Senior Information Class of 2012

Graduation Credits You must have at least 22 credits to graduate that includes: 4 Credits in English 4 Credits in Math 3 Credits in Social Studies (including Gov/Econ) 3 Credits in Science (including Chem or Physics) 1 Credit in Visual or Performing Arts 1 Credit in Physical Education (including Wellness) -Use checklist in packet to make sure you have met the necessary graduation requirements. -Students will be getting a copy of their transcripts to look at the end of this meeting.

Applying to Colleges Think about schools to which you would like to apply, and narrow your choices down to about three or four Check application deadlines carefully and get your application in early Think Halloween Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the colleges you are applying to Students are responsible for any additional materials that need to be mailed (i.e. resumes, letters of recommendation, essays, etc.) -If you are applying to highly competitive schools make sure you have a back up. -It’s a good idea to try and have all your applications in by Halloween (at the very latest Thanksgiving). This will help ensure you meet as many school deadlines as possible. -If you don’t want to mail a letter of rec yourself you can give the recommender an addressed and stamped envelope.

Schedule Changes You should NOT be making any changes to your academic schedule of classes after the first semester. Any potential change to your schedule must be met with approval from your University Admissions office.

Letters of Recommendation First determine if a letter of recommendation is required for the school you are applying to If you do need one, make sure to ask a teacher you had either junior or senior year, or who knows you well Ask the teacher if he/she “would feel comfortable writing a positive letter of recommendation” for you -Not all schools require letters of recommendation so make sure to check. If they don’t require it then they really don’t want one. -Try and ask a teacher in a core subject area.

Letters of Recommendation After the teacher agrees, give the teacher a thoroughly completed “Letter of Recommendation Request” form, a copy of your resume, an envelope and any other information they need from you. Allow teachers at least two (2) weeks to write the letter for you! Remember to say Thank You! You will find the request form in your senior packets.

Scholarships Many useful websites such as www.careercruising.com or www.fastweb.com offer free scholarship searches. We also have a “Scholarship Opportunities” binder in the Counseling Office that you can look through any time, as well as a scholarships folder on the Adams counseling page FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) -There is so much scholarship money that goes unclaimed each year because students don’t apply, so take the time to apply. -Make sure to begin working on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid in December. You cannot submit it until after January 1 and must have your parents tax information. Also some scholarships require that you complete the FAFSA so it is a good idea to do it.

COLLEGE APPLICATION TRANSCRIPT RELEASE PROCESS Completed application--Submit online and proofread before you hit the “send” button. The “Release of Information” form, signed by you and a parent. This is on the last page of this brochure and must be turned in to Mrs. Mieszczak. Once we have one of these on file, you don’t have to do it again.  Transcript request through your Docufide/Parchment account--Follow instructions at www.parchment.com.  A signed copy of your current/updated Educational Development Plan (EDP) that you completed through CareerCruising.com. You only need to submit this once. This must be turned in to Mrs. Mieszczak before she will electronically release your transcript. -Release of information form is at the end of the senior packet. No transcripts will be released unless this form is filled out and submitted.

EDP’s Students are required by the state of Michigan to complete an Education Development Plan This is done through www.careercruising.com Student access information was mailed home with report cards last spring Sample ID - Username: RCS – cclemen1234, Password: cc5678 Students must complete this process in order to have their transcripts released -First must put in Rochester as the username and the Adams as the password and click start Career Cruising. This brings up another login page where students enter their unique ID. -All of this information is in the lime green packets.

Transcript Request Procedure Transcript requests are now completed only online using Docufide/Parchment Students must create an account through Parchment at www.parchment.com Official transcripts will be sent, verified and approved, to the colleges and scholarship funds you choose Docufide will email you to confirm that they’ve been sent. And for the colleges that accept transcripts electronically, Docufide will also confirm when they receive them.

Creating Your Parchment Account Go to www.parchment.com or the transcript link on the Adams Counseling website Enter your personal information Once registered, find your school and request your transcript to be stored in your parchment account Research colleges and universities through the tools provided at www.parchment.com Request your official school transcript online for delivery to target colleges Submit your request You’re DONE!

Creating Your Parchment Account If you are having trouble registering or need more information on the registration process please visit the tutorial found at http://parchment.adobeconnect.com/studentreg This link is also available on the Adams Counseling Website

Senior Information