STEPS TO COMPLETING A COLLEGE APPLICATION:

Most students complete 3 to 5 college applications.

(Applications are typically available after August 1^st following the junior year)

1. Create a list of schools to apply to and make note of application requirements and deadlines.

2. Complete the online application on the individual college website or through the Common Application. Request to have your transcript sent to the college(s) where you have submitted an application by email to acaudle@tcss.net or by completing the transcript form in the College and Career Room.

(A TRANSCRIPT RELEASE MUST BE ON FILE)

3. Send official ACT/SAT test scores through the testing service to the colleges you are applying.

4. Complete any remaining application requirements which may or may not include essays, resume, letters of recommendation, and an interview.

ALL students are required to have a signed transcript release on file in the College and Career Room in order for us to send transcripts. If you are requesting a letter of recommendation from Mrs. Bond we must have two weeks notice and a complete senior packet. A Complete Senior Packet Includes: * Transcript Release *Personal Profile * Parent Brag Sheet * Resume

ACT Testing/Preparation:

Students register to take the ACT through www.actstudent.org. Students that qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program should see Mrs. Bond to obtain a fee waiver for the ACT. Remember the colleges will always use your highest ACT score and they will continue to accept new and improved scores even after you have applied up until their scholarship deadline.

SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL AID:

The largest dollar amount scholarships are typically available to incoming freshmen through the undergraduate admission office. To qualify for a university scholarship student must:

· Apply and be accepted by that college’s scholarship deadline

· Have the appropriate GPA and test score as determined by the college

· Complete a separate scholarship application if required by the individual college

External and community scholarships will be posted on the Mrs. Bond’s link of the HHS website and posted on the scholarship bulletin board in the College and Career room. Most scholarships become available during the spring semester of your senior year. For national scholarship opportunities students can create a profile on a valid scholarship search engine like www.fastweb.com.

Students will apply for financial aid (federal grants, loans, work study) after Oct. 1^st of their senior year at www.fafsa.ed.gov. In order to electronically submit the FAFSA students and a parent/guardian will create a FSA ID prior to completing their financial aid application at www.fsaid.ed.gov.

COLLEGE CAMPUS TOURS:

Juniors and seniors are allowed 2 college visits per semester and in order for the absence to be excused students must bring a note from the admission office to attendance the day you return to school following your visit. Students can set up college visits through the admission links found on the individual college websites.