College Guidance
Calendar for Premières.
Timeline for the Terminale.
Links.
Remember.
ATTENTION ALL 1ERES AND PARENTS!!
The University of Maryland-College Park has changed its application deadline. Its new priority deadline has been moved up to NOVEMBER 1, 2009. This means that anyone who applies to the University of Maryland needs to have taken the ACT or SAT at least one time by the October 2009 test date. You can submit later SAT scores, but be aware that UMD will begin reading applications in November 2009. Students who apply AFTER November 1st will greatly reduce their chances of admission.
UMD does not require SAT Subject tests, but if you have them you can submit them if you wish.
Be sure to plan accordingly! Come see me if you have any questions about applying to the University of Maryland or other North American or non-French institutions.
Important deadlines for 1ères 
Summer Programs 
Sample UK personal statements.
Ludwig physics pers statement
Better biology essay 
Sample US Common Application Essays
Who Am I essay 
UVA cultural heritage essay 
Common App activity essay 
Global issue
essay How have I grown essay 
September 22 Evening Presentation—Powerpoint Events outside of Rochambeau:

Articles:
-
Seven reasons not to fear the new SAT
J. Mathews
Washington Post
- The big picture The Atlantic online
- The Biggest test: Early Admission, New York Times
- The College interview.
- Writing your College essay.
- International Notes for Students.
Books:
- Comparative guide to Colleges (Cass and Birnbaum)
- The insider's guide to colleges (Yale Press)
- Fiske's guide to Colleges (NYTimes Publication)
- Rugg's Guide to Colleges
- The Gourman Report
- Reach Higher (for international students applying
to Canadian
Universities- can be ordered on line)
- Directory of Canadian Universities
-
Colleges that Change Lives (by Lauren Pope)
Documents:
- University night Premières: Slideshow, Microsoft PowerPoint
- College Counseling Introduction for Premieres and their families
- University
Night: Slideshow, Microsoft PowerPoint.
- After Rochambeau: Where are our students
- Important university information UK US Canada - sept 8, 2008
Testing:
- ACT

College Board : find out information on the PSAT, SAT I, SAT Subjects tests, sign up for testing, and access the CSS Profile form. www.collegeboard.com
Picking a college or university in the US ?
www.petersons.com
www.review.com
www.collegenet.com
www.campustours.com
Picking a college or university in Canada ? http://www.macleans.ca/universities/
http://www.ouac.on.ca/
www.studyincanada.com
Picking a college or university in the UK ?
www.ucas.ac.uk utilize the “course search” function
http://britishcouncil-usa.org/learning/
www.hotcourses.com
Financial Aid Links
www.fafsa.ed.gov : the main US financial aid application online www.collegeboard.com :
www.fastweb.com : search for scholarships
www.seo.dc.gov :
www.finaid.org
General Application Help
www.commonapp.com This is an application used my many American universities and colleges. There is a clear list here of which colleges use this application- please check it over. Be mindful, that many of the universities that use the common app will have their own supplement. Check on the website of each university or college to which you are applying to see if they have a supplement.
Timeline for Terminale Students
2008 – 2009
As soon as possible: Make an appointment with Ms. Garrou to go over your plans for university.
August: Make appointments to meet with Ms Garrou!
12 Deadline for registration for September ACT test (given only in MD)
September
9 Deadline to register for October SAT and SAT Subject Tests
13 ACT test given in Maryland (not in DC or VA)
17 Out of office; no appointments available
19 Deadline to register for October ACT test
24 – 26 Out of office; no appointments available
26 Deadline to register for November SAT and SAT Subject Tests
October
1 Deadline for applications to Oxford and Cambridge: UCAS and Oxford/Cambridge specific forms; also deadline for applications to UK medicine programs
1 All students with applications that have November 1 deadlines should have submitted Request for Transcript forms to Mme Bessaha.
4 TEST DATE: October administration of SAT and SAT Subject Tests
15 PSAT given in school (for Seconde and Premiere students interested in US)
1 – 31 STUDENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTING THEIR SIGNED REQUEST FOR TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORMS
20 – 24 School Vacation: This is a great time to visit colleges/universities! Please call the admissions offices in advance to make reservations for tours, information sessions, and individual meetings.
25 ACT TEST DATE
November
1 – 30 Make an appointment with Ms. Garrou to go over your essays and applications
1 Most US universities with Early Action or Early Decision programs have November 1st as the deadline
1 TEST DATE: November administration of SAT and SAT Subject Tests
1 All students with applications that have December 1 deadlines should have submitted Request for Transcript forms to Mme. Bessaha. (This includes University of Maryland)
5 Deadline to register for December SAT and SAT Subject Tests
7 Deadline to register for December ACT test
27 – 28 Thanksgiving break; no appointments. Some universities/colleges will have tours and information sessions available on the 28th and 29th. Call in advance to reserve an information session, tour, or individual meeting.
December
1 All students with applications that have January 1 or January 10 deadlines should have submitted Request for Transcript forms to Mme. Bessaha.
1 Deadline to submit completed application to University of Maryland College Park if you wish to be considered for scholarships. (Note: they will consider you for scholarships only if the completed application is submitted by this date.)
6 TEST DATE December administration of the SAT and SAT Subject Tests
9 Final Deadline to meet with Ms. Garrou to go over applications and/or essays for your applications
ALL APPLICATIONS WITH DEADLINES IN JANUARY SHOULD BE MAILED PRIOR TO THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY (including those to Canadian Universities—better to get them done before the holiday!)
13 ACT TEST DATE
26 Deadline for registration for January SAT and SAT Subject Tests
Calendar/Checklist for Premieres
Feb-Aug 2008
February |
- Write down your ideas for post-secondary study: what country? What do you want to study? Do you already know of some colleges you may like to learn more about?
- Meet with University Counselor to discuss your preliminary list of colleges. Students and parents should attend and are welcome at the meeting with University Counselor.
- Register for the March 10 th SAT I, registration deadline is February 2 nd .
- Prepare for the SAT I by signing up for a prep course, using computer software, or doing the SAT practice tests available in books at bookstores. But don't spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that grades and co-curricular involvement suffer.
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March |
- Write, telephone, or use the Internet to request admission literature and financial aid information from the colleges on your list. There is no charge and no obligation to obtain general information about admission and financial aid.
- Begin creating a college notebook/binder. Divide by university, write down what you learn, what programs they have, who to contact for more information (i.e. regional admissions officer,) keep track of deadline and requirements (SAT Subject tests, TOEFL, etc.)
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April |
- Register for the May 5th SAT I or the SAT Subject tests. Not all SAT II Subject Tests are given on every test date. Check the calendar carefully to determine when the Subject Tests you want are offered. Ask University Counselor for any questions involving SAT Subject tests- test choices are often specific to each individual student's strengths
- Continue to evaluate your list of colleges and universities. Eliminate colleges from the original list that no longer interest you and add others as appropriate.
- Look into summer jobs or apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge and developing their skills and interests.
- World Bank College Fair and Canadian Colleges Night will be this month. Dates TBA. Check Lycee website.
- If you are going to be required to take TOEFL for any university that you are applying to, you should sign up now. It is extremely hard to get an appointment to do so in the fall and winter!!!!
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May |
- Get a jump start on summer activities! Consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program, applying for an internship, working, or volunteering. If you work, save part of your earnings for college. University Counselor has a lot of brochures for academic summer programs offered all over the world- just ask!
- Begin visiting colleges. Phone to set up appointments. Interviews are always a good idea, if they have them on campus. Many colleges will tell you they are optional, but an interview will show interest, enthusiasm and initiative on your part and provide an excellent opportunity to have your questions answered. Do a practice interview with your counselor, teacher, employer, or a senior who has had college interviews. Set up interviews as early as possible-interview times become booked quickly!
- Take the SAT I or the SAT II.
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June |
- High School diploma Ceremony June 8 th 7:00pm!
- After school ends, go visit colleges. Seeing the college firsthand, taking a tour and talking to students can be the greatest help in deciding whether or not a school is right for you. Although it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going in the summer will be valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give tours and answer questions from prospective students and their parents.
- Take the SAT I, or SAT subjects tests on June dates if you have signed up.
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July |
- Visit colleges, take tours, have interviews and ask questions. Make college visiting a family event. Involve your parents and siblings in every step of your application process. Choosing the right college is a tough decision; the opinions of those who know you best can provide helpful insight into which college is best for you.
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August |
- Continue to refine your list of potential colleges and universities.
- Register to take SAT I again in October.
- Begin drafting application essays. Look at all applications and access how many essays you will need to write. Your University Counselor can be helpful with this!
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Amy Garrou
University Counselor
Lycee Rochambeau
garroua@rochambeau.org
Adapted from the NACAC website |
 |
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Amy Garrou is the School’s new University Counselor.
She will be in her office beginning August 7, 2008. You can contact her by email:
garroua@rochambeau.org |
Dalila Bessaha
Registrar Office |
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