Plan to have all applications in by Thanksgiving of your Senior year unless you are applying for early admission. Test scores from the ACT and/or SAT are not required at the time of application but may be submitted prior to the time when the admission decision is made.

STEPS TO COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION

STEP 1    Obtain and complete your part of the application from the counseling office, or online

The application should be printed neatly or typed with no misspelled words. This form becomes an important part of your credential file at the admissions office and the financial aid office and should create a favorable impression of you.

Type or print with blue or black ink. Do not use pencil unless you are specifically requested to do so. (Do not use green or red ink)

Essays are extremely important. Write them out on another paper first. Review them with your counselor and/or English teacher. When you are satisfied (grammar, spelling, content) recopy it on to the application. If you need additional space, attach an extra page to the application. Make sure your name is on all attached sheets.

If needed, arrange for letters of recommendation. Contact people at least one week prior needing the letter.

If required, attach a check or money order (made out to the college) to cover the application fee.  Some colleges give fee waivers to when you attend their visit to GHS, or apply online.

Be sure to sign your application.

If you register on-line be sure to print out the counselor section and let your counselor know to send in your transcript. (Some colleges drop their application fee if you apply on-line)

STEP TWO     Turn your completed application in to the high school office or the counselor.

    Avoid unnecessary processing delays by making sure you
    have completed your application properly.

    Your counselor will prepare your transcript, attach your test
    scores, and recommendations. Then the school will mail
    everything to the college.  Please bring a stamped envelope with your application.

    Most colleges will let you know within two or four weeks
    (accept, reject, or delay/wait)

    The final semester and final senior grades and certification of graduation will be sent in June to the college you plan to attend.

    Remember that all colleges grant admission on the basis of your satisfactory completion of ALL high school course
    work. Colleges have been known to deny admission to students whose senior grades indicate a lack of effort.

STEP THREE   Attend Financial Aid- Scholarship Meeting in the Fine Arts Center, bring your parents

STEP FOUR     Send in the FAFSA after Jan 1- go to www.fafsa.ed.gov for your application

STEP FIVE      Turn in applications and your portfolio for local scholarships. Due March 15.

STEP SIX        After you have made your final decision about which college you will attend:

        1. Write thank-you letters to all colleges you applied to,
        telling them that you have decided to attend elsewhere
        and that you will not be needing their financial aid.

        2. Take the time to thank those teachers and employers
        who wrote recommendations for you.

        3. Make sure your counselor knows where your senior
        transcript is to be sent.