College Search

College Search Assistance

As you begin your search for college, you should realize that there are vast amounts of available information. This page has been designed to help you begin sorting through this wealth of material. Topics available include:

What Colleges Look for in Applicants

• What counts most in the selection process?

How to Select a College

• Facts that you want to consider in selecting a college
• Connections to numerous search/information Internet sites

The College Visit and Interview

• What to look for while on campus
• Preparing for an interview

The Application

• How to complete an impressive application

College Entrance Tests

• SAT I, II And ACT Information

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• How to apply for Aid; Resources for Scholarships

If you have specific questions, please contact the Director of Guidance, Faye Green

A Checklist for Juniors

• Write, call or e-mail colleges requesting application forms, catalogs, and financial aid information.
• Discuss plans with parents and your counselor.
• Visit college campuses; talk to graduates and students at the school being considered.
• Use computer searches to examine the educational opportunities available.
• Study college admission requirements.
• Take appropriate courses to meet college entrance requirements and work hard in them.
• Attend College Fairs and speak to representatives from colleges you want to attend.
• Attend school programs concerning college admission or financial aid.
• Register for and take the PSAT, and sign up for the "College Board's Free Student Search Service."
• Look at colleges that fit your needs, interests, abilities, location, size, cost, etc.
• Work during the summer, if possible. Most colleges expect students to contribute toward their college education.
• Set up a calendar for taking tests and completing college applications.
• Examine financial resources and review plans for financial aid.
• Consider people to ask for recommendations--teachers, employers, clergy.
• Register for the SAT, Subject Tests (SAT II), and/or the ACT.
• Check Military Academy and ROTC deadlines for applications and scholarships.
• See your counselor about Summer Programs available to qualifying students.
• REMEMBER: Fuqua School will assist you in accomplishing these activities, but YOU must take the initiative to accomplish these tasks.

Calendar For Seniors

SEPTEMBER:

• Maintain or improve grades during the senior year. Colleges look unfavorably upon falling grades and light or reduced academic loads during the senior year.
• Check testing required and deadline dates for taking tests.
• Set up a calendar for taking tests and completing college applications.
• Record progress in fulfilling application requirements.
• Check early decision deadlines and complete required application.
• Attend college night programs.
• Visit any colleges that you have not already seen.
• Check for overnight programs with current students at prospective colleges.
  
• Request recommendations from teachers and others. Provide stamped, addressed envelopes for those not affiliated with the school.

OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER:

• Take SAT, ACT.
• Apply to colleges.
• Check to see if individual colleges want additional financial aid and scholarship forms (PROFILE).
• Bring completed applications to the Guidance Office.
• Seek advice if you have questions or need help.
• Check the announcements for testing deadlines, scholarship information and visits from college representatives.
• Write thank you notes to people writing your recommendations.

DECEMBER:

• Make sure applications are in the Guidance Office by December 1 deadline.
• Take SAT II, if required.
• See counselor to get the Financial Aid Form (FAFSA).

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY:

• Mail the FAFSA.
• Last chance to take SAT I (and IIs if required and not previously taken).
• Ask counselor to send first semester grades to the colleges.
• Call college to make sure your file is complete.

MARCH, APRIL AND MAY:

• Keep track of acceptances, rejections, and awards of financial aid.
• Reply promptly when awarded a financial aid package. Tell the college whether you are accepting or refusing the award.
• MEET THE DEADLINE OR YOU MAY WELL LOSE THE ACCEPTANCE YOU HAVE GAINED.
• Before you leave school in June see your counselor to request a final transcript to the school of your choice.
• Notify counselor of your acceptances and rejections. Colleges do not notify counselors until late in the year, and sometimes they can help in challenging a decision.

JUNE

• Enjoy graduation and the exciting life ahead of you.