Preparing for College

I’m a Freshman, Sophomore or Junior… I’m a Freshman, Sophomore or Junior….. How do I begin to prepare for college?

GENERAL IDEAS: Visit www.collegeanswerguy.com and www.collegeprep101.com for information on the college application process and choosing a college. Continue to challenge yourself academically; consider AP courses, Running Start or Tri Tech if you are highly motivated and want to earn college credits while still in high school. Attend Ki-Be’s College and FAFSA Information Night, usually held in December. Check out local College Fairs (CBC, other high schools, etc.). Visit college campuses as often as possible; attend events such as concerts, plays, or athletic events. Stay in touch with older friends who are at college; see what they like/don’t like about their choices. Explore careers and job opportunities by arranging a job shadow, talking to people involved in those careers, using electronic W.O.I.S. website or other means. Check out the Ki-Be Counselor’s Webpage for information on colleges, financial aid, apprenticeships, SAT/ACT tests, and more: Go to http://www.kibesd.org/domain/56 for the direct link!

I’m a Senior: What do I do now? Fall Gather applications (online) from the colleges you are considering. Pay close attention to deadlines for admission, scholarships, housing, etc. Line up people (teachers, employers, etc.) who will write your recommendation letters. Make sure you hand them a resume’ so they will have the information they need to write an impressive letter for you! Get in the habit of picking up the Scholarship List from the counseling office every other week, and pay attention to the deadlines listed. Use the websites listed on the bottom of the list, such as FASTWEB, for even more scholarship opportunities. Be sure to take or re-take the ACT and/or SAT test in early fall. The counselors and GEAR UP staff have fee waivers and practice books for you. When you take the test, check which colleges you want your scores sent to, even if you have not applied there yet.

  Winter Finish the requirements for your B.E.A.R. book; write the CBA paper for CWP class; and complete the 30 community volunteer hours. See Mrs. Newby in the library for more volunteer ideas. Attend Ki-Be’s College/FAFSA night (usually held in December). Go online to fill out the FAFSA form and send it electronically EARLY in January. Begin applying to your chosen colleges between Thanksgiving and Christmas break. Pay attention to deadlines! Remember, some colleges require a SEPARATE scholarship application, which may have a different or earlier deadline. Attend local financial aid workshops with your parents. CBC often holds a financial aid workshop in late January titled “College Goal Sunday.” Apply for financial aid as soon as possible, both by completing the FAFSA and by contacting the colleges. Continue to study hard and do well in your classes; Senior grades DO matter! If you have not passed all of the HSPE and EOC state tests, you will have the opportunity to do a Collection of Evidence AND take a January makeup exam. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of both of these opportunities!!

Spring Go back for a 2nd or 3rd campus visit to colleges you are considering. It’s time to make a decision on where you will attend! Apply for housing; finish up any required college forms or applications for financial aid. Contact the college’s counseling office and learn about course selection, scheduling, whether you will need a car, parking permits, housing options, computer requirements, fees, etc. Notify colleges to accept or reject their offers; let the high school counselor know where you are enrolling and/or scholarships you have won. Tell your counselor to forward your final transcript to your chosen college in June. Important!!! MAKE COPIES of all essays and other materials you submit to colleges, trade schools or financial aid agencies!

Summer before college Enroll in classes as early as you can Attend a summer orientation program, if one is offered. Make a list of what you will need to take to college; try to get the contact information of your new roommate and coordinate items so you won’t end up with two of everything. Work with your parents on a financial plan or budget. Will you get a monthly spending allowance? Will you be expected to get a part time job? (Check with the college Financial Aid office for listings of jobs on campus) Plan how you will communicate with your family and friends while at college (e-mail, snail mail, texting, phone calls?) Make sure to tour the campus BEFORE college starts so you won’t get lost or be late on the first day of classes. Make plans to come back and visit your high school teachers and counselors, to let us know what a great job we have done preparing you for this exciting adventure!