Guidance Info for 12th Grade

FLCS Guidance Department

Preparing for College

"Without preparation, opportunity is an empty promise." - Alan Page, Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice and former NFL player

12th Grade

Begin (and finish) applying to colleges, start (and finish) scholarships searches, and "finish the race" well!

1
Start applications early in August or September and complete applications to all colleges and universities by December of the senior year. (It's better to apply early than late. Christmas vacation should be your absolute deadline, however, check carefully for each school's deadline! Most schools are on "rolling admissions", but housing and financial aid can be gone if you apply too late.) See Ms. Birkett in Guidance if you have questions.

2
Continue to take SAT or ACT to achieve the needed score. Bright Futures uses scores through the June testing dates. Multiple attempts are not "held against you." Schools and Bright Futures take the best sub-scores.

3
Monitor the Guidance bulletin board, morning bulletin, and the Fort Lauderdale Christian School Weekly Newsletter for scholarship opportunities. Students will be meeting with Ms. Birkett and Mrs. Burns to discuss their individual college plans. Discuss this information with your child.

4
Access one of the many Internet sites to set up a scholarship profile. Use the information and help your child apply for scholarships.

5
Make sure your child files the FFAA (Florida Financial Aid Application) online in December to be eligible for Florida financial aid, including Bright Futures. The school will then submit the transcripts in January and June.

6
Register online in January for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for all federal financial aid.

7
Carefully monitor all deadlines.

8
Help your child assess his application status at each college. The process can be confusing. He will need some help and guidance. Keep copies of everything! Proofread your child's essays and applications. Make sure all parts of the application are in.

9
Call the financial aid officer at your child's college for information.

10
Continue to monitor your child's academic progress. Senior grades DO count. College acceptance is conditional on the last transcript sent in June. Colleges and universities are looking for serious cases of senioritis, and they can "disinvite" you.

11
Note: All males MUST register by law for the Selective Service within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. This is also a requirement to receive any federal financial aid.

12
Guidance has asked that every senior set up an appointment in the fall to meet and discuss college procedures and options, financial aid, etc. You are welcome to come with your child! All questions welcomed!

13
Remember: Our children have so many wonderful options available to them now in post secondary education. But along with all these options comes the need for many decisions. This can be overwhelming for many students. They definitely need your help and guidance to navigate successfully through the process.

14
There ARE many scholarship opportunities out there for your child, but you need to do the research and apply. Take advantage of all the web pages and numbers given to seniors in their guidance packets. Most scholarships are not just going to come to you; you need to find them. Do your homework!

15
Pray, Pray, Pray. For wisdom, guidance, patience, understanding, blessings.

Return to Guidance Index

FLCS Guidance Department
*Preparing for College*
"Without preparation, opportunity is an empty promise." - Alan Page, Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice and former NFL player
12th Grade
Begin (and finish) applying to colleges, start (and finish) scholarships searches, and "finish the race" well!
	1	Start applications early in August or September and complete applications to all colleges and universities by December of the senior year. (It's better to apply early than late. Christmas vacation should be your absolute deadline, however, check carefully for each school's deadline! Most schools are on "rolling admissions", but housing and financial aid can be gone if you apply too late.) See Ms. Birkett in Guidance if you have questions.
	2	Continue to take SAT or ACT to achieve the needed score. Bright Futures uses scores through the June testing dates. Multiple attempts are not "held against you." Schools and Bright Futures take the best sub-scores.
	3	Monitor the Guidance bulletin board, morning bulletin, and the Fort Lauderdale Christian School Weekly Newsletter for scholarship opportunities. Students will be meeting with Ms. Birkett and Mrs. Burns to discuss their individual college plans. Discuss this information with your child.
	4	Access one of the many Internet sites to set up a scholarship profile. Use the information and help your child apply for scholarships.
	5	Make sure your child files the FFAA (Florida Financial Aid Application) online in December to be eligible for Florida financial aid, including Bright Futures. The school will then submit the transcripts in January and June.
	6	Register online in January for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for all federal financial aid.
	7	Carefully monitor all deadlines.
	8	Help your child assess his application status at each college. The process can be confusing. He will need some help and guidance. Keep copies of everything! Proofread your child's essays and applications. Make sure all parts of the application are in.
	9	Call the financial aid officer at your child's college for information.
	10	Continue to monitor your child's academic progress. Senior grades DO count. College acceptance is conditional on the last transcript sent in June. Colleges and universities are looking for serious cases of senioritis, and they can "disinvite" you.
	11	Note: All males MUST register by law for the Selective Service within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. This is also a requirement to receive any federal financial aid.
	12	Guidance has asked that every senior set up an appointment in the fall to meet and discuss college procedures and options, financial aid, etc. You are welcome to come with your child! All questions welcomed!
	13	Remember: Our children have so many wonderful options available to them now in post secondary education. But along with all these options comes the need for many decisions. This can be overwhelming for many students. They definitely need your help and guidance to navigate successfully through the process.
	14	There ARE many scholarship opportunities out there for your child, but you need to do the research and apply. Take advantage of all the web pages and numbers given to seniors in their guidance packets. Most scholarships are not just going to come to you; you need to find them. Do your homework!
	15	Pray, Pray, Pray. For wisdom, guidance, patience, understanding, blessings.
Return to Guidance Index