12th-Grade-Packet.pdf
There are many post-secondary options for students to choose from. It can be overwhelming and confusing. SHS Staff are here to help find the right fit. Some options include 2 year community college, 4 year college, apprenticeships, military, trade school and straight into the workforce. If you aren't sure which route you'd like to pursue, come and check in with your team.
Your team includes:
Dreann Merriman, Career Center
Gretchen Maliska, Career Tech Ed Director
Shawn Ames, Counselor (A-G)
Diana Gerla, Counselor (H-N)
Carol Benek (O-Z)
Julie O'Hara - 9th Grade Counselor
Aaron Joseph, Counseling Secretary
Your Advisory Teacher
Please make sure you check in the Career Center to see who we will be hosting each week, during lunches. We host the military recruiters regularly. We are also hosting college and career representatives. If you are interested in a certain school or option, check with Jill and she can let you know when the representative is coming to SHS.
SENIOR CHECKLIST: Preparing for College
If your after high school plan includes college, here is a helpful timeline:
August/September
- Register for the SAT and/or ACT. See Jill in the Career Center to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.
- When you are thinking about attending college, what does that look like to you? Where do you want to live? Do you want to live at home? In a dorm? Do you want to live somewhere rural or in the heart of a big city? What transportation is available? Is there on campus housing? What areas of study are you interested in?
- Take a look at some college applications and prepare any information that you will need to complete your application.
- Visit your school counselor to make sure that you are on track to graduate and fulfill college application requirements.
- Take advantage of any opportunity to get to know colleges. Meet with representatives who visit the Career Center at SHS, attend college fairs and visit campuses, if possible.
- Create a checklist and track dates in your calendar. Make sure you check the admissions website of the college that you are interested in. Some deadlines are early in the fall, while others are later.
October
- File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid). The first opportunity to apply is October 1st of each year. The sooner you complete your application, the more aid you could potentially receive from colleges.
- Research Scholarships! It's never too early to be applying for scholarships. Visit the SHS Scholarship Link for up to date opportunities for free money! You can check with Ms. Alley in the Counseling Center to see if there is a scholarship that is right for you.
November
- Finalize and send any early decision/early action applications due this month. If you aren't sure if that includes the college of your choice, please check the admissions website.
- Request your high school transcript on the website or in person from Jill Bourgault in the Career Center.
December
- Many colleges have application deadlines as early as January 1st. Be sure you are checking admissions websites for deadlines.
- Register for the January SAT if needed. It's the last one that many colleges will consider for a senior.
February-June
- Acceptance letters and financial aid offers will start to arrive. Review your acceptances and compare financial aid packages. Talk with your SHS Team if you need help understanding your letters and offers.
- Continue your scholarship search! Every penny counts.
- Finish your senior year strong. Don't forget that your college of choice will be checking your final transcript and can change their acceptance decision.