Don’t Miss Your Exit:

Don’t Miss Your Exit:

Successfully Navigating the Road Beyond High School

Mileage Accumulated:

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 career are

you pursuing?

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.

Arriving at Your Destination:May 30, 2014

» GRADUATE AND CELEBRATE!!!

Helpful Links

» Vawizard.org» glnd.k12.va.us/index/ghs/guidance» Twitter: GoochHS Guidance

(@GuidanceGHS)» Facebook: Goochland High School

Guidance» FAFSA.gov