College Planning
*Senior Checklist*
College Application Week October 2nd-6th
2023
AUGUST
ALL Seniors:
If you have failed or dropped classes, check with your counselor if you are on track to graduate.
Compose a Resume if you haven't already
COLLEGE BOUND Seniors:
Consider taking or retaking the ACT to increase your scholarship chances. For more information, search this site under "Academic Resources."
Create & Research a college list of 3-5 schools
Explore possible majors/degree programs
Search and Apply for Scholarships:
Check with the colleges you are applying to – Is there a separate application?
Check on scholarships through your parents’ places of work
Check the [scholarships page] every week for local, state, and national scholarship updates
College Advisor, Ms. Jailyn Stewart (jailynstewart@smsd.org) can help.
SEPTEMBER
ALL Seniors:
Order your Cap and Gown!
COLLEGE BOUND Seniors:
Jailyn Stewart is your College Advisor. Make an appointment to see her if you need help!
Consider taking or retaking the ACT to increase your scholarship chances. For more information, search this site under "Academic Resources."
Schedule campus visits and re-visit favorite colleges and narrow your list of potential schools
Attend college fairs and financial aid informational events
Sept. 26: Questbridge Scholarship Deadline
Create a FSA ID at studentaid.gov
For more information about FAFSA, click HERE.
OCTOBER
ALL Seniors:
Fill out REQUIRED Senior Diploma Information Form DUE OCTOBER 29TH!
Order your Cap and Gown
COLLEGE BOUND Seniors:
College Application Week Oct 2-6
Fill out a transcript release form in the Counseling Office if one is needed
Warning: Early Decision / Early Action Deadlines approaching!
Oct 2: Coca-cola Scholarship Deadline
NOVEMBER
COLLEGE BOUND Seniors:
Apply for admission on the colleges’ websites by mid-November (goal date)
Nov 7-9 public schools waive all application fees in Kansas
Register for the next ACT by November for December Test Date
Don’t forget to take advantage of ACT Prep Opportunities
KU Housing Application Opens
DECEMBER / JANUARY
COLLEGE BOUND Seniors:
Fill out the FAFSA starting December -- https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Send Fall Semester Transcripts
Watch for information about residence hall housing contracts and send in the deposit by the deadline
Dec 1: KU Priority Scholarship
Dec 1: Priority FAFSA & Scholarship for KSU
KSU Housing Contract Opens
Register for the next ACT by January for February Test Date
FEBRUARY
COLLEGE BOUND Seniors:
If you were flagged for verification, now is the time to take care of this!
Feb 1: KSU Scholarship Network (KSN) Deadline
Feb 1: KU Priority FAFSA
Scholarship Deadlines Approaching -- Check BigFuture.org and Scholarships 2022-2023
MARCH / APRIL
COLLEGE BOUND Seniors:
Review and compare FAFSA packages from schools applied to
MAY
COLLEGE BOUND Seniors:
Accept/Deny Schools
Pay Housing Plans
Register for Orientation
College Exploration
Students are encouraged to explore college choices early! Not sure where to start? See the resrouces below and contact your SMNW college advisor. The college advisor is for all students (not just seniors)!
Jailyn Stewart (jailynstewart@smsd.org)
Exploration Resources:
Site for all-things college planning and comparisons!
Have you seen The College Tour TV series? Check it out!
Explore possible majors/degree programs
Common Application
Many colleges and universities throughout the United States use The Common Application for admission. You can look at specific college websites or the Common Application website to find out which colleges and universities are members. Things to remember when applying with the Common Application:
1. Carefully review the requirements for each college/university for which you are applying. Explore College Requirements
2. Let your counselor know you are using Common Application! Counselors are required to complete a portion of the Common Application for you which also requires a letter of recommendation. You need to notify your counselor no less than 3 weeks prior to your deadline. Please visit your counselor in person to discuss the details of your application/letter of recommendation. You will need to send an electronic request to your counselor via e-mail. Please use the following e-mail addresses:
Zach Cash zacharycash@smsd.org Families with last name A-D
Barb Legate barbaralegate@smsd.org Families with last name E-J
Katie Cole katherinecole@smsd.org Families with last name K-Pe
Jessica Andrade jessicaandrade@smsd.org Families with last name Pf-R
Jordan Landis jordanlandis@smsd.org Families with last name S-U
3. Start early! Many colleges/universities require a writing supplement and letter(s) of recommendation from teachers. You should request a recommendation, in-person, at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline. Recommenders must also complete a section of the application for you.
Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Link to the College Advisor's Financial Aid Presentation
April 22, 2024 FAFSA Invitation
We warmly invite you and your high school seniors to our Scholarship Shawnee Mission Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Night on April 22. Our event will start at 5:30 p.m. and end by 7:30 p.m.
Whether you're just starting the FAFSA, need to review a submitted application, or have specific questions, we're here to offer support to ensure your FAFSA is completed accurately and efficiently.
Event details: April 22, 2024 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Shawnee Mission North High School Library
7401 Johnson Drive
Shawnee Mission, KS 66202
Before You Attend:
Bring a Laptop or Chromebook: This will allow us to assist you directly with the FAFSA online.
Create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID): Both the student and at least one parent need their own FSA ID to submit the FAFSA. The registration process is quick, taking just about 10-15 minutes. To avoid any last-minute rush and ensure your IDs are ready for use, please set them up at least four days before our FAFSA event. You can create your FSA ID at studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.
English: How to Create an FSA ID
Spanish: Cómo Crear una FSA ID
Already Completed the FAFSA?
If you've already submitted your FAFSA but have questions or need additional assistance, we encourage you to attend. We can provide guidance on next steps, review your application for potential corrections, and discuss further financial aid opportunities.
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Commonly asked questions about Financial Aid
What kind of financial aid is available?
Financial aid and scholarships may come from the college itself, from the federal or state government, or from outside organizations, and can be based on grades, test scores, financial need, location, demographic background, athletic ability or other talent, or some combination of those and other factors.
Aid may be in the form of grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. For more detailed information on what these are and how they differ, see the Federal Student Aid website and the Financial Aid Web Resources website.
What is the FAFSA and do I need to submit it?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is used to determine whether a student qualifies for federal student aid.
But it is also used in many other ways by universities and other organizations when awarding financial aid and scholarships, so you should complete and submit the FAFSA even if you think your family is above the income threshold.
Read Myths About Financial Aid for more information.
Download the MyStudentAid mobile app for quick and easy access to the FAFSA and other resources.
How can I get help completing the FAFSA?
The FAFSA online application includes an extensive Help section and they also provide help via email, phone, and online chat sessions. To get started, see this article on the Federal Student Aid website.
This video provides 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA.
This article addresses the 7 Trickiest FAFSA Questions and How to Approach Them.
When we receive information about community events that offer in-person help with completing the FAFSA we will post them in the SME announcements and on SME social media.
How can I calculate how much college will cost and how much financial aid I can receive?
Costs vary widely and family income is only one factor used to determine financial aid eligibility. Schools use the “EFC” (Expected Family Contribution) to determine how much aid is awarded to each student.
You can the FAFSA Forecaster for a quick estimate of how much aid you might receive before you submit your FAFSA.
The College Scorecard is a great tool you can use to search for and compare schools, and determine how much it will cost to attend a specific college or university.
College Cost Calculator
It's a common misconception that everyone pays the "sticker price" for college. Use this calculator from Community America Credit Union to determine the cost you may pay based on your income level and location.For tips on how to reduce college expenses in a variety of ways, see this article on the Federal Student Aid website.
Another great source of information will be the Financial Aid office of the school where you’re applying.
NCAA Requirements
Eligibility
High school students planning to pursue athletics and athletic scholarships at the collegiate level must be aware of academic and other eligibility requirements. This page is intended to provide links to various resources to help students plan. NCAA eligibility guidelines change often. It is the responsibility of the student athlete to ensure that they are meeting NCAA/NAIA eligibility requirements.
Even though it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that NCAA/NAIA eligibility requirements are being met, student athletes that plan to play college athletics or are being recruited by colleges for athletics are advised to let their counselor and the Athletic Director know of these intentions.
This page is not comprehensive and students are always encouraged to communicate with academic and athletic advisors at the colleges they are interested in attending, to obtain accurate and complete information and requirements pertaining to those specific schools.
Make sure you officially register with the NCAA and/or NAIA Eligibility Centers during your sophomore year if you are interested in playing college sports.
Scholarships
Have questions about scholarships?
Make an appointment with your College Advisor, Jailyn Stewart (jailynstewart@smsd.org)
SMNW Scholarship Spreadsheet (Updated regularly!)
For specific questions about the SMNW Scholarship Spreadsheet, email Jordan Landis, SMNW Academic Counselor (jordanlandis@smsd.org)
Scholarship Resources
Scholarship Websites of local colleges and universities
List of links to financial aid and scholarship websites of regional colleges and universities.
This website is known to list smaller or less common scholarships that often get a smaller applicant pool.
Community College Scholarships
Scholarships available at JCCC.
Link to JCCC's list of scholarships for Kansas students scholarships for Kansas students.
Comprehensive and extensive database of scholarships. Create an account to get scholarships that match your background, activities, and interests. Includes tools to help you organize and track your scholarships.
Free personalized matching with over 3 million scholarships and 7,000 colleges.
Search for and compare colleges and scholarships, plan college visits, view rankings, determine best fit.
Search for scholarships, and more. Register to enter drawing for a $10,000 scholarship.
Scholarship Tools
Application checklist to help you stay organized as you apply for scholarships.
Scholarship Application Tips and Quick Reference Guide
Includes common mistakes to avoid and lists of scholarship categories that are often overlooked.
Senior Year Checklist of testing dates and suggested financial aid activities.
Getting the most out of your scholarship applications
Tips and strategies for organizing your search, writing the best essay, and the criteria used to evaluate applications.
Step-by-step guide to completing the aid application required by many private colleges.
For students planning on attending a college in Kansas.
Midwestern Higher Education Compact
Program that provides tuition reduction among several hundred midwestern colleges and universities.
Scholarships for African-Americans
Scholarships for Military Families
Links to scholarships for cancer survivors and family members of those who have or have had cancer.