SCHS Senior Information Be sure to check the Class of 2021 Google Classroom and the home page of the counseling blog http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schs-counselor/ regularly for updated information about colleges, scholarships, and MORE!
College Visits
– Students should begin to visit colleges in the spring of their junior year and during the summer between their junior and seniors years.
– Many colleges are offering virtual tours due to COVID-19
– Students are permitted one excused absence for a pre-approved college visit in the spring of their junior year and two excused absences for pre-approved college visits during their senior year.
– The college visit form is available in the counseling office and must be signed and dated by a college official at the time of the visit.
– Return the form by taking a picture and emailing it to scboe-schs@shelbyed.org
– Currently, we are not allowing college or military recruiters to visit our school. However, we will be posting information and hosting virtual meetings with recruiters. Once visitors are allowed again, college recruiters will come to SCHS during 7th period and will meet with students in the conference room. Military recruiters will set up information tables in the lunchroom. The schedule for visits will be posted on the Class of 2021 Google Classroom.
– Most colleges also host visit days on campus. Check the Class of 2021 Google Classroom and counseling blog for specific dates.
College Applications
– Students should check with individual colleges and scholarship committees for specific deadlines. Seniors should plan to complete all applications and gather additional documentation by October 31.
– College application fees may be waived for students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch. Inquire with individual colleges for more information. Mrs. Keahey can provide documentation for colleges that will accept it.
ACT/SAT
– All SCHS students take the ACT during the spring of their junior year. Students can register online to participate in additional administrations of the ACT or SAT.
– ACT fee waiver forms are available in the counseling office for students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch.
– Method Test Prep is once again available at no cost for seniors. This is a great tool to prep for the ACT and can accessed through your Clever app.
Transcripts & Recommendations
– All colleges will require official transcripts. Some colleges and scholarship programs will also require recommendation letters.
– Transcript requests can be made at https://www.parchment.com/u/registration/4168/account. Forms are also available in the counseling office. Forms should be returned to Mrs. Keahey with payment.
– Each official transcript request costs $5.00.
– Counselor and teacher recommendation requests must be turned in 3 weeks in advance.
– Recommendation request forms are available in the counseling office.
– Recommendation request forms must be accompanied by a student resume or list of accomplishments/interests/future goals to assist the counselor in writing a proper recommendation.
– Once a recommendation is complete, it will be mailed directly to the college.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
– Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – www.fafsa.ed.gov
– For more information – http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out
– You will need to file your FAFSA for all forms of financial assistance including loans, grants, and scholarships.
– Completion of the FAFSA is a requirement of many scholarship programs.
– You should file your FAFSA in the spring as soon as you and your parents receive your W2.
– All students should complete a FAFSA even if you feel that you may not qualify for assistance.