What Should I Be Doing Now If I Plan To Attend College Next Year?

Watch Naviance Instructions Tutorial

Watch Post-secondary Process for Seniors and Parents

Refer to the College Application Checklist to stay organized

Refer to the Naviance Student Guide for assistance and instructions on how to use Naviance Student

Refer to the College Application Resource and Post-secondary Options packets for more information

1. Make an appointment with your school counselor to discuss your plans!
2. Visit Colleges and College Fairs virtually to identify colleges you are interested in applying
3. Fine tune your list of colleges (Reach, Target, Safety) and add these colleges to “Colleges I am Applying to” in Naviance Student.  Determine your application deadlines and application type (Common App vs. School Specific).
4. Register to take the SAT’s and/or ACT’s and have your scores sent to the colleges you plan to apply (Test scores are not submitted by the school counseling office)
5. Create a Common Application Account, complete the education section and FERPA release before matching your account to Naviance Student
6.  If Required, request a letter of recommendation from your teacher(s). Complete a teacher’s recommendation request (blue form) and a teacher recommendation form in Naviance Student.  Then complete the letter or recommendation request in Naviance Student under the “College’s I’m Applying To” tab.
7. If a counselor letter of recommendation is required, complete the counselor recommendation form, resume and parent questionnaire in Naviance Student.  Hand out the green teacher comment cards and return to the school counseling office. 
8. Request a transcript for each of the colleges you are applying to for admission.
9. Begin your college application essay, review with an English teacher and upload to your application.
10. Discuss financial aid with your parents and plan to attend the virtual Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 6PM.  If you would like assistance completing the FAFSA check out NHHEAF’s FAFSA Appointments available free of charge

Fall SAT Test Dates:  Register at www.collegeboard.org

    Fall ACT Test Dates:  Register at www.act.org

After the SAT/ACT test…

Please remember to log into your collegeboard account to send your official score report to each of the colleges you plan to apply. Plan to request your score report at least two weeks ahead of the application deadline to ensure it arrives at the admissions office on time.

Financial Aid Information COVID Edition by NHHEAF

SHS Financial Aid Night- Demystifying the Financial Aid Process and Navigating through the FAFSA

Sponsored by the SHS School Counseling Department in association with NHHEAF Network Center for College Planning

FAFSA- What is it?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was designed for students to apply for federal and state student grants, work-study, and loans.  This form can be completed in paper form or over the Internet (recommended).  In order to complete the FAFSA online, you will need to create a user ID at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Once completed, the form will be submitted to the colleges/universities selected. A financial aid letter will then be sent to you identifying all the financial aid available to you for that particular school year.  Be sure to meet each and every deadline.  If you miss the deadline, you will not receive a financial aid package for that school year.

CSS Profile- What is it?

In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges/universities may request that you fill out the CSS Profile.  The Profile helps the schools to award non-federal student aid funds.  The Profile application is available online at www.collegeboard.org.  The Profile application is customized for you based on the information you give when you register for the service.  By completing the Profile, you are able to give a complete picture of your family’s financial circumstances, including explanations of your special circumstances.  Complete the Profile and return it to the College Board at least 2 weeks before the earliest priority filing date specified by your schools and programs.  Priority filing dates are provided to you online. Click here for helpful tools and a listing of colleges requiring the CSS profile

Need help filing the FAFSA?

 File-A-FAFSA is offered at NHHEAF

If you need to complete the FAFSA and would like help in doing so contact the NHHEAF Network Center for College Planning for File-A-FAFSA assistance at 888.7.GRADUATE ext.119.

Click here for more information about how to prepare for your appointment.

Register for an appointment by calling NHHEAF at Center for College Planning at 888.747.2382, x119

 What to bring to your appointment:

• Completed 2019 Federal Tax Return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ) and all W2 documents

• Social Security Numbers and Birth Dates for parent(s) and student

• FSA IDs (username and password) for one parent and student (create your FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov)

• Balance of Cash, Savings and Checking Accounts

• Balance of Other Non-Retirement Assets and Second Property Equity Information

• List of Colleges/Universities Applied to (or planning to apply to) by the student

• Alien Registration Card (if appropriate)

After you File the FAFSA

Congrats! You submitted your Free Application for Federal Student Aid form!

Wondering what happens next?

Read: 5 Things to Do After Filing Your FAFSA Form

Quick Guide: College Costs

To learn more about the Do’s and Do Not’s of applying to scholarships

check out this article from NHHEAF

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Money, Money, Money....MONEY!!

Start your search for free college money in Naviance now

See your counselor if you need assistance

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National Scholarship Search Websites

www.fastweb.com

www.collegenet.com

www.scholarships.com

Scholarships- A List of Your Responsibilities

1. Local scholarships are listed in your Naviance account.  Log in to your account and look under the Colleges tab.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to the Scholarships and Money section.  Click on Scholarship List to view a list of local scholarships.

 2. Read each application carefully. Instructions, deadlines and supporting materials vary from scholarship to scholarship.

 3. If the scholarship application requires a transcript please complete a Scholarship Transcript Request Form.  Expect to pick up the completed materials from the school counseling office in 2 school days. (Remember to leave plenty of time to meet all your deadlines)

 4. If the scholarship application requires a  teacher letter of recommendation please speak directly with the teacher who will be supplying a letter of recommendation for you.  You should supply them with a stamped and addressed envelope so they may mail their confidential letter of recommendation directly to the scholarship committee.

 5. If you are requesting a school counselor letter of recommendation please indicate this on the Scholarship Transcript Request Form. Please   provide a stamped and addressed envelope for each letter requested. Your counselor will mail their confidential letter of recommendation directly   to the scholarship committee. 

 6. It is your responsibility to collect supporting materials (activity resumes, college acceptance letters, financial award letters) to complete the scholarship applications.

 7. Once you have completed the application and collected all supporting materials, mail your materials to the proper mailing address.

For more scholarship information please click on the scholarship tab above.

Why attend a two-year college?

  There are many advantages to attending a two-year institution versus a four-year institution.  Often, two-year colleges offer noncompetitive admission policies.  This means students with lower grade point averages (GPA) that demonstrate potential for future academic success will most likely be accepted to many two-year colleges.  Secondly, if you are a student who is unable to identify a particular career direction, attending a two-year college will allow you to explore all of your career options.  Third, the tuition of a two-year college is significantly lower than most four-year institutions.  After successfully completing a 2-year college program, most students will receive their associate’s degree.  There are many professions that require only a two-year degree, such as a paralegal, radiology technician, or veterinary technician among many others.  Log in to Naviance to research careers that require an associate’s degree.

   Many two-year colleges have joint admissions programs with four-year institutions, commonly referred to as “2+2” programs.  A student could attend a two-year institution for two years and transfer the credits gained in that two years to a four-year college towards a bachelor’s degree.  This program requires students to identify their interest in the joint admissions program at the start of their first two years and uphold a minimum GPA to enter a four-year college.  We encourage you to discuss the possibility of a two-year college with your school counselor. 

Check out the Community College System of New Hampshire to learn more.

Are you interviewing with a college admissions counselor or alumni?  

Check out these resources to help you prepare for the interview.

College Interviews: The Basics

What to Do Before and After Your College Interview

College Interviews: Practice Questions and Strategies

First Semester Grade Reports

An updated copy of your transcript, which includes semester 1 grades, GPA and Class Rank, will be submitted to each of the colleges you have indicated you are applying to in Naviance.  Please do not make an additional transcript request for these colleges.

"Senioritis"

As the last semester begins, and the application process nears the end, you may think it’s finally time to sit back and relax.  However, as many admissions counselors would agree, it’s just as important now as over the past three and a half years to maintain the quality of your grades and not take the easy way out for the remainder of your senior year.  Many students have had their admissions revoked because they have not maintained a strong course load and have not earned quality grades in the remaining months of their senior year.  Don’t let all your hard work and efforts go to waste!  Maintain your grades and work hard during the short period of time you have left at Salem High School. 

Still Waiting…?

Click here for tips to keep you from losing it during the intense and often grueling period of waiting to hear back from colleges on whether or not you’ve been accepted.

Check Out These Articles….

What Should I do If I am Waitlisted?

No Acceptance Letters?  You Still Have Options

The Next Steps After You Are Admitted

What To Do When Your Financial Aid Isn’t Enough

Not sure what to do after graduation? Check out these upcoming events to help you plan your future…

Spring College and Career Fair

TBA

ASVAB Testing

TBA

Are you a NH Scholar?  Do you like to give speeches? 

Check out this contest to speak at the NH Scholars Day

Check out some of the opportunities in the link below for graduating seniors who are ready to join the workforce. 

Check if your college has changed deposit, financial aid or application deadline at 

 NACAC List of Changed College Admissions Deadlines

SHS Scholarship Information - Naviance

Off-to-College Checklist

Students Speak: What Life in the Dorms Is Really Like

College Roommates: The Basics

My College Life Outside the Classroom

Seniors: Take your SSD Google Drive and Gmail files with you

Using Google Takeout, there are two options to take your SSD Google Drive and Gmail files with you:

• Download your data: Use this option if you do not have a personal Google Account. Download and archive your SSD Google data on a flash drive to take with you.

• *Transfer your content: This option requires you to have a personal Google Account.  You can easily transfer your SSD Google Drive files to your personal Google Account. If the school you will be attending in the fall uses Google/ Gmail accounts, use your future school Gmail account.

To Download your data: Follow directions HERE 

To Transfer your content: Follow directions HERE

 * Recommended

Dear SHS Graduates,

You have the world ahead of you!  Explore, learn and continue to grow as you venture into a new chapter of your life.  Strive to achieve, make positive changes in the world and give back to your community.  We are so very proud of your accomplishments and wish you the very best as you pursue life after Salem High School.

Take care,

The School Counseling Department

Junior Jumpstart     

                                                                                                                        Fall Edition

6 Ways to reduce Stress your Junior Year:

1. Get some exercise:  Get out for a 20 minute run or walk.

2. Sleep is good: The American Psychological Association states that “teens who sleep less than eight hours on a school night are most likely to report experiencing symptoms of stress.”  Even a 20 minute power nap could rejuvenate you.

3. Listen to music:  Music is a great tool to help you relax and calm down

4. Stay organized:  Keep an assignment notebook or use sticky notes as reminders

5. Seek help if you need it:  Lean on parents, friends, teachers and counselors for support.  They are all there for a reason; to help you out.

6. Try not to over do it:  Junior year is all about balance.  Trying to balance academics, extracurricular activities and having a little bit of a social life is more difficult than people think.  You may want to avoid overextending in any one of these domains.  Find the balance.

SAT Prep-

All Juniors will take the SAT at Salem High School in April.  A great way to start to prepare for the SAT’s is to link your Collegeboard account up to Khan Academy.  All current juniors at Salem High School should have a Collegeboard account already, considering that the Class of 2021 all took the PSAT’s at Salem High School last year.  Khan Academy is a free online resource with instructional videos and practice tests geared towards improving your SAT scores.   Please go to https://www.khanacademy.org/sat and register today.

St. Paul’s Advanced Studies Program-

The St. Paul’s Advanced Studies Program is a stimulating and challenging educational experience for those who attend.  The 5-½ week summer program stresses academic and personal growth, as students learn to live together and share in the school community.  Class work is supplemented by athletics, weekend social activities and musical organizations.  If you are looking for an academic challenge this summer, this is the place to go. To find out more about St. Paul’s ASP you may speak with Mr. Foulds in the school counseling office or  go to: https://www.sps.edu/summer-studies/asp-overview

Peer Tutoring-

If you NEED HELP with Math, English, Social Studies, Science, World Language, Study Skills, Writing, Organization and HOMEWORK in general . . . come see our Peer Tutors.  Go to our website link below or sign up in the Guidance Office today!.

https://sau57.org/c.php?g=292012&p=2692015

Get Involved-

Junior year is a great time to get involved with after school clubs and activities.  After school participation is a great way to meet new friends, develop new skills, and looks great on a college application.  Go to this list to see all of the clubs that SHS has to offer: https://sau57.org/shs/clubs

Naviance-

Don’t forget to access your Naviance account.  Naviance allows you to:

• Get involved in the planning process – Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers
• Research colleges – Compare GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics to actual historical data from our school for students who have applied and been admitted in the past
• Schedule college representative visits - Juniors and Seniors can schedule time to meet with college admissions representatives who are visiting Salem High School
• Search for scholarships - Seniors will be able to access applications for thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities
• Research careers – Research hundreds of careers and career clusters, and take career assessments to connect their interests and favorite activities to potential career paths
• Create plans for the future – Create goals and to-dos, and complete tasks assigned by the school to better prepare your student for future college and career goals.

If you have difficulty remembering how to access your Naviance account, please see your counselor, and we’d be happy to assist you.