A timeline of “what to do”…to prepare for the college application process What to do to prepare for college…

Getting to know yourself… Do a career / interest inventory Evaluate your extra-curricular activities Evaluate your work experiences Take a professional career inventory at a Community college Look up career information on your counseling department website Talk to teachers, parents, relatives, etc. Do an internship or job shadowing experience

Consider all of your post high school options… The Military Technical/vocational schools Two year community college associate’s degree programs and transfer programs Two year community college certificate programs Four year college/university

Let your counselor help you… Help you with course selections Help you consider your post high school options Help you with the application process Write a letter of recommendation for you Guide you through financial aid questions Provide you with resources

How can your teachers help? Teachers write letters of recommendations. Teachers are knowledgeable about their subject and can help suggest colleges with special programs. Teachers can work with students on special projects (like Independent Study)

Familiarize yourself with the many resources at your disposal Check out your Counseling Department website  Info on careers, colleges, and the military  Scholarship Bulletin  Financial Aid Information  College Searches, etc. Career Inventories or other programs  College searches  Interest inventories College / Career brochures, handouts and books are available in the counseling office

Take challenging and appropriate classes in high school Choose classes that interest you Choose classes that will help prepare you for a possible career or future education Take classes at a community college (some schools have “dual credit programs”) Participate in Internship Programs Take AP classes and earn college credit Colleges look at the rigor of your curriculum

ACT & SAT EXAMS As a Junior- take the ACT test in March, April or June The national test dates are in June, September, October, December, February, March & April (Saturdays) Take advantage of the ACT prep course offered through your high school or online ACT scores are one of the big factors that 4 year colleges and universities use to determine whether or not to accept you and offer you scholarship money. Retake the exams as needed! (Repeat in June and September). Only 5 states have a September test date, so check it out!

Standardized Testing ACT Perfect score – 36 Average score Low score Midwest Schools Writing Test is Optional and costs extra SAT Perfect score – tests, 800 top score on each (average score 500) Top schools want a Reading score of 690+; math score 700+ and Writing score 710+ East, West Coast Schools SAT now includes a Writing Test (no extra fee) SAT II’s (Subject tests- elite schools want at least 2 subject tests)

“Test Optional” Schools Some schools are making standardized test scores optional (usually private colleges) For example: DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois is now “test optional”. If you apply test optional you should not send them your test scores unless they ask for them. Go to for a list of test optional schools. Interviews and essays are then required and considered very important to the admissions process at “test optional” schools.

Playing College Sports Know what level you will be playing. Review NCAA requirements online- information is at NCAA is the National Collegiate Athletic Association for Division 1 sports

What to do if you are a “Potential” College Athlete… Fill out NCAA Clearinghouse forms after your Junior year. Be sure to have your ACT/SAT scores sent directly to the NCAA- code 9999 Have your 6 th semester high school transcript sent directly to the NCAA

Other College Athletic Associations… NJCAA-National Junior College Athletic Association National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (Private college & university opportunities) Athletics in college is divided into 3 “Divisions”: Division I, Division II and Division III- each has different rules and regulations

A Senior Year College Application Timeline is very important! What to do in the Summer before your senior year What to do in the Fall of your senior year What to do in the Winter of your senior year What to do in the Spring of your senior year We will now discuss this timeline in detail! KNOWING THE SEQUENCE IS VERY IMPORTANT- everything you do must be done in a timely manner!

What to do over the summer …. Continue looking into the type of education or training you would like to pursue after high school… Gather college applications Visit schools Finish NCAA application (if interested in playing Division I sports) (End of your junior year) Review options:  Community college  4 year college/university  Technical / vocational school  The Military

Community College Option… Work towards obtaining technical training and /or certificates. Earn an “Associates Degree” and take credits that will transfer to a University and allow you to finish with a bachelor’s degree at the school you transfer to.  You must attend the community college in your area…unless they do not have the program you want. Talk to your community college counselor about your options.  Community colleges have counselors that students can work with to discuss their options and to set up specific transfer programs,

Benefits of a Community College Cost effective + Top 5—10% in your high school class; might qualify for a scholarship + Top 20% in your high school; might also qualify for a scholarship Open enrollment Close to home Guaranteed transfer programs to state universities (usually) Info on web site Good option if unsure about career goals Financial aid available Study abroad available

4 year College/University Option… When thinking about 4 year schools think about what school will be the best fit for you by considering the following:  Big vs. small  Public vs. private  Close vs. far away  What types of programs are offered  The school’s reputation for certain programs  Cost and potential financial aid  Admission difficulty

College Tuition, Room & Board Community Colleges Large state University Private University $ 4,000 year +books $26,000+ per year $53,000+ per year Cost rise yearly! (2012 costs) College Costs…

Advantages of State Universities Cost effective – some have guarantee tuition plans (tuition stays the same for four years as long as you stay in college uninterrupted). Convenient locations Wide variety of activities Wide variety of majors Guaranteed transfer programs Work study programs Variety of admission selectivity

Private College Advantages Variety of programs (religious, academic,& other specialized programs) Sometimes offer more scholarships to top students Selectivity varies (some are “test optional” or require lower standardized test scores, while others are more difficult to get into.) Reputation and status More personal interest in you the studen t

Technical &Vocational School Advantages Emphasis is placed on helping students begin to develop skills and knowledge in technical areas that can have practical value in the workplace Classes are degree or certificate specific; often require less schooling Career services and job placement can be available

On-line College Classes Becoming more popular Make sure the school is accredited Financial aid is now available Not a typical college experience; lack personal contact with other students

Fine Arts & Music Students Art students: Portfolios- find out when your art portfolio is due and what is the process for submission Music students: Auditions- find out information about the audition process Dance and Theatre students: Auditions- find out info about the audition process

The Military…Career Option Make sure you research time commitments and benefits for college funding if you go into the military. Be prepared to ask military recruiters questions. Check ROTC programs & academies Information on U.S. Military websites or local recruiting office

Additional Sources of information… Visit the college or trade school- schools LOVE when you visit. Talk to Others- friends, relatives, parents & current college students Use the internet – website resources Attend college fairs-in your local area

By the end of the summer (before your senior year) Narrow your options to 3-5 top schools. It’s good to have a “dream” option and at least one “safety option”. Understand the application process for each school where you will be applying. Keep organized in the application process. Compile a resume including your extracurricular activities, work experience, community service, future academic and career goals, and awards or honors that you have received.

What to do in the fall of your senior year… Retake the ACT or SAT (if necessary) A September ACT test is given in only 5 states; so check it out Begin application process (September 1 st ) (Schedule a senior meeting with your counselor to confirm any requirements your school has regarding the application process.) Finish visiting schools where you are planning to apply. (But, you don’t have to visit every school in order to apply. If you can’t visit in time; apply –then visit when you know you have been accepted.) Continue to work hard in your classes – senior year grades DO count. Begin checking your high school scholarship bulletin & other resources Finish application process – best by November 1st (at least the schools you are most interested in).

Complete all of your application components in a timely manner… Complete application online or paper copy (colleges prefer online). Get letters of recommendation (when needed) and provide your resume to the writer. Download counselor page from college website & give to your high school counselor (if needed). Some schools require a high school counselor to complete paperwork about you. Do essay (if needed). Have someone work with you and proof read your essay. Make sure you have no errors! Get test scores sent to the college (some schools will accept them from the high school transcript ; some want them sent directly from the ACT/SAT). Make sure you do it they way the school wants. Pay college application fee. You may request a fee waiver from your counselor if you qualify. Some schools give waivers if you visit them. Request Transcripts from high school be sent to the school or college.

Types of Admissions Deadlines and Decisions Early Decision (Non-binding)- apply by an earlier deadline and receive a decision well in advance of the majority of other applicants. Typical deadline: October 15 th or November 1 st. Early Action (Binding) Any deadline that indicates that it is “ binding” means that not only are you submitting your application by an earlier deadline, but you are agreeing to attend that school if you are accepted. You are then required to withdraw all your other applications from other schools. Use this is very rare circumstances. Consult with your counselor. They usually require your counselor, parent & your signature confirming you understand this method. Typical deadline: November 15th

Types of Admissions Deadlines and Decisions Regular Decision- period during which most applicants submit their applications- this will usually be the final deadline to submit. Typical deadline: December through January. Rolling Admission- Schools consider applications as they come in and produce decisions within shorter amounts of time throughout the admission cycle. (Many students get acceptance letters within 2 weeks of doing their application).

Deadlines!!! November 1 st of your senior year is a good day to be finished with your college applications. November 15 th is the deadline for the first round of admissions for many state schools. Schools do accept applications after these dates; but the longer you wait the harder it is to be accepted and the requirements may change as the school gets full. (If you wait until a posted deadline it may be harder to get in).

Start learning about the Financial Aid Process… Financial aid is the financial assistance you may receive for future education and training. Types of financial aid  Grants  Loans  Work study programs  Scholarships

Grants Grants are a form of financial aid, based on need, which you do not have to repay. Some grants can also be awarded based on academic merit Grants are awarded through the financial aid process of filling out the FAFSA. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Individual schools will make you aware of the types of grants that you qualify for in your financial aid package.

Loans & Tax Credits Loans can be to the parent or the student. (Strict rules for repayment exist; watch requirements). American Opportunity Grant- $2,500 per student tax refund. This has been extended for 2 more years. Last year only 38% of those eligible took advantage of this tax credit. (Check with your accountant.)

Scholarships Scholarships are free money based on merit or other certain qualifications such as: ethnicity, college major, personal accomplishments, first generation student or whatever reason the college decides. Scholarships usually require an application and possibly an essay. After being accepted to a school, check out the types of scholarships specific to that school. Check out your high school website for local scholarships. View often- because additions are made all year long. This website also lists several major scholarship search engines.

College Work Study Programs Some schools will set you up with a campus job. The money you are paid can go for tuition or living expenses. (It is best not to work more than hours maximum per week, so you have time to study). Examples:  Working in the library or recreation center  Working for the on campus food service company  Working as a clerical aid Indicate your interest in work study by checking the box on the FAFSA application.

What to do in the winter of your senior year Attend financial aid night at your high school Fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st of your senior year in high school. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Continue applying for scholarships. Continue working hard in school to do your very best. Senior grades DO count. Complete college housing requests ( colleges need to begin the process, but if you still aren’t sure what school you will attend, you can turn in the housing fee for your top pick school. A reputable school will give you a “refund”(check this out) if you later pick another school.

Financial Aid Night Programs Financial Aid Programs usually occur in December or January of your senior year of high school. Don’t miss these school events, they provide up-to-date information. Up-dated resources are also frequently provided by your local community college. Anyone can attend these events. Call your local school for specific dates. Some schools are now also offering “financial aid” workshops. At these workshops parents and students fill out the forms with the help of trained advisors.

What is the FAFSA? The FAFSA is the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” This form is always “Free”. However, some companies are charging a fee. I suggest you do the free version. The FAFSA is at You should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 st of your senior year. It should be done online. Doing it by paper will take 6-8 weeks longer. Completing the FAFSA application is the first step toward receiving a financial aid package from the schools you would like to attend. Once the information is sent by you to the federal government, then the government will tell each school what aid the government will provide. Next each school makes their own “financial aid” package for you. When the school sends you their “financial aid package” you will know the true cost for you to attend that school. When you have the “financial aid” package from each school, then you can compare them and decide where to attend school. Don’t forget you have to re-file every year that you attend college.

What to do the spring of your senior year…. Review the financial aid package from each school. (Usually available in March if you did the FAFSA in January) Re-visit your top schools if necessary to help you make a decision. Choose your school. Contact your chosen school by May 1 st. (National Decision Day) Send in necessary deposits and make arrangements for housing if not already done so. Notify the other schools that you will not be attending.

A Financial Aid Package Should be an Important Part of Your Decision The amount of government loans you are eligible for. The number and types of grants you have earned. Any college specific scholarships you have earned. The amount of money that you could earn from a work study program. Your family EFC, or estimated family contribution. Consider the cost of inflation in calculating the cost of college; colleges tend to increase their costs by 6% annually. TAKE TIME TO REVIEW EACH AID PACKAGE CAREFULLY!

Graduation After you graduate from high school you need to request that your final “official” high school transcript be sent to the school that you are planning on attending in the fall. This is required by all colleges nationwide. They will also request a copy of your health records. Sometimes you can get that from your high school; other times you must get it from your doctor.

Final Thoughts Senior grades are important ! Keep up with your co-curricular activities! Keep checking for scholarships all spring and into the summer. Also, check for scholarship money every year you are in college. Most students forget to do this and miss out on a lot of opportunities!

Senior Year…Attend Important Events College & Career Fairs (Fall) In major cities nation-wide Local College Nights- (Fall) Usually at your high school or your local community college Financial Aid Night- At your local high school or community college College Rep visits –At your high school Military Rep visits –At your high school or local office Art Portfolio Events -(Fall) In major cities nation-wide

Good Luck !