SeniorYearPlanning

=//** Senior Year Planning **//= = = ** FALL: ** ü If you have not done so already, or need to again, register for the ACT and/or SAT exam(s). Ideally, you should not be taking these exams beyond December, unless absolutely necessary. ü Attend the Post High Planning Day in Watertown, October 3, 2011. ü Schedule visits with the colleges that you are considering. It is important to make that personal contact! Stop in the Guidance office to see what college representatives are coming to Clark High School. If a rep is coming from a college you are considering, it is highly advised that you come to the visit and touch base with them. These are the individuals who will eventually be reading your applications! ü Start asking individuals to write letters of recommendation for you, such as teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, club sponsors, employers, etc. You may come across admission applications and/or scholarship applications that require letters of recommendation, so it is always good to be prepared and have these letters ready. ü ** BE AWARE OF APPLICATION DEADLINES!!! ** Give yourself plenty of time to complete applications and anything that goes along with it, such as an essay, letters of recommendation, etc. ü Most of your college applications will require that you send an official transcript with your application; be sure you see Mrs. Knuppe or Renae in the main office, to get your transcript sent out. ü Start researching scholarships! Go directly to the schools you are looking at and fill out their scholarship applications if offered. Get connected with various scholarship search engines such as [|www.fastweb.com], [|www.brokescholar.com] , and also register with the List Serve on Central High School’s webpage, where you can check out scholarships that we have received information on. ü See Mrs. Knuppe to see if you would be eligible for the Dakota Corps or the SD Opportunity Scholarship. These have specific criteria and deadlines to meet. ü Sign up for a PIN to complete your FAFSA online. (Also let your parents know that they will need a PIN.)
 * Go to [|www.act.org] for more information, registration, and test dates on the ACT.
 * Go to [|www.collegeboard.com] for more information, registration, and test dates on the SAT.
 * Or stop by the guidance office for information on both exams.
 * If you are unable to visit colleges that you are considering, check out the virtual tours online at some of the college websites. Also, a simple phone call to the admissions office can get you some great information.
 * Fill out the Student Brag Sheet for the individuals you are having write your letters of recommendation, it gives them a little bit more personal information about you that they may not know, and will help them in writing a good recommendation for you.
 * Be aware of deadlines!! Give these individuals plenty of time to write your letter!
 * ** REMEMBER: ** “Early Decision” applications are binding, this means that if you are accepted, you MUST attend that school and can not longer apply to any other colleges. November 1st is a common Early Decision deadline.
 * “Early Action” is similar to Early Decision, but it is NOT binding.

** WINTER: ** ü Continue to stay on top of the application deadlines. Always submit information on time. ü Keep researching and applying for any and all financial aid that you qualify for, such as grants and scholarships. ü Attend the Student Financial Aid Parent Night in January at Clark High School, official date TBA. ü As soon as possible after January 1, 2012 and when tax forms are completed (they don’t have to be filed until April 15th; you can use estimates), complete your FAFSA online at [|www.fafsa.ed.gov] or you can download a PDF version of the FAFSA from this website if you wish. Keep copies of all documents, including your PIN, in a file. ü For help filling out the FAFSA form, plan on attending COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY. ü For further assistance filling out the FAFSA form, contact the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-4-FEDAID. ü ** REMEMBER: ** You want to meet school priority deadlines with the FAFSA form, and submit your application before March 1, 2012. Schools have a limited supply of financial aid, so the earlier you apply, the better. ü Research Advance Placement (AP) or College-Level Examination (CLEP) exams. ü Watch for the email notice indicating your Student Aid Report (SAR) is ready. Be sure to review your SAR for errors and make any corrections as indicated. ü Check with financial aid offices to ensure your paperwork is complete. Submit tax forms if requested. ü Be on the lookout for acceptance letters.
 * REMEMBER: There is not limit to the amount of scholarship money you can take with you to college, so you should be applying for any and all that you qualify for.
 * Go to [|www.collegegoalsundayusa.org]
 * Locations and official date TBA
 * February 2012
 * Assistance Available this day:
 * Adult/Non-Traditional Student Concerns
 * FAFSA on the Web
 * Financial Literacy
 * Foster & Homeless Youth
 * Grants/Scholarship
 * Loans/Borrowing
 * One-on-One assistance
 * Paper FAFSA

** SPRING: ** ü Review acceptance letters and compare financial aid offers. ü Make your final college decision and mail deposits, as required. ü Check with the college you have chosen about returning financial aid award letters. ü Notify the schools you have chosen NOT to attend. ü Plan for registration, orientation and housing, and mark your calendar with important dates. ü Follow up with the Records office to ensure that your final transcript is forwarded to your college.