Planning for College

Overview

Think of each year as being a building block Don’t get stressed over process- already off to

good start Use resources available to you

Sophomore Year

Keep your grades up! Take challenging classes Explore Careers Start to explore postgraduate options by attending college fairs, college

presentations and through informal college visits Talk to your parents about your goals Explore career opportunities in more depth through classes, Naviance

and/or independent research Get to know your high school faculty Talk to your Guidance Counselor about Scholarships Take leadership roles: at work, clubs, volunteering, at church in sports Maintain running list of accomplishments throughout high school Save Money!!

Admission Index for Freshmen

Financing your education

INDEX 95-101 102-111 112-116 117-121 122-132 133+

IN-STATE $1000 $2000 $2500 $3000 $3500 $4000

Freshmen Tuition Merit Awards

INDEX 95-101 102-111 112-116 117-121 122-132 133+

IN-STATE $500 $1500 $2000 $2500 $3000 $3500

Early Action: application received before January 15

Regular Decision: application received after January 15

Transfer Tuition Merit Awards

Higher Ed Admission Requirements

• 4 years of English• 4 years of Math

• 3 years of Social Science (1 unit of US or World History)• 3 years of Science (2 years must be lab-based)

• 1 year of a world language

Junior Year (Fall) Most Important Year Academically! Start taking AP/Honors

classes- Be sure to sign up for Exams Continue to be involved in worthwhile activities October: PSAT (necessary for anyone wishing National Merit

Recognition) ACT prep December: ACT Attend Jr. Seminar if it is offered Research colleges- keep information organized! Start looking

into what is required in application packet/deadlines Ask about scholarship opportunities Attend College Fairs offered by High School/ Denver area- get

on mailing lists

Junior Year (Spring/Summer

April: State ACT Make sure you register for appropriate college admission tests

(ACT/SAT) Take AP Exams if enrolled in classes Plan a summer internship: PinHead-science, Colorado AHEC-health,

Colorado Health, FASTWEB-list Spring: Visit a few colleges- start building relationships with Admission

Staff Schedule individual conference with HS counselor to discuss your

“plan” & begin college planning Spring: Complete & Return NCAA Clearinghouse form for Div. I & II

Sports. Understand recruiting process Ask for letters of reference Apply for early admission consideration at some colleges June: ACT Summer: Visit Colleges (to help narrow list)! Work, TRAVEL, volunteer,

remain involved

Senior Year: September Consider/Apply for Concurrent Enrollment Take ACT or SAT Write College Essay Gather Letters of Reference Create a Resume Apply to all colleges

College Admission Resume Highlights accomplishments during high school Used for writing recommendations, college interviews, &

scholarship evaluation Looking at scholastic & other achievements, awards,

activities, athletics, leadership, community service, special talents

In Reviewers’ eyes, “What are you going to bring to our Institution?”

Senior Year: October Gather any missing documents ACT or SAT Check to make sure your college applications have been

received and are complete

Senior Year: November Ask about scholarship opportunities at colleges you applied

to. Ask your guidance office about scholarships Work on scholarship applications Look at cost for schools, create a budget with your parents

Senior Year: December Early decision accept letters Complete any remaining interviews Research summer plans

Senior Year: January Submit FAFSA (Jan 1-Feb 15): www.fafsa.ed.gov Check other Financial Aid options Attend Financial Aid workshop

Senior Year: February February 15: Finish FAFSA Complete Scholarship Applications Call colleges to make sure your Financial Aid info is

complete

Senior Year: March-April Relax Look for remaining Accept letters Review Award Letters Review your Scholarship offers Talk to your mentors about schools you are considering Look at your budget Make an Enrollment Deposit

Senior Year: May

If you have not decided on a school decide by May 1. Pay your enrollment deposit Contact Wait List Schools Request that your Graduation Transcript be sent to your

college Contact your college to:

schedule classes Apply for housing, pay bills, request payment plans

Senior Year: Summer Wrap up loose ends Attend Orientation Buy School supplies/books Health Insurance and other adult things Make a plan to stay in touch with your family and friends Go over your budget, again Move

Advice Students

Listen to your parents! Keep your grades up It is never to early to think about finances Use counselors on both HS & College end- it is always better to ask! DO NOT WAIT TILL LAST MINUTE Stay organized

Parents HS years go by fast- attend workshops/ info sessions provided by

schools Allow your kids to visit campuses Be realistic with possibilities Start collecting info on financial aid options early on Sit back and let your kids talk! It will all work out