“The first three years is what gets you INTO college…your senior year is what KEEPS you there.”
                                Admissions Officer, University of Michigan

            The BIG question is “What are you going to do after you graduate?” Well, that is assuming that you do graduate. If you failed a class last semester and I haven’t already spoken to you, then please come and see me. What about the rest of you? Are you going to work? College? Both? Are you going to go to a 4 year, 2 year, or trade school? If you are unsure then there are a few things that you should be doing. First of all, take the ACT and or the SAT if you haven’t. There is a free voucher for the ACT to all seniors who have never used one located in the counseling department. Second, go ahead and complete the FAFSA. Third, check out Tennessee Career Information Delivery System (TCIDS) or Tennessee College and Career Planning System (TCCPS). For the TCCPS, you will need to see me for more information first.

             If you are among those who “just knows” that you are going to college but aren’t sure where, then you should also check out the above websites. The can help you locate colleges and universities in Tennessee. With the strained economy, it may be best to stay in state to take advantage of the Hope Scholarship. However, if you can’t find the program of study in Tennessee then check out the Academic Common Market. The ACM has an agreement with 16 southern states to provide in state tuition. Speaking of economic hardships, if you are a free or reduced lunch recipient, often times the college or university will waive the application fee. You will need to contact the admissions office of the college or university that you are applying to and ask whether or not they do waive the fee and then what you need to do to get it waived. More than likely, I will need to send a letter to the admissions office specifying that you meet the qualifications. It is your responsibility to find out the procedures and then please give me at least a 24 hour notice.

             All Seniors must remember to stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events. Listen to announcements, talk to your friends, ask a teacher, and check out the website. Whatever it takes --- Stay Informed! Additionally, we have 2 interns with us this semester. Dawn Griswold, is an intern from UTC in school and community counseling and Jamie Dionne is an intern from Lee University.  They will be working with the School Counselors for the spring 2009 semester. They will be providing a short educational session about how to apply for financial aid during senior homerooms. Just in case you miss it, you can download the handout.