WFHS SENIORS ARE GOING PLACES! COUNSELING CONNECTION November/December 2012

1. WFHS SENIORS ARE GOING PLACES! COUNSELING CONNECTION November/December 2012 The Counseling Connection is our way to communicate important information regarding senior deadlines, college information, scholarship deadlines, and activities. Do not miss out on an opportunity for your future! • NEXT SAT/ACT TEST DATES • SAT TEST DATE/REGISTRATION DEADLINEJan 26/Dec 28 WFHS, NFHSMar 9/Feb 8 WFHS, NFHS, Pinecrestwww.collegeboard.com • ACT TEST DATE/REGISTRATION DEADLINEFeb 9/Jan 11 WFHS, SFHS, NFHS, Kings RidgeApril 13/Mar8 WFHS, NFHS, Kings Ridgewww.act.org UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS Colleges will be scheduled during IF classes. You are required to pick up a pass from the Counseling Office. Nov 14th 11:00 Kennesaw (cafeteria) Nov 28th 11:00 GA Perimeter (cafeteria) More college visits will be scheduled so please listen for any announcements from the Counseling Office. Graduation and Balfour Announcements Senior Dues can be paid at www.gabalfour.com or on the designated on-campus dates for cash, check, money order (payable to WFHS) Dues will increase after January 31, 2013. NOTE: Balfour will be in the cafeteria during lunch on November 13th . • Procedure for Requesting a Transcript • Seniors requesting a transcript must get a request form from the counseling office. • There is a $3.00 fee for all transcripts. • If you are sending it to a GA public school the transcript can be sent electronically. • WFHS envelopes are available for mailing hard copies to out of state schools. These must be addressed and stamped (3stamps). • If a recommendation is required from your counselor, please include a resume or senior information sheet. • All paperwork must be given to Mrs. Stromie. • Please allow ten school days for processing requests. • Plan Accordingly! • ***Please be aware of your deadline dates and the upcoming holidays. The Counseling Department will be closed for the Winter Break.*** STAY UP TO DATE WITH YOUR WFHS SENIOR ACTIVITIES................. The WFHS SENIOR CALENDAR OF EVENTS is located on the main WFHS webpage or on the counseling page…..Direct links to upcoming events, graduation, pictures, etc….

2. November/December Planning Calendar *Stay involved in clubs, activities and community service. *Know the upcoming SAT/ACT Testing dates *Explore college websites for admissions information (admission deadlines, tours, visitation dates, financial aid, scholarships, housing etc.)‏ *Prepare a Senior Resume or Brag Sheet listing all of your extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, special classes, camps, religious activities and community/volunteer services) along with any honors or awards you have achieved. *Meet with college representatives that visit the high school. *Visit the campuses of the schools you plan to send applications to. *Continue working with the teachers you plan to have write you letters of recommendation …give them enough time and instruction to make this a smooth process. *Meet application deadlines….once you have your SAT/ACT scores and you feel comfortable with where you are applying….get the applications completed and sent in…..colleges like online Applications. *Request transcripts and any other supporting documentation from the Counseling office. • Tips for Writing your College Application Essay… • Be sure you clearly understand the prompt • Write about something you really care about • Write honestly and in your own voice • Research the college before writing the essay • Be personable and specific with answers • Stay with word count parameters • Don’t appear self interested and materialistic • Check your ego at the door • Accentuate the positive • Invest in a strong introduction • Have someone you trust proofread your essay • Don’t wait till the last minute • 8 Things High School Seniors Need to Know • Meet with college representatives • Visit schools that you are interested in applying to • Get organized with deadlines dates • Retake the SAT/ACT • Get information on financial aid packages • Ask your teachers for letters of recommendation • Begin narrowing down your list of schools and start applying WATCH OUT! Don’t Make These Mistakes on your College Application…. *Misspellings and grammatical errors*Applying online, but application is not submitted*Not reading/answering questions correctly*Listing extracurricular activities that aren’t*Not telling your school counselor where you have applied*Writing illegibly*Using an inappropriate e-mail address*Not checking your e-mail regularly for communication from the college*Letting Mom or Dad fill out your application • CHECKLIST before submitting your application • Proofread your application out loud • Review your essays • Check for inconsistencies • Check for omissions • Review activity list • Review honors/awards • Recommendation letters • Supplemental material for a portfolio • Special connections • Confirm mailing address (both e-mail and home) • Special situations (dismissal/suspension) • Additional information • Read directions and sign name Class of 2013 Is Going Places… (as reported in the blue book) Ryan Campbell University of Southern Mississippi Kyle Castellano Southern Polytechnic Katelyn Compton Auburn University Maci Fletcher Valdosta State University Sydney Hubbard Middle Tennessee State University The University of West Georgia Reed Johnston North Georgia College Marisa Martelli Young Harris College Danielle Metz Young Harris College Bailey Ratliff Auburn University Callen Stapleton Auburn University KaitlynThomas Auburn University SENIORS If you have been accepted to a college or you have received a scholarship, we want to honor your accomplishments. See your counselor and update your page in the bluebook!