Senior YearSenior Year

College and Career GuideCollege and Career Guide

FallFall(September-October-(September-October-

November)November)____ ____ Schedule a conference with your counselor to discuss career goals.Schedule a conference with your counselor to discuss career goals.

____ Determine how you’ll pay for college and what you can realistically afford.____ Determine how you’ll pay for college and what you can realistically afford.

____ Register for appropriate college entrance tests.ACT, SAT, Compass____ Register for appropriate college entrance tests.ACT, SAT, Compass

____ Review scholarship options and applications that have fall due dates. ____ Review scholarship options and applications that have fall due dates.

____ Attend Greater Omaha College Fair____ Attend Greater Omaha College Fair

____ Update your résumé.____ Update your résumé.

____ Visit colleges you might want to attend.____ Visit colleges you might want to attend.

____ Meet with college representatives as they visit your high school.____ Meet with college representatives as they visit your high school.

____ Obtain college applications in the Guidance Office or via Internet.____ Obtain college applications in the Guidance Office or via Internet.

____ Allow teachers and counselors 2-3 weeks prior to the deadline date to ____ Allow teachers and counselors 2-3 weeks prior to the deadline date to write your write your college and scholarship recommendations.college and scholarship recommendations.

WinterWinter(December, January, (December, January,

February)February)____ ____ Obtain financial aid information from the Obtain financial aid information from the

EducationQuest Foundation. Tuesday, November EducationQuest Foundation. Tuesday, November 1, 6:001, 6:00

____ ____ Complete the Free Application for Federal Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Student Aid Aid (FAFSA) financial need analysis (FAFSA) financial need analysis form as soon after form as soon after January 1 as possible.January 1 as possible.

____ ____ Obtain scholarship applications each week Obtain scholarship applications each week in the in the counseling office.counseling office.

SpringSpring(March-April-May)(March-April-May)

____ ____ Continue to visit campuses if you’re still Continue to visit campuses if you’re still undecided undecided about about a college.a college.

____ ____ Continue to apply for scholarships. Report Continue to apply for scholarships. Report to the to the Guidance Office Guidance Office ALL ALL scholarships you scholarships you have been have been offered, even those you will not offered, even those you will not accept.accept.

____ ____ Register for AP tests if applicable.Register for AP tests if applicable.____ ____ Reply promptly to colleges. Be sure to meet Reply promptly to colleges. Be sure to meet

acceptance acceptance deadlines.deadlines.____ ____ Decide on the college to attend. Be sure to Decide on the college to attend. Be sure to

let other let other schools know that you will not attend.schools know that you will not attend.____ ____ Remember to write thank you notes.Remember to write thank you notes.

How To Connect ForHow To Connect ForInformation on CollegesInformation on Colleges

High School CounselorHigh School Counselor Recommended Web SitesRecommended Web Sites

– www.nebraskacareerconnections.comwww.nebraskacareerconnections.com– http://petersons.com/ugchannel/ http://petersons.com/ugchannel/ – www.act.orgwww.act.org– www.collegeboard.com/splash www.collegeboard.com/splash – www.mycollegeoptions.comwww.mycollegeoptions.com– www.Fastweb.com www.Fastweb.com – www.utexas.edu/world/univ/www.utexas.edu/world/univ/– www.educationquest.org www.educationquest.org – www.mapping-your-future.orgwww.mapping-your-future.org– www.pricetonreview.com www.pricetonreview.com – www.collegenet.com/mach25www.collegenet.com/mach25– www.collegeview.comwww.collegeview.com

Contact a Specific CollegeContact a Specific College Call or write to College Office of Admission to request an application Call or write to College Office of Admission to request an application

packet, information on housing, financial aid, scholarships. Ask to packet, information on housing, financial aid, scholarships. Ask to be put on their mailing list. Most colleges also have websites where be put on their mailing list. Most colleges also have websites where you can register your interest.you can register your interest.

The Counseling Center maintains current information on websites, The Counseling Center maintains current information on websites, catalogs and videos on several hundred colleges and universities. catalogs and videos on several hundred colleges and universities. Information on art schools, nursing schools, vocational schools, Information on art schools, nursing schools, vocational schools, scholarships and financial aid, and summer programs is also scholarships and financial aid, and summer programs is also available.available.

Guidance Web PagesGuidance Web Pages

DC West High School maintains its own DC West High School maintains its own guidance Web Page. This web page guidance Web Page. This web page contains hotlinks that can be used to contains hotlinks that can be used to access career and college planning access career and college planning information.information.

www.dcwest.orgwww.dcwest.org High School Counseling CenterHigh School Counseling Center

College FairCollege Fair

Over 200 college representatives attend Over 200 college representatives attend the Greater Omaha College Fair annually the Greater Omaha College Fair annually held on the last Sunday in October at UNO held on the last Sunday in October at UNO Sapp Field House. Sunday, October 30Sapp Field House. Sunday, October 30thth 1-41-4

Junior and Senior students and their Junior and Senior students and their parents are encouraged to participate. parents are encouraged to participate.

College RepresentativesCollege Representatives

There will be over 30 college There will be over 30 college representatives attend DC West representatives attend DC West through out the school year.through out the school year.

Make sure students pay attention to Make sure students pay attention to when the college representatives will when the college representatives will attend.attend.

College ApplicationsCollege Applications Applications can be obtained from the college, websites or from the Applications can be obtained from the college, websites or from the

counseling center. Many colleges will send an application if you sent counseling center. Many colleges will send an application if you sent them your ACT scores.them your ACT scores.

More and more colleges prefer on-line applications. Some will even More and more colleges prefer on-line applications. Some will even waive application fees in return for online applications. Try to waive application fees in return for online applications. Try to determine the best method of application for your school. See your determine the best method of application for your school. See your counselor with any questions. counselor with any questions.

REMINDER: Your transcript cannot be sent on-line. Follow the REMINDER: Your transcript cannot be sent on-line. Follow the school’s procedures to have a transcript mailed to your college.school’s procedures to have a transcript mailed to your college.

Attention NCAA & NAIA Attention NCAA & NAIA Division I and II Student-Division I and II Student-

Athletes:Athletes: Student-athletes who wish to participate in NCAA & NAIA Division I or Student-athletes who wish to participate in NCAA & NAIA Division I or Division II sports in college Division II sports in college MUST BE CERTIFIED MUST BE CERTIFIED by the NCAA & NAIA by the NCAA & NAIA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Obtain a copy of Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Obtain a copy of “Making Sure You Are “Making Sure You Are Eligible to Participate in College Sports” Eligible to Participate in College Sports” in the counseling center early in in the counseling center early in the first semester of your senior year. Don’t delay this process—if you are the first semester of your senior year. Don’t delay this process—if you are uncertain about participation in Division I or II it is best to complete this uncertain about participation in Division I or II it is best to complete this process anyway. process anyway.

Failure to be certified may affect visitations to colleges regarding athletics, Failure to be certified may affect visitations to colleges regarding athletics, and college coaches may be reluctant to make commitments to athletes and college coaches may be reluctant to make commitments to athletes who have not completed the NCAA Initial- Eligibility certification. You may who have not completed the NCAA Initial- Eligibility certification. You may register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Be sure to print two copies register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Be sure to print two copies for your high school and bring them to your counselor. Failure to do so may for your high school and bring them to your counselor. Failure to do so may make you ineligible for NCAA or NAIA activities. Also, make sure to list the make you ineligible for NCAA or NAIA activities. Also, make sure to list the Clearinghouse (9999) on your ACT choices for reports sent.Clearinghouse (9999) on your ACT choices for reports sent.

Factors to consider in choosing a Factors to consider in choosing a college:college:

1. Type of college1. Type of college– Two or four-year college?Two or four-year college?– Residential or commuter?Residential or commuter?– Large or small?Large or small?– College or university?College or university?

2. Location2. Location– What area(s) of the country can you realistically consider?What area(s) of the country can you realistically consider?– What about the relation between location and costs?What about the relation between location and costs?– Are specific interests and goals tied to a specific location?Are specific interests and goals tied to a specific location?

3. Admissions selectivity3. Admissions selectivity– What are the admission requirementsWhat are the admission requirements– Are you eligible for admission?Are you eligible for admission?– How academically demanding is the school?How academically demanding is the school?

4. Costs4. Costs– How much will it cost?How much will it cost?– What kind of financial aid is available?What kind of financial aid is available?– How do you apply for financial aid?How do you apply for financial aid?

5. Majors and programs5. Majors and programs– Does the school offer the major you want?Does the school offer the major you want?– Does the school offer you the chance to explore several areas of interest?Does the school offer you the chance to explore several areas of interest?– Does the school have internships? exchange programs? study abroad?Does the school have internships? exchange programs? study abroad?

6. Social life6. Social life– What is the campus atmosphere like?What is the campus atmosphere like?– What extracurricular activities are available?What extracurricular activities are available?

Admission RequirementsAdmission Requirementsfor University of Nebraska-for University of Nebraska-

LincolnLincoln English 4 YearsEnglish 4 Years Mathematics 4 Mathematics 4

YearsYears– At least Algebra IIAt least Algebra II

Social Studies 3 Social Studies 3 YearsYears

Science 3 YearsScience 3 Years Foreign Language Foreign Language

2 years2 years

Students who are unable Students who are unable to take two years of to take two years of foreign language in high foreign language in high school may still qualify for school may still qualify for admission. Such students admission. Such students will be required to take two will be required to take two semesters of foreign semesters of foreign language at the University language at the University of Nebraska. These of Nebraska. These students are still required students are still required to complete 16 units of to complete 16 units of academic courses for academic courses for admission.admission.

Performance Requirements Performance Requirements (UNL)(UNL)

In addition to meeting the above core course requirements, students In addition to meeting the above core course requirements, students applying for admission to the university should:applying for admission to the university should:– be ranked in the upper one-half of their high school class be ranked in the upper one-half of their high school class oror

– have received an ACT composite score of 20 or higher have received an ACT composite score of 20 or higher oror

– have received an SAT total score of 950 or higher (Critical Reading have received an SAT total score of 950 or higher (Critical Reading and Math only)and Math only)

Students who do not meet the above requirements for assured Students who do not meet the above requirements for assured admission are sometimes admitted by review. Each application will admission are sometimes admitted by review. Each application will receive individual review for demonstration of potential for success receive individual review for demonstration of potential for success at university-level work.at university-level work.

Types of Tests and Which Types of Tests and Which Test to TakeTest to Take

ACT (American College Test) is used by the vast majority of colleges in the ACT (American College Test) is used by the vast majority of colleges in the Midwest. It is a primary test used to determine Regents Scholarship winners Midwest. It is a primary test used to determine Regents Scholarship winners in the University of Nebraska system (UNL, UNO, and UNK).in the University of Nebraska system (UNL, UNO, and UNK).

SAT is used more extensively by East Coast, West Coast, some southern SAT is used more extensively by East Coast, West Coast, some southern colleges, and the military academies. Some selective admission colleges colleges, and the military academies. Some selective admission colleges may request the SAT II’s which are specific tests in a certain curriculum may request the SAT II’s which are specific tests in a certain curriculum area. If you are not sure about the appropriate test, ask your counselor or area. If you are not sure about the appropriate test, ask your counselor or refer to the specific college catalog or a general college handbook.refer to the specific college catalog or a general college handbook.

Online Registration:Online Registration:

ACT ACT www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org

SAT SAT www.collegeboard.cowww.collegeboard.comm

Three Easy Steps to Avoid Three Easy Steps to Avoid Static When Applying to a Static When Applying to a

CollegeCollegeSTEP 1: Complete the college application form. If the application STEP 1: Complete the college application form. If the application requires teacher or counselor recommendations, arrange for those requires teacher or counselor recommendations, arrange for those immediately. Some colleges have early admission deadlines, as immediately. Some colleges have early admission deadlines, as early as mid-November. Check to make sure of your college’s early as mid-November. Check to make sure of your college’s application deadline.application deadline.

STEP 2: Make payment with a credit card. If a credit card is STEP 2: Make payment with a credit card. If a credit card is unavailable write a check for the application fee if a fee is required. unavailable write a check for the application fee if a fee is required. Do not send cash!Do not send cash!

STEP 3: Complete a “Release of Information” form in the counseling STEP 3: Complete a “Release of Information” form in the counseling office which gives the school permission to send your high school office which gives the school permission to send your high school transcripts. List all colleges you are considering.transcripts. List all colleges you are considering.

Important Note About Important Note About Teacher or Counselor Teacher or Counselor Recommendations:Recommendations:

If recommendations are needed, ask a If recommendations are needed, ask a counselor or teacher who knows you well counselor or teacher who knows you well at least 2-3 weeks in advance of any at least 2-3 weeks in advance of any deadlines. deadlines. Providing the teacher with Providing the teacher with information about yourself and ample time information about yourself and ample time to write their letter can enhance the to write their letter can enhance the recommendation. Give them a copy of recommendation. Give them a copy of your resume.your resume.

Final Transcripts:Final Transcripts:

Most colleges and vocational schools require a Most colleges and vocational schools require a final transcript. Counselors will give instructions final transcript. Counselors will give instructions on how to on how to request final transcripts in May. request final transcripts in May. Failure to do this will cause complications in the Failure to do this will cause complications in the summer or during the fall semester when you summer or during the fall semester when you register for college classes. ACT and SAT register for college classes. ACT and SAT scores are not part of the official transcript. scores are not part of the official transcript. Check with your counselor.Check with your counselor.

Online applicationsOnline applications

If you apply online you need to notify the If you apply online you need to notify the counseling office in writing so we can send counseling office in writing so we can send your transcript to the appropriate college your transcript to the appropriate college or universityor university

Making Your Campus Making Your Campus VisitsVisits

Before The Visit:Before The Visit:oo Contact the college admissions office at least one to two weeks in advance to schedule a dateContact the college admissions office at least one to two weeks in advance to schedule a dateand time. Selective colleges may require more advance notice since they may schedule an interview.and time. Selective colleges may require more advance notice since they may schedule an interview.o o Plan your visit. You should try to visit the campus when classes are in session.Plan your visit. You should try to visit the campus when classes are in session.o o Read the college’s catalogs and brochures. This will provide general information, so you don’t waste Read the college’s catalogs and brochures. This will provide general information, so you don’t waste

time on these questions during your visit.time on these questions during your visit.o o Prepare a list of specific questions so you can learn as much as you can about the school (see p. 8 to Prepare a list of specific questions so you can learn as much as you can about the school (see p. 8 to

help develop questions).help develop questions).o o If possible, bring an unofficial copy of your high school transcript and know your PSAT, SAT, or ACT If possible, bring an unofficial copy of your high school transcript and know your PSAT, SAT, or ACT

scores. Consider bringing your portfolio or instrument for an audition.scores. Consider bringing your portfolio or instrument for an audition.o o Bring your parents.Bring your parents.o o Visit the college web site for current information.Visit the college web site for current information. The Visit:The Visit:o o Be on time. If you will be late or have to postpone your visit, call the college.Be on time. If you will be late or have to postpone your visit, call the college.o o Talk with as many people as you can to see a more complete picture of what a college is really like. Talk with as many people as you can to see a more complete picture of what a college is really like.

An overnight stay and attending classes is highly recommended.An overnight stay and attending classes is highly recommended.o o Try to work some free time into your schedule. Use this time to wander around, perhaps drop into the Try to work some free time into your schedule. Use this time to wander around, perhaps drop into the

campus snack bar, talk to students.campus snack bar, talk to students. After The Visit:After The Visit:o o On your way home, while your thoughts are still fresh, jot down some of your impressions of the On your way home, while your thoughts are still fresh, jot down some of your impressions of the

college.college.o o If questions come up after the visit, don’t hesitate to contact the people you have met.If questions come up after the visit, don’t hesitate to contact the people you have met.o o Send thank-you notes to those with whom you had appointments.Send thank-you notes to those with whom you had appointments.

General Scholarship General Scholarship InformationInformation

How to Avoid Scholarship Fraud:How to Avoid Scholarship Fraud:– If you must pay money to get money, it might be a If you must pay money to get money, it might be a

scam.scam.– If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.– Spend the time, not the money.Spend the time, not the money.– Never invest more than a postage stamp to get Never invest more than a postage stamp to get

information about scholarships.information about scholarships.– Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship.Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship.– If you’re suspicious of an offer, it’s usually with good If you’re suspicious of an offer, it’s usually with good

reason.reason.

Scholarship TypesScholarship Types

Academic or merit-based scholarships are rewards Academic or merit-based scholarships are rewards for having certain abilities or talents. Examples for having certain abilities or talents. Examples include high grades and class rank, test scores include high grades and class rank, test scores at certain levels, or a demonstrated talent in art, at certain levels, or a demonstrated talent in art, music, athletics, drama, or other areas.music, athletics, drama, or other areas.

Need-based scholarships frequently have some Need-based scholarships frequently have some criteria relative to abilities or talents above; criteria relative to abilities or talents above; however, the selection may be primarily based however, the selection may be primarily based upon the financial need of the student.upon the financial need of the student.

Four Major Sources of Four Major Sources of ScholarshipsScholarships

• • Colleges and Universities (Best source)Colleges and Universities (Best source)

• • Civic, place of worship, parent-teacher, Civic, place of worship, parent-teacher, and other community groupsand other community groups

• • Corporations, labor unions and Corporations, labor unions and professional organizationsprofessional organizations

• • MilitaryMilitary

Scholarship Financial Aid Scholarship Financial Aid InformationInformation

Web Sites:Web Sites: A wealth of information regarding scholarships and financial A wealth of information regarding scholarships and financial aid is available via internet. Visit your high school’s home pages for aid is available via internet. Visit your high school’s home pages for information on scholarships and financial aid, college selection, testing, information on scholarships and financial aid, college selection, testing, careers, study skills, and several other helpful aids.careers, study skills, and several other helpful aids.

Other sources of information are:Other sources of information are:– www.finaid.orgwww.finaid.org– www.fastweb.comwww.fastweb.com– www.embark.comwww.embark.com

Financial Aid Night is Tuesday, November 1Financial Aid Night is Tuesday, November 1stst at 6:00 in the at 6:00 in the High School Media Center. EducationQuest Planning High School Media Center. EducationQuest Planning Center:Center: Use a FREE local scholarship search available through the Use a FREE local scholarship search available through the EducationQuest Foundation, Rockbrook Village, 11031 Elm St., Omaha, NE EducationQuest Foundation, Rockbrook Village, 11031 Elm St., Omaha, NE 68144, 391-4033.68144, 391-4033.

E-mail - www.educationquest.orgE-mail - www.educationquest.org

Obtaining Scholarship Obtaining Scholarship ApplicationsApplications

Scholarship application forms are Scholarship application forms are available in the counseling office at the available in the counseling office at the time they are listed in the guidance e-mail.time they are listed in the guidance e-mail.

Students need to check everyday starting Students need to check everyday starting second semestersecond semester