YOU HAVE SENIOR…
NOW WHAT?��
Counseling Department
Kennebunk High School, 2024-25
We talk about all the options:
College/University
Community College
Trade School
Military
Work Force
GAP Year
Other...
Senior Meetings
This college thing kind of overwhelming??
We will be in the Counseling Dept Conference Room for drop in help on these dates to help you getting started with Common App, working through application questions, or anything else you might need!
COMMON APPLICATION ACCOUNT
COMMON APP - FERPA RELEASE
-Recommenders and FERPA are in the “My Colleges” tab.
-FERPA Release Authorization needs to be completed so that your information including recommendations can be shared with the colleges that you are applying to.
2:2:2- How to Choose Dream,
Target, and Safety Schools
Dream (or Reach) Schools- If getting in and paying for college weren't issues, where would you want to attend? A dream school is a college where your academic credentials fall in the lower end, or even below, the school's average range for the cohort of students accepted the previous year. Dream schools might be long shots, but they could still be possible.
Target Schools- A target school is one where your academic credentials ( grades , SAT scores, and class rank) fall well within the school's average range for the most recently accepted class.
Safety Schools- where your academic credentials exceed the school's range for the average first-year student. You should be reasonably certain that you will be admitted and they should also be colleges you'd be happy to attend.
**Make sure there is at least one school that you know your family can afford on your list. FINANCIAL AID SAFETY SCHOOL IS SO IMPORTANT!
College Rep Visits
Approximately 100 colleges will be visiting Kennebunk beginning September 13th.
You can check the Counseling Dept website for college visits dates and times.
**You can come down the Counseling office the day before or the morning of to get a pass.
Early Decision (admittance early, binding contract) | Early Action (admittance early, non-binding) | Regular Admission | Rolling Admission |
Applications due by Nov.1-15 Notifications will be released mid-December. **Fill out your FAFSA ASAP** | Applications due by Nov. 1-15. Notifications will be released mid-December. **Fill out your FAFSA ASAP** | Applications due by Jan. 1. | Varies depending on how quickly spots fill up |
Early Action vs Early Decision
& Regular Decision and Rolling Admission
*Important* ED- some colleges need your School Counselor to sign an ED contract. You’ll need to fill it out and I’ll need to sign it.
WHEN CAN I SUBMIT MY
COLLEGE APPLICATION?
IMPORTANT!!
You can submit your application at any time! You DO NOT need to wait for your transcripts or letters of recommendations.
When you’re ready to apply, you’ll need to log into your Common App and hit ‘Review and Submit’ for each college.
Sending Scores & What is
Test Optional
How do I send my SAT scores to colleges?
What is a Test Optional College?
A test-optional college lets students decide whether they want to submit test scores with their application. Most test-optional schools will consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted, but focus on other factors they believe are stronger predictors of a student's potential to succeed in college.
COMPLETE your BRAG SHEET
Students should complete Brag Sheet at least 3 weeks prior to 1st recommendation due date. Teachers and School Counselors may use the information you provide when writing recommendations. Seniors will have a Student Brag Sheet.
We have a parent fill out the PARENT Brag Sheet.
(**Student Brag Sheet**)
Fee Waivers **Come see me if you need one**
You are eligible of you answer “Yes” to any of these questions:
What a Fee Waiver Covers:
College Benefits:
FSA ID & FAFSA
FSA ID: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing (use personal email)
**You & a parent/guardian need to get a FSA ID BEFORE you can fill out the FAFSA!**
FAFSA: What is the FAFSA?
Apply here- https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
**You can file your FAFSA December 2024**
FAFSA INFO
FAFSA INFO Cont.
-The process itself will not be affected
-Colleges will each have their own process and timelines
-CSS is still open Oct. 1st
-Schools requiring this for may use this to tentatively award students financial aid prior to the FAFSA opening
CSS Profile
(College Scholarship Service Profile-
Available October 1st)
Participating Schools and Institutions: https://profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx
**The FAFSA typically categorizes financial gifts from family members as assets when used to pay for college. The CSS Profile considers them income. The CSS Profile considers upcoming medical expenses, elementary school tuition, and other household expenses when calculating financial aid.**
**You should submit no later than two weeks before the EARLIEST priority filing date specified by your colleges.
Scholarships $$$$$
Fast Web: https://www.fastweb.com
FAME: https://www.famemaine.com/affording-education/
Scholarship Owl- https://scholarshipowl.com/
Going Merry: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WZ1fCFx4xL4u5zgxx0nDFrEnbT3g6sZ3vfivuzhCc6g/edit?usp=sharing
College Board-Big Future: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
College Board: https://blog.collegeboard.org/college-board-opportunity-scholarships
Student Service Search- https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/about/benefits/student-search-service
APPLYING TO A COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Trade Schools
Benefits:
What I wish someone told me before I took a GAP Year: https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/taking-a-gap-year/
20 Gap Year Activities that Look Great on Resumes
Helpful Websites:
GAP YEAR
INTERESTED IN THE MILITARY?
**I can help you schedule virtual visits with different branches of the military.
ASVAB- helps you identify your skills and interests, explore jobs, and develop after high school plans. https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab
Contacts for Military Branches
WHAT IF I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WANT TO DO?
ALSO...
Contact Your Counselor
A-G Chris Bisson cbisson@rsu21.net
H-O Tammy Heathco theathco@rsu21.net
P-Z Dave Wing dwing@rsu21.net