Welcome
Mission, Philosophy and Objectives
Welcome to the Dunham School’s College Placement Handbook, your essential guide to navigating the college admissions process. Designed with both students and parents in mind, this handbook is a comprehensive resource that provides practical advice, key strategies, and vital information to help you approach each step of the college placement process with confidence.
College Placement Office Mission Statement
To empower every student to discover, pursue, and achieve their ideal post-secondary educational path, fostering faith, self-awareness, informed decision-making, and a lifelong love of learning, while upholding the Christian values and academic rigor of The Dunham School.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of Dunham’s College Placement Office is that the match between student and college is our most important concern Therefore, we assist the student in discovering colleges that will allow him or her to attain the best education to achieve the greatest success, and to emerge from the experience as well-prepared as possible to lead a productive, constructive, and satisfying life. Our role is to guide the student and family in making the best decisions relative to applications and choice. The final decision-making role remains with the student and his or her family.
OUR OBJECTIVES
To put students at the center of the college admissions process, enabling them to take leadership in their search.
To help students understand that the college admissions process is an integral part of their overall academic program
To ensure that students and families are supported in the college admissions process.
To educate colleges and universities about Dunham School’s students and programs
To stay current with trends in the profession.
To communicate the expectations and outcomes of the college placement program to all Dunham constituencies.
It’s A Partnership
Roles & Responsibilities: Students, Parents and College Placement Team
A successful college placement journey is a true partnership It's a collaborative effort where students, parents, and the College Placement Team each play a vital and distinct role Students are at the heart of this process, taking ownership of their aspirations, researching potential schools, and crafting compelling applications that showcase their unique qualities Parents provide invaluable support, guidance, and encouragement, helping them explore options and navigate important decisions. The College Placement Team offers expert advice, personalized counseling, and comprehensive resources, ensuring that every student is well-prepared and confident as they navigate their college admissions journey.
Roles and Responsibilities
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Drive your college admissions process
Be realistic about your strengths/weaknesses and what you want out of your college experience
Utilize all college admissions resources available to you
Use Naviance as a resource to research colleges and manage your applications
Be proactive in seeking advice and guidance from the College Placement Team
Keep the College Placement Team informed and up to date on all requests and decisions
Know all requirements and deadlines for each school you are applying to
Complete and submit all applications in a timely and professional manner
Request teacher recommendations in a gracious and timely manner
Inform the College Placement Team of your final decision and any scholarship awards
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Be supportive and engage in your child’s college admissions journey
Communicate early with your student about any restrictions or parameters that should shape his or her college search and selection process (i.e., financial, geographic, etc.)
Be open-minded to a range of colleges, and facilitate visits to campuses when possible
Be aware, but let your student be responsible for filing applications, asking for appointments, asking for recommendations, thanking faculty, registering for testing, and writing essays
Fill out and file any financial aid forms required if you are applying for financial assistance
Always keep in mind that your child will be the one going to college and an over-involved parent can often do more harm than good
Roles and Responsibilities
COLLEGE PLACEMENT TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Meet students where they are
Educate students and families on the college admissions process and assist in developing a personalized plan to help achieve their goals
Be a valuable and trusted guide for students and families through the entire process
Provide opportunities and resources for students and families to learn about various colleges and all aspects of the college admissions process
Be effective advocates for students to selected colleges so they have the strongest chance of being given favorable consideration
Prepare and submit all supporting documentation to complete the application (i.e., official transcripts, teacher and counselor recommendations, secondary school report, etc.)
Assist in solving any issues or problems that might occur during the application process
Beginning Your Search
Self-Evaluation, Researching Colleges, Balancing Your Application List and Naviance
One of the primary goals in the college placement process is finding the right fit. It isn't about prestige, rank, or popular opinion, but about discovering a college or university where you can truly thrive academically, socially, and personally. This involves deep self-reflection to understand your learning style, desired campus environment, extracurricular interests, and career aspirations Do you prefer a bustling city campus or a quiet rural setting? Large lecture halls or intimate seminars? What kind of student community will help you feel a sense of belonging? Considering these crucial aspects early on will help you narrow down the vast array of options and focus on colleges that align with your unique needs and goals, setting the stage for a fulfilling and successful college experience.
Self Evaluation
To find the right fit, you must have a good understanding and appreciation of who you are This process of selfreflection will not only assist in the college process but also help you mature as you start to think more carefully about who you are as an individual To help facilitate this process, we invite you to utilize the Self-Discovery tools and resources in your Naviance account. We use this information to start conversations with you about your personality, traits, skills, and interests. This realization will help you understand what colleges best suit you.
Researching Colleges
Researching colleges is a critical step in the admissions process, and it goes well beyond simply looking at rankings or a school's reputation. It's about really digging into the details: the academic programs offered, the campus culture, the location, the student support services available, and even what graduates go on to do.
This in-depth exploration helps you identify colleges that genuinely align with your academic interests, personal values, and future aspirations By understanding the nuances of each institution, you will be able to craft much stronger applications This shows admissions committees that you've done your homework and that you truly understand why you'd be a great fit for their school
Research Tools and Resources
With over 2,600 four-year degree-granting colleges and universities across the U S , identifying the right colleges can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack This is where leveraging a variety of research tools and resources becomes incredibly important. Don't just stick to one source; instead, explore a range of platforms to get a comprehensive picture.
General College Guides
Viewbooks & Literature
Online Resources Family, Friends & Faculty
Campus Visits & College Reps
There are a number of guidebooks and directories that review and rate colleges and universities Remember, these are someone else’s assessments. Don’t let one source make your decision. These types of sources include The College Board’s College Handbook, Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges, and Peterson’s 4-Year Colleges.
Request information directly from the college or university you are researching You can do this on their website, and they will either mail it to you are send you a digital version
Online resources for researching colleges are endless. From virtual tours and school websites to online guides and search engines, you can find everything you need. TIP: Start with your Naviance account!
Family, friends, and faculty are excellent resources Question them about their reasons for choosing certain colleges and avoiding others See if those reasons fit your idea of preferred colleges; never cross a college off your list merely because a friend did not like it. Remember, you are looking for the right fit for you. Think for yourself!
Each year, more than 35 admissions representatives from colleges and universities across the country visit the Dunham campus to meet with students Take advantage of these opportunities to introduce yourself and learn about the schools Also, make time to visit the schools you are interested in Nothing takes the place of stepping onto a campus and experiencing it firsthand.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A SCHOOL?
Here are just a few criteria you can use to begin evaluating and ultimately choosing schools that fit what you are looking for in your college experience.
Enrollment Size:
Small (1,000-300), Medium (3,000-7,000, Large (10,000+)
Location
New England, the West Coast, the Middle Atlantic states, and the South
Campus Setting
Urban, Suburban, Rural. Nearest City. Nearest Green Space.
Type of School
Public, Private, Research, Liberal Arts, Co-ed, Single Sex, HBCU, Christian
Academic & Extracurricular Offerings
Majors, Minors, Pre-Professional, Study Abroad, Internships, Sports, Clubs.
Balancing Your Application List
The ultimate goal of the college search process is to create a balanced list of four to six applications that fall into three categories: Reach Schools, Possible Schools, and Likely Schools A balanced list across these three categories maximizes your chances of admission to a school where you'll thrive while also managing expectations
Reach Schools: Institutions where your academic profile (GPA, test scores) falls below the average for admitted students, making acceptance less probable but still a possibility. It’s good to reach!
Possible Schools: Schools where your qualifications align well with the average admitted student, offering a good chance of admission This category typically forms the largest portion of your list.
Likely Schools: Institutions where your academic record exceeds the average for admitted students, making admission highly probable These provide a secure backup plan and often include schools that are a good fit academically and socially.
NAVIANCE PLATFORM
Naviance is a comprehensive online platform that Dunham uses to help students with college and career readiness It acts as a centralized hub for students, parents, and the College Placement Team, streamlining various aspects of the college search, planning, and placement process. Every Dunham Upper School student and parent has a free account and is encouraged to utilize the tools and resources beginning in the ninth-grade year. Log in at: student.naviance.com/dunhamschool
Standardized Testing
Test Descriptions, Registration, Reporting and Choosing
A Test
While standardized test scores (ACT and SAT) are just one piece of the college admissions puzzle, they play an important role in both college admissions and scholarship decisions You need to understand the purpose of testing in the admission process while keeping its role in perspective.
Test Descriptions
PSAT/NMSQT – Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test
Dunham students take this test twice - in October of their sophomore and junior years Registration is coordinated through the school test coordinator It has the same format as the SAT Reasoning Test and is intended to be used for practice and as a predictor of your possible SAT scores Your PSAT scores are not sent to colleges, but you may receive mail from colleges as a result of taking the PSAT A very small number of high-scoring juniors may be named National Merit Scholarship finalists, semi-finalists, or commended scholars based on these scores.
SAT REASONING TEST
Given by the College Board (www collegeboard org), the SAT is a digital 2-hour and 14-minute test divided into two sections: Reading/Writing and Math The test is given eight times throughout the year, and most colleges accept either the SAT or ACT for admissions
ACT (AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST)
The ACT is a popular alternative to the SAT Reasoning Test. Its design is quite different from the SAT, both in structure and in terms of what it measures. While the SAT measures reasoning ability, the ACT assesses what the student has learned in the classroom The Enhanced ACT (English, Math, and Reading- Science and Writing are optional) can be completed in approximately two hours and fifteen minutes The test is given seven times throughout the year Dunham will administer the ACT to sophomores and juniors each year in March
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES & EXAMS
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes offered in high school, designed by the College Board These courses allow high school students to tackle challenging material mirroring the demands of higher education At the end of the course, students can take a standardized AP exam, scored on a scale of 1 to 5 A qualifying score (typically a 3 or higher) can grant students college credit Each year, Dunham offers a variety of AP courses across the curriculum Taking AP courses signals to college admissions officers that a student is motivated and prepared for college-level work.
TEST PREPARATION
Familiarity with the organization, structure, and types of questions on any standardized test can be helpful Basic, common-sense strategies can help prevent extra stress and unnecessarily wasted time Before spending money on prep classes and tutors, we recommend you begin with the free tools and resources offered by The College Board (SAT) and ACT on their respective websites This will help you gauge your readiness for the test before deciding if more extensive, paid prep is right for you.
REGISTERING FOR TESTS
Dunham’s CEEB School Code: 190-244
It is the student’s responsibility to register for the SAT and ACT.
Online registration is the easiest method for students to sign up. Visit collegeboard.org or actstudent.org to register. You will need a valid, major credit card to register. Always use your legal name and address when signing up for any tests! If you sign up once as Jane P. Doe and as Janie Doe another time, the computer will treat you as two different people. Be just as precise with your address, birth date, Social Security number, and testing codes!
Students with documented disabilities can request and potentially receive accommodations on the ACT and SAT. For more information, visit ACT or SAT.
Reporting Test Scores
The only way for colleges to see your SAT or ACT scores is for YOU to send them.
Colleges require official score reports sent directly to them from the testing agency. As a rule, they will not accept a copy of your report (the one the agency has sent to you). Always have an official report sent!
Score Choice allows you to decide which SAT score sets to send to colleges For example, if your junior-year SAT scores are better than the ones from senior year, you may send just those However, if your scores are “split,” that is, if your math is better in your junior year and your critical reading is higher in your senior year, you should send both score reports and allow the colleges to pick the best ones, which they almost always will do.
For the ACT, you must send reports for each testing date separately (if you choose your Super Score, each corresponding report will be sent).
Use the correct code. Every college and other organization that might want to see your scores has a four-digit code listed in the registration information SAT and ACT registration forms have spaces in which to put these codes when you register; a certain number of official reports are sent “free” - part of the price of registration
You should try to send test reports early enough that they will arrive at the college about the same time as your application. You can always send scores after the fact; however, it costs money and takes time up to six weeks so order score reports early in the senior year.
CHOOSING A TEST: A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER
Your Strengths: If you excel at applying learned knowledge from the classroom and work well under time pressure, the ACT might be a better fit If you prefer more time to analyze and think critically, the SAT could be advantageous
Math Focus: The ACT includes more advanced math (up to pre-calculus) and doesn't provide formulas. The SAT covers up to Algebra II and provides formulas. Consider your comfort level with these math topics.
Science Section (Optional): If you're strong in interpreting data and scientific reasoning, and considering engineering or medicine, the ACT's Science section could be beneficial.
Test Format Preference: The SAT is digital and adaptive, meaning the difficulty of subsequent questions changes based on your performance The ACT (even in its digital form) is linear College Requirements: While most colleges accept both tests equally, it's always wise to check the specific requirements or recommendations of the colleges you plan to apply to
Visiting Colleges
Planning, Etiquette, Interview and Thank You
Visiting college campuses is an incredibly important step as you navigate your post-secondary options. While brochures and websites offer valuable information, an on-campus visit provides firsthand experience of the unique atmosphere, culture, and resources of a school. Walking the campus, sitting in on classes, touring dorms, and interacting with current students and faculty can help you gauge if a particular institution is truly the right fit for you.
Planning Your Visit
Many colleges have formal information sessions and campus tours at specific times of the day. Call or check online for tour times or to reserve a spot
Call ahead to see if the college offers on-campus interviews and try to arrange one (at least 2 weeks in advance) The earlier you schedule visits, the better your chances of getting the dates and times you prefer.
Realistically, you will not learn much if you plan a whirlwind tour. You are better off visiting fewer schools thoroughly than trying to see every campus on a college list. Two schools per day is a good rule of thumb.
If possible, attend some classes and spend some time walking around the campus alone. Often, visiting the dining hall and the student center, and listening to students talk, are other good ways to get a sense of the school’s atmosphere
Take Notes - include both factual information and personal thoughts The “Journal” tab in your Naviance account is a good place to do this
Campus Visit Etiquette
When you visit a school, remember that you are representing both yourself and The Dunham School. This isn't just about making a good impression, though that is a significant benefit. It’s about demonstrating your maturity and genuine interest in the institution. In other words, what you do or say may ultimately impact your standing in the admissions office
Do Your Research
Dress Appropriately
Arrive Early
Check In At The Front Desk Ask Good Questions
Be An Active Listner
Engage With Other Attendees
THE INTERVIEW: A FEW TIPS
Keep Up With The Tour Group
Thank Your Tour Guide
Some colleges require an interview, some recommend one, and others leave the matter up to the candidate. In all cases, if the school does offer interviews, it is a good idea to have one. Some institutions may not offer one-on-one interviews, but only group information sessions. If this is the case at one of your schools, schedule yourself for one. You can then plan your campus tour around the information session.
Be Punctual: Make sure that you have allowed enough of a time cushion to accommodate missed turns, traffic jams, or foul weather. If you are going to be late, call the admission office to inform them of your situation Make sure to introduce anyone who is with you to the admissions officer
Relax, Be Yourself: Do not try to show confidence with a false display of nonchalance It’s OK to be nervous Afterward, write your interviewer a thank-you note An e-mail is fine, and it gives the admission person a chance to respond to you
Be Prepared: Interviews are not only an opportunity for the admission officer to see what you are like and take your measure, but they are also an excellent way for you to learn more about a specific school. You should have read the college’s viewbook or visited its website before you go. Avoid asking for information that is easily attainable in the school’s literature. Try to ask questions for which there are no straightforward “yes” or “no” answers.
Take Notes and Say Thank You: Never take notes during the interview, but afterward, jot down your impressions, ideas, and reactions Do not be afraid to ask your interviewer for a business card
Speak Your Peace: Interviews provide excellent opportunities for you to present what type of candidate you are If any unusual circumstances appear in your application, this is a good time to clarify them. You can also highlight unique interests and achievements.
The Thank You Note
After your visit, it is always a good idea to send a thank-you note to the person with whom you interviewed. You may meet with more than one admissions representative or come into contact with a professor or department head during your visit. It can never hurt to thank any campus community members who spent time with you. While this note may wind up in your admissions file, at some point along the way, the best reason is just common courtesy.
Admissions Criteria
What Colleges Consider, Building Your Story, Your Admissions File
Generally, colleges employ a "holistic review" to make admissions decisions, meaning they assess applicants comprehensively rather than relying on a single factor. Key considerations include academic performance, as demonstrated by GPA and the rigor of high school coursework (e.g., AP/Honors classes), as well as standardized test scores (although many colleges are now testoptional). Beyond academics, colleges seek a student's personal qualities and potential contributions to the campus community, which are evaluated through compelling essays, strong letters of recommendation, meaningful extracurricular activities, and demonstrated interest in the institution
What Colleges Consider
Academic Transcripts: Colleges will judge you on the courses you have taken and the grades you have earned. Simply meeting graduation requirements will not be enough to make you competitive in the admissions process at many institutions Most selective colleges expect the ideal applicant to have four credits in all of the core subjects: English, math, science, and history, with at least three credits in a foreign language
Appropriate Course Selection: While colleges like to see AP and Honors courses on a student’s transcript, do not get in over your head. Accept your limitations as well as your strengths. Nothing is gained on the college admissions front by taking an AP or Honors course and receiving a C or a D. Make sure that you have taken the specific courses and tests required by the institution to which you are applying.
Your Something Extra: A stellar academic record alone will not ensure your admission to the most selective colleges What else can you bring to the college: athletic, musical, or artistic talent, uncommon intellectual pursuits, research experience, and diversity?
Standardized Test Scores: Although test results are only one factor in the selection process, they are important. As a rule, the more selective the college, the more important the test scores. Do your scores fall within the range presented by most successful students to an institution? If they are below that range, are you being realistic? Do you need to retest?
BUILDING YOUR STORY
Building your story outside of the classroom is essential for college admissions. Colleges seek well-rounded individuals who will enrich their campus community, and your extracurriculars, volunteer work, hobbies, and even part-time jobs reveal your character, initiative, and commitment. To stand out, consider activities that demonstrate leadership, a deep commitment to a specific interest, or a tangible impact on your community. These experiences will provide compelling material for essays and recommendations and will also highlight the valuable skills and perspectives you'll bring to college life.
YOUR ADMISSIONS FILE
When an admissions committee opens your file, they will see the following:
Your Official Transcript: Your official transcript will list all courses where you have earned high school credit with semester grades and your overall unweighted and weighted grade point averages.
Application and Essay: The application will include all personal information, extracurricular and athletic activities, jobs and volunteer opportunities, etc Colleges look closely at your part of the application The overall quality of your application is one aspect of this process you completely control; take advantage of the opportunity to help yourself Grammar and spelling count!
Teacher Recommendations: Depending on the schools you are applying to, you may be required to submit teacher recommendations. Recommendations should be from core teachers who have taught you (preferably in your junior year) and know your ability and work ethic.
School Report, Profile, and Counselor Recommendation: Depending on the schools you are applying to, the College Placement Office may submit a School Report with additional academic information and a counselor recommendation. A School Profile, which gives the college an overview of the Dunham program, will be sent by the College Placement Office to all schools.
Standardized Test Scores: Unless you are applying to a school that is “test optional,” you will need to submit your standardized test scores - ACT/SAT. The student is responsible for sending the appropriate scores directly to the school
Applying To College
Application Cycles, Different Types, The Essay, and Submission
Application Cycles and Deadlines
For every application you complete and intend to send, there will be schedules and deadlines you must meet. The different possibilities are defined as follows:
Regular Decision: Under a regular admission schedule, you apply by a certain deadline, usually between January 1 and March 1, and are notified of a decision on or shortly after a specific date, most often between March 15 and April 15.
Rolling Admissions: Colleges that use rolling admission will review your file shortly after it is received (usually not before the end of the first high-school marking period of the senior year), and will notify you of their decision within a few weeks. As a rule, the stronger your file is, the earlier you may receive a letter of acceptance. In these competitive times, many rolling admissions institutions become more selective as the year goes on. Always check with your counselor about timing.
Application Cycles and Deadlines
Early Decision and Early Decision II (ED, EDII): An Early Decision Application is binding and may be submitted to only one school at a time. The deadline is much earlier than the regular one, often November 1, and the student is usually notified of the college’s decision one month later. Because of this early deadline, you must keep in mind that colleges will not see fall term grades before they render an admission decision Their decision will be based on grades through the end of your junior year If your junior year grades are not as strong as you would have hoped, you should discuss the ED decision with your college counselor It may be wise to wait until fall term marks are in and apply to ED Round II, if it is available. This deadline is usually in early January after your fall term grades are available.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Early Decision applications are binding. By applying Early Decision, you are telling a school it is your first and only choice. If you are accepted, you are obligated to attend. Please meet with your counselor to discuss whether Early Decision is the best option for you.
Early Action and Restricted Early Action (EA, REA): This plan is similar to Early Decision except that there is no commitment on the part of the student to attend if accepted. You may apply Early Action to more than one school, with the exception of a few institutions that follow a “Restricted Early Action” policy. With these, you may apply EA to more than one school, but you may not submit an ED application at the same time.
Different Types of Applications
COMMON APPLICATION
The Common Application, often referred to as the Common App, is a single online college admission application used by over 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide. Instead of filling out a separate application for each school, students can use the Common App to enter their personal information, academic history, and activities, and write a main essay just once. This streamlines the application process significantly, saving students time and effort. Visit commonapp.org.
NOTE: Colleges may still require supplemental essays or specific questions in addition to the main Common App
UNIVERSITY APPLICATION
The majority of colleges and universities do not use the Common App. These schools have their own application and application portals. Students can submit these applications online from the school’s website There are a few exceptions where students will have to submit a paper application
Fast Applications: In order to boost application numbers, some schools will make applying very easy. These are sometimes called “Fast Apps” and require little effort. Just because it’s easy does not mean it’s a good fit Be more deliberate in your search for the right match
The Essay
The college essay serves as a crucial element in the application process, offering admissions officers a unique glimpse into your personality, values, and experiences beyond what grades and test scores can convey. In a competitive applicant pool where many students boast similar academic achievements, the essay becomes your opportunity to "speak directly" to the admissions committee It allows you to demonstrate critical thinking, self-reflection, and strong writing skills, while also showcasing your authentic voice and what makes you a distinctive individual Dunham provides personal guidance and instruction in assisting you in the development of your essay through its English curriculum, as well as the College Placement Team. Students must adhere to Dunham’s AI Tier 2-AI Enhanced Policy.
A FEW ESSAY WRITING TIPS
Be yourself, and write for yourself If you write from the heart about a topic that is meaningful to you, you will be writing for yourself, and, as a result, your essay will be much more memorable
Do not use a thesaurus Write in your voice
Don’t try to be funny unless humor comes naturally to you and you’re experienced and good at humorous writing.
Tell your story in a way that shows, rather than merely claims, that you have learned or matured through the situation or experience you are describing.
Your opening sentence needs to “grab” the reader Admission people read so many essays that an imaginative opening will grab their attention
Do your own work Do not let anyone else write your essay Spelling, punctuation, grammar, clarity, and neatness all matter; neglecting mechanics can sabotage an otherwise competent and compelling essay.
Allow plenty of time to write your essay(s). Edit, re-edit, and proofread again and again! DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!
Submitting Your Application
*You Send:
Your personal information (the application).
One or more essays (the personal statement). Various supplements (a college’s essay question, a graded paper, a peer reference)
Early Decision agreement form (if applicable)
The application fee
Your SAT and/or ACT scores directly from the testing agency.
We Send:
Your official academic transcript. Your teacher recommendation letters (You must request the recommendations). The school report and counselor recommendation letter The School Profile
*You must keep the College Placement Team updated on any applications you submit.
The Decision
Timeline, Different Decisions, Accepting an Offer, Gap Year
Depending on which application cycle you applied under (Regular Decision, Rolling Admissions, Early Decision, or Early Action), you may receive your application decisions at different times. The Timeline
Regular Decision: Under a regular admission schedule, you apply by a certain deadline, usually between January 1 and March 1, and are notified of a decision on or shortly after a specific date, most often between March 15 and April 15
Rolling Admissions: Colleges that use rolling admissions will review your file shortly after it is received (usually not before the end of the first high-school marking period of the senior year), and will notify you of their decision within a few weeks.
Early Decision and Early Decision II (ED, EDII): Students are usually notified of the decision in early to mid-December Remember, Early Decision is binding - if you are accepted, you will attend.
Early Action and Restricted Early Action (EA, REA): Students will typically receive admission decisions in mid-December to late January, though some may extend into February.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DECISIONS
1.Accepted/Admitted: The college has reviewed your application and has offered you a spot in their incoming class. An acceptance letter will typically include details about financial aid, the next steps for enrollment, and orientation events.
2 Rejected/Denied: This means the college has decided not to offer you admission at this time. While disappointing, it's important to remember that a rejection is not a reflection of your worth or potential.
3.Deferred: A deferral means the college has decided to postpone a final decision on your application. They want to review it again within the larger pool of Regular Decision applicants. This isn't a rejection, and it's not an acceptance; it's a "maybe, let's look again."
4.Waitlisted: If you are waitlisted, it means you are qualified for admission, but the college doesn't currently have a spot for you in their incoming class. Being on the waitlist offers no guarantee of admission, and the chances of getting in can vary greatly by college.
5 Conditional Admission: This means you are accepted, but you must fulfill specific requirements before your enrollment is finalized. Examples include maintaining a certain GPA in your senior year, successfully completing a summer bridge program, or earning specific scores on final exams.
Acceptances are contingent upon the successful completion of your senior year. Colleges reserve the right to rescind an offer of admission if there's a significant drop in grades, a failure to graduate, or serious disciplinary issues during your final year of high school.
Accepting The Offer
You’ve done it! You’ve been accepted to college (perhaps two or three) All the hard work and planning have paid off! You should enjoy this moment and take pride in what you've accomplished, but please be respectful Not everyone may be in the same position as you Once you receive your acceptance, make sure to tell your parents, and please keep the College Placement Team updated on all information you receive from the colleges you applied to.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
The Candidate’s Decision Date is the date by which you must say either yes or no to a college
Most colleges have agreed on May 1 as the Candidate’s Decision Date unless you have applied and been accepted under the Early Decision plan.
Some schools do not observe the May 1 date and will ask you to send a confirming deposit within two or three weeks. If this happens to you, and you do not want to send your money to one college until you have heard from others, you can almost always call or write the college and get an extension, usually until May 1
Students should not, however, expect to be allowed to put off their decision after May 1.
When you’ve made your decision, you may be asked to send in a deposit to hold your spot. Be sure this is the school you want to attend.
Under no circumstances should you ever DOUBLE-DEPOSIT. This is wrong and unethical, and the College Placement Team must inform the schools that this has taken place, jeopardizing your acceptance at both schools
If you have applied for Financial Aid, the award package may be outlined in your acceptance letter, or it may come separately. If you have not received an award letter by mid-April, let the College Placement Team know and call the school’s financial aid office.
If you are fortunate enough to have multiple offers of acceptance, don’t make a quick decision. Give yourself some time to think about it and talk to your family and the College Placement Team
Remember, all offers of admission are contingent on a continued strong performance.
Disciplinary infractions or academic performances that are a departure from your record could put you on probation or, worse, could cause the college to revoke your acceptance.
Taking A Gap Year
Colleges are often very supportive of high school graduates who choose to take a gap year after graduating. In some cases, students will defer their matriculation to a college for one year and plan to attend that school after the gap year. In other cases, a student may conduct a new college application process after the year. Colleges are most interested in students who use a gap year to push and challenge themselves, whether through work, volunteer activities, or travel The possibilities for a gap year are nearly limitless Students should use the year to grow and mature and demonstrate they are ready for college
Affording College
What is Financial Aid, Scholarships, Applying for Financial Aid, TOPS
The subject of financial assistance for college is a source of great anxiety for many families. The information here comprises a simple explanation of the different kinds of financial assistance available, how they are awarded, and the forms needed to apply.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Unless you can comfortably afford a college education (which now costs $60,000 a year or more at some schools), you should apply for financial aid. Awards are based on need and need is not related merely to your gross annual income.
Don't avoid applying to private colleges simply because they are more expensive. While it is true that private colleges' tuition is much higher than that of state institutions, it is also true in most cases that their financial aid programs are proportionately more extensive It is important to understand the difference between a scholarship and financial aid A scholarship is awarded to a student by a college or an outside organization because he or she meets certain predetermined criteria: excellent grades or exceptional athletic ability, for example. Financial aid is based on financial need.
What Is Financial Aid
Financial aid is a “need-based” award as opposed to a “merit-based” award. In other words, you receive it because you have demonstrated financial need and cannot afford to pay all the expenses of a college education yourself Each college is now required to make available a “net price calculator” by which a family can estimate how much the cost of attendance will be The calculator is designed to give you an early estimate of your eligibility for grants and/or scholarships if the student is accepted to that college, and can be found on the school’s website, usually with the financial aid information.
Financial aid funds come from the federal government, the college itself, and, in some cases, from state programs. Aid is awarded in a “package” and can be comprised of a grant (which you do not pay back), a student loan, and work study, in varying proportions.
Institutional Scholarships
An institutional scholarship, often called a “merit scholarship,” is awarded to you by a college because you meet certain predetermined criteria, such as excellent grades, exceptional athletic ability, artistic talent, or leadership ability. Merit scholarships usually have nothing to do with financial need. They are either simply awarded to an applicant during the application process, or the student is invited to apply for them If colleges do not mention merit scholarships in their literature, ask about them when you visit, or speak with representatives when they come to visit Dunham.
Corporate and Organizational Scholarships
There are countless outside corporations and organizations, like the Lions and Rotarians, that offer scholarships as well Check with your parents to see if their employers offer any scholarships to children of employees Pay close attention to deadlines; some of them can be as early as January of your senior year. Naviance has a scholarship search tool that will identify scholarships for you, and there are many FREE scholarship search engines like fastweb.com. NEVER pay to search or apply for a scholarship.
Athletic Scholarships
It is important to understand that colleges will not award you more money than the system says you need. In other words, if you win a $5,000 scholarship from the Ancient and Benevolent Order of Raccoons, most colleges will deduct that amount from the money they have awarded you Some schools will deduct it from the loan portion of your package; often, unfortunately, it is taken off your grant award. Check with each college to find out what they do.
Very few athletes each year win a “full ride” from a Division I College (occasionally Division II, never Division III) These awards are given for athletic ability regardless of need Families do not apply for athletic scholarships; coaches will identify potential candidates (See the section on Student-Athletes on page 26.) Ivy League schools do not award athletic scholarships. They award need-based aid.
Applying for Financial Aid
Paying for college is a family affair: parents have certain responsibilities in the process, and so do students Everything must be done in a timely fashion, strictly according to deadlines To drag your feet may very well mean that you will end up without aid There are a couple of forms that you will need to complete to apply for financial aid.
The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
To apply for financial aid at any college, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) As the name implies, there is no fee connected to the FAFSA, which determines your eligibility for need-based federal financial aid funds It is provided by the U S Department of Education and is available online at fafsa.gov (Note: do not go to fafsa com! This is a commercial website that processes the FAFSA for you, for a significant fee )
The FAFSA is addressed to the actual aid applicant, i.e., the student. However, parents complete the form most of the time, supplying financial information for themselves as well as for their student (job earnings, savings, etc.).
The FAFSA must be filled out between October 1 and February 1 of the student’s senior year You may use the “prior-prior” tax year information (e g , if you are applying for the 2026-2027 academic year, use your 2024 tax information) You must complete the FAFSA each year the student is enrolled.
The College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile)
The College Scholarship Service Profile, or CSS Profile, is available by mid-October of a student’s senior year; there is a fee for this service. It is required by over 250 private colleges/universities, in addition to the FAFSA. The Profile is available at collegeboard.org Check with each college to verify if they do require the Profile You should register with the Profile online at least three to four weeks before your earliest financial aid deadline
Institutional Forms
Some colleges require supplemental forms, which usually ask a few specific questions not covered on the FAFSA or the Profile. These are available only from the college, usually on its website, and are returned directly to its financial aid office. Obtaining these forms is the student’s responsibility. In general, always call a college’s financial aid or scholarship office if you have any questions or concerns Never rely on second-hand information
For all financial aid matters, schools deal directly with applicants or their families, not the College Placement Team.
Taylor Opportunity Program For Students (TOPS)
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a program of state merit-based scholarships for Louisiana residents who attend either one of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities, schools that are a part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Louisiana approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools or institutions that are a part of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
TOPS Award Levels and Requirements (use the links below to review information)
TOPS Opportunity Award TOPS Performance Award TOPS Honors Award TOPS Tech Award
Applying For TOPS
You have two options to apply for TOPS: the TOPS Online Application or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
The FAFSA® allows you to apply for TOPS/TOPS Tech, other state aid, and all federal aid Completing the TOPS Online Application as an alternative to completing the FAFSA® allows you to apply ONLY for TOPS/TOPS Tech.
If you complete the FAFSA®, you do not have to fill out the TOPS Online Application to apply for TOPS.
Grade-Level Timelines
Dates, Deadlines, and Things To Think About and Do
Dates, Deadlines, Things To Think About And Do
FRESHMAN YEAR DATES, DEADLINES, AND THINGS TO THINK ABOUT AND DO
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FEBRUARY - MARCH
APRIL - MAY
SUMMER
Start your high school career strong (things you do now will impact your opportunities in your senior year)
Ninth-grade parent/student group kick-off meeting
Activate your Naviance account
Begin to explore extracurricular interests and get involved
Meet with some of the college reps who visit the campus
Stay on top of your school work. Do the best you can do
Continue to explore and engage in extracurricular opportunities
Utilize the Self-Discovery tools in your Naviance account
Meet with college reps who visit the campus
Finish the first semester strong and start the second semester even stronger!
Relax a little and enjoy the holidays with your family and friends
If you are traveling, look for colleges along the way to visit
Continue to work hard and do your best work
Work with your advisor to select a challenging but appropriate academic schedule for next year (push yourself!)
Begin to plan to spend your summer productively
Finish strong and knock your exams out of the park
Spend your summer productively - enroll in summer enrichment courses/programs, get a job, look for volunteer opportunities
Consider visiting some college campuses - if you are on vacation, look for schools that are on the way
Relax a little and get ready for your sophomore year
SOPHOMORE YEAR DATES, DEADLINES, AND THINGS TO THINK ABOUT AND DO
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
Start the year strong (things you do now will impact your college opportunities in your senior year)
Tenth-grade parent/student group kick-off meeting
Revisit your Self-Discovery assessments in Naviance
Look for leadership positions in your extracurricular activities and get involved
Meet with the college reps who visit the campus
Do your best in your PSAT Prep Class
Stay on top of your school work Do the best you can do
Take the PSAT for practice at Dunham
Utilize the career and college search tools in Naviance
Meet with college reps who visit the campus
Do your best in your ACT Prep Class
Finish the first semester strong and start the second semester even stronger
Relax a little and enjoy the holidays with your family and friends
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FEBRUARY - MARCH
APRIL - MAY
SUMMER
If you are traveling, look for colleges along the way to visit
Review your PSAT scores with the College Placement Team
Continue to work hard in your ACT Prep Class
Continue to work hard and do your best work
Work with your advisor to select a challenging but appropriate academic schedule for next year (push yourself!)
Take the ACT at Dunham
Review your ACT scores with the College Placement Team
Begin to plan to spend your summer productively
Take AP exams if appropriate
Finish the year strong and knock your exams out of the park
Spend your summer productively - enroll in summer enrichment courses/programs, get a job, look for volunteer opportunities
Consider visiting some college campuses - if you are on vacation, look for schools that are along the way
Relax a little and get ready for your junior year
JUNIOR YEAR DATES, DEADLINES, AND THINGS TO THINK ABOUT AND DO
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
Start the year strong (things you do now will impact your opportunities in your senior year)
Eleventh-grade parent/student group kick-off meeting
Consider taking the ACT or SAT
Select one or two extracurriculars you can pursue in-depth
Meet with the college reps who visit the campus
Consider taking the ACT or SAT
Take the PSAT/NMSQT at Dunham
Continue to utilize the career and college search tools in Naviance
Meet with college reps who visit the campus
Finish the first semester strong
If you are traveling during the break, look for colleges along the way to visit
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FEBRUARY - MARCH
APRIL - MAY
Review your PSAT scores with the College Placement Team
If you haven’t already, begin to create your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list in Naviance
Continue to work hard and do your best work
Work with your advisor to select a challenging but appropriate academic schedule for next year (push yourself!)
Take the ACT at Dunham
Review your ACT scores with the College Placement Team and consider retaking the test if necessary, or taking the SAT
Begin to plan to spend your summer productively
Take AP exams if appropriate
Finish the year strong and knock your exams out of the park
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (if you want to play collegiate athletics)
SUMMER
Spend your summer productively - enroll in summer enrichment courses/programs, get a job, look for volunteer opportunities
Take or retake the ACT or SAT if needed
Consider visiting some college campuses - if you are on vacation, look for schools that are along the way
Relax a little and get ready for your SENIOR YEAR!
SENIOR YEAR DATES, DEADLINES, AND THINGS TO THINK ABOUT AND DO
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
Start the year strong (your fall grades will be sent to colleges)
Consider taking or retaking the ACT or SAT if needed
Twelfth-grade parent/student group kick-off meeting
Finalize your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list in Naviance
One-on-one meeting with the College Placement Team
Meet with the college reps who visit the campus
Create your Common Application account if needed
Stay on top of your schoolwork Do the best you can do
Consider taking or retaking the ACT or SAT if needed
Create your “Colleges I’m Applying To” list in Naviance
Begin to submit admissions applications (at least one)
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
DECEMBER - JANUARY
FEBRUARY - MARCH
Meet with college reps who visit the campus
Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile if applying for need-based aid
Complete the TOPS application if you are NOT submitting the FAFSA
Finish the first semester strong; your fall grades will be sent to the colleges to which you have applied or will apply to
Consider taking or retaking the ACT or SAT if needed
Visit schools over the break if possible
Continue to submit admissions applications
Follow up with colleges regarding status/outstanding documents
ACT offered to seniors at Dunham if needed
Notify the College Placement Team of acceptances and awards
If you have not received an admissions decision by mid-April, contact the college for an update
Take AP exams if appropriate
APRIL - MAY
SUMMER
Select the school you will be attending by May 1
Celebrate with your class on College Announcement Day
Finish the year strong
Notify the College Placement Team of your final choice
Enjoy your family and friends and get ready to begin the next chapter of your life! IT’S GOING TO BE GREAT!
Additional Information
Student-Athletes, Visual and Performing Arts, Additional Resources, Common Terms
Student Athletes
If you are a potential college-level athlete, the college application process may be different for you In some ways, it can become simpler, but in other ways, there may be some extra steps you need to take. Remember, playing sports at Dunham does not guarantee you will be recruited at any level. Speak with your coaches early to determine whether this may be an option for you.
Division I, II, and III Athletics
Understanding the differences between NCAA Division I, II, and III schools is crucial for aspiring student-athletes and their families. These distinctions impact everything from the level of athletic competition to academic focus and, most notably, scholarship opportunities.
Division I (DI) schools are generally the largest, with the most extensive athletic programs and budgets. They offer the highest level of competition and demand a significant time commitment from their athletes, often prioritizing sports over other extracurriculars When it comes to scholarships, DI schools can offer full athletic scholarships, covering tuition, room, board, and books However, competition for these full rides is incredibly fierce Ivy League schools do not award athletic scholarships.
Division II (DII) schools provide a balance between athletics and academics. While still highly competitive, the time commitment for sports is generally less demanding than DI, allowing athletes more flexibility for academics, social life, and other campus activities. DII schools can offer athletic scholarships, but they are typically partial scholarships. Athletes often combine these with academic scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to cover their costs
Division III (DIII) schools place the strongest emphasis on academics and the overall student experience Athletics are an integral part of campus life, but they are viewed as an extracurricular activity rather than a path to professional sports. DIII schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Financial aid at DIII schools comes from academic scholarships, need-based grants, and other forms of institutional aid.
NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER
Students intending to compete in Division I or Division II intercollegiate athletics MUST register online with the NCAA Eligibility Center in order to have their academic program of study cleared by the NCAA. Upon registering with the NCAA, preferably at the end of your junior year, Dunham will be prompted to upload the student’s transcript to the site for approval.
DIVISION I ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS DIVISION II ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
Visual and Performing Arts
A student with artistic talent can be an attractive candidate for colleges. Many colleges offer opportunities to showcase ability in visual art, theater, and music in the application process, even if the individual does not plan to pursue a college major in the arts.
Performing Arts
Some schools may encourage online video submissions of musical or dramatic performances Depending on the program, some schools may offer or require in-person auditions during the senior year
Additional Resources & Links
COLLEGE SEARCH & APPLICATION RESOURCES
Big Future
Campus Tours
College Express
College Navigator
Common Application
TESTING & TEST PREP RESOURCES
ACT
PRINCETON REVIEW
SAT
Visual Arts
Putting together a portfolio to include with an application takes planning Most students will finalize their art portfolio during the summer between junior and senior years Students interested in submitting a portfolio should consult with the visual arts faculty.
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
CSS Profile
Fastweb
FAFSA
Finaid
Louisiana Education Loan Authority
Louisiana TOPS
Student Scholarships OTHER
NCAA Eligibility Center
A Few Common Terms Used In The College Admissions Process
ACT
AP
CLASS RANK
CSS PROFILE
COMMON APPLICATION
DEFERRAL
EARLY ACTION (EA)
EARLY DECISION (ED)
FAFSA
NATIONAL DECISION DATE
American College Testing Program: a standardized test used for college admissions It assesses high school students' general educational development and their readiness for college-level work The scores are also used for scholarship awards
Advanced Placement: National standardized subject tests given in May upon completion of the corresponding AP Class. Results may earn students advanced standing and/or college credit.
The academic standing of a student within the class Dunham does not rank its students
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used to determine eligibility for institutional aid by approximately 270 schools.
A standardized application form that allows students to apply to multiple universities.
Response received by an Early Decision or Early Action candidate indicating the student is not accepted and will be reviewed again in the regular applicant pool.
A college application plan where students apply earlier than the regular decision deadline and receive their admissions decisions sooner, but they are not obligated to enroll if accepted
A college application plan where students apply to their top-choice college earlier than the regular decision deadline and commit to attending if accepted. It's a binding agreement, signifying a strong commitment to the chosen institution.
Free Application For Federal Student Aid: The form used by any student who is applying for federal aid (grants, work-study, and loans) Completing and submitting the form is FREE
May 1. The date accepted applicants must reply to colleges that they will be attending their school.
A Few Common Terms Used In The College Admissions Process
PSAT/NMSQT
ROLLING ADMISSIONS
SAT REASONING TEST
Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: A standardized test that serves as a practice exam for the SAT and also qualifies juniors for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It's typically taken to 10th and 11th graders, and the scores can help students gauge their college readiness and identify areas for improvement
A college application process where schools evaluate applications as they are submitted, rather than waiting for a specific deadline. This means that students can submit their applications at any point during the designated rolling admission period, and decisions are released on a continuous basis.
A standardized test widely used for college admissions It measures a high school student's readiness for college by assessing their skills in reading, writing, and math Colleges use SAT scores, along with other factors, to evaluate applicants
SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT
SUPER SCORE (ACT/SAT)
TEST CEEB CODE
WAIT LIST (W/L)
A document that is part of a student’s application file for college. It provides a comprehensive overview of the student's academic performance and overall experience during their secondary education. It is typically compiled by the school’s College Placement Office and includes information beyond just grades, such as the school's profile, grading system, course offerings, and the student's GPA
A composite score calculated by combining the highest section scores from multiple test administrations of the SAT or ACT. Not all colleges use Super Score in the application review process.
The CEEB number designates College Board Testing Sites. Dunham’s code is 190-244.
A college admissions committee has reviewed your application and found you to be qualified, but they cannot offer you immediate admission due to limited space. It's essentially a holding pattern where you're placed on a list of potential candidates, and you might be offered a place if other admitted students decline their offers.