1. Planning Your Senior Year Class of 2016 Things to do, expect, and prepare for during your senior year.

2. Introduction The purpose of this presentation and slide show is to help you successfully complete your senior year of high school. Your senior year can be a lot of fun, and it makes it very easy to forget important dates and important things to do. Our hope is for you to have a checklist of important counseling department dates and tasks (and to help you stay out of hot water with your parents).

3. College Applications College is a place for career training and academic education. Regardless of your grades, do not rule out college as an option. Fall is the time to apply to most colleges. You should apply online, avoid paper applications. The cost of a college application varies from free to about $60, with a $35 average. You should apply to highly selective colleges by the end of October, however September is best (U of M, MSU, & Kettering). Thanksgiving is the deadline for most 4-year colleges, however it is still best to apply early.

4. Transcripts – See Your Counselor Colleges prefer Electronic Transcripts. Plan on registering and using Parchment in the next week or so. Communicate with your counselor so we can properly track your transcript requests. Last Name A-K = Mrs. Proulx. Last Name L-Z = Mr. McPherson. Let us know early if you need letters of recommendation.

5. College Applications Continued Selecting a college is not easy. You are not alone if you are having difficulties. The toughest part can be matching a college program to your career goals. Other important factors are cost, school size, location, and entrance requirements. All 4-year colleges and universities in Michigan require the ACT. Community Colleges do not require the ACT, and we have three excellent community colleges in our area. Delta College, Kirtland near St. Helen, and Mid-Michigan near Harrison. Starting at a community college can be an excellent and wise move to save money.

6. Waiting for Acceptance… Be patient as you wait to hear from each college you apply to. It can take 2 weeks or 2 months. It depends on the college and how early you apply. You may receive a notice that transcripts have not been sent. Save these notices and call the college admissions office. With online applications, it is common for the application to beat the transcript to the school. Bring any letters requesting further information to the counseling office. We can help.

7. Retaking the ACT There are a number of ACT test dates throughout the year, the next test date is Saturday, October 24th (deadline is September 18 th ). SSC is not a host for that test date. If you have your heart set on a specific college, then apply immediately. Do not wait until you receive your new ACT scores. Contact colleges directly for information on the latest they will accept an ACT score. It varies greatly from college to college.

8. College Recruitment College recruitment representatives will be visiting SSC throughout the fall during 7 th hour. Watch the announcements! Often the recruitment representative also serves as SSC’s admissions counselor. This means the person you meet also determines whether you are in or out. You signed up for these recruitment visits last spring, we are building the lists. See Mr. McPherson or Mrs. Proulx if you would like to be added to a recruitment visit.

9. Visiting a College You have the opportunity to take 2 days off to visit the colleges of your choice, provided you qualify. Follow the correct procedures, and the 2 days can be counted as a school related absence. You really need to get on campus to get a feel for a college or university. These visits may be the most important part of the college selection process. Take advantage of this privilege.

10. College Visit–Absence Procedure Contact the college(s), and set up a date. Bring a note from a parent at least the day before your visit. Include the date, college, and a parent signature on the note. No phone calls. We need it in writing. An email from a parent account will work (email counts as in writing). This is the part that usually gets messed up. Your counselor will check your attendance and grades, you must be in good standing to get the day off. While on your visit obtain the signature of a college representative to verify you attended. A signed business card is acceptable. Drop off your verification in the counseling office.

11. Financial Aid Night Sometime in mid-February Please watch for this date to be set. It will be held in a computer lab. A financial aid officer will visit from Delta College. The purpose of the presentation is to provide help with filling out the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the Federal Financial Aid Application. It is important to apply. You can not apply until January 1, 2016. Direct financial aid questions to college financial aid officers. They are the experts.

12. Scholarships There are all types of scholarships available, the trick is to find them. It is free to search, however it does take time and effort. Expect to write essays. The Ferris State Financial Aid/Scholarships website lists a number of free search services (www.ferris.edu). SSC provides a scholarship listing on our website. Check it out regularly. Scholarships are added as they come in. Our local scholarship application will be available in the spring. This application puts you in the running for about 50 different scholarships. You must apply to be considered.

13. Senior Interviews It is important that each senior gets an interview with a counselor prior to graduation. We will discuss your future, including graduation status and post-secondary plans. We want you to sign up for an interview TODAY. We will plan for a 30 minute initial interview. Don’t miss core classes. Mrs. Proulx A-K / Mr. McPherson L-Z

14. Share Your Email Address with Mrs. Proulx & Mr. McPherson. An email address can provide a quick way of passing along relevant information on scholarships, colleges, careers, testing or other information.

15. Social Media? Do you use Twitter or Facebook? Colleges use social media, it may be worth checking out. Would social media help with important announcements?

16. GRADUATION The following slides will cover the important facts, myths and legends regarding graduation. Pay close attention, and make sure you are on track.

17. MMC Graduation Requirements Important to all seniors: 26 total credits. Senior Math. English 12. Some seniors have other unfinished requirements. Know what you have left to complete. 40 Hours of Service Learning. You must also attend high school for 4 complete years. If you are struggling, fail a class, or just don’t know your status, then schedule an appointment with a counselor.

18. Who Can March? So you are on track to earn 26 total credits with all required classes, 40 Hours of Community Service, and 4 years of high school. If you are missing one of the three requirements, then you need to see your counselor real soon. Not sure? Ask.

19. What if I Fail a Class 2 nd Semester? You may still be able to march with your class. This will be determined by administration. However, you will not receive a diploma. Your diploma will be available once all requirements are complete. Arrangements can be made to complete one course in the summer following graduation.

20. There is No Unsigned Diploma You either get a diploma or you do not get a diploma. Everyone who marches will get a cover, however it may not contain a diploma. Besides the failure of a class, school fines and dues can prevent you from receiving your diploma. Be sure to pay up.

21. Listen to the Daily Announcements There are a lot of important happenings for seniors. Cap and Gown sales. Scholarships, College Recruitment, and Military Recruitment. These are just a few examples, so be sure to listen to announcements every day.

22. Are you experiencing any of these feelings?

23. See A Counselor If you are feeling bad, sad, angry, confused, scared, frustrated, nervous, or anything, then please see a counselor. It is perfectly normal to experience these feelings during your senior year, but do not let it consume you.

24. The End Good luck and stay in touch as you finish your high school career. Have a Great Day, and a Great Senior Year.