College Search Process Where does your student begin? Step 1: Students set-up online accounts by registering at the following websites: Family Connections: College Board: (switching to.org)

Step 2: Once your student has a College Board account, register for the SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests OR ACT. Test DateReg. Deadline May 7 April 8 June 4 May 6 Test DateReg. Deadline April 9 March 5 June 11 May 6 * The ACT test is NOT offered at the Academy.

NAVIANCE – Family Connections MEET WITH GUIDANCE COUNSELOR NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE REGISTRATION – if your student plans on playing Division I or II sports. ATTEND SPRING COLLEGE FAIRS Lyndon State College Fair – April 4 Colby Sawyer College Fair – April 28 SCHEDULE SPRING AND/OR SUMMER COLLEGE CAMPUS VISITS

NOV 1 NOV 15 DEC 1 DEC 15 JAN 1 JAN 15 FEB 1 FEB 15

What does all of this mean to your student? By September: Your student should have finalized his/her college list. List should be prioritized by application deadline. Summertime is a GREAT time to start college essays, as well as applications. Your student should have asked teachers for recommendations. He/she should ask 2 teachers this spring, and follow-up with them in September. Final SAT preparations should be made and make sure your student has arranged to have his/her scores sent to all schools. THIS IS YOUR STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILTY - we do not send scores. If your student is applying to a major that requires a portfolio, make sure that he/she knows what is required and when it’s required, and begin pulling everything together.

If your student wants to meet with a College, he/she must get permission from his/her teacher at least the day before (as a common courtesy). Students should be sure to sign up for the visits in the Guidance Office. College Visits will be listed on Family Connections. So students should check on-line daily. The schedule of college visits are also posted on the bulletin board outside of the Guidance Office on 1 st floor Colby. Also in September

It is your student’s responsibility to talk to teachers about recommendations. Most schools require 2 teacher recommendations, please do not request more than 2 – most schools will only read what they require. Make sure your student reads what each college requires for recommendations. Some schools require letters from specific subject areas.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

FINANCIAL AID Your Role The primary responsibility for paying for college lies with the family. Financial aid is designed to supplement a family’s contribution to college expenses, not replace it.

TYPE OF FINANCIAL AID GRANTS – money generally awarded based on a family’s level of financial need SCHOLARSHIPS – money students search for individually and compete against other students to win. WORK-STUDY – jobs arranged by colleges to provide students with income up to a specific dollar amount each semester. EDUCATION LOANS - money borrowed by students and or parents to pay for school.

How Does my student get Financial Aid? 1. The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). – The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal grants, federal loans, and work-study programs. College and state agencies will require the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their own financial aid (a.k.a. institutional aid). 2.You and your student will need a PIN number to complete the FAFSA. (the PIN will be your signature at the end of your form.)

What’s the FAFSA Deadline? February 15 is the ABSOLUTE LATEST to submit on-line. Aim for February 1 This online application needs to be completed by both your student and you. It’s a FAMILY project.

Some schools require the CSS Profile (found on If your school requires this online form it needs to be completed and submitted by the school-specific deadline. PLEASE NOTE* - Some schools require additional paperwork for financial aid. Check on each of your schools’ financial aid web site page for more information. While you’re there – check for any INSTITUTIONAL GRANTS or SCHOLARSHIPS you may be eligible for. If you have ANY questions about financial aid and/or scholarships– CALL your college/university’s financial aid office. What Else Do I Need To Do?

Vermont Residents Fill out the Vermont Incentive grant application The Vermont Incentive grant, distributed by VSAC, is a need- based grant available to VT residents who are obtaining their first Bachelor’s degree and are enrolled full time or part time in a degree program. Fill out the VSAC Unified Scholarship Application This application can be found in VSAC’s scholarship booklet. Also found at Other Financial Aid Applications Scholarship Search Engines