2013 Fall college planning and application workshop

Class of Year College - 67% 2-Year College/Technical School 20% Military/Work/Other - 13% 281 Graduates

Your son/daughter: already took SAT and/or ACT already visited potential college campuses has narrowed down list of schools and decided where to apply (3-5 schools) is working on college applications and related paperwork

·Visit or re-visit potential schools in the fall ·Apply to colleges before deadlines ·Financial Aid FAFSA by February 15 or school deadline ·Search for Scholarships throughout the school year – most are available in the winter (Dec. thru Feb.) ·Deposit by May 1 (approximate deadline – each school has its own deadline)

ACT Test -offered on October 26 th - registration deadline is Sept 27 th Also offered Dec 14 th - registration deadline is Nov. 8 th SAT Test - offered on November 2 nd - registration deadline is October 3 rd Take one of these tests IMMEDIATELY

Scores take about 3-6 weeks to process- (ACT non- writing scores available in ten days online) At this late date, please request that scores be sent directly to the colleges- some schools require that scores be sent directly from the testing company CHS receives scores and we send along with transcripts. ACT and/or SAT scores automatically become a part of the transcript.

Students should register online for both tests

Recommended Application Strategy 1 Reach 2-3 Probable 1 Safety

3 exempt days each school year Call Admissions in advance to set up a tour, interview, etc. Ask about Financial Aid/Schol. Get a feel for the social/academic atmosphere at each school

You can still apply to colleges without visiting them We highly recommend that students visit a campus before making their final decisions

Admissions reps visit CHS Often times, these are the same people who evaluate the applications Students must sign up in guidance and get permission from teacher in advance (form in guid.)

There are three forms that guidance needs in order to process college applications and write letters of recommendation. Transcript Release Form (white) Biographical Profile (blue) Transcript Request Form (yellow)

Go to school’s website and register for access to their application or go to for schools that use the Common Application (there are over 500 schools on the Common App now) Read directions thoroughly Complete application online and be sure to complete all necessary supplements (ie. counselor and teacher forms and recommendations) Be sure to give all supplemental forms to your guidance counselor along with transcript request and counselor will mail all additional paperwork All schools require a transcript – be sure to request it as soon as you apply so you don’t hold up the admissions decision

Check appropriate deadlines - turn in forms to guidance at least ONE week in advance of deadline. (This applies to scholarships too) Always give teachers at least TWO weeks to write a letter of rec. Applications should be turned in as soon as possible with Thanksgiving being the goal.

Letters of Recommendation 1. Select Recommenders who know you well and will speak highly of you. Teachers, Coaches/Advisers, Principals/Counselors 2. Ask the potential recommender if they would write a letter on your behalf 3. Give the recommender several weeks of "lead time" to write the letter 4. If using The Common Application: Let the recommender know that they will receive an inviting them to set up an account. If the recommender already has an account, you can select them from a pull down menu after you have spoken with them.

Social Media and College Applications

All families should fill out the FAFSA by February 15 or appropriate school deadline There will be a financial aid evening meeting to review the FAFSA on ? at 6:30pm Your report will be sent to the colleges with your EFC - Expected Family Contribution

The colleges will send you their Financial Aid Package Many times private schools and out of state schools award more money than the public in-state schools

This organization helps students complete financial aid process and search for scholarships. ohio.org Lake-Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation

Parents should call to set up an appointment with Ms. Hanley LEAF is at CHS on Thursdays beginning September 12 th Students will be called down to meet with Ms. Hanley during the day

Scholarships There are local, state, national, and school scholarships. Obtain applications in guidance office or online Go to the guidance page of the high school home page on the district website- available scholarships are updated at least twice a month Go Online- there are many search engines that will allow students to put in a profile and they will then match scholarship up with specific needs and abilities Meet with LEAF

The COMMON Application Common Application is given out in early Feb and due at the end of the month Students can apply for over 15 local scholarships with one application

College Scholarships Ask College Financial Aid Offices for their individual scholarships