1. Tuesday October 5, 2010 6:30 pm Cherokee High School Auditorium

2. Counselor Assignments A-ErCarol Altgilbers Es-LedCasey Pyszczymuka Lee-RodCarol Baumgartner RO-ZKaren Holton Career Center & ScholarshipsSonia Murillo 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, Nov 8th) Campus Visits Internet www.gacollege411.org www.gcic.peachnet.edu Username: cherokeehs Password: gcis373 Career Center Open during lunch periods Tuesday and Thursday in room 205 (staffed by Sonia Murillo, Counselor)

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 $3 per copy. The Final transcript is free.

8. 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

9. October Complete applications by November 1 st if possible Keep copies of all applications and essays Contact financial aid offices of colleges regarding merit based scholarships

10. November and December Complete financial records for taxes Keep grades up!!! Attend Probe Fair at CHS on November 8 th January Complete FAFSA and/or HOPE application

11. February and March Continue to search for scholarships 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. FAFSA Application for Need Based Aid…Also used for HOPE Apply online soon after January 1 st. Data based on 2010 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.

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

16. Financial Aid Overview Mr. Thomas Munier (770) 724-9000 or 1-800-505-4732 www.GACollege411.org