Game Plan

The Game Plan

THE GAME PLAN:

The first three things you need to do right away are as follows:

Register for the SAT test. Some of you may need to take the SAT II exams, especially if you are applying to selective schools or specialized programs such as pre-med, engineering, etc. Registration materials are in the Guidance Office.

Prepare a resume. Please give me a copy of it within the next 2-4 weeks when you come in for your senior interview. In addition, give at least 2 teachers a copy when you request they write a letter for you.

Obtain applications, catalogs, and other material for each college or tech school you want to apply to at the college fair, by e-mailing the school via their web address, or by calling them directly.

When do you need to turn your application in?

Anyone who is applying to a 4-year college should have applications turned in to me by Thanksgiving vacation. 2-year or tech school applicants should have them in by Christmas break, except if you are applying for admission to any health care related field. If you are, turn in your application by the end of October.

Don't let the COLLEGE ESSAY bog you down!!!! It is best if you work on this right away as it is always the one part of the application that causes students to delay and miss deadlines.

How do you fill out applications?

Start by following the directions. You should do them at home because you need social security numbers and parental signatures. They should be neat and typed, if possible. All applications need to be turned in to the guidance office. DO NOT MAIL THEM WITHOUT MY APPROVAL. Before you turn in any applications you must do all of the following:

Completely fill out all parts of the application.

Proofread the application and make sure all information is correct and that everything is signed.

Include two copies of you letters of recommendation.

Include your college essay (In most cases it is best to type it on a separate piece of paper labeling it as the ESSAY and including your name, social security number and the current date. Also, please sign the essay. Check your instructions to see if the college wants you to complete the essay in your won handwriting. Most colleges allow it to be typed and attached.

Include a copy of your resume.

Include any other material requested by the application instructions.

DO NOT INCLUDE CASH, CHECKS, OR MONEY ORDERS FOR THE APPLICATION FEE. WHEN I RETURN YOUR APPLICATION I WILL INSTRUCT YOU TO ATTACH A CHECK.

Why can't you just mail your application yourself?

I like to edit all applications because I find mistakes or omissions in over half of all applications I review. In addition, I need to include a signed and sealed copy of your transcript, my personal letter of recommendation, and a copy of the school profile.

Should you turn in all applications at once?

YES!! It is in your best interest to turn in all your applications at once. That way you will hear the admission/denial results at about the same time and your financial aid packages will arrive from all colleges and/or tech schools together, allowing you to make a decision faster.

How many institutions should you apply to?

I recommend that you apply to between three and five schools.

What if you want to do your application online?

No problem! Just print out a hard copy for me to look at and bring in all other materials that need to be mailed in such as resumes, letters of recommendation, etc. However, most material required can be e-mailed as attachments. Just let me know what you have sent electronically and I will send in your transcript, profile, etc.

How about scholarships?

Many scholarships come across my desk each week. Some are worthwhile, but others are scams. I screen them and will report important ones to you every two weeks or so. National and state scholarships are very competitive and often require a great deal of work to complete the application process. Thus, you will need to decide which ones are worth your effort. Over ninety-five percent of our seniors earn local scholarships, but each year we have several students who win state or national honors. I will let you know which are worth considering. See the College Handbook I developed to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

Last Updated September 04, 2010