1. Planning for the Future
Lauren LaFayette
Planning for the Future

2. To Do List: Freshman Make four-year plan Take challenging courses
Make good grades
Get involved
Discover your interests and passions

3. To Do List: Sophomore Continue to earn good grades
Continue involvement in extracurricular activities
Take PSATs
Reevaluate four year plan and interests
Begin exploring career options

4. To Do List: Junior IMPORTANT YEAR!
Good grades and extracurricular activities
Begin to look at after school options
College/University
Technical College/Trade School
Workforce
Military
Attend college fairs
Begin campus tours
Attend College Representative Days to the school
Take SAT or ACT
Begin scholarship search

5. To Do List: Seniors Good grades and extracurricular activities
DON’T SLACK OFF!
Filling out applications, scholarships, and Financial Aid
Letters of Recommendation

6. How to pick a College Attend College Fairs Look at:
Geographical location
Environment
Size
Majors offered
Tuition
Consider GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and rigor of high school work
Visit collegeboard.com, My College Quickstart

7. Campus Tours Contact admission office well in advance
Inform college of special areas of interest
Learn as much as possible about the college before the visit
Plan to spend a whole day. Try to sit in on a class, tour the library, talk to students in addition to the tour guide, and read the school newspaper
Write a note of appreciation to individuals who helped you during your visit
If possible, take time to visit schools of interest during summer break

8. Applying to Schools What do colleges ask for? When should I apply?
Counselor form, transcript, school profile
Application
Application Fee (varies)
Essay
Letters of Recommendation
SAT/ACT Scores
When should I apply?
Normal versus Early Decision Deadlines
These depends on each individual school
Keep track of deadlines and have application materials ready well in advance

9. Admissions Early Decision Early Action Rolling Admission
ED to only ONE institution
Apply and hear back early
If admitted, withdraw all other applications
Committed to enroll at ED college
Early Action
Can apply to multiple institutions EA
Apply early, hear back early
No commitment
Rolling Admission
Admission review is continuous
Hear back usually within 2-6 weeks

10. SAT & ACT
Tests that are required by most colleges –gives them an idea of how you might perform academically
Check with schools to see which test they require (SAT usually works)
Best to register online to immediately reserve seat
There is a fee each time you take the test
Must be sent from the testing company to the college
Make sure you have taken test WELL BEFORE school deadline
Scores take several weeks to get results/be sent out
May want to give yourself time to retake test if unhappy with scores

11. SAT & ACT
SAT
Most colleges require the SAT Reasoning Test unless it is stated on the application that they want you to take an SAT Subject Test
Tests critical reading, math, and writing skills
ACT
Assesses English, math, reading, and science ability
Optional writing exam –check with school

12. Paying For College Loans Grants Scholarships
Government (subsidized and unsubsidized)
Fill out FAFSA to determine eligibility
Private
Grants
Scholarships
Counseling Office will have a listing
Visit the Guidance Website

13. Paying for School: Financial Aid
MUST complete FASFA to be considered for almost every type of aid
Asks for tax information from student and parents
Federal deadline to file FAFSA is usually in March but some schools will have EARLIER deadlines!
Apply online or paper application
Submit as close to January 1 as possible
Opportunities for free FAFSA help

14. Paying for School: Scholarships
Applying
Deadlines are absolute
Range in award amount–greater chance of winning smaller amounts (less competitive)
Requirements
Scholarships start around August
more and more as year goes on
Where can I find them?
Guidance Office & Guidance Website, scholarship websites, churches, businesses, family employers

15. Letters of Recommendation
Its okay to ask “Can you write me a strong letter?”
Ask current, junior year, academic teacher(s)
Give teachers plenty of notice
Three weeks MINIMUM before you plan on submitting the application
Supply the teacher with a school addressed envelope (stamped) and a copy of your brag sheet
Follow up with a “thank you” note to the teacher