Class of 2018!

Grades and GPA All students receive a guidance lesson on how their grades from 9-12 grade effect their overall GPA Students GPA is based on their high school final grades. Some colleges have minimum GPA and/or SAT score requirements

SAT/ACT SAT/ACT Register to retake or register for the 1st time if you have not taken it already Junior students should have already registered for the SAT this Spring (May or June) You are eligible for two fee waivers for SAT and ACT if you are on the Free/Reduced lunch list Fee waivers count as used as soon as you register with them, regardless of whether you show up for the test date or not.

August 26th, 2017 (New Test Date) October 7, 2017 November 4, 2017 SAT 2017 SAT Dates August 26th, 2017 (New Test Date) October 7, 2017 November 4, 2017 December 2, 2017

2017 SAT Dates September 9, 2017 October 28, 2017 November - None ACT 2017 SAT Dates September 9, 2017 October 28, 2017 November - None December 9, 2017

Khan Academy Test Prep - SAT https://www.khanacademy.org/sat Free SAT test prep Personalized practice

Are you on track to graduate? Check with counselor to make sure you are on track with credits to graduate and/or see what credit recovery you need to be on track We will meet with you individually to go over your transcripts and credits Community Service hours – Students who complete at least 100 hours receive a cord at graduation. Reasons to complete community service: good for resume and networking.

College Admissions Visits Sign up for college admissions representative visits at our school for schools you are interested in! We have admissions representatives come to our school to meet with students. This is a great chance for students to meet the people who will be reviewing their applications. Student is responsible for all work missed while attending these sessions.

Attend College Fairs Visit free college fairs NACAC National College Fair in Philadelphia https://www.nacacfairs.org/attend/national-college-fairs/philadelphia-national-college-fair/ Need to register to attend 2017 Fall NCF Philadelphia 11/12/2017 - 11/12/2017 Sunday, November 12, 2017 (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Pennsylvania Convention Center - Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , United States

College visits We are planning a few college field trips for the fall, we will let students know when we have details If there is a school you want to visit and it is not one of our field trips, make sure you plan a visit on your own, with your family, or friends Visit as many of your potential colleges as possible You should visit a school before you decide to attend that school

College Applications Types of College Applications Early Decision (Binding) Early Action Single Choice (Restrictive) Early Action Regular Decision Rolling Decision

College Applications Finalize your list of colleges you want to apply to, look up application deadlines, and start applications in early Fall Every school has a different application process School website, CommonApp, Coalition App, etc… Keep yourself organized! Use your agenda or a googledoc to track deadlines, usernames, passwords, contacts, etc… Make sure you submit all required documents for your application – each school is different Does the application require an essay, recommendation letters, test scores, etc… Follow up with the admissions office to confirm that all of your materials were received

College Applications cont’d. College Application Essays Some Applications require an essay and some do not. Some applications give you an option of essays to choose from and some allow you to write about anything Make sure you follow the guidelines given for your essays. Write your essay in advance so you have time to edit it. The Common App Essay prompts for applications for next year are already available online. http://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/common-application-announces-2017-2018-essay-prompts

College Applications cont’d. Transcripts are required for applications Students/Parents must sign a transcript release form You will request transcripts through Naviance You should request transcripts at least 2 weeks before they are due Teacher Recommendation Letters Also sent through naviance Some schools require multiple recommendation letters Request your recommendation letters from your chosen teachers at least 2 weeks before they are due Give your teacher a completed “Brag” sheet to help them write your letter Write thank you notes to those who wrote recommendation letters on your behalf

College Applications cont’d. College Application Fee There are applications fees for your college applications If you take the SAT (with a fee waiver) you receive 4 college application fee waivers through Collegeboard – you print these from your account You can receive 4 college application fee waivers through NACAC if you are eligible for free/reduced lunch, you must see your counselor for this Some school admissions offices will issue their own fee waivers, some only accept them from Collegeboard or NACAC, some don’t accept them at all

Information you may need for applications Our School Code: 393570 Our School Address: 4300 Tacony St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 Your Counselor’s Information: Names A-L: Ms. Tara Duke 215-883-4075 ext. 2463 tduke@ap-schools.org Names M-Z: Ms. Kristina Angstadt 215-883-4076 ext. 2462 kangstadt@ap-schools.org

Financial Aid Complete your financial aid applications FAFSA – application for Federal Aid (loans and grants) The FAFSA is open in October this year Parent tax information from 2016 is required for your applications We will have a FAFSA completion night at school this year if you need assistance PHEAA – application for State Aid (grants) Check if your school requires the CSS profile You will not receive your financial award letters until your Financial Applications are completed and processed. You may be picked for verification, which requires submitting more documentation, so please start these processes early so they are done in time Research and apply for scholarships

Scholarships Scholarships we are contacted about will be posted in Naviance. There is also a scholarship search tool in Naviance. Online sites to search for scholarships Fastweb Raiseme Scholly – App Download Also, some colleges will offer scholarships based on a student’s GPA and SAT scores. This will often be shown in their acceptance letter. Some colleges also have scholarships listed on their college website that you can apply for.

Resume Complete your resume Have someone edit your resume Highlight accomplishments, work experience, awards Have someone edit your resume Revise your resume

Make a Decision! Compare your offers of admissions and financial aid packages carefully Choose a school that fits you academically, financially, and socially. Make sure that you accept an offer of admission before May 1, the National Candidates Reply Date Send any required Deposits and Paperwork by the deadline! Request your final transcript be sent to the school you will attend in the Fall If your acceptance includes a summer “bridge program” option, make sure to register by the deadline Meet all class registration deadlines Make all payment deadlines Pay attention to orientation dates and any first year requirements like placement tests

Other Info Update your contact information Senior Dues Mrs. Meiris will have more information at the start of the school year. If you have any questions regarding senior activities, she asks you to email her at lmeiris@ap-schools.org or call her cell phone at 215-206-6964.