The Class of 2027 will meet on April 24th at 9:00 a.m. to get some Senior year information, including Senior picture dates and college application preparation information. Here is some information that will be covered:
What do I need to do first?
o Decide what major (or type of major) you would like to have. If necessary, take a career interest inventory to decide. Research majors and careers related to your interests. You already have FREE YouScience results available in your school portal!
o Once you find a major, start looking for a school that 1) interests you and 2) offers that major. It can be a technical college, a two-year college, a four-year private college, or a four-year public college.
o Research, research, research!
I am going to a four-year college. What do I need to do now to get ready?
o Take your SAT or ACT until you reach your desired score. What score do you have to make to get into the college of your choice?
o Go to the websites of the colleges you like and check out their applications. Is early application binding? Do you have to write an essay (or multiple essays)? Do you have to take SAT II Subject Tests?
o Research available scholarships offered by the schools and by independent sources.
Things to Look for on a College Website
◦ Undergraduate Admissions and Requirements
◦ Financial Aid
◦ Campus Housing
◦ DEADLINES
Tips for College-Bound Students
o Apply early in your Senior year if early action is non-binding and your scores are high enough.
o Be sure to check the required SAT/ACT scores for the school (and make sure you meet the minimums) before you pay those hefty application fees.
o Keep a constant eye out for scholarships and fill out lots of applications. Those things don’t just fall into your lap! You have to seek and apply!
o Share your acceptance letters with Mrs. Jernigan for a website shout-out.
What If I Don’t Want to Go to a 4-Year College?
o Technical colleges and two-year colleges are a great option and are often less expensive.
o Many careers require a technical education over a “traditional college” education.
o Have you considered the military? Not only does it provide great job skill training and experience, it also pays for college!
Which Test do I take?
◦ 4 year college=SAT or ACT
◦ 2 year college=SAT or ACT (if scores are too low, you can also take a placement test at the college)
◦ technical college=Accuplacer placement test
◦ military=ASVAB
Senior Timeline: A Quick Overview
By August
Start narrowing down your college choices to a manageable number. (How many can you afford to apply to?) 3-5 is usually a reasonable number. Visit your top 3 choices
Go online to view these colleges’ applications and to see if you need recommendations, essays, specific SAT or ACT scores, etc.
See Mrs. Jernigan to discuss your options, majors, etc. If you have no idea what you want to do, see your school counselor this month. Each Senior will have the opportunity for an in-person meeting.
Start applying for scholarships. These aren’t “given away.” You must find them and apply for them. If you have questions or need help, go to the counseling office. Stay up to date on scholarships and deadlines throughout the year.
Get in the habit of checking your Class of 2027 Teams account regularly and turn on notifications for it. All scholarship information and other Senior updates will be posted here.
September
Create your Common App account if you plan to use it to apply.
If you have exceptional grades and would qualify for honors-related scholarships at a particular school, apply now (if the decision is non-binding). Early enrollment deadline is usually October 15. Ask the counseling office to send a transcript.
Look up your school’s specific deadlines for admissions, financial aid, housing, etc.
You should have your SAT/ACT scores at the level you want them by now, or you should be planning to take them 1-2 more times if absolutely necessary.
October-December
Anyone who is planning to attend a 4-year university should apply during this time.
If you are a candidate for STAR Student, take the SAT a final time.
Very important reminder: If you plan to do dual enrollment and/or work-based learning for Senior year, you must take care of that before this semester ends. More information will be given at the meeting on April 24th.