S ENIOR M EETING C OLLEGE S ELECTION & A PPLICATION P ROCESS CLASS OF 2011 H OLLAND H IGH S CHOOL

H OLLAND H IGH S CHOOL C OUNSELORS Students with last name “A –Go” Suzanne Hemmeke/Bethany Nichols Students with last name “Gp-O” Dawn Moylan Students with last name “P-Z” Karen Legg

S ENIOR C REDIT C HECKS Credit checks were mailed to homes in August. It is important to review your credit check. All requirements must be completed by graduation on May 31, 2011.

F INDING THE RIGHT COLLEGES Attend College Fairs- Sept. 30 Research college websites & college guides Visit campuses – contact the admissions office Meet with college reps at lunch Sign- up book in the Counseling Center **A reminder note will be sent the day of the visit Use your EDP and Military Academies – Nov 23 rd Meet with your counselor

W HAT SCHOOLS DO I APPLY TO ? The average student applies to 3-4 colleges When applying go for a safety school, a middle school, and a reach school

M ICHIGAN P UBLIC C OLLEGES SchoolGPAACT U of M MSU GVSU CMU WMU Northern Michigan University GRCC2.018

M ICHIGAN P RIVATE C OLLEGES CollegeGPAACT Hope College Calvin College Albion College Alma College Aquinas College

4 YEAR C OLLEGE VS 2 Y EAR C OLLEGE 4 Year College Earn a bachelors degree in science (biology, computer, engineering) or arts (English, history, drama) Examples: Hope College, GVSU, Michigan State 2 Year College (also known as community college or junior college) Earn an associates degree or certificate Examples: Grand Rapids Community College, Baker College, Lake Michigan College Vocational or Technical School Most programs last 2 years or less Earn a certificate to practice a trade Examples: Booker Institute of Cosmetology, ITT Tech.

W HY SHOULD I CONSIDER C OMMUNITY C OLLEGE ? 1. A second chance to attend a 4-year college 2. Desiring additional academic support/intervention 3. $$$ 4. Free application 5. Ability to live at home and work

H OW DO I APPLY ? 1. Apply online or use paper application 2. Common Application may be accepted at various schools (U of M) Check if individual college requires that ACT or SAT scores be sent directly from the testing company Review requirements with the NCAA Clearing House (if applicable) 5. Print the counselor recommendation form and bring it to the guidance office

E XAMPLE OF A COUNSELOR FORM

HHS A PPLICATION P ROCESS Complete student portion of all college applications online. Print counselor page found online where student completed the college application. Bring counselor page with a $1 fee per application to the counseling center. Student will be given a college application receipt. Please allow 5 school days for processing. Note: Any application that is received in the counseling office by Friday, Dec. 10 is guaranteed to be processed and mailed prior to the holiday break. Any application after that date will be mailed after break.

A DMISSION PROTOCOLS Rolling Admissions All state schools use rolling admissions Early Action Private school driven Non-binding Early Decision Binding – if you apply using early decision you are agreeing to come if they admit you….it is non- negotiable!!

A PPLICATION FAUX PAS Don’t forget to SIGN & DATE your application Only include what the college application requests Use an appropriate address Don’t use an like Be careful of what you post on social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace Watch your spelling & grammar – proof read!!! Be sure press SUBMIT if applying online Make a copy of your application

H OW DO I SEND A TEACHER RECOMMENDATION ? Ask an academic teacher – 2 weeks in advance Use form from the guidance office Give teacher a stamped envelope & a completed form of activities Follow up with a thank you note ONLY submit if colleges request a letter of recommendation from a teacher

S TANDARDIZED T ESTING ACT ( Upcoming Test Dates – October 23, December 11 Should I retest? Sending ACT scores SAT, SAT II ( Upcoming test dates – November 6 & December 4 Send applications even if you plan on retesting!!

D EADLINES Prioritize – know the deadlines for all the schools you want to apply to Deadline for applications – shoot for October 15 th MSU applications should be turned in to the counseling center by Monday, Oct. 4 for early notification. U of M applications should be turned in to the counseling center by Monday, Oct. 18. To ensure consideration U of M applications should be turned in for Early Action. No trick or treat until your application is complete!!

$$$ FOR COLLEGE Apply early and be aware of all deadlines. Check for scholarships on college websites Review HHS scholarship packet Check updates on “Scholarship News You Can Use” link on HPS website Financial Aid – FAFSA After January 1, 2011 Financial Aid Night Be aware of scams!

Y OU ARE NOT DONE ….. Senior classes – many colleges want to see rigorous classes NOT an easy year! Keep your grades up – colleges can take back an acceptance based on your final transcript

Important Dates for Seniors, Class of 2011

W HAT NOW ? Don’t procrastinate – start now!!! Confused – make an appointment with your counselor QUESTIONS?