1. NAVIGATING SENIOR YEAR: Tips for Parents Basehor-Linwood High School Class of 2012 Nancy Silverforb

2. Senior year can be a roller coaster of emotions for both students and parents….. ~A time of anticipation and anxiety; ~A time of transition as students move towards greater independence ~A time to embrace new challenges like managing time and finances ~A time to let go ~A time to redefine oneself

3. “There were days when I wanted to cry at the thought of her leaving…..”

4. “and other days when I wanted to drop kick her right out the front door.” ….words from my cousin

6. SHOULD I BE FEELING GUILTY? WE HAVEN’T DONE ANYTHING YET. IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE WHEREVER YOU ARE NOW IS OK THINGS HAVE A WAY OF WORKING OUT

7. My student doesn’t have any idea what he/she wants to do… “Most successful young people don’t look inside and then plan a life. They look outside and find a problem, which summons their life.” David Brooks – K.C. Star, June 1, 2011

8. NEED-TO-KNOW POINTS A reasonable timeline for senior year What college testing does my student need? Factors to weigh in selecting a college The admissions process-what & when Scholarships Financial Aid What should I be doing to help my student? Resources to help us be better informed My role as counselor

10. TO-DO LIST FOR FALL SEMESTER 1.SIGN UP TO TAKE OR RE-TAKE ACT 2.REGISTER FOR ACT TESTING STRATEGIES WORKSHOP 3.FILL OUT A TRANSCRIPT FORM IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE 4.VISIT COLLEGE REPS AT BLHS 5.COMPLETE SENIOR CAREER PROJECT IN ENGLISH IV 6.SENIOR INTERVIEW WITH COUNSELOR 7.GO ON SCHEDULED COLLEGE VISITS 8.VISIT SCHOOL WEBSITES FOR ADMISSIONS/SCHOLARSHIP INFO. 9.ATTEND AREA COLLEGE FAIRS 10.IF APPLYING FOR TOP SCHOLARSHIPS, REMEMBER NOVEMBER 1 DEADLINES AT MANY UNIVERSITIES 11.VISIT THE BLHS COUNSELING WEBSITE OFTEN 12.SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR ADMISSIONS/HOUSING/SCHOLARSHIPS

11. TO-DO LIST FOR SPRING SEMESTER 1.Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon after Jan. 1 as possible 2.Continue to complete application packets if not done & research scholarships 3.Fill out online application for local scholarships (available Monday, January 30/ due Friday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. 4.March 1 is priority deadline for FAFSA 5.April 1 if final admission deadline for some universities (KU) 6.May 17: Commencement

12. Choosing a College Considerations for students Personal traits Goals Academic abilities Financial realities Guidelines for parents Provide encouragement, support Let the student drive the process Provide realistic feedback Respect your child’s decisions Encourage your student to ask for help

13. Size Location Environment (Physical, Academic, Social) Programs of Study Majors, Internships, Creativity Extra-curricular options Clubs & Organizations, Sports, Greek Life Post-Graduate Opportunities: Placement Office, Networking

14. Visit college websites – check pages on admissions – tuition-scholarships and financial aid Follow links from career websites to find colleges that offer specific programs ex. Kansas Career Pipeline Download applications or submit them online Pay attention to deadlines

15. Financial aid, or Federal Student Aid, as it is known, comes from the government. It is money that helps students pay for educational expenses at postsecondary school: college, university, vocational school, graduate school. Grants – do not have to be paid back, and are based on the student’s financial need (as demonstrated on the FAFSA) Scholarships – Money awarded on student achievement. May come from the government, the institution, or private donors. Does not have to be repaid Work-Study – Money earned by the student from a job on or near the campus. Does not have to be repaid Loans – Must be repaid with interest. For more information, go to www.FederalStudentAid.ed.govwww.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov

16. Scholarship Sources Scholarships are based on merit or a particular talent, and do not need to be paid back. Local scholarships – students apply online in February Scholarships from the postsecondary institution Parents’ work Church or other community organizations National scholarships Always check the Counselors’ webpage for updates.