1. SENIOR ADVISING CLASS OF 2016

2. Department ChairMrs. Moffett A-Da Mr. Moore De- JeMrs. Thoms Ji-MoMs. Dailey Mp-ShMrs. Konopasek Si-ZMrs. Roytan CCC DirectorMrs. Arthur InternMrs. Snyder

3. The majority of Chesterton High School graduating seniors from 2015 report planning to attend a two or four year college Colleges and universities have differing academic requirements, deadlines, and expectations. Be aware of these at the schools you are applying to.

4. APPLICATIONS: - Most applications can be found online via the school’s website - Know the difference between early decision, early action and restrictive early action - The Common Application can be used for over 600 colleges - Gather necessary information before starting such as GPA, class rank and SAT/ACT scores for self-reporting - Request official SAT/ACT scores from the testing company – these are not on the CHS transcript

5. NON-RESTRICTIVE PLANS REGULAR DECISION: Submit by application deadline and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time. (Purdue) ROLLING ADMISSION: The institution reviews applications as they are submitted and issues decisions throughout the cycle. (IU) EARLY ACTION: Student applies early and receives a decision well in advance of the regular response date.

6. RESTRICTIVE APPLICATION PLANS: EARLY DECISION: BINDING – you must attend if accepted. You apply early and get an earlier decision. You may only apply to ONE SCHOOL early decision. You may apply to other schools’ regular decision, but must withdraw these apps if accepted by ED school RESTRICTIVE EARLY ACTION: Non-binding. You apply early and receive decision early. You may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to another school. EA/ED/REA program specifics vary so make sure you get information from the Admission staff at your first choice college.

7. www.commonapplication.org This is a standardized application accepted by 600+ colleges that are members of The Common Application Association. You can use one application for up to 20 schools. You will invite your counselor and recommenders to be part of the process. Check spelling of names and emails for accuracy. Indiana Colleges using the Common Application: Butler, Earlham, Goshen, Hanover, Manchester, Purdue, St. Joseph’s College, St. Mary’s, St. Mary of the Woods, U. of Evansville, U. of Indianapolis, U. of Notre Dame, Valparaiso, Wabash

8. 1.Choose wisely. Request letters of recommendation only from those who know you well. Ask if the person feels comfortable writing a letter for you. 2.Tell the recommender the purpose of the letter. 3.Start early. Give the recommender at least 2 weeks advance notice. 4.Provide the recommender with any additional information about you that would be helpful in completing the letter. Also alert your recommenders to email notifications that are coming. 5.Be gracious. A thank you goes a long way! ** We have a handout available to use with your recommenders.

9. ONLINE: www.parchment.comwww.parchment.com 1. Create an e-transcript account 2. Select colleges applying to *Free to colleges in IN, IL, MI, IA, OH, MN, MO, KE, KA, ND, SD, WI, NE PAPER: Complete the transcript request form in the Guidance Office. If not 18, a parent signature is required. Cost is $4. Allow 48-72 hours for processing. (Most colleges prefer electronic transcripts!!) ***CHS transcripts DO NOT include SAT/ACT scores. Colleges require official scores be sent from the testing company.

10. SEPTEMBER 21-25 This is a promotional event through-out the state of Indiana geared toward motivating students to complete college applications. CHS will be doing give-aways of college “swag” that week.

11. The college rep schedule of visits can be found: 1. http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Page/900http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Page/900 2. Window of the Guidance Office 3. Dune News Online Visits are 1) lunch room visits or 2) Career Center visits – Students must follow the Procedure for getting a pass. Procedure/passes are available in the Career Center

12. UPCOMING VISITORS Sept. 9: University of Chicago 10-11 Sept. 10: Columbia College 10-11 Lunch: IUN, St. Joseph’s Sept. 14: DePauw 2-2:45 Sept. 15: Lunch: Earlham, Manchester U. of Notre Dame 2- 2:45 Sept. 16: U. of Colorado-Boulder 10-11 Lunch: Grand Valley State, Marian, PNC, Trine IUPUI 2-2:45 Sept. 17: Butler 10-11 Lunch: Grace Albion College and Purdue U 2-2:45

13. PNC COLLEGE FAIR September 17 6:30 – 8:00 pm

14. NET PRICE CALCULATOR: Use to get preliminary estimate of cost GIFT AID: Scholarships and grants that you do not pay back. Scholarships tend to be merit-based: - academic achievement - athletics - other talents Grants tend to be need-based. SOURCES: Federal/State Government: Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). Indiana deadline: March 10, 2016 Your College: Complete any forms required by your school Private Organizations: employers, community organizations/clubs

15. WHAT TO DO: 1.Complete the FAFSA and meet all deadlines required by the state and your colleges. 2.Complete any additional required forms from your college. 3.Research and apply for outside scholarships. www.fastweb.com College Board Scholarship Search CHS Career Center - these are on daily announcements, website, and newspaper 4.Attend CHS Financial Aid Night: Thursday January 21, 2016 at 7:00 pm 5.If you need help with FAFSA plan to attend College Goal Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016

16. WATCH OUT FOR SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS WHAT TO WATCH FOR: -Offers of “guaranteed” money -Requirement that you pay for the service or application -Asking for credit card or bank account numbers -Offers to do the work for you -“Millions Go Unclaimed”

17. ACT: COST: $56.50 with writing NEXT TEST: October 24 DEADLINE: September 18 www.actstudent.org/start SAT: COST: $54.50 NEXT TEST: October 3 DEADLINE: September 3 ** If you took the June 6 SAT, you can take this one free. www.sat.org/register The current form of SAT can only be taken in 2015; 2016 is redesigned Please see your counselor if you might qualify for a fee waiver.

18. Student-athletes who plan to continue playing a sport in college (NCAA Division I or II or NAIA) must register to be eligible to compete. NCAA – The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective athletes are eligible to play Division I or II. This is not necessary for Division III. www.eligibilitycenter.org NAIA – Typically smaller colleges offering athletic scholarships go through a similar procedure to the NCAA. www.playnaia.org ***Both take ONLY official ACT/SAT scores from the testing company.

19. LEARN MORE INDIANA: www.in.gov/learnmoreindianawww.in.gov/learnmoreindiana CAPPEX: www.cappex.comwww.cappex.com COLLEGE BOARD PLANNING: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.orghttps://bigfuture.collegeboard.org NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COUNSELORS: www.nacacnet.org links to student/parent information www.nacacnet.org