Scout Destinations - Spring 2023
FALL 2022
Spring 2023
Happy Spring! The Lake Forest High School Educational Services team is proud to share the latest edition of Scout Destinations. This edition has numerous articles and blog posts with current information and advice for families navigating the college admissions landscape. Our Counselors highlight some schools worth a look, and important upcoming events are listed. We always welcome reader feedback. You can share comments with Dr. Patrick Sassen, Director of Educational Services (psassen@lfschools.net).
In This Issue
- In the News
- College Admissions Trends For 2023
- Class of 2027 Admission Results
- The #1 Data Point That Makes a Difference Between an Acceptance and a Denial
- High-scoring students applying to selective colleges drive up applications
- 11 Ways to Appeal for More Financial Aid or Merit Aid
- What does “Fit” really mean?
- Applying Early Decision: Advantages and Disadvantage
- When Should You Write a Letter of Continued Interest?
- Schools Worth a Look
- University of Puget Sound
Depauw University
College of Charleston
- Upcoming/Continuing Events
- Ask the Experts Virtual Presentation
- SAT Test
- Individual Counselor/Junior Family College Meetings
- Nuts and Bolts
- Common App Summer Workshop
- FAFSA Completion or Waiver Form
- Individual College Planning meetings for Juniors & Parents
- Campus Visits
- Standardized Testing
In The News
College Admissions Trends For 2023
Class of 2027 Admission Results
The #1 Data Point That Makes a Difference Between an Acceptance and a Denial
Link
High-scoring students applying to selective colleges drive up applications
11 Ways to Appeal for More Financial Aid or Merit Aid
Link
What does “Fit” really mean?
Applying Early Decision: Advantages and Disadvantages
Link
When Should You Write a Letter of Continued Interest?
Link
Schools Worth a Look
University of Puget Sound
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Size: Small (2,000 undergraduate students)
School Type: Private
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Average Accepted ACT Range: 25 to 30 (Test-Optional)
Popular Majors: Political Science, Business, Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Communications, Natural Sciences, Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Average Net Cost: approximately $38,000
Students Receiving Financial Aid: 100%
DePauw University
Location: Greencastle, Indiana
Size: Small (1,700 undergraduate students)
School Type: Private
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Average Accepted ACT Range: 22 to 29 (Test-Optional)
Popular Majors: Economics, Communications, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Psychology, Physical Education Teaching, Political Science, Public Health
Average Net Cost: approximately $30,000
Students Receiving Financial Aid: 99%
College of Charleston
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Size: Small (9,900 undergraduate students)
School Type: Private
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Average Accepted ACT Range: 24 to 29 (Test-Optional)
Popular Majors: Business, Communications, Biology, Public Health Education, Psychology, Political Science/Government, Exercise Physiology, Finance, Marketing
Average Net Cost: approximately $20,000
Students Receiving Financial Aid: 85%
Upcoming/Continuing Events
Ask the Experts Virtual Presentation: Admissions representatives from a variety of colleges answer questions regarding the application and admission process. Parents and students are encouraged to watch the recording.
SAT Test: April 12th at LFHS for all freshmen, sophomores and juniors. These students will need to arrive at school by 7:45am, and will be dismissed for the day when the testing is complete. Seniors do not have school on this day.
Individual Counselor/ Junior Family College Meetings Now-May
Nuts and Bolts
Common App Summer Workshop
The Common Application is one version of a college application that more than 900 colleges use. Current juniors looking for assistance in starting and working on their Common Application and college essay, are encouraged to sign up for the Common App workshop, which runs June 6-8 with either a morning (9-11am) or afternoon (12:30-2:30) session. Information can be found here.
FAFSA Completion or Waiver Form
The State of Illinois is now requiring families of seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) OR a waiver form. If families will not be filing the FAFSA, please click here to access the waiver form. Either the FAFSA or this form must be completed prior to graduation. If you will be completing the waiver, please return that form to Gail Moesta, gmoesta@lfschools.net.
Individual College Planning Meetings for Juniors & Parents
Counselors will be meeting individually with their juniors and parents throughout the months of March-May to discuss the college process. During these appointments, counselors can assist with developing a list of schools for students to consider as well as providing information regarding the college timeline.
Campus Visits
The best way to determine if a college is a good fit for a student is to visit the campus. Scheduling the visit through the admissions office a few weeks in advance will ensure the date and time will be available to meet with a college admission counselor in person and participate in a student-led tour. When possible, take advantage of some dates when LFHS is not in session to start visiting campuses. Take notes while on a visit so details about each school can be recalled later. Also, if a student knows what they want to study in college, meeting with a professor from that particular department can often be arranged while on a visit, if enough notice is given with the admissions office. Students, remember: there is more than one college that can provide a robust post-secondary experience for you. Be open to the different experiences that each school can offer.
Standardized Testing
Juniors will take the SAT as part of their school day on April 12th, and this is a graduation requirement. For any national ACT or SAT test dates on Saturdays that juniors want to take, they will need to register directly with the testing agency: act.org or collegeboard.org. Many colleges will remain test optional, which allows students to choose whether or not they would like to submit a test score along with their applications.