1. SENIOR YEAR 101
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMPLETING THIS YEAR SUCCESSFULLY AND PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURES!
Northwest High School Counselors:
Mr. Dan Senften Students with Last Names A-L
Mrs. Tanya Jovanovic Students with Last
Names M-Z

2. Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2016!
Required Credits
20.00 credits needed to graduate from Northwest High School:
4 Credits of English
4 Credits of Mathematics
3 Credits of Science (1 physical science 1 life science)
3 Credits of Social Studies (Social Studies 9, Social Studies 10, and Government/Economics)
½ Credit of Health
2 Semesters of Physical Education
½ Credit Computer Application
½ Credit Money Management
4 Credits of Electives
Please see your counselor to make sure you are on track for graduation.

3. Fall Checklist High School Seniors
Register for the next ACT or SAT if you haven’t already done so. If this is the first time taking either test make sure to sign up for the writing portion of the test.
Well before your application deadlines, ask your counselor, teachers, and/or administrators for letters of recommendation. Provide them with a student information sheet and allow two weeks for them to complete these letters. Keep in mind you may not be the only student for whom they are writing one.
Apply to the colleges you have chosen – PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES!
Research scholarship opportunities posted on the school website, and if you have any questions please contact your counselor or Mrs. Finefrock the guidance secretary.
Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. To create this username and password go to

5. ACT/SAT Test Dates The ACT 2015-2016 The SAT Test Dates 2015-2016
October 24, 2015
December 12, 2015
February 6, 2016
April 9, 2016
June 11, 2016
The SAT Test Dates
October 3, 2015
November 7, 2015
December 5, 2015
January 23, 2016
March 5, 2016
May 7, 2016
June 4, 2016

7. College Planning Timeline August - November
Obtain and complete applications
- Notify Mrs. Finefrock if you apply online
When you’ve applied to your school(s) of choice do not forget to request transcripts in the Guidance Office
Attend local college fairs if undecided
Take/retake ACT/SAT
Meet with your counselor
Be aware of deadlines

8. Hints For A Campus Visit
Make an appointment with the admissions office
Tour the campus
Visit a class in session (if possible)
Visit the dorms
Eat in the cafeteria!!!!
Ask about the placement record in your field of interest
Talk to students
Find out about school activities (clubs, organizations, sports)
Ask about campus life and social activities
Meet with the faculty (if possible)
Ask if any programs are in jeopardy of being cut (one could be yours)

9. College Planning Timeline November - February
Create Username and Password by logging on to to complete FAFSA on-line
Complete FAFSA on line after January 1st
Complete and return Financial Aid forms for the colleges
Attend Financial Aid information meetings
College Goal Sunday in February

10. College Planning Timeline February - June
Await acceptances from colleges
Compare financial aid packages
Make your final decision
Send tuition/room and board deposit
Rescind applications from other schools

11. College Planning Timeline June - September
Enjoy graduation
Attend college freshmen orientation programs
Have a final transcript sent to the school of your choice