Senior Parent Senior Parent NightNight

Class of 2015Class of 2015AAnderson nderson CCounty ounty HHigh igh

SSchoolchoolMrs. Bridget Wells, Associate Mrs. Bridget Wells, Associate

PrincipalPrincipal

Ms. Cindy Miracle, Guidance Ms. Cindy Miracle, Guidance CounselorCounselor

Ms. Candice Tankersley, Guidance Ms. Candice Tankersley, Guidance CounselorCounselor

Mrs. Bridget Wells, Asst. Mrs. Bridget Wells, Asst. PrincipalPrincipal

What is the Senior What is the Senior year?year?

1. Senior trip1. Senior trip2. Project Graduation2. Project Graduation3. Symbolic final events like homecoming, prom, 3. Symbolic final events like homecoming, prom,

graduationgraduation4. Memorable times to share with cherished 4. Memorable times to share with cherished

friends!friends!** Is it TIME to take it easy??** Is it TIME to take it easy??No, students should be buckling down and No, students should be buckling down and

preparing to make major adult-like decisions.preparing to make major adult-like decisions.

Questions to AnswerQuestions to Answer

What are your son or daughter’s What are your son or daughter’s post-secondary plans?post-secondary plans?

What do they need to complete What do they need to complete before getting there?before getting there?

What criteria is required to What criteria is required to accomplish their goals?accomplish their goals?

How can my senior year be socially How can my senior year be socially MEMORABLEMEMORABLE and academically and academically MEANINGFUL?MEANINGFUL?

Am I College and Career Am I College and Career Ready?Ready?

College ReadyCollege Ready ACT – CPE benchmarksACT – CPE benchmarks COMPASS/KYOTE – CPE benchmarksCOMPASS/KYOTE – CPE benchmarks

Career Ready:Career Ready: KOSSA/ Industry CertificatesKOSSA/ Industry Certificates ASVAB or ACT Work keysASVAB or ACT Work keys

College Career ReadinessCollege Career ReadinessCollege Ready

(1 Point)A student must meet

benchmarks on one of the following:

Career Ready(1 Point)

A student must meet benchmarks on one from each

of the following columns:

College & Career Ready

(1.5 Points)A student must meet

benchmarks on one from each of the following columns:

ACTor

COMPASSor

KYOTE

ASVAB Or

ACTWorkKeys

KOSSAor

Industry Certificate

Career Ready Technical

Career Ready Academic

ACTor

COMPASSor

KYOTE

KOSSAor

Industry Certificate

Career Ready Technical

College Ready Academic

Benchmark ScoresBenchmark Scores

ACT Benchmark scores:ACT Benchmark scores: English, 18; Math, 22; Reading, 22; English, 18; Math, 22; Reading, 22;

Science, 23Science, 23

CPE ACT/COMPASS Benchmark CPE ACT/COMPASS Benchmark scoresscores: : English- 18/74; Math- 19/36; English- 18/74; Math- 19/36;

Reading- 20/85Reading- 20/85

ACT Matters!ACT Matters! ACT testing dates here at ACHS : ACT testing dates here at ACHS :

October 25October 25thth & December 13 & December 13thth Additional testing dates available at other Additional testing dates available at other

locationslocations What is ACHS offering?What is ACHS offering?

Practice ACT embedded in individual Practice ACT embedded in individual classroomsclassrooms

ACHS ACT Online – ACHS ACT Online – www.ACTpreponline.comwww.ACTpreponline.com ACT – ACT – www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org * ACHS Boot Camp – fall, spring, and summer* ACHS Boot Camp – fall, spring, and summer

ACT Matters!ACT Matters!KNOW THE ADMISSION KNOW THE ADMISSION

CRITERIA & SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA & SCHOLARSHIP STANDARDS FOR YOUR STANDARDS FOR YOUR COLLEGE CHOICE!COLLEGE CHOICE!

GPA is important, but most University GPA is important, but most University scholarships are figured on ACT scores.scholarships are figured on ACT scores.

Big $$ scholarships are typically 30 Big $$ scholarships are typically 30 composite scores and above. composite scores and above.

Consistently scholarships awarded at Consistently scholarships awarded at Universities with 3.5+ GPA and 28+ ACT.Universities with 3.5+ GPA and 28+ ACT.

3.2 GPA and higher; as well as 24/25 or 3.2 GPA and higher; as well as 24/25 or higher ACT, look at the websites.higher ACT, look at the websites.

What if I don’t meet the What if I don’t meet the college readiness college readiness

benchmark scores?benchmark scores? College – take remediation classes; College – take remediation classes;

You You $$pay$$$$pay$$ for class = for class = 0 credit0 credit ACHS tiered interventions in reading ACHS tiered interventions in reading

and math for seniors who do not meet and math for seniors who do not meet benchmarksbenchmarks Eligible to take COMPASS/KYOTE – College Eligible to take COMPASS/KYOTE – College

placement examplacement exam COMPASS/KYOTE will be required COMPASS/KYOTE will be required

component of math and English final examscomponent of math and English final exams Cannot be an office aideCannot be an office aide

Incentives for TestingIncentives for Testing All seniors who All seniors who meet college readiness meet college readiness

benchmarks on ACTbenchmarks on ACT shall receive a shall receive a certificate good for an exemption from a certificate good for an exemption from a final exam of their choice. final exam of their choice. Seniors who Seniors who meet all will be earn an extra college meet all will be earn an extra college day.day.

All seniors who pass the All seniors who pass the ASVABASVAB with a 50 with a 50 or higher will earn final exam exemption.or higher will earn final exam exemption.

All seniors who pass All seniors who pass KOSSA KOSSA exam will exam will earn final exam exemption.earn final exam exemption.

All seniors who met or exceeded junior All seniors who met or exceeded junior ACT goals will earn lunch pass.ACT goals will earn lunch pass.

Important Senior Important Senior Testing/ InfoTesting/ Info

ASVAB – September 18ASVAB – September 18 KOSSA – February and MarchKOSSA – February and March ACT Work keys: January – MarchACT Work keys: January – March COMPASS/KYOTE – math and English classes or COMPASS/KYOTE – math and English classes or

AprilApril Going out of state– need to take the SAT – See Going out of state– need to take the SAT – See

Ms. Miracle for details.Ms. Miracle for details. Re-taking ACT – If students did not meet college Re-taking ACT – If students did not meet college

readiness benchmarks, they should re-take the readiness benchmarks, they should re-take the ACT their senior year.ACT their senior year. October 26October 26 December 14December 14

Am I challenging myself at Am I challenging myself at school?school?

Early College classes – dual credit with Early College classes – dual credit with BCTCBCTC

Advanced Placement course offerings – Advanced Placement course offerings – pass exams and earn college creditpass exams and earn college credit

Completing Career Majors to take/pass Completing Career Majors to take/pass KOSSA tests and earn articulation KOSSA tests and earn articulation agreement college creditagreement college credit

Striving for Kentucky Scholars Striving for Kentucky Scholars Advanced Kentucky Scholars certificatesAdvanced Kentucky Scholars certificates

Kentucky Scholars Kentucky Scholars CertificateCertificate

All ACHS students must complete 26 credits to be eligible for graduation. All ACHS students must complete 26 credits to be eligible for graduation. Kentucky Scholars Certificates will be awarded to students who complete Kentucky Scholars Certificates will be awarded to students who complete

the following course of study. No yearly grades below a “C” will be the following course of study. No yearly grades below a “C” will be accepted toward credit and a student must have at least a final 2.5 grade accepted toward credit and a student must have at least a final 2.5 grade point average. On rare occasions, a substitution may be made. point average. On rare occasions, a substitution may be made.

English: 4 Credits – English I, II, III, and IVEnglish: 4 Credits – English I, II, III, and IV Social Studies: 4 Credits – Geography, U.S. History, World Civilization, Social Studies: 4 Credits – Geography, U.S. History, World Civilization,

Government & Economics (required), and one approved upper level class, Government & Economics (required), and one approved upper level class, AP class, or BCTC Social Studies class. AP class, or BCTC Social Studies class.

Mathematics: 4.5 credits – Algebra I, Geometry, Data & Measurement, Mathematics: 4.5 credits – Algebra I, Geometry, Data & Measurement, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or one approved upper level, AP class, or BCTC Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or one approved upper level, AP class, or BCTC MAT 150MAT 150

Science: 4 credits – Biology, Chemistry, Integrated/Physical Science, and Science: 4 credits – Biology, Chemistry, Integrated/Physical Science, and one approved upper level, AP class, or BCTC Science class. one approved upper level, AP class, or BCTC Science class.

Health & PE: 1 creditHealth & PE: 1 credit Foreign Language: 2 credits – 2 credits of the same languageForeign Language: 2 credits – 2 credits of the same language Humanities: Art and Drama ½ credit & Music and Dance ½ creditHumanities: Art and Drama ½ credit & Music and Dance ½ credit Electives: 5.5 creditsElectives: 5.5 credits

Advanced Kentucky Advanced Kentucky Scholars CertificateScholars Certificate

All ACHS students must complete 26 credits to be eligible for graduation. All ACHS students must complete 26 credits to be eligible for graduation. Advanced Kentucky Scholars Certificates will be awarded to students who Advanced Kentucky Scholars Certificates will be awarded to students who

complete the following course of study. No yearly grades below a “C” will complete the following course of study. No yearly grades below a “C” will be accepted toward credit and a student must have at least a final 2.5 be accepted toward credit and a student must have at least a final 2.5 grade point average. On rare occasions, a substitution may be made. In grade point average. On rare occasions, a substitution may be made. In addition to the listed course of study, students must take 4 A.P. courses: addition to the listed course of study, students must take 4 A.P. courses: English, Science or Math, and 2 additional AP courses.English, Science or Math, and 2 additional AP courses.

English: 4 Credits – English I, II, III, and IVEnglish: 4 Credits – English I, II, III, and IV Social Studies: 4 Credits – Geography, U.S. History, World Civilization, Social Studies: 4 Credits – Geography, U.S. History, World Civilization,

Government & Economics (required), and one approved upper level class, Government & Economics (required), and one approved upper level class, AP class, or BCTC Social Studies class. AP class, or BCTC Social Studies class.

Mathematics: 4.5 credits – Algebra I, Geometry, Data & Measurement, Mathematics: 4.5 credits – Algebra I, Geometry, Data & Measurement, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or one approved upper level, AP class, or BCTC Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or one approved upper level, AP class, or BCTC MAT 150MAT 150

Science: 4 credits – Biology, Chemistry, Integrated/Physical Science, and Science: 4 credits – Biology, Chemistry, Integrated/Physical Science, and one approved upper level, AP class, or BCTC Science class. one approved upper level, AP class, or BCTC Science class.

Health & PE: 1 creditHealth & PE: 1 credit Foreign Language: 2 credits – 2 credits of the same languageForeign Language: 2 credits – 2 credits of the same language Humanities: Art and Drama ½ credit & Music and Dance ½ creditHumanities: Art and Drama ½ credit & Music and Dance ½ credit Electives: 5.5 creditsElectives: 5.5 credits

Valedictorian / Salutatorian Valedictorian / Salutatorian PolicyPolicy

Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards shall be given to the Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards shall be given to the two students in the graduating class with a class rank of 1 two students in the graduating class with a class rank of 1 and 2 respectively. and 2 respectively.

To be eligible for Valedictorian/Salutatorian consideration, To be eligible for Valedictorian/Salutatorian consideration, a student must have at least 30 credits. a student must have at least 30 credits.

If we have two or more students who have earned above a If we have two or more students who have earned above a 4.0 GPA, we will use the total number of quality points to 4.0 GPA, we will use the total number of quality points to determine Rank 1 and 2. determine Rank 1 and 2.

Quality points will not be added for student aide or Quality points will not be added for student aide or work-based learning. work-based learning.

Transfer students’ transcripts will be evaluated on a case-Transfer students’ transcripts will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the counseling office and the by-case basis by the counseling office and the administration. administration.

Beginning with the Class of 2005, the class rank awards of Beginning with the Class of 2005, the class rank awards of Valedictorian and Salutatorian shall be determined using Valedictorian and Salutatorian shall be determined using this method.this method.

Am I being a responsible Am I being a responsible student?student?

Loss of Privilege PolicyLoss of Privilege Policy Seniors who end up on Loss Seniors who end up on Loss

of Privilege Policy jeopardize of Privilege Policy jeopardize walking at graduation. It is walking at graduation. It is really important that they really important that they are behaving responsibly at are behaving responsibly at school and take care of school and take care of details, like notes.details, like notes.

Phase I:Phase I: 6 or more days of ISS/OCS6 or more days of ISS/OCS Suspended out of schoolSuspended out of school 6 or more unexcused 6 or more unexcused

absencesabsences 6 or more unexcused tardies6 or more unexcused tardies

Warning/ student conference Warning/ student conference and parent contactand parent contact

Phase II:Phase II: 3 additional days of ISS3 additional days of ISS 3 additional days of OCS3 additional days of OCS 3 additional unexcused 3 additional unexcused

absencesabsences 3 additional unexcused 3 additional unexcused

tardiestardies Any additional out of Any additional out of

school suspensionschool suspension Students lose all Students lose all

privileges, except privileges, except graduation.graduation.

Phase III:Phase III: Any additional violation.Any additional violation.

Lose walking at Lose walking at graduationgraduation

Who/what are my Who/what are my resources?resources?

Mrs. Wells, Ms. Miracle, Mrs. Kays and Ms. Mrs. Wells, Ms. Miracle, Mrs. Kays and Ms. Tankersley are senior advisors for credit Tankersley are senior advisors for credit checks, recommendations, etc. checks, recommendations, etc.

Make sure you know exactly what you need to Make sure you know exactly what you need to do to graduate in May – student handbook. do to graduate in May – student handbook.

Keep up with your grades; parents can access Keep up with your grades; parents can access Parent Portal through Mr. Derek Shouse at Parent Portal through Mr. Derek Shouse at Board of Education Office; students get Board of Education Office; students get student portal.student portal.

Mrs. Hollon – Senior tripMrs. Hollon – Senior trip Mrs. Seraji – Balfour: invitations, caps & Mrs. Seraji – Balfour: invitations, caps &

gowns, etc.gowns, etc. Mr. Fore – senior principalMr. Fore – senior principal

Ms. Candice TankersleyMs. Candice TankersleyGuidance CounselorGuidance Counselor

COMMUNICATION: “KEEPING YOU COMMUNICATION: “KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW”IN THE KNOW”

The Counselors’ Website The Counselors’ Website One CallsOne Calls Ms. Miracle’s Weekly E-mailMs. Miracle’s Weekly E-mail

Cynthia.miracle@anderson.kyschools.usCynthia.miracle@anderson.kyschools.us

The Counselor’s WebsiteThe Counselor’s Website

On the ACHS homepage, click On the ACHS homepage, click AcademicsAcademics click Counselor’s Office click Counselor’s Office

Here you will find 12Here you will find 12thth Grade News Grade News You Can Use, ILP Information, You Can Use, ILP Information, Scholarship Listings and the Daily Scholarship Listings and the Daily AnnouncementsAnnouncements

Ms. Miracle’s Weekly E-Ms. Miracle’s Weekly E-mailmail

Every Friday, Ms. Miracle sends out Every Friday, Ms. Miracle sends out an e-mail with information about an e-mail with information about important events, deadlines and important events, deadlines and activities relating to ACHS students. activities relating to ACHS students.

Call or e-mail Ms. Miracle to give her Call or e-mail Ms. Miracle to give her your e-mail address if you would like your e-mail address if you would like to be added to her distribution list. to be added to her distribution list.

Cynthia.miracle@anderson.kyschools.Cynthia.miracle@anderson.kyschools.usus

The following items are The following items are available for pick-up:available for pick-up:

College Planning College Planning ChecklistChecklist

Getting In books with Getting In books with KEES, FAFSA info.KEES, FAFSA info.

Info. for college-bound Info. for college-bound athletesathletes

ACT & SAT ScheduleACT & SAT Schedule AP Test ScheduleAP Test Schedule College Career College Career

Readiness BenchmarksReadiness Benchmarks ACT Online ACT Online

informationinformation

How to apply for How to apply for college and for college and for Financial AidFinancial Aid

Recommendation Recommendation formsforms

Transcript RequestsTranscript Requests Types of Types of

ScholarshipsScholarships College Visit Policy College Visit Policy

(Ms. Miracle in guidance (Ms. Miracle in guidance office.)office.)

The Individual The Individual Learning Plan Learning Plan

(ILP)(ILP)What is it?What is it?

An online college and career An online college and career planning tool used to help planning tool used to help students prepare for post students prepare for post

secondary decisions.secondary decisions.

How can SENIORS utilize How can SENIORS utilize their ILP?their ILP?

Search for colleges in all states; compare Search for colleges in all states; compare tuition rates, available majors, by-college tuition rates, available majors, by-college scholarship opportunities, student scholarship opportunities, student demographics and housing plans.demographics and housing plans.

Research different careers; find out the level of Research different careers; find out the level of education required, expected salary and job education required, expected salary and job outlookoutlook

Record their extracurricular activities, awards, Record their extracurricular activities, awards, work/volunteer experiences, etc.work/volunteer experiences, etc.

Create a professional resumeCreate a professional resume Receive notifications about scholarships and Receive notifications about scholarships and

program opportunities that you may qualify for. program opportunities that you may qualify for.

Before graduation, Seniors Before graduation, Seniors MUST complete the following MUST complete the following

sections in the ILP:sections in the ILP: Annual ILP ReviewAnnual ILP Review Annual Student Annual Student

SurveySurvey Careers that Interest Careers that Interest

MeMe Schools that Interest Schools that Interest

MeMe Career and Life GoalsCareer and Life Goals Career Cluster Career Cluster

InterestsInterests

Post-Secondary Post-Secondary GoalsGoals

Career Planning Career Planning ActivitiesActivities

Organizations and Organizations and ActivitiesActivities

Community Community ServiceService

Course of Study-Course of Study-Grade 12Grade 12

The Parent/Guardian ILP The Parent/Guardian ILP Tool allows YOU to:Tool allows YOU to:

View the work your child has View the work your child has entered in his or her ILP.entered in his or her ILP.

Learn more about the careers and Learn more about the careers and schools that your child is interested schools that your child is interested in.in.

Keep track of your child’s ILP Keep track of your child’s ILP completion status.completion status.

Ms. Cindy Miracle, Ms. Cindy Miracle, Guidance CounselorGuidance Counselor

Preparing for the Preparing for the

Next StepsNext Steps

Most Common Scholarship Most Common Scholarship TypesTypes

AcademicAcademic: : Grades & ACT/SAT ScoresGrades & ACT/SAT Scores AthleticsAthletics: NCAA or NAIA divisions.: NCAA or NAIA divisions.

Community Service/VolunteerismCommunity Service/Volunteerism Health/DisabilityHealth/Disability: : Physical/mental/learning disabled.Physical/mental/learning disabled. Church/Faith BasedChurch/Faith Based: Specific religion/belief: Specific religion/belief EssayEssay: Most likely to not focus on academics.: Most likely to not focus on academics. InstitutionalInstitutional: Specific to the particular : Specific to the particular

College/UniversityCollege/University TransferTransfer: Institutional specific and varies: Institutional specific and varies

Please review the scholarship applications for eligibility!!

Scholarship TermsScholarship Terms Full Scholarship: Full Scholarship: Usually means that the Usually means that the

scholarship covers tuition, housing, meal plan, books and scholarship covers tuition, housing, meal plan, books and fees.fees.

Full Tuition Scholarship: Full Tuition Scholarship: PaysPays onlyonly the the Tuition costs of a full time student. (Does not include Tuition costs of a full time student. (Does not include housing, meals, books, fees.)housing, meals, books, fees.)

Partial Scholarship: Partial Scholarship: Only awards funding for a Only awards funding for a portion of the tuition or fee costs.portion of the tuition or fee costs.

Renewable ScholarshipRenewable Scholarship: : Student must renew Student must renew each year for scholarship, and usually requires ‘conditions’ each year for scholarship, and usually requires ‘conditions’ and reapplying.and reapplying.

Nonrenewable ScholarshipNonrenewable Scholarship:: Usually meaning Usually meaning a one time award.a one time award.

Top 10 Scholarship MythsTop 10 Scholarship Myths

1.1. Only straight- Only straight- “A”“A” students win scholarships students win scholarships2.2. Only Only minorityminority students win scholarships students win scholarships3.3. My child will get a My child will get a full-ridefull-ride scholarship scholarship 4.4. Only Only athletesathletes win scholarships win scholarships5.5. Only the Only the poorpoor win scholarships win scholarships6.6. Scholarships are just for high-school Scholarships are just for high-school seniorsseniors 7.7. The cost of The cost of privateprivate high school is earned back in high school is earned back in

scholarshipsscholarships8.8. $6.6-billion in scholarships went $6.6-billion in scholarships went unclaimedunclaimed last year last year 9.9. Colleges will justColleges will just reduce reduce other aid if a student has a other aid if a student has a

scholarshipscholarship10.10. Applying for scholarships is moreApplying for scholarships is more work work than it’s worth than it’s worth

Local ScholarshipsLocal Scholarships

Local ScholarshipsLocal Scholarships Local Scholarship packets will be available in Local Scholarship packets will be available in

spring term– after January.spring term– after January. Scholarship packets may be picked up in guidance Scholarship packets may be picked up in guidance

office.office. Each scholarship has varying deadlines and Each scholarship has varying deadlines and

varying amounts.varying amounts. Scholarship recipients will be notified.Scholarship recipients will be notified. All Scholarship information that is returned to Ms. All Scholarship information that is returned to Ms.

Miracle in the spring will be announced at the Miracle in the spring will be announced at the Senior Awards Program in May and will be Senior Awards Program in May and will be submitted to the Anderson News after graduation. submitted to the Anderson News after graduation. If we are not aware of it, we cannot share it.If we are not aware of it, we cannot share it.

Mrs. Holly PeytonMrs. Holly Peyton

One parent’s personal experience One parent’s personal experience with high school to college with high school to college transition.transition.

COLLEGE APPLICATION & CAREER READINESS WEEK – Nov. 17 - 21Dec. 2nd, 6:30 p.m. - Financial aide workshop with KHEAA, Toni Wiley•Finalize your list of colleges. Be sure you list "safety" colleges, as well as “probable” and "reach" colleges.

•Review college applications and informational materials. Organize materials into separate files by college.

•If you plan to apply through an early decision or early action program, get started on your applications right away. Deadlines for early applications tend to be in November.

•Begin working on your college essays. Think of topics that focus on your experiences and make you stand out from the crowd.

College Application College Application ProcessProcess

KHEAAKHEAA Getting In GuideGetting In Guide KEES KEES Getting the Facts- Your Getting the Facts- Your

Personalized College Personalized College Guide Guide

Create a My KHEAA account! Apply for state scholarships!

Early Decision vs. Early Early Decision vs. Early ActionAction

Early decision plans are binding.Early decision plans are binding. You agree to You agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can adequate financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges through the regular admission apply to other colleges through the regular admission process. If you're accepted by your first-choice college process. If you're accepted by your first-choice college early, you must withdraw all other applications.early, you must withdraw all other applications.

Early action plans are similar to early decision Early action plans are similar to early decision plans, but are not binding.plans, but are not binding. If you’ve been accepted, If you’ve been accepted, you can choose to commit to the college immediately, you can choose to commit to the college immediately, or wait until the spring. Under these plans, you may or wait until the spring. Under these plans, you may also apply early action to other colleges. Usually, you also apply early action to other colleges. Usually, you have until the late spring to let the college know your have until the late spring to let the college know your decision.decision.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tips for Making the Most of Your Counselor’s TimeCounselor’s Time

www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com

1.  Be Responsible1.  Be Responsible Ultimately, you want to go to a college Ultimately, you want to go to a college

that’s a good fit for you. Take charge that’s a good fit for you. Take charge of the application process. Find out of the application process. Find out your school’s process, know your your school’s process, know your deadlines, keep in contact with your deadlines, keep in contact with your counselor and perform the legwork counselor and perform the legwork necessary to get the job done.necessary to get the job done.

2.  Be Organized2.  Be Organized Make a chart to keep track of different Make a chart to keep track of different

colleges' requirements, and mark a colleges' requirements, and mark a calendar with your application calendar with your application deadlines. Have a separate folder for deadlines. Have a separate folder for each application so you can keep each application so you can keep materials organized and easy to access. materials organized and easy to access. Know your school’s process and Know your school’s process and schedule for asking for schedule for asking for recommendations, and write your recommendations, and write your essays well ahead of the deadlines.essays well ahead of the deadlines.

3. Be Early3. Be Early In the case of college applications, on In the case of college applications, on

time might not be good enough. Essays, time might not be good enough. Essays, recommendations and transcript request recommendations and transcript request forms should all be completed and forms should all be completed and submitted at least two weeks before the submitted at least two weeks before the application deadline. Counselors and application deadline. Counselors and support staff members usually fill these support staff members usually fill these requests on a first-come, first-served requests on a first-come, first-served basis, so get in line as early as possible.basis, so get in line as early as possible.

4.  Be Ready4.  Be Ready Even when you apply to a college online, Even when you apply to a college online,

some parts of the application must be sent by some parts of the application must be sent by mail. Leave time for the U.S. Postal Service to mail. Leave time for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver your application and for the college's deliver your application and for the college's internal mail service to process it. And don’t internal mail service to process it. And don’t wait until the last minute to submit online — wait until the last minute to submit online — the website could have technical problems if the website could have technical problems if too many students are trying to use it at the too many students are trying to use it at the same time. Finally, factor in some additional same time. Finally, factor in some additional time for unanticipated errors and delays.time for unanticipated errors and delays.

5.  Be Positive5.  Be Positive The college application process, although The college application process, although

time-consuming, is a good chance for you to time-consuming, is a good chance for you to discover yourself, what you are interested in discover yourself, what you are interested in and your opportunities for the future. This and your opportunities for the future. This may be one of the most complex tasks you’ve may be one of the most complex tasks you’ve ever taken on, but it’s a good introduction to ever taken on, but it’s a good introduction to the multifaceted projects you’ll be handling the multifaceted projects you’ll be handling in college and in life. Organization, in college and in life. Organization, communication, patience and reasonable communication, patience and reasonable expectations are the keys to making it a expectations are the keys to making it a manageable and successful experience.manageable and successful experience.

Guidance office formsGuidance office forms

College Visit FormCollege Visit Form -Must fill out -Must fill out and turn in to Ms. Miracle or Ms. and turn in to Ms. Miracle or Ms. TankersleyTankersley

the top page the top page beforebefore you go on visit (to you go on visit (to prevent being counted absent)prevent being counted absent)

validation sheet upon returning to validation sheet upon returning to school school after after college visitcollege visit

Transcript request formTranscript request form -must -must have parent sign form if under 18have parent sign form if under 18

Recommendation formRecommendation form

College Search ResourcesCollege Search Resources

College Board College Board www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com

Department of Education Department of Education www.ed.govwww.ed.gov

Go to College Go to College www.gotocollege.ky.govwww.gotocollege.ky.gov

KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority) Assistance Authority) www.kheaa.comwww.kheaa.com

Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts

Call us if you have questions, we are here Call us if you have questions, we are here to help!to help!

Judy Craft, our guidance secretary, is the Judy Craft, our guidance secretary, is the only one of us that can say she’s been only one of us that can say she’s been where you are…the rest of us have not where you are…the rest of us have not experienced the senior year as parents.experienced the senior year as parents.

Financial Aid Workshop – January 22Financial Aid Workshop – January 22ndnd This power point will be online. If you do This power point will be online. If you do

not have access, let us know, we will get not have access, let us know, we will get this information to you!this information to you!