Seniors

Post Secondary Planning Guide

OFFICIAL SAT SCORES

Seniors – Don’t forget that many colleges like Penn State and the University of Delaware must have “official” SAT scores sent to them when you apply.  You need to be aware if this is needed at the colleges you are applying to.  You need to call or e-mail them to find out this information.  Stop into Guidance to find out how to get these “official” scores sent.

SELECTIVE SERVICE

A free interactive college search tool for students, parents, and counselors:  www.onlinecollegefair.com

Scholarship News

SENIOR PARENTS:  
Just a reminder that college and/or scholarship applications must be 100% complete when they are turned in at the Guidance Office. If applications are incomplete, they will be returned to the student. When the completed application is returned to Guidance, it will be placed on the bottom of the pile of applications to be processed. Fifteen days are needed to process applications. Students are responsible for meeting application deadlines.

PARENTS--Just a reminder that to get student loans, federal, or state money (PHEAA),  you need to file a FAFSA form or have your son/daughter stop into the guidance office for a paper copy.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COLLEGE APPLICATIONS:

·        How to get the college application:  Students are responsible for securing the application. You may call, write, or email the college’s Admissions Office. You can also check for applications in Spring-Ford’s Guidance Office. We have a limited supply of applications on file depending on what has been supplied to us by various colleges.

Complete (neatly) the application and bring it to Guidance with everything including the necessary application fee, essays, and outside letters of recommendation. Teacher recommendations are the exception to this rule as the teacher gives them directly to the Guidance Office. Complete an “Application/Transcript Check In List” for each individual application. Complete a “Biographical Sheet” which helps us to update your transcript. Make sure you or your parents have signed the application. Allow 15 days for processing. It is your responsibility to meet college deadlines.

We will send everything (application, transcript, letters of recommendation, application fee, etc.) together. DO NOT MAIL the application in yourself and then ask us to send a transcript. This only causes confusion at the college’s Admissions Office. An exception to this rule would be if a college directs you to hand in your application in person during a visit. If you do apply in person, afterwards, follow the procedure below for on-line applications.

On-line Applications – notify the Guidance Office THE NEXT SCHOOL DAY after you apply. Students must provide a written address where transcript/letters of recommendation are to be sent. Complete an “Application/Transcript Check In List”. Allow 15 days for processing to meet deadlines.

Article:  Thinking About Slacking

Those of you who are thinking about taking the SAT’s should consider another option: the ACT Assessment is another form of evaluation that colleges use just as they would use the SAT’s. Because the ACT tests four areas (math, reading, science, and English), many students score higher on this test. Visit the Guidance Office for registration materials or register online at www.act.org .

JUNIOR/SENIOR CHECKLIST

            Parents/Students: This checklist can be used as a guideline to give you a sense of the time frame in the college search process. Browse our website to explore other topics.

                  Know your social security number.

                  Junior/Fall:  Take PSAT test.

                  Junior/Fall:  Take SAT test.

                  Junior/Spring:  Take SAT test.

                  Junior/Spring:  Take SAT II test (if necessary).

                  Junior/Spring:  Take appropriate classes for senior year.

                  On-going:  Think about post-high school plans.

                  Junior/Spring:  Student/Parent(s) to meet with counselor to discuss future plans.

                  Junior/Spring:  Prepare list of approximately 10 to 15 schools (4‑ or 2-year colleges, community colleges, business schools, technical schools, or trade schools).

                  Junior/Spring-Summer:  Plan to visit 5 to 10 schools—call for appointments during spring and summer.

                  Senior/Fall:  Draw up a list of 5 colleges to which you want to apply before you start school in the fall of your senior year.

                  Senior/Fall:  Student meet with counselor to discuss progress with college selections.

                  Senior/Fall:  Get applications for schools from Guidance, the college, or via the Internet, as early as possible.

                  Senior/Fall:  Re-visit (stay overnight) the colleges in fall.

                  Senior/Fall:  Apply to 5 colleges by Thanksgiving. The complete applications, checks, letters of recommendation, essays, etc. should be into Guidance two weeks before the deadline. Guidance sends all applications, as we need to include an official transcript of your grades. DO NOT SEND IN YOUR OWN APPLICATION.

                  Senior/Fall:  Look for scholarship information via the Internet, monthly list in homerooms, announcements, posters, etc.

                  Senior/Fall:  Take ACT and, if necessary, take SAT I and II again.

                  Senior/Winter:  After January 1, file FAFSA forms for financial aide.

                  Senior/On-going:  Note all deadlines.

                  Senior/On-going:  Be aware of scholarship services.

 

Article:  Thinking about slacking??

Selective Service

Under federal law, virtually all men must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18^th birthday.  However, the Selective Service System now accepts early submission of registration information by 17-year-old men.  The Agency holds their registration information and automatically enters their data into the system when they turn 18.  Students need to be registered to be eligible for student loans, grants, job training, and Federal employment.  Get more information or register at www.sss.gov