College Planning

I. Know yourself and your reasons for wanting to go to college

1.  What kind of person you are - interests, goals, activities

2.  Personal wants from any college - degree area, etc.

3. Your academic preparation - GPA, class rank, courses taken

II. College characteristics that will be important to you

1.  Type of academic program (university, college, technical school)

2.  Majors available

3.  Cost

4.  Location

5.  Opportunities for financial assistance

6. Size of enrollment

7.  Admission criteria

8. Public vs. private

9.  Athletic programs

10. Student/teacher ratio

11.  Activities available

III. Research colleges against your criteria

Meet with college admissions representatives at NHS fall of junior and senior year

Schedule/attend a campus visit

Goals/activities of campus visit:

1.  Meet with Admissions office

2. Meet with Financial Aid office

3.  Meet with faculty member of department of your intended major

4. Attend one or more classes

5. Tour the campus

6. Tour the dorms, cafeteria, library, etc.

7. Investigate student activities available

IV. Apply for admission - Fall of Senior year!!!

1. Secure admission application by calling/writing university/technical school

2. Know the deadlines –apply online ASAP!

3. Know all requirements for admission

4. Request your transcript be sent to all colleges you applied to

5. Request forms are available in the Guidance Office

6. Consult with counselor to make sure all steps to be completed are done correctly

V. Develop your plan to finance your education

1. Determine direct costs - tuition, room and board, fees, books

2. Determine indirect costs - transportation to and from campus, clothing, laundry, entertainment and recreation

3. Investigate sources of aid

   •  Complete FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st of senior year. Be sure to have your FAFSA information sent to all colleges you apply to

   • Apply for scholarships of which you have become aware (on Guidance link of NHS webpage)

4. D. Understand types of financial aid

   • Grants - Federal Pell, Teach Grant, etc

   •  Scholarships (Merit/Athletic/etc from college)

   • Loans – Subsidized and Unsubsidized

   • Work –Work Study programs

VI. Finalize Plans

1. Notify college/university of your commitment to them

2. If living on campus, make sure to follow deadlines for reserving a dorm room

3. Keep in continual contact with the Financial Aid Office to be sure of what aid you will be receiving. Most scholarships require student to maintain a certain GPA requirement. 

4. Request final transcript be sent to college you are attending!