Counselor's Corner

From the Counselor’s Desk:                                                    August 26, 2011 Issue 1

Welcome back, seniors. This year will pass by very quickly.  It is a time of excitement, anxiety, and making decisions.  There is no doubt you will be busy, so you need to make sure you are making good use of your time in planning for your future beyond high school.  There will be lots of dates and information that I will pass along to you.  Please remember to check your boxes often; I can communicate will all of you this way without having to call special meetings.  The purpose of the senior correspondence letters is to keep you and your parents informed of important and approaching dates that may be of importance to you.  I will also keep you aware of any scholarship opportunities that I receive in my office.  Teachers also use the boxes to get information to all of the seniors.  I am here to help you prepare for your plans after high school and I will do my best to help you and keep you informed, but it is up to you to check your mailbox.  Please ask any questions you may have.  I am here to make your senior year as successful as possible, but I cannot help you if I am unaware there is a question or concern that needs to be addressed.

Also, in your mailbox you will find a financial aid checklist and college day forms.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• September 10 – ACT Test
• September 13 – University of Arkansas, Student Representative will be here
• September 21 – 8:30-11:00 AM College Fair at USAO, All Seniors will attend to pick up information from colleges all over the state
• September 29 – 8:15-11:15 AM Chad Cargill ACT Prep Class.  Cost is $30.00 and is free to Native American students.  There is a signup sheet on my desk.  Pizza will be served at the conclusion of the workshop.

COLLEGE DAY INFORMATION:  You may receive two college visits during your senior year.  To receive an excused absence you need to complete the College Day form and have it signed by Mr. Odam or Mr. Ragsdale prior to your visit, have a college representative sign it on the day of your visit, and then return it to Mrs. Garrett.

LETTER(S) OF RECOMMENDATION:

Students if you need a letter of recommendation please consider who you may wish to write the letter and give them ample time to prepare the letter.  Administrators and teachers are very busy as well.  I have placed an information sheet in your box.  It is helpful to give to those that you may ask to write a letter for you.  This gives the writer a more personal look at your goals and accomplishments.  You may duplicate the information sheet if more is needed.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Make sure you keep copies of all applications and forms submitted to colleges. 
• Do not pay a company to find a scholarship for you.  You have access to the same resources they do.
• If you are planning to play NCAA or Division 1 sport, please make sure you register with the NCAA Clearing House.  You will need to have your ACT scores sent directly to NCAA by using the college school code 9999 when registering for the ACT.  To register with the NCAA go to:  www.eligibilitycenter.org.
• Check out the following websites.  They can be helpful for financial aid and preparing for college:

            www.collegeanswer.com

            www.scholarshipexperts.com

            www.fastweb.com

            www.finaid.org

            www.okhighered.org

www.scholarships.com

            www.fafsa.ed.gov

Please come see me, if you need help or need transcripts sent to a college(s).

Your counselor,

Connie Traxler