SENIOR YEAR CHECKLIST

SEPTEMBER

• Order Cards & Invitations and measure for Cap & Gown  KGI will be at NLHS September 22. $70 deposit due for cards and invitations.
• September 10th- PTC - KHEAA Financial Aid Workshop- Library 4:30-5:15
• September 10th- PTC - ILP Parent Training- Library 5:30
• September 15th- Seniors take the On Demand Writing test.  (All Seniors required.)
• September 16th- See Blue Preview- London Community Center 7-9 pm.
• If you’re male and 18 years of age or older, register for Selective Service.
• Begin asking teachers, counselors, employers, etc. for letters of recommendation  -  allow at least two weeks for completion
• Check Scholarship packet for requirements and deadlines
• Register for ACT and/or SAT
• Check to see if you need to register for SAT II (Subject tests)
• Request catalogs and admission information from the schools to which you wish to apply.

OCTOBER

• October 1st – Nov. 25th  – Pay Cap & Gown fee of $55.00 to Debbie Karr in the School Bank.  Make checks payable to NLHS.  The fee is non-refundable.
• October 19th- Southeastern Kentucky Regional College Fair- Union College, Barbourville, KY.  All students encouraged to attend.  Over 50 colleges and universities will have representatives available.
• Work on college application essays.
• Visit your top post-secondary choices (You are limited to TWO excused College Day absence  -  so try to attend Saturday Open Houses or visit on days that school is not in session).  Make an appointment for a visit at least two weeks in advance.  Bring proof back to school for your absence.  All colleges will give you a slip saying you were there.
• Submit admission application ASAP.  Don’t forget to include an official transcript with each application.  (Obtain official transcripts from Sharon Young in Guidance – allow at least one week for copies to be made).  You must have been accepted at a school before you can apply for institutional scholarships.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

• Register for ACT-
• Have your parent/guardian attend the evening Financial Aid Workshop with you – day, December 8th at 6:00 p.m. in the library.
• Check scholarship deadlines.  Try to submit scholarship applications before Christmas Break --- it takes the stress out of snow days in January!!!  Colleges do not make allowances for snow days, so scholarship deadlines are strictly enforced.
• Pay early housing deposits --- if required by your chosen school
• Start gathering information to fill out the FAFSA.  A tips brochure can be picked up in Mrs. Gaynor's office.  This application is used to apply for need-based (income-based) state and federal financial aid grants and loans.  Note The FAFSA cannot be mailed until after January 1st!!  Both you and your parents must complete tax forms for 2009 before completing the FAFSA.  The website for the FAFSA is www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• SPECIAL NOTE Make copies of everything --- applications, FAFSA, tax forms, etc.  Although it rarely happens, some things do get lost in the mail.  You may even want to send scholarship applications by certified mail to make sure they reach their destination on time.  Mail all applications at least one week prior to the deadline date.
• Complete 100% of the ILP by Friday, December 18, 2009.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH

• Ask your parents to complete tax forms early so you can use information from them to complete the FAFSA.  If you worked during the past year (2009), you will also need to file a tax form.  Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan. 1st.  Students who complete and return the FAFSA by March 15th have the best chance to receive all the free money for which they may qualify.
• You should receive your SAR (Student Aid Report) approximately 2-3 weeks after submitting your FAFSA on-line.  If you have questions, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (319) 337-5665.
• Ask Rachel Gaynor in Guidance to submit mid-year grades if any of the colleges to which you’ve applied require them
• Research taking AP or CLEP exams
• Obtain copies of community scholarship applications in mid-January
• Order your Senior Yearbook
• Submit tax forms, if requested, to the financial aid office of the schools to which you have applied.  Check with both Admissions and Financial Aid to make certain both your files are complete.
• Register for AP exams before March 26th

APRIL

• Watch the mail for acceptance letters and financial aid awards.  Compare the offers you receive.
• Make your final decision and send in any required deposits.  Notify the other schools that you will not be attending (phone call or postcard).
• Pay balance of Cards & Invitations order
• Notify Rachel Gaynor in Guidance of all scholarships received so that you will receive recognition at your Senior Awards Night Program.  It would be best to provide her with a copy of the award letter so that proper recognition will be provided.
• Watch for important deadlines at your school of choice (housing, orientation, class registration, etc.)
• If you do not qualify for grants, check for loans and other sources of financial assistance.

MAY

• Senior Awards Program Date To Be Announced
• Take AP exams
• Pay all senior debts.  Check with Library, Cafeteria, Senior Sponsor, etc.
• Complete Transition Survey Forms.  You will be contacted in the fall after graduation to verify your transition status.
• Complete request form for final transcript.
• Send personal hand-written “Thank You” notes to all persons who have helped you complete your high school career and prepare for the future.

KCTCS Scholarship Opportunities

              Below are some scholarship opportunities offered by the KCTCS system and Somerset Community College.

• This scholarship may not be available every year.  The scholarship department determines its availability each summer.  Every high school student in the top 10% of his or her graduating class will receive a scholarship upon enrolling at SCC.  The scholarship is a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for up to 15 college credit hours per semester.  The scholarship is renewable for three additional semesters provided that the student remains in good academic standing.

• Agreement between KCTCS and Eastern Kentucky University  -  To qualify, a first-time student must:
• transfer from a KCTCS institution
• have completed a total of at least 24 hours of course work at a KCTCS institution
• have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on all post-secondary work at the time of transfer

• Each scholarship will be valued at half the in-state tuition costs and will be renewable for up to six consecutive semesters.  To maintain the scholarship, a recipient must maintain good academic standing and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 while continuously enrolled as a full-time student at EKU.  Any student who drops out and later returns to EKU will lose the scholarship.

• Agreement between KCTCS and the University of Kentucky – There are three trustees scholarships for transfer students:

a)  Currently enrolled KCTCS students that will earn their Associate’s Degree with a 3.50 cumulative GPA after the Spring 2007 term and then transfer to UK for the fall term are eligible to compete for a limited number of two year renewable awards which cover the difference between UK tuition and KCTCS tuition.

• b)  Currently enrolled KCTCS students with 48 hours after the spring 2007 semester (with at least 24 earned at KCTCS) and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30, that are not receiving the first award, are eligible to compete for a limited number of $4,000 scholarships, payable as $2,000 per year for up to two years.

c)  All other transfer students with a minimum 3.30 cumulative GPA, that are currently enrolled at an accredited institution and will have 24 hours by the end of the Spring 2007 term, are eligible to compete for a limited number of $1,000 non-renewable awards.