 Focus on Grades  PSAT  Course selection end of Feb/early March  Spend time building resume ◦ Leadership roles in clubs/activities ◦ Community service opportunities  Keep an eye out for updates on our website

 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship  Career development  November College Admissions Panel  December Financial Aid Night  Last year to improve GPA & class rank ◦ Junior year rank is used on applications  Colleges visiting GVHS

 Course selection end of Feb/early March ◦ Yes, colleges look at courses you choose senior year  SAT’s/ACT’s (Test prep!)  SAT subject tests?  Letters of recommendation ◦ Ask before end of school year ◦ Common application requires counselor letter  Create list of potential schools and research  Campus Visits

1. ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value? ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating? 2. The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary. 3. The ACT tests more advanced math concepts. 4. The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not. 5. The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools. 6. Remember: ACT-Achievement Test SAT-Aptitude Test

 ACT ◦ 0-36 composite score  SAT ◦ 800 each section, total possible 2400  SAT math & critical reading used for admissions purposes  Some colleges use writing section as a placement tool

  Guest Password: guidance  Students register during Career Development

 Ask in person  Request letter on Naviance ◦ Colleges tab ◦ Colleges I’m applying to ◦ Add/cancel teacher requests ◦ Select teacher ◦ Submit

 Work on application as soon as it becomes available (August 1 st ) ◦ Common Application ◦ Individual school website  Essay

 Revise/review college essay ◦ English teacher, guidance counselor, parents ◦ Mechanical errors, grammatical, etc.  Take SAT’s again? ◦ October at GVHS (Register by first week September)  Add all colleges onto Naviance so that transcript can be sent electronically

 Check for letters of recommendation on Naviance  Stay organized ◦ Keep track of deadlines  Complete applications, send SAT/ACT scores & submit pink sheets by Oct. 31st

 3 Parts to the Application Process 1. Student submits their application Either via School Website OR Common Application 2. Student sends SAT/ACT scores electronically to college Act.org or collegeboard.org 3. Student completes “pink sheet” in guidance for each school after they have submitted their application

 December Financial Aid Night  FAFSA Jan. 1  Scholarships

 Start early  Stay organized  Your counselors are here to help!