Guidance Newsletter to Seniors

Fall 2007

Seniors,

            You should use this timeline as a “checklist” throughout the year.  Share it with your parents, and place it somewhere easy to find.  This is a very important year for all of you, and I want you to be prepared!

-Mrs. Kaiser

September

•  Sign up to take the ACT in October.  Registration deadline is September 21. 

**On-line registration is strongly encouraged at http://www.actstudent.org/.  FRHS code is:  362-165.  If you have not taken the (optional) writing portion at least one time, I strongly recommend it. 

•  If I give you one, return your “transcript release” form to the guidance office.

•  Attend some of the college visitations at FRHS!  Check the calendar outside the office for updates.  You must sign up in advance to attend these presentations.  (see attached)

•  Go to the College Fair at Coldwater or St. Marys High Schools.  (see attached)

October

•   Pick up a new Guidance Newsletter

•  Attend some of the college visitations at FRHS! 

•  You should be exploring different universities and training programs.

•  Take the ACT on October 27, 2007.  Good luck!

November

•   Pick up a new Guidance Newsletter

•  Apply for admission to college (4 year) by Thanksgiving.  There will be an application fee, so you should have your choices narrowed down to two or three schools.  Be sure to ask about their financial aid and scholarship applications as well.

•  Get a PIN at http://www.pin.ed.gov/   This is one of the things you will need in order to apply for federal financial aid for college.

•  Tell your parents to make their tax appointments for early January.  This information is necessary to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

December

•   Pick up a new Guidance Newsletter

•  Apply for admission to college (2 year/technical programs).

January-February

•   Pick up a new Guidance Newsletter

•  Attend the FRHS Financial Aid Night with your parents.  Listen to the Announcements and read the Monthly Guidance Newsletter for the date and time.

•  Fill out the FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ (the earlier the better).  Apply no later than February 15.  Award letters will arrive in the spring.

            **You must be accepted to a university to be awarded financial aid!

**There is a College Goal Sunday program offered at WSU-LC on February 10, 2008 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium for those who want assistance in filling out the FAFSA.  Pre-register for this session online at http://www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org/  so you do not miss the early consideration deadline for your school.

OVER>>>>

March-April

•   Pick up a new Guidance Newsletter

•  Most of the local scholarships will be announced.   Be sure to check the guidance website, monthly newsletter and the bulletin board outside the office for important updates!

•  Have you applied for student housing at college?  There is usually a deposit that must be submitted by May 1^st.

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May 18, 2008:  Graduation Day!!

•   Pick up a new Guidance Newsletter

Other Important Notes:

1. Check out the guidance website (www.noacsc.org/mercer/fr/frhs/guidance/) and bulletin board outside the office for important updates!
2. If you need letters of recommendation/transcripts, etc. please give 1-2 weeks notice!
3. Be mindful of deadlines!!!
4. If you are applying for a 2-3 year healthcare degree program (nursing, radiology, etc.), apply ASAP!  These programs can be very competitive!
5. Continue to document your community service/service learning hours.
6. You have 2 college visitation days to use during your senior year (must submit BLUE form…see p. 5 of your student handbook)
7. You may job shadow someone for one day if you wish.  (See p. 5 of your student handbook)
8. College and Military Visitations at FRHS:  SEE ATTACHED SHEET
9. Check out http://www.fastweb.com/, schoolsoup.com, and collegeboard.com for additional college/scholarship searches.  You should never have to pay to apply for financial aid.

ACT National Test Dates 2006-2007           Registration Deadline

October 27, 2007                                       September 21, 2007

December 8, 2007                                     November 2, 2007

February 9, 2008                                        January 4, 2008

April 12, 2008                                              March 7, 2008

June 14, 2008                                              May 9, 2008

FRHS Code:  362-165

**if you are on an IEP/504 Plan and would like special testing accommodations for the ACT, you must see Mrs. Kaiser well in advance of the registration deadline to file your paperwork.