Parents of Sophomores: The PLAN Test was given on November 9^th to all sophomores.  The students will be given their results when the tests are returned in 4 to 5 weeks.

Parents of Juniors:  Juniors should be thinking about taking an ACT if they have not already done so.  They should register for the February, April, and/or June ACT tests.  Please check out the test dates and registration deadlines in the guidance department or online at www.actstudent.org. The writing test should be taken at least one time during their junior year.  Note that most colleges and universities have required or recommended the ACT Writing Test, so it is best to be prepared.

College Preview Night 2012, Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Owens Community College:  This is another opportunity for juniors and sophomores to talk to representatives from various colleges and universities, over 50 colleges will be in attendance.  There will also be sessions on financial aid, military, ACT prep, planning for college, disability information, and NCAA.  All parents are also encouraged to attend this event.  A letter will be sent out at the end of January with more details.

PSO (Post Secondary Options) Information:  Any student planning on participating in the post secondary options program must attend a mandatory meeting with their parents.  There will be two meetings offered and all students interested in participating must attend one of these meetings.  The meeting will be in the Clay High School Library on Tuesday, February 28th or Thursday, March, 1st at 7:00 p.m.

Parents of Seniors:  Many of our seniors have been busy visiting and applying to a number of colleges and universities.  We know there are still many questions about your son’s or daughter’s college plans for next year.  Please don’t hesitate to call your child’s counselor at any time if you have any questions.  Many schools now have a December 1^st or early January deadline for application when a scholarship is involved.  Others have later dates.  An important point to know however is that there is sometimes a difference between the application deadline and a scholarship deadline.  In most cases, if you haven’t applied by Christmas time get online or call the college to find out when their deadline is.   Below is a list of events that may help you and your son or daughter:

• Financial Aid Night, December 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the Clay High School Library:
Parents of seniors are invited to a session on financial aid as you plan for college in the fall of 2011.  Information on, how to fill out and file the FASFA/Free Application for Financial Student Aid, Scholarship information, and alternatives for financing a college education will be presented. The F.A.F.S.A. is the primary vehicle for a student to receive federal grant and loans.  Although this is for senior parents, all parents are welcome.   Lisa Hasselschwert, Director of Rocket Solution Central at The University of Toledo will be presenting. 
• College Goal Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Owens Community College:
This is an opportunity for you to work on the FASFA privately with a financial aid representative.  Your son or daughter can get more information from their counselor or go to this website www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org.
• Clay Scholarships:
The Clay Scholarship applications will be distributed at the end of February.  The students will receive them at an assembly and the applications will be due one week later.

Just a Reminder about Applying to College:  Seniors may apply to their selected colleges and universities at any time.  (Please check deadlines for the school of your choice).  We ask that the student bring her/his application (or formal transcript request if they have registered online), to their guidance counselor with a check made out to the college for the application fee.  The counselor will send the student’s transcript, the school profile, and other requested information to the college.  If the student applies online, she/he must complete the online application first before asking the counselor to send the transcript, etc.  Otherwise, pieces of the application or transcript can be lost at the admissions office.

ACT and/ SAT:  Seniors who intend to apply to college must take the ACT college test unless they plan to attend Owens Community (but do not intend to be health-professions major).  Note that most colleges and universities have required or recommended the ACT Writing Test, so it is best to be prepared.  Please check out the test dates and registration deadlines in the Guidance Department or go online to www.act.org.

Although the ACT is the recommended test for college entrance in the Midwest United States, a few students may wish to also take the SAT.  The Ivy League schools as well as military academies accept the ACT, yet students applying to those schools may wish to also send SAT scores.  Please check out the test dates and registration deadlines in the guidance department or go online to www.collegeboard.com.

P.E. Alternative Credit:  If your son or daughter participated in a fall sport, cheerleading, or band and wants to receive P.E. credit he/she must have the required form filled out and signed by the coach or advisor and returned to their counselor.  To receive credit for 1^st semester, you must complete the form ASAP, no later than December 21st, for the P. E. credit to appear on the grade card.

You are welcome to call any of the counselors to obtain information. Our direct number is 419-697-3434. If you call after school hours, you may leave a voice mail on the following extensions.

Mrs. Birr – A – Gi – ext. 2 
Ms. Felder – Gl – O – ext. 3 
Ms. Kohler – P – Z – ext. 4