2014-2015 College Preparation Guide (Gallaudet University)

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Advantage: You when you use this college preparation guide Even the very best high school students are not guaranteed admission to any particular college or university. But there are a few things that will help you increase your chances of getting into college and succeeding. Gallaudet University seeks students who will contribute to the intellectual vitality, cultural life, and diversity of its campus community. Use this guide to track your readiness.

The things you do in

high school will

set you apart

as you look for your

collegiate match.

College-bound? Stack the odds in your favor.

FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES: ESTABLISH SOLID ACADEMICS AND EXTRACURRICULARS. Get off to a good start. Take the most demanding college preparatory classes your high school offers.

A strong academic transcript is what many colleges view as the most critical piece of your application. If your school offers any advanced, honors, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate courses, take them if you can. You should challenge yourself without getting in over your head.

Love what you do outside the classroom.

It sounds impressive if you are involved in every student activity there is. But it’s even more impressive if you are involved in just a few organizations and earns a leadership position in each of them. Think quality in terms of activities, not quantity. Many colleges also place a value on service work that is done outside of high school requirements.

Visit Gallaudet! See Open House dates and information inside.

Are you ready?

JUNIORS AND SENIORS: BUILD ON YOUR ACADEMIC AND EXTRACURRICULAR FOUNDATION

AND ADD FOCUS TO YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH.

Cultivate relationships with your references.

Ask teachers who know you well to write you letters of recommendation. Think strategically about which teachers you pick. Sometimes the teacher from the difficult advanced-level course, where you worked very hard for a “B,” may prove to be your best advocate.

Clarify testing requirements. Some schools require that the ACT be taken with the Writing option; other schools may want SAT II Subject tests. Be sure you are clear as to what is expected of you and what will be considered as your application is reviewed.

Know your various personal and academic goals.

When you search for a college, you should feel confident that the schools to which you are applying offer academic programs that interest you and meet your personal needs. Visit as many schools as you can. Begin with a broad list of many different kinds of schools and narrow the list as you learn more about the schools and understand more about what you want out of college.

Ask questions. Use campus visits wisely, asking questions of admissions officers, students, and professors.

If your internet search doesn’t answer your questions, call or email the school. Remember that all your communications with the college will likely become part of your admissions file if you decide to apply, so use professional language

What classes should you take in high school?

The U.S. Department of Education recommends the following high school academic course load for college-bound students: English—4 years Mathematics, including Algebra II or Trigonometry—3 years History and Social Studies—2 years Foreign Language—2 years

VISIT! UNDERGRADUATE OPEN HOUSE

Fall 2014

Natural Sciences—2 years Visual and Performing Arts—1 year

Monday, October 13 Monday, November 10

Electives—1 year

Spring 2015 Monday, March 9 Monday, April 13

Make your FRESHMAN YEAR

q Explore careers and jobs you find interesting. Find out what college majors are needed for those careers.

q Join student organizations and activities with the potential for leadership opportunities.

Summer Youth Programs at Gallaudet University Gallaudet University hosts a number of summer youth programs dedicated to academic and personal enrichment. These programs are great opportunities to get a jump on college planning, explore career options, and further your knowledge in academic areas of interest.

Taking part in a summer youth program at Gallaudet is also a great way to meet deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students from around the world.

Visit youthprograms.gallaudet.edu to learn more about upcoming programs. For more information, email youthprograms@gallaudet.edu.

Here are a few questions to get you started as you begin visiting colleges.

ACADEMICS

What’s the ratio of faculty to students?

How large are classes?

Gallaudet’s student-faculty ratio is

8:1

Are there a variety of class formats taught throughout the campus (lecture, lab, seminar, practicum)?

What kind of accommodations are provided for students who are deaf or hard of hearing?

What opportunities are there for student-faculty interaction?

How widely used are teaching assistants on the campus?

COMMUNITY

What kind of residence hall choices are there?

What percentage of students live on campus?

58%

of our students choose to live on campus

What activities are offered to students?

What clubs are there on campus?

Are interpreters or other accommodations provided for extracurricular events?

What opportunities are there for undergraduate research?

Is there an honors program?

We’re one of 14 colleges and universities in a D.C.-area consortium!

LOCATION

What type of local internship opportunities are available for students?

Ask us about our Capitol Hill Internship Program!

What is accessibility like off-campus, i.e., at sport events or local museums?

What do students do in the school’s city?

Aside from being a few minutes’ walk from the Metro, Gallaudet has Zipcars and a Capital Bikeshare stop on campus!

What is the city’s public transit like?

Are there partnerships with other universities in the area?

way towards col

SOPHOMORE YEAR

q In October, take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT). The scores will not count for the National Merit Scholarship database but the test will prepare you for the PSAT and/or SAT your junior year.

q Stay involved in extracurricular activities, especially:

Organizations or community service organizations Varsity sports Student government Student media

q Ask your counselor about available Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

q Begin your college research: Admissions requirements Degree programs Housing Student body profile Tuition

Another way to boost your application is to find a part-time job after school or during the summer. If you cannot participate in extracurricular activities because you need to work to help your family, this is good information to share with the colleges you apply to.

Gallaudet Admissions FAQs What kind of admissions criteria does Gallaudet use?

The Admissions Committee considers many criteria, including academic accomplishment, community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and work experience. We also rely on teachers, counselors, and alumni/ae to share information about applicants’ strength of character and other personal qualities.

How important are extracurricular activities in admissions decisions?

Each case is different. Some students distinguish themselves due to their unusual academic promise through achievements in study or research, while others present compelling cases because they have contributed in many different ways to their schools or communities.

Some demonstrate excellence in one particular endeavor—academic, extracurricular, or otherwise. Some students bring perspectives formed by unusual personal circumstances or experiences. We seek to admit the most interesting, able, and diverse class possible.

Is there a separate admissions process for hearing students?

Yes. Prospective students who are not deaf or hard of hearing may apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Interpretation and Hearing Undergraduate programs. The application process is similar, with a few exceptions. For more information, contact your Admissions Counselor or refer to the “Hearing Undergraduates” section of the Admissions website at admissions.gallaudet.edu.

Who reads applications?

Applications are carefully read by the Admissions Committee in a series of meetings, and a majority vote is required for admission.

llege application

JUNIOR YEAR

q Test yourself in October!

Take the PSAT. (Taking this test in your junior year will enter your name into the National Merit Scholarship database.)

Take the SAT or the ACT Plus The ACT Plus Writing Test to assess your skills.

q Take honors and AP classes. q Continue your extracurricular activities and take on additional responsibilities and leadership roles.

Writing Test is Gallaudet’s preferred test.

q Explore volunteer opportunities in your community or part-time employment.

GALLAUDET INSTITUTIONAL CODES When taking the ACT or SAT, be sure to list the college code for Gallaudet to have your scores sent directly to the University.

Test

Gallaudet Code

ACT

0662

SAT

5240

q Begin precollege/transition plans with your school or vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor. Your counselor can assist you in the transition from school services to VR services, which may include payment of fees for college entrance examinations, summer camps sponsored by Gallaudet, and application and admission to Gallaudet.

Are a student’s chances of admission enhanced by submitting application materials before other applicants?

No. However, early application submission does have its perks. Students who submit applications early ensure they will qualify for merit scholarship consideration. See application deadlines below.

Are a student’s chances of admission affected if there are other applicants from his or her school or community?

No. There are no quotas for individual schools, communities, or states.

Other college preparation links

• admissions.gallaudet.edu/campus_visit • admissions.gallaudet.edu/vragencies (VR agency listing) • www.college.gov • www.finaid.org (scholarships) • www.studentaid.ed.gov

n success

SENIOR YEAR

q In October, take the ACT Plus Writing Test and/or SAT again if you want to improve your score.

q Take a full load of academic classes, including honors and AP classes, even if you have completed your graduation requirements.

q Apply to your college and university choice(s) before deadlines.

q In January, apply for federal financial aid at fafsa.ed.gov.

q Talk to your school counselor about Advanced Placement tests to earn college credits for classes.

q Talk to your VR counselor about qualifying for VR assistance in college.

To ensure you are considered for institutional scholarships, complete the Gallaudet University institutional financial aid application (IFAA) at financialaid. gallaudet.edu after acceptance.

Application Deadlines February 15

to be eligible for honors scholarship consideration.

Applications received after February 15 will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and automatically will be considered for merit scholarships.

Application fees will be waived for students who visit campus or participate in summer youth programs.

800 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

Undergraduate Admissions

Edward Miner Gallaudet Building 800-995-0550 (tty, voice) 202-250-2474 (vp) 202-651-5744 (fax) admissions.office@gallaudet.edu facebook.com/gallaudet1864 twitter.com/gallaudetu youtube.com/gallaudetvideo Š 2014 Office of Communications and Public Relations