Timeline, Seniors

FALL

~ Make sure that your scheduled courses include all the graduation requirements necessary to graduate from JFK, as well as all the entrance requirements necessary for entry into college.  See your counselor if you have any questions.

~ Take the SAT or ACT in the fall.  Some colleges/universities will not accept the December test for determining admission.

~ Begin the hunt for scholarships.  Check Naviance to see what scholarships have been posted.  Use the internet, yours and your parents’/guardians’ place of employment, your place of worship to find scholarships.

~ Attend a Financial Aid Night.  JFK sponsors an evening each year, but every high school offers them, if you can’t attend the one on our campus.  For the 2018-2019 school year, the Financial Aid Night was October 11, 7:00 – 8:30.  The slides from that evening are on the financial aid tab of this website.

~ Attend a College Fair. FUSD, New Haven, and Newark all combine to sponsor a large college fair at Ohlone College in the fall.  Attend with a list of your questions/concerns.  Keep on the lookout for college presentations at JFK.  They are listed on Naviance, are put in the student bulletin, and sent out via loopmail.

~ Check the website of the colleges you want to apply to.  Make note of the application dates.  The California State Universities application window opens on October 1 and closes on November 30.  The University of California application window opens on November 1 and closes on November 30.  Private colleges will have varying dates.  California Community Colleges have their application window in the spring.

~ Attend a preview day at the colleges you are interested in.  Check the college’s website to find out if one is scheduled and when it is.

~ Identify staff who can write a strong recommendation letter for you if you need it for a scholarship or college application.  Be sure to make your request at least 2 weeks before you need the letter completed.  It is helpful if you provide the staff member with a resume showing your extra-curricular activities and your academic success.  Remember to write thank you notes to them as well.

~ Complete the financial aid application that is right for you.  U.S. Citizens and Legal Residents will complete the FAFSA, non U.S. Citizens will apply for the California Dream Act.  Remember, if you are filing the FAFSA you need to obtain an FSA ID for both the student and one of the student’s parents or guardians so you can submit it electronically.  See the Financial Aid tab for more detailed information.

~ Attend the Cash 4 College Workshop being held on November 1, 6:30 PM in the JFK Library.  This is a hands on workshop designed to provide assistance to parents and students completing the FAFSA or CADA.

~ All students who plan on attending a California vocational school, California Community College, California Private College, California State University, or one of the University of California campuses should submit the FAFSA or Dream Act application.   You never know what might be awarded to you.

~ Create your Webgrants 4 Students account.  This is where you will be able to view an electronic version of your CalGrant award.

~ If you are feeling overwhelmed see your counselor or speak to a staff member you trust.  This can be a stressful time.  We are here to help.

 

WINTER

~ Continue to submit applications to all non CSU/UC colleges you wish to attend.  Keep track of all application dates.  They are not flexible.

~ Continue to check your accounts/email for updates from your college/university.  Provide all information that they request.

~ Continue to pursue scholarships.

~ Apply for AP exams when the Business Office announces the purchase dates.

 

SPRING

~ Continue to excel in your classes.

~ Acceptance letters are sent out in early spring.  Be sure to take a good look at the financial aid packets from all the schools you have been accepted to.  Compare them so you find the one that provides the best situation for you and your family.

~ If the one acceptance letter you were really hoping for never appears, and you are having a hard time dealing with it, please talk to your counselor or a trusted adult on campus.  We care about you and want to help.

~ Follow all deadlines sent to you by the college.   BE SURE YOU RETURN YOUR INTENT TO REGISTER FORM TO YOUR CHOSEN COLLEGE BY THE DEADLINE.

~ Take any placement exams that are necessary.

~ If you are planning to attend a California Community College, the application period is in early spring.  Check their website for specific dates.

~ Take your AP exams.  Get a good night’s rest, eat breakfast and lunch, and have confidence in yourself.

~ Sign up for your college’s orientation program.  All colleges offer this for incoming Freshmen.  Besides getting to meet other students, getting familiar with the campus, housing, etc., you get to register for your fall classes early.  This increases the likelihood that you will get the classes you need.

~ Notify Ms. Miller of any scholarships you have been awarded.  I like to be able to celebrate your accomplishments with you.

~ Submit your final transcript request to Mrs. Damewood BEFORE graduation.

~ Relax and enjoy your graduation.  You’ve earned it.  GO TITANS!