College Prep
College Days
At the beginning of the 11th-grade year, students are allowed a total of two higher education days per year to be used to explore post-secondary options. Students exploring post-secondary options will not be counted absent if the following conditions are met:
Pick up a College Visit Form from the Guidance Office.
Call the attendance hotline on the day of the College Visit to let them know where you will be.
Have a representative from the college sign the form and return it to the nurse's office when you return.
These days must be taken prior to May 1 of each school year.
The purpose of these days is to allow students to investigate post-secondary options. Further information concerning higher education days and their usage may be obtained from the student's counselor.
FAFSA
This is the process that determines federal and state grants and loans. Many colleges' financial aid programs and scholarship programs will not consider a student for aid unless the FAFSA is submitted. Every student considering post-secondary education should make the FAFSA a priority.
Senior applications may be submitted starting October 1st and must be received by the federal government by June 30th. (Various colleges may have earlier submission dates.)
More information on FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is available on the web at FAFSA.
Testing Info
Register on-line and check for up-coming test dates.
Inspire Test Preparation
Free information on test preparation materials.
Student/Parent Responsibility
Student Responsibilities
Begin the process of selecting a college or university early (Junior Year or Fall of Senior Year- August & September.)
Be aware of grades, rank in class, strengths, and weaknesses
Pay attention to daily announcements and bulletin board in the Guidance Office for upcoming visitation days, college rep. visits, test dates, scholarships, job listings, etc.
Use Guidance Office for research on colleges, careers, testing, financial aid, Area 31, etc.
Acquire some college applications from Guidance Office or contact colleges/universities via phone or online.
Search and apply for scholarships.
Attend and arrange college visits.
Follow directions for submitting applications and scholarships.
Most college applications and scholarship applications are done electronically. Seniors are asked to notify their counselor of any completed online applications. For applications requiring transcripts to be mailed, Seniors are required to supply two stamps to Mrs. Miller so that materials can be processed. Students should allow 2 school days for this information to be completed and mailed. Students who wish to have their counselor or a teacher write a letter of recommendation should give this person 10 school days to complete the letter.
All information, application, letters of recommendation (if needed), stamped envelope, and any other necessary information, will be submitted at the same time in order for the application to be processed in a timely manner. Students who do not follow this policy risk that their applications may be delayed.
Below is a link to Parchment. You may order your transcript directly from here.
https://www.parchment.com/u/registration/26785/account
Parent Responsibilities
Discuss future plans, including the financial picture and any restrictions, with your son/daughter early in the selection process.
Be aware of deadlines (admission, scholarship and financial aid applications, etc.)
Complete your portion of the admission application (signature, checks, verifications of residency, etc.)
Fill out financial aid forms, if you plan to file, in January and no later than March 1 to qualify for Indiana grants (Some private colleges have earlier submission dates for FAFSA).
Call the Guidance & Counseling Office if you have questions, and make an appointment if necessary.
Attend college advising and financial aid meetings offered at Tri-West.
Attend college visits with your student.
Check with your student periodically to provide support with the college selection process.