What’s Happening Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Juniors

All juniors will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT exam on Wednesday, October 12, 2011. This is a two and one/half hour version of the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). Taking the PSAT exam will aid students in preparing for the SAT, which is taken later in the junior year. The juniors’ scores from the PSAT determine the National Merit Scholars. Each student will receive an information booklet and is encouraged to complete the practice PSAT test included in the booklet. Please ask your student to share this with you.

Sophomores

On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, all sophomores will be taking the PLAN test. PLAN is a pre-ACT exam which tests sophomores on skills in English, reading, math and science. PLAN also has a career planning assessment that all sophomores will take on a separate day. Each student will receive information in advance. Please ask your student to share this with you.

Freshmen and Middle School students
will be in their regular classes on October 12, 2011.

Seniors do not have to report to CCHS that day.
It will be a perfect day to make college visits.

College applications—Seniors should be well along in their college research. A copy of the “Application Procedure” is available in the guidance office and on the CCHS website.

Be sure to watch for application deadlines. The turn around time in the Guidance Office during the rush period can be several days. The student needs to make sure all materials are submitted well in advance of the deadline to allow for any delays. Please don’t wait for letters of recommendation or SAT scores to submit applications!

If the initial application is made on the Internet, we need to know. The student should stop in the Guidance Office and fill out a “Transcript Request Form” so we can forward the necessary records. This includes the NCAA Clearinghouse application (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net).

Please set a goal of having college applications out before the Thanksgiving break. Our peak period is between Thanksgiving and Christmas; so submit applications now to avoid the rush!

Senior Bulletins

A senior newsletter is issued about every 10 days which lists scholarships plus any important reminders. Information regarding college open houses is available on the individual college websites. Please ask your senior to look the bulletin over and not to hesitate to ask about any scholarship. A copy of the memo is also posted on the website.

College Visits

Times and dates that college representatives will be in the guidance office to speak with interested students is also posted on the website. Students are requested to get a pass in the guidance office 48 hours in advance. Parents are always welcome!

SAT I, SAT II and ACT

Friday, October 7, 2011, is the registration deadline for the SAT I and SAT II to be given November 5 at CCHS. If your senior plans to take or retake the SAT I or SAT II, he/she should go on-line (www.collegeboard.com) and register before October 7. The late deadline is Friday, October 21, 2011 and a late fee will be due if registering late. The SAT II is also offered December 3 at several area high schools (registration deadline is Tuesday, November 8, 2011). If your senior is applying to a very competitive college or university, they may require these tests.

If your student did not take the ACT in June and would like to take it on December 10, 2011, at an area high school, he/she may apply online ( www.actstudent.org). The registration deadline is Friday, November 4, 2011. If your student has any questions regarding these tests, he/she should see their counselor.

Financial Aid Night

Mark your calendar! CCHS will host its annual college financial aid night on THURSDAY, October 27, 2011, 7 PM in the library. Among the topics discussed will be filing for financial aid, federal, state and institutional aid programs, deadlines, single-remarried parents and evaluating financial aid packages.

This program will be presented by Peter V. Laurenzo, a Certified Financial Planner. It is strongly recommended that parents of seniors and juniors attend but all are welcome.

Progress Reports will be distributed to students on Friday, October 14, 2011. Do not hesitate to call your student’s counselor if there are any questions.