PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN APPLYING TO A COLLEGE

1. Research Vigorously - Use the college information available in the Counseling Center and Library.

2. Entrance Requirements

  • What tests are required (ACT, SAT I, SAT II)?

  • Is a certain GPA or class rank required for admission?

  • Must specific courses be taken in high school before a student can be considered for admission?

  • What is the deadline for submitting an application?

3. Entrance Tests - Once you know what tests are required, make arrangements to take them. Registration materials are available in the Counseling Center.

4. Make Contact - Write, call, and/or visit the college admissions office for information and

applications. Some applications are available in the Counseling Center. Many colleges have applications available through the internet.

5. Apply - Fill out the application form carefully and completely and mail it. It will become a part of the permanent file the college will compile on you.

6. Send Transcript - Be sure you know what the college requires: sixth term, seventh term, and/or final transcript.

7. Financial Aid/Scholarships - The best source of financial aid and scholarship information is available through the Financial Aid Office of the college/university, which you plan to attend.

8. The Counselor - Counselors are available to help you through this whole process. They can direct you to sources of information and outline procedures and time lines to be followed.

TIME TABLE FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS

Freshman and Sophomore Years

  • Realize the importance of GP A and Course selection

  • Meet with counselor regarding individualized career planning

  • Become familiar with college entrance requirements. Do colleges differ in course requirements?, Which courses in your high school curriculum satisfy college requirements?

  • Work with parents, teachers, and counselors to create a four-year high school curriculum plan to satisfy your goals. Visit colleges.

September-March of Junior Year

  • Realize the importance of GP A and Course selection

  • Meet with counselor regarding individualized career planning

  • Think about your reasons for going to college. What are your goals? What learning opportunities are most important? Do your college plans include career plans?

  • Talk with your parents, counselors, teachers, and friends.

January-March of Junior Year

  • Identify important factors in choosing a college. Two-year or four-year? Location? Cost? Kind of atmosphere? Variety of study programs available?

  • Focus on your goals and career interests. Consult college guidebooks.

  • Four year college bound students should register for ACT/SAT. Students attending

  • community college or vocational school do not need to take the ACT/SAT. For further information and Questions on the test see your counselor.

March-August of Junior Year

  • List colleges you are considering and collect information. Have you included all possible choices? What information do you need? How can you get it?

  • Read, discuss, listen, and visit colleges. Attend college fairs and college night programs in your area. Take appropriate college admissions test.

TIME TABLE FOR COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS

Beginning of School Year

  • Realize the importance of GP A and Course selection

  • Meet with counselor regarding individualized career planning . Include your parents in your college planning.

  • Involve your counselor in your decision-making process.

  • Consult catalogs to learn when your college requires you to take the SAT or ACT tests.

  • Note registration deadlines for the first SAT and ACT test dates. These dates are listed on the registration forms and in the Counseling Center.

  • Sign up for a college bus trip to the college(s) of your choice. You must sign up beforehand and receive written permission from your parents. These trips are scheduled on various school days. Watch the bulletin for specific date.

 October

  • Begin selecting the colleges to which you will apply.

  • Complete applications for admission. Try to limit your number of applications to four if you are applying to selective schools. If you are asked to provide teacher or counselor references, request permission from the teacher and provide stamped, addressed envelopes. Allow at least two weeks for the recommendations to be complete.

  • Complete applications for scholarships if you are seeking financial help. Watch for application deadlines and required examinations. A current scholarship list will be produced approximately every two weeks through the Counseling Center. Financial aid forms will be available in the Counseling Center after mid-December. They may not be filed until after Jan.

  • Students are encouraged to fill out financial aid forms on-line.

  • Sign up in the Counseling Center to visit with college representatives. Dates for these visits will be announced in the bulletin and posted near the Counseling Center.

  • Meet application deadlines for the colleges to which you will apply.

  • Secure applications in the Counseling Center for the December administration of the ACT and SAT.

  • Attend the College Night Program 6 PM October 3, 2005, at Park Hill South High School. Over 100 college, university, and military representatives will be present to answer you questions.

  • The SAT test will be given on October 8, 2005.

  • The ACT test will be given on October 22, 2005. 3. November

  • Make your college choices.

  • Keep your counselor informed as to your college decision.

  • Complete applications for admission to colleges. Request a sixth term from the registrar. . November 1-15 are frequent deadlines for early decision applications.

  • Continue to apply for appropriate scholarships.

  • Some out-of-state colleges and some selective private schools frequently admit students on a first come first serve basis. Send in your application if you are considering one of these schools.

The SAT will be given November 5, 2005.

December

  • Complete your applications for admission and request transcripts. If Jan. 1 is the deadline, applications must be submitted by December 5.

  • Plan college visits during the holiday vacation. Call the college admissions office beforehand so they can make arrangements for you to visit with officials, students, and faculty members.

  • Submit housing applications to your final college choices. A deposit may be required by some schools.

  • The SAT will be given on December 3, 2005.

  • The ACT will be given on December 10, 2005.

January

  • January is the deadline for many college admissions and scholarships. It is your responsibility to be informed about these deadlines.

  • Fill out the Federal Financial Aid Application.

  • Seventh term transcripts can be requested from the registrar's office late in January. The SAT will be given on January 28, 2006.

February

  • Complete any unfinished admission procedures. . Investigate local scholarship offerings.

  • The ACT will be given February 11, 2006.

March & April

  • Anticipate receiving acceptance and rejection forms from various colleges for which you applied.

  • Make your college decision as soon as possible. Write to the other colleges withdrawing your applications or declining their acceptance and financial aid when you are certain of your choices.

The SAT will be given on April 1, 2006.  
The ACT will be given on April 8, 2006.

Remainder of the School Year

DO YOUR VERY BEST WORK. YOU DARE NOT SLUMP IN THE QUALITY OF WORK YOU ARE DOING. COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES ARE PROVISIONAL UNTIL AFTER YOUR FINAL SENIOR GRADES ARE RECEIVED.  The SAT will be given May 6 and June 3, 2006. . The ACT will be given June 10, 2006.