Senior Info

Senior Checklist for First Semester

_____ Check classes to ensure that all graduation requirements will be fulfilled.

_____ Check to ensure that your cumulative unweighted GPA is at least a 2.0

_____ If either of the above has not yet been reached, see your counselor immediately to develop a plan to

graduate on time.

_____  If passing scores on both the Reading and Math sections of the FCAT have not been reached,

register for the ACT (www.actstudent.org) and/or the SAT (www.collegeboard.com).

Fee waivers may be available for those who cannot afford to pay for the tests.  See your counselor to

determine whether or not you are eligible.

_____  Take the ASVAB for military options and also for a basic career aptitude test. (Test given at RRHS

October 25th)

_____  If applying to a 4-year college or university directly after high school, make sure all the minimum

criteria are met (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 2 credits of the same foreign language, 2 academic

electives).

_____  Complete computer search for colleges or technical schools.  Use www.FACTS.org for Florida

schools and www.Princetonreview.com for out-of-state schools.

_____  Check college/university websites for program information, admissions applications, and important

dates.

_____  Schedule college visits.

_____  Arrange visits at technical schools with Mrs. Peterson.

_____  Types of financial aid:  Merit-based: scholarships   Need-based:  grants, some scholarships, work-

study,  loans

_____  Begin financial aid searches through the following websites:

https://www.finaid.org/

https://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp

https://www.fastweb.com/

https://www.gocollege.com/

https://www.meritaid.com/

https://www.nasfaa.org/redesign/ParentsStudents.html

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES THAT REQUIRE A FEE MAY OFTEN BE SCAMS.

THE WEBSITES ABOVE ARE ALL FREE.

_____  Keep up-to-date with local scholarship opportunities through Mrs. Peterson’s Scholarship Page.

_____  Complete a rough draft of the FAFSA worksheet so it can be transmitted as soon as possible after

January 1st.

Beware of any website that requires a fee for the FAFSA.  The ONLY official website for the

FAFSA is https://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

_____  Explore Florida financial aid at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/

 

 

 

College Visits

•Make appointments for tour and financial aid assistance

•Schedule visit while classes are in session.

•Stay overnight in dorm and eat in dining hall

•Attend classes and social events.

•Check bulletin boards in dorms, student center, and classroom buildings

•Get a copy of the student newspaper

 

 

 

Applying to College

 

•Apply to more than one college.

•Apply to 2-3 reach schools and 2-3 safety schools

•Apply early (NOW!) for admissions and scholarships.

•All state university and many private college applications can be completed online.  If a paper copy is required, it can usually be downloaded off the institution’s website.

•Applications can be filled out at the CRC, media center, or public library if a computer or internet access is not available at home.

•Consider setting up an new APPROPRIATE email address just for college.

•Submit a release of record to the guidance office.  This is necessary for transcript transmission.  Parent signature is required for students under the age of 18.

•Submit a transcript request for each school to which you wish to apply.  Each transcript costs $1.  At least 3 days notice is required.

•Give teacher, counselor, or career specialist at least two weeks notice for letter of recommendation.

•If using hard copy, submit the paperwork in a stamped, addressed envelope.

•Register for and take the ACT and/or the SAT unless last year’s score is sufficient.

•Follow up to make sure application and materials are complete.

•Student athletes wishing to play sports in college must register through NCAA.org

•Important to note that college acceptance can be rescinded if student does not maintain academic integrity.  Examples include lying on application, suspension from school, failing or poor grades, criminal charges, cheating etc..

•MAINTAIN GOOD STANDARDS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM!

•Check status for SUS admission and Bright Futures on facts.org

•Our PHCC representative visits RRHS once per month.   Let your counselor know if you would like to have an individual meeting with her to discuss PHCC opportunities and procedures.

•If getting an associates degree from a community college first, be sure to know the pre-requisites of the school and program to which you want to transfer.

 

Essay Tips

 

•If an essay is optional, submit one.  Every piece of information is helpful in the application process.

•Follow directions.  For example, if they say 500 words, they mean 500 words.

•Write the essay yourself.  While your parent’s input and proofreading may be helpful, admissions officers can quickly spot an essay written by a parent.

•Check to ensure the grammar, spelling, and punctuation used in the essay are correct.

•Essays are not text messages.  Use proper verbiage: i.e. you, not u.

•Try to formulate a generic essay that can be tweaked for each different application;

however, be sure you take all references to one specific university out in sending the essay to another university.