1. 2016 College Planning and application workshop
Subtitle

2. Class of 2016 – 230 graduates 70% four year college
12% two year college
15% military/work/training

3. Ideally….. Is working on college applications
already took ACT and/or SAT
already visited potential colleges
Has narrowed down list of schools and decided where to apply
Has turned Bio form and permission to release records forms into guidance
Ideally…..

4. The big picture… Visit or re-visit potential schools in the fall
Apply to colleges before deadlines
Financial Aid FAFSA available by October 1
Search for Scholarships throughout the school year – most are available in the winter (Dec. thru Feb.)
Deposit by May 1 (approximate deadline – each school has its own deadline)

5. ACT/SAT Testing ACT SAT
Next test October 22nd – late registration deadline October 14th
Also….December 10th – registration deadline November 4th
February 11th, April 8th, and June 10th - remaining test dates for
Next test October 1st – late registration deadline has passed
Also…. November 5th – registration deadline October 7th
December 3rd, January 21st, March 11th, May 6th, and June 3rd – remaining test dates for school year

6. ACT/SAT Testing
Scores take about 3-6 weeks to process- (ACT non-writing scores available in ten days online)
At this late date, please request that scores be sent directly to the colleges- some schools require that scores be sent directly from the testing company
CHS receives scores and we send along with transcripts.
ACT and/or SAT scores automatically become a part of the transcript

7. Students should register online for both tests
ACT/SAT Testing
Students should register online for both tests

8. Recommended application strategy
1 Reach school
2-3 Probable schools
1 Safety school

9. You can still apply to colleges without visiting them
College Visits
3 exempt days each school year
Call Admissions in advance to set up a tour, interview, etc.
Ask about Financial Aid/Scholarships
Get a feel for the social/academic atmosphere at each school
You can still apply to colleges without visiting them
We highly recommend that students visit a campus before making their final decisions

10. College Representatives at CHS
Admissions representatives visit CHS
Complete schedule is posted in Google classroom that all seniors are enrolled in
Often these are the same people who evaluate the applications
Students must sign up in guidance and get permission from teacher in advance (form in guidance)

11. Applications
Be sure to turn in appropriate forms to guidance (records release and bio form if he/she completes on paper
Check appropriate deadlines - turn in forms to guidance at least ONE week in advance of deadline. (This applies to scholarships too)
Always give teachers at least TWO weeks to write a letter of recommendation
Applications should be turned in as soon as possible with Thanksgiving being the goal

12. Applications
Go to school’s website and register for access to their application or go to for schools that use the Common Application (there are over 500 schools on the Common App now)
Read directions thoroughly
Complete application online and be sure to complete all necessary supplements (ie. counselor and teacher forms and recommendations)
Be sure to give all supplemental forms to your guidance counselor along with transcript request and counselor will mail all additional paperwork
All schools require a transcript – be sure to request it as soon as you apply so you don’t hold up the admissions decision

13. Letters of Recommendation
  Select Recommenders who know you well and will speak highly of you. Teachers, Coaches/Advisers, Principals/Counselors
  Ask the potential recommender if they would write a letter on your behalf
Give the recommender several weeks of "lead time" to write the letter
  If using The Common Application:  Let the recommender know that they will receive an inviting them to set up an account.  If the recommender already has an account, you can select them from a pull down menu after you have spoken with them

14. Lake-Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation
LEAF
Lake-Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation
This organization helps students complete financial aid process and search for scholarships.

15. LEAF LEAF is at CHS on Thursdays beginning September 18th
Students will be called down to meet with Ms. Hanley during the day
Parents should call to set up an appointment with Ms. Hanley

16. There are local, state, national, and school scholarships
Obtain applications in guidance office or online
Go to the guidance page of the high school home page on the district website- available scholarships are updated at least twice a month
Go Online- there are many search engines that will allow students to put in a profile and they will then match scholarship up with specific needs and abilities
Meet with LEAF

17. The Common Application
Common Application for local scholarships is given out in early Feb and due at the end of the month
Students can apply for over 15 local scholarships with one application

18. Ask College Financial Aid Offices for their individual scholarships
College Scholarships
Ask College Financial Aid Offices for their individual scholarships

19. Social Media and College Admissions