SENIOR PARENT PAGE
The Counseling Center
It’s hard to believe, but senior year is
indeed upon your family! It brings
with it many challenging questions
and decisions. Here is additional
information that you may find useful.
If you have questions, please feel
free to contact your counselor.
Senior Parent Night also
provides a lot of information. It is
September 24th @ 7 p.m. in
the Performing Arts Center
(PAC).
Financial Aid Forms
and Workshop
The Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA) will be
available early in December. All
colleges require this form to be filed
if you are applying for aid. A
financial aid expert will present a
financial aid workshop at Cherokee.
The program outlines the guidelines
for filing the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid.
Financial Aid Night is
December 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
Some schools also require the
completion of the Profile. The
Profile is available in the Counseling
Office in September. There is a
charge for colleges to receive this
form. A list of the schools that
require this additional document is
included with the Profile form.
Testing Deadlines
College-bound seniors should check the
websites to determine if SAT, SAT II
subject test(s) or the (ACT) is required
for admission.
Register for the SAT at:
www.collegeboard.com
Register for the ACT at:
www.act.com.
Register on line or materials and
practice booklets are available in the
Counseling Center for both tests.
September 2015
Sources of Financial Aid
Although the majority of aid awarded is based on financial
need as demonstrated by the FAFSA, there are private sources of
aid available, if you are willing to do the research. Often these
awards are based on academic performance, leadership qualities,
extra-curricular activities or scores from a competitive exam.
The key to finding these awards is the student’s willingness
to do the time-consuming research. The Internet has become a
powerful reference source for this area with many sites offering
free searches of their databases. Handouts are in the Counseling
Center and the Junior Jumpstart booklet also has a detailed list
of financial aid and scholarship sites. Extra copies are available.
Mr. Petragnani is the Scholarship Chairperson for
Cherokee. He has an eboard on the Staff Directory. Our college
and career program, Naviance, also has a Scholarship tab with
several sources under Family Connection, then Colleges.
Parents/guardians should check with their employer’s personnel
department. Often, businesses will sponsor awards for the children
of employees. Professional, religious and fraternal organizations
also often sponsor scholarships for members and their families.
Do not overlook the colleges themselves. While many
colleges automatically screen all applicants for scholarship
opportunities, most offer information under “Financial Aid” on
their website. The FAFSA is required for most aid and/or
scholarship programs. Establish a close communication with the
financial aid officers. Do not be afraid to ask questions or explain
your need for aid. Be ready to meet with them and present
documentation to support your case.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
http://www.hesaa.org
College Choices and Representatives
Students can visit campuses and attend college fairs to speak to
representatives from a diversity of four year colleges, 2 year colleges,
military branches and career schools. Students can also use college
websites, the Naviance program and the Cherokee Guide for additional
information. Materials are also in the Counseling Centers.
College representatives are also scheduled in the North Café during
Lunch & Learn throughout the school year.
Potential college athletes: The NCAA requires SAT or ACT
scores for Division I and II sports. Use code number 9999.
scores
Colleges will need your SAT and/or ACT scores!
When you register, you have the option to send 4 designated colleges
your scores, or you can send the scores later for an additional fee.