1. Senior Information Session for the SBHS Class of 2019
The SBHS College Application Process

3. Guidance… EVERYONE PLAYS A PART… Senior Small Group Meetings
Application process step-by-step
Essay writing support
Counselor Letter of Rec
Naviance use and navigation
Discussions about testing
Encourage reflection
Ongoing student meetings as needed
Interests/majors, and/or other post-secondary plans
Transcript review
Team w/students and parents; a resource; counselor letter; forms and paperwork; encourage personal reflection and student responsibility
Peg Adams

4. Students… EVERYONE PLAYS A PART… Meaningful senior year
Transcript Review
Sign up for Senior Small Group Meeting
Campus visits and testing (as needed)
Sign-up for rep visits at SB
Read /check announcements
Pay attention to deadlines
Complete application/essay
Ask for letters of recommendation (as needed)
Ask for help!!
Be thoughtful/reflective
Meaningful Sr Year; Senior meeting (whether college bound or not!!); Application and Essay = YOUR work/voice; sign-ups on Naviance for admission rep visits; ; Daily Announcements; Website;

5. Parents/Supportive Adults…
EVERYONE PLAYS A PART…
Parents/Supportive Adults…
Encourage and expect responsibility and independence
Meet students where they are
Consider a weekly check-in
Be their biggest cheerleader – trust in their ability to take the lead in this process
Help them to maintain a healthy school/life balance
Help with organizing campus visits
Have conversations about what works for your family – distance, finances
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Access VSAC for support around paying for college
Check in; cheerleader; help w/logistics; explore financial aid options; encourage and expect responsibility and independence
Readiness – needs to be a thoughtful process…is it the right time?
Delayed gratification – waiting is hard, but the payout for taking the time to be thoughtful will be worth it

6. Financial Aid… EVERYONE PLAYS A PART…
Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC)
Information Sessions at SBHS:
October 11th – “Managing College Costs”
TBA – Financial Aid “Forms Night” *must sign up, information forthcoming
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

7. SOME WAYS TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS:
Refer often to the Senior Information Packet for dates/events – mailed August 31st/posted on Guidance webpage
Students attend a Senior Small Group Meeting
Students attend College Essay Writing Workshop
Check your regularly!!!! Carefully read any mail addressed to you.
Guidance webpage:
Daily announcements on the SBHS web page
Naviance Document Library on Naviance Student

8. Testing: ACT : Oct. 27th/Dec. 8th Test Date – SAT: Oct. 6th Test Date-
Sept. 28th/Nov. 2nd Registration Deadline
SAT: Oct. 6th Test Date-
Sept. 7th (tomorrow!) Registration Deadline

9. Deadlines are DEADLINES…
Pay attention to the fine print!
Early Action (non-binding)
Early Decision (binding)
Rolling
Other
The School’s deadline = Your deadline
Request all supporting documents 3 to 4 in-session school weeks prior to college application deadline
School rule = 3-4 weeks (Sr appt and letter requests); thank you letters; FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS; rolling/EA/ED

10. Naviance Announcements Essay Workshops Admission Reps College Fair
Resources!
VSAC
Announcements
Essay Workshops
College Fair
Naviance
Admission
Reps
SBHS Guidance Web Page
YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR! – Small Group Sessions