SENIOR ADVISING

C L AS S O

F 2 0 1 5

COUNSELING ASSIGNMENTS

A-D Seniors only Mrs. MoffettA-Da Grades 9-11 Mr. MooreDe- Je Mrs. ThomsJi-Mo Ms. DaileyMp-Sh Mrs. KonopasekSi-Z Mrs. Roytan

• 80-85% of Chesterton High School graduating seniors from 2014 report planning to attend a two or four year college

• Colleges and universities have differing academic requirements, deadlines, and expectations. Be aware of these at the schools you are applying to.

APPLICATIONS: - Most applications can be found online via the school’s website - Know the difference between early decision and early action - The Common Application can be used for over 500 colleges - Gather necessary information before starting such as GPA, class rank and SAT/ACT scores for self-reporting - Request official SAT/ACT scores from the testing company – these are not on the CHS transcript

IN GENERAL:

EARLY DECISIONVS.

EARLY ACTIONEARLY DECISION: 1. Binding – you must attend if accepted 2. You apply early and get an earlier decision 3. You can only apply to one school for early decision 4. You can apply to other schools under regular admission plans, butmust withdraw these if accepted by ED school.

EARLY ACTION: 1. Non-binding 2. You apply early and get an earlier decision 3. You can apply to as many schools as you want with early action

**ED/AD program specifics vary so make sure you get information from theAdmission staff at your first choice college.

COMMON APPLICATIONwww.commonapplication.org

This is a standardized application accepted by 500+ colleges that are members ofThe Common Application Association. You can use one application for up to 20 schools.

You will invite your counselor and recommenders to be part of the process. Checkspelling of names and emails for accuracy.

Indiana Colleges using the Common Application:Butler, Earlham, Goshen, Hanover, Manchester, Purdue, St. Joseph’s College, St. Mary’s College, U. of Evansville, U. of Notre Dame, Valparaiso, Wabash

RECOMMENDATIONS1. Choose wisely. Request letters of recommendation only from those who know you well. Ask if the person feels comfortable writing a letter for you.2. Tell the recommender the purpose of the letter.3. Start early. Give the recommender at least 2 weeks advance notice.4. Provide the recommender with any additional information about you that would be helpful in completing the letter. Also alert your recommenders to email notifications that are coming.5. Be gracious. A thank you goes a long way!

TRANSCRIPTSONLINE: www.parchment.com 1. Create an e-transcript account 2. Select colleges applying to

*Free to colleges in IN, IL, MI, IA, OH, MN, MO, KE, KA, ND, SD, WI, NE

PAPER: Complete the transcript request form in the Guidance Office. If not 18,a parent signature is required. Cost is $4. Allow 48-72 hours for processing.(Most colleges prefer electronic transcripts!!)

***CHS transcripts DO NOT include SAT/ACT scores. Colleges require officialscores be sent from the testing company.

COLLEGE GO-WEEKSEPTEMBER 22-26

This is a promotional event through-out the state of Indianageared toward motivating students to complete

college applications.

FINANCIAL AIDGIFT AID: Scholarships and grants that you do not pay back. Scholarships tend to be merit-based: - academic achievement - athletics - other talents Grants tend to be need-based.

SOURCES: Federal/State Government: Complete your Free Application for FederalStudent Assistance (FAFSA). Indiana deadline: March 10, 2015 Your College: Complete any forms required by your schoolPrivate Organizations: employers, community organizations/clubs

FINANCIAL AIDWHAT TO DO:

1. Complete the FAFSA and meet all deadlines required by the state and your colleges.2. Complete any additional required forms from your college.3. Research and apply for outside scholarships.www.fastweb.comCollege Board Scholarship SearchCHS Career Center - these are on daily announcements, website, and newspaper

4. Attend CHS Financial Aid Night: Thursday January 15, 2015 at 7:00 pm5. If you need help with FAFSA plan to attend College Goal Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015

SCAMSWATCH OUT FOR SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:- Offers of “guaranteed” money

- Requirement that you pay for the service or application- Asking for credit card or bank account numbers

- Offers to do the work for you- “Millions Go Unclaimed”

TESTINGACT: COST: $54.50 with writing NEXT TEST: October 25 DEADLINE: September 19

www.actstudent.org/start

SAT: COST: $52.50 NEXT TEST: October 11 DEADLINE: September 12

www.sat.org/register

NCAA/NAIA ELIGIBILITYStudent-athletes who plan to continue playing a sport in college

(NCAA Division I or II or NAIA) must register to be eligible to compete.

NCAA – The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective athletes areeligible to play Division I or II. This is not necessary for Division III. www.eligibilitycenter.org

NAIA – Typically smaller colleges offering athletic scholarships go through asimilar procedure to the NCAA. www.playnaia.org

***Both take ONLY official ACT/SAT scores from the testing company.

WEBSITES

LEARN MORE INDIANA: www.in.gov/learnmoreindianaCAPPEX: www.cappex.comCOLLEGE BOARD PLANNING: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.orgNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COUNSELORS: www.nacacnet.org links to student/parent information