1. Post Secondary information

2. Guidance Team ◦ Jenny Barker - students A to G ◦ Steve Barnes – students H to O ◦ Lisa Suttman - students P to Z ◦ Missy Glindmeyer – School Psychologist ◦ Sharon Merkel- Guidance Secretary  Welcome! Take a deep breath, relax, and we will all get through this together!

3. Keys to College College Testing Test Preparation & Practice Students with Disabilities College Representatives The Campus Visit Types of Admission Application Process College Athletic Eligibility Apprenticeship Financial Aid

4. GPA Rigor of coursework SAT/ACT scores Extracurricular Activities Recommendations Essays Community Service Unique Talents

5.  College entrance tests for college-bound students ACT SAT Reasoning Test SAT Subject Tests (may be required by competitive schools)  Plan to take these in the spring of your Junior year or earlier if enrolled in a higher math- may be taken more than once  Test scores should be sent directly from the testing agency to colleges- Colleges only use the highest score  Most colleges require a writing score from the ACT (Plus Writing) or SAT for admission  Go to www.actstudent.org or www.collegeboard.org for registration informationwww.actstudent.orgwww.collegeboard.org

6.  Strength of Curriculum  ACT prep/info at www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org  ACT Question of the Day  ACT Preparation Guide  Practice Test Questions  SAT prep/info at www.collegeboard.orgwww.collegeboard.org  SAT Question of the day  Full SAT sample test  SAT Preparation Guide  Private Test Preparation Resources  Contact your student’s counselor for options  ACT/SAT Prep class  Semester class offered to Junior and Seniors  ACT Practice Sessions  Guidance Office offers PRACTICE sessions in the computer lab one day before and after school the week before some of the ACT tests

7.  ACT/SAT Accommodations  THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN IEP IN COLLEGE.  Eligibility rules are different.  Direct instruction vs. reasonable access.  Students must contact the Disability Services office to seek out support, it won’t just happen because of previous supports in high school.  Not all disability services programs are equal, most of the really intense ones are not free.  Students still have to meet college guidelines for acceptance that are set for all students.

8.  College Representatives come to Harrison and meet with students each fall.  Times/Dates are posted on Daily Announcements  Students can sign up at the Counseling Office in the red binder

9.  Make an appointment with the college ◦ Most colleges schedule tours on their website ◦ Schedule a meeting with a college admissions counselor ◦ Schedule a visit with the particular program  Bring in a note from parent to the Guidance Counselor about 3 days before visit  Obtain teacher signature form and get signatures from all teachers and attendance  Return signature form to counselor and obtain college form  Have college sign form, verifying attendance  Return signed college verification form to attendance the day you return to school.  Juniors get TWO/Seniors get THREE college visitation days!!!!!!  Check out our College Visit information on our website

10. Regular/Traditional Student’s will be notified according to each college’s notification date. This normally begins in the early Spring Rolling Applications are reviewed as they arrive. Students will received notice 6-10 weeks after submitting application and review is completed. Early Action (Non-Binding) Students can apply early (usually November) and receive decision by January….students are not required to attend if accepted Early Action (Binding) Identical to Non-Binding Early Action BUT students are required to attend if accepted

11. APPLICATION PROCESS

12.  Decide which college(s) you are applying  Apply on-line at college’s website (OR)  Common Application www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org  Paper applications may also be completed for some schools

13. o Complete a transcript form for EACH college o Transcript forms can be found in the Guidance Office o Only one transcript form is needed for the Common Application BE SURE TO ALLOW AT LEAST THREE DAYS FOR THE TRANSCRIPT TO BE PROCESSED AND SENT!!!!!!!

14.  Give teacher or counselor a resume′  Please check with your teacher to determine their preference(electronic or paper)  Allow two weeks for teacher and/or counselor to complete letter  Don’t forget that teachers and counselors are not the only ones that can write recommendations (bosses, pastors, etc.)

15.  Test Scores must be sent from Testing Agency for many schools  SAT scores – www.collegeboard.com  ACT scores – www.actstudent.org

16. Be aware of early deadlines for specialized programs or scholarships Retake SAT or ACT if needed Work on Essays before completing application If playing collegiate sport register with the NCAA or NAIA DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

17.  NCAA Clearinghouse for Division I & II Register with the Clearinghouse in early September of senior year  ACT/SAT scores must be sent directly to the Clearinghouse (code 9999)  Information and registration at www.ncaa.org and www.naia.orgwww.ncaa.orgwww.naia.org  Each DIVISION I school has a compliance officer on staff to answer questions

18.  Ohio State Apprenticeship Council www.JFS.Ohio.gov/apprenticeship www.JFS.Ohio.gov/apprenticeship ◦ Click on “current opportunities” along the top left This is a GREAT resource!

19. The first step to Financial Aid is FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) 1. Go to www.pin.ed.gov to apply for pin number (this can be done now!!!!)www.pin.ed.gov 2. After January 1 st, go to www.fafsa.gov and begin applying for financial aid. (the sooner you get it done, the better)www.fafsa.gov 3. Don’t forget that there is a Financial Aid meeting here on December 10 th at 6:30pm for any questions.

20. SCHOLARSHIPS Based on academics or special talents-Do NOT have to pay back! LOANS Money loan to either parent or student-Must be paid back! (Subsidized does not build interest while in school, Unsubsidized does build interest) GRANTS Based on financial need, may have academic requirements as well WORK STUDY Part-time job on campus arranged by the school and government

21.  With the challenges of this economy, we understand that families may be faced with financial struggles at home  Colleges, testing agencies and SHS work to provide support for students in these situations  If your family is struggling financially, please talk with your student’s counselor….help may be available with  Test fees  College Application Fees

22.  Let your kids take charge  Play a supporting role, not the starring one  Guide, but don’t push  Be Positive!