1. Applying to College Leigh Ann Brown, Sheri Crigger, & Nancy Wolfe
HCS District College Counselors

2. HCS District College Counselors
Leigh Ann Brown
Huntsville and Jemison
Sheri Crigger
Grissom and Lee
Nancy Wolfe
Columbia and New Century

3. Senior Counselors and College Counselors
What is the role of the College Counselor?
College Admissions
Scholarships
Financial Aid
Related – ACT/SAT, NCAA, fee waivers, military, college major/career, etc.
How is this different from the Senior Counselor?

4. Good news!
It’s not too late!

5. Talk it over . . . If you haven’t had these discussions, start NOW!
Be realistic
Both parent and student should share their vision/dreams for the student’s future
College expectations – location, degree, etc.
College and Career Interests of the student
Family Finances
Tried to shorten from last year

6. Getting started . . . Research and narrow your list of schools
Get organized!
Calendar of deadlines
Manage multiple accounts
Then, open online applications and GET started!
Click “Apply Now” on the college website
Application fees range from $0 - $75
Talk to your Counselor to find out if you qualify for a fee waiver

7. How many applications?
3-4 applications is appropriate for the majority of students
Safety
Best fit
Reach

8. Elements of the College Application
ALL college applications require these items:
address to create account
Online application
High school transcript
Test scores (sent from ACT or SAT)
Application fee or fee waiver (no fee for 2-year colleges)

9. Elements of the College Application
SOME college applications also require these items (selective, private, etc.):
Student essay(s)
Student resume or list of activities
Teacher or counselor recommendation letter
* These items are often required for scholarship applications as well

10. GPA Cumulative weighted GPA is used by most colleges
9th – 11th grade
Weight added for Honors/AP/IB
GPA is on 4.0 scale
See your Counselor if you need information

11. “Specialized” College Applications
The Common Application (
The Coalition Application
The Common Black College Application
Questbridge
* If you are interested in applying to college utilizing one of these applications, talk to your Counselor ASAP!

12. What happens after I apply?
The College will guide you to the next step!
Check your and online account REGULARLY!
Keep in touch with the admissions counselor
Is there a separate scholarship application?
Is there an Honors College or other special program application?
Deposits, housing, etc.

13. What matters most . . . Academic requirements Cost Major Location
Special Programs (Honors College, Research opportunities, etc)
Campus Life
Housing
AP Credit

14. College Admissions Counselors
Who is the college admission counselor/advisor?
Why is this person so important?
Rachael Fairchild - UAB

15. College Visits Colleges visiting the schools during Power Hour
Campus Preview Days
Setting up a Private Campus Visit or Tour
Juniors and Seniors can request two visit days as excused absences if they submit the appropriate request form ahead of time.

16. Basic Timeline for Senior Year
Ongoing
Search and apply for scholarships
August to December
Take the ACT or SAT again
Submit applications (admission, scholarship, Honors College, etc). December 1 is the goal!
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens October 1
January to April
Gather and compare information received from colleges
Review Housing, Orientation, and other details
May
May 1 – Deadline to accept scholarships and notify colleges of your decision to attend

17. Recap
Get started on applications with December as a goal to be finished
Students – check your regularly!
Use available resources

18. Assistance in the Process
College Admissions Advisors (at the college)
College Counselor (at your school)
Senior High School Counselor (at your school)
NACEE (North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence)

19. College Entrance Tests
ACT –
SAT –
Plan to take the test at least once during your senior year

20. Fee Waivers
Fee waivers are available for students who qualify based on family income (free/reduced lunch status)
ACT and SAT
NCAA registration
Some College Applications
See your Senior or College Counselor for details

21. HCS District College Counselors
Leigh Ann Brown
Huntsville and Jemison
Sheri Crigger
Grissom and Lee
Nancy Wolfe
Columbia and New Century