Upcoming Senior Events:   A list of special guidance events, dates, and times is provided for future reference. 

• You should have already filed your FAFSA or are in the process (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). (See details below)
• Cap and Gown Orders:  If you have not yet ordered a cap and gown for a graduating senior, you should do so as soon as possible as the price will change and increase each month.  Cap and gown order forms can be picked up in the Guidance Center. 
• The End of February, applications distributed for the Clay High Scholarships, due  one week later
• Senior Honors Night- Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Post-Secondary Options:  Any student who wishes to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school may qualify for Ohio’s Post-Secondary Options Program.  State law requires that interested students and their parents attend a meeting to learn about the program.  If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Felder.  There are two dates scheduled, but the applicant needs to attend only one.

Post-Secondary Options Meetings at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Media Center:

• Tuesday, February 28, 2012
• Thursday, March 1, 2012

Financial Aid for College:  This is a reminder to all parents of seniors who plan to attend college next year.  Any request for financial aid, this includes scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, etc. must begin with filling the FAFSA form.  This can be filed after January 1, 2012 and should be filed no later than February 15^th.

FAFSA passwords for the student and one for the parents can be obtained now by going to www.fafsa.gov.   It is in your best interest to begin work on this now.  Worksheets can be obtained on the website or in the Guidance Department.

Applying to College for the Fall of 2012:  Seniors may apply to their selected colleges and universities at any time.  It is recommended that they apply soon to secure placement with their chosen major.  (Please check deadlines for the school of your choice).  We ask that the student bring his/her 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.  If the student applies online, he/she 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.

General Guidance Information:

ACT:   Juniors and seniors who intend to apply to college must take the ACT college test unless they plan to attend Owens Community College (but do not intend to major in the health-professions).  Please note that most colleges and universities have required or recommended the ACT Writing Test, so it is best to be prepared.  The following tests will be offered:

 Although the ACT is the recommended test for college entrance in the Midwestern 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 score.  The remaining dates for the SAT are as follows:

College Visitation:  If your son/daughter has not chosen a college yet, he or she should be planning visitations to college campuses now.  This is a good time for parents and their juniors and seniors to take some weekend trips in order to take a quick yet thorough look at the college choices.    The student must complete the teal colored Academic Day Form (obtained in the Guidance Office), which will require verification of the visit on the college stationary.  Students are granted a maximum of 3 academic days.

NCAA ELIGIBILTY CENTER:  Any junior or senior planning to play college athletics at a NCAA Division I or Division II school should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.  The website for registration is www.eligibilitycenter.org.    You should contact Mrs. Birr in the Guidance Department for more information.

You are welcome to call any of the counselors to obtain information.  Our direct phone number is 419-697-3434.

Mrs. Birr, last names A-Gi –Ext.2
Ms. Felder, last names Gl-O – Ext. 3
Ms. Kohler, last names P-Z- Ext. 4
Mrs. Deem, Records Officer – Ext. 1