Class of 2027: Senior Update
Direct Admissions: Check Your Email and Take the Next Step
Seniors, check your MyPanthers email for your Direct Admissions message from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The email includes a personalized list of Minnesota colleges where you already meet admissions requirements. Review your list and follow the next steps to explore your options! If you can’t find the email or have questions, reach out to your counselor for help. You can also view this presentation for details on how students can access their direct admissions letters.
College Planning: 12th Grade - Fall
It's senior year and college planning and application activities are heating up. This is a busy time. Here are some things students and families can be doing this fall:
Consider colleges through Direct Admission. Communication from the Minnesota Department of Higher Education will include a list of Minnesota colleges and universities where you are able to be admitted directly based on your current academic records. Be sure to select the colleges you are interested in and your application fee will be waived.
Finalize your college list. Make sure you know where to find applications and financial aid forms and that you are tracking deadlines.
Visit colleges. This is the time to visit colleges on your list and take a look in person. These visit can also be helpful for getting questions answered.
Have test scores sent to colleges where you plan to apply. ACT or SAT scores may or may not be part of your college application. If they are, make sure scores are sent to the colleges you are choosing to apply to.
Complete the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most financial aid for any school you choose to attend. The information is the basis for your financial aid package. The application is now open for submission. For students looking for assistance, make sure to attend the Financial Aid 101 session on Tuesday, October 27 at 10 a.m. in room B136.
Complete the CSS Profile. Some (not all) colleges request applicants complete the CSS Profile to be eligible for scholarship dollars through the school. This is separate from the FAFSA. Find out if any of your college choices require this and complete it if they do.
Prepare your applications. If you are applying to any schools for early decision, deadlines can be as early as November.
Ask a counselor or teacher for recommendations. If your application requires letters of recommendation, letters must be requested two weeks prior to the deadline. Students should ask their teachers and counselors in person. If they say yes, students should request the recommendation through Naviance. See your Class of 2027 folder for directions on asking for letters of recommendations.
Write essays. Draft any college essays and allow time for others to review and provide feedback. Essay help is being offered every Tuesday and Thursday during SET with Ms. Cassidy and Ms. Stalnaker.
Complete applications. Make sure you have all the pieces you need, and submit applications to the school(s) of your choice by their deadline.
Request your transcripts to college. Requesting transcripts happens through Naviance. See your Class of 2027 folder for directions on requesting transcripts.
The College Board is a non-profit organization in the United States that creates and manages standardized tests and college readiness programs (ACT, SAT, AP) for high school students. Through their MyBigFuture program, they provide many resources for students and parents to help support planning including Career and College Planning checklists to help students and families stay on track to meet their goals. The high school counseling office is also always available for support.
October is College Knowledge month
Seniors are encouraged to take part in events designed to explore options and help prepare them for life after high school.
Friday, October 23: College Fair, Panther Gym, 9-10:30 a.m.
Monday, October 26:
Explore Careers - Pathways Flex, 10.m. (Join Pathways panel of teachers to learn about classes with a career focus)
Rep Visit: St. Olaf College, 10 a.m., B138
Tuesday, October 27:
College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C130
Financial Aid 101, 10 a.m., B136
College Possible Presentation with Q&A (for Class of 2028). 10 a.m., B138
Wednesday, October 28:
2-year or Career - Finding your fit after high school, 10 a.m., B136
PSEO and Earning College Credit in High School, 10 a.m., Pathways Flex
Rep Visit: University of Wisconsin Stout, 10 a.m., B138
Thursday, October 29:
Rep Visit: Drake University, 10 a.m., B138
College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C204
Transportation Career Day, Able parking lot, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Friday, October 30:
Rep Visit: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire , 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., B138
NCAA Info Sessions, 10 a.m., B136
Check out the full calendar of events to see all the opportunities happening in October.
Get required immunizations before October 31
Is your senior missing their second meningococcal vaccine? Immunizations must be up to date by October 31, or students must, by law, be excluded from school and all school-sponsored activities. This includes PSEO and full-time online students. Sign up for any school required vaccines at the SLP hosted Immunization Clinic on October 26 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at the District Services Center. This event is open to all students. It is free for those who qualify and insurance is also accepted. Register for the Student Vaccination Event.
