College information for seniors

FINANCIAL AID

https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

What you need to complete the FAFSA

• Your and/or your parents’ tax return or an estimation based on W-2 forms
• W-2 forms and other records of money earned
• Driver’s License and Social Security Number
• Records of any untaxed income such as: welfare, social security, AFDC or ADC or veteran’s benefits
• Current bank statements
• Current mortgage information
• Business and farm records
• Records of stocks, bonds and other investments

What Seniors Can Expect From HS Counselors

DO EXPECT YOUR COUNSELOR TO…

• Encourage you to select courses that will challenge you and present a more well-rounded profile to college admission counselors.
• Advise you of your necessary graduation requirements.
• Encourage you to focus on specific goals and criteria for college selection (location, course of study, size).
• Assist you in locating resources for your college search.
• Maintain up to date college, military, and career resources.
• Inform you of upcoming college fairs, art portfolio, and open house dates.
• Provide acceptance criteria for you to match your skills & scores to the college’s recommendation for admission.
• Demonstrate available internet college search programs.
• Inform you on SAT I & II and ACT registration deadlines.
• Provide you with tips on how to get the most out of your college visit.
• Demonstrate college/job interviewing skills.
• Assist you with the development of your application essay.
• Review and mail applications along with required paper work (transcript, letters of recommendation, activities, and achievements).
• Submit mid-year grade reports to colleges.
• Provide information on national, state and local scholarships.
• Provide information and forms for state and federal financial aid.

DO NOT EXPECT YOUR COUNSELOR TO…

• Choose your schools for you.
• Complete your applications for you.
• Write your college essay for you.
• Keep track of your deadlines.
• Submit official SAT/ACT scores to the colleges of your choice.
• Ask a teacher to write a recommendation for you.

*The college search process is a shared responsibility. Even if you are not sure where to begin, your first step should be at your counselor’s office. Working as a team with your counselor will prove beneficial for the both of you.

PARENTS: GUIDE YOUR CHILD TO COLLEGE

Many current seniors will choose to continue their education at colleges and universities. With the wide array of schools to choose from, parents often wonder how they can help their child in choosing the “right” school. You may find the following tips helpful:

• Ask questions and find experts- look for potential sources of information. See if there are any state or national organizations that focus on your child’s area of interest and request information. Talk to the admissions officers and staff of the colleges your child is interested in.
• Focus on fit. There is no one “perfect” school for your child to attend, a lesser known school may prove to be a better match than a “big name” school. Things to consider include: academic programs and support services, class size/teacher ratio, location, housing, athletic and arts programs, internships and study abroad opportunities.
• Learn about financial aid – check the U.S. Department of Education online at www.studentaided.gov or call 1-800-433-3249 to request information.
• It’s o.k. if your child is “undecided” about a major – college is a time of exploration. Encourage your child to take courses from a variety of areas of interest and talk to other students about their majors and life/career goals.
• Be supportive and encouraging – whether your child asks for advice and support in the decision making process or not, knowing that you are behind them and interested in their future can help make the final decision easier.