GET AHEAD, STAY AHEAD

Planning for college can be both exciting and stressful. As many students are trying to figure out which college best suits their needs, parents are also trying to figure out finances and how this major change will shift the dynamics in the family. With so many options and tremendous competition, it's natural for students to feel intimidated and overwhelmed. Hopefully, the workshops we provide to students during the fall and the resources you will find on this page will prove to be helpful in your journey. In addition, we encourage students to please visit with their counselor to discuss college requirements and make sure they are on track to apply to the college of their choice. Once this is determined, a meeting with Mrs. Grimm (Career Center Coordinator) would be a great way to research everything higher education has to offer. We wish you the best of luck in this journey and look forward to helping you reach your goals!

DEADLINES, DEADLINES!

We are aware your senior year is meant to be memorable, exciting, and fun! We wish for you to experience all of these emotions, but we also know how stressful and time consuming it is to figure out plans after graduation. The key is to stay on top of your responsibilities in class and set mini goals when applying to colleges and for scholarships / financial aid. Remember these deadlines and do not get caught completing applications at the last minute! Rushing through a college application is not the best way to make a good impression. Write these dates down and set a timeline for yourself! Good luck!

CSU Application deadline: You may begin filling out your application on October 1, 2009. You MUST complete your application by  November 30, 2009.

UC Application deadline:  You may begin filling out your application on October 1, 2009. The filing period is between November 1 and November 30, 2009.

Private School Application deadline:  These dates vary, so please check with each school individually.

FAFSA deadline:  You may begin filling out your application on January 1, 2010. You MUST complete your application by March 2, 2010.

Scholarship deadlines:  Scholarships come throughout the entire school year. Stay up-to-date by checking your school e-mail and visiting our web site regularly! Free money is waiting for you!

The Common Application is a site that hundreds of colleges and universities use as their primary method for students who wish to apply. While most private schools use this site, many out-of-state schools also utilize this application process. Thankfully, the Common App (as it is commonly referred) has streamlined their process and have developed a fantastic system for submitting your applications online. Please note not all private or out-of-state colleges/universities use the Common App, so please check their site to make sure your school of choice accepts this method for applying. Here are a few tips in helping you complete this process:

1. Determine who you wish to ask for a letter of recommendation. Typically, you should ask two teachers. Please note the Common Application REQUIRES an evaluation / letter from your counselor, so include them in the process from the very beginning. This means you should have a total of at least 3 recommendations (two teachers and your counselor).
2. Visit our Student Profile link to retrieve necessary information for letters of recommendation. Teachers and counselors appreciate receiving these in a timely manner. Please fill out entirely and give information to teachers. When handing information to counselors, please include a yellow transcript request form and be prepared to pay the $2 fee to have your transcript sent. Please include deadlines to each school you wish to apply!
3. Begin filling out your portion by registering online at the Common App site. Counselors request that students use the online option for the Common App. This will make it easier for everyone involved and provide reassurance knowing all necessary materials were sent appropriately with each college/university.
4. Follow up with counselors and teachers, making sure each have received the e-mail from the Common App requesting their reports. 
5. Complete application online and follow up with counselor regularly to make sure all necessary materials are sent and all fees for transcripts are paid.
6. Lastly, counselors and teachers work extremely hard to write the very best letter on your behalf. The most enjoyable part of this process is learning where you have been accepted and which school you ultimately choose to attend. Sadly, we often write letters and fail to hear from you and your final decision. Please share with us.

Need a tutorial on how to fill out the Common Application? Click here for some additional help on how to fill it out!