Mileage Accumulated:
» Taken a rigorous academic course load.» Practiced with the EXPLORE (9th) & PSAT
(10th & 11th)» Attempted the SAT or ACT » Considered/visited colleges you want to
apply to.» Signed up for Fall SAT or ACT
» Oct. 5 SAT test – register by Sept. 6 » Oct. 26 ACT test – register by Sept. 27
The Road Less Traveled: The ACT?
» Do you want to highlight your strengths in math and science?
» Are you not satisfied with your SAT scores?
» Will the colleges you are applying to accept ACT scores? » YES! SAT or ACT - either one is acceptable.» Admissions counselors consider the highest
» Oct. 26 test – Sept. 27 deadline
The road directly ahead…
» Continue to work hard in senior courses.
» Prepare for Fall SAT/ACT test» Attend College Fair? (Sept. 26)» Visit the colleges you are applying to.» Make a list of application deadlines.
Considering a detour? » If you want to go to college (2 yr. or
4 yr.), you can.» Guaranteed Transfer Agreements
» Consider this: college graduates make DOUBLE the amount of money that high school grads make.» Worth a calculated debt
Still want to get off this route?
» What training do you need to pursue
this career?» Trade school» Apprenticeships» Military Service» Your counselor can help!
Mapping Your Course:SEPT/OCTOBER?
» Visit/spend the night at the colleges that interest you.» Begin your college applications. Colleges prefer that you
apply online.» Work smart, not hard
» Essays/personal statements. (quality, not quantity; writing process; get feedback; share something not found elsewhere in your application)
» Recommendations from whom? Counselors, pastors, boss, coach, teacher, etc. Not a family member.
» Provide resume/info. sheet (leadership, jobs, extra-curriculars, hobbies)
Are you Road Ready?:Three Components of a Completed
Application » 1. Your part (application completed online)» 2. Our part
» Transcript request form» FERPA» “Secondary School Report” or “Counselor’s Repor
t” page, where applicable » 3. Admissions Test Scores
» Directly from CollegeBoard or ACT» Not official from anywhere else
The Open Road: November» Meet with GRASP Coordinator on
Wednesdays in guidance. » Complete FAFSA4Caster (Actual FAFSA
can’t be submitted until Jan. 1.)» Listen to the news and check the GHS
Guidance website/Facebook/Twitter for scholarship opportunities.
»Keep working on those applications!!!!
Time for a Pit Stop?:DECEMBER
»Complete all college applications before
Winter Break.» Allows for a break» Lets you focus second semester on
paying for college
Switching Gears:January
» Attend GHS Financial Aid Night and Super Saturday.
» Submit FAFSA application online. » Meet each college’s deadline to apply for
financial aid and supply any extra forms they require.
» Continue researching scholarships.» Send semester grades to colleges.» Take the SAT subject tests, if necessary.
The Home Stretch:FEBRUARY/MARCH
» Call/e-mail colleges to make sure they have received your FAFSA info. and anything else you have sent.
» Receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) for Financial Aid.
» Wait to hear from colleges.
The Last Leg of the Journey:APRIL/MAY
» Receive admissions decisions.» Receive financial aid award letters from
your colleges. » Decide!
» May 1: Deposit Day!
» Sign and return financial aid form.» Notify the financial aid office at your
college of any scholarships you receive.» Take AP tests to earn college credit.
Arriving at Your Destination:May
» Inform counselor of where to send final transcript via Senior Survey.
» If appropriate, request Reynolds transcripts be sent to your college.