Senior Year

1. Senior Year College and Career Guide

2. Fall(September-October-November) ____ Schedule a conference with your counselor to discuss career goals. ____ Determine how you’ll pay for college and what you can realistically afford. ____ Register for appropriate college entrance tests.ACT, SAT, Compass ____ Review scholarship options and applications that have fall due dates. ____ Attend Greater Omaha College Fair ____ Update your résumé. ____ Visit colleges you might want to attend. ____ Meet with college representatives as they visit your high school. ____ Obtain college applications in the Guidance Office or via Internet. ____ Allow teachers and counselors 2-3 weeks prior to the deadline date to write your college and scholarship recommendations.

3. Winter(December, January, February) ____ Obtain financial aid information from the EducationQuest Foundation. Tuesday, November 1, 6:00 ____ Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) financial need analysis form as soon after January 1 as possible. ____ Obtain scholarship applications each week in the counseling office.

4. Spring(March-April-May) ____ Continue to visit campuses if you’re still undecided about a college. ____ Continue to apply for scholarships. Report to the Guidance Office ALL scholarships you have been offered, even those you will not accept. ____ Register for AP tests if applicable. ____ Reply promptly to colleges. Be sure to meet acceptance deadlines. ____ Decide on the college to attend. Be sure to let other schools know that you will not attend. ____ Remember to write thank you notes.

5. How To Connect ForInformation on Colleges • High School Counselor • Recommended Web Sites • www.nebraskacareerconnections.com • http://petersons.com/ugchannel/ • www.act.org • www.collegeboard.com/splash • www.mycollegeoptions.com • www.Fastweb.com • www.utexas.edu/world/univ/ • www.educationquest.org • www.mapping-your-future.org • www.pricetonreview.com • www.collegenet.com/mach25 • www.collegeview.com

6. Contact a Specific College • Call or write to College Office of Admission to request an application packet, information on housing, financial aid, scholarships. Ask to be put on their mailing list. Most colleges also have websites where you can register your interest. • The Counseling Center maintains current information on websites, catalogs and videos on several hundred colleges and universities. Information on art schools, nursing schools, vocational schools, scholarships and financial aid, and summer programs is also available.

7. Guidance Web Pages • DC West High School maintains its own guidance Web Page. This web page contains hotlinks that can be used to access career and college planning information. • www.dcwest.org • High School Counseling Center

8. College Fair • Over 200 college representatives attend the Greater Omaha College Fair annually held on the last Sunday in October at UNO Sapp Field House. Sunday, October 30th 1-4 • Junior and Senior students and their parents are encouraged to participate.

9. College Representatives • There will be over 30 college representatives attend DC West through out the school year. • Make sure students pay attention to when the college representatives will attend.

10. College Applications • Applications can be obtained from the college, websites or from the counseling center. Many colleges will send an application if you sent them your ACT scores. • More and more colleges prefer on-line applications. Some will even waive application fees in return for online applications. Try to determine the best method of application for your school. See your counselor with any questions. • REMINDER: Your transcript cannot be sent on-line. Follow the school’s procedures to have a transcript mailed to your college.

11. Attention NCAA & NAIA Division I and II Student-Athletes: • Student-athletes who wish to participate in NCAA & NAIA Division I or Division II sports in college MUST BE CERTIFIED by the NCAA & NAIA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Obtain a copy of “Making Sure You Are Eligible to Participate in College Sports” in the counseling center early in the first semester of your senior year. Don’t delay this process—if you are uncertain about participation in Division I or II it is best to complete this process anyway. • Failure to be certified may affect visitations to colleges regarding athletics, and college coaches may be reluctant to make commitments to athletes who have not completed the NCAA Initial- Eligibility certification. You may register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Be sure to print two copies for your high school and bring them to your counselor. Failure to do so may make you ineligible for NCAA or NAIA activities. Also, make sure to list the Clearinghouse (9999) on your ACT choices for reports sent.

12. Factors to consider in choosing a college: 1. Type of college • Two or four-year college? • Residential or commuter? • Large or small? • College or university? 2. Location • What area(s) of the country can you realistically consider? • What about the relation between location and costs? • Are specific interests and goals tied to a specific location? 3. Admissions selectivity • What are the admission requirements • Are you eligible for admission? • How academically demanding is the school? 4. Costs • How much will it cost? • What kind of financial aid is available? • How do you apply for financial aid? 5. Majors and programs • Does the school offer the major you want? • Does the school offer you the chance to explore several areas of interest? • Does the school have internships? exchange programs? study abroad? 6. Social life • What is the campus atmosphere like? • What extracurricular activities are available?

13. English 4 Years Mathematics 4 Years At least Algebra II Social Studies 3 Years Science 3 Years Foreign Language 2 years Students who are unable to take two years of foreign language in high school may still qualify for admission. Such students will be required to take two semesters of foreign language at the University of Nebraska. These students are still required to complete 16 units of academic courses for admission. Admission Requirementsfor University of Nebraska-Lincoln

14. Performance Requirements (UNL) In addition to meeting the above core course requirements, students applying for admission to the university should: • be ranked in the upper one-half of their high school class or • have received an ACT composite score of 20 or higher or • have received an SAT total score of 950 or higher (Critical Reading and Math only) Students who do not meet the above requirements for assured admission are sometimes admitted by review. Each application will receive individual review for demonstration of potential for success at university-level work.

15. Types of Tests and Which Test to Take • ACT (American College Test) is used by the vast majority of colleges in the Midwest. It is a primary test used to determine Regents Scholarship winners in the University of Nebraska system (UNL, UNO, and UNK). • SAT is used more extensively by East Coast, West Coast, some southern colleges, and the military academies. Some selective admission colleges may request the SAT II’s which are specific tests in a certain curriculum area. If you are not sure about the appropriate test, ask your counselor or refer to the specific college catalog or a general college handbook.

16. ACT www.actstudent.org SAT www.collegeboard.com Online Registration:

17. Three Easy Steps to Avoid Static When Applying to a College STEP 1: Complete the college application form. If the application requires teacher or counselor recommendations, arrange for those immediately. Some colleges have early admission deadlines, as early as mid-November. Check to make sure of your college’s application deadline. STEP 2: Make payment with a credit card. If a credit card is unavailable write a check for the application fee if a fee is required. Do not send cash! STEP 3: Complete a “Release of Information” form in the counseling office which gives the school permission to send your high school transcripts. List all colleges you are considering.

18. Important Note About Teacher or Counselor Recommendations: If recommendations are needed, ask a counselor or teacher who knows you well at least 2-3 weeks in advance of any deadlines. Providing the teacher with information about yourself and ample time to write their letter can enhance the recommendation. Give them a copy of your resume.

19. Final Transcripts: Most colleges and vocational schools require a final transcript. Counselors will give instructions on how to request final transcripts in May. Failure to do this will cause complications in the summer or during the fall semester when you register for college classes. ACT and SAT scores are not part of the official transcript. Check with your counselor.

20. Online applications If you apply online you need to notify the counseling office in writing so we can send your transcript to the appropriate college or university

21. Making Your Campus Visits • Before The Visit: oContact the college admissions office at least one to two weeks in advance to schedule a date and time. Selective colleges may require more advance notice since they may schedule an interview. o Plan your visit. You should try to visit the campus when classes are in session. o Read the college’s catalogs and brochures. This will provide general information, so you don’t waste time on these questions during your visit. o Prepare a list of specific questions so you can learn as much as you can about the school (see p. 8 to help develop questions). o If possible, bring an unofficial copy of your high school transcript and know your PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores. Consider bringing your portfolio or instrument for an audition. o Bring your parents. o Visit the college web site for current information. • The Visit: o Be on time. If you will be late or have to postpone your visit, call the college. o Talk with as many people as you can to see a more complete picture of what a college is really like. An overnight stay and attending classes is highly recommended. o Try to work some free time into your schedule. Use this time to wander around, perhaps drop into the campus snack bar, talk to students. • After The Visit: o On your way home, while your thoughts are still fresh, jot down some of your impressions of the college. o If questions come up after the visit, don’t hesitate to contact the people you have met. o Send thank-you notes to those with whom you had appointments.

22. General Scholarship Information How to Avoid Scholarship Fraud: • If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam. • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. • Spend the time, not the money. • Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships. • Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship. • If you’re suspicious of an offer, it’s usually with good reason.

23. Scholarship Types Academic or merit-based scholarships are rewards for having certain abilities or talents. Examples include high grades and class rank, test scores at certain levels, or a demonstrated talent in art, music, athletics, drama, or other areas. Need-based scholarships frequently have some criteria relative to abilities or talents above; however, the selection may be primarily based upon the financial need of the student.

24. Four Major Sources of Scholarships • Colleges and Universities (Best source) • Civic, place of worship, parent-teacher, and other community groups • Corporations, labor unions and professional organizations • Military

25. Scholarship Financial Aid Information • Web Sites:A wealth of information regarding scholarships and financial aid is available via internet. Visit your high school’s home pages for information on scholarships and financial aid, college selection, testing, careers, study skills, and several other helpful aids. • Other sources of information are: • www.finaid.org • www.fastweb.com • www.embark.com • Financial Aid Night is Tuesday, November 1st at 6:00 in the High School Media Center. EducationQuest Planning Center:Use a FREE local scholarship search available through the EducationQuest Foundation, Rockbrook Village, 11031 Elm St., Omaha, NE 68144, 391-4033. • E-mail - www.educationquest.org

26. Obtaining Scholarship Applications • Scholarship application forms are available in the counseling office at the time they are listed in the guidance e-mail. • Students need to check everyday starting second semester