2. Counselor Assignments A-CSonia Murillo D-HiCarol Altgilbers Ho-MiCasey Pyszczymuka Mo-SgCarol Baumgartner Sh-ZKaren Holton SecretaryDonna Stewart This fall, counselors have visited all senior English classes and have seen most seniors on an individual basis

3. Discovering the Best Post-Secondary Plan Technical College 2 Year College 4 Year College or University Specialty Schools Military Apprenticeship

4. Researching options College admissions reps on campus Military Recruiters Probe Fair (Cherokee HS, Oct. 14th 6:00 – 8:30pm) Campus Visits Internet www.gacollege411.org www.gcic.peachnet.edu Username: cherokeehs Password: gcis373 Career Center Open during lunch periods Tuesday and Thursday in the Media Center (staffed by counselors)

5. Making a preliminary schools list Reach Range Safety Use GCIS or the college’s websites to obtain the profile for this year’s freshman class

6. How Colleges Choose Among Students Academic Record  Courses Taken  GPA Recalculated ACT/SAT Essays Recommendations Extracurricular and Service Activities

7. When and How Do I Apply? Apply as soon as possible, preferably BEFORE THANKSGIVING. Apply BEFORE NOVEMBER 1 st if applying for academic scholarships. Complete the application online. Request that test scores be sent directly from ACT or College Board Request recommendations, if needed, at least 2 weeks prior to deadline. Requires that a transcript be sent from the counseling office $2 per copy. The Final transcript is free.

8. College Admissions Test ACT Plan to attend a 4 YEAR COLLEGE and UNIVERSITY and are taking Algebra 2. Students decide which scores to send. Scores are not posted on H.S. transcript. No penalty for wrong answers. Straightforward questions. Paper and pencil test. Four hours long. ASSET Plan to attend a TECHNICAL College. Call Tech School to sign up to take the test. No passing score required (score is used for placement). Paper and pencil test. Two hours long. COMPASS Plan to attend a 2 YEAR COLLEGE like GA Highlands and GA Perimeter or a Technical School. Call college to sign up to take the test. No passing score required (score is used for placement). Computerized test. Two and a half hours long. SAT Plan to attend a 4 YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY and are currently taking Trigonometry or a higher advanced math. All scores are sent to chosen colleges. Scores are not posted on H.S. transcript. Penalized for wrong answers. Questions are less straightforward. Paper and pencil test. Four hours long. All Georgia College accept ACT Scores

9. Senior Timeline…

10. Should be In Progress Review graduation status with counselor Sign up for a college admissions test (ACT, SAT, ASSET, COMPASS). Research colleges Develop a resume Work on essays Request recommendations, 2 weeks in advance, if needed

11. October Complete applications by November 1 st if possible Keep copies of all applications and essays Attend PROBE Fair at CHS on October 14 th and meet with college reps Contact financial aid offices of colleges regarding merit based scholarships

12. November and December Complete financial records for taxes Keep grades up!!! January Complete FAFSA and/or HOPE application

13. February and March Continue to search for scholarships Be sure you have a local scholarship form on file April and May Expect to receive a notification from colleges during the FIRST WEEK IN APRIL Expect to receive a financial aid package Let the college know by MAY 1 st if you plan to attend …Choose the best school for you!!! Request that a final copy of your transcript be sent in June. MAY 29th – GRADUATION!!!!

14. Scholarships Merit BasedNeed BasedMiscellaneous Apply directly with college Most deadlines are November 1 st (GATech, UGA, Emory) FAFSA Apply after January 1st Scholarship Special Local Scholarships Internet searches: www.fastweb.com www.finaid.org

15. Scholarship Special. Emory Scholars Program: merit-based scholarship program for students who plan to attend Emory University next fall. The criteria includes: outstanding academic achievement, impressive communication skills, leadership and creativity, potential for enriching lives at Emory. CHS can nominate up to 4 students. If you are interested, please submit a resume marked Emory Scholars to Ms. Baumgartner no later than September 28th. North Georgia College and State University Scholarships Military Scholarships, Leadership Scholarships, ROTC Scholarships. Apply BEFORE THANKSGIVING!!! See Ms. Baumgartner for more information. Random House Essay Contest: The essay question is related to the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go. The topic is about the opportunities and challenges that you think your education will present in the future. Applications are available at www.theohtheplaces.orgwww.theohtheplaces.org Local Scholarship Application: Completing this application will enable you to be considered for several local scholarship opportunities in the spring. Please see the Counseling Web Site to download the form. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship: www.elks.org/enfscholars/downloadmvs.cfmwww.elks.org/enfscholars/downloadmvs.cfm Deadline is November 2, 2009. Mail application to: Greg Shelby5871 Edenfield CourtAcworth, GA 30101 Georgia PTA Scholarship for students who are planning to work in a youth related field and demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Deadline is February 1. See Ms. Baumgartner for an application. Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for students who have made a difference by volunteering in their community. To apply, please complete a senior profile and mark it Prudential Award at the top. Return to Ms. Baumgartner. CHS selects 2 winners from our school to complete at the state level. Most colleges have early fall deadlines for their academic scholarships! Be sure to check the website of the college for details

16. FAFSA Application for Need Based Aid…Also used for HOPE Apply online soon after January 1 st. Data based on 2009 income tax. Gather information for tax returns early. Central Processing Agency Evaluates data and sends for an EFC (estimated family contribution).This information is also send to college financial aid office. April 1 st Financial aid offices of colleges will send you a financial aid package composed of loans, grants, and work-study options. HOPE will be included in this offer.

17. HOPE Scholarship Program Access FAFSA and HOPE application through www.gacollege411.org

18. Financial Aid Overview Mr. Ante Williams (770) 724-9000 or 1-800-505-4732 www.GACollege411.org