3. Class of 2017

4. Topics for Discussion Today
Important Dates for Senior Year
Graduation Requirements
A timeline for all post high-school plans
Options for after graduation and how you get there
Sending applications, letters of recommendation & transcripts
Financial Aid

5. Graduation Requirements
Total of 23 credits
4 credits of English
4 credits of Math
4 credits of Science
3 credits of Social Studies
.5 credits of Physical Education & .5 credits of Health
3 credits of CTAE or Modern Language or Fine Arts
4 credits of electives

6. IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIOR YEAR
Senior Breakfast – May 18, 2017 in the Cafeteria
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal – May 15-18
Baccalaureate – See individual churches for dates.
Graduation – May 18, 2017 at UWG Coliseum

7. Ordering Cap and Gown
Meet with Balfour about graduation announcements and cap and gown – November 3, 2016
Order & pay deposit for cap and gown – March 30, 2017
Distribution of graduation orders – TBA in spring

8. Overall Timeline as a Senior
Apply to take ACT &/or SAT
Attend college fair
Apply to colleges, send transcripts, and letters of recommendation
Schedule campus tours for fall of 2016 if you have not visited your top schools
Apply for financial aid at
Make final decisions by May 1st & send in deposit
Attend on-campus registration in the summer of 2017
Keep your grades up!

10. For more information on apprenticeships, go to http://www. doleta

11. Do you have a connection at a company?
Do you have skills that employers are looking for?
Where do you start? The Workforce Development Center at the Dept. of Labor at 275 Northside Drive, Carrollton, GA is a great place for resources.

12. Recruiters are available for every branch of the armed services
Schedule of lunch hour visits will be posted on school website
Individual meetings can be set up to take place in the Guidance Office or at your home

13. Be sure to watch for program deadlines
Applications can be submitted anytime
Application costs: $25

15. College Admissions Tests
Take the ACT at
Registration
Deadline is
September 16th
for the October
22nd test date
Take the SAT at sat.collegeboard.org/register
Registration
Deadline is
October 7th
for the November 5th test date

16. PRIVATE AND OUT OF STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Check out financial aid for help with tuition
Consider programs that provide a good fit for the student
Consider programs that offer opportunities to participate in research in many disciplines

17. Application Checklist
Online applications are preferred by most schools!
Check that all work is done neatly and spelling and grammar are correct.
Letters of recommendation (request 2-3 weeks in advance).
Include application fee or pay online.
Preferred deadline for applications - January 15, 2017.
Please submit all materials at least one week before admission deadlines!

18. How do you afford college?
Apply for financial aid through the federal government
Scholarships can help!
Keep watch on the Guidance Office tab of the school webpage for updates on available scholarships
Look on the individual college financial aid page for scholarships
Use a general scholarship search engine like
Average Costs Per Year
Technical College: $4,000
Two Year College: $5,000
4 year Public university: $18,000
4 year Private university: $35,000

19. Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid Information is available through various parent nights throughout the year.
Wells Fargo will present financial aid information during school.
Check the Villa Rica High School Website for updated financial aid information.

20. Put your hands on some money for college!!!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form every students needs to complete if they plan to attend college in the fall of It opens the door to potential cash for college. Complete the FAFSA form in about an hour, our help will eliminate any possible confusion.
University of West GA and West GA Technical College have hands on sessions to help you complete this form. Watch the Guidance link on the school website for information about these sessions (usually in February – March).
Bring - identification, SS security #, 2014 complete federal income tax returns, 2014 W-2 forms and other tax material.

21. Where do I find Scholarships?
Scholarships can be found on the school website under the Guidance Office link.
Click on the Scholarships heading.
Scholarship opportunities are updated frequently throughout the year. Check the site often.
Most colleges have scholarship opportunities available on their websites.
Fastweb.com is a free scholarship matching tool that many students find useful.

22. Scholarship Application Process
Ask teacher, coach, or counselor for letter of recommendation, if required. Give at least 3 weeks notice before the deadline.
Provide a copy of transcript and ACT or SAT scores if needed.
You are responsible for mailing all applications and letters of recommendation.
SCHOLARSHIP DEALINES ARE FINAL!

23. What do I need to focus on in order to meet all of the deadlines and be prepared for all of the important events of my senior year?