From the Sport's Desk...
When you get a chance, please walk down the hallway outside the Academy Gym and take a look at the updated Corridor of Champions. Eight new student plaques have been added. We are very proud of our accomplished scholar athletes.

This year three editions of The Knights Times will be published. At the end of every season you will receive an athletic newsletter highlighting the seasons accomplishments. Look for your first copy in early December.

--Maria Careri, Athletic Director

(Continued from page 6)

Of course, counselors recommend visiting each campus the applicant is interested in if at all possible.

(4) College Application Documents:
(I) Academy Documents:  Class of '05 students will be given a "self evaluation" packet (a copy of which was distributed at the meeting) including a host of worksheets, list of available resources (online and in print), College Board Code reference numbers for various Academies; suggested application calendar, and essay writing suggestions.  The self-evaluation portion of this packet needs to be completed by students before attending the first College Planning Conference with their Academy Counselor.

(II) PSAT/SAT/ACT:  The Academy test sheet provides only an UNOFFICIAL record of SAT I scores.  It is the responsibility of the student to both sign up for the tests and arrange for scores to be sent by ETS to their chosen colleges.  Schedules for these tests are available either on-line or through the Guidance Department.
The Academy does not report SAT II scores.  ACT scores are placed on the test sheet only if the applicant's parent requests it in writing.  Applicants should "do their homework" about whether prospective colleges require SAT II tests, and which tests.

(III) SENIOR PROFILE sheet:  Available on-line, this must be completed by each Junior by the end of their Junior year.

(IV) TRANSCRIPTS: The Guidance Department will provide official transcripts to colleges.  The transcripts contain final averages in all courses completed through the Junior year and Senior courses in progress.  First Trimester grades of Senior year become the "Mid Year Report."  Students should be wary of losing academic focus in their Senior year as colleges require a final transcript for all entering students.
Colleges will examine transcripts not only for grades, but also for the course of study, and course selection.  In February, the Academy will give Juniors forms to fill out for ADVANCE PLACEMENT courses next year.  The Academy offers over 11 different AP classes. 

(5) FINANCIAL AID OVERVIEW:  Gifts, Loans and Scholarships all require the applicant's guardians to complete a federal income verification document, FSFA.  Gifts can be considered Grants, such as the Pell Grant, which is based on need and cost of the school.  In '03, the maximum Pell Grant was $4,000.  Loans can be either direct or through the federal government.  Last

year federal government loans had a maximum per year limit of $2,600 with interest rates of 4.03 percent, payable after stopping school.  Most colleges offer Work Study programs where students are employed part time by the institution.  Scholarships, both merit and otherwise, are also available.  The Academy College Office emails information regarding available scholarships directly to students as soon as it is available.  It is the student's responsibility to follow up on these opportunities.  The Academy College Office also has a plethora of information regarding Financial Aid planning.  A more in depth meeting regarding Financial Aid will be offered in the Senior year with parents.
(6) RESOURCES AT THE ACADEMY:  The College Center is available to answer parent and student questions.  Appointments may also be arranged by contacting the College Center at extension 3313.  Juniors will be meeting with College Center staff at the Center in January to get an overview of resources available and how to implement them.  The College Center is located behind the greeter's desk at the main entrance of the school (to the left of the Main Office).  The College Center has college reference books, college catalogs, literature, videos, computers, typewriters, and a scanner available for use by students and parents at any time.  The Center also organizes visits by college admissions officers to the school.  Students can sign up to attend group presentations by these admissions officials during school days.  A list of visitations is sent to the students via their e-mail and is also available on the Guidance link which is another resource located on the Bergen.org website.  (The College Center is grateful for the assistance of an Academy student who worked on the web link this summer.)

The College Planning Handbook (handed out at the Nov. 11 meeting) also gives a good overview.  Another resource is the College Placement Office Guidance link on the Academy Website.

(7) THE NEXT STEP:  Each family will be offered the opportunity for an individual family conference to personalize your student's search.  Within the next few weeks you will receive a letter from guidance requesting that you call in January to schedule this appointment.