1. Surviving Senior Year
Follow us on Twitter for important reminders throughout the year.
Bwest Counseling
@BWCounseling
Standardized Test Dates
College Admissions
Scholarship Deadlines
Newsletters
College Visitation Dates
Advanced Placement Information
More……..

2. Applying for College Apply on the college’s website.
Usually under their Admissions’ link
Transcripts, application fee, test scores and supplemental materials may be required.
Application fee may be waived for students on Free/Reduced lunch. Students should contact their counselor.
Apply early to make sure all documents are received by the school’s application deadline.

3. Bellevue West College Application Days
Seniors can come to Career Center for assistance completing college applications.
Information and dates will be sent out in the September and October Newsletters.
Seniors will sign up via Family Connection.

5. Sending Transcripts/ACT Scores to a College
A transcript release must be submitted by parents via Family Connection in order for transcripts to be sent to colleges/scholarships.
Parents received an today with directions on how to access this and complete this task.
Students will request transcripts via Family Connection in Naviance. They will be shown how to do this in the Career Center.
Note: Some schools do not require an initial transcript but instead require students to self-report: e.g. UNL, UNO, UNK

6. Family Connection

7. Accessing Transcript Release Survey

8. Transcript Release Questions

10. Transcript Status

11. Upcoming College Visits

12. College Admissions Tests
2-Year/Community College (Metro and Iowa Western)
Accuplacer Test—Placement Test, Free, (Test is taken at Metro or Iowa Western Testing Center—testing is available daily)
4-Year Colleges
ACT Test: Offered in Sept., Oct., Dec., Feb., April, & June. $42.50 for Basic--$58.50 Basic + Writing (Go to to register)
SAT Test: Offered in Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Mar., May, & June. $45 for Basic--$57 Basic + Writing (Go to sat.collegeboard.org to register)
**Fee waivers are available for the ACT and SAT for students who are on free/reduced lunch. Students should see a counselor for a form if they qualify.

13. Note:
Not all colleges will accept ACT scores sent from Bellevue West. (UNL, UNO, UNK & the NCAA—scores must be sent directly from ACT)
When students sign up for the ACT test, they can list 4 colleges that receive the scores for free.
Students can go on to to request scores be sent (if ACT was already taken-- $12 per report).

16. Military ASVAB Test: November 2nd
For students planning to go into the military.
Can also be used to identify strengths and narrow down career options.
Free
Sign up in the Counseling Office after September 1st.

17. Applying for Financial Aid
Families can apply for financial aid using the FAFSA form after October 1st of their senior year (2015 tax information will be used for this year’s senior class)
Parents and students need to apply for a FSA ID that will be used as their electronic signature for when they file their FAFSA form. They will need this in advance in order to file the FASFA form.
Go to fafsa.gov
Apply for FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov
Complete FAFSA4caster to estimate Financial Aid using prior year tax information.
Bellevue West Financial Aid Presentation by EducationQuest Foundation: October 5—6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.

20. Applying for Scholarships
Bellevue West Scholarship Secretary
Kathie Britten
Scholarships based on academics, need, activities, volunteering, leadership
Sources: College, Businesses, Community
Advertised each month in the school newsletter “T-Bird Talk” and updates sent through Family Connection.
Scholarship websites
ACE Scholarship

21. Scholarships (continued):
Requesting transcripts and supplemental material for scholarships
Students complete a request through Family Connection.
If additional documents need to be sent, it should be listed in “Other Notes” (e.g. recommendations, ACT scores, etc.)
Student should note if the application was completed online or if it needs to be mailed in with transcripts and other documents.
Students shown how to complete this in the Career Center

23. NCAA Eligibility Center/NAIA
NCAA: For students planning to play sports at a Division I or Division II school.
Students must register with the NCAA
Cost is $75 (fee waivers available for students who used fee waivers on SAT/ACT tests)
Website:
NAIA: For students planning to play sports at a NAIA school
Students must register with the NAIA
Cost is $75 (Fee waivers are available)

25. Assistance with the College Process
School Counselor
EducationQuest Foundation
Rockbrook Village, Omaha
All services are FREE
Assistance filling out Financial Aid forms

27. Senior Pictures/Yearbook
Senior pictures are due for the Yearbook by November 22nd.
Specifications:
Vertical, front-facing, head & shoulder shot
Eyes looking at the camera
Dedication Pages are due by Nov. 22nd
Senior panoramic picture: Date TBD
Picture Day at Bellevue West: Free-Can be used for senior photo in yearbook; September 8th
Yearbook Advisor: Mr. Stueve

28. Graduation Cap & Gown
School Traditions: Order forms will be given out in English classes in early October.
Cap & Gown (Cost: Responsibility of student— approx. $40. Order form must be completed.)
Graduation Announcements (for parents/students who wish to purchase them)
Class Rings (for students who wish to purchase one)
School Traditions will be here during Parent Teacher Conferences for parents to turn in order forms and get additional information.(October 11th and 12th).

29. Senior Events Honors Night Senior Assembly/Graduation Practice
May 15th at 7:00 p.m.
Senior Assembly/Graduation Practice
May 17th
Senior Picnic and Checkout
Baccalaureate
May 25th, 7:00 p.m. in the South Gym
Graduation
May 27th, 9:30 a.m. in the South Gym/Auditorium

30. Tips for a Successful Senior Year
Monitor Grades/Attendance using the Parent Portal
Students need to attend school to be successful
Students who do not complete all graduation requirements are not allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Read the School Newsletter ( & website) & updates
Encourage students to complete applications/meet deadlines in a timely manner
Communicate with the School Counselor

31. Follow Us on Twitter! Bwest Counseling @BWCounseling
Receive information on the following:
Standardized/College Admissions Test Dates
Scholarship Deadlines
Junior/Senior Newsletters
College Visitation Dates
Advanced Placement Information
More……..