1. Class of 2018!

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. Information you may need for applications
Our School Code:
Our School Address: 4300 Tacony St. Philadelphia, PA 19124
Your Counselor’s Information:
Names A-L: Ms. Tara Duke
ext. 2463
Names M-Z: Ms. Kristina Angstadt
ext. 2462

17. 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

18. 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.

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

20. 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

21. 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 her at or call her cell phone at