College counseling is a primary aspect of the JCCHS experience. It is our priority as a school to ensure our students are well prpared with the knowledge and resources necessary to further their academic careers at the post secondary level.
Preparation is a primary key to success. Students begin their journey to college at the beginning of their freshman year. The academic and personal habits developed in the 9th grade determine the level of success achieved over the course of their entire high school experience.
Colleges and universities are seeking students who present with consistency in course selection and level of difficulty. We at John Carroll can not stress enough the imoprtance placed on scholastice performance and commitment.
The process is actually very simple and should be seen as a positive experience. Staying organized will assist students as they mull over thier future plans and goals about college life. Eah year the college office hosts a College Night. ALl students are encouraged to attend and parents are welcome. Please check the college advising site periodically for an updated list of college visits. Typically only juniors and seniors will attend the college visits during the day but parents are always welcomed. Each time a student talks with a college rep they are building a rapport with that rep that might help them to gain admission to that school. Sometimes the colleges are in the Commons during lunch. All students are invited to hear those representatives.
Please refer to the
College Planning Handbook
Procedures for Applying to College
1. Complete and submit all parts of the Senior College Packet to the Guidance Office. These will be due the week after Labor Day.
2. Complete all student information on all college and scholarship application forms, including signing access waivers, before turning them in to Guidance. The same should be done on the teacher recommendation forms before giving them to teachers. Due to confidentiality requirements, we will not complete any forms without signed waivers.
3. Submit all college and scholarship application forms to Mrs. Covington (Guidance secretary), at least 3 weeks prior to the postmark deadline. The exception to this 3-week period is for January 1st deadlines. These forms are due by Thanksgiving Break. NO EXCEPTIONS or EXCUSES. We hope you understand that sometimes these can be submitted in less than the 3 week period and all attempts will be made to help you. However, because many may need the same service at the same time, don't cut yourself short by turning it in just before it is due. Keep copies of what you turn in always.
4. If you need a recommendation that would come next. Fill out a recommendation form and give it to the registrar or the college counselor. Check back in a day or so to make sure there is not some information they need to complete the recommendation. The same rules apply to asking the college office to write a letter of recommendation as to sending a transcript. Every effort is made to write a letter specific to the student, letting admissions know who the applicant is. In an effort to do that carefully, it takes time. Please give the college office 3 weeks to write an effective letter. If it comes in under that time, every effort will be made to get it taken care of for you, but understand to put your best foot forward, it is important to give time to writing an effective letter and there may be 10 or 12 letters ahead of yours. If the college requires teacher recommendations, give the teacher form directly to the teacher, and provide a properly addressed, stamped envelope with a copy of an updated resume.
5. Request a transcript to be sent to the college(s) where you have applied. All transcript requests must be on the transcript request form found in Guidance or on the website. Telephone requests are not permitted for your privacy. We must have a signature with the request. You must already have a Transcript Release Form on file with the Guidance Office. The first request is free. After the first one, the cost is $3.00 per transcript.
6. Remember, your deadlines are YOUR responsibility. Respect your teachers' and counselors' time and their commitment to all of their students, not just you. This process can be stressfull or well managed; it is really up to you. We are here to help you. Good Luck!
QUICK REFERENCES
John Carroll Catholic High School CEEB (School Code): 010370
FREQUENTLY USED WEBSITES AND PHONE NUMBERS
The
FAFSA free application for Federal Student Aid should be filled out even if you think you will not qualify for federal aid. Visit
www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information and help on completing the FAFSA. You will use information from your 2009 tax report A financial aid night is on your calendar.