-If you have not done so already, or need to again, register for the ACT and/or SAT exam(s). Ideally, you should not be taking these exams beyond December, unless absolutely necessary.
*Go to www.act.org for more information, registration, and test dates on the ACT.
*Go to www.collegeboard.com for more information, registration, and test dates on the SAT.
*Or stop by Mr. Redman’s office for information on --both exams.
-Attend the Financial Aid Parent Night at Northwestern High School.
-As soon as possible after October 1st complete your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Keep copies of all documents, including your FSA ID, in a file.
-Schedule visits with the colleges that you are considering. It is important to make that personal contact!
-Stop in Mr.Redman’s office to see what college representatives are coming to visit Northwestern High School.
*If a rep is coming from a college you are considering, it is highly advised that you come to the visit and touch base with them. These are the individuals who will eventually be reading your applications!
-If you are unable to visit colleges that you are considering, check out the virtual tours online at some of the college websites. Also, a simple phone call to the admissions office can get you some great information.
-Start asking individuals to write letters of recommendation for you, such as teachers, school counselors, coaches, club/activity sponsors, employers, etc. You may come across admission applications and/or scholarship applications that require letters of recommendation, so it is always good to be prepared and have these letters ready.
-Fill out the Student Brag Sheet for the individuals you are asking to write your letters of recommendation; it gives them a little bit more personal information about you that they may not know, and will help them in writing the best possible recommendation for you.
*Be aware of deadlines!! Give these individuals plenty of time to write your letter!
-BE AWARE OF APPLICATION DEADLINES!!! Give yourself plenty of time to complete applications and anything that goes along with it, such as an essay, letters of recommendation, etc.
*REMEMBER: “Early Decision” applications are binding, this means that if you are accepted, you MUST attend that school and can no longer apply to any other colleges. November 1st is a common Early Decision deadline.
* “Early Action” is similar to Early Decision, but it is NOT binding.
-Most of your college applications will require that you send an official transcript with your application; be sure you see Mrs. Halvorson in the main office, to get your transcript sent out.
-Continue researching scholarships!
*Go directly to the schools you are looking at and fill out their scholarship applications if offered.
*Check out the NHS Scholarship page for the scholarships Mr. Redman has received info on.
* Get connected with various scholarship search engines such as www.fastweb.com, www.studentscholarships.com, www.scholarshipmonkey.com, etc.
-See Mr. Redman to see if you would be eligible for the Dakota Corps or the SD Opportunity Scholarship. These have specific criteria and deadlines to meet.