Welcome Parentsof theSenior Class of 2014

Aurora High School

Junior Year Homework

ShopVisitTest

Senior Year Timeline

Take or Repeat ACT and/or SAT (subject tests)Attend Senior Information Night (Sept. 18)Meet with your CounselorSolidify College Choices/College VisitsApply to Colleges (Oct.-Dec. 1)Request transcripts be sent through NavianceSend ACT/SAT scores (actstudent.org, collegeboard.com)Attend Financial Aid Presentation (Jan. 14)Complete FAFSA (Jan.-early Feb.)Apply for Local Scholarships (March)Do Final College Visits (March/April)Make Final Comparisons and Select a College (May 1)

College Application StepsApply directly to colleges on COLLEGE WEBSITES or Common Application

Request teacher recommendations if needed-NAVIANCE

Request counselor recommendation if needed-NAVIANCE

Request transcripts-NAVIANCE

Send ACT and/or SAT scoresactstudent.orgcollegeboard.com

NAVIANCEWHAT IS IT?

It is a web-based resource that supports student career and college planningIt is used by the guidance staff to communicate with students and parentsIt is used to process all transcripts and recommendation letters*

NAVIANCEHOW DO YOU REGISTER?

STUDENTS= Seniors are already registered

PARENTS= Each parent receives a passcodeUse your code to create a personal accountCodes are random and alphanumeric for security reasons and can be used only once*

Naviance: College Information*COLLEGE VISITSCOLLEGE VISITSCOLLEGE LIST

Naviance: Track Applications*

Transcript Release Form

Useful Tips for ParentsEncourage your child throughout the college application and scholarship process

Be.The proofreaderThe assistantThe passengerThe cheerleader

Keep lines of communication open

Financial Aid and Scholarships90-95% of scholarships are awarded from colleges and universities by completing the FAFSAApply to collegeGet acceptedComplete FAFSA (Jan.-early Feb.)Receive financial aid packageFinancial aid office is best source of informationAttend Financial Aid Night January 14, 2014Local scholarship applications are available on AHS website in MarchBeware of scholarship scams

Top Factors in Admission Decision

Strength of curriculum

GPA

Admissions test scores (ACT, SAT)

Other Factors in Admission DecisionEssay, portfolio, auditionTeacher recommendationsCounselor recommendationStudent interview, contactsWork and/or extracurricularactivitiesDemonstrated interest inattending the institution

Important College Planning Websites

AHS Guidance Webpagehttp://ftp.aurora-schools.org/ahs/guidance/guidanceindex.html

Naviancehttps://connection.naviance.com/aurorahs

Common Applicationwww.commonapp.org

SATFAFSAwww.collegeboard.comwww.fafsa.ed.govACTNational Scholarship Search Websiteswww.act.orgwww.fastweb.comwww.scholarships.comNCAA Eligibility Centerwww.eligibilitycenter.org

Good Luck!

FromMr. Calcei, Mrs. Nenadal& Mrs. Miley