College Planning

1
College Planning
2
Take college-prep classes at LHS

• Colleges suggest 4 English, 4 Math, 4 Social
  Studies, 4 Science, 2 years of same Foreign
  Language and 1 Fine Art (music or art).
• Advanced and honors courses
• Advance Placement (AP) courses can earn you
  college credit

3
Junior Year GPA

• You will be applying to colleges at the
  BEGINNING of your Senior year. The GPA and class
  rank that you will be using on applications is
  the one you have at the end of your Junior year!!

4
Sign up for College Life Skills

• Take this class at LHS either Junior or first
  semester Senior year
• Will help to prepare you for ACT/SAT tests
• Will assist you in filling out college
  applications
• Will help you write college essays
• Will help you create a resume and get
  recommendation letters

5
Take the PSAT or PACT tests

• Both will prepare you to take the actual ACT or
  SAT tests
• A high score on the PSAT can put you in the
  running for National Merit Scholarships
• PSAT is offered to Juniors for free at LHS
• Sophomores will also take the PLAN which is also
  given for free at LHS

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?? SAT or ACT ??

• A test of reasoning skills and forecasts how you
  will do
• Critical reading, math, writing
• Mandatory writing test
• Specialized SAT II tests available
• Popular on the coasts

• An achievement test that shows what you know
• Covers a broader set of skills
• English (grammar), reading, math, science
• Optional writing test
• Popular in the mid-west

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Test Taking PLAN Sophomore Year PSAT/PACT
First semester Junior Year ACT/SAT Second
semester Junior Year and First semester Senior
Year. Colleges will take the best
scores. Scores must be sent directly from the
test centers to the appropriate
colleges/universities. Codes are available in
the registration packets. 4 are free, must pay
extra for more.
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Keep Up or Make ConnectionsIts not what you
know, its who you know.

• Stay involved in community services orgs.
• Choose 2-3 activities and become VERY
  involved.show dedication!
• Hold leadership positions
• Create positive relationships with teachers,
  coaches, administrators, counselors, religious
  leaders, etc. so that they can write you letters
  of recommendation.

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It is never too early to start!

• Begin to research colleges now
• Visit campusesit is the only way you will know
  if you want to live there
• Look into specialized areas of study. They may
  have different requirements

10
Applying to College

• Applications are available online or on paper.
• Application fees range from 30-100. Most are
  less than 60. Sometimes, fees are waived if you
  apply online.
• Application process is DIFFERENT for each school.
  
• Essays and Counselor Pages for some.

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Some things they have in common

• Early decision deadlines are November 1. Binding
  contract to attend.
• Application deadlines for scholarship
  opportunities is December 1.
• Deadline for FAFSA application is February 15
• All schools must give you until May 1 to accept
  or decline (except early decision)

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Paying for College

• FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student
  Aide. Need-based on W2 forms. Loans, grants
  and work-study programs.
• Scholarships College, National and Local.
  Usually merit-based.
• Personal Loans Student or parent takes out
  through financial institution.
• Jobs or paid internships
• Rich Uncle check family tree

13
Collegiate Sports

• NCAA Clearing House all students wanting to
  play DIV I or DIV II sports must register with
  the clearing house
• Register online at NCAACLEARINGHOUSE.NET
• Print and sign permissions slips and give both to
  the guidance secretary

14
You will survive!

• Ask questions
• Watch deadlines
• Be Pro-Active
• E-mail or call the colleges directly (Admissions
  Offices)
• Get comfortable with the internet
• COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS!