Counselor

PROCEDURES FOR MEETING WITH COLLEGE/MILITARY REP's

Announcements will be made ahead of time giving the day and time the representative will be here. You may meet with as many representatives as you like and are encouraged to do so to compare schools and ask questions of the representatives. Representatives will be here during announced times. If it's not convenient for you to meet with a representative and you have questions, see me and we will pick up the information for you. If a military recruiter calls you at home and you are not interested in visiting with him, be honest with him and ask that he not call you again. However, be open minded and consider all options. If you are interested in meeting with a representative from a program that has not scheduled a visit here, let me know so I can call and request that someone come to meet with you.

COLLEGE/VO-TECH VISITS

Visiting college campuses and vo-tech schools is an excellent way to gain information to assist you in making decisions about where to further your education. Be sure to make an appointment with the school's Admissions Office a week or more in advance so that someone will be scheduled to help you with your visit and to answer your questions. This will make your visit more helpful to you than trying to do it on your own. I have phone numbers for all Admissions Offices and will help you sit up visits. All college visits must be approved through the guidance office in order to be excused.

Plan your visits carefully keeping in mind the attendance policy on the number of allowable absences in each class. Students are encouraged to use days when school is not in session for campus visits.

DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES

This year will be a series of deadlines for many of you. It's very important that you listen carefully to the announcements for information that effects you. I will announce information about available scholarships, special college programs for seniors, visits by representatives, etc. Some scholarship and college application deadlines are this fall. Be sure you READ YOUR MAIL.

ACT

Those who are even thinking about attending college next year should take the ACT. I urge you to take it in October and no later than December. October test date is October 22 nd with a registration deadline of September 16. December test date is December 10 with registration deadline of November 4. I would be happy to discuss your results with you and whether or not you might want to retake the ACT.

SAT

If you are considering a college outside of Kansas , be sure to check to see if the SAT is required instead of the ACT.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Most scholarships that students receive are awarded by the college or university. Some schools begin making awards as early as October or November. To be considered for such scholarships, you must have applied for admission to the school. Other scholarships are awarded by private foundations and corporations. I will inform you of any scholarships that I receive information on but it is your responsibility to check the scholarship books in my office from time to time. I will also try to keep many of them posted on my web page. It will be your responsibility to pick up and complete the applications by the required deadlines. If you plan to apply for scholarships always make yourself a copy for your records. Most scholarships require letters of reference. You should always give those writing letters for you at least a week to prepare the letter. Be sure to send a thank you note to the person after the letter has been written. Provide a copy of a personal data sheet to anyone who writes a letter of reference for you.

FINANCIAL AID and the FAFSA

It is recommended that all students apply for financial aid to determine eligibility. Financial aid forms are completed as soon as possible after January 1. Remind your parents to complete their 2005 taxes early since information from tax returns is required to complete financial aid forms. Financial aid is available for two and four year colleges, vocational technical schools, and private trade schools. The Financial Aid Office at schools you are considering is a valuable resource to assist you in finding out about help that is available at each school.

NCAA ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

If you are considering participation in athletics at an NCAA Division I or II school, be sure to pick up an NCAA Clearinghouse Eligibility form from me. The Clearinghouse must evaluate your transcript and ACT scores to determined eligibility to play at Division I and II schools.

COPIES

Be sure to keep a copy of everything you send--admission applications, scholarship applications, financial aid forms, etc. Indicate on the copy the date you mailed the form.

PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

I have resources and materials available to help you. I am here to assist you in gathering information and making decisions. Let me know what you need help with, and we can work together to see that you have a direction for yourself after graduation. It's important that you let me know how I can help you. I hope to visit with each one of you during September to determine what information you need and how I can assist you with your future plans.