1. tips and tools to help with post-secondary planning
IRHS Counselors
September 2017

2. Planning life after high school
4-year University (UA, NAU, ASU, GCU, out of state)
2-year Community College (Pima, Coconino)
Technical/Vocational
Military
Straight to work
Choose the best path for you!

3. Vocational/technical school
Hands on training/skills related to specific job
Culinary, Cosmetology, Welding, Medical
Short, career-focused programs that prepare graduates for the workforce
Many students complete these programs and are able to work in these fields while completing a higher level education

4. Planning on joining the military?
Take the ASVAB
Test will be administered at IRHS on December 5th at 1:15 p.m.
Talk to Mr. Goldberg for more info!
Talk to recruiters who come to campus
Select the branch of military that meets your interests and skills
Learn useful trades or make a career in the military
Check on educational opportunities

5. Straight to work Develop cover letter and resume Find references
Research companies that fit your interests and skills
Apply for jobs
Prepare for interview

6. 2-year or 4-year university
Monthly checklists for Juniors and Seniors
Information about when to visit colleges, when to take tests, when to begin applying for scholarships and admittance
Begin looking at admissions requirements
There are different requirements at all universities, community colleges and career/technical schools
Meet with college reps visiting IRHS (Check Counseling website calendar, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram)
College planning is an ongoing process so start preparing now!

7. SAT/ACT PREP
Many colleges are becoming test optional regarding SAT/ACT – be sure to research the requirements!
Colleges and universities will accept either the ACT or the SAT scores
Some out of state colleges also require SAT Subject Tests as well as ACT or SAT scores
Research college website to determine exact requirements or contact the university directly
Registration can be completed online
SAT/SAT Subject Tests:
ACT:
Take ACT/SAT beginning in spring 2018 so there is time to retake tests if needed before applications are due next fall!
Test is not offered at IRHS – most are offered at UA or other local high schools

8. Planning on playing sports in college?
Athletes should register by the end of junior year through the Eligibility Center for participation in college athletics
See Mr. Jacobsen in the Athletic office for more information
Link to a reference guide on Counseling website

9. PAYING FOR COLLEGE https://www.amphi.com/Domain/1228
What is financial aid?
The difference between what your family can afford to pay and what college costs
Types of financial aid:
Grants and Scholarships
Loans
Work Study
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Opens October 1st of senior year
Based on parent tax information
Different deadlines for different schools

10. Where do you look for scholarships?
IRHS resources
Facebook: Like “IRHS Scholarships & More
Instagram: Follow IRHSCounseling
*** NEW ***
Counseling website
Future college website – scholarships may open up once you are accepted to the school

11. UPCOMING EVENTS
PLEASE SIGN UP!!!!

12. INTERESTED IN GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY?
Free bus trip to GCU
Tour the campus
Talk with current students
Tour an Engineering lab
Have lunch on campus
When: Thursday, November 2nd
7:30 am – 2:45 pm
Sign up in the Counseling office by Friday, October 13th

13. UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS TO IRHS
Thurs – Oct 12
ASU
Conference
Thurs - Oct 12
Princeton
Lunch - First
Mon - Oct 23
University of Oregon
2:30-3:00 pm
Tues - Oct 24
Whitworth University
8:30-9:15 AM
TUSD College Fair – IRHS PROVIDING BUS TO FAIR!
6:30-8:30 PM
Wed - Oct 25
University of Utah
9:10 AM
NAU
1:20-2:00 PM
Thurs - Oct 26
U of A
8:00 AM
UCLA
10:00 AM
Fri - Oct 27
Pepperdine University
Baylor University
Lunch - Second
Tues - Nov 28

15. IRHS counseling on social media
Facebook: Like “IRHS Scholarships and More
Instagram: Follow IRHSCounseling

16. where are some irhs grads?
4-year universities
2-year universities
Vanderbilt
Pima Community College
Pepperdine
Santa Barbara Community College
New York University (NYU)
Salt Lake Community College
University of Michigan
Mesa Community College
Brown
Yavapai Community College
Auburn
Coconino Community College
Hawaii Pacific University
Eastern Arizona College
Duke
Central Arizona College UA
Scottsdale Community College
ASU
Orange Coast Community College
NAU
Santa Monica Community College

17. Social media etiquette
Brush up your social media account!
31% of college admissions representatives say they do a social media check on applicants
So what does your digital footprint say about you?
Proper address?
Pictures?
Posts?
Before you post, THINK:
Is it:
T – TRUE
H – Helpful
I – Illegal
N – Necessary
K – Kind
If it’s on the internet, it isn’t private anymore!

18. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
activity
Compare three different 4-year universities or three 2-year universities and complete the worksheet
If you need help finding a school, head to