Warren Hills Regional School District

Warren Hills Regional High School

Course of Study 2008-2009

Guidance Information

MISSION STATEMENT

To assist all students in the process of personal, social, academic and career development so that they may reach their full potential as productive citizens in a changing society.

PHILOSOPHY

The Warren Hills Regional School Guidance Program is aimed at assisting all students in achieving academic success. It is predicated on the belief that all students are unique and dynamic individuals capable of learning. The Guidance Counselor serves as an advocate to insure that all educational, academic, career vocational, personal and social needs are being met. Through collaborative and effective communication with teachers, support personnel, administrators, families and social agencies, the guidance staff strives to provide appropriate counseling opportunities for each individual student.

i. SENIOR YEAR TIMELINE

SEPTEMBER

Revise and update your college list based on information gleaned during your visit and/or research.

Make a detailed list of test names, dates and fees; registration deadlines; college application deadlines; and financial aid applications and deadlines.

Ask your teachers, guidance counselors, coaches and employers for letters of recommendation.

With your counselor, check your transcripts for all required courses and credits needed for graduation.

Complete on-line NCAA clearinghouse form if you plan on playing Division I or II college sports.

Update your list of extra curricular activities.

TIP: You must take tests like the SAT and ACT at least six weeks before your college’s submission deadline.

OCTOBER

Take the SAT and ACT exams again if necessary.

Begin drafting college application essays.

Complete early decision applications.

Attend College Fairs.

If applying to colleges on-line, notify your counselor in order that transcripts may be sent.

Be aware of scholarship opportunities and apply for those which pertain to you.

Check if colleges require CSS profile, financial aid form.

TIP: Thorough sleuthing can pay off. When you visit your top school choices, interview a broad range of people, including students, faculty and staff.

NOVEMBER

Obtain financial aid applications from your high school guidance office or college financial aid administrator. Or call 1-800-4FED AID (toll free).

Begin preparing your college applications. Follow all directions and be aware of specific deadlines.

Submit completed college applications to your counselor at least two weeks prior to the application deadline.

TIP: Avoid the urge to ease up on your studies during senior year. Colleges look at how well you are able to balance your schoolwork with your activities and still maintain a good GPA.

DECEMBER

Continue to apply for outside funding and scholarships.

Contact colleges to obtain any financial aid applications they require in addition to the FAFSA and find out their deadlines. Private campus aid is often on a first-come basis.

TIP: January 1 usually is the deadline for applications to some selective colleges. Others have deadlines later in January or February. Please have all pertinent application material to your counselor by December 1.

JANUARY

Complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Applications are not accepted before this date and federal grant funding is limited. Be sure to keep a copy of your application.

If you are a male and have not yet registered for the Selective Service, complete the check-off box on your FAFSA, or register at a U.S. Post Office. Men who are 18 years or older must be registered to be eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Apply for local scholarships which will be available at the end of January in the Guidance Office.

TIP: In addition to payroll stubs, the information from your parents’ most current income tax returns will help you answer the information requested in the FAFSA.

FEBRUARY

Keep your grades up. Accepting colleges do look at second semester grades.

The Guidance Office will send out mid-year reports to all colleges to which you have applied.

TIP: Many schools have March deadlines for admissions applications; make sure yours are in early.

MARCH

Four to six weeks after you submit the FAFSA you will receive the results in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR)

If the colleges you have chosen have not received a copy of the SAR, please send one.

If taking AP courses, be aware of the May testing dates and required fees and applications.

TIP: The SAR will tell you the amount of money your family is expected to contribute (expected family contribution or EFC), any government grants and your eligibility for a Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan.

APRIL

Review financial aid award letters from the colleges and decide which college to attend. The letters describe the amount of assistance you will receive. (usually a combination of grants and scholarships, work study and student loans)

Inform the college of your choice that you accept its offer.

Apply for Federal Stafford loans as needed. Your parents also can apply for a Federal PLUS Loan. Submit loan applications based on the school’s procedures.

TIP: Wait-listed by a college? If you will enroll if accepted, tell the admissions director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application.

MAY

Colleges cannot require a deposit or commitment to attend before May 1. By that postmark date, you must inform every college of your acceptance and/or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid.

Send your deposit to one college only.

TIP: Find out whether your college offers payment plans to enable you or your family to pay your college expenses in installments throughout the year.

JUNE

Prepare for Final Exams.

Enjoy Graduation.

TIP: If you need to supplement your sources of financial aid, consider a private loan such as a Bank Loan. If you are a first-time borrower, keep in mind that there may be a waiting period of 30 days before your funds are released. Be sure you have enough money set aside to pay for initial fees and expenses.

ii. JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE

FALL

Get involved in extra-curricular activities.

Review your transcripts.

Sign-up and take the PSATs.

Attend College Fairs.

Search for colleges that offer majors in which you are interested.

Plan college visits.

Talk with your parents about their considerations. (financial, geographical, etc.)

WINTER

Review your PSAT scores with your counselor.

Use your test, the corrected answers and your responses to help prepare for SATs.

Strive to get your best grades. The better your grades, the more schools will be available to you.

Continue college searches.

Plan a challenging schedule for your senior year.

Begin researching sources for financial aid. You may qualify for aid from organizations with which you or your family are affiliated. (check: fastweb.com)

Continue studying for the SAT.

SPRING

Take SATs.

If taking AP courses, be aware of the May testing dates and required fees and applications.

If applicable, prepare for and take AP exams.

Begin to create your resume by filling out an activities sheet outlining all your accomplishments, involvement, and work experiences, and give a copy to your counselor.

Create a list of the top 20 colleges that interest you. Write for information or visit the Guidance Office for available information.

Visit some colleges. Get a feel for what works for you.

Let your counselor know if you are considering military academics or ROTC.

iii. SOPHOMORE YEAR TIMELINE

THINGS TO DO

Visit your counselor to explore post high school plans and interests.

Seek assistance from your teachers and counselor when needed.

Maintain a strong academic performance.

Maintain an excellent attendance record.

Be aware of graduation requirements.

Get involved in extra-curricular activities.

Schedule appropriate courses for your Junior year.

iv. FRESHMAN YEAR TIMELINE

THINGS TO DO

Develop a relationship with your guidance counselor.

Develop a relationship with your teachers.

Meet with your counselor to begin discussions of your future plans.

Become familiar with graduation requirements.

Seek assistance or support when needed from your counselor and teachers.

Become involved in activities, sports, clubs, volunteer work, etc.

Maintain a strong academic performance.

Maintain an excellent attendance record.

Schedule appropriate courses for your sophomore year.