Application Process

COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECK LIST FOR FRESHMEN

  • Get to know your School 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 PSAT exam (pre-SAT) in the spring.

  • 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 school 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 here.

  • 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 test prep workshops &/or utilize Khan Academy.

  • Take the SAT/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/SAT 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.

  • Complete the Federal Financial Aid Student Application (FAFSA) beginning October 1. Try to have completed as close to Oct. 1 as possible.

  • 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.

  • 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.