Planning for Senior Year

1. Planning for Senior Year And Beyond

2. Planning for Senior Year And Beyond

3. Spring of junior year

4. Have your Graduation Requirements planned out • Have college discussions with your family. • Prepare list of questions to ask college representatives. What is important to you? • Register on college websites to receive their information and catalogs. • Sign up for then take any practice tests offered. • Get organized. Set up a file with folders for each college and other materials. • Attend college fairs and other meetings offered by your school. • Begin searching for scholarships and aid. • Learn financial aid basics. Know the types of aid and where they come from. • Visit colleges. There is no substitute for experiencing the college in session. • Consider taking the SAT and/or ACT in April and June. • Start to narrow down your college list and fine tune your “must haves” in a school. • Evaluate your colleges as “Likely/Safety, Target, or Reach”. You need some of each. • Plan a productive summer that will enhance your resume. • Discuss finances with your family, but don’t eliminate schools based on finances just yet. There is a great deal of aid available. • Think about teachers or other people that you might ask for recommendations. • Over the summer, research each of your target schools. • Download your target schools’ applications and practice filling them out. • Brainstorm essay ideas. • Talk to people who know about your target schools or went/go there. • If you are an athlete, have you registered with the NCAA clearinghouse? • Allow time to relax and enjoy your friends and family. It’s all about balance! Junior Checklist

6. SAT and ACT • Recommended to take Spring of junior year and fall senior year • Dates and Deadlines • https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines • http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/taking-the-test.html • Khan Academy • AP Testing • Career Interest Testing • ASVAB • Myers-Briggs • Holland Code Testing Testing and Resources

7. What characteristics would your dream school have? Which characteristics are most important? • Size • Setting and surrounding area • Distance • Majors • Cost • Scholarships available • Plan ahead for visits • Have questions ready for tour-guides • Class size • Graduation Rates • Academic Support availability • Study Abroad and Internship availability • Dorm Accommodations Choosing the Best School for You

8. Figure out what makes you stand out. • GPA & Class Rank • Relevant coursework and course rigor • SAT/ACT Scores • Extra-curricular engagement • Service • Travel • Leadership • Time-management • Application Essay • Be different • Know the school’s mission statement/goals and tailor your essay towards them • Have your essay proof-read • Manage your social media accounts • Negative/irresponsible posts or photos can cost you in the admissions process Planning for the Application Process

9. Be early • Good hygiene/grooming • Dress appropriately • Master the common questions: • “Tell me about yourself” • “Why are you interested in our college?” • “Who in your life has most influenced you?” • “Why do you want to major in____?” • “What will you contribute to our campus community?” • “Describe a challenge you have faced and how you were able to overcome it.” • “Recommend a good book for me to read” • “If you could do one thing differently in HS, what would it be?” Planning for Admissions Interviews

10. Community College • Affordable • Transferrable to 4-year college • Beginning a career • Have a plan and know what is needed for your planned career • Utilize internships, job shadowing, or volunteering to network and gain experience • Vocational School • Know the admission requirements and verify accreditations • Shadow career before choosing a specific vocational-school path • Flexibility to work while in school • Military • Lifelong career or to earn money towards college after discharge Alternatives to 4-year Colleges

11. Fall or Before • Continue college discussion with your family. • Have a final list of colleges where you will apply. 6 – 9 of them is plenty. • Organize a file bin with folders for each college on your list. • Calendar deadlines for applications and financial aid. What forms are required when? • Review your college plans with your counselor. • Will you take the SAT or ACT again? If so, register – watch deadlines. • Be sure you have all your applications downloaded and essays in progress. • Ask for your letters of recommendation • Can you obtain any private interviews at your target colleges? • Will you consider early decision or early action? • File all applications and keep copies of each and certificates of mailing as needed. • Be sure all transcripts, test scores and required forms are proofed and sent. • Obtain your FAFSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/. • File the FAFSA beginning in October Senior Year Checklist

12. School Counselor • Schedule a summer meeting • Write down any questions you have about post-secondary planning • Never hesitate to come by the School Counseling office if you have a question • Summer Bootcamp • CommonApp • Essay Writing • Mock interviews • Great practice for the future • Save your résumé Use your resources

13. College Board • https://www.collegeboard.org/ • GetIn2College Handbook and website • http://getin2college.com/ • Sign up for PAWS sessions • College Search • Career Search • Test Preparation • Planning for Applications Use your resources