2. Welcome!  Counselors: Mr. Brandon Prather: Director Mrs. Dana Mitchell: A - K Mr. Chris Downing: L - Z  Senior Class/Yearbook Advisors: Tom & Wendi Kirsch Mrs. Jan Wright  College Corner: Mrs. Kelsey Waddell  Audwin Jones, Wright State University

3. Handouts  Presentation  Forms important for your student: ACT/SAT Senior Events/Announcements Recommendation Letter Request College Visit Forms Transcript Request Forms  Surveys

4. Senior Class Information  Tom & Wendi Kirsch, Senior Class Advisors

5. Yearbook/Senior Picture Information  Mrs. Jan Wright – Yearbook Advisor

6. Senior Year Timeline  Considering Post-Secondary Plans  Meeting Graduation Requirements  Taking or Retaking the ACT and/or SAT  College Applications  Financial Aid (FAFSA/Scholarships) Financial Aid Night : October 23, FHS Aud. FAFSA Night: January 29, FHS Media Ctr.

7. College Application Process  Choose the schools to which you’ll apply 3 is a good number Reach, Match, Safety (www.collegeboard.org)  Be aware of deadlines & admission types Early Decision - Binding Early Action – Non Binding Regular Decision Rolling Admissions

8. Factors in the Admission Decision  Grades in High School Courses  Strength of Curriculum  Admission Test Scores (ACT, SAT)  Essay or Writing Sample  Student’s Demonstrated Interest (visit)  Counselor Recommendation  Class Rank  Teacher Recommendation  Subject Test Scores (AP)  Portfolio  Interview * From the National Association for College Admission Counseling

9. Additional Factors in the Admission Decision  College Size Smaller & more selective schools have a more holistic approach, where larger schools rely more on numbers  Class Rank is de-emphasized  Essays Those that require them WILL read them  Student Diversity *From the National Association for College Admission Counseling

10. Match, Reach, & Safety Schools  Match School – The student’s academic credentials fall well within or exceed the school’s range for average freshman  Reach School – The student’s academic credentials are below the school’s range for average freshman. A long shot, but still a possibility.  Safety School – Academic credentials are above the school’s range for average freshman. Many reasons to have a safety school including location, finances, etc. * From The Princeton Review

11. Early Decision vs. Early Action  Students apply earlier and are notified of admission decision earlier.  Early Decision Student can apply to 1 school early decision Decision is BINDING. If accepted, the student MUST attend the school.  Early Action Decision is non-binding. Students can apply to more than 1 school EA. Students have until May 1 to decide if they wish to attend.

12. Application Process  Apply Online  Visit  Request Transcript Fill out form and give to guidance counselor  Request Recommendation Recommendation form for counselors  Be aware of deadlines! Apply early, request information early

13. ACT/SAT Info  Registration www.collegeboard.com - SAT www.collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org – ACT www.actstudent.org  Test Dates: ACT:SAT: ○ Oct 25, 2014 Nov 8, 2014 ○ Dec 13, 2014 Dec 6, 2014 ○ Feb 7, 2015 Jan 24, 2015 ○ Apr 18, 2015 Mar 14, 2015 ○ June 13, 2015May 2, 2015 ○ June 6, 2015

14. Financial Aid  Financial Aid Night: October 23, 2014  FAFSA Night: January 29, 2015  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-www.fafsa.ed.gov-qualifies you for grants or student loan assistance to pay for college.www.fafsa.ed.gov  FAFSA 4caster: www.FAFSA4caster.ed.gov- gives an estimated EFC based on your income.www.FAFSA4caster.ed.gov  Scholarship Websites on handout.

15. Campus Caravan  Tuesday, October 21 st @ 8 a.m.  Wright State University  Cedarville University  $12.00 cash or check to GCCSP  Deadline to register Friday 10/17  50 seat capacity (first come, first serve)

16. College Corner  Additional resource for all FHS students  Kelsey Waddell, AmeriCorps Greene County College Success Partnership