College Planning

Looking for college options, but don't know where to start?

COLLEGE PLANNING STEPS

Feeling confused? Follow these steps to college planning success!

The following steps will allow students to start their college planning process - please visit with your School Counselor for help with any of these steps!

Begin searching for colleges. This is the most important step of the college admission process. This can begin as early as junior year or as late as fall of senior year. It important to research what each specific college and university requires and to pay attention to all deadlines.

Where do I start?

The most important part of the college application process is determining which colleges will make a great fit for the student.

Identify the characteristics that are important to you:

- What kind of a town or city would you want to live and study in? A large urban area or a smaller suburb or rural campus?

- How many students do you want to go to school with? A large university or a small school?

- Do you want to play sports in college? What level could you play at?

- What kind of climate would you like to live in? Are you sick of the rain? Or will sunny weather be too distracting?

- How far do you want to be from home?

- What majors are you interested in? If you're not sure, what are your interests? Which schools might give you multiple options?

- How much are you willing to pay for college? What do you feel is reasonable?

Look for colleges that match the characteristics that are important. Compile a list of potential schools.

- Click here to begin College Board's "College Matchmaker" program

Get more information

- Request more information from the admission office of the college or university.

- Familiarize yourself with the college or university's website.

- Attend a college representative visit, if one is available. Listen to the announcements to find out when they will be at LHS!

- Call the admissions office of the school and ask to set up a tour. An overnight visit can be very valuable if they are offered.

Plan to apply to at least five schools

#1 - a school that is affordable and less competitive (you exceed the admission standards)

#5 - a school that is expensive and more competitive

#2 - #4 - schools that are in the middle of #1 and #5

- Know your transcript

- Know the school's application requirements

- Be realistic.

Take/retake the SAT and/or ACT test. This is a recommended step for all seniors, regardless of what school you are planning to attend -- some scholarships consider a student to be a better applicant if they have a standardized test score. You should take the SAT at the end of your junior year and/or the beginning of your senior year. Find out when the SAT/ACT is offered and register.

Apply to colleges.

1. Click here to learn about different types of college applications and deadlines.

2. Click here to learn about Common App, apply to many schools using a single application tool.

3. Need a letter of recommendation? Click here for some tips. Make sure you fill out a student questionnaire to give to the writer of the recommendation.

4. Click here for tips for the College Admission Essay.

5. Request your official LHS transcript be sent. You will also need to request this again once you have graduated.

6. Review your application with a School Counselor or other trusted adult to make sure it's your best work.

Apply for scholarships.

1. Review the list of scholarships that have been advertised with the LHS Counseling Office once announced.

2. Need a letter of recommendation? Click here for some tips.

3. Look at the financial aid and/or scholarship websites of the schools that you're planning to attend. Make sure you meet their deadlines!

Apply for Financial Aid.

1. File the FAFSA as soon as possible after December 1st!