1. tips and tools to help with post-secondary planning
IRHS Counselors
September 2017

2. Planning life after high school
4-year University (UA, NAU, ASU, GCU, out of state)
2-year Community College (Pima, Coconino)
Technical/Vocational
Military
Straight to work
Choose the best path for you!

3. Vocational/technical school
Hands on training/skills related to specific job
Culinary, Cosmetology, Welding, Medical
Short, career-focused programs that prepare graduates for the workforce
Many students complete these programs and are able to work in these fields while completing a higher level education

4. Planning on joining the military?
Take the ASVAB
Talk to recruiters who come to campus
Select the branch of military that meets your interests and skills
Learn useful trades or make a career in the military
Check on educational opportunities

5. Straight to work Develop cover letter and resume Find references
Research companies that fit your interests and skills
Apply for jobs
Prepare for interview

6. 2-year or 4-year university
Apply for Fall 2018 admission
Begin looking at admissions requirements
There are different requirements at all universities, community colleges and career/technical schools
After acceptance to a college/community college, begin looking at financial aid at that specific school
CONTINUE TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!!!!

7. Need a transcript sent to a college/university/community college?
Please see Ms. Clark, the IRHS Registrar and fill out a transcript request form
Allow 3-5 working days for your transcript to be sent to specified university/college
Cost: $1.00

9. Upcoming college visits
Tri-University (UA, ASU, and NAU) event:
Monday, 9/11 at 6:00 p.m. in CDO’s MPR
IRHS College Fair on 9/13 during conference period
Reps from Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn, and Stanford will be at the Hilton El Conquistador on 9/14 at 7:00 p.m.
NAU Information Session: Sunday 9/17 – See the IRHS Counseling page for more info
TUSD College Fair: Tuesday, October 24th (Over 200 colleges represented)
Out of state visits: University of Chicago, University of Richmond, Whitworth, Pepperdine, Baylor (See IRHS Counseling page for dates)

11. IRHS counseling on social media
Facebook: Like “IRHS Scholarships and More
Instagram: Follow IRHSCounseling

12. PAYING FOR COLLEGE IRHS’ Financial Aid and Scholarship page
Grants and Scholarships
Loans
Work Study

13. FAFSA (free application for federal student aid)
For the 2018–19 year, you start applying on October 1st!
If you don’t fill out the FAFSA form, you could be missing out on a lot of financial aid!
MYTHS about financial aid:
“I (or my parents) make too much money, so I won’t qualify for aid.”
“Only students with good grades get financial aid.”
“The FAFSA form is too hard to fill out.”
“I’m too old to qualify for financial aid.”
Everyone who is getting ready to go to college or career school should fill out the form.

14. Planning on playing sports in college?
Athletes should have already registered at the end of junior year through the Eligibility Center for participation in college athletics
See Mr. Jacobsen in the Athletic office for assistance with courses needed for individual colleges

15. What should you be doing right now to prepare?
Pay attention to deadlines!
Take any remaining SAT/ACT tests if needed
Continue applying for scholarships
Politely ASK teachers or counselors for letters of recommendation (don’t wait until last minute)!
Provide a self-addressed and stamped envelope
Please and Thank You
Provide different topics for each teacher to write about so you don’t have three of the same letters being sent
Many college applications are already open – so start applying!
Don’t wait as scholarships and housing go quickly
Schools will notify you of their admission decision – you are expected to commit by May 1st!
Brush up your social media accounts

16. Social media etiquette
31% of college admissions representatives say they do a social media check on applicants
So what does your digital footprint say about you?
Proper address?
Pictures?
Posts?
Before you post, THINK:
Is it:
T – TRUE
H – Helpful
I – Illegal
N – Necessary
K – Kind
If it’s on the internet, it isn’t private anymore!

17. where are some irhs grads?
4-year universities
2-year universities
Vanderbilt
Pima Community College
Pepperdine
Santa Barbara Community College
New York University (NYU)
Salt Lake Community College
University of Michigan
Mesa Community College
Brown
Yavapai Community College
Auburn
Coconino Community College
Hawaii Pacific University
Duke UA
ASU
NAU

18. activity
Research post-secondary institution and answer the questions on the worksheet.
If you need help finding a school, head to
You can: Find a School, Explore Careers, and Make a Plan