1. Welcome Seniors!

2. Planning Your Future Work Force Armed Forces Trade Program College/University

3. Job Applications Obtain a copy of your transcript. Use the Transcript Request form. Your transcript proves you completed the classes to graduate from high school. Ask for a job description and make sure you qualify. Write a resume and cover letter. Look and apply for jobs that provide training, benefits, and long term stability.

4. Armed Forces Meet a recruiter with your parents. Let your guidance counselor know the name of your recruiter. Sign a form, given to you by your recruiter, that allows the school to communicate information to your recruiter.

5. Scholarship Postings outside the Guidance Office School web page under Guidance Parents’ employment or service organizations College you plan to attend or place of business for further education.

6. Scholarships continued… Typed application is recommended/required or use black ink. Three recommendations (two from school and one from community) Ask teachers from junior/senior year core classes. Do not ask a family member. List of activities (Student Information Sheet) Request a transcript for scholarship if required. Notice Scholarship packet and request form in folder. Complete and sign log book.

7. Overview of the College Process: Prepare, Search, Apply, Choose Preparation Self-Examination: Purpose, Values, Merit ExplorationInvestigation Taking Stock ApplicationWaitingDecision

8. Application Process Now is the time to begin your application process. Apply early, rather than waiting. Early application is strongly recommended by all schools. It is recommended to apply by the end of October. Applying online is recommended. www.google.com www.commonapp.org

9. The College Application Process Get organized –Search for application –Gather information that is required for application –Entrance requirements differ from college to college –If possible print or save a copy of the application Create a file folder for each college Place a date on everything –Write down passwords, ID #’s, and deadlines and check often

10. Admission List Early action means the school will let you know of your acceptance status earlier than they would for regular applicants. Early decision is more limiting. If you’re accepted, you must agree to attend and not accept any offers from other colleges. Regular admission means you apply by the regular deadline. Rolling admission is a system whereby a school is willing to accept students right up to the time that schools start or classes are full. Since slots are filled on a first-come, first- served basis, be sure to apply early.

11. Doing the Work Application Form –Read the instructions carefully and fill in all the information. Double-check spelling, grammar, the name of the school and any numbers you had to enter.

12. Doing the Work The Essay –Not all schools require an essay. But if you do have to write one, consider it a blessing. An essay offers a chance for the real you to shine through to the admissions board. –Students not meeting the admission requirements in test scores and GPA must write an essay –Contrary to popular belief, schools aren’t looking for studying machines – They’re looking for bright, well- rounded people.

13. Doing the Work Transcripts –Request in guidance office –Do it early – at least two weeks before the college needs them (this includes transcripts for the Common App or other electronic transcripts) –LSHS pays for postage, all you have to do is complete the request at least two weeks prior to when it is due –Some schools do not want transcripts sent until after graduation

14. Doing the Work SAT/ACT Scores –SAT and National ACT scores are automatically placed on your transcript. –If college wants scores directly from SAT/ACT, YOU must request those –Want the State ACT score on your transcript? Have a parent sign the official letter and return to guidance ASAP

15. Should You Test Again? Consider retesting if one or more of the following apply to you: –Did you have any problems during the tests, like misunderstanding the directions or feeling ill? –Do you think your scores do not accurately represent your abilities? –Are your ACT scores what you expected based on your high school grade s? –Have you taken more coursework or an intensive review in the areas covered?

16. Submitting your Application Be sure to print/save copies of all applications before submitting. Submit! Print any counselor form and take to guidance. While waiting for a response, make sure you keep working hard in school. A sudden decline in grades at the end of the year may mean a closed door where there could have been a welcome mat. Keep the schools updated on increased test scores or awards.

17. Doing the Work Recommendations –Most schools don’t need letters of recommendation. –Many will want letters for scholarship applications –Check how many you need (2-3) –Approach those that know you well and in core subjects –Ask early and for a copy to be given to your counselor –Write a note of thanks to your recommender(s)

18. Doing the Work The Interview –Not many require an interview, except some selective programs –If an interview is optional, take advantage of that opportunity. –Be yourself and do your best. –Research the school ahead of time. –Send a thank you

19. Getting the Reply If you get accepted to your first choice, great! If you’re stuck in the happy dilemma of having to choose between two or more schools try –(1)making a pros and cons list –(2)following your instinct, or –(3)visiting the schools again When your decision is made, be sure to tell the other schools that accepted you so they can offer your spot to someone else

20. Getting the Reply In the event you were not accepted or waitlisted find out why. –It could be a minor reason, like something missing from your application package or a misunderstanding about your academic information that you can correct. –If it goes beyond that, however, talk to someone at the admissions office and see if they will tell you how to increase your chances of acceptance the next time around

21. Common Application www.commonapp.org All parts of application are completed electronically. When entering in teacher/counselor information, be sure it is correct (i.e. email address). Check to see if colleges have additional supplements.

22. NCAA/NAIA Eligibility Center If you plan on playing a sport in college, you must register with the Eligibility Center of either the NCAA (Division I or II) or the NAIA. Go to or www.playnaia.org Go to www.eligibilitycenter.org or www.playnaia.org www.playnaia.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org www.playnaia.org

23. Illinois Student Assistance Corp Laura Monteagudo will be in the library 4 different Thursdays during September & October to help with applications, college and scholarship searches, and financial aid! Dates TBA Laura.Monteagudo@isac.illinois.gov "Like" Laura on Facebook- www.facebook.com/ISACCOD3www.facebook.com/ISACCOD3 (630) 465-1927

24. Tips Use your unofficial transcript to help complete your applications. Try to work on applications before 10 o’clock at night. Send completed applications even if you plan on retaking the ACT. Be aware of time zones!

25. Send at least one application by the end of September. Send the rest of your applications by the end of October. Maintain or increase your GPA.

26. Checklist  1.Research and get organized  2.Student Information Sheet prepared  3.Register for ACT if retaking  4.Apply and submit application  5.Request Transcript  6.Follow Up  7.Visit Schools  8.Make final decision (May 1 st )  9. Notify counselors of scholarships earned!

27. Right School, Right Price September 8 th 7-8:30PM National College Fair Navy Pier September 27 th 11-3:00 Preregister at National College Fair Navy Pier September 27 th 11-3:00 Preregister at https://www.gotomyncf.com/ Go to www.nacacnet.org for a list of collegeshttps://www.gotomyncf.com/www.nacacnet.org College Fair – College of DuPage October 21 st 6:30-9:00PM Go to Go to www.cod.edu for a list of collegeswww.cod.edu FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – January 1, 2014 Get Help On FAFSA – TBA 7-9:00 LSHS Library

28. Hard work is directly proportional to luck, and don’t be surprised that you are unlucky when you were lazy.