JUNIOR/SENIOR YEAR
COLLEGE CALENDAR
FOR CENTRAL H.S.
2015
MARCH
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Attend the Junior Night Planning meeting. Follow us on twitter @Counseling_CHS
Start comparing colleges that interest you. What are their admission requirements? What are the GPA and
ACT/SAT requirements? Do they want an ACT or SAT score? Some colleges recommend one test over
another; other colleges will take either test score. Visit their websites to learn more.
Colleges want to see that students have taken rigorous, college preparatory classes in high school,
including their senior year. Taking IB, dual credit and Advanced Placement classes are highly
recommended. Students must continue to stay motivated!
Study for the ACT/SAT. Become familiar with the test format, how scores are determined and test
directions before the test day. You may purchase books and CDs that will help you prepare, or you can go
to www.actstudent.org/index.html (ACT) or www.collegeboard.com/testing (SAT) for sample
questions. The ACT Academy is also available at CHS. This is free ACT prep offered by Central faculty
a few days before the actual test. Listen to the announcements for details on signing up or see Mrs. Jones
in the main office.
CHS SCHOOL CODE IS #262895
Remember—Many colleges require ACT scores to be sent directly from ACT—use free score reports.,
Register for the May 2, 2015, SAT by the April 6, 2015, deadline and the April 18, 2015, ACT Test by the
March 13, 2015, deadline. If possible, always register for the ACT/SAT online. SAT = $52.50 ACT =
$38.00 (with writing is $54.50)
College, university and military recruiters visit Central at different times during the year. Check the
Counseling Center website and listen to the announcements for exact dates and times. When you see a
representative, ask questions and pick up their latest information http://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/domain/328
Be sure to check with your counselor (or the file cabinet in the Counseling Center) about all the summer
programs and enrichment opportunities at colleges and universities around the United States. These
programs can be beneficial in a variety of ways, including earning college credit, exploring academic
topics, experiencing hands-on opportunities alongside college students and professors, seeing college
campuses for yourself, building your resume, and much more.
Get mentoring/tutoring/job shadowing hours set up for A+ program. A total of 50 hours are required. See the
A+ Coordinator, Mrs. Davison in the LRC on Tuesday/Wednesday or check the CHS website for more
information (click on “About Us”, then “A+”). www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/Page/18179
APRIL
●
●
●
●
●
Look ahead at ACT test dates and determine the dates most convenient for you. Register at
www.actstudent.org/. There is a maximum of 12 times a student can take the ACT. SAT dates can be
found at www.collegeboard.com.
Volunteer for your community whenever possible. In the Counseling Center (or CHS website) you can get
a list of agencies that take high school students as volunteers. Get started today!!
Take the ACT on Apri1 18, 2015. Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast in the morning. Arrive early
for the test. Bring photo identification, pencils, and a calculator.
Many colleges will have “Junior Visit Days”. These visit days are helpful in getting general information
on admission requirements, costs, and scholarships. Parents are always encouraged to attend visit days.
Start saving for college if you haven’t already. The MOST (Missouri Saving for Tuition) Program is a great
option. Some colleges offer scholarships to individuals with accounts. www.missouricollegesavings.com
MAY
●
●
●
●
●
●
Sign up for the June 13, 2015, ACT test (deadline is May 8, 2015). If you have taken the ACT test before,
look at the results and study or get tutoring in the areas of your lowest scores.
Become more informed about the federal financial aid programs so you know what to expect next year.
The federal financial aid program website is www.fafsa.ed.gov. Loans, grants and work programs are
available through the federal programs. But, you must qualify depending on the parent’s and student’s
income for the previous year.
Start making plans for the summer. If possible, consider doing some community service or volunteering.
Many scholarships require hours of volunteering. This could be as simple as helping the elderly, mowing
yards, cleaning your church or volunteering at such places as Heartland, Second Harvest or the YMCA.
Document your hours of service. Ten hours are required to graduate. The A+ Program requires 50 hours
of mentoring/tutoring/job shadowing. Get you're A+ hours approved by Mrs. Davison.
Watch out for financial aid and scholarship “scams”. Look for these lines: “The scholarship is guaranteed
or your money back”. “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this
scholarship”. “You can’t get this information anywhere else”. Ask Mrs. Saunders or your counselor if
you have questions. DO NOT ATTEND A FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AT A
HOTEL. ALSO DO NOT SIGN UP FOR FINANCIAL AID AT FAFSA.COM
Take the SAT on May 2, 2015. Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast in the morning. Arrive early for
the test. Bring photo identification, pencils, and a calculator.
Register for the June 6, 2015 SAT by the May 8, 2015 deadline.
JUNE-AUGUST
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Take the SAT on June 6, 2015.
Take the ACT on June 13, 2015. Register for the September ACT test.
If you have a job, remember that your supervisor could serve as an excellent reference for you. You will
need letters of recommendation your senior year.
Volunteer in your free time. Record your hours of service.
The summer is a good time to consider a job shadowing experience to explore your career interests.
Tour at least one campus in the summer. If possible, schedule the tour around a weekend trip or summer
vacation. Colleges are typically willing to work around your schedule.
Make a list of all your activities (9-12 grades) in/out of school, positions held, honors received, etc.
Remember, colleges are looking for applicants with more than just good grades and high test scores. You
should be able to demonstrate leadership abilities, community service, special skills and extracurricular
activities.
SEPTEMBER
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Review the dates for the 2015-2016 ACT/SAT tests. Take the September 12, 2015, ACT test. Register
for the October 24, 2015, ACT test.
Talk with your counselor or Mrs. Saunders about your college plans. List colleges you are considering.
All seniors returning permission slips will be attending St. Joseph Regional College Fair at Missouri
Western State University on Monday, September 14, 2015 (tentative date). There will be 60+ college
representatives available to answer questions and hand out their latest information.
Be aware of selective and highly selective college application deadlines. Most deadlines are from October
1-December 1. Also understand your commitment to Early Decision (decision is binding) and Early
Action (not binding) and Regular Decision (not binding). Research these options to see what option is best
for you.
During your senior conference with your counselor, discuss your educational options. Your counselor is
happy to help you achieve your goals.
For any student interested in Division I or II athletics, registration is required with the NCAA. Go to
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net to begin the registration process. Send a high school transcript to NCAA.
NCAA will no longer accept ACT scores on the high school transcript; send official scores when
registering for the ACT (indicate NCAA just like you would when sending scores to a college).
●
Many colleges are now requiring ACT scores be sent directly from ACT. Be sure to use free ACT score
reports when registering for the ACT.
OCTOBER
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Take the October 24, 2015, ACT test and/or the October SAT test.
Take a “college visit day”. At Central you are allowed to miss two days of school to visit colleges.
Ask teachers, counselors, employers, and volunteer coordinators for letters of recommendation.
Continue volunteering if possible.
Attend “Senior Night” at Central (this is for senior parents and students). Financial aid, scholarships, and
more will be addressed in detail. Scholarships will be posted on the CHS website and updated often. Be
sure to check periodically for new additions, dates, deadlines and instructions on how to apply.
Apply for scholarships at www.fastweb.com. Many scholarship deadlines are early.
The Common Application is accepted by over 515+ selective member institutions. Check out the website
www.commonapp.org to determine if this is a good option for you. Apply early!! Besides the Common
Application, many universities require supplemental information, check college websites for details.
NOVEMBER
●
●
●
●
●
Continue looking for scholarships. Register for the December ACT test.
Senior conferences (an individual conference with counselor and student) will continue through the fall.
Apply to at least two colleges. Are the colleges you are considering realistic? Can you be admitted?
Always, always have a back-up plan. Apply online. The Transcript Request form is on the CHS website.
Submit the online form and a copy of your transcript will be forwarded to the college(s) of your choice.
Check with the student and parents’ employers, organizations, churches, etc. to find available scholarships.
Make contact (email, call or make a college visit) with college coaches if you are interested in a college
sport. Don’t wait for them to contact you!! Ask your high school coach to send stats, films, letters of
recommendation, etc. to college coaches.
DECEMBER
●
●
●
●
●
Take the ACT in December or the SAT test, if needed.
Be aware of December 1 application deadlines for many colleges.
Use snow days and Christmas break to apply for scholarships.
Get housing information on the colleges you are considering. Be aware of deadlines and deposits.
Don’t stress out about selecting a major at this time. The average student changes majors three times after
entering college.
JANUARY
●
●
●
Apply for a financial aid “PIN number” at www.pin.ed.gov. The student and one parent must have a PIN
number before submitting an online FAFSA. (This process may be changing in the spring of 2016)
Make copies of all important papers, applications and scholarships.
Finalize your college selections. Determine 1st and 2nd choice colleges and send in all required documents,
such as applications, application fees, ACT/SAT scores, high school transcripts, essays, etc.
FEBRUARY
●
●
●
●
●
Parents should get their taxes done early in order to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student
Aid) by March 1.
Continue to search for scholarships. Most local scholarships have spring deadlines.
Attend the FAFSA Frenzy at MWSU to get free help with filling out the FAFSA.
Don’t get senioritis—keep working hard to maintain your grades and class rank.
Finalize any campus tours so you can make an informed decision about selecting the “right” college.
MARCH
●
File the FAFSA by March 1 to meet the deadline for most universities (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
●
●
●
●
Many colleges have a March 1 deadline for their institutional scholarships (some are earlier—MU has a
deadline for their competitive scholarships of December 1).
Prepare for scholarship and/or college interviews. Mrs. Saunders can help with tips and sample questions
if you need the help.
Make copies of all important papers.
Return required financial aid paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.
APRIL
●
●
●
Finalize all college plans. Make contact with the colleges you decide not to attend. Ask them to take you
off their mailing list and cancel any deposits made.
Find out about the college’s registration/orientation programs. You will select your classes and learn
about campus activities at this program. Parents should attend.
Understand financial aid “packages”. Are you receiving an actual scholarship, grant, or are you required
to work for or repay any of the money? Ask questions!
MAY
●
●
●
Students receiving college scholarships or local scholarships will be invited to attend the Scholarship
Night held at Central HS.
During graduation practice, be sure to sign the list for “Request for final transcript”. The Counseling
Center will then send your final official high school transcript to your college choice and NCAA when the
final grades are posted.
Log scholarships received in the Counseling Center and on the senior survey.
JUNE-AUGUST
●
●
●
●
Register for college classes and attend an orientation program.
Finalize all college paperwork.
Get a list of recommended items to pack for your resident hall so you are ready for “Move-In Day” (TV,
towels, computer, laundry soap, quarters, sheets, blankets, and more).
Work and save your money for college. Enjoy your summer!!!
Types of universities and general requirements (universities may differ slightly in supplemental
material required, essays, letters of recommendation, interviews)
*Most selective (top 5% of class, ACT 30+, SAT 1980+ (old SAT 1350)--to be considered)
Northwestern, Yale, Harvard, Washington University
*Highly selective (top 10% of class, ACT 26+, SAT 1760+ (old SAT 1200)--to be considered)
John Hopkins, Grinnell, New York University
*Selective (top 25% of class, ACT 23+, SAT 1590+ (old SAT 1080)--to be considered)
University of MO, Loyola of Chicago, Michigan, North Carolina
*Moderately selective (top 50% of class, ACT 20+, SAT 1410+ (old SAT 970)--to be
considered) Northwest Missouri State Univ., Missouri Western, Univ. of Central MO
*Open (entrance is automatic with the submission of transcript and test scores) most community
colleges and vo-tech schools are open admissions
Ivy Leagues- Brown (RI), Columbia (NY), Cornell (NY), Harvard (MA), Penn (PA), Princeton (NJ),
Yale (CT), Dartmouth (NH)
ACT score range 1-36 (The ACT measures achievement related to high school curricula)
SAT (Critical reading/Math/Writing) score range 1-2400
SAT (Critical reading/Math) score range 1-1600 (SAT measures general verbal and quantitative
reasoning)
NEW in 2016—Changes to SAT test. There will no longer be a timed essay and the test will dwell
less on difficult vocabulary and will return to the 1600-point scale.
Bright Flight Scholarship --must attend a Missouri college and score in the top 3% on theACT or SAT
(ACT 31) for tier 1 or top 4% -5% (ACT 30) for tier 2. In the past, the award was $2,000 per
year for tier 1 and renewable for 4 years. Tier 2 was not funded. However, depending on
upcoming state fund allocation, the Bright Flight Scholarship may vary. The estimated amount
for 2015-16 is $3000, with ACT of 31 and a second tier in the amount of $1000 for an ACT of 30.
Funds are usually determined by August of that year. Bright flight awards are not based on
family need.
Helpful websites:
* www.act.org/fane (financial aid need estimator)
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net (athletes)
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.explorestudent.org (careers)
www.missouriconnections.org
www.fastweb.com (scholarship search)
www.collegegold.com
http://missourieconomy.org/
www.connectedu.net
MOST 529 College Savings Plan
College Websites:
www.missouri.edu
www.missouriwestern.edu
www.nwmissouri.edu
www.umkc.edu
www.truman.edu
www.missouristate.edu
www.ucmo.edu
www.finaid.org
www.petersons.com
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.wachovia.com
www.dhe.mo.gov/
www.bls.gov (careers)
www.college.gov
www.bls.gov/search/ooh.htm
www.missouricollegesavings.com (MOST)
Janet Kottman (816) 868-6277
Estimated Yearly Expenses
University of Missouri-Columbia
($19,000)
Missouri Western State University-St. Joseph
($14,000)
Northwest Missouri State University-Maryville
($16,500)
University of Missouri-Kansas City
($17,500)
Truman State University-Kirksville
($16,000)
Missouri State University-Springfield
($15,500)
University of Central Missouri-Warrensburg
($15,500)
The yearly costs above are estimates and include resident halls, meal plan and tuition for 2 semesters. Other fees such as
parking, athletic events, fitness center, computer usage, student government, books etc., can vary.
*Please feel free to call, email or make an appointment with any of the counselors or myself if you have additional
questions. Alicia Saunders (alicia.saunders@sjsd.k12.mo.us), College and Career Advisor, CHS Counseling Center
QuestBridge (www.questbridge.org) A non-profit organization that works to connect bright, motivated
low-income students with educational scholarship opportunities at some of the best colleges and
universities. Checkout the website for all the details and learn about the 35 partner colleges.
Financial Aid:
FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov)- stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is used to
determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a
postsecondary institution. The results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, workstudy, and loan amounts.
*Most commonly used financial aid form
CSS Profile (www.profileonline.collegeboard.com) stand for College Scholarship Service
PROFILE. This is a financial aid application service of the College Board. Many of the member
colleges, selective universities, graduate schools and scholarship programs use the information
collected on PROFILE to help them award nonfederal student aid funds.
EVALUATION
1.
How would you rate the value of tonight’s presentation?
(poor) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (very helpful)
Comments:
2.
Was the information presented easy to understand?
(difficult) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(easy)
Comments:
3.
What topic(s) covered was most beneficial to you?
4.
Were there topics that you thought would be covered tonight that were not
discussed? Yes
No-everything was covered
If yes please list _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
5.
Will you use this packet of information in the college search process?
Yes
Maybe No
Comments :_________________________________________________
6.
How did you find out about tonight’s workshop?
__My student
__Twitter
___ Website
__Mailed flyer
__Phone call
Other ____________________
Please leave this on the table before you leave tonight. Thank You