask their teachers for recommendations before the conclusion of their junior year. Upon returning to school in September, students should approach their teachers and reaffirm their continued support. To make things easier for the teachers, students should provide a copy of their resume, a list of their schools and application deadlines to their teachers.

25 Other Possible Factors Choice of Major​: Some majors are more selective than others. Speak directly with the Admission Office to learn about their admission processes.

Demonstrated Interest​: Many colleges will try to determine the likelihood of your enrolling if you are accepted as a factor in their decision. So if you visit the school, go to a presentation at Devon or in the area, be sure to complete the information card. At certain schools, multiple touches have proven beneficial in the admission outcome.

Biographical information​: The most selective colleges are able to craft their class to achieve a balance of gender, ethnicity, legacy, public/private school, geography, etc.

Legacy​: Most schools are interested in familial ties to the institution. If your parents, siblings or other family members attended, be sure to note it on your application.

The Interview​: This is your chance to present yourself in your best light to the admissions officers. Do your research: go onto the college’s website, talk to alumni, be ready with questions and be ready to answer questions in a way that will bring another positive facet to your application.

Your presentation of yourself​: This could be in an interview, on a Facebook/Instragram page, etc. If you give an unfavorable impression, it could have a negative impact on your prospects for admission.

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College Search In doing your college search, it’s important to note that there are many wonderful colleges out there. You may find one that is perfect for you, or you may find several. In deciding what colleges to consider, keep an open line of communication with your college counselor and parents. It’s important that everyone is on the same page throughout the college search process.

Here are some college search sites that the College Counseling Department recommends to get you started: ·​

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www.petersons.com www.princetonreview.com www.collegeboard.org www.naviance.com​ ​(please see section on Naviance)

Some things to keep in mind during your college search Size​: Do you want a big school with many options? A small school with lots of personal attention?

Something in between? Do you want large lectures or smaller seminar-style classes?

Location​: What part of the country? Do you want to be in a city, small town, suburban or rural environment?

Academics​: Does the college have the major you want? If you’re not sure of your major, what options are

27 available for undecided students? Are there internships, research or foreign study opportunities? What are the qualifications of the teachers?

Activities​: Is there a specific activity (club, sport, etc.) that you want to pursue in college? What is there to do on the weekends?

Campus atmosphere​: What kind of rapport is there among students and faculty? Visit the campus and, if you can, eat in the dining hall, sleep in a residence hall and attend a class.

Cost​: Keep in mind the cost of a school. While scholarships and financial aid may be available, will they be enough to realistically allow you to attend? ​H​ow much debt are you willing to take on for the college investment?

A private, Catholic, college prep school, grades six to twelve, fo

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Naviance/Family Connection https://succeed.naviance.com/devonps

Naviance/Family Connection​ is a service to support a student and his family’s exploration and application to college. It is a comprehensive website that students can use to help with career exploration, college exploration and application processing.

In the Junior year Small Group Counseling classes, we will engage students in the different tools that Naviance/Family Connection has to offer. The junior year college search piece will allow students to learn more about the admissions criteria for each college/university on their potential list and compare themselves with Devon Prep alumni who have previously applied to the institution. They will graphically see the likelihood for their chances of admissions via the scattergram.

In senior year, Naviance/Family Connection will be the vehicle to effectively communicate and distribute electronic communications between Devon Prep and his colleges.

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The Application Process Our College Counseling Department will support your college application with: ●

T​ranscript(s)

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College Counselor letter of recommendation and counselor forms

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High School Profile

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Anything else you specifically wish us to include in the application

These documents will be submitted electronically through Naviance, unless specifically directed by the college to do otherwise.

In order for us to send out your academic credentials, you must submit an ​application checklist for each college you apply to. This is a way not only to keep track of applications but also serves as an official transcript release to the colleges. It has been nicknamed “The Green Form.”

Students also need to add colleges to their “Colleges I’m Applying To” tab in Naviance and their Common Application account.

Teacher recommendations are also electronically transmitted to colleges via Naviance, unless specifically directed otherwise. Please provide your teacher(s) adequate notice to complete their letter of recommendation and required teacher forms. You will also need to provide your teacher with a copy of your resume and a list with deadlines of all your colleges and universities.

The College Counseling Department is happy to review every application and provide you with feedback before they are sent to the colleges. To expedite the process you must print out a copy of

30 the online application. Please be sure to give sufficient advance notice to review your applications.

Common Application Another way to apply is through the Common Application (​ www.commonapp.org​). This is an application accepted by over 400 colleges across the country. It simplifies the process so that you only fill out one basic application and essay. You may have some supplements required by certain universities, but the body of the application need only be filled out once. College members of the Common Application give equal consideration to the Common Application versus their institutional application.

Finally, ​make sure that you meet the deadlines​ that the College Counseling Department has posted. Meeting deadlines is important in the college application process, as well as in college and in life.

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College Visits to Devon Prep Every fall, Devon Prep is visited by a large number of admissions representatives from colleges and universities throughout the country. The college visit/information session is typically 30-40 minutes long. The college representatives will meet with interested juniors and seniors to promote their institution and answer questions about their campus and admission processes. A listing of colleges/universities visiting Devon Prep will be posted on the bulletin board outside of the College Counseling Center (Room 106), on Family Connection/Naviance and on our website.

This listing will be updated on a regular basis.

Guidelines for meeting with college admission representatives include: 1. Sign up in the College Counseling Center or Family Connection/Naviance ​a minimum of two days before the scheduled visit and obtain a pass (in Room 106), ​co-signed by Mrs. Eshleman AND your teacher.

2. Ask your teacher, in advance, if you may miss his/her class. You must do this a minimum of two days in advance of the college visit.

3. You ​may not miss a test or a quiz to attend a college visit. ​It is at the discretion of your

teacher to permit you to miss class​. If you do not obtain permission, I will support the decision of the teacher. You are responsible for making up missed work.

4. All college visits, unless otherwise notified, will be in the College Counseling Center. Be prepared to have your pass checked at the beginning of the information session.

32 College visits are informational only. If you cannot meet with a visiting college, it will not jeopardize your chances of gaining admission to that school.

What to do at college meetings While informational in nature, college visits allow a representative to gain a feel for the type of student a high school produces.

They also allow you to make an impression on the

representative. REMEMBER ‌ the person you meet in the visit may be the first person reading your application. Help them leave with a favorable impression of you and Devon Prep.

It would, therefore, be in yours and Devon’s best interest to: 1.

Arrive promptly.

2. Introduce yourself.

3. Pay attention.

4. Behave properly.

5. Ask serious, well-thought questions.

6. Be articulate.

7. Thank the representative.

8. After the information session is over, promptly return to your next class.

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Campus Visits The best way to discover a college is to visit the campus itself. Plan on spending several hours on a campus. Many will offer information sessions - a presentation typically led by an admissions officer who will share information about academic life, student life and the admission process.

Student-led tours usually take place afterwards. This is a great opportunity for students and parents to pepper the tour-guide about his/her experience on campus. Ask about classes, relationships with faculty members, student activities, night life, life living in a residence hall….nearly every topic is fair game! The more you learn about a college or university, the more confident you will be with your decision to apply.

Even after you get accepted, please consider returning to the campus. Take advantage of “Accepted Student Days” or overnight programs. If you are visiting a campus, tell the college counselor. She may be able to connect you with a Devon alumnus while you’re on campus. Again, the more information you can gather, the confident you will be in making your college choice!

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College Fairs and Information Sessions

Sometimes it’s difficult to take time from your academic or sports schedule to get to the campus.

Time, finances and distance can be factors that hinder your actual visit to the campus.

In such situations, students should participate in the College Visit Program at Devon Prep. This will give students the opportunity to meet the admissions officer and learn more about what the college has to offer.

Not all colleges are able to personally visit Devon Prep. In such cases, students should take advantage of local Evening Information Sessions at other local high school or hotel ballrooms. In addition, student should consider attending some of the college fairs at local high schools and universities. Colleges fair can have between 50-300 colleges in attendance. Admission officers or trained alumni will be at the fair and can answer questions about academic, student and social life on the campus.

While not as effective as visiting the campus first-hard, they are good alternatives and can be helpful to your decision making.

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Financing Your Education As the cost of college continues to rise astronomically, funding for college comes more to the forefront. In recognition of this, Devon sponsors two presentations on Financial Aid and Funding for College. It is important to note that most students going to college receive some sort of financial aid.

Need-based Aid In order to be considered for need-based financial aid, students must fill out the ​Free

Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at ​www.fafsa.ed.gov​. ​Beginning in October 2016 (for aid applications for the 2017-18 award year), students and families will file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) using ​Prior-Prior Year (PPY) ​tax data. ​Devon Prep encourages its students to apply earlier in this span and estimate if need be, because it’s better to meet the deadline and have to adjust the numbers later than miss out on an opportunity for financial aid.

To submit the FAFSA, you will need a pin, which you can obtain at ​www.pin.ed.gov​.

Some private colleges will require a second form, either their own institutional form or the CSS Profile. These forms will provide supplemental financial aid information that these colleges will use in determining institutional financial aid.

Scholarships Most often, students will receive automatic consideration for academic scholarships simply by applying for admission. Sometimes, there is a separate scholarship application or interview. Some of the most selective colleges do not offer academic scholarships, as everyone who is accepted is a

36 scholarship caliber student. These schools usually devote more institutional funding to need-based aid. Some colleges may also offer performance scholarships for qualities such as athletics, music, community service and leadership.

External scholarships are also available. There are several scholarship searches available. ​Do not pay for them​! Anything that these services provide can be found free online, and two that Devon

Prep recommends are ​www.fastweb.com​, ​www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search and ​http://www.goodcall.com/scholarships/search​.

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NCAA and the College Athlete

Many students have dreams of playing for their favorite college sports team. Not all students have the time or talent to compete at the intercollegiate level. Being a varsity athlete on campus is a full-time job in addition to being a full-time student.

For students interested in competing in intercollegiate athletics at the Division I or Division II levels, student-athletes should be consulting with their school or travel team/AAU coach.

Students who have the ability to play at the Division I or Division II level will need to have their academic and amateurism status certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly the NCAA Clearinghouse.) There are very specific rules and guidelines to follow.

Please link to

www.eligibilitycenter.org for more information.

Students who want to compete at the Division III level do not need to certify with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

For students who want to stay active in their sport without the commitment of an intercollegiate program may participate in their sport at the Club or Intramurals level. Most colleges and universities have very diverse, competitive and fun programs for students to stay involved.

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Summer Enrichment While it is important to use the summer as time to unwind from the high academic demands that Devon Prep places on its students, it is also important that students do not spend the entire summer doing nothing. Colleges like to see students do something productive over the summer, be it traveling, volunteering, taking classes or getting a job (which many colleges think is the most important thing you can do over the summer!).

Many colleges offer Pre-College Summer Programs to expose high school students to academic and campus life. From week-long to full summer experiences, there are programs for students to learn new subjects or delve deeper into passions. For more information, please see the Director of College Counseling.

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Test Preparation In an effort to help our students be better prepared for the SAT and ACT tests, we have developed two programs, at additional cost, to assist our students: ●

SAT Prep/Advisory Program

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SAT Summer Boot Camp

The SAT Prep/Advisory Program is an eight-week program held on Tuesdays and Thursdays during Advisory period. Taught by professional test-prep instructors from Educational Services, a boutique test-prep firm with three locations in the greater Philadelphia region and Florida.

Students wills spend 35 minutes twice a week learning test-taking strategies and will review SAT topics that need additional development. This program is for current Devon Prep students only and will have limited enrollment to ensure small class size and personalized attention.

For the eighth year in a row, Devon Prep will be running its “Summer SAT Boot Camp”. We welcome Devon Prep students (as well as siblings and friends from other schools) to participate in our program this summer.

The summer session includes 20 hours of prep/test meetings in total: Monday through Thursday for two weeks in the summer (eight lecture sessions), two full-length simulated SATs on Thursdays of the summer session, and one 1.5 hour 1 x 1 review session.

The final sessions will take place in the early fall. Students will schedule a practice test on any fall Saturday or Sunday morning. At the conclusion of that test, we would ask students to schedule a 1×1 1.5 hour appointment with his or another instructor to review that test.

Enrollment will be limited to ensure small class size and personalized attention.

40 Both the SAT Prep/Advisory and the SAT Summer Boot Camp can be modified for the ACT test.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact:

Mrs. Elizabeth Eshleman Director of College Counseling Devon Preparatory School 610-688-7337 x172 eeshleman@devonprep.com