Class of 2009

2. Class of 2009 245 Graduates • 4-Year College 63% • 2-Year College/Technical School 24% • Military 2% • Work/Other 9%

3. In a Perfect World... • Your son/daughter: • already took SAT and/or ACT • already visited potential college campuses • has narrowed down list of schools and decided where to apply (3-5 schools) • is working on college applications and related paperwork

4. ACT/SAT Testing • Take one of these tests IMMEDIATELY ACT Test -offered on October 24th - Late registration deadline is October 2nd . Also offered December 12th - registration deadline is Nov. 6th SAT Test -offered on November 7th - registration deadline is October 1st

5. ACT/SAT Testing • Scores take about 3-6 weeks to process • At this late date, please request that scores be sent directly to the colleges- some schools require that scores be sent directly from the testing company • CHS receives scores and send them with transcripts. • ACT and/or SAT scores automatically become a part of the transcript.

6. ACT/SAT Testing www.act.org www.collegeboard.com Students can register online for both tests

7. The Big Picture • Apply to colleges before deadlines • Financial Aid FAFSA by February 15 • Search for Scholarships throughout the school year – most are available in the winter (Dec. thru Feb.) • Deposit by May 1 (approximate deadline – each school has its own deadline)

8. Recommended Application Strategy • 1 Reach • 2-3 Probable • 1 Safety

9. Websites • There are many websites with search engines • Each college has its own website • Colleges prefer online applications- in fact about 90% of all applications are completed online • Scholarships/Fin Aid Websites

10. College Visits • 3 exempt days each school year • Call Admissions in advance to set up a tour, interview, etc. • Ask about Financial Aid/Schol. • Get a feel for the social/academic atmosphere at each school

11. College Visits • You can still apply to colleges without visiting them • We highly recommend that students visit a campus before making their final decisions

12. College Reps at CHS • Admissions reps visit CHS • Often times, these are the same people who evaluate the applications • Students must get permission from teacher in advance (form in guid.)

13. Forms • There are three forms that guidance needs in order to process college applications and write letters of recommendation. All were handed out in senior English classes on Monday 9/21. • Transcript Release Form (white) • Biographical Profile (blue) • Transcript Request Form (yellow)

14. Applications • Go to school’s website and register for access to their application or go to www.commonapp.org for schools that use the Common Application- a limited number of paper applications are available in guidance • Download and print application and all associated directions • Read application thoroughly and practice completing it on paper • Complete application online and be sure to complete all necessary supplements (ie. counselor and teacher forms and recommendations) • Be sure to give all supplemental forms to your guidance counselor along with transcript request and counselor will mail all additional paperwork

15. Applications • Other Application Reminders • Make check money order for application fees (if using paper application or you haven’t paid online) • All schools require a transcript – be sure to request it as soon as you apply so you don’t hold up the admissions decision • If doing a paper application - turn in completed application, payment, transcript request and all necessary paperwork to guidance office. We will process and mail everything out. • If you apply online please be sure to look for counselor forms, teacher recommendation forms, and signature forms and turn in along with transcript request.

16. Applications • Check appropriate deadlines - turn in forms to guidance at least ONE week in advance of deadline.(This applies to scholarships too) • Always give teachers at least TWO weeks to write a letter of rec. • Applications should be turned in as soon as possible with Thanksgiving being the goal.

17. FAFSA • All families should fill out the FAFSA by February 15 • There will be a financial aid evening meeting to review the FAFSA on 12/3 (tentative date) at 6:30pm • Your report will be sent to the colleges with your EFC - Expected Family Contribution

18. FAFSA • The colleges will send you their Financial Aid Package • Many times private schools and out of state schools award more money than the public in-state schools

19. LEAF Lake Educational Assistance Foundation • This organization helps students complete financial aid process and search for scholarships.

20. LEAF LEAF is at CHS on Fridays beginning October 3rd • Students will be called down to meet with Mrs. Martis during the day. • Parents should call 285-4060 to set up an appointment with Mrs. Martis.

21. Scholarships • There are local, state, national, and school scholarships. • Obtain applications in guidance office • Go to the guidance page of the high school home page on the district website- available scholarships are updated at least twice a month • Go Online- there are many search engines that will allow students to put in a profile and they will then match scholarship up with specific needs and abilities • Meet with LEAF

22. The COMMON Application • Common Application is given out in early Feb and due at the end of the month • Students can apply for over 15 local scholarships with one application

23. College Scholarships • Ask College Financial Aid Offices for their individual scholarships

24. Other Important Dates • Dec. 3 Financial Aid Night • Feb 15 FAFSA Deadline • February Common Application • May 1 College Deposits are due • May 6 Topper Night • May 2 Prom at Normandy Hall • May 13 Senior Awards Night at CMS • June 6 Graduation at Mentor Fine Arts