The attached packet can assist students and parents when working through their senior year.

Seniors should do the following to prepare for high school and college success:

- Maintain a rigorous schedule.

- Review your schedule to make sure you have all the courses and credits you need to meet graduation requirements.

- Access and use the WKHS counselor website regularly.

- Make a calendar listing application deadlines for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships as well as other important "Senior" dates.

- Review your transcript (reports section of Infinite Campus) carefully for accuracy.

- Volunteer for school and community activities. Look for leadership possibilities in activities in which you are involved. 

- Update resume/ activity information.

- Complete YouScience assessment and review results to identify careers and strategies you can use to maximize your strengths.

- Register for early fall SAT and/or ACT. 

- Be sure that you have requested that your ACT/ SAT test scores be sent directly to all colleges you are applying.

- Fill out your college applications.

- Attend the Columbus Suburban College Fair at Otterbein College. 

- Visit with College Representatives who visit WKHS in the fall - See schedule on the WKHS Counselors’ website and in the Counseling Center.

- Ask for recommendation letters from the teachers or other adults who know you well if needed. (See the “Teacher Recommendation Request” form.) Be sure to give them at least 30 days to complete your recommendation letter.

- If you need a counselor recommendation letter, complete the "Counselor Recommendation Supplement Form.” Have your parents complete the “Parent Brag Sheet” as well. Turn them in to your counselor.  Like with teachers, please give at least 30 days notice of the need for a recommendation letter.

- Finalize list of colleges where you plan to apply. Carefully note application deadlines!

- Finalize your college essays. 

- Submit all applications online. Request your transcripts from the counseling center. Also include school report form, counselor report form, or any other document that the college requires the high school to complete. 

- Apply for scholarships. 

- Remind teachers that you need a letter of recommendation if the college has not yet received one. Thank the teachers that have written one for you by writing them a short "thank you" note.

- Review your grades regularly on Infinite Campus and work with your teachers for support as needed.  See your counselor immediately if you are having difficulty.

- Plan college visits. Schedule interviews if required. 

- Attend the October Financial Aid Workshop. 

- Apply for financial aid using FAFSA. (after October 1st) 

- Male Students: You must register for the selective service on your 18th birthday in order to be eligible for federal and state financial aid. 

- Do not ease up now! Colleges want a strong mid-year transcript report. Remember, colleges may rescind an acceptance or turn you down all together if your second semester schedule changes or you perform poorly in your classes. 

- Request mid-year reports for all schools that require one. Students completing the Common Application do not need to request mid-year reports. 

- Revisit colleges that need a second look. Check into overnight visits and class visits for your most likely schools. 

- Check the progress of your applications with the colleges. 

- Look for college decision letters or e-mails between March 1 and April 1.

- Notify your counselor about all college decisions (acceptances, wait-lists, and declines) and about the decisions you have made about the colleges. 

- In the spring, check the local scholarship opportunities on the Counseling Center website. These offer the best chance to earn local money for college. 

- Talk to schools you have been accepted to about their financial aid packages and compare the packages to help you make your decision. 

- DECIDE 

- Notify the college you have selected by May 1st. Notify the colleges you will be declining so they may offer the spot to another student. 

- Take AP/ IB exams in May if applicable. 

- Complete follow up paperwork for the college you chose (Scheduling, Orientation, Housing arrangements, and other necessary forms.) 

- Request that final transcript be sent to the college you will be attending.

- Enjoy your Graduation Day!

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