for students in 12th grade
Look inside for:
 Counseling office information- including staff and hours of
operation
 Counseling Services
 Forms/Policies
 Checklists/Planning Pages for 12th grade students
_________________________________________________________________
Page
Counseling Office Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Linn-Mar Community Schools Mission Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Linn-Mar High School Counseling Mission Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
School Counseling in the 21st Century . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Counseling Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Linn-Mar High School Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Checklists/Planning Pages for 12th grade students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Opportunities After High School
 Military . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
 Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-18
 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-25
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Credit/Fail Application
 Early Graduation Application
 P.E. Waiver
 Transcript Request Form
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Linn-Mar High School Counseling
Office Information
_________________________________________________________________
:
The counseling office secretaries are available from 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. School counselors are available for appointments from
7:30-3:30 each day. Arrangements can be made for appointments outside of
school hours. Students are welcome to stop by and see their counselor at any
time.
:
Barb Benton, Counseling Secretary:
Phone . . . . . . 447-3070
Email: bbenton@linnmar.k12.ia.us
Jayne Gutierrez, Records Secretary:
Phone . . . . . . 447-3045
Email: jgutierrez@linnmar.k12.ia.us
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Linn-Mar Community Schools Mission Statement
We, the Linn-Mar community, are dedicated to the
development of lifelong learners by equipping them with the
knowledge and skills to confidently meet life’s challenges as
responsible, productive citizens.
Linn-Mar Counseling Department Mission
Statement
The Linn-Mar K-12 School Counseling and Guidance Program is
designed to promote the formation of productive and responsible lifelong learners by ensuring the academic, career, and personal/social
development of all students.
Linn-Mar Community Schools Guidance
Philosophy Statement
The Linn-Mar Community School District adheres to the philosophy that the
school counseling program is an essential and integral part of the overall
education process. The comprehensive program is built on the assumptions that
educational, career, and personal objectives are attainable for all students. This
implementation acknowledges that school counseling is no longer a service to be
offered by one person but a program coordinated with other educators
incorporating a comprehensive curriculum. Growth and learning are
developmental; therefore, school counseling must be developmental and
sequential.
The Linn-Mar Developmental School Counseling Program, when fully
implemented will provide:
 A school counseling program that reaches the diverse needs of all
students.
 A programmatic approach to school counseling services/programs.
 Accountability for school counseling programs.
 Identification and achievement of student competencies and outcomes
through the school counseling program.
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ACADEMIC
4 Year Planning
Graduation/Credit Requirements
Drop-out Prevention
Alternative Schooling
Tutoring
College Credit Opportunities
ACADEMIC
4
Planning
PEYear
RSO
NAL/SOCIAL Graduation/Credit Requirements
Tutoring
Drop-out Prevention
Alternative Schooling
College Credit Opportunities
Prevention and Crisis Counseling
Referrals to Community Agencies
Small Group Counseling
CA R E E R
Career Planning
College Searches
Interest Inventories
ACT, SAT, Standardized Testing Information
Career Seminars
Job Shadows
Linn-Mar High School Student Planning Pages
Scholarship Opportunities
Internships
5
Linn-Mar High School Policies and Guidelines
Course Load
Students in grades 9-11 are required to carry a minimum of 35 credits per
semester. 12th grade students are required to carry a minimum of 30 credits per
semester.
Credit/Fail
Students may elect to take a course for “Credit/Fail”. The following guidelines
apply:
 9th grade students may not opt for Cr/F
 Courses used to meet the minimum requirements for graduation in math,
science, English, and social studies may not be taken Cr/F
 A limit of 25 Cr/F credits may be taken during the high school career.
 A grade of “C-“ or higher must be earned in order to receive credit.
 Parent signature is required.
 Deadlines for applications: Block classes- end of 5th week; traditional
class- end of10th week. Applications must be filed for each quarter of a
block class and each semester of a traditional class.
 Once this option is chosen, it may not be reversed at a later date.
Drop-Add Deadlines
Students may drop or add a course without penalty before the following
deadlines:
 Add deadline*Block class- End of the 3rd day of new quarter
*Semester class- End of the 5th day of a new semester
 Drop deadline*End of 4th week of new term (block classes)
*End of 8th week (semester classes)
Early Graduation
Students who have met the minimum academic requirements, with parental
consent, may graduate early. Applications are available in the counseling office
and must be submitted to the principal by December 1. Students who graduate
early are not eligible to participate in co-curricular activities. They may, however,
attend Prom and participate in graduation exercises.
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Graduation Requirements
Linn-Mar High School students are required to earn 250 credits in order to
graduate. In addition, the following department requirements must be met in
order to earn a diploma:
 English- 40 credits. Must include English 9 (10), English II (10), English III
(10), and a speech course (5).
 Mathematics- 30 credits. Must include Algebra. Students who complete
geometry in 8th grade may, if conditions warrant, count those credits to
meet the mathematics requirement.
 Science- 30 credits. Must include life science (10) and a physical science
course (10).
 Social Studies- 30 credits. Must include U.S. History (10), World History
(10), and American Government (5).
 Health/P.E.- 25 credits. Must include Perspectives on Life.
Graduation- Honors
Graduation honors are calculated after the 3rd quarter of the senior year.
Valedictorian is the senior with the highest grade point average. Salutatorian is
the senior with the 2nd highest grade point average. Graduation with Distinction
to those with a 4.0 grade point average or higher. Graduation with Honors to
those with a 3.75-3.99 grade point average.
Letter Requirements
Students who achieve a 3.33 or higher grade point average during a given school
year are eligible for a Linn-Mar High School academic letter. Academic letters are
presented to students at an assembly each fall. Students must have been in
attendance at L-MHS during the previous school year to qualify.
Physical Education Waiver
Physical education is required for all students by state educational standards.
Students may, however, receive a waiver of the physical education requirement
through application to the principal. Applications will be approved if one of the
following criteria are met: a) The student is enrolled in a for-credit, cooperative,
work-study, or other educational program authorized by the school, which
requires the student’s absence from the school premises during the school day.
b) The student is enrolled in academic courses otherwise unavailable.
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Senior Year Planning Pages
August
 Determine career interests and decide which kind of college best suits
you.
 Request information from colleges of interest for admission, scholarship,
and financial aid information.
September
 Register to take the ACT or SAT tests if you haven’t already taken one or
both.
 Visit with admissions counselors from colleges when they come to LinnMar.
 Ask your teachers and counselors to write letters of recommendation for
your admission and scholarship applications.
 Visit the counseling office for scholarship information and deadlines.
 Attend Linn-Mar’s College Planning Night.
October
 Take the ACT and /or SAT test if necessary.
 Begin writing essays for your admission application, if necessary.
 Select at least 2 colleges to visit and call their admissions offices for an
appointment.
 Find out which financial aid applications are required and when they are
due.
 Check colleges for early application deadlines.
November
 Attend your scheduled 2nd quarter appointment with your school
counselor.
 Narrow your college choice.
 Begin preparing applications to colleges.
 Check the counseling office for more scholarship information.
December
 Pick up a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in
the counseling office (or on-line). Begin working on it, but do NOT submit
before January 1.
 Finalize outside grant and scholarship applications.
 Stay focused! Grades in your senior year can affect your admittance to the
college of your choice and your scholarship eligibility.
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 Parents: Save your year-end payroll stub if it shows your earnings for the
year. You will need it for financial aid eligibility and verification for the
FAFSA (or you will need your W-2’s).
January
 Parents: Get your federal income tax returns prepared early. They will
help completing the FAFSA and schools may request them to prove
eligibility for financial aid.
 Check priority deadlines for submitting the FAFSA with schools of your
choice.
 Submit you completed FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.
 Remember to keep copies of all forms you submit to colleges and
agencies
 Attend Linn-Mar’s Financial Aid night.
 Fill out a “Request for Transcript” form to be sent to the colleges of your
choice (in the guidance office)
February
 Check to see if your first semester transcripts have been sent to the
schools to which you have applied.
 Make sure your FAFSA has been mailed.
March
 Watch for results of the FAFSA you filed. This report is called the SAR
(Student Aid Report).
 Contact the financial aid offices of each of the colleges you listed on your
FAFSA to see if they received your SAR information.
 Be prepared to submit a copy of your latest tax forms to the colleges of
your choice.
April
 Watch the mail for letters of acceptance from the colleges of your choice.
 Compare the finalized aid packages from the colleges to which you have
been accepted.
 Make a final decision about the college of your choice and send in the
required deposit, sign, and return financial aid award letter, and note
other school deadlines.
 Notify the other colleges to which you applied that you will not be
attending.
May
 If you need further financial help beyond what the college is able to
provide, you might be eligible for other types of loans. Call Iowa Student
Loan Corp. at 1-800-542-5005 or visit their website at
www.studentloan.org.
 Complete the counseling office Senior Exit Survey.
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 Take and AP or CLEP exams for which you qualify.
 Complete a “Final Transcript” form to be sent to the college in which you
will be attending.
 Attend Senior Recognition Night.
 Finalize summer job or school plans.
 Graduation!
June
 Notify the college about any outside scholarships that you have been
awarded.
 Save money from your summer jobs!
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Opportunities After Linn-Mar
High School
Graduation from high school is an exciting time in anyone’s life, but it often leads
to questions about one’s future and confusion as to what lies ahead. The next
few pages will describe a number of opportunities available to students after
graduation from high school.
Local Military Contacts
Army
US Army Recruiting Station
4444 1st Ave NE. Lindale Mall, Ste 200
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 319-395-9834
Iowa Army National Guard
10400 18th St SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Phone: 319-363-9254
Navy
Navy Recruiting Station
4444 1st Ave NE.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 319-393-8340
Marines
Marine Corps Recruiting Station
4444 1st Ave. NE, Ste 402
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 319-393-7866
Air Force
Air Force Recruiting Office
4444 1st Ave. NE Lindale Mall, Ste 406
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 319-393-4047
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Employment
For many students, finding employment is a high priority after graduation. Here
are some helpful tips for finding that desirable job. (information taken from Clinton
High School in Clinton, IA)
The first item is a form titled, “A, B, C’s of Job Hunting”. This form helps to
provide guidelines for job hunting timelines, interview tips, and information
about the interview process.
The second item is a document that gives information on how to fill out a job
application and how to prepare a resume. When you consider that your
application and resume are your very first impressions given to employers, it is
easy to understand how important these two items are. You will get basic
information about what to do, as well as what not to do when completing these
forms. Also included is an explanation of a resume format and a sample resume
to help serve as a template.
Once you have completed a job application and resume, the next step is the “call
back” for an interview. To help you be successful, we’ve provided some
guidelines on how to make a good impression during an interview.
Hopefully, these materials will help you to make the transition from high school
to employment.
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The A,B,C’s of Job Hunting
Always assume a job hunt will take months, not days or weeks and plan accordingly.
Be punctual for all appointments- but arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before the scheduled
time.
Career counselors can be very helpful- but don’t necessarily limit yourself to using only one.
Don’t relax just because you have just learned of a dream job. Keep researching, you might
find one even better.
Expect far more rejections than acceptances, one job expert says you are lucky if you get one
“maybe” after following up your first 20 leads.
Follow up every interview with a thank you letter, expressing interest in the job and
highlighting one or two of your best qualifications.
Give feedback from your job contacts to career counselors and people in your network so they
know about your status, and will think of you often.
Handshakes are important. Act like you have a high level of energy and look the interviewer
in the eye.
Information interviews are a great way of making contacts and learning more about your
chosen field, and possibly discovering new job leads.
Job hunting is a 40 plus- hour a week process. Start early, work late, and intelligently.
Know exactly how to reach interview sites, to avoid any risk of getting lost and arriving late.
Listen carefully to interview questions and respond as clearly as possible.
Memorize the name of the interviewer and use it once or twice in the course of the
conversation.
Network using your best contacts- and also be prepared to share leads with others, just as they
may share with you.
Observe the way employees dress in an organization and appear for an interview in slightly
more formal attire.
Positive reactions you express about school, former employers, and other organizations will
help create a more positive impression for you.
Quit worrying every time you receive a rejection, make each an excuse to develop three more
leads.
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Resumes should be slanted to the job in question- even if you have to create a number of
different versions.
Sit alertly during the interview. Experts recommend leaning slightly forward toward the
interviewer.
Taking a temporary job may help pay the bills and keep up your morale during a long job
search.
Use all possible sources of job leads: employment services, classified want ads, family,
friends, etc.
Vary your job approach, if what you have done has not worked. If you letters or resumes are
not getting results, try new formats.
Write down notes on all contacts and follow up as soon as you leave an interview.
eXamine your job progress each week. Sit down and think over what you did. What mistake
did you make? What seems to work for you?
Your family and friends can be one of the best sources of job leads. Even though they may
not be in the mainstream of your career field, seek their help.
Zero in on potential employers by doing research on their activities and show that you have
studied them when having interviews.
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How to Fill Out a Job Application
A prospective employer’s opinion of you can be influenced by the way you fill out
the job application. If there are cross outs, unanswered questions, incomplete
answers, mistakes in following directions, or if it is sloppily filled out, it reflects
poorly on you abilities. On the other hand, a neat, clean, and complete
application shows that you can follow directions, think clearly, express yourself,
and also that you care about getting the job.
Follow these helpful tips on filling out an application form:
1. Be sure to use ink, not pencil, when filling out applications, or fill out the
application electronically if possible.
2. Read all the instructions and follow them carefully.
3. Think before you write.
4. Fill out the application neatly.
5. Answer all the questions. If a question does not pertain to you, put a dash or
“N/A” (not applicable).
6. Use your complete name. Don’t use nicknames.
7. Be prepared to answer questions about your education and work history, so
bring along all the pertinent dates, names, and addresses. Have a copy of your
resume with you.
8. Have your Social Security number with you.
9. Know that in most cases you are asked to list your most recent experience
first.
How to Prepare a Resume
A resume is a summary of your personal, educational, and occupational
experiences. It is a form of “marketing” yourself to a perspective employer. It
should distinguish you from other candidates and point out your most desirable
qualities. On the first reading, the personnel manager will spot-read the resume.
Therefore, it is important to simplify the reading by presenting information in a
clear, concise, distinct manner. The preparation of a good resume requires these
steps:
1. Collect and organize personal information required.
a. Personal data (name, address, phone)
b. Employment objective
c. Work experience
d. Social Security number
e. References- at least three
2. Write your resume in a clear, concise manner. Review it for clarity, spelling
and punctuation.
3. Submit it to someone to analyze, critique, and change if necessary.
4. Prepare it for final form by typing and making copies.
5. Include the resume with all applications.
Your resume is putting your best foot forward. Readability, eye appeal, and total
positive impression should be your resumes goal; therefore, information should
be presented in a logical, easy-to-follow sequence.
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Resume Format
Many individuals prefer the chronological resume format, because it will allow
you to describe your achievements and responsibilities.
Elements of a Chronological Resume
Heading
Include name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number.
Objective
Opinions differ widely among employers and career professionals as to the value
of including a career objective. In general, an objective on your resume is
helpful, but it is not an essential component of a successful resume.
Your objective should convey specific information about what you are seeking.
An example of an effective objective is: To obtain an entry level position as a
cashier with hopes of aspiring to sales.
Education
Indicate your graduation date. If registered to take community college or college
courses, indicate this as well.
Activities and Awards
Note: If you have one or two academic awards, such as dean’s list and honor
society, incorporate them in the education section. Include only scholarships
based on merit.
Selected Courses
List courses (up to six) that pertain to your objective and employer needs. For
example an individual applying to work as a cashier might indicate relevant
courses such as keyboarding, general business or finance math.
Experience
This section should include diverse experiences, both paid and unpaid. Include
part-time and full time work, summer jobs, internship experiences, volunteer
experience, and extracurricular activities. Describe experiences that demonstrate
you can succeed in the position you are pursuing.
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Sample Resume:
Jane Doe
123 Main Street, Marion, Iowa 52302
jane123@hotmail.com
Tel: (319) 377-1234
OBJECTIVE:
An enthusiastic and hard working high school graduate who is eager to find a position in a major
accounting practice. Reliable, trustworthy, numerate and meticulous. Worked for a firm of
chartered accountants last summer and gained a good understanding of an accountancy practice.
Able to work on own initiative or as part of a team and can deal with administrative duties
competently.
EDUCATION:

Linn-Mar High School, Graduated 130th in class of 400 students and received
honors with a GPA of 3.7.
AWARDS:



3.0 Club for 4 years
National Honor Society
Key Club Member of the Year
EXPERIENCE:
Intern, Johnson & Stevens, 2007






Assisted the Senior Partner with audits on major companies in the area.
Handled incoming telephone calls to the Senior Partner from other companies and
members of the public.
Organized and maintained the Senior Partner’s filing system.
Typed reports on a PC using Microsoft Word.
Devised a new filing system to maintain the files held by the department.
Solved users PC problems including sorting out spreadsheets, explaining how to
use complex features in word-processing packages.
REFERENCES:



Dr. Andrew Brown Tel: (319) 377-1111
Mrs. Jack Smith Tel: (319) 377-2222
Ms. Lee James Tel: (319) 377-3333
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Sample Interview Questions
An interview, whether for college or employment, is an opportunity to
demonstrate abilities for oral expression. It helps the interviewer make more
accurate judgments about attitudes and personality than the written application
provides. Although questions may vary, by thinking about and rehearsing some
possible answers to the following, you may have greater success in the
interview.
Why do you want to attend this college or apply for this job?
What three words best describe you?
How would others characterize you?
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you handle anxiety or job stresses?
How hard are you willing to work on academics?
What can you contribute to the college you attend or the position for which you
are applying?
What experiences in your past have contributed most to your current successes?
How did your high school benefit from you being a student there?
What have you learned or accomplished through activities and special interests?
How does participation in high school activities benefit you?
What are your favorite free-time or school experiences?
What needs to be improved the most at your high school or place of
employment?
What would you do if you received a lower grade than you thought you should
have or were unfairly treated on the job?
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Education
For many seniors, the next step after high school is to continue with
education. Whether a community college, trade school or a liberal arts
college, there are a variety of educational opportunities available to
you.
The first item in this section of the Senior Planning Guide is a listing of factors to
consider when
 Choosing a College (created by ACT). This will help you identify
those factors that are important to you when choosing a college to
attend. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it is a good idea
to make campus visits.

Visiting a College Campus checklist is a handy way to remember
things that should be explored when going to visit a school.

How to Make the Most of Your Campus Visit provides
guidelines of what to do during the visit, questions to ask the
admissions counselor, and questions for the tour guide.

The College Application Process form helps students and
parents understand the steps involved in applying for college.

Financial Aid Sources and Programs
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Important Factors in Choosing a College
(created by ACT)
*Type of Academic Program
*Availability of Majors you
are most interested in
*Location
-distance from home
*Environment
-type of school (2 or 4 year)
-school setting (urban, rural)
-location
-co-ed, male, female
-religious affiliation
*Admission Requirements
-deadline(s)
-tests required
-average test scores, GPA, rank
-special requirements
*Size
-enrollment
-physical size of campus
*Academics
-majors offered
-special requirements
-accreditation
-student-faculty ratio
-typical class size
*Financial Aid
-deadline(s)
-required forms
-% of students receiving aid
-scholarships
-part-time employment
opportunities
*Housing
-residence hall requirements
-availability
-types and sizes
-food plans
*Facilities
-academic
-recreational
-other
*Activities
-clubs, organizations
-sororities/fraternities
-athletics, intramurals
-other
*Campus visits
-when to visit
-special opportunities
*College Expenses
-tuition, room & board
-estimated total budget
-application fee, deposit
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How to Make the Most of Your Campus Visit
The purpose of the campus visit is to provide a firsthand impression for you and your family
about the college: people, programs, and facilities. Your presence on the campus and your
readiness to talk about yourself and your plans indicate a seriousness of purpose to that school.
This is also an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your goals and to discover what is
available on this campus for living and learning.
Before you visit:
1. Read the catalog, especially the sections on admission requirements, tuition, scholarship data,
and programs of study. Review the history of the college for insights.
2. Look over your high school performance (GPA/Rank) and your standardized test scores.
Colleges will be looking for SAT or ACT.
3. Call the admissions office to set up an appointment.
4. Be prepared to answer questions about a possible major, extra curricular interests, and special
needs or concerns.
During your visit:
1. Plan to meet with an admissions officer and financial aid officer. Verify admissions
requirements and application procedures, check on costs and types of financial aid available.
2. Talk to faculty members, especially in your field of interest.
3. Sit in on classes.
4. Stay overnight in a dorm.
5. Eat a meal on campus. Ask about food plan options.
6. Visit the library and check out computer facilities.
7. See the dorms around campus.
8. Ask about student support services.
9. Walk through the student union.
10. Visit the surrounding community.
11. See current issue of school newspaper.
12. Notice the atmosphere: Is it friendly? Sophisticated? Fun-loving?
Questions for the admissions counselor:
1. What kinds of financial assistance are available?
2. When are the deadlines for applications and financial aid?
3. What opportunities are available for on and off campus employment?
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4. How diverse is the student population on this campus?
5. What percentage of students graduate?
6. How does the residence hall staff deal with roommate problems?
7. What is the typical class size?
8. How important is Greek life?
9. What are the freshman core courses?
10. How can I receive advanced placement or CLEP credit?
11. How is security handled?
12. What health services are available? Are counselors available for personal problems?
13. Who teaches courses: number of foreign professionals, teaching assistants, etc.?
14. What pressures might a varsity athlete experience?
15. How much contact is there with faculty?
16. What firms visit for job opportunities after graduation?
17. Are career planning services available?
18. Are tutoring services offered? Who do you contact if you need assistance?
19. What are my chances for success?
20. What is the placement record for graduates in my field?
Questions for the tour guide:
1. What helped you decide to come to this college?
2. What do you like best? Least?
3. What is there to do on weekends?
4. Is this a “suitcase” college?
5. What kinds of things need to be considered in selecting a dorm?
6. How are roommates chosen?
7. What is the academic environment like?
8. How much will I probably have to study to be successful?
9. What student activities are offered (clubs, intramurals, organizations, etc)?
10. What social activities are available?
11. What are the transportation options?
After your visit:
1. Make notes on your reaction to the school.
2. Complete your formal application as soon as possible if you are interested.
3. Send thank you notes or letters.
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The College Application Process
Application Strategies
Students generally apply to six or eight colleges or universities. This number varies from person
to person. What is critical in developing a college list is that the final list include schools that the
student would be happy attending. Students often choose colleges from the following three
categories:
Reach
A students top choice college. A reach refers to colleges that
generally accept students with GPA’s and standardized test scores
higher than those of the applicant.
Realistic
This category refers to colleges that generally accept half or more
of the students with GPA’s and standardized test scores similar to
those of the applicant. Realistic colleges are those at which the
probability of admission is 50:50 or better.
Safe
This category refers to colleges that almost always accept students
with GPA’s and standardized test scores below those of the
candidate. Safe colleges are those in which the student is highly
likely to be admitted.
Application Procedures
Once you have selected the schools that you have interest in, the first stop is to obtain
information about those schools. Many applications and college information can now be found on
the internet.
It is extremely important that students read and follow the directions contained in the
information received from schools. Students will receive instructions on how to complete
application forms and will be told exactly what additional materials will be needed to support the
application.
Students have the responsibility for knowing specific details applicable to each school to which
they are applying. Make sure you check deadlines, admission requirements, tests to be taken,
etc.
Fill out applications as legibly as possible. When possible use a computer, or complete the
applications on-line.
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The Application Package: Putting it all Together
There are two parts of an application package: the student portion and the high school portion.
Student Portion: The student should begin by completing his or her portion of the application
and then mailing it (or submitting it electronically) to the college.
School Portion: The school portion of the application must be completed by the school
counseling office. Students who require a copy of their high school transcripts must complete a
“Transcript Request” form. This form must have a student’s signature. The registrar will then
send the transcript to the selected college.
Additional Materials: Students are often required to include letters of recommendations with
their college applications. Students can obtain letters of recommendation from their teachers or
counselors.
When requesting a letter of recommendation, the student should:

Provide the teacher with a timely request. Teachers prefer that students allow at
least 2 weeks for the completion of a recommendation letter.

Provide the teacher with current academic info. activities, and other relevant info.
needed for a letter.

For each college letter, provide the letter writer with an addressed envelope with
correct postage.

Write a thank you note to the teacher for taking the time to write your
recommendation.
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Financial Aid: Sources and Programs
Financial aid programs are designed to assist those who, without such assistance, would
be unable to meet the costs of a post secondary education. Financial aid comes from
different sources: federal and state government, college/universities, local private
organization, scholarship programs and banks.
In general, eligibility for financial aid is based on student need. Other forms of financial
assistance are available for scholastic excellence, athletics, or other specialized talents.
The amount “need” varies from school to school according to the cost of attending each
school and how much the student/family is expected to contribute.
The student/family’s expected contribution (EFC) is an amount determined by a formula
established by the US Congress that indicates how much of a student’s/families
resources should be available to pay for school. The student/family financial information
is provided by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should
be completed as soon as possible after January 1st to assure that the results are
obtained prior to the financial aid deadlines provided by the college. The organizations
and colleges that are to receive the FAFSA results must be included on the FAFSA forms
or through a written request at a later date. Colleges may also require students to fill
out financial aid forms specific to their institution.
A student qualifying for aid will likely be offered a financial aid package composed of self
aid (student loans and work study programs) and gift aid (grants and
scholarships).Some schools may vary the proportion of each kind of aid based on the
student’s academic standing and other factors. The amounts awarded in the various
programs listed may vary from year to year depending on government funding available.
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APPENDIX
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