Graduation is finally in sight seniors!  Congratulate yourself on all the hard work you’ve done this year!  Before you walk across the stage, there are still many scholarship opportunities available to you, so be sure to check out the list in this guidance update to see which ones you can apply for.

Tell Everyone the Good News!!!

Once you have confirmed your post-secondary plans, please give a copy of your acceptance letter to Ms. Giannuzzi.  Also, bring in copies of letters from any scholarships or honors you receive.  In June, scholarship information will be published in The Herald.

Transcript Cards/Final Transcript Requests

The Guidance Office must have a transcript card (the purple card) on file before a transcript can be released to any third party.  You can get a transcript card in the Guidance Office.  Make sure that your is on file.  Once you’ve applied to a college, complete the orange transcript request form and Mrs. Raykie will send your transcript to the colleges you’re applying to.  Final transcript requests must be in by graduation, for a final copy of your transcript to be sent to the college or university you are attending.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you will be attending a college or university in the fall, it is time to apply for your FAFSA pin number!  Pin numbers can be obtained at http://www.pin.ed.gov/.  The federal government uses the information provided in your FAFSA forms to determine your eligibility for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.  For additional information, go to FAFSA on the Web at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.  After you get your pin number, which you will need every year to file the FAFSA, you want to work with your parents and/or caregivers to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.  The deadline to file this important financial aid document is May 1, 2009, but the earlier you submit the forms, the better.