Navigating the College Application Process

College and Career Specialist Jennifer Larimore College and Career Specialist Room 1-113 in Student Services Academic Lunch Daily – Room 4-127 Request Appointments Online Email jlarimor@pasco.k12.fl.us FB: CCMHS COLLEGE AND CAREER LAB TWITTER: @coyotecareerlab

Kristine Fewox School Counselor C/O ‘19 and ‘20 Room 3-216 in Student Services Academic Lunch Daily – Room 4-127 Request Appointments Online Email sfewox@pasco.k12.fl.us

12 Months Until Graduation!

This Spring and Summer: Do Your Homework Research Schools Campus Visits Register for Aug./Sep. ACT/SAT tests if needed Put together an academic resume and get a head start on your essays

Stay Up-to-Date! Follow: FB: CCMHS College and Career Lab Twitter: @coyotecareerlab Join the c/o 2019 Remind Page! Text @2019ccmhs to 81010

Resources for Your College Search

Campus Visits Schedule your visits when classes are in session Register for an official campus tour Take time to explore the campus on your own Make a list of specific questions before your visit Talk to students who currently attend the school Take notes during and immediately after your visit

Compare Your Choices Use a spreadsheet to compare schools and track of applications: Distance from home Size Tuition Cost Middle 50% GPA Middle 50% Test Scores My top major(s) of interest Thoughts after visit Application Deadline Scholarship Application Deadline Essay Requirements Create your own or customize this sample: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Ctl3d-CtoVfFzNkwlQ2j1w6Z0eX8oO5h

SAT/ACT When? We recommend juniors take the ACT and SAT at least once, then retake the test the scored best on Why Junior year? Both exams test math through Algebra II Students will need exam scores to apply for college early in their Senior year

SAT/ACT Register at www.act.org and www.collegeboard.org Test Fees: SAT $46.00 ($62.50 with optional essay) ACT $47.50 ($64.50 with optional essay) Test Fee Waivers are available to Juniors and Seniors who qualify for free or reduced lunch (2 for SAT and 2 for ACT) Students who use test fee waivers can also qualify for score report waivers and college application fee waviers

SAT/ACT Late Registration is still available for the June 2 SAT and the June 9 ACT (additional fee will apply) Upcoming Tests and Deadlines ACT July 14 – Register by June 15 SAT August 25 – Register by July 27 ACT September 8 – Register by August 3

SAT/ACT When registering, utilize your 4 free score reports (SAT offers score choice) SAT Score Use Policy https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/professionals/sat-score-use-practices-participating-institutions.pdf Free, Personalized Practice: SAT Khan Academy ACT Academy

Fall: GET ORGANIZED Narrow your Choices Know THE DEADLINES (Before Nov. 1 is your best bet) Resume and/or Essays Tests ACT/SAT Transcripts Recommendation letters

APPLY EARLY (3-6 schools) Fall: The Application APPLY EARLY (3-6 schools) Reach Schools and Sure Things Have a back up plan! Don’t put all your eggs in ONE basket Proof READ Residency Affidavit Submit all items Common Application or Coalition App

Required Documents TEST SCORES: Log on to collegeboard.org and/or act.org to order a score report (waivers are available for these for students with F/R lunch) TRANSCRIPTS: Request a transcript to be sent each school you are applying for. Transcript requests can be completed on our Web site: http://ccmhs.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=14609

Required Documents LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Read each application carefully! Counselor Recommendation - complete the request on line and be specific! (Provide AT LEAST 2 Weeks Notice) Teacher Recommendation – give about a month’s notice and ask for their procedures for writing letters

Lack of PLANNING on YOUR part DOES NOT Constitute an EMERGENCY PLAN AHEAD Lack of PLANNING on YOUR part DOES NOT Constitute an EMERGENCY on OUR part!

Winter: Financial Aid Complete FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov after October 1. You can use FAFSA 4Caster prior to 10/1 for an estimate Apply for college by Nov. 1st Apply for Bright Futures beginning Dec. 1st

Applying for Scholarships Local Scholarships: Apply for Pasco Education Foundation and CCMHS Local Scholarships beginning December 1st Attend our Fall Financial Aid Night Pascoeducationfoundation.org

Spring: It’s the Home Stretch Keep your Grades UP! Pay Deposits/Housing Make your Decisions based on your acceptances and financial aid by May 1 Apply for State Colleges (PHSC/SPC etc.)