For the Class of 2013

1. Planning & Application COLLEGE For the Class of 2013

2. College Resources • YOUR COUNSELOR • Internet • College/Career Center • Family Connection • Login: Email address • Password: cg(school id), cg131245

3. Family Connection • Step 1: http://connection.naviance.com/cg • Step 2: Login • Step 3: Search for Colleges • Step 4: Select “Colleges You Are Thinking About” • Step 5: Add “Colleges I’m Applying To” –required for any school you want to send transcripts to • For Steps 4 & 5 any school saved will automatically send you an email notification of the upcoming college visits to Cary-Grove

4. College Planning • Meet with your school counselor • Meet with college representatives at C-G (sign-up on Family Connection) • College Fairs • MCC College Fair (October 4, 2012) 6-8pm • Navy Pier (Sept. 29th, 2012) 11am-3pm • Internet – Student Services page

5. College Reps • Sign-up on Family Connection – colleges may cancel the visit if no interest is shown • Visits will be posted in the College/Career Center, on the television in front of senior bench and on Family Connection/Naviance • Get permission slip in Student Services office • Have teacher sign permission slip 24hrs in advance of the college visit to Cary-Grove • Bring the signed permission slip for admittance

6. Completing Applications • Fill out the college’s online application • Add all college(s) to “Colleges I’m Applying To” on Family Connection –REQUIRED FOR ALL APP’s!!! • Students using commonapp.org will also need to complete FERPA waiver in Family Connection. • C-G WILL NOT accept the paper version of the commonapp.org application (electronic only) • Request recommendations only if required • Submit transcript request form to your counselor (remember it is your responsibility to contact ACT to have your scores sent) • Make appointment with your counselor to review and submit application materials

7. Transcripts • Transcript request forms available in Student Services & online • Complete application prior to requesting a transcript • Complete the entire transcript request form! • Including the EXACT address where you would like your application to be sent • Submit everything together to your counselor • Allow 2 weeks for processing • Know your deadlines!

8. Important Tips • Pay attention to announcements • Go to College Fairs • Meet with your counselor! • Keep up-to-date by visiting the Student Service Calendar on our website • Visit the College/Career Center for resources • Complete all student portions of application • Know the deadlines • Keep your grades up! • Do NOT procrastinate • Request ACT scores from actstudent.org

9. On Recommendations… • Ask for recommendations only if needed for application • Give teachers at least two weeks notice • Use the REQUIRED recommendation form - available in Student Services or online • Student gives teacher recommendation form along with an addressed envelope to where the letter must be sent, if not sent electronically • Teacher will send the letter • Student sends a thank you note!

10. Financing College • Parents/Students have reality talk • Fill out scholarship applications • Complete FAFSA after January 1st • FAFSA completion workshop at CG in February • Pay attention to announcements • Do internet searches (Fastweb, ISAC) • Financial Aid Overview – 10/18 6:30pm CGHS

11. Senior Conferences Important meeting with your counselor Graduation requirements will be reviewed College planning – bring questions!!! Intended Major/Career questions Appointments Sept. 6th – 21st Sign-up on window outside Student Services (two appointments per period, ASAP) Requirement to certify graduation!!