2. LIFE AFTER LIBERTYVILLE What are your plans? College/University Vocational or Technical College Military Job/Career “Gap” Year “I don’t have a clue…”

3. STEP #1: Be Aware of Deadlines College Applications ACT/SAT Registration Scholarships Completing Graduation Requirements

4. STEP #2: Get Organized Write down deadlines, username, and password for each school Keep e-mail folders or files of important paperwork from colleges Put a calendar on fridge to keep track of dates Use your smartphone!

5. STEP #3: Understand Application Options

6. STEP #4: Refine Your College List A “healthy” college list includes: Foundation School(s) Good Match Schools Reach Schools

7. STEP #5: Know the Application Process COLLEGE Admission Office Application Fee Form Essay Test Scores ACT SAT Subject Tests Transcript Recommendation Letters Teacher(s) Counselor

8. The Application Biographical Data Resume/Extracurriculars Essay Fee Helpful Hint: Create an e-mail account and username that you can use for all college applications and communication. Make sure it is APPROPRIATE!

9. Test Scores Two ways to send scores to colleges: 1.When registering for the test (4 FREE) 2.Online at: www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org (ACT - $10 each) www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com (SAT/Subject Tests - $10 each) Helpful Hints: NEVER pay to rush your scores! Check out colleges that don’t require test scores at www.fairtest.org.www.fairtest.org

10. Transcripts Complete a Transcript Release Form for EVERY college you apply to Obtain Form from your counselor or CRC See attached sample Helpful Hint: Use the same name on your application that is on your transcript.

11. Teacher Letter of Recommendation Most colleges require ONE teacher letter Ask teacher if he/she will write on your behalf Preferably from Junior Year! Ask teacher who knows you as a student Complete Teacher Rec form on Naviance Add Teacher Name to Naviance Helpful Hint: Say THANK YOU!

12. Counselor Letter of Recommendation Some colleges require ONLY a counselor letter Complete Counselor Rec form on Naviance Let counselor know you have completed the form Helpful Hint: Say THANK YOU again!

13. Senior Parent Questionnaire Available on Naviance Provides additional insight E-mail Counselor to let them know parents have completed questionnaire

14. STEP #6: Naviance

15. Log In Username: firstname.lastname Password: Your LHS ID # (i.e. 123456)

16. Update Email Address Click on the pencil icon to edit

17. Update List of Colleges

18. Check Out Colleges Visiting LHS

19. Teacher Recommendations

20. Add Teacher(s) to Naviance

21. Counselor Recommendation

22. Track Application Status

23. If Using the Common Application We recommend you check YES. Check this box Enter your Common App Username and Password here

24. Start Scholarship Search Check Back Often!

25. STEP #7: Work on Your Essay Attend our Senior Lunch ‘n’ Learn: Writing The College Essay – Thursday, October 6 – Periods 4, 5 – Friday, October 7 – Periods 6, 7 Help available in the CRC and The Write Place

26. STEP #8: Attend CRC Programs September 15 – Parents of Seniors College Night September 19 – U of Illinois Night at D128 October 5 - CRC Open House October 6-7 – College Essay Lunch ‘n’ Learns October 12, 14 – Putting App Together Lunch ‘n’ Learns November 9 – Financial Aid & Scholarships Program

27. STEP #9: Attend College Fairs October 9 – Milwaukee National College Fair October 10 – Chicago National College Fair October 20 – ICE College Fair at CLC October 25 – CHOICES College Fair for Students with Disabilities November 17 – New Horizons Tech Fair at LHS

28. Step #10: Visit Colleges Take advantage of upcoming holidays (Columbus Day, Veterans Day, etc.) Call ahead to schedule tour, interview, classes Ask good questions!

29. Important College Notes Priority Application Deadline of November 1 University of Illinois – Urbana Indiana University University of Wisconsin-Madison Priority Application Deadline of November 15 Illinois State University Purdue University

30. Important College Notes November 30 Deadline University of California System Academic Criteria: Pay attention to FINE PRINT! Some schools require specifics like 1 yr Fine Arts or 3 yrs of Social Studies.

31. Final Helpful Hints Make sure e-mail address and voicemail messages are appropriate Be careful on facebook Avoid Senioritis Check your e-mail often Don’t wait until the last minute Use your counselor and the CRC Utilize Naviance Breathe…

32. Amy Belstra amy.belstra@d128.org 847.327.7161