College & Scholarship Planning Calendar
September:
ü
Get on the
SCHOLARSHIP MAILING LIST
by turning in your email and your parents’ email list to the
counseling office. You will also receive college representative
visit dates and other important dates.
ü
Search for
and apply for scholarships online throughout the school year.
>Scholarships can be found
through the following resources:
o
Internet
– ‘see backside’ for helpful search sites.
o
Daily
announcements-
scholarships read on announcements, listed on daily bulletin, or
emailed to you. -Applications for announced scholarships
available in the counseling office or accessed online.
o
Institutional
scholarships- check
for applications with each academic institution (college).
o
Local
scholarships-
available through the counseling department in the spring.
Meeting date TBA
ü
Register for the
ACT, SAT, SAT II as needed through the following and have your
scores sent to colleges where you intend to apply:
o
Mail-in packet
available in the counseling office.
o
Online at
www.act.org (ACT) or
www.collegeboard.com (SAT)
>>>>All dates are listed outside
the counseling office and online.
ü
Ask appropriate
teachers to write a letter of recommendation. Pick up a
student information/resume sheet from the counseling
office to assist them in their writing. Give plenty of time
and write a thank you.
ü
Register for the
College Opportunity Fund (COF) at
www.collegeincolorado.org if you intend to attend college in
Colorado.
ü
Practice/prepare
for the ACT or SAT. (see backside)
ü
ATHLETES: Register
for the NCAA Clearinghouse if planning to participate in
inter-collegiate sports. Register online at
www.ncaaclearinghouse.org
ü
Attend the senior
meeting. (see backside for dates)
ü
Begin working on
college admissions applications and be sure to apply to at least
one school you are sure you can get into and can afford.
College applications online are efficient. Apply early to avoid
a rush later.
ü
Set up a senior
calendar for the year to record test dates, application
deadlines, college visitation dates, etc. >Visiting college
campuses is important to make a decision on which college to
attend.
ü
Visit the CCHS
website at
www.cchsweb.org and refer to the counseling website for
helpful info.
October:
ü
Early
Action/Decision college applications are typically due around
Nov. 1-15. Make sure all application materials are forwarded to
the college well in advance.
ü
Photocopy or print
extra copies of all applications including scholarship
applications for future reference.
ü
Visit college
campuses you are interested in if possible. Pre-arrange
absences through the front office and bring back documentation
from the college. This can help narrow you choice down.
ü
Narrow your
college choices to your top 3 schools.
ü
Research as many
grants and scholarships as you can find; this is free money for
college.
ü
Obtain official
and unofficial transcripts if needed.
ü
Meet with your
counselor for a Senior Interview if they haven’t met with you
already
November:
ü
Request
transcripts, test scores, and collect letters of recommendations
for your college applications.
ü
Attend CCHS
College Night on Nov. 7th at 6:30-8:00
December:
ü
Take any necessary
ACT, SAT tests.
ü
Submit any
remaining applications for admission before Christmas vacation.
ü
Apply for your
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online Personal
Identification Number (PIN) at
http://pin.ed.gov .Do not
submit the FAFSA form until after January 1.
January:
ü
Attend the CCHS
Financial Aid Night in January. ‘See backside for date’
ü
Complete a Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov
(recommended) or pick up an
application in the Counseling office (quantities limited).
February:
ü
Send in or submit
your FAFSA if you haven’t already.
ü
Request that
semester one grades are sent to any college that requires them.
March:
ü
Be sure you have
received a FAFSA acknowledgement.
ü
Register to take
any Advanced Placement (AP) test if you are taking any AP
classes.
ü
Attend local
scholarship informational meeting. Listen to announcements for
dates.
ü
Look for entrance
notification letters in the mail.
April:
ü
Review acceptance
and financial aid offers you receive.
ü
Notify the college
you plan to attend of your acceptance. Housing deposits are
often due on May 1st.
ü
Notify colleges
you have chosen not to attend of your decision.
ü
Make
a final decision on a school, sign your letter of intent, and
make your tuition deposit. Request that your final transcript
be sent to your chosen school.
May:
ü
Learn of local
scholarships you will receive.
ü
Verify exact cost
information from your chosen school and be prepared to send
deposits for housing.
ü
Attend the Senior
Scholarship/Award Night.
ü
Attend the various
senior activities the week before graduation.
ü
GRADUATE!
Congratulations.
Scholarship search tips:
>Apply
only if you are eligible!!!!!!— There are thousands of
scholarships available, but many have very specific eligibility
criteria.
>Never
pay money to apply for a scholarship!!!-- It’s probably a
scam
>Make sure
your essay makes an impression. Neatness counts!!
>Make
copies before sending-sometimes they do get lost
>Watch out
for deadlines- often times they can be only a few weeks after
they are posted
>Remember:
most financial assistance is not through
scholarships. Pursue all financial aid opportunities.
>Be patient
>START
EARLY!!!
