Counseling Department
Mr. Rafael Santiago, Counseling Department Chair
Students with last names beginning with SU - Z + All ELL students
Mrs. Ashley Kozee, School Counselor
Students with last names A - DEC
Mr. Kelly Bond, School Counselor
Students with last names DEE - JOI
Mrs. Kyleigh Swanburg, School Counselor
Students with the last names JOJ - OL
Ms. Grace Savage, School Counselor
Students with last names OM - ST
Mr. Michel Satterfield, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Amy Gamez, School Social Worker
Mrs. Brenda Hamilton, Registrar
Mrs. Linda Alexander, Counseling Secretary
Class of 2016
The Steps to College
and
the Application Process
"Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction
you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll
decide where to go...“
Dr. Seuss
Step 1
Finalize list of College/Universities – 3 to 5
(Remember to be selective and to keep in mind a “reality check”)
Consider: College Visits (4 excused absences)
Probe Fair (September 1st – Permission Slips due August 28th)
College Representative Visits (Sign-up in Counseling Office)
College Search Engines (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/,
GaCollege411.org...)
What to Consider
When Selecting a School
• Type of school – 2 year, 4 year or Technical
• Geographical Location
• Public or Private
• Size
• Living Facilities
• Co$t - $$$$
• Away or Stay Home
• Majors offered
• Clubs/Sports/Activities
How many schools
should I apply to???
It is important to narrow your choices. An appropriate number
of schools to apply to for most students is 3 - 5. It is not
necessary to apply to a long list of schools. Consider your
first choice colleges and selectivity. Do consider applying to
schools that may be
Reach
Target
or
Likely
*Students are strongly encouraged to review your college choices
with your counselor.
Step 2
Visit College/University Website
Find the following information from the Freshman Admissions Link:
•
Requirements (HS credits, application, recommendations, fees, tests)
•
Deadlines for Application
•
Deadlines for Scholarships (also on the school’s Financial Aid website)
Step 3
Complete Senior Information Sheet
Students submitting Early Action Applications must submit Senior
Profile by September 12th.
Seniors must complete and submit Senior Profile by October 1st for
all other deadlines
Senior Profile will provide counselors with important information that
can be used when writing letters of recommendation. Give complete,
honest and well-thought out answers to the required questions.
Step 4
Register for SAT/ACT
(If you have not taken or need to retake either of these tests)
Act quickly! Deadlines for registrations are coming up!
Counseling Webpage: http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/21822
Check with colleges for the last test date they will accept
for a specific application deadline
Send SAT/ACT scores directly from the testing agency.
They must arrive by the application deadline.
Step 5
Complete and Submit Applications
(Prioritize according to deadlines and Review/Edit before Submitting. Pay application fee.)
Essays
Dedicate time and effort.
• Be honest, authentic, creative and answer the prompt.
• Ask teachers/peers to review and make suggestions.
• Proof Read and Edit, Edit, Edit.
•
Common Applications
• Create
an account.
• Complete Personal and School Information.
• Invite your counselor and teacher(s) as recommenders.
Admissions Terms
•
Regular Admissions Deadline- The regular application
deadline specified by colleges is typically in January or February.
•
Rolling Admissions- No deal - applications are processed
as received.
•
Early Decision - This is a binding agreement and should only
be used when application to your top choice college. Deadline
usually in October/November.
•
Early Action - Early application that is non binding with a
deadline usually in October/ November.
*It is strongly recommended that students consult with their counselor prior to applying early.
Step 6
Submit a Transcript Request
Official Transcript & School Profile
Forms available in Counseling Office and on the Senior Page of the Counseling Website.
Fill out completely for all applications (Common App., In-State/Electronic Copy, Out-of-State/Hard Copy)
•
Include a $3.00 Fee for each request.
Note: If you are completing a Common Application for multiple schools, please list them on the Transcript Request Form
and include one $3.00 fee.
•
Counselor Recommendation (if needed) – Be Considerate! (Allow 2 to 3 weeks)
•
School Report/Counselor Evaluation (print and include with Transcript Request)
•
Requests for out-of-state transcripts will cost $5.00. The cost includes postage and
envelope. Students will provide address where they want it sent.
Step 7
Request Teacher Recommendation (only if required by the
college/university)
•
Please allow teachers ample time (2 to 3 weeks) to write your
recommendation.
•
Provide them with a copy of your Senior Profile Sheet/ Resume.
•
Let the teacher know whether the application will be sent through
Common Application, College Website, or mailed.
•
If the recommendation letter needs to be mailed, provide teacher with a
stamped envelope, addressed with the corresponding school’s Office
of Admission address.
Step 8
Review Final Checklist
•
Completed Senior Information/Senior Profile Sheet
•
Registered for SAT/ACT (if needed)
•
Send test scores directly from testing agency to college
•
Reviewed/edited and submitted Application
•
Paid College Application Fee
•
Requested Teacher Recommendation
•
Submitted Transcript Request with applicable fee, stamps, forms (allow 3
weeks to process)
Step 9
The Waiting Game
•
Review application status page for each college
•
Verify all required documents have been submitted
Note: If college states something is missing or that they have not
received your application, DON’T PANIC! See Mrs. Hamilton, in room
173 and CALMLY ask her to track your documents. Many times the
schools have received everything but have not updated the status page
of their website.
•
Patiently wait for Admission Decisions
Step 10
In the Meantime….
•
Maintain Grades – Mid-Year reports / Final Grades (Both Important).
•
Search for and apply for Scholarships http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/21818
•
Students playing college athletics must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse or
www.playnaia.org
•
•
Visit the counseling web page often and follow us on Twitter @FCHS_Counseling
•
Make an appointment to see your counselor with any questions.
•
Visit www.gacollege411.org for HOPE scholarship details.
•
Attend Financial Aid Night at Forsyth Central High School – To Be Announced
•
Finally......ENJOY YOUR SENIOR YEAR!
•
BTW Senior Parent Night: September 8th at the PAC at 6:30