College Planning
College planning can be an adventure full of ups and downs. You are going to have many questions along the way. Below are some tools to help you in your search.
Freshmen
Welcome to high school! Believe it or not, your freshman year could impact where you go to college. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you work through your freshman year.
- Identify your interests
- Get involved
- Don't be afraid to try something new
- Challenge yourself academically
- Be mindful of your grades - colleges look at your first 6 semesters in high school to help determine admission decisions
- Start a running list of accomplishments and update it over the next four years
- Get to know your school counselor
Sophomore
What should you be doing as a sophomore to prepare for college?
- Continue participating in extracurricular activities and updating your list of accomplishments
- Practice good study habits
- Explore your career options
- Take the preACT or PSAT
- Start thinking about and researching the type and size of college you want to attend
- Think about the classes you would like to take next year that will stand out in the field you might want to study in college
- Meet with your counselor to set academic goals
Junior
Junior year! Time to start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up. But when do I do what? Think Schoolinks!
Fall
Start Building your Evidence.
It’s time to start gathering evidence for your resumes and college applications. What evidence do you have to prove that you’re the best candidate for the job or college? Keep reading for ways to do just that!
1. MAKE IT COUNT
Did you know? Colleges will admit or deny you based on your Junior Year transcript. Yep! So take this year serious. Don’t slack off! Take the challenging classes, do your best work, and MAKE IT COUNT!
2. GET INVOLVED
Not only is being involved fun, it looks great on your resume and college applications. The experiences you have while participating in various activities are often the best topics for your interviews and essays. Consider running for leadership positions within the organizations you are a part of, and don’t feel like you have to be involved in EVERYTHING. Pick one or two things you love and get super involved!
3. Consider the PSAT
Some students should consider taking the PSAT. What is it? The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT, a college admission exam. It is great to take if... 1. You are wanting exposure to standardized testing. 2. You want to learn more about your academic strengths. Results from this test generate a list of AP classes suitable for you and give you a starting point for preparation for the SAT (if you wish to take it). 3. You want to enter into the National Merit Scholarship Competition. This is a big deal if you qualify. Think...lots of money! It’s not for everyone, so if you have more questions, check out www.collegeboard.org
4. BE IN THE KNOW
There is nothing worse than missing out on important information. Don’t be that person. Check your email everyday! Read the Counseling Newsflash every Monday! Follow us on Instagram @CounselorsLHS
5. CLEAN UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Believe it or not, employers and college admission representatives will take a glance at your socials to see what you are all about! Make sure what you are portraying is an accurate reflection of who you are!
Are you UNDECIDED???
IT IS OK AND ACTUALLY NORMAL TO HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU WANT TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL!
Self Reflection Activity:
- What is something that you enjoy or are interested in?
- Maybe something unique to you? In or Out of the classroom.
- Maybe something unique to you? In or Out of the classroom.
- How are you actively developing this further?
- Are you taking or have you taken classes in this area? If so, When, what was your grade?
- Do you pursue this interest outside of school? If so, how many hours a week are you pursuing it?
- What could you do between now and the end of the school year to develop this skill, talent, interest even more?
You may not know what you want to do, but my guess is you want a career you enjoy. Continue to develop the skills you love and are already good at and you may find a career or major comes to light.
Sara Harberson America’s College Counselor
THERE IS NOT ELEVATOR TO SUCCESS. YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE STAIRS.
Spring
The Time for PLANNING is Here.
1. MAKE A TESTING PLAN
Your College search is often guided by objective criteria...Test Scores. Start making a plan for the tests you will need to take and continue to build your evidence.
The ACT & SAT are US college admissions tests that measures what students learn in high school to determine their academic readiness for college.
The ACT
You will be given 4 multiple choice subtests that include English, Reading, Math and Science. The test is 2 hours 55 minutes including breaks. This is a paper/pencil exam.
You will take the ACT here at LHS in April for FREE. Once you receive your scores back you can decide if you want/need to take it again. Most students take this test more than once.
National Test Registration Site
www.act.org
The SAT
You will be given 3 subtests in Math, Evidence Based Reading & Writing. The test is 2 hours 14 minutes. This is a digital exam.
Did you take the PSAT? How did you do? Compared to your Pre-ACT scores, would it be better for you to take the SAT?
National Test Registration Site www.collegeboard.com
ALL COLLEGES ACCEPT ACT & SAT SCORES, so pick the one you think you will do better on or take both! Need help with the cost? Talk to your School Counselor.
2. SENIOR YEAR COURSE SELECTION
Senior Year Course Selection happens in Jan/Feb, so take time to research and plan. Find your Course Planner, Course Catalog and ICAP in Schoolinks! Remember... Don’t Slack off your Senior Year. Colleges want to see you taking classes that prove you will be successful on their campus.
3. BEGIN YOUR COLLEGE LISTS & CAMPUS VISITS
If you haven’t created a starter list of colleges yet, it is time to begin. Jot down a list of school you are interested in. Then look at your family calendar and plan out some dates this semester that you will go visit campus.
A few things to remember:
- It’s best to visit when school is in session, so you can get an actual feel for campus life.
- Try to wait until mid-January to visit as most colleges are not back in session yet.
- To set up a visit, check the school’s website or call the Admission Office.
- You can also set up a visit with the department of the major you wish to pursue. Just let Admissions know.
- MLK Day and President’s Day are a popular day to visit, so sign up early!
- After the Visit, jot down your thoughts. What did you like and why?
- Remember, you can track and document all this information in Schoolinks. Select the College Tab > College Search.
A Few Great Questions to Ask on a College Visit
Admission Questions: What percent of students are admitted? Test Optional?
Academic Support: What type of Academic Support is available? Academic Advisors, tutoring etc. Avg Class Size? How easy is it to switch majors or schools within the university?
Campus Housing: Are students required to live on campus? Safety? How to choose a roommate?
Financial Aid: What type of scholarships are available?
TIP: While on the tour, don’t be afraid to ask students what they love about their college. Students love to talk about their experience and can give you some great insight!
4. COMPLETE PREP WORK YOUR APPLICATIONS
Get a jumpstart on admission essays and a resume, if needed. Remember you will not be able to request transcripts to send to colleges etc. until you are classified as a Senior in August.
5. CHECK YOUR A+ STATUS
SENIOR MEETINGS BEGIN IN AUGUST
Every Senior will be scheduled to sit down with their Counselor at the beginning of their Senior Year to help make a plan and complete their MANDATORY ICAP. Be on the lookout for your scheduled time when we return this fall!
Senior
Welcome to your Senior year! Before you know it, your four years at LHS will be over. What's next in your educational journey? The tips and tricks below will help you navigate your college search.
Fall
Applications
CommonApp, essays, test optional, OH MY! There are so many things to think about when you start the college application process. Take a deep breath, we’ve got your back!
Did you know the month of October is one of the busiest months for applications being submitted to colleges? It’s true! AND, decision day isn’t until May 1st, so you have plenty of time.
- Open a new email address for all of your college communication
- Create a Google sheet with all of your application requirements and deadlines
- Don’t provide your cell phone number if you don’t want texts from admissions reps
- If you are only filling out 3-4 applications, apply through the school’s website, anymore than that, use CommonApp
- If you are not happy with your ACT score, apply with a test optional application if available (then keep taking your ACT to see if you can get more scholarship money) You don’t have to complete the application in one sitting.
- Don’t let admissions reps scare you into submitting your application if you aren’t ready! You have time!! We promise!
Click HERE to learn about application tips!
College Rep Visits @ LHS
Every semester we have College Representatives come to LHS to talk with students about their Colleges/Universities and what they have to offer.
Please click HERE to go to Schoolinks to see upcoming Rep Visits and to register to see them. College Rep Visits can be found on your Schoolinks Dashboard under "School Events". Meetings last about 30 minutes and are held in the Counseling Conference Room.
Campus Visits
Visiting a college you are interested in is super important. But there is more to it than just the campus. Here are somethings to think about on your next visit.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions
- Take advantage of virtual tours if the college is far away
- Pick up a college newspaper
- Ask to meet with a faculty member or student in the program you want to study
- Ask to sit in on a class
- Go when students are on campus (attend a sporting event or campus activity you may be interested in)
- Ask about campus safety
- Explore the college's social media accounts
- Ask about clubs and organizations
- Learn about the local community
- Ask about financial aid information
Spring
This is your final semester in high school, make it count!
Senior Survey
The senior survey is a 22 question survey that allows the district to gather information about your experience in Liberty Public Schools as well as what your plans are for after graduation. Seniors will be prompted to complete this survey in JayBlock and by email in early April.
The Missouri Department of Education REQUIRES all seniors to complete this survey before graduation
Why do we fill out the Senior Survey?
- State Requirement
- Tells counselors where to send your final transcript
- Dual credit transcripts will NOT be sent for you by LHS. YOU will need to send those to your school of choice.
- Provides helpful insight about your time as a LPS student
Who needs the information on my transcript?
- Colleges
- Military Branches
- Trade Schools
- NCAA & NAIA
- Future Employers
Final College Admissions Checklist
Colleges do look at your final semester grades and can change admissions decisions based on your final semester transcript. Make sure you finish strong!
- Have you made your college decision?
- What will help you decide?
- Have you talked to someone in the department you are interested in?
- Have you sat in on a class?
- Have you completed another college visit?
- Have you asked all of your questions to your admissions rep? Or the Financial Aid Office? Or the coaching staff (if you are playing sports)?
- What will help you decide?
- Once you have made your decision, have you officially committed to a college?
- Have you turned in your housing paperwork?
- Once you fill out your senior survey, we will know where to send your final transcript. If you change your mind and decide to go somewhere else, just email your counselor and we will make that change for you.
- Remember if you have taken dual credit classes, YOU will need to request those transcripts be sent to your school of choice. LHS is NOT able to send those for you.
FAFSA Resources
Do you need help filling out or understanding the FAFSA?
FAFSA Questions?
Check out https://mofafsa.org/
Need help decoding your financial aid offer?
Always contact the school you are interested in for help with your financial aid needs.
Here are just a few tips and tricks that might help decode your financial aid letter.
Transitioning to College
The transition from high school to college can be really fun! And really challenging. Here are a few things you can do to help make your transition a little easier.
- Give yourself time to adjust to college life
- Start with good study habits
- Go to class
- Take notes
- Organize yourself
- Make time to study
- Avoid late night and last minute studying
- Set academic and personal goals for each semester
- Explore academic resources
- With so many fun options, try not to over-schedule yourself
- Prioritize your mental and physical health
- Make friends early on; create a support system
- It's ok to miss home - Don't be afraid to call and check in at home
