2. So You’re A Senior…. Class of 2016 Taylor High School

4. Things you need to do as a senior…. Make sure you have all your credits to graduate Make sure your schedule is academically challenging Pay your school fees Check your deadlines Take all required tests for the school of your choice Complete all paperwork in homeroom including the release form and activity resume Start looking for scholarships early! Be a Well Rounded Student

5. Transcripts Name, address, grade, and birthday A summary of attendance, tardies, credit earned, and class rank Listing of classes you have taken A list of your total credits A list of your cumulative G.P.A.

6. Credit Requirements English : 4 credits Math: 4 credits Science: 3 credits Social Studies: 3 credits Government:.5 credit American History: 1 credit Electives: 1.5 credits Health:.5 credit P.E.:.5 credit (2 semesters) Electives: 5 credits Total: 20 credits 2 semesters of Fine Arts grade 7 - 12

7. Honors Diploma Must meet 7 out of 8 criteria 1) English – 4 credits 2) Math – 4 credits including Alg. I, Alg. II, and geometry 3) Science – 4 credits- including physics and chemistry 4) Social Studies – 4 credits 5) Foreign Language – 3 credits of one language or 2 credits of 2 languages 6) Fine Arts – 1 credit 7) At least a 3.5 GPA up to the last grading period of the senior year. 8) Composite score of 27 on ACT or 1210 on SAT- writing section of test is not included

8. Your Transcript - You are ultimately responsible for your own credits. - Plan accordingly for your academic goals including college admissions standards, honors diploma, rankings, etc. - Review your transcript for any errors. Report errors immediately to your counselor.

9. College Application Process 1) Review application process online for each school. Collect information your will need to complete applications. Communicate fees to your parents. If you are eligible, ask for fee waivers from your counselor. 2) Complete applications. Don’t miss your deadlines! 3) Communicate with your counselor once you have applied. 4) Wait! 5) Decide on the school after receiving all information regarding program of study and financial assistance.

10. Where do I get the applications ? Almost all applications are now found online at the school’s websites There are almost always forms that need to be completed by your counselor. It is your responsibility to print out these forms. There is almost always a fee to apply to schools. Some schools do provide application fee waivers but these are rare. See guidance if you are in need of a fee waiver form.

11. Filling out the Applications…. Fill out personal information Write the required essays Proofread Give to a teacher or parent to look over Refer to college manual for ideas Include Documents Transcript, Resume, etc. Letters of Recommendation Ask teachers or counselors who know you personally and give them appropriate notice Application Fee

12. Common Application or Sendedu Many schools use online applications through Common App or Sendedu. Please enter your counselor’s email address so that she receives the request for your transcript and evaluation electronically. Make sure you tell your counselor after applying to one of these schools. Give your counselor the appropriate paperwork to send. This may include a resume or list of activities.

13. Application Fee Waivers Many schools offer application fee waivers. If you qualify for free or reduced lunch or you have special circumstances within your family, you may qualify to receive an application fee waiver. See you counselor for help.

14. Testing… ACT vs. SAT Which test you take depends on the schools to which you are applying. Check their websites to make sure you are taking the required admissions test. Most schools will take either test If you qualify for free or reduced lunch or have special circumstances in your family, you may qualify for a fee waiver. See your counselor for help. If you have not taken a test and plan on going to a 4 year school, you need to sign up ASAP!

15. Test Registration and Prep Check online for test prep questions and test taking tips ACT: www.act.orgwww.act.org SAT: www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com Test prep courses are offered. Information can be found in guidance office. The registration deadline to sign up for the October ACT is September 18 th. The October test is likely the last test score that will come back in time for many university’s and scholarship deadline.

16. How do I decide where to go? College Visits Two excused days Complete form from the office. Make sure you bring back proof you were there!! College Fairs Check guidance board for upcoming fairs- Duke Energy Fair, Students with Disabilities College Fair Talk to students already in college Use college search websites found in college manual

17. Job Shadowing! New this year- each student in grades 9 – 12 gets one excused absence from school to shadow a professional at the career of their interest. Forms are available in the guidance office and must be completed before the absence will be excused. Take advantage of this great opportunity!

18. Duke Energy College Fair Sunday, September 13 th from 1pm to 4pm Duke Energy Convention Center Hundreds of schools represented

19. Taylor High School College Night Thursday, October 8 th 6:00pm in the THS Auditorium Oak Hills College Fair- October 6 th at 7pm

20. What if I don’t want to go to a four-year college? Find a program of study or career that you are interested in and investigate ways to accomplish your goal. Make sure you plan on some post-secondary training!!!!! Two Year Colleges Technical Colleges Apprenticeships

21. Financial Aid 1) Get Educated…. Read articles and information provided to you in the college manual and in homeroom. 2) Complete a FAFSA- this can be done on your own or with help at College Goal Sunday 3) Attend Financial Aid Night 4) Meet with a financial aid representative from the college of your choice 5) Apply for Scholarships

22. What’s a FAFSA?? A FAFSA is an application for grants and loans that goes to both the federal and state governments. Any student interested in receiving any type of financial assistance should fill one out!! Can be found in guidance office or online Complete form ASAP after January 1 st You can fill out before taxes are completed by estimating your wages and financial information

23. How do I get Scholarships? Apply, Apply, Apply Check websites for scholarship search engines. These can be found in college manual The guidance office Scholarship board is located next to the lower level boys restroom Local Scholarships can be obtained through a common application in the Spring

24. Scholarships Check the website of the schools you are applying to for school specific scholarships. Some of these have very early deadlines! All scholarship information is sent to your three rivers email. Check this often! Local scholarship application will be given out in Feb/March to every senior in English class.

25. Website Make sure you check out the Three Rivers Schools website at www.threeriversschools.orgwww.threeriversschools.org The guidance section contains important information concerning scheduling, college information, scholarship information and career information The website also contains your counselor’s and teachers’ email and contact information. Many important forms and dates can be found on the website.

26. Career Center The College and Career Center is located in the main office. You will find tons of information on specific colleges and programs. Military information is also displayed. Why you might use the center? Research colleges or careers using materials provided or Chromebooks Apply for colleges or scholarships Meet with college reps Quiet place to study or work on study skills (with permission from counselor)

27. NCAA Clearinghouse www.ncaaclearinghouse.net www.eligibilitycenter.org Ensures the academic eligibility of student athletes in division I and Division II. All Division I & II athletes must go through the Clearinghouse in order to play in college. Division I: range of eligibilty requirements for both core GPA and SAT or ACT scores (combined). Division II: core GPA must be 2.0+, SAT 820+.

28. Last but not least…. Meet with your counselor if you have any questions or specific concerns. Don’t wait until the last minute. Start the process now to prevent stress later on in the year! Motivate yourself to find a plan that works for you and will provide you with the best possible future!!!

29. Senior Connections Trip We want all seniors to come! November 3 rd to 5 th at Higher Ground Convention Center in West Harrison, IN Cost- $125. Limited scholarship money is available. Scholarship applications available from Mrs. Ryan All money & applications are due by October 21 st !

30. Plan for the Future Surveys Choose your top 5 schools. Make sure to put your name!