Counseling Department Mr Rafael Santiago Counseling Department Chair

Counseling Department Mr. Rafael Santiago, Counseling Department Chair Students with last names beginning with SU - Z + All ELL students Mrs. Ashley Kozee, School Counselor Students with last names A - DEC Mr. Kelly Bond, School Counselor Students with last names DEE - JOI Mrs. Kyleigh Swanburg, School Counselor Students with the last names JOJ - OL Ms. Grace Savage, School Counselor Students with last names OM - ST Mr. Michel Satterfield, Assistant Principal Mrs. Amy Gamez, School Social Worker Mrs. Brenda Hamilton, Registrar Mrs. Linda Alexander, Counseling Secretary

Class of 2016 The Steps to College and the Application Process "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go. . . “ Dr. Seuss

Step 1 Finalize list of College/Universities – 3 to 5 (Remember to be selective and to keep in mind a “reality check”) Consider: College Visits (4 excused absences) Probe Fair (September 1 st – Permission Slips due August 28 th) College Representative Visits (Sign-up in Counseling Office) College Search Engines (https: //bigfuture. collegeboard. org/, Ga. College 411. org. . . )

What to Consider When Selecting a School • Type of school – 2 year, 4 year or Technical • Geographical Location • Public or Private • Size • Living Facilities • Co$t - $$$$ • Away or Stay Home • Majors offered • Clubs/Sports/Activities

How many schools should I apply to? ? ? It is important to narrow your choices. An appropriate number of schools to apply to for most students is 3 - 5. It is not necessary to apply to a long list of schools. Consider your first choice colleges and selectivity. Do consider applying to schools that may be Reach Target or Likely *Students are strongly encouraged to review your college choices with your counselor.

Step 2 Visit College/University Website Find the following information from the Freshman Admissions Link: • Requirements (HS credits, application, recommendations, fees, tests) • Deadlines for Application • Deadlines for Scholarships (also on the school’s Financial Aid website)

Step 3 Complete Senior Information Sheet Students submitting Early Action Applications must submit Senior Profile by September 12 th. Seniors must complete and submit Senior Profile by October 1 st for all other deadlines Senior Profile will provide counselors with important information that can be used when writing letters of recommendation. Give complete, honest and well-thought out answers to the required questions.

Step 4 Register for SAT/ACT (If you have not taken or need to retake either of these tests) Act quickly! Deadlines for registrations are coming up! Counseling Webpage: http: //www. forsyth. k 12. ga. us/Page/21822 Check with colleges for the last test date they will accept for a specific application deadline Send SAT/ACT scores directly from the testing agency. They must arrive by the application deadline.

Step 5 Complete and Submit Applications (Prioritize according to deadlines and Review/Edit before Submitting. Pay application fee. ) Essays • Dedicate time and effort. • Be honest, authentic, creative and answer the prompt. • Ask teachers/peers to review and make suggestions. • Proof Read and Edit, Edit. Common Applications • Create an account. • Complete Personal and School Information. • Invite your counselor and teacher(s) as recommenders.

Admissions Terms • Regular Admissions Deadline- The regular application deadline specified by colleges is typically in January or February. • Rolling Admissions- No deal - applications are processed as received. • Early Decision - This is a binding agreement and should only be used when application to your top choice college. Deadline usually in October/November. • Early Action - Early application that is non binding with a deadline usually in October/ November. *It is strongly recommended that students consult with their counselor prior to applying early.

Step 6 Submit a Transcript Request Official Transcript & School Profile Forms available in Counseling Office and on the Senior Page of the Counseling Website. Fill out completely for all applications (Common App. , In-State/Electronic Copy, Out-of-State/Hard Copy) • Include a $3. 00 Fee for each request. Note: If you are completing a Common Application for multiple schools, please list them on the Transcript Request Form and include one $3. 00 fee. • Counselor Recommendation (if needed) – Be Considerate! (Allow 2 to 3 weeks) • School Report/Counselor Evaluation (print and include with Transcript Request) • Requests for out-of-state transcripts will cost $5. 00. The cost includes postage and envelope. Students will provide address where they want it sent.

Step 7 Request Teacher Recommendation (only if required by the college/university) • Please allow teachers ample time (2 to 3 weeks) to write your recommendation. • Provide them with a copy of your Senior Profile Sheet/ Resume. • Let the teacher know whether the application will be sent through Common Application, College Website, or mailed. • If the recommendation letter needs to be mailed, provide teacher with a stamped envelope, addressed with the corresponding school’s Office of Admission address.

Step 8 Review Final Checklist • Completed Senior Information/Senior Profile Sheet • Registered for SAT/ACT (if needed) • Send test scores directly from testing agency to college • Reviewed/edited and submitted Application • Paid College Application Fee • Requested Teacher Recommendation • Submitted Transcript Request with applicable fee, stamps, forms (allow 3 weeks to process)

Step 9 The Waiting Game • Review application status page for each college • Verify all required documents have been submitted Note: If college states something is missing or that they have not received your application, DON’T PANIC! See Mrs. Hamilton, in room 173 and CALMLY ask her to track your documents. Many times the schools have received everything but have not updated the status page of their website. • Patiently wait for Admission Decisions

Step 10 In the Meantime…. • Maintain Grades – Mid-Year reports / Final Grades (Both Important). • Search for and apply for Scholarships http: //www. forsyth. k 12. ga. us/Page/21818 • Students playing college athletics must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse or www. playnaia. org • • Visit the counseling web page often and follow us on Twitter @FCHS_Counseling • Make an appointment to see your counselor with any questions. • Visit www. gacollege 411. org for HOPE scholarship details. • Attend Financial Aid Night at Forsyth Central High School – To Be Announced • Finally. . . ENJOY YOUR SENIOR YEAR! • BTW Senior Parent Night: September 8 th at the PAC at 6: 30