Seniors
College Packet! College
Interview
Athletes!
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SEPTEMBER Start the college search! Put together a preliminary list of about 6-8 colleges that interests you, then write, call or email them and ask for information about their programs. If you have an interest in a particular major, sports, or activity, mention it to the college, this way, you will receive information on what is important to you. Also, most colleges have a website that will offer more detailed, up-to-date information and a virtual tour. Write the essay! To prepare for the college essay/personal statement, begin by jotting down ideas. Remember you will be competing against thousands of well-qualified applicants for admission to the school of your choice. The goal of the college essay/personal statement is to separate yourself from the crowd. Complete your resume College application timelines Regular admission – Apply by a mid-winter deadline, which can be from December to March. Hear from colleges in early April, make your decision and notify college by May 1st. Rolling admission – Apply and usually receive an admission decision within four to six weeks from the time you submit the application. Open Admission – Open to students with high school diplomas or equivalent. Early application Early Action - This is a nonbinding plan that requires you to submit your application in early fall which is usually November 1st or 15th. The college lets you know whether or not you are accepted by early January but you have the right to wait until May 1st before responding. Early Decision – This is binding so it is important that you are certain about wanting to enroll at that college. You may apply for early decision to only one college. As with Early Action, you submit your application in early fall, usually November 1st or 15th. Sometime between mid-December to early January, the college notifies you whether you have been admitted, or that you are deferred to the pool of regular applicants for a spring decision or denied admission to the college. Once you are admitted, you are committed to attend that college and you surrender the right to wait until May 1st to make a decision. You must withdraw all applications to other colleges. NOTE: You are released from an Early Decision if the college is unable to meet your need for financial aid as demonstrated by the completion of a financial aid form. If you are including an INTERVIEW on your college search, review this link. Study hard and keep up good grades! Your year academic performance does count! Pay attention to the morning announcements of college representatives’ visits. Sign-up and pick up a pass from the Guidance and Career Center. OCTOBER Letters of Recommendations Pick up Letter of Recommendation Form from the Guidance and Career Center and fill in the information completely. It is helpful to include your Resume with your request for a recommendation. Choose teachers who know you well and who will speak of your abilities. Ask politely and early. Remember to provide the teacher with copy of your resume for reference. Follow-up with a thank you note. If you are applying to more than one college, make all your requests at one time so people who are recommending you can duplicate their materials. Have consideration of your teachers and coaches; avoid giving recommendations to them at the very last minute. NOTE: Letters of recommendation are personal and confidential. PHS teachers have been asked to turn in their recommendations directly to the Guidance Office. SOCIAL COURTESIES! Remember to handwrite a brief thank-you note to the teachers who are writing letters of recommendation. Your thank-you note will also serve as a reminder for teachers who may need it. Register for the College Scholarship Service (CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE) if required by the private college where you plan to apply. Find out exactly what forms (including financial aid) and college entrance test(s) are required in order to apply to colleges that interest you. The information should be on their school website. Reduce your preliminary list of colleges to a manageable number. DECEMBER Attend Financial Aid Night at Pelham High School!
Check announcements and PHS Guidance Website for $CHOLARSHIP$. If you don’t apply, the money will go to someone else! JANUARY Submit FAFSA: January 1st – March 15th. PLEASE NOTE that financial aid packages that are need-based are offered on a first-come, first-served. Finish any other college applications. You can still apply to colleges with rolling admission should you have changed your mind and now want to attend a four-year college in the fall. Complete scholarship applications. Keep checking the PHS Guidance and Career Center Website for new scholarship opportunities. Community scholarships information will also be posted in the Guidance and Career Center. FEBRUARY-MARCH Remember to request mid-year transcripts for all schools that require one. Visit colleges that you have not yet visited or that need a second look. Follow up on those schools that have not responded to your application packet. Share your good news with PHS as you receive acceptance letters! APRIL Review the financial aid packet with your parents/guardian. Notify the college you have selected. MAY Take the Advanced Placement Exams for any AP courses you are taking. Notify colleges you have declined so they can offer the spot to other students. JUNE Request that a final transcript be sent to the college you will be attending. CAUTION: Your transcript will not be forwarded if you have any outstanding obligations to PHS.
PHS Guidance and Career Center Updated September, 2007 |
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