1. Class of 2015/2016 Parent Meeting
Post Secondary information
Cheerleaders

2. Your Support
Guidance Team
Jenny Barker - students A to G
Steve Barnes – students H to O
Lisa Suttman - students P to Z
Jessica Overdorf– School Psychologist
Sharon Merkel- Guidance Secretary
Welcome! Take a deep breath, relax, and we will all get through this together!
Keith

3. TONIGHT’S TOPICS Keys to College College Testing
Test Preparation & Practice
Students with Disabilities
College Representatives
The Campus Visit
Types of Admission
Application Process
College Athletic Eligibility
Apprenticeship
Financial Aid

4. KEYS TO COLLEGE GPA Rigor of coursework SAT/ACT scores
Extracurricular Activities
Recommendations
Essays
Community Service
Unique Talents

5. COLLEGE TESTS College entrance tests for college-bound students ACT
SAT Reasoning Test
SAT Subject Tests (may be required by competitive schools)
Plan to take these in the spring of your Junior year or earlier if enrolled in a higher math- may be taken more than once
Test scores should be sent directly from the testing agency to colleges- Colleges only use the highest score
Most colleges require a writing score from the ACT (Plus Writing) or SAT for admission
Go to or for registration information

6. TEST PREPARATION & PRACTICE
Strength of Curriculum
ACT prep/info at
ACT Question of the Day
ACT Preparation Guide
Practice Test Questions
SAT prep/info at
SAT Question of the day
Full SAT sample test
SAT Preparation Guide
Private Test Preparation Resources
Contact your student’s counselor for options
ACT/SAT Prep class
Semester class offered to Junior and Seniors
ACT Practice Sessions
Guidance Office offers PRACTICE sessions in the computer lab one day before and after school the week before some of the ACT tests

7. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT/SAT Accommodations
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN IEP IN COLLEGE.
Eligibility rules are different.
Direct instruction vs. reasonable access.
Students must contact the Disability Services office to seek out support, it won’t just happen because of previous supports in high school.
Not all disability services programs are equal, most of the really intense ones are not free.
Students still have to meet college guidelines for acceptance that are set for all students.

8. COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES
College Representatives come to Harrison and meet with students each fall and spring.
Times/Dates are posted on Daily Announcements
Students can sign up at the Counseling Office in the red binder

9. CAMPUS VISITS Make an appointment with the college
Most colleges schedule tours on their website
Schedule a meeting with a college admissions counselor
Schedule a visit with the particular program
Bring in a note from parent to the Guidance Counselor about 3 days before visit
Obtain teacher signature form and get signatures from all teachers and attendance
Return signature form to counselor and obtain college form
Have college sign form, verifying attendance
Return signed college verification form to attendance the day you return to school.
Juniors get TWO/Seniors get THREE college visitation days!!!!!!
Check out our College Visit information on our website

10. TYPES OF ADMISSION Regular/Traditional
Student’s will be notified according to each college’s notification date. This normally begins in the early Spring
Rolling
Applications are reviewed as they arrive. Students will received notice 6-10 weeks after submitting application and review is completed.
Early Action (Non-Binding)
Students can apply early (usually November) and receive decision by January….students are not required to attend if accepted
Early Action (Binding)
Identical to Non-Binding Early Action BUT students are required to attend if accepted

11. APPLICATION PROCESS

12. STEP ONE-APPLY Decide which college(s) you are applying
Apply on-line at college’s website (OR)
Common Application
Paper applications may also be completed for some schools

13. STEP 2-TRANSCRIPTS Complete a transcript form for EACH college
Transcript forms can be found in the Guidance Office
Only one transcript form is needed for the Common Application
BE SURE TO ALLOW AT LEAST THREE DAYS FOR THE TRANSCRIPT TO BE PROCESSED AND SENT!!!!!!!

14. STEP 3-RECOMMENDATIONS
Give teacher or counselor a resume′
Please check with your teacher to
determine their preference(electronic or paper)
Allow two weeks for teacher and/or
counselor to complete letter
Don’t forget that teachers and counselors are not the only ones that can write recommendations (bosses, pastors, etc.)

15. STEP 4-TEST SCORES
Test Scores must be sent from Testing Agency for many schools
SAT scores –
ACT scores –

16. HELPFUL HINTS DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Be aware of early deadlines for specialized
programs or scholarships
Retake SAT or ACT if needed
Work on Essays before completing application
If playing collegiate sport register with the NCAA or NAIA
DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

17. COLLEGE ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY
NCAA Clearinghouse for Division I & II
Register with the Clearinghouse in early September of senior year
ACT/SAT scores must be sent directly to the Clearinghouse (code 9999)
Information and registration at and
Each DIVISION I school has a compliance officer on staff to answer questions

18. APPRENTICESHIP
Ohio State Apprenticeship Council
Click on “current opportunities” along the top left
This is a GREAT resource!

19. FINANCIAL AID
The first step to Financial Aid is FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Go to to apply for a FAFSA ID(this can be done now!!!!)
After January 1st, go to and begin applying for financial aid. (the sooner you get it done, the better)
Don’t forget that there is a Financial Aid meeting here on November 30th at 6:30pm for any questions.

20. FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academics or special talents-Do NOT have to pay back!
LOANS
Money loan to either parent or student-Must be paid back!
(Subsidized does not build interest while in school, Unsubsidized does build interest)
GRANTS
Based on financial need, may have academic requirements as well
WORK STUDY
Part-time job on campus arranged by the school and government

21. FINANCIAL SUPPORT
With the challenges of this economy, we understand that families may be faced with financial struggles at home
Colleges, testing agencies and SHS work to provide support for students in these situations
If your family is struggling financially, please talk with your student’s counselor….help may be available with
Test fees
College Application Fees

22. TIPS FOR PARENTS Let your kids take charge
Play a supporting role, not the starring one
Guide, but don’t push
Be Positive!