WELCOME SENIOR
PARENTS
SENIOR MEETING
CLASS OF 2015
HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Students with last name “A –De”
Suzanne Hemmeke (A-B) and Bethany Nichols (C-De)
shemmeke@hollandpublicschools.org
bnichols@hollandpublicschools.org
494-2213

Students with last name “Di-K”
Robyn Emde
remde1@hollandpublicschools.org
494-2209

Students with last name “L-R”
Diane VanKoevering
dvankoev@hollandpublicschools.org
494-2212

Students with last name “S-Z”
Karen Legg
klegg@hollandpublicschools.org
494-2211

New Tech Students
Dana Loveland
494-2707
dlovelan@hollandpublicschools.org
COLLEGE PLANNING ADVISOR
Mr. Raul Jimenez
rjimenez@hollandpublicschools.org
Working especially with students who are part of the first
generation in their family to go to college.

Helping with…
College Selection
 Applications
 Financial Aid
 Scholarships
 Transcript Request
 ACT/SAT Registration

SENIOR CREDIT CHECKS
 Credit
checks were mailed to homes
in August.
 It is important to review your credit
check.
 All requirements must be completed
by graduation on June 1, 2015.
FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGES

Attend College Fairs


Sept. 25 @ Hope College DeVos Fieldhouse from 6:308:00
Oct. 16 Grand Rapids Bilingual College Fair
Research college websites & college guides
Visit campuses –check the admissions offices websites
 Overnight/Comprehensive Visits
 Meet with college reps at lunch


Sign- up book in the Counseling Center

**A pass will be sent the day before the visit
Field Trips for Campus Visits
 Meet with your counselor or College Advisor

4 YEAR COLLEGE VS 2 YEAR COLLEGE



4 Year College
 Earn a bachelors degree in science (biology, computer,
engineering) or arts (English, history, drama)
 Examples: Hope College, GVSU, Michigan State
2 Year College (also known as community college or
junior college)
 Earn an associates degree or certificate
 Examples: Grand Rapids Community College, Lake
Michigan College
Vocational or Technical School
 Most programs last 2 years or less
 Earn a certificate to practice a trade
 Examples: Booker Institute of Cosmetology, M-Tech.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION
1.
A second chance to attend a 4-year college
2.
Desiring additional academic
support/intervention
3.
$$$
4.
Free application
5.
Opportunity to live at home and work
6.
2 year/Associates degrees
7.
Placement tests
SAMPLE MICHIGAN PUBLIC COLLEGES
School
GPA
ACT
U of M
3.85 (95% accepted are
in the top 10th of class)
28-32
MSU
3.71
23-28
GVSU
3.53
21-26
Central Michigan
University
3.28
20-25
Western Michigan
University
3.23
20-25
Northern Michigan
University
3.0
19-25
GRCC
2.0
18
Michigan Tech
3.66
24-29
Oakland University
3.2
19-25
SAMPLE MICHIGAN PRIVATE COLLEGES
College
GPA
ACT
Hope College
3.81
24-29
Calvin College
3.5
23-29
Albion College
3.4
23-28
Alma College
3.4
22-27
Aquinas College
3.3
21-26
Cornerstone
University
3.3
21-27
Kalamazoo
College
3.8
25-30
WHAT SCHOOLS DO I APPLY TO?
The average student applies to 3-4 colleges
 Consider applying for a “safety”, “middle” and a
“reach” school.
 The application fees can add up fast!

STANDARDIZED TESTING

ACT (www.act.org)
Upcoming Test Dates – October 25, December 13
 Students must register early!
 Should I retest?
 Sending ACT scores



www.actstudent.org
SAT, SAT II (www.collegeboard.com)

Upcoming test dates – November 2 & December 7
Send applications even if
you plan on retesting!!
COLLEGE
APPLICATIONS
Organization is
the Key to success!
HOW DO I APPLY?
1.
2.
3.
Apply Online
Common Application may be accepted at
various schools (U of M, Hope, Calvin,
Kalamazoo) https://www.commonapp.org/
Check if individual college requires that ACT or
SAT scores be sent directly from the testing
company


4.
5.
http://www.actstudent.org
http://www.collgeboard.com
Review requirements with the NCAA Clearing
House (if applicable)
Check if there is a counselor form required. If
so, enter the counselor email or bring in form.
HHS APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete student portion of all college
applications online.
 Create an account at the online transcript
clearinghouse www. parchment.com
 If necessary, enter the counselor email or print
counselor information page.
 If transcripts may not be requested online, you
may request a paper copy in the counseling office.
Please allow 5 days for processing.
 Meet with your counselor and give a full week for
Common Application completion and letters of
recommendation.

WWW.PARCHMENT.COM
ADMISSION PROTOCOLS

Rolling Admissions


All state schools use rolling admissions
Early Action
Usually results in earlier response
 Non-binding


Early Decision

Binding – if you apply using early decision you are
agreeing to come if they admit you….it is nonnegotiable!!
ON SITE ADMISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES
Western Michigan University
Grand Valley State University
(pending)
All Materials must be completed including…
 Printed application
 ACT scores/Transcript
 Application fee (or waiver)
APPLICATION FAUX PAS
Don’t forget to SIGN & DATE your application
 Only include what the college application
requests
 Use an appropriate email address


Don’t use an email like partygirl1@yahoo.com
Watch your spelling & grammar – proof read!!!
 Be sure press SUBMIT if applying online
 Make a copy of your application

BE CAREFUL WITH SOCIAL
MEDIA!
**Information from schools.com and Kaplan
HOW DO I SEND A TEACHER
RECOMMENDATION?
Ask an academic teacher – 2 weeks in advance
 Provide the activities form from the guidance
office or a complete resume.
 Discuss with the teacher what is required and
method of sending.
 Follow up with a thank you note.
 ONLY submit if colleges request a letter of
recommendation from a teacher.

DEADLINES
Prioritize – know the deadlines for all the schools
you want to apply to
 Deadline for applications – shoot for October
 Students applying to U of M should complete
their portion of the application and notify their
counselor by Monday, Oct. 20 so we have time to
complete our portion. To ensure consideration
U of M and Hope applications should be turned in
for Early Action..

Do Not trick or treat until your application is
complete!!
$$$ FOR COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID



Never Rule out a school because of cost alone
Net Price Calculators can give a picture of actual costs involved in
the college (compare the costs)
Be very open and honest in speaking with your child about
finances as relative to college

Apply early and be aware of all deadlines

Review HHS scholarship handout

Check for scholarships on college websites

Organize scholarship due dates and requirements


Check updates on “Scholarship News You Can Use” link on HPS
website
Financial Aid – FAFSA
 After January 1, 2014 and before March 1, 2014

Financial Aid Night (January 13)

Be aware of scams!
YOU ARE NOT DONE…..
Senior classes – many colleges want to see
rigorous classes NOT an easy year!
 Keep your grades up – colleges can take back an
acceptance based on your final transcript

MILITARY OPTIONS
 Check
with Recruiters for Details of
each branch of service
 Recruiters
visit during the lunch
periods on a regular basis (see
schedule)
 Many
options for service including
serving while attending college
programs
WHAT IF A COLLEGE EDUCATION IS NOT
IN MY PLANS NOW?
Local
Business Career Networking
Fair (time/location tbd)
Resume Assistance
Co-Op Education Opportunities
M-Tec Programs
TIMELINE FOR SENIOR YEAR
September/October- Apply to Colleges/Community
Colleges/Tech Schools:

Complete applications online.

Request your HHS transcript from www.parchment.com

Consider retaking your ACT in Sept, Oct., or Dec.

Orient to scholarships and begin applying. Watch deadlines carefully.
January/February- Apply for Financial Aid for college or
network local business opportunities:

Attend Financial Aid Workshop at HHS January 9

Complete your FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid before March 1.

Attend Local Business Career Networking Fair
March/April- Make Final Decisions:

Receive financial award letters.

Make your choice, send in your deposit to hold your spot. (decision made by May 1)
**College visits may take place throughout the year… more comprehensive
visits can be very helpful for schools that you are strongly considering.
Important
Dates for
Seniors,
Class of
2015
EDMODO FOR PARENTS
AS A PARENT, WHAT CAN I SEE FROM MY EDMODO ACCOUNT?
Parents are able to see the following in their account (for their
student only):
• Calendar notices
• Assignments due & late assignments
• Assignment comments (i.e. any feedback the teacher provides on their
assignment)
• Grades
• Messages sent by the teacher that are directed to parents
• Direct messages their child’s teacher has sent to their child (or vice versa)
• Their child’s teachers and their Edmodo profile
• Apps the teacher has installed that include parent access
Parents are not able to see the following in their account:
• Messages that teachers post to their student’s groups (unless directed to
parents)
• Teacher communities
• Other student’s posts, replies, grades or assignments
• Library/backpack items or shared folders
For updates on applications,
important dates, scholarship
opportunities, and much
more… Join our Edmodo
group.
We also will be utilizing a
twitter account to distribute
info…
@holhscounselors
WHAT NOW?
Don’t procrastinate – start planning now!!!
 Confused – make an appointment with your
counselor or the college advisor ASAP

QUESTIONS?