1. Kennesaw Mountain High School Magnet A-G H-M N-W X-Z Angela LaRoy Brittney Phillips Colleen Garcia Jackie Brown Michael Loyd

2. Senior Status Reports Distributed through advisement on Aug 21 Bare minimum graduation requirements + magnet requirements Magnet students – see Ms. LaRoy if you did not receive yours Remember to check with the colleges you plan to apply to for their specific admissions requirements.

3. How can I learn more about colleges?? Visit colleges! Fall break, Feb break, spring break – go when they are in session. Visit the Counseling blog for College Fair info and colleges visiting KMHS. GREAT online resources: www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org www.gacollege411.org www.careercruising.com

4. College Application Process Apply online Keep organized (example: make a list of preferred schools, with their application and scholarship deadlines) Watch deadlines! Choose colleges that are “perfect fit” for you bigfuture.collegeboard.org is a great resource “Choosing a College” handout

5. What does a college application look like? Transcript SAT/ACT scores Resume/Activity Tracker Counselor Recommendation- Student Profile Sheet Teacher Recommendation Essays Deadlines

6. How to Request a Transcript In-state Colleges & NCAA *except colleges you are applying to via Common App, such as GT & GSU www.gacollege411.orgwww.gacollege411.org (FREE) Out-of-State Colleges (not on Common App) Must sign transcript card in Counseling Office Bring address of college Bring any forms that your counselor may need to fill out Cost: $2 per transcript (but 1 st one is free) All Common App Must sign transcript card in Counseling Office

7. Counselor Recommendation Complete the Student Profile Sheet Magnet students – must use the one on Edmodo! Download any secondary school form or counselor recommendation form Complete all information required by student at top of form Complete transcript card and check “CR” box Give a minimum two school week turn around Will be mailed to the college or completed online

8. Your counselor CANNOT complete a recommendation OR send a transcript unless you come in and request it on your Transcript Request Card. This includes ALL online requests (Common App, UGA, ROTC, military academies, scholarships, etc)

9. Testing Most 4-year college bound students take both SAT & ACT tests SAT Subject Tests are specific to the college Practice online Khan Academy – free SAT prep Watch deadlines UGA and Georgia Tech – if taking the Sept/Oct SAT or ACT and you want these scores considered for Early Action, you must have these scores sent automatically

10. Resume/Activity Tracker Your time to Brag! Be concise No laundry list… Highlight key areas that you have made a difference…an impact Include grades 9-12 Include community involvement and employment Don’t forget activities outside of school

11. Teacher Recommendation Colleges look for unique perspective of students in the classroom See if college has a preference on type of teacher Check with teacher Give a minimum of two school weeks If online – notify teacher ahead of time Check college website for any downloadable teacher forms If it needs to be mailed: Give stamped and addressed envelope Sticky note with deadline

12. Essays Purpose: Lets them hear your voice. Be you! Give specific examples Make it personal Do’s Don’ts Proof read again….and again….and maybe again! Essay tips: www.bigfuture.collegeboard.orgwww.bigfuture.collegeboard.org

13. Athletes Register for the NCAA clearinghouse Send transcript with registration (Gacollege411) Be sure to send a final transcript in May Stay in touch with your prospective coach

14. Is there HOPE for me? Check your HOPE GPA and view HOPE eligibility requirements at www.gacollege411.orgwww.gacollege411.org Scholarship 3.0 Core GPA needed (can be earned in college) Two year or four year degree Must graduate from a GA high school Must be a GA resident for at least one year (Green Card or citizenship) Covers a percentage of tuition Grant No initial GPA requirement Technical certificate or diploma Must have a high school diploma or GED Must be a GA resident for at least one year (Green Card or citizenship) Covers a percentage of tuition Apply for HOPE through FAFSA or GSF Apps after January 1 of your senior year. (FAFSA is recommended)

15. Zell Miller Check your HOPE GPA and view HOPE eligibility requirements at www.gacollege411.orgwww.gacollege411.org Zell Miller Scholarship Requires 3.7 Core High School GPA Requires 1200 SAT Math and Reading/Verbal or 26 ACT Pays for two year or four year degree Must graduate from a Georgia High School Must be GA Resident for at least one year (Green Card or citizenship) Covers full tuition Applies automatically for Valedictorian or Salutatorian Must maintain 3.5 college GPA Zell Miller Grant Requires 3.5 College GPA for grant eligibility Does not require minimum test score Pays for certificate, diploma or two year degree Must graduate from a Georgia High School Must be GA Resident for at least one year (Green Card or citizenship) Covers full tuition (retroactively covers previous semester once 3.5 GPA is earned) Must maintain 3.5 college GPA

16. Financial Aid HOPE- preliminary report www.gacollege411.org to check HOPE GPA and program requirements www.gacollege411.org FAFSA- after January 1 st of senior year Institution Local Interest Groups, employer Scholarship Bulletin Websites (fastweb, bigfuture.collegeboard.org, etc) Financial Aid Night

17. Tuesday, November 3 @ 6:00 pm Harrison High School Theater Who should attend? Parents of juniors and seniors

18. Stay connected! Join these two email blasts: Counseling and PTSA Check the Counseling blog often!

19. Bridge Bill Activity Will receive username/password in advisement (same as last year). Required senior activity: Career Goals Educational Goals Financial Plans

20. DEADLINES…… KNOW THEM!!