Guidance
Guidance Updates
Hello Spartans!
Below you will find important information from the Guidance Office regarding scheduling, graduation progress, SAT, ACT, college admissions, etc. If you are an upperclassman, this is a great spot to stay up-to-date on all guidance information!
Scheduling Resources
Scheduling Resources for the 2024-25 School Year
The scheduling materials for the 2024-2025 school year will be provided through email the week of Decemeber 11th. Students will receive a course selection sheet and have access to the 2024-2025 Course Description Guide online! Please review the documents attached to the December 11th e-mail with your student(s)over the winter break. When we return from winter break, counselors will meet with students during their science class to select courses for next year. If students do not have a science class, their counselor will send for them sometime during January or February. Students must be prepared to select their classes when counselors meet with them. At that time, students will be asked to submit their FINAL course selections. After submitting their course selections, students may request to change or drop a class (depending upon space available) prior to 2:45 p.m., June 3rd, 2024. After June 3, only errors in scheduling will be addressed.
Standardized Testing
School Day SAT for Juniors
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Homestead High School will be administering the SAT in person to our grade 11 students. Because the SAT has replaced the ISTEP+ as a graduation qualifying exam, it will be given at no cost to students. All students in the Class of 2025 are required by the state of Indiana to test in person on Tuesday, March 5th. It is important to note that students CANNOT use an SAT exam score that they have taken in the past or will take in the future in place of the March 5th administration. The school test, unlike the Saturday exams, is a digital exam that has been specifically designed for the Indiana graduation requirement. This is why ALL Juniors must be present for this exam.
The SAT exam will focus on reading, writing, and math skills. Additional information about SAT content can be found on the College Board SAT webpage. Because this is such an important exam, Homestead encourages all Juniors to practice for the SAT for free by using the Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy. This free resource has video lessons and full-length practice tests. In order to access these personalized practice tests, students can find their unique PSAT Code in the left-side toolbar in PowerSchool. This access code will allow Khan Academy to personalize the practice activities based on your PSAT results.
This is a tremendous opportunity for all of our students as the SAT is a standardized college entrance exam accepted by every college in the U.S. and over 600 institutions internationally and is used as one component of the admissions process. The SAT connects you to scholarship opportunities as well and can also be used to qualify for free college classes offered during your senior year.
SAT & ACT Testing
Standardized testing is one factor that goes into consideration when applying for college. Some colleges in recent years have granted leniency to standardized testing scores; these test-optional colleges are recommended for students who do not wish to report their scores, and this site has organized which schools have gone this route. Nonetheless, testing is still an important part of most applications. Below are the testing dates and deadlines for the SAT and ACT for the 2023-24 school year. For more information, go to www.actstudent.org or www.collegeboard.com.
Senior Information (Class of 2024)
Graduation
Graduation for the Class of 2024 will be on Sunday, June 9th at the War Memorial Coliseum Expo Center. The ceremony begins at 4:00 pm, but seniors must arrive at 1:30 pm for a MANDATORY rehearsal.
Senior Yearbook Photos
Senior Yearbook Photos - Anyone wishing to appear in this year’s HHS Yearbook must have their Senior Photo taken by Prestige Portraits. Please click the link below to sign up for a photo session:
Prestige Portraits will be at Homestead High School one last time on Wednesday, December 6th from 9 am to 3 pm.
These photos are Walk-in Only (no appointment necessary).
Students may visit the Ninth Grade Academy Gym as their schedules allow on that day. (If attending outside of class schedule, please enter at Door 26 off Aboite Center Rd.)
Contact the Lifetouch (Prestige) office with questions: 317-829-2073
Dress Code for Senior Pictures:
1. All: Please do not wear t-shirts, masks, hats, or sunglasses. School dress code requirements apply.
2. Ladies must wear a nice blouse, sweater, or dress. Please do NOT wear low-cut, strapless, or sleeveless tops, as shoulders and upper arms must be
covered for the photo.
3. Gentlemen must wear a collared shirt and tie (sport coat/suit coat preferred but optional).
Thanks for helping to make your senior yearbook complete.
Graduation Cap and Gown orders
It’s time to order your Cap & Gown for graduation!
EVERY senior who plans to participate in the graduation ceremony must wear a cap & gown.
For order information, please visit the Jostens Homestead Senior Grad Information Portal HERE.
There are payment plans available.
If you are interested in only the cap/gown/tassel purchase, please click this link.
Orders must be placed by January 1, 2024 to avoid a price increase.
Cap & Gown Orders will be distributed in the spring.
If you are unable to afford a cap & gown, please reach out to Mrs. Bay at jbay@sacs.k12.in.us
Common Applications
Why Common App?
The Common App makes college applications stress-free as everything is all in the same place. This application is used broadly by 950 universities and colleges and has helped many students accomplish the first steps needed to begin the process of the next step of pursuing their education.
Not only can the Common App be used for applying to schools across the country, but it can be used to find scholarships and financial aid opportunities!
**Important information regarding college applications:
Students must allow counselors/teachers at least two weeks to complete applications and letters of recommendations. Recommendation sheet (purple sheet) for students to complete and provide to recommenders.
Here are instructions for sending your transcripts through Parchment, it is important you list Homestead High School (Fort Wayne, IN) as your school. Please make sure to enter your year of graduation correctly.
Although SAT and ACT scores are on your transcript, most colleges want them sent directly through College Board or ACT. Students have to make this request; counselors cannot request official scores to be sent.
If applying to colleges using the Common Application, make sure you have email addresses for your recommenders and counselor. You do NOT have to have your portion of the application completed in order to submit the application to your counselor. Common Application allows students and counselors to work simultaneously.
Although colleges might offer multiple ways to submit information and transcripts, you should only use one. Priority should be given to Common Application and Parchment.
What are the Application Requirements?
Many universities and colleges will have the same requirements, which entails filling out the information that provides details about your background, extracurriculars, and just essential information about you. Some schools will require that the student provides an essay that is a minimum of 250 words with a maximum of 650 words.
Many students are intimidated by the essay requirement, but do not stress! Start off with one of the seven prompts below:
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to our success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
If you are unsure of your essay's quality or what college admissions look for in the requirement essay, ask for a teacher, family member, or counselor to help review and provide feedback on your essay before submitting your final application!
FAQs for College Applications
What is my class size (Class of 2024)?
557
Do you report class rank?
No (unless you have officially released your rank)
Do you have weighted grades?
Yes
Are you on a block schedule?
No
Have you ever attended another college or university?
Check with individual colleges as it varies by college. For example, Indiana University reports wanting students to mark “No” if it is dual credit or higher education. Whereas, Purdue University prefers students to mark “Yes”.
What is your school graduation date?
June 9th, 2024 at 4 pm
How should I send my high school transcript?
Electronically through Parchment unless applying with Common Application
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision is an early admission policy indicating that the college you apply to Early Decision is your top choice. Applying Early Decision is binding, meaning if accepted you are expected to attend that particular college. Students and parents should read the policy entirely before applying Early Decision to understand the terms of the commitment.
Requesting Letters of Recommendation
As we enter the season of college applications and scholarships, remember that many of these applications will require letters of recommendation from school personnel. Make sure you give some time and consideration to those you choose to write your letters of recommendation. Please consider the following when requesting a letter of recommendation:
Ask someone who knows you well
Ask early and provide appropriate time to construct a well-written letter (at least two weeks)
Ask before assigning them as a recommender
Ask in person
Provide your resume or counselor information sheet (see attached) to the recommender
Send a thank you letter
Scholarships
A few featured scholarships with upcoming deadlines for Homestead High School students are listed below. For a full list of all available scholarships and their detailed eligibility criteria, please visit the 2023-2024 Scholarship Information Page on our website.
Additionally, students can peruse national scholarship search sites, such as the College Board Scholarship Search or Fastweb to widen their scholarship search.
Indiana Association for College Admission Counseling (INACAC) Scholarship: Scholarships range from $500-$1,000 and will be awarded to freshman year. Deadline: 1/8/24
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: A 4-year scholarship of up to $35,000 and extensive support services, including career guidance and internship placement. Deadline: 1/10/24
Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship: Provides students interested in pursuing a career in education the opportunity to earn a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 each year for four academic years. Deadline: 1/31/24
Health Professions & Nursing Scholarships: The Lutheran Foundation has scholarships starting at $1,000 to award to students pursuing degrees in nursing or other healthcare professions. Deadline 2/1/24
OAGC Foundation, Inc. Scholarship: An annual one-time grant of an amount not less than $1,000 will be given directly to the recipient to use for tuition, fees, books, and related supplies. Deadline: 3/15/24
BigFuture Scholarship Search: Students in the class of 2024 who use BigFuture Scholarship Search and save 3 scholarships to their list will earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships. Deadlines vary.
Army ROTC Scholarships: Full-tuition scholarships for 2-4 years available. Includes room and board with an additional stipend for books and fees. Deadlines vary.
Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne: All scholarships listed (with the exception of a few) require students to be residents of Allen County, Indiana. Scholarship deadlines will vary by institution.
MadeByMe Scholarship: $1,000 award for residents from Allen County pursuing a certificate or degree in a skilled manufacturing or trade program.
The Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant offers free job training from Ivy Tech or Vincennes for Hoosiers in high-demand sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Building & Construction, Health & Life Science, IT & Business Services, and Transportation & Logistics.
Fafsa & Financial Aid
Fafsa
The FAFSA is now recquired for the class of 2024. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be available in December 2023 for the Class of 2024. The FAFSA must be completed by April 15 to qualify for Indiana state aid, but it is recommended you file as soon as possible. Many schools have deadlines as early as February, and some types of aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. FASFA will open early December. You will need:
Student’s and parents’ Social Security Numbers
Student’s driver’s license number
Parents’ 2022 federal taxes and taxes for student if filed
Information on untaxed income for student and parents
Information on cash, savings, and checking account balances as well as investments for student and parents
Have questions or need help? Homestead is hosting a representative from a local college to talk about financial aid on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 5:30 pm in the Gray Box. Enter through Door 1 and come with questions. More information is available on the Homestead website.
State Financial aid
The Commission for Higher Education is dedicated to making college affordable through need-based financial aid awards and to allow choice by granting awards to those attending public, independent and proprietary colleges.
Award notices contain information about a student's eligibility for Indiana state financial aid awards. Eligibility is based on the data disclosed on the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the approved tuition and regularly assessed fees at the college the student will be attending, the type of high school diploma the student earned, and the number of credit hours the student has successfully completed.
Indiana ranks fifth in the nation in the need-based grant aid per undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment, making higher education more accessible and attainable for more Hoosiers. Indiana has two primary grant programs: The Frank O'Bannon Grant, Indiana's primary need-based financial aid program and the 21st Century Scholarship program, Indiana's early promise program where students sign up in middle school. Please visit the Indiana Commission for Higher Education website at https://www.in.gov/che/4514.htm for more information about Indiana's grant programs.
Diploma Type Verification
Scholartrack is used to facilitate the reporting of eligible Academic or Technical Honors graduates to the Commission. Graduates not reported through ScholarTrack may not receive the full financial aid award for which they are eligible.
To report this information in ScholarTrack you need to create your own account. If you have not already created your own ScholarTrack Account, please click here to get started ScholarTrack Account
For more information on financial aid information, please contact Mrs. Lackland at the email below.
COLlege Goal sunday
On February 25th, 2024 College Goal Sunday will take place at locations across Indiana. Please join financial aid experts from all across the state who will be available between 2 and 4pm Local Time to help all attendees with filing their FAFSA.
Locations can be found here: