COLLEGE 101 What Every Senior Needs to Know

How do I know if I have enough credits to graduate?  Over the next couple months, your counselor will be calling you down to go over your graduation credit check with you.  We will also discuss your future plans with you and make sure you have the classes/test scores that you need for those plans.  Mrs. Vader – A-L  Mrs. Eckard – M-Z

College – where do I start?  Community college  Only requirement for admission is a high school diploma.  You do NOT need to take the ACT test.  If you want to take the ACT to try to qualify for a scholarship at your community college, take a PRACTICE ACT first to see how you do. If you score high enough on that, then pay for and take the regular ACT.PRACTICE  Much less expensive than a four year college!!!

College – where do I start?  Four Year Public University in Kansas  ACT score or 21 or above OR  Graduate in top one-third of class AND  Complete Qualified Admissions Curriculum with 2.0 or higher 4 English 3 Math – Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 3 Science – Biology, Chemistry, plus 1 additional upper level 3 Social Studies – 1 US History,.5 American Government,.5 World History,.5 World Studies, additional.5

What if I want to go out of state?  Out of state schools are typically going to have higher requirements than schools in the state of Kansas have.  YOU need to research out of state schools that you are interested in to determine their requirements. We can help you get started if you aren’t sure where to look!  Schedule an appointment with your counselor if you don’t know where to find that information. All admission information for colleges should be relatively easy to find on the Internet!!!

Will I be successful at a four year school?  Research shows that students that have taken a college prep curriculum while in high school are more likely to be successful as a freshman at a four year university.  Have you given yourself the best chance at success by taking a challenging course load?

Should I take the ACT or SAT?  If you plan to attend a four year university, you should take the ACT.  If you are wanting to attend an out of state school, do your research to determine if you would be better suited taking the SAT. Most students that graduate from Piper don’t need to take the SAT.  Register online – PHS code is  ACT – – We will be offering the October test at PHS.  SAT –

Should I take an ACT prep class?  If you intend to take the October or December test, we recommend that you sign up for ($35) for the ACT PowerPrep class being offered at PHS.  Friday, October 17  8:30 am – 12:30 pm  Registration forms are available from Mrs. Vader and Mrs. Eckard in the counseling office or on the counseling web site. Turn in forms and money to Mrs. Brown in the main office.

When can I go on college visits?  You are able to go on TWO college visits your senior year. Forms for those visits can be picked up in the counseling office. Turn in your form to your counselor and they will enter it into Skyward.  Do NOT enroll in a school without going on a visit first!!!  Try to schedule visits on days you don’t have school so that you don’t have to miss school!  Schedule your visit through the admission office at the school you want to visit…this information can be found on that school’s web site.  Try to attend a senior day this fall for a school you are SERIOUS about attending.  Example:

How do I know when college reps will be visiting Piper?  This information can be found on the counseling web site under the College Information link!College Information  All visits are during lunch!  Please don’t be shy! If there is a rep there for a school you are interested in, it’s a great time for you to get questions answered! Go talk to them! That’s what they’re here for!!!!

When should I apply to college?  As soon as possible!!!  KU and KSU both have November 1 st deadlines for scholarships, so you need to apply soon!  Look at the web sites for the college you are interested in and they should have dates listed for their deadlines.  Some schools don’t have hard deadlines for admission and scholarships.  Example:

How do I send my transcript to the college I’m applying to?  Forms can be obtained in the counseling office in the rack by Mrs. Reberry’s window.  You don’t have to send an official transcript to KU in order to apply.  Please do NOT wait until the last minute to submit request forms!!

How do I know my GPA/Rank?  You can find your GPA/Class Rank in your Skyward account.  Click on the Gradebook link on the left, then click on the GPA/Rank tab.  You can also find your class history in your Skyward account. It shows you all the courses you’ve taken and the grades you’ve received.  Your counselor can also provide you with this information.

How do I apply for scholarships?  Local Scholarships  These will not be posted until February at the EARLIEST!  Your parents have to be members of the Booster Club to apply for that, so ask them about that as soon as possible!  If you want to apply for the PTA scholarship, you have to assist at PTA events.  General Scholarships  We put all scholarships we get in our office on this page!!  Check the page frequently for updates!!!!  School Specific Scholarships  Check with the college you plan to attend to find specifics!!!

When do I apply for financial aid?  To apply for financial aid, you will fill out the FAFSA?  You can’t fill out the FAFSA for the school year until after January 1,  You will need your parent’s tax information to properly complete the FAFSA.  You will receive an award letter from your college with grants, loans, work study and/or scholarships that you qualify for. Not all students will qualify for financial aid.  Go ahead and create your account and apply for your PIN now!!!

Where else can I look for financial help for college?  There are lots of web sites out there that want your $$$$$$$ in order for you to apply for scholarships. As a general rule of thumb, if a site asks you to pay money to apply for a scholarship, look elsewhere!  is a good starting place for looking for other sources of scholarships.

Should I go to a college fair?  If you are undecided as to your plans, it might be a good idea.  Upcoming college fairs (this information is also on the college information link on the high school site)  September 29-Christian College Fair  October 5, 6-Kansas City National College Fair  October 15 – Shawnee Mission College Fair SM East)

What do I do if I’m interested in the military?  All military reps come on visits just like the college reps do. We put the military reps on the same page as the college visits - College Information.College Information  Consider taking the ASVAB when it’s offered at school  Date not set yet  Plan will be to offer in early November

What if I need a letter of recommendation for a scholarship or application?  Mrs. Vader and Mrs. Eckard are more than willing to write letters of recommendation for students.  When asking teachers/administrators to write letters, be sure to ask those that are familiar with your strengths and weaknesses and will be able to write a good letter for you.  Do NOT wait until the last minute! Plan ahead!!! Give them a minimum of two weeks notice if you need a letter!  Be prepared with information about the scholarship/college when you ask them to write the letter. You also need to provide the letter writer with a detailed resume of information about you! They can’t write a good letter for you if you don’t provide them with that information.  Activities in and out of school, awards/honors received in and out of school, and community service activities are all examples of items that you should include on your resume.

Questions???  Come see Mrs. Vader or Mrs. Eckard if you have additional questions!