Planning for the Future Lauren LaFayette Planning for the Future

To Do List: Freshman Make four-year plan Take challenging courses Make good grades Get involved Discover your interests and passions

To Do List: Sophomore Continue to earn good grades Continue involvement in extracurricular activities Take PSATs Reevaluate four year plan and interests Begin exploring career options

To Do List: Junior IMPORTANT YEAR! Good grades and extracurricular activities Begin to look at after school options College/University Technical College/Trade School Workforce Military Attend college fairs Begin campus tours Attend College Representative Days to the school Take SAT or ACT Begin scholarship search

To Do List: Seniors Good grades and extracurricular activities DON’T SLACK OFF! Filling out applications, scholarships, and Financial Aid Letters of Recommendation

How to pick a College Attend College Fairs Look at: Geographical location Environment Size Majors offered Tuition Consider GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and rigor of high school work Visit collegeboard.com, My College Quickstart

Campus Tours Contact admission office well in advance Inform college of special areas of interest Learn as much as possible about the college before the visit Plan to spend a whole day. Try to sit in on a class, tour the library, talk to students in addition to the tour guide, and read the school newspaper Write a note of appreciation to individuals who helped you during your visit If possible, take time to visit schools of interest during summer break

Applying to Schools What do colleges ask for? When should I apply? Counselor form, transcript, school profile Application Application Fee (varies) Essay Letters of Recommendation SAT/ACT Scores When should I apply? Normal versus Early Decision Deadlines These depends on each individual school Keep track of deadlines and have application materials ready well in advance

Admissions Early Decision Early Action Rolling Admission ED to only ONE institution Apply and hear back early If admitted, withdraw all other applications Committed to enroll at ED college Early Action Can apply to multiple institutions EA Apply early, hear back early No commitment Rolling Admission Admission review is continuous Hear back usually within 2-6 weeks

SAT & ACT Tests that are required by most colleges –gives them an idea of how you might perform academically Check with schools to see which test they require (SAT usually works) Best to register online to immediately reserve seat There is a fee each time you take the test Must be sent from the testing company to the college Make sure you have taken test WELL BEFORE school deadline Scores take several weeks to get results/be sent out May want to give yourself time to retake test if unhappy with scores

SAT & ACT SAT Most colleges require the SAT Reasoning Test unless it is stated on the application that they want you to take an SAT Subject Test Tests critical reading, math, and writing skills ACT Assesses English, math, reading, and science ability Optional writing exam –check with school

Paying For College Loans Grants Scholarships Government (subsidized and unsubsidized) Fill out FAFSA to determine eligibility Private Grants Scholarships Counseling Office will have a listing Visit the Guidance Website

Paying for School: Financial Aid MUST complete FASFA to be considered for almost every type of aid Asks for tax information from student and parents Federal deadline to file FAFSA is usually in March but some schools will have EARLIER deadlines! Apply online or paper application Submit as close to January 1 as possible Opportunities for free FAFSA help

Paying for School: Scholarships Applying Deadlines are absolute Range in award amount–greater chance of winning smaller amounts (less competitive) Requirements Scholarships start around August more and more as year goes on Where can I find them? Guidance Office & Guidance Website, scholarship websites, churches, businesses, family employers

Letters of Recommendation Its okay to ask “Can you write me a strong letter?” Ask current, junior year, academic teacher(s) Give teachers plenty of notice Three weeks MINIMUM before you plan on submitting the application Supply the teacher with a school addressed envelope (stamped) and a copy of your brag sheet Follow up with a “thank you” note to the teacher