+ 9th GRADE STUDENT AND PARENT INFORMATION

Meet with Mrs. Nabors:

Schedule a meeting in early spring to create a four-year high school plan. Consider your goals for the next four years, and ensure you understand the required or preferred high school courses for college admission. It’s important to start taking a balanced mix of rigorous classes early on. Discuss with your counselor what those courses might look like for you.

Course Levels:

Familiarize yourself with the different levels of courses offered at your school, including Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment.

Explore Career Interests:

Begin thinking about potential career paths that interest you. While your interests may evolve, it's beneficial to start identifying your likes and dislikes in various areas, which will help clarify your goals. Engage in conversations with your college counselor, teachers, LCA alumni, and community professionals to explore careers.

Extracurricular Activities:

Participate in extracurricular activities to enhance your high school experience. Whether it’s a sport, school club, church activity, music or drama group, or community service, focus on meaningful involvement rather than superficial participation in multiple activities. Depth over breadth is encouraged.

Aiming for College Athletics:

If you’re interested in playing sports in college, research the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility requirements, as certain core courses must be completed. More information can be found at ncaaclearinghouse.net. Save for College: It’s never too early or too late to start saving for college. Every little bit helps! Familiarize yourself with financial aid options to prepare for the future.

Summer Opportunities:

Look for jobs, internships, or volunteer positions during the summer that align with your interests.

Take the PSAT 8/9:

Plan to take this College Board assessment in October to establish a baseline for your skills, helping you prepare for the SAT and/or ACT in 11th or 12th grade. If you need assistance with testing accommodations, please contact Mrs. Christie Snell.

College Rep Visits:

Engage in college representative visits on campus. Check iLearn for the latest schedule of college admissions representatives coming to LCA. This is a great way to learn about opportunities, majors, and scholarships.

+ 10th GRADE STUDENT AND PARENT INFORMATION

Meet with Mrs. Nabors:

Schedule another meeting in early spring with your college and career counselor to ensure your course schedule is adequately challenging. Review prerequisites for junior and senior-year courses.

Take the PSAT:

In October, take the PSAT, which provides valuable feedback on your college readiness and a personalized plan for SAT preparation. If you require testing accommodations, contact Mrs. Christie Snell for assistance.

Military Academy Interest:

If you are considering a U.S. military academy, request a pre-candidate questionnaire.

Financial Aid Research:

Collaborate with your family to research how to obtain financial aid. Understanding the different types of aid available and how to apply can significantly assist with college costs.

College Rep Visits:

Continue to engage in college representative visits on campus. These visits provide insights into various schools and their offerings.

Tour College Campuses:

If possible, visit colleges during vacations or family trips to get a feel for different campuses, even if you’re not interested in attending them.

Leadership and Service:

Be intentional about your involvement in leadership roles and community service. Participation in extracurricular activities can enhance your high school experience and help you develop time management skills.

+ 11th GRADE STUDENT AND PARENT INFORMATION

Counselor Meeting:

In November and December, schedule an appointment with your counselor to discuss ways to enhance your college preparation and selection process.

Explore Colleges:

Investigate colleges by browsing their websites and exploring schools on Scoir. Discuss your findings with friends, family, teachers, and recent LCA alumni. Create a list of appealing college features.

Take the PSAT/NMSQT:

Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. If you need testing accommodations, ensure the College Board has approved your eligibility. For assistance, contact Mrs. Christie Snell.

College Rep Visits:

Engage in college representative visits on campus. Check iLearn for the latest schedule of college admissions representatives coming to LCA. This is a great way to learn about opportunities, majors, and scholarships.

Go to College and Career Fairs:

Each year LCA provides its juniors and seniors an opportunity to attend the Georgia Probe College Fair and the Walton County Career Expo.

Estimate Financial Aid Needs:

Use each college’s net price calculator to estimate your financial aid needs accurately.

SAT/ACT Registration:

In winter, register to take the SAT and ACT in the spring. Utilize resources such as Khan Academy and Albert.io for test preparation.

Take the Find Your College Match Quiz to develop a College List:

Create a list of 10-15 colleges of interest in Scoir. Consider a range of schools to find the best fit for you.

Stay Open-Minded:

Keep your options open by applying to colleges of varying selectivity, including public, private, in-state, and out-of-state institutions.

Take the SAT and ACT:

These tests are typically offered in March, May, and June. Begin preparing several months in advance, and consider retaking the test in the fall if you’re not satisfied with your initial scores.

NCAA Registration:

If you plan to play a sport in college, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

FSA ID:

Obtain your FSA ID to fill out the FAFSA. Both you and your guardian will need to create a username and password. Summer Experience: Seek out enriching summer experiences such as jobs, internships, or academic programs.

Visit Colleges:

When visiting colleges, allow time to explore each campus. Engage with admissions staff, professors, and students during your visits.

Craft a Resume:

Attend a workshop in the spring semester to create a resume that highlights your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and work experiences.

Write a Personal Statement:

Begin drafting a personal statement in response to one of the Common Application prompts, with guidance from Mrs. Nabors and LCA English teachers.

Explore and plan for scholarship applications.

+ 12th GRADE STUDENT AND PARENT INFORMATION

Update Your Scoir List:

Narrow your college list to between 5 and 10 institutions and meet with a counselor to discuss your choices. Plan visits to as many of these colleges as possible.

Create a To-Do List/Timeline:

Include important deadlines for tests, college applications, special programs, and financial aid forms.

Request Fee Waivers:

If needed, ask a counselor for assistance with application or test fee waivers. Check your eligibility here.

Retake the SAT or ACT:

Many seniors choose to retake these tests in the fall. Additional coursework may improve your performance.

Send Test Scores:

Ensure your test scores are sent to the colleges you are applying to, including those that are test-optional. Complete the FAFSA: To apply for financial aid, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.

Complete the CSS Profile:

If required by certain colleges and scholarship programs, complete the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for additional aid.

Prepare Applications:

Start preparing early decision, early action, or rolling admission applications as soon as possible. Note key application dates between October 15 and November 15.

Request Teacher Recommendations:

If you need recommendations, ask teachers early and provide them with an outline of your academic record and extracurricular activities.

Request Transcripts:

Use Scoir to request your transcript and any supporting documents as you submit applications.

Keep Mrs. Nabors Informed:

Update Mrs. Nabors with all college admission decisions, scholarship offers, and opportunities related to honors colleges or athletics.

Apply for scholarships!

Seek scholarship opportunities through college websites, College Board, GaFutures, JLV College Counseling, and on the LCA scholarship page.