Fall (September to November)
College Admission Applications
|
Most early decision and early action applications are due between October 1 and November 1. If you want to take advantage of these options, make sure to keep deadlines in mind and supply all needed documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, ACT/SAT scores, etc.).
Common Application - the Common App is an undergraduate college admission application that applicants may use to apply to any of more than 900 member colleges and universities. First time users can utilize the search bar on the common application to find information or one of the options below.
College Essay Help Sessions. Get started on essays to be included in your applications. The English Department is once again offering College Essay Writing Help Sessions in October and November. The first session is being held on October 11 from 4-6 PM in the LHS Library. During this 40-minute session, you will work one-on-one with a teacher to revise your college application essay and/or other short answer responses. It is recommended that you bring a typed or digital copy of your draft to your session.The deadline to sign up for one of these sessions is Friday, October 6th. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Check the emailed announcements for the sign-up link and more information about preparing for your session. See Mrs. Eckart in Room A137 if you have questions.
Please use the following link to sign-up for a time and reserve your spot: https://forms.gle/kWf7PGy9Sn6DTiR96. College Essay Help Session Student Instructions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oRZVyMJ_SiM_edFUTJFb4_E3aKkOA0XV1KCnEcD7e74/edit?usp=sharing TESTING - Take the SAT and/or ACT: If you haven't taken a college entrance exam or feel like you can improve your score results, schedule testing in the fall of senior year. This way you can get your scores back in time for college applications and scholarship applications.
|
Financial Aid
|
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - available on October 1 each year.
Do not use your K12 email account when completing the FAFSA. Your K12 email will be closed at the completion of your senior year. So, it is best to use your personal email. Here’s a checklist of everything you and your parent need to fill out, sign and submit the FAFSA:
Financial Aid Meeting in the LHS Little Theater on 10/16/23 from 6-7PM for a Financial Aid 101 presentation from Greg Binstock with Augustana University
Senior Parents and seniors are invited to learn about the financial aid process. We will have a guest speaker presenting on the FAFSA process. Information will also be offered on what students will need for post-secondary planning (college applications, scholarship searches, financial aid process, etc.). See below for a copy of the presentation: CSS PROFILE - https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
An online application for non-federal student financial aid. Used by nearly 400 colleges, universities, professional schools, and scholarship programs to award more than $9 billion in grants. Certain schools require the CSS PROFILE. SCHOLARSHIPS - Complete scholarship applications, and submit according to deadlines.
|
Post-Secondary Planning & Career Development
|
Mapping your Future: helping students and families learn to plan, pay, and succeed in college. https://southdakota.mappingyourfuture.org/
Our Dakota Dreams This site was recently launched by the SDBOR and SDDOE to support students, families, and educators as they navigate the college preparation process. https://ourdakotadreams.com/ Job Shadow/Apprenticeship
Continue developing career plans: complete career assessments, explore careers, and schedule job shadow/internship experiences.
|
Free Admission Application Opportunities
|
Free College Application Window: October 1st - November 30th - seniors apply FREE applications to many South Dakota postsecondary institutions. https://ourdakotadreams.com/
|
Winter ( December- February)
College Admission Applications
|
Submit regular decision applications—Most colleges offer regular decision due dates around January 1 and March 1 of each year.
|
Scholarship Applications
|
The Sioux Falls Community Foundation Scholarships are available from December 15th through March 15th. Review their scholarships and apply!
|
Student Athletes
|
Continue to track coursework: www.corecourseGPA.com
|
Spring (March to May)
Financial Aid
|
Update your FAFSA and CSS PROFILE applications - Update your financial aid applications with data from your most recent year tax returns if this information was estimated on your initial FAFSA / CSS PROFILE.
Compare financial aid packages from multiple schools - Colleges will send an Award Letter notifying students of the financial aid package they are offering consisting of grants, loans and work-study.
Financial aid appeal - If there is a change in your family's financial circumstance or if a college's financial aid package does not meet your need, contact the financial aid office ASAP to appeal the Award Letter.
SCHOLARSHIPS - Continue work on your scholarship applications, and submit according to deadlines.
|
Complete College Enrollment Process
|
Submit your enrollment deposit - Keep in mind deadlines to submit a deposit and secure your place for regular decision applications (typically May 1). If you're worried about the cost of the deposit, talk to the school about a fee-waiver.
Complete ongoing enrollment paperwork for your college (orientation, scheduling, housing, etc.) Double check to make sure all paperwork is completed by the deadlines.
|
FINAL Transcript Request
|
Request a FINAL Transcript from the registrar's office to be sent to your school after graduation. Reminder emails will be sent out to seniors and their parents in May.
|