Checklist for College Planning:
1) Take the PSAT in the fall of sophomore year.
2) Take the SAT and/or ACT during junior year at least twice.
3) Go on college visits, and contact college representatives for the area.
4) Apply to schools of interest by November 1 of senior year, but check university websites for earlier deadlines.
5) Apply for housing at the school.
6) Fill out the FAFSA by the FAFSA deadline (April 15) of senior year.
7) Seek out and apply for scholarships as soon as possible, especially during senior year.
College Visits
Before deciding on a specific school, students are encouraged to go on college visits. Websites and brochures show beautiful pictures and major highlights of a university, but it might not capture the atmosphere or give enough insight on specific majors. In order to learn all of this, students are encouraged to visit several schools before making a decision. These are better when school is in session, and visitors are able to see a normal school day with real students. Many schools offer overnight visits, which can provide prospective students with a genuine feel for the school. Go into the visit with an open mind and a list of questions to help with the college search.
From the SHS Student Handbook:
3. EXEMPTED- absent from school as verified by the principal or principal designee, which does NOT count toward the NINE (9) allowable absences
a. working at an official election
b. court appearances
c. service in the National Guard
d. serving as a page for the General Assembly
e. school-sponsored field trips
f. suspensions, either in-school or out-of-school
g. illness with proper documentation from physician (presented to school within 48 hours upon the return to school)
h. funeral of an immediate family member
i. Other one-time verified extenuating circumstances (such as college visits) with proper physical documentation (including but not limited to: parking receipts, event programs, itineraries, etc…) as approved by the administration may be exempted if they are communicated to the Principal or Assistant Principal prior to their occurrence.
Tips for successful college visit:
1. Talk with Mr. Routt about the possible visit (prior to scheduling)
2. Make sure to reserve a spot on a tour or visit of the chosen campus.
3. Attend the visit/tour.
4. Bring back souvenirs (parking receipts, program, letter from admissions office stating that you attended the campus)
Tips for Scholarship and College Applications
- Make sure the information and pages are clean, typed, and in the correct order.
- Read all of the instructions carefully; pay attention to needed documentation, deadlines, and where to send the application.
- Start and submit early. Competition is very high, and you do not want to miss a deadline.
- Proofread the application word-for-word, and do not be afraid to have at least one other person look it over.
- Ask teachers and others that may write a letter of recommendation at least two weeks in advance. Also, give them a copy of your resume and/or an activities list so they can highlight specific accomplishments. Pick individuals that you have connected with, and that respect you as a student and a person.
- Turn your applications into the Guidance Department at least a week before the deadline. The counselors must retrieve your transcripts and other information before sending it off, and they must be given enough time to do this for all students.
Military ROTC
Students that have considered joining the military may also consider an ROTC program. The Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines have traditional Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at over 1,700 colleges in the United States. In exchange for committing to serve in the military after graduation, cadets are awarded college tuition assistance, a guaranteed post-college career, and an officer ranking in their military branch. The Coast Guard offers a similar program, the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI), that also offers college tuition assistance and a guaranteed officer position, but the program is organized slightly different.
For more information on these programs, please visit the following links: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy.