SENIOR YEAR 101 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMPLETING THIS YEAR SUCCESSFULLY AND PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURES! Northwest High School Counselors: Mr. Dan Senften Students with Last Names A-L Mrs. Tanya Jovanovic Students with Last Names M-Z

Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2016! Required Credits 20.00 credits needed to graduate from Northwest High School: 4 Credits of English 4 Credits of Mathematics 3 Credits of Science (1 physical science 1 life science) 3 Credits of Social Studies (Social Studies 9, Social Studies 10, and Government/Economics) ½ Credit of Health 2 Semesters of Physical Education ½ Credit Computer Application ½ Credit Money Management 4 Credits of Electives Please see your counselor to make sure you are on track for graduation.

Fall Checklist High School Seniors Register for the next ACT or SAT if you haven’t already done so. If this is the first time taking either test make sure to sign up for the writing portion of the test. Well before your application deadlines, ask your counselor, teachers, and/or administrators for letters of recommendation. Provide them with a student information sheet and allow two weeks for them to complete these letters. Keep in mind you may not be the only student for whom they are writing one. Apply to the colleges you have chosen – PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES! Research scholarship opportunities posted on the school website, and if you have any questions please contact your counselor or Mrs. Finefrock the guidance secretary. Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. To create this username and password go to www.fsaid.ed.gov.

ACT/SAT Test Dates The ACT 2015-2016 The SAT Test Dates 2015-2016 October 24, 2015 December 12, 2015 February 6, 2016 April 9, 2016 June 11, 2016 The SAT Test Dates 2015-2016 October 3, 2015 November 7, 2015 December 5, 2015 January 23, 2016 March 5, 2016 May 7, 2016 June 4, 2016

College Planning Timeline August - November Obtain and complete applications - Notify Mrs. Finefrock if you apply online When you’ve applied to your school(s) of choice do not forget to request transcripts in the Guidance Office Attend local college fairs if undecided Take/retake ACT/SAT Meet with your counselor Be aware of deadlines

Hints For A Campus Visit Make an appointment with the admissions office Tour the campus Visit a class in session (if possible) Visit the dorms Eat in the cafeteria!!!! Ask about the placement record in your field of interest Talk to students Find out about school activities (clubs, organizations, sports) Ask about campus life and social activities Meet with the faculty (if possible) Ask if any programs are in jeopardy of being cut (one could be yours)

College Planning Timeline November - February Create Username and Password by logging on to www.fsaid.ed.gov to complete FAFSA on-line Complete FAFSA on line after January 1st Complete and return Financial Aid forms for the colleges Attend Financial Aid information meetings College Goal Sunday in February

College Planning Timeline February - June Await acceptances from colleges Compare financial aid packages Make your final decision Send tuition/room and board deposit Rescind applications from other schools

College Planning Timeline June - September Enjoy graduation Attend college freshmen orientation programs Have a final transcript sent to the school of your choice