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Application Process

COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECK LIST FOR FRESHMEN

  • Get to know your Guidance Counselor.
  • Take the Explore test in the fall.
  • Register on Naviance with your counselor. Use Naviance to check college admissions requirements. Plan a college preparatory course schedule for all four years of high school.
  • Plan ahead for courses that require prerequisites.
  • Recognize that class rank and GPA are calculated beginning your freshmen year. These are based on final grades in all courses attempted.
  • Participate in extracurricular and community activities. Colleges are looking for students who have achieved in areas beyond academics.
  • Take the Plan exam (pre-ACT test) in April.
  • Enroll in 1st period courses.
  • Enroll in Summer School or Summer Academy.
     

COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECK LIST FOR SOPHOMORES

  • Take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for practice.
  • Take the hardest courses in areas where you excel. Investigate honors and Advanced Placement courses.
  • Visit your guidance counselor.
  • Investigate college course requirements.
  • Plan an interesting summer, possibly participating in a challenging summer enrichment program or a community activity. Check out college-based experience programs in the Guidance Office or College Resource Room.
  • Enroll in 1st period courses.
  • Enroll in Summer School or Summer Academy.
     

COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECK LIST FOR JUNIORS

  • Continue taking courses that will sharpen your skills for college and enhance admission prospects.
  • Visit your counselor and college consultant.
  • Attend College Night in October.
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. National Merit Semi-Finalists are selected from students who take this test junior year.
  • Ask your parents to check on scholarship programs that may be offered through their employers.
  • During first semester, begin to investigate specific colleges by:
  • Meeting with your counselor.
  • Researching colleges on Naviance.
  • Signing up to talk with college representatives who visit H-F.
  • Identify specific entrance requirements.
  • Write or call colleges to request information.
  • Enroll in ACT Prep workshops.
  • Take the ACT in April & June.
  • Spring and summer are the times to visit college admissions offices. Call ahead for an appointment. Ask about financial aid & scholarships.
  • Consider attending a summer program on a college campus.
  • Enroll in 1st period courses.
  • Enroll in Summer School or Summer Academy.
     

COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECKLIST FOR SENIORS

  • Enroll in 1st period courses.
  • Using Naviance, continue investigating various post secondary school options in the fall. Become familiar with college deadlines. Request applications, catalogs, and financial aid information.
  • Retake the ACT Test if necessary.
  • Take SAT Subject Tests if required.
  • See your counselor and college consultant.
  • Try to arrange college visits on teacher institute days or holidays.
  • Attend College Night in October. Talk with college representatives.
  • Narrow your choices of colleges and try to categorize them: 1) a “reach” school; 2) a school for which you are reasonably confident about meeting admission standards; and 3) a school for which you may exceed the admissions standards.
  • Pay close attention to application deadlines.
  • Send test scores directly from testing agencies to colleges to which you are applying.
  • Send mid-year grades if requested.
  • Complete the Federal Financial Aid Student Application (FAFSA) no later than February 15.
  • If you are accepted at more than one school, make the final decision on the college you will attend, and send your acceptance by May 1.
  • Notify the other schools that you will be going elsewhere.
  • Request that your final transcript is sent to the college of your choice.