1. Welcome to Plainfield High School’s
Senior College
Planning Night

2. The Guidance Department
Mr. Dave Owens Last Names P-Z, Guidance Director
Mr. John Newbold Last Names A – Ge
Mrs. Jaleen Royer Last Names Gf-O
Mr. Adam Fritz Special Services (IEP,ENL,504)
Mr. Travis Reber College & Career Advisor
Ms. Christa Detzel Student Assistance Counselor
Mrs. Teri Groeschen Guidance Secretary/Registrar

3. How Can Parents Help In The College Search Process?
Create a timeline
Communication is vital - Establish Roles & Responsibilities
Encourage BUT allow your student to lead the process
Discuss family finances
Know the admission & financial aid processes
Assist with keeping track of deadlines for each institution
Visit college campuses

4. Tips on Visiting Colleges
Schedule visit: Go to the college’s admissions website
Complete the College & Career Exploration
Seniors are permitted 2 excused absence for college visits and job shadows!
Form needs to be returned 5 days prior to visit!
Plan your visit when students are actually on campus.
Schedule a visit that fits your needs/interests: athletic, group visit, individual, open house, etc.
STUDENTS come with prepared questions! Ask current students questions; most likely your tour guide or students that you see on campus.
Get The Most Out of Your Visit:
Tour the residential halls
Meet with an admissions counselor & financial aid officer
Bring an unofficial high school transcript
Observe a classroom lecture
Schedule an overnight visit (if possible)

5. Additional Visit Dates to Consider (Students Won’t Report to School)
Sept. 19th
Oct. 10th
Oct (Fall Break)
Oct. 24th (PSAT Day - Different Visit Form Will Be Sent Home)

6. College Rep Visits at PHS
College Representatives provide information about their college/university’s programs and majors, admission requirements, student life and scholarship/financial aid opportunities.
Students MUST register in Naviance
Deadline is 1 day prior to visit
In Naviance:
Click “Colleges/Colleges Home”
Scroll Down to “College Visits”
Click “Show More”
Click “Register”

7. Application/Admission Tips
Application Deadlines
Early Decision: binding, must withdraw all other college apps
Early Action: non-binding, given maximum admission & financial aid opportunities
Rolling: apps accepted throughout the year, typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive decision & potentially financial aid
Open Admission: admit nearly all students who have a HS degree or GED
Application Documents: Required or Recommended – The more info, the better
Official HS transcript
SAT or ACT scores: What exam & how do they accept scores?
Essay: PROOFREAD, provide info that your GPA & test scores don’t
Letters of recommendation: 1-3 letters, don’t exceed institution’s preference
Resume: provide in-depth info, don’t just list activities
Personal Statement: Address any concerns or issues that may have happened during high school

8. The College Application Process Many colleges have priority deadlines of November 1st for maximum scholarship consideration or for admission into a specific program/major. It is critical that all college applications be completed by fall break to meet any priority deadlines.
Step 1: Complete college applications online via the university’s admission webpage or via the
Common Application (
Step 2: Submit the application fee payment at the same time you submit the online
application. (Students who participate in the free/reduced lunch program may qualify for an application fee waiver & should see their guidance counselor to request a fee waiver.)
Step 3: Request official transcripts via Naviance, which is accessible via the PHS guidance website or at
Step 4: Submit your official SAT and/or ACT test scores to the university. Determine if the university requires that
test scores be sent by the testing agency or if they accept off the official HS transcript.
(IU, Purdue and NCAA require that SAT/ACT test scores be sent directly from CollegeBoard or ACT.)
Step 5: Complete a “PHS College Application Checklist” for EVERY college application you complete – “Golden Ticket”
Step 6: If required for a college application, request teacher recommendations at least two weeks in advance.
Students should personally speak with the recommending teacher and provide a resume.
Step 7: Submit your completed “PHS College Application Checklist” to the Guidance Office for processing.
Completed PHS College Application Checklists and official transcript requests MUST be submitted to the guidance office by October 12th in order for counselors to process applications and meet any November 1st priority deadlines!

9. 2018 – 2019 SAT Test Dates Plainfield High School ID = 152852
Register online:
SAT Customer Service:
*Take More than Once – Several Colleges “Super Score”*
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
(Late Fee = $29)
August 25
July 27
August 15
October 6
September 7
September 26
*November 3
October 5
October 24
December 1
November 2
November 20
*March 9
February 8
February 27
*May 4
April 5
April 24
June 1
May 3
May 22
SAT Registration and Test Fee = $47.50; $64 (with essay)
Students who receive lunch/book rental assistance and/or are 21st Century Scholars
may qualify for a fee waiver. See your guidance counselor.
*PHS is a test site on this date!
Free Test Prep: Khan Academy on College Board’s Website

10. 2018 – 2019 ACT Test Dates Plainfield High School ID = 152852
Register online:
ACT Customer Service:
*Take More than Once – Several Colleges “Super Score”*
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
(Late Fee = $29.50)
September 8
August 10
August 11 – 26
October 27
September 28
September 29 – October 14
*December 8
November 2
November 3 – 19
February 9
January 11
January 12 – 18
*April 13
March 8
March 9 – 25
June 8
May 3
May 4 – 20
July 13
June 14
June 15 – 24
ACT Registration and Test Fee = $46; $62.50 (with writing)
Students who receive lunch/book rental assistance and/or are 21st Century Scholars
may qualify for a fee waiver. See your guidance counselor.
*PHS is a test site on this date!
Free Test Prep: ACT Academy on ACT’s Website

11. Financial Aid Process Types of Aid:
Scholarships & Grants: Based on talent (academic, athletic, performing arts) and need (determined by FAFSA or institution) –
Importance of Priority Application Deadlines
Work-Study: Eligibility determined by FAFSA - Must work in order to receive funds – money doesn’t have to be paid back if students do not find a job
Loans:
Federal Direct
Automatically qualify by filing the FAFSA - in student’s name
Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized
Private Loan
FAFSA: Not required but HIGHLY recommended
Opens Oct. 1st – deadline is April 15th
2017 tax information for the FAFSA
Financial aid is available for two-year, four-year and trade programs

12. Scholarships Check Naviance on a Regular Basis National Scholarships
Outside/Local Scholarships Are Posted in Naviance
Click Colleges
Scholarships and Money
Click Scholarship List
Check Naviance on a Regular Basis
Scholarships are posted from Aug-March
National Scholarships
Never pay to apply for scholarships!

13. HCCF Scholarship
Hendricks County Community Foundation Scholarship Application
Opened Wednesday, August 1st
Deadline is Wednesday, September 12th
HCCF administers over 50 scholarship funds as well as the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Don’t miss this opportunity to complete 1 application for many local scholarships – including scholarships for trade programs!

14. Upcoming Dates/Events:
September 13: Financial Aid 6pm
More in-depth look at the financial aid process, FAFSA, scholarships, etc.
October 4 & January 31: FAFSA PHS
Financial aid experts will be available to help parents and students file the FAFSA
Session 1: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Session 2: 3:00 – 7:00 pm