We'll be visiting all senior PE classes to launch the senior postsecondary planning process. These presentations will cover timelines, tools, and tips to help you navigate the months ahead.Important topics will include postsecondary options, college application tips, ordering transcripts, writing essays, and requesting/submitting recommendations. Our goal is to be sure you are aware of all important information to guide you through the postsecondary planning process. 

Resources for Common Application:

• AXS Companion is a tool for any student to guide them through The Common Application.  It's modular, so students can walk through the whole application or just the pieces they need help with.  http://www.axscompanion.com/ 

• How To Fill Out The Common Application In 2025 - COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH

Additional Resources for Parents: 

Application Management Tips for Parents/Guardians

CEG College Handbook for Families

Georgia Tech Blog: Advice for Parents on Admission Requirements

The program will provide critical information on completing the FAFSA and financial aid applications, what comprises a financial aid package, and how and what to communicate with financial aid officers. The featured presenter is Mr. Jerry Cebrzynski, Associate Vice President of Financial Aid, Lake Forest College. 

Here is the link for the webinar for students and families:

https://dist113-org.zoom.us/j/89947459191?pwd=kcFuVQqV3SOa1WH1i5XX5FhaTsahvh.1 

This presentation is hosted by the CCRC and attendance is highly recommended. Please join us for a thoughtful and pragmatic discussion of college admission testing that will be useful to students and parents alike.

Learn what you need to know about the following and more:

• College Admissions and the Modern Testing Dilemma

• Latest Developments in SAT/ACT Digital Transitions

• Choosing Wisely Between Tests and Formats

• Crafting A Personalized Testing and Prep Timeline

• When To Submit Scores in a Test-Optional Era

• Test Prep Strategies: Cost, Format, Schedule, and Realistic Goals

• How to plan for Illinois’ return to an ACT graduation requirement

Please register below to receive the Zoom link. All registrants will be emailed the recording of the event. 

https://www.compassprep.com/schools/district113/

Want more information on testing - attend a future webinar: https://www.compassprep.com/webinars/ 

For many students and parents, the process of college planning and the entire application process may seem daunting. The college search and selection process can, however, be an educational adventure as well as a time of personal growth, an opportunity for increasing self-understanding and the beginning of goal setting. The post-secondary process should include a survey of all options available to students to ensure the broadest possible opportunity for self-fulfillment and success.

The process of considering post-secondary options begins well before senior year. For students looking for colleges offering specific support programs or services, the search should begin no later than junior year. It is important to encourage students to take the initiative during this process. Parents should remain in the background cheering on and supporting their student’s journey toward independence.

The college exploration process requires considerable planning, research and patience. Students must consider many important factors including:

• Self-reflection is required so that each student can fully understand (and, therefore, work toward) his or her own wants and needs.

• Analysis of the way in which each student learns best allows an accurate assessment of what facilities and services are needed for post-secondary education.

• Understanding the specific disability and how it impacts learning is needed to ensure appropriate academic, physical, emotional and social supports.

Exploring factors such as these allows each student to make the best decision on which program(s) will be best suited to their needs and, therefore, the best choice for post-secondary success. This ensures that students who “get in,” “stay in.”

https://postsecondarychoices.org/choices-fair-2025

This event is for Junior students during the school day. Topics will include:

• Resources & Programs offered in Junior & Senior years 

• Senior year course considerations - requirements versus recommendations

• Postsecondary options available to you: 4-year college, 2-year college, vocational programs, GAP year, military, employment

• Advantages of meeting with Ms. Magee or Ms. Flowers to discuss your future plans

• How to start a college search and determine your priorities - location, major, cost

• How to maximize college visits 

• Developing the best ACT/SAT plan 

• Learning how to use MaiaLearning for career and college exploration

Critical information about the next steps in the postsecondary planning process will be discussed, including topics such as sending first semester grades to colleges, navigating admissions decisions, financial aid and DHS scholarships opportunities. 

Get the facts from DHS Postsecondary Counselors, a college admissions counselor and learn from experienced students about how to navigate the stresses of junior year with appropriate expectations. 

Saturday, January 24, 12:00-3:00 PM, Winnetka Campus. 

The Chicago Gap Year Fair at New Trier High School’s Winnetka campus (385 Winnetka Ave) is a free, in‑person event designed for Chicago‑area students and parents to explore gap year opportunities.  Serving as part of the broader USA Gap Year Fairs series, it brings together reputable gap year providers, educators, and experts in one centralized setting.

The fair typically opens with a Gap Year 101 presentation and live Q&A from noon to 1 p.m., followed by dedicated “meet‑and‑greet” time with program representatives from 1–3 p.m. Organizations such as Gap Year Solutions also participate—providing personalized advice on structuring gap year plans, including work, service, travel, and internships—some even offering U.S. internship placements

The Understanding Postsecondary Options panelists represent a large, public university, a small, private, liberal arts college, an international university, and a community college. Presenters will highlight what distinguishes their type of institution from the others and why it might be the right fit. Topics addressed will include academic and extracurricular opportunities, as well as admission, financial aid and scholarship processes. 

We are excited to announce that Township High School District 113 is partnering with  The College Funding Coach on March 3rd @ 6:30 PM via Zoom webinar. This event is for any family wanting to learn how to pay for college. 

Planning for these expenses has become essential. Whether your child is heading to college next year or you have years to prepare, managing these rising costs can feel overwhelming.  Since 2002, The College Funding Coach® has been helping families nationwide discover effective, often-overlooked strategies to save and pay for college.

Join us for this interactive webinar, Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College, where you’ll learn the rules of the game when it comes to managing college costs.

We hope  to empower families with the tools and knowledge you need to make informed, confident decisions about college funding.

You can expect to learn the following:

• How to fund your child’s education

• College funding strategies for parents with students who DO and DO NOT qualify for financial aid

• The 13 most popular college funding financial vehicles explained and debunked

• Updates on FAFSA changes and their impact on your family

• Creative strategies to make out-of-state or private colleges more affordable

• Ways to maximize and increase financial aid eligibility

• …and so much more

As part of our Exploring the Admission Process, District 113 will offer a collection of short podcasts and videos throughout April that dive deeper into specialized areas of college admission. These resources are designed to support families and students with interests or circumstances that may involve additional considerations in the college application process.

Topics will include:

• Applying to Highly Selective Colleges
  
  

• The Collegiate Athletic Recruitment Process
  
  

• Understanding the Fine Arts Admissions Process
  
  

• How an IEP or 504 Plan May Affect the College Search and Application Process
  
  

• …and more.
  
  

These quick, targeted resources will be available on-demand to help you navigate these unique aspects of the college at your own pace. Whether you're just beginning to think about college or deep in the process, these insights can help guide your planning and next steps.

Stay tuned for more information in early April!

Senior Check-Out takes place during the first week of May, in which Postsecondary Counselors and School Counselors will collect information on your postsecondary plans. During this time, students will verify that their college list in their Maia Learning account is accurate and complete. All seniors will be required to request a final transcript and change their parchment login so they can access their transcript after graduation. Seniors will also complete a short end of the year survey. The process takes no longer than 5 minutes. 

This is a day that we celebrate the seniors and all of their hard work. Seniors, come and grab a piece of cake in the blocks! 

Common App Workshop: Are you interested in walking through the Common App? Students will complete half of the Common App by the end of this workshop. 

Essay Workshop: Are you interested in learning about the dos and don'ts of a college essay, or tips on how to write a “good” one? Students will be taking a look at essay prompts and working through the writing process.