SENIOR SUCCESS STRATEGIES

Counselor AssignmentsA-C Sonia MurilloD-Hi Carol AltgilbersHo-Mi Casey PyszczymukaMo- Sg Carol BaumgartnerSh-Z Karen Holton

Secretary Donna Stewart

This fall, counselors have visited all senior Englishclasses and have seen most seniors on an individual

basis

Discovering the Best Post-Secondary PlanTechnical College2 Year College4 Year College or UniversitySpecialty SchoolsMilitaryApprenticeship

Researching optionsCollege admissions reps on campusMilitary RecruitersProbe Fair (Cherokee HS, Oct. 14th 6:00 – 8:30pm)Campus VisitsInternet

www.gacollege411.orgwww.gcic.peachnet.edu

Username: cherokeehs Password: gcis373Career Center

Open during lunch periods Tuesday and Thursday in the Media Center (staffed by counselors)

Making a preliminary schools list

ReachRangeSafety

Use GCIS or the college’s websites to obtain the profile for this year’s freshman class

How Colleges Choose Among StudentsAcademic Record

Courses TakenGPA Recalculated

ACT/SATEssaysRecommendationsExtracurricular and Service Activities

When and How Do I Apply?Apply as soon as possible, preferably BEFORE

THANKSGIVING.Apply BEFORE NOVEMBER 1st if applying for

academic scholarships.Complete the application online.Request that test scores be sent directly from ACT

or College BoardRequest recommendations, if needed, at least 2

weeks prior to deadline.Requires that a transcript be sent from the

counseling office $2 per copy. The Final transcript is free.

College Admissions TestACT

Plan to attend a 4 YEAR COLLEGE and UNIVERSITY and are taking Algebra 2.

Students decide which scores to send.

Scores are not posted on H.S. transcript.

No penalty for wrong answers.

Straightforward questions.

Paper and pencil test.

Four hours long.

ASSETPlan to attend a TECHNICAL College.

Call Tech School to sign up to take the test.

No passing score required (score is used for placement).

Paper and pencil test.

Two hours long.

COMPASSPlan to attend a 2 YEAR COLLEGE like GA Highlands and GA Perimeter or a Technical School.

Call college to sign up to take the test .

No passing score required (score is used for placement).

Computerized test.

Two and a half hours long.

SATPlan to attend a 4 YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY and are currently taking Trigonometry or a higher advanced math.

All scores are sent to chosen colleges.

Scores are not posted on H.S. transcript.

Penalized for wrong answers.

Questions are less straightforward.

Paper and pencil test.

Four hours long.

All Georgia College accept ACT Scores

Senior Timeline…

Should be In ProgressReview graduation status with

counselorSign up for a college admissions test

(ACT, SAT, ASSET, COMPASS).Research collegesDevelop a resumeWork on essaysRequest recommendations, 2 weeks in

advance, if needed

OctoberComplete applications by November 1st if possibleKeep copies of all applications and essaysAttend PROBE Fair at CHS on October 14th and meet with college repsContact financial aid offices of colleges regarding merit based scholarships

November and DecemberComplete financial records for taxesKeep grades up!!!

JanuaryComplete FAFSA and/or HOPE application

February and MarchContinue to search for scholarshipsBe sure you have a local scholarship form on file

April and MayExpect to receive a notification from

colleges during the FIRST WEEK IN APRILExpect to receive a financial aid packageLet the college know by MAY 1st if you plan to attend …Choose the best school for you!!!Request that a final copy of your transcript be sent in June. MAY 29th – GRADUATION!!!!

Scholarships

Merit Based Need Based Miscellaneous

Apply directly with college

Most deadlines are November

1st

(GATech, UGA, Emory)

FAFSA

Apply after January 1st

Scholarship Special

Local Scholarships

Internet searches:

www.fastweb.comwww.finaid.org

Scholarship Special .   Emory Scholars Program: merit-based scholarship program for students who plan to attend Emory University next

fall. The criteria includes: outstanding academic achievement, impressive communication skills, leadership and creativity, potential for enriching lives at Emory. CHS can nominate up to 4 students. If you are interested, please submit a resume marked Emory Scholars to Ms. Baumgartner no later than September 28th.

  North Georgia College and State University Scholarships Military Scholarships, Leadership Scholarships, ROTC Scholarships. Apply BEFORE THANKSGIVING!!! See Ms.

Baumgartner for more information.   Random House Essay Contest: The essay question is related to the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go. The

topic is about the opportunities and challenges that you think your education will present in the future. Applications are available at www.theohtheplaces.org

  Local Scholarship Application: Completing this application will enable you to be considered for several local

scholarship opportunities in the spring. Please see the Counseling Web Site to download the form.   Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship: www.elks.org/enfscholars/downloadmvs.cfm Deadline is November 2, 2009. Mail application to: Greg Shelby 5871 Edenfield Court Acworth, GA 30101   Georgia PTA Scholarship for students who are planning to work in a youth related field and demonstrate a need for

financial assistance. Deadline is February 1. See Ms. Baumgartner for an application.   Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for students who have made a difference by volunteering in their

community. To apply, please complete a senior profile and mark it Prudential Award at the top. Return to Ms. Baumgartner. CHS selects 2 winners from our school to complete at the state level.

Most colleges have early fall deadlines for their academic scholarships! Be sure to check the website of the college for details

FAFSA Application for Need Based Aid…Also used for HOPEApply online soon after January 1st.Data based on 2009 income tax.

Gather information for tax returns early.Central Processing Agency

Evaluates data and sends for an EFC (estimated family contribution).This information is also send to college financial aid office.

April 1st

Financial aid offices of colleges will send you a financial aid package composed of loans, grants, and work-study options. HOPE will be included in this offer.

HOPE Scholarship Program

Access FAFSA and HOPE application through www.gacollege411.org

Financial Aid Overview

Mr. Ante Williams

(770) 724-9000 or 1-800-505-4732www.GACollege411.org