1. Valley Lutheran High School
College Planning

2. Choices In state public In state private (religious affiliation)
Out of state public (Western Undergraduate Exchange)
Out of state private
Community College
Technical school/career
Gap year
Military

3. How to choose??? Majors Size Location Cost Admission Facilities
Identify priorities
Making the choice
Majors
Size
Location
Cost
Admission
Facilities
athletics
Visit
Compare
Looking for “fit”
No perfect college
You make it the best place for you

4. Admission Criteria: What schools look for:
Academic Achievement Record (Transcript)
Rank in Class
Standardized Test Results (SAT, SAT Subject tests, ACT)
Personal Essay
Letters of Recommendation
Special Activities (school, community, honors, awards, etc.)
Personal Interview (optional)

5. What does the completed application look like?
Student will send:
Application
Application Fee (some have waivers if online or before a date)
Essay
Resume (optional-do it)
Standardized Test Scores (via College Board or ACT)
Guidance will send:
Letters of Recommendations – form in office and on edline
Transcript (request form)
School Report
School Profile

6. Common Application www.commonapp.org
One application that is accepted by a number of schools
Cuts down on time
Go to website to see which schools participate
Create an account
Check to see if supplements are required

7. How you can determine a student's eligibility for a fee waiver
Household Size
Annual Income 1
$20,665 2
$27,991 3
$35,317 4
$42,643 5
$49,969 6
$57,295
Please note: . 

8. Decisions, Decisions! Early Decision vs. Early Action
Early Decision is a commitment; student promises that, if accepted, student will definitely attend that school.
Student can only have one Early Decision application pending.
Upon acceptance, student must withdraw all other applications.
Early Action:
Indicates to school the student’s strong preference.
Students receive decision well in advance of regular response date.
Student not obligated to accept offer of admission.

9. Junior year----summer prep
Use vacation time to visit schools
Do Virtual college tours and talk to reps
Start to narrow down a list for when you return
Use the summer for enrichment and personal growth
Take prep classes for ACT/SAT
Take a class to replace a grade or to strengthen your GPA (math review)

10. Senior Year Planning Time Table
Make appointment with counselor to discuss post high school goals.
Register for the SATs and/or SAT subject tests, and/or ACTs.
Attend college rep visits.
Plan to visit colleges
Make tentative list and begin writing down deadlines, special weekends to visit. Keep organized.
Register at NCAA Clearinghouse for Division I & II Athletics: (
Senior Year Planning Time Table
September

11. Senior Year Planning Time Table
Take SATs
Pick Five – finalize list of colleges applying to.
Ask teachers for recommendations.
Attend college rep visits
Attend college open houses.
Prepare Early applications and military academy applications.
Senior Year Planning Time Table
October

12. Senior Year Planning Time Table
Send Early Decision or Early Action applications by November 1st or 15th.
Research Scholarships
Senior Year Planning Time Table
November

13. Senior Year Planning Time Table
December
January
Send college applications by end of December
Meet with counselor to verify supporting materials have been sent.
Register for FAFSA Pin (
Complete FAFSA form (
Send mid-year grades to colleges (if requested).
Continue looking for scholarships.

14. Senior Year Planning Time Table
February
March
Research and apply for scholarships listed on
Continue to research and visit colleges to which you have applied.
Remember the importance of 2nd semester grades!!

15. Senior Year Planning Time Table
Review your college responses and aid offers.
Make final decision on where to attend.
Send deposit by May 1st.
Register for AP exams (if registered for AP courses).
Senior Year Planning Time Table
April

16. Senior Year Planning Time Table
May
Take AP exams.
Let your counselor know where you will be attending.
Send “thank you” notes to those who wrote you letters, etc.
Request Guidance Department to send final transcript to college of your choice.
Register for your courses at your college (if possible).