1	COUNT DOWN TO GRADUATION… A PRESENTATION FOR SENIORS Shelbyville High School Guidance Department
2	“Begin with the end in mind.” Where do you want to be this time next year?
3	SENIOR YEAR PLANNING CALENDAR ISTEP+ GQE test dates & alternate options on September 18^th-20^th College Fair at SHS on October 4^th SAT at SHS on October 6^th Register at www.collegeboard.com by September 10^th . Submit College Applications by October 12^th Financial Aid Night at SHS on January 17, 2007 Submit your FAFSA online by March 10^th at www.fafsa.ed.gov
4	How do I decide? Your diploma track is going to help you narrow some of your immediate choices. Search the internet Talk to military recruiters or go on college visits
5	TIPS FOR RESEARCHING COLLEGES Counselors can help with college searches and provide helpful websites & books Seniors are allowed 2 college visit days Seniors are allowed to meet with college representatives and military recruiters at SHS
6	COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Grade Point Average (GPA) Class Rank Strength of courses/classes taken SAT or ACT scores Extracurricular activities Letters of recommendation Essays (mainly private schools)
7	COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS The earlier you apply, the earlier you may be accepted ~ by mid-October is best! But pay attention to the college’s deadlines as well!!! “Orange Sheet” and envelope/stamps required Type or neatly print applications (OR) apply online at school’s website Submit an online transcript request (must have a “Transcript Release Form” on file Include essays and letters of recommendation, if required Counselor will mail application if not submitted electronically
8	Letters of Recommendation Senior Information Sheet You can request that this form be sent with your college and scholarship applications. Give this form along with a blue request form to the teacher(s) writing the recommendation for you. Pay attention to any specific requirements for letters.
9	SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID ROTC programs are available Local scholarships listed and provided to seniors about every 2 weeks…also posted on our website Scholarships for students in grades 9-12 will be posted in the guidance office and on the website FAFSA - submit after January 1, 2008 so it is received by March 10^th for state aid consideration Financial Aid Night will be January 16, 2008
10	Scholarship Process Check the scholarship list Circle any scholarships for which you may be eligible Tear off the cover page and the deadline list page and return the scholarship listing portion to Mrs. Toon She will send you the applications you have requested Complete the applications and return them to the guidance office with the required purple form by the GUIDANCE DEADLINE!!! Most scholarships will be awarded at the Senior Awards Program on May 7^th.
11	ANY QUESTIONS? Mrs. Badgero A-F ext. 1111 Ms. Ulloa G-M ext. 1112 Mrs. Hoeflinger N-Z ext. 1113 Mrs. Toon, Secretary ext. 1110