Senior Info

TIMELINE

August – October

  •  Explore website; download undergraduate applications (for at least three schools) 
  •  Christian College Fair at DLS
  •  Write necessary essays
  •  Identify and request letters of recommendation from teachers
  •  Check NCAA requirements for freshmen athletes
  •  Check your individual service hour record
  •  Check your transcript

October

  •  Complete applications submitted between Oct. 1 - Oct. 15
  •  Request “OFFICIAL” transcript from College Guidance Office

November – May

  • Provide College Guidance Office with copies of acceptance letters and scholarship letters as you receive them.

January

  •  Complete “midyear” reports as required

January – April

  •  Negotiate final packages with school
  •  Make financial arrangements (scholarships, grants, FAFSA)
  •  Tour campus
  •  Make housing arrangements

May

  •  Make final decision
  •  Complete request for final transcript
  •  GRADUATE!

APPLICATIONS

For many colleges the importance in getting the application in the mail by October 1st, is that you will not be issued a housing application until you are admitted. At some colleges, housing is a real premium and campus housing is a must at least for your first year.

Applications are different and require different action. Applications should be submitted with no mistakes ... edit carefully! All will require an “official” transcript from DLS. You must request the transcript in writing. Many applications require teacher recommendations. Allow sufficient time for these to be written then follow through with “friendly reminders”.

$$  SCHOLARSHIPS  $$

Be wary of the company or person who tells you that many scholarships go unclaimed each year and then tries to sell you a list of scholarships. There are many scholarships on the horizon and REMEMBER…SCHOLARSHIP means SCHOLARSHIP! Most have an absolute minimum GPA of 90% with top 25% class rank. There are some scholarships available for students of certain heritage, interests or service to community.

YOUR BEST SOURCE OF SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID IS THE COLLEGE WHICH YOU PLAN TO ATTEND.

Many colleges and universities have one scholarship form which makes application for any scholarship for which you qualify at that institution. You will get this form ONLY after admission acceptance.

As scholarship applications for special awards such as Mobil Oil, FINA, Tracy Locke, Rotary, Byrd, Sul Ross, Wendy’s, Coca Cola, etc. arrive, the counseling office will make these available via the daily announcements. You need 90% GPA and class rank of top 25% to be competitive for these scholarship programs.

FINANCIAL AID

FINANCIAL AID is based on NEED and is determined each year by the information on the IRS filing. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms are published each year, and applications must be made EACH year. During the college years, it is important that you process your income tax forms just as soon as possible as unfiled or estimated tax will only delay your financial assistance possibilities. Information, worksheets and application are available: www.fafsa.ed.gov

ATHLETES

Students wanting to participate in Division I or II college athletics are required to register with NCAA.  The Athletic Director can provide valuable information.

SPIRITUAL TRANSCRIPT

Walk boldly as an example to other students during this important time in your life. Many around you are looking up to you as an example. Know that God is in control of all things! He already knows where you’re going to school and who your roommate will be. Find daily encouragement and guidance from prayer and Bible study as you go down this path of great opportunities. Ask for God’s guidance as you make choices and in ALL things GIVE THANKS!

FINAL TRANSCRIPT

Among your final responsibilities as a senior is to request in writing that your FINAL transcript be sent to the college you will attend.