College Planning

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

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!!

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

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

?? 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

Test TakingPLAN – 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.

Keep Up or Make Connections“It’s not what you know, it’s 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.

It is never too early to start!

• Begin to research colleges now

• Visit campuses…it is the only way you will know if you want to live there

• Look into specialized areas of study. They may have different requirements

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.

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)

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…

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

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!