2. CLASS OF 2016

3. THE CLOCK IS TICKING

4. SEPTEMBER IF YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED THIS ALREADY…  Make a list of preliminary schools (reach, match, and safety schools)  Explore college websites  Attend College Fairs

5. Schedule Campus Visits – Seniors are allowed 2 college days (form in the Guidance Office or online). Take advantage of days we are not in session as well! Schedule Campus Visits – Seniors are allowed 2 college days (form in the Guidance Office or online). Take advantage of days we are not in session as well! Go Visit Your Guidance Counselor! Go Visit Your Guidance Counselor!

6. OCTOBER Work on Entrance Essay(s) (proof- read and edit) Work on Entrance Essay(s) (proof- read and edit) Ask for letters of recommendation (if needed) Ask for letters of recommendation (if needed) Complete any priority applications. Complete any priority applications. Have the Guidance Office mail your transcript. Have the Guidance Office mail your transcript. PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES

7.  DEADLINES! Most priority deadlines are in November  Get supporting documents submitted to your schools (transcripts, ACT scores, recommendations.)  Make any necessary college visits (interviews, auditions)  Stay on track of Senior year first semester grades! Use the resources HHS has in place to help you succeed.

8. DECEMBERDECEMBER  Study for Final Exams  Request your Mid-year or 7 th semester grade report or transcript to be sent to your college of choice (if necessary)  Okay, Procrastinators: Holiday Break gives you lots of time to finish all last minute applications and essays.  Get PIN number for Financial Aid application (www.pin.ed.gov) www.pin.ed.gov

9.  Begin the last semester of high school – STAY ON TRACK!  Attend a Financial Aid informational meeting and/or workshop with your parents at KCC.  Remind your parents to begin gathering important tax information for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) make copies of everything  Apply as soon as you can for Financial Aid. www.studentaid.ed.gov www.studentaid.ed.gov  Start locating scholarships that are available to you.

10.  Finalize any Financial Aid paperwork (the longer you wait, the more likely it will be that federal funds will run out!)  Check the guidance webpage weekly for updated scholarship lists. DEADLINES!  Last chance college visits to help you decide (Spring Break?)  If you’re ready to make the college decision, mail in housing application and deposit. Notify all other schools to let them know you will not be attending.

11. APRILAPRIL  Financial Aid Award Letters will be arriving. Sign and agree to terms or decline and return. Set up an appointment with your colleges financial aid officer (if necessary)  Continue working on Scholarship Applications. Keep track of DEADLINES!  Don’t forget to look for scholarships attached to your family’s clubs/organizations, churches, credit unions, banks, employers etc.  Make the tough decision on your school choice (May 1 st is the official cut-off) Get housing information in ASAP so you can get the dorm you want!  Make an appointment to meet with your academic advisor and attend an orientation.

12.  May 1 st – You MUST make the decision and let all schools involved know.  Pedal to the Medal – work until the end so your grades and GPA are not affected.  Attend Graduation Practice and fill out your exit survey (Final Transcript Request)  Send Thank you notes to scholarship donors and teachers who have helped you along the way.  GRADUATE

13. Please contact Mrs. Bisaillon or Ms. Marcukaitis throughout the school year. bisaillond@hcusd2.org or marcukaitism@hcusd2.org (815) 426-2103 ext.6812 or ext.6813