Senior Planning Guide

Picking the right postsecondary school as a high school senior can be overwhelming. However, it is possible to find the right one for you! Below are several important factors to consider when going through the selection process. Remember, you should have about 5 or 6 that you are serious about. You want a top choice and some back ups. Picking a school will be like shopping for a car. You want something great, but you also have to shop around for the best deal. Still open to exploring new colleges? Be sure to click on the link to sign up for one of our upcoming college visits. You can also create a list to help you organize (and prioritize) your schools. Lastly, take the college quiz if you still need some schools to add to your list!

1. Location of School (In state? Out of state? Rural? Urban?)

2. Programs Offered (Does the school have what you want to do)

3. COST (Can you afford this school?)

4. Student Life (Does the school have a great student life where you can get involved in lots of things)

5. Size of School (How big or small are you willing to go?)

6. Take a tour!!!

Once you make a list of schools you are interested in, it's time to apply! Before you do, make sure you have a list handy of your extracurricular activities, community service information, work experience, awards, and anything else that might make you more marketable to the school. Then it's time to apply!

1. Most schools use the Common App to apply. This is a method where seniors will complete one main application and then be able to send it to multiple schools. Keep in mind each school may have a couple of extra questions or information they may want to know. You will need that list of information mentioned above when typing up your Common App. Use the link below to go straight to the website.

2. Not all schools use the the Common App and several of our students plan to apply to community colleges. However, you can easily apply on the websites of the school if they are not on the Common App. Just go to their main webpage and click "Apply Now."

If you plan on applying this semester, remember you can apply to a school for early decision or early action. If you apply EARLY DECISION this is BINDING. You should only apply to one school as early decision and it should be the school you above all, absolutely want to go to...because remember, it is binding.

Early action is a great alternative to early decision. This a way to apply early and find out early if you get in without the decision being binding. You will still have time to decide if you plan to attend!

Why to apply early decision or early action: Schools that utilize early decision and early action a lot of times accept the higher percentage of students during this time. You may have a greater shot of getting in!

We usually encourage early action; however, there may be a couple reasons to wait and apply regular decision. For example, you may want to take the semester to bring your GPA up or you do not think you will be able to get everything together in time. Most college applications (not all) do require recommendations, transcripts, and a personal essay. Make sure you know the application deadlines, Early Decision/Early Action Deadlines can range from October 15th-November 15th (or earlier!).

***Make sure to give your resume to anyone you request to provide you a recommendation including your school counselor***

Once you have applied, it's time to work on the financial part of college. To do that, you need to complete the FAFSA. This stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Both students and parents/guardians must complete. Even if you do not think you will get much back, it is important to complete the FAFSA for scholarship purposes. Some colleges (including VT) will have students complete the FAFSA and then connect their merit scholarships with the student's FAFSA.

*Before you can complete the FAFSA, students and parents/guardians must create an FSA ID separately. You can go ahead and do this now!

*October 1st - FAFSA officially opens. Apply as soon as possible!

*October 9th - Financial Aid Workshop at FCHS auditorium at 6:00

So many students work so hard in their classes, on the athletic fields, in their clubs, and at their part time jobs. Scholarships are a great way to be recognized for all that hard work and help pay for college! Once you have completed the Common App and the FAFSA, you need to focus on applying for scholarships like it is your new part time job. We have several amazing local scholarships you can check out on our scholarships page (link below). There are also great websites that offer federal and state scholarships with two popular sites linked below. Lastly, one of our very own seniors introduced Niche, and I am an avid fan! Shout out to Jessica Wood! Through Niche, you can apply for scholarships, but you can also research colleges and organize those you are interested in. This is also a platform where colleges may even offer you direct admissions!

**Make sure you check the scholarship pages of each college you apply to. Some colleges will want you to complete separate scholarship applications.**

Not all students decide to continue on to college or trade school. Some may decide to go straight to work! Below are some pointers that help students find their way into the workforce.

1. Work on a simple resume that celebrates your skills, knowledge, and experience.

2. Start practicing interview skills

3. NETWORK - Most jobs are often landed because someone knows someone. Make connections with people and introduce yourself!

4. If going into a trade, find a reliable apprenticeship that will help you earn your way to licensure (Ex: Journeyman Certification)

5. Start looking for internships now!

October 1st - FAFSA application opens

October 1st - Senior portrait due for yearbook (if not taken with Lifetouch)

October 9th - Senior Meeting - Students only (Activity Period)

October 9th - Financial Aid Workshop at 6:00 in FCHS auditorium

October 22nd, 24th - Senior Order (during lunches in lecture room)

October 22nd - Family Graduation Order Night (3:30-6:00 in lecture room)

November 6th - FAFSA Workshop from 4-8 at the Franklin Center (Get individualized help with the FAFSA!)

November 17-21st - Senior class canned food drive

Please take a minute to review the additional links that were shared and discussed during your guidance appointment.