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