A GUIDE FOR SENIOR YEAR 2015-2016
SEPTEMBER Research:
Attend the College Information Night at OLSH. Attend college/university open house events. Visit college/university campuses.
Meet with college representatives when they visit OLSH. Attend college fairs.
Research scholarship opportunities online and/or through the Counselor’s Corner. Preparation:
Complete a Student Information Sheet if recommendations are needed.
Request letters of recommendation from teachers/coaches/etc. at least two weeks in advance.
Update your resume (accomplishments, activities, and work experience).
Prospective NCAA Division I and Division II athletes-Register online at the NCAA Eligibility Center: www.eligibilitycenter.org .
Testing:
Determine if the college requires particular SAT Subject Tests for admission. o If so, register for October, November, and/or December SAT Subject Tests. o Register online at www.collegeboard.com.
Register for the October and/or November SAT Reasoning Test. o Register online at www.collegeboard.com.
Register for the October ACT.
o Register online at www.actstudent.org. Application:
Contact college admissions offices for applications or go to their websites and apply online.
Use the Common Application website when applicable.
Submit college applications at least two weeks prior to deadline.
Early Decision deadlines are often November 1, November 15, or December 1. Be aware of deadlines.
Follow-up:
Submit a copy of all college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the guidance office.
Research:
Attend college/university open house events. Visit college/university campuses.
Meet with college representatives when they visit OLSH. Attend college fairs.
Research scholarship opportunities online and/or through the Counselor’s Corner. Preparation:
Complete a Student Information Sheet, if you haven’t already done so. Request letters of recommendation at least two weeks in advance. Continue to update your resume.
Testing:
Register for December ACT, if required. o Register online at www.actstudent.org.
Register for December SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests, if necessary. o Register online at www.collegeboard.com.
Application:
Fill out the CSS/Financial Aid Profile, if needed, beginning on October 1st
. Work on college applications.
Submit college applications at least two weeks prior to deadlines. Early Decision candidates should complete college applications.
Early Decision deadlines are often November 1, November 15, or December 1. Be aware of deadlines.
Follow up:
Submit a copy of all college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the guidance office.
NOVEMBER Research:
Continue to meet with college representatives visiting OLSH. Attend College Financial Aid Night at OLSH.
Research scholarship opportunities online and/or through the Counselor’s Corner. Application:
Continue to work on your college applications.
Submit college applications at least two weeks prior to deadlines.
Complete all applications by Thanksgiving to guarantee mailing before winter break.
All college applications that you want to be mailed before the winter vacation must be submitted to the OLSH Guidance Counselor at least ten school days prior to the Christmas break.
Financial Aid:
If applicable, fill out the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE application, which is available online for private, nonfederal student aid funds at some colleges.
Apply for your FAFSA PIN # for both the student and one parent. Follow up:
Submit a copy of all college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the guidance office.
DECEMBER Research:
Research scholarship opportunities online and/or through the Counselor’s Corner. Testing:
Register for January SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests, if necessary. Application:
Be aware of January college application deadlines. Follow up:
Submit a copy of all college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the guidance office.
JANUARY Research:
Research Scholarship Opportunities online and/or through the Counselor’s Corner.
Testing:
Take January 24 SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests, if registered. Application:
Register online for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Submit other financial aid forms that may be required, such as the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE.
Follow up:
Submit a copy of all college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the guidance office.
FEBRUARY Research:
Research scholarship opportunities online and/or through the Counselor’s Corner. Financial Aid:
If you haven’t already registered on line for the FAFSA, make sure you do that ASAP at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be aware of any deadlines a college may have to register with FAFSA.
Attend the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Completion Night held at OLSH in February.
Correct or update your Student Aid Report (SAR) that follows the FAFSA. Follow-up:
Submit a copy of all college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the guidance office.
MARCH/APRIL/MAY/JUNE Research:
Attend College Orientations
Research scholarship opportunities online and/or through the Counselor’s Corner. Admission:
Make a final decision, accept the aid package and mail deposit check to the college you have selected.
Notify those colleges which you do not plan to attend so that another student can have your spot.
Testing:
Register for AP (Advanced Placement) Exams. The cost is $91. Take the AP Exams – May 4-15.
Submit a copy of all college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the guidance office.
Graduation: