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Planning for College. Overview . Think of each year as being a building block Don’t get stressed over process- already off to good start Use resources available to you . Sophomore Year. Keep your grades up! Take challenging classes Explore Careers
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Overview • Think of each year as being a building block • Don’t get stressed over process- already off to good start • Use resources available to you
Sophomore Year • Keep your grades up! • Take challenging classes • Explore Careers • Start to explore postgraduate options by attending college fairs, college presentations and through informal college visits • Talk to your parents about your goals • Explore career opportunities in more depth through classes, Naviance and/or independent research • Get to know your high school faculty • Talk to your Guidance Counselor about Scholarships • Take leadership roles: at work, clubs, volunteering, at church in sports • Maintain running list of accomplishments throughout high school • Save Money!!
Freshmen Tuition Merit Awards Early Action: application received before January 15 Financing your education Regular Decision: application received after January 15 Transfer Tuition Merit Awards
Higher Ed Admission Requirements 4 years of English 4 years of Math 3 years of Social Science (1 unit of US or World History) 3 years of Science (2 years must be lab-based) 1 year of a world language
Junior Year (Fall) • Most Important Year Academically! Start taking AP/Honors classes- Be sure to sign up for Exams • Continue to be involved in worthwhile activities • October: PSAT (necessary for anyone wishing National Merit Recognition) • ACT prep • December: ACT • Attend Jr. Seminar if it is offered • Research colleges- keep information organized! Start looking into what is required in application packet/deadlines • Ask about scholarship opportunities • Attend College Fairs offered by High School/ Denver area- get on mailing lists
Junior Year (Spring/Summer • April: State ACT • Make sure you register for appropriate college admission tests (ACT/SAT) • Take AP Exams if enrolled in classes • Plan a summer internship: PinHead-science, Colorado AHEC-health, Colorado Health, FASTWEB-list • Spring: Visit a few colleges- start building relationships with Admission Staff • Schedule individual conference with HS counselor to discuss your “plan” & begin college planning • Spring: Complete & Return NCAA Clearinghouse form for Div. I & II Sports. Understand recruiting process • Ask for letters of reference • Apply for early admission consideration at some colleges • June: ACT • Summer: Visit Colleges (to help narrow list)! Work, TRAVEL, volunteer, remain involved
Senior Year: September • Consider/Apply for Concurrent Enrollment • Take ACT or SAT • Write College Essay • Gather Letters of Reference • Create a Resume • Apply to all colleges
College Admission Resume • Highlights accomplishments during high school • Used for writing recommendations, college interviews, & scholarship evaluation • Looking at scholastic & other achievements, awards, activities, athletics, leadership, community service, special talents • In Reviewers’ eyes, “What are you going to bring to our Institution?”
Senior Year: October • Gather any missing documents • ACT or SAT • Check to make sure your college applications have been received and are complete
Senior Year: November • Ask about scholarship opportunities at colleges you applied to. • Ask your guidance office about scholarships • Work on scholarship applications • Look at cost for schools, create a budget with your parents
Senior Year: December • Early decision accept letters • Complete any remaining interviews • Research summer plans
Senior Year: January • Submit FAFSA (Jan 1-Feb 15): www.fafsa.ed.gov • Check other Financial Aid options • Attend Financial Aid workshop
Senior Year: February • February 15: Finish FAFSA • Complete Scholarship Applications • Call colleges to make sure your Financial Aid info is complete
Senior Year: March-April • Relax • Look for remaining Accept letters • Review Award Letters • Review your Scholarship offers • Talk to your mentors about schools you are considering • Look at your budget • Make an Enrollment Deposit
Senior Year: May • If you have not decided on a school decide by May 1. • Pay your enrollment deposit • Contact Wait List Schools • Request that your Graduation Transcript be sent to your college • Contact your college to: • schedule classes • Apply for housing, • pay bills, • request payment plans
Senior Year: Summer • Wrap up loose ends • Attend Orientation • Buy School supplies/books • Health Insurance and other adult things • Make a plan to stay in touch with your family and friends • Go over your budget, again • Move
Advice • Students • Listen to your parents! • Keep your grades up • It is never to early to think about finances • Use counselors on both HS & College end- it is always better to ask! • DO NOT WAIT TILL LAST MINUTE • Stay organized • Parents • HS years go by fast- attend workshops/ info sessions provided by schools • Allow your kids to visit campuses • Be realistic with possibilities • Start collecting info on financial aid options early on • Sit back and let your kids talk! • It will all work out