Say out loud “I am going to college”

• • Talk to a counselor about high school diploma options– Honors, Advance Placement, and International Baccalaureate.
  • Set a goal for a high GPA – Each college has different GPA requirements and academic scholarships
  • Know the necessary credits and exams to graduate.
  • Follow the Nevada College Readiness Standards – High school coursework should include algebra or geometry, English, social studies, biology, and a foreign language during freshman year
    • Visit the Nevada Department of Educationfor more information on the credits and exams necessary for you to graduate
  • Get involved in leadership activities at school and stay involved until graduation
  • Visit Nevada.eduregularly for college planning tips
  • Know the eligibility requirements for the Nevada Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, visit http://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/GGMS/GGMS_Home/
  • Explore careers and education paths needed – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers
  • Explore the opportunities offered at community college high schools and dual credit programs – A student may graduate high school with college credits completed. Some students can even graduate with an associate degree at the same time as they graduate from high school
  • Become familiar with college admissions requirements of various colleges – Attend a college fair
  • Draft a resume that includes activities, awards, community service, and other unique educational experiences – A helpful tool for writing scholarship applications
  • Increase family involvement in high school, such as attending open houses, sporting events, and fairs
  • Meet with high school counselors and teachers regularly about academic progress
  • Understand the federal financial aid process, visit Federal Student Aid.
  • Continue to contribute to a college savings plan, visit Nevada College Savings Plan.
  • It’s never too early to start preparing for college admission exams.  EdReady will help you be ready to not only achieve success on college admission exams, but be ready for college courses.

Say out loud “I am going to college”

• Explore all high school diploma options – For example Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate.
• Continue to meet with a counselor to discuss high school course selections while keeping college admissions requirements in mind.
• Coursework should include geometry or algebra II, English, social studies, chemistry, and a foreign language.
• Research college requirements and application deadlines.
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT – A student who scores high and meets other academic performance criteria may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit nationalmerit.org
• Become familiar with college admissions requirements and offerings, the ACCUPLACER test may be taken for placement in math, English, or reading, visit collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer
• Enroll in Honors courses in high school.
• Enroll in AP (Advanced Placement) courses in high school –A student may ultimately receive college credit with a qualifying AP exam test score.
• Be sure to keep your grades up!
• Talk to your counselor to keep updated on the requirements for the Nevada Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, visit http://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/GGMS/GGMS_Home/
• As college funds continue to grow, investigate federal, state, and private financial aid options, visit ed.govfor more information.
• Practice and prepare for the ACT. The ACT is required for high school graduation. You want to do the best you can!
  • Visit Ed Ready for practice test and study guides to be better prepared for the ACT and/or SAT.
• Visit local college and university campuses, take visitor tours, and ask others about their college experiences.

Say out loud “I am going to college”

• • Meet with a counselor about coursework that should include Algebra II or Advanced math, physics, social studies, and English to be on track for graduation.
  • Maintain As and Bs – The Nevada Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship requires a high GPA.
  • Explore dual credit opportunities; take a recognized college course and receiving both high school and college credit- ask a counselor for more information.
  • Take Honors or AP (Advanced Placement) courses in high school – AP courses are equivalent to college level courses, a qualifying score may earn a student college credit.
  • Now is the time to explore college options and find the best fit and match for you. There are several online resources to help with this. One popular website for searching colleges is Big Future.
  • Create a list of potential colleges- visit the websites, go on a tour if you can. You can also send emails to request additional information.
  • Last chance to take the PSAT/NMSQT in the Fall of 11th grade to prepare for the SAT and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, click the link for more information.
  • Prepare for the ACT or SAT – All Nevada high school students have to take the ACT in order to graduate. In spite of what some may think or say, this is important so try to do your best!
    • Review books, attend test prep workshops, and study!
    • Ed Ready is a great tool to use to review for the ACT and/or SAT
  • Register for the ACT or SAT in advance and talk to a counselor for information on registration fees and/or waivers.
  • Take the ACT or SAT in the Spring of 11th grade or Fall of 12th grade. The earlier the better just in case the test needs to be retaken.
    • For a complete list of dates for the 2018-2019 school year, visit ACT test datesand/or SAT Test Dates and Deadlines.
  • Attend college fairs and sessions with college representatives and sign up for tours of Nevada colleges and universities.
    • Visit Nevada Colleges and Universitiesto learn more about the seven public institutions here in Nevada.
  • Become familiar with college funding and financial aid, visit ed.govfor detailed information.
  • Complete the “FAFSA4caster” to learn about the financial aid process and get an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid at fafsa.gov
  • If you are a undocumented student you CAN apply to go to college.  Visit the websites below for more information.
    • College Guide for Undocumented Students.
    • How to apply for FAFSA.
    • Apply for scholarships through the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
  • Expand your research on federal, state, and private scholarships.
  • Identify community based scholarships from your local church, community center, and other non-profits.
  • Plan senior year classes and make sure they meet the college preparatory coursework.
  • Check out what’s new at Nevada.edu
  • Remember the FAFSA will open October 1st of your senior.  Watch this video to better understand the requirements needed to fill out the application.

   

• Say out loud “I am going to college”

August to-December:

• Say out loud “I am going to college”
• Create a calendar with various tasks and deadlines associated with the application process.
• Meet with a counselor to review transcripts and check college admissions requirements.
• Start the college admissions process – Set aside plenty of time to draft, edit, and re-write application essays.
• Seek scholarships – Keep an updated resume, personal essay, test scores, transcripts, and secure letters of recommendation from counselors, teachers, coaches, or employers.
• Stay updated on the requirements for the Nevada Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, visit http://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/GGMS/GGMS_Home/ 
• Register for the ACT or SAT.
• Keep track of all college application deadlines.
• Develop a preliminary college budget include tuition, housing, books, meals, and transportation.
• Complete the “FAFSA4caster” to calculate an estimated financial aid package at fafsa.gov
• Gather documents needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Social Security Card, Driver’s License (if any), Tax Returns and current bank statements visit, fafsa.gov
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) starting October 1st.

January:

• Submit your FAFSA no later than February 1st for priority consideration, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is then sent to interested colleges.
• Request 7th semester high school transcripts be sent to applied colleges.
• Some colleges may require immunization records, especially if living on-campus.

February:

• Verify the SAR was received by interested colleges and check all the information is accurate. Make any corrections by logging back into your application.
• All financial aid packages are based on the SAR report; this includes Federal Pell Grants, work study, and need-based scholarships. If any special circumstances affect the family’s financial situation, alert each college’s financial aid office.
• Register for Advanced Placement Exams, if applicable.

March:

• If required, send copies of the completed FAFSA to any scholarship programs.
• Organize and file all correspondence from interested colleges.

April:

• Review all college acceptance letters.
• Review financial aid award letters; be sure to understand the terms and conditions applied to each type of aid offered.
• Decide on one college to attend and send tuition deposit if applicable. Give notice to colleges not attending.
• Secure on- or off-campus housing and meal plans and keep track of contract deadlines and deposits needed.
• If on a college waiting list, contact admissions office regularly. If an account has been set up in a college portal, be sure to check there as frequently communications are posted there.

May:

• Verify all AP Grade Reports have been received by the selected college. Inquire about college credit.
• Study hard for high school final exams. They still count!

June:

• Request final high school transcripts be sent to the selected college.
• Notify the college of any private grants or scholarships received as this may affect the other financial awards.
• Find out when payment for tuition, room, and board will be due.
• Understand how financial aid will be disbursed and inquire if bill payment can be deferred until funds are available.

July to August:

• Look for information from the college about on- or off-campus housing.
• Seek information on course selection. Identify a college advisor.
• Sign up for college orientation.
• Pack for college and look forward to an interesting and rewarding experience!