School Counseling Tips for Seniors

College Planning 

Your college application process should be in full swing!  Please see your counselor if you have any questions about the college process. Important things for seniors to keep in mind: 

• If you haven't already, be sure to join the College Planning Google Classroom using the join code: nvmvzrq
• Be sure to complete all applications prior to your deadlines
• Request recommendation letters from your teachers in Scoir (See instructions in the College Planning Google Classroom) 
• Request your transcripts and letters from the Counseling office using the College Application Processing Form at least 10 school days prior to your deadline
• Be sure to indicate your college decisions (admitted, denied, deferred, etc.) in Scoir!
• Check with your college to see which financial aid documents are required and the deadlines (CSS Profile, FAFSA, other school-specific forms, etc.)
• Schedule an appointment to talk about scholarships and financial aid with our LEAF Representative
• Learn about scholarships in the LEAF Scholarship Database

Application Process

College Application Checklist
Step by step instructions to make sure all of the pieces of your application make it to the college by your deadline

Common Application
The Common Application is an online college application platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application.

Common Application Help & Frequently Asked Questions
This document provides some Common Answers to questions about the Common Application. Start here!

Common Application Requirements
A grid that lists all of the schools on the Common App and what they require as part of the application.

Scoir Guide to Coalition App
Instructions for completing the Coalition App

Scoir Guide to Common App
Instructions for completing the Recommender section of the Common App

Essay Writing Tips
Presentation with hints and tips to write a college essay that will actually help you get admitted!

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation
LEAF provides college access services to Lake and Geauga residents, and families at the high schools with which we contract our services that are interested in enrolling in four-year universities, community colleges, and career technical programs. For questions, please contact our LEAF representative, Magen Corbett.

LEAF Scholarship Database
Use the Scholarship Search Tool to browse scholarship opportunities.

Beachwood High School Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships available only to Beachwood High School juniors and seniors

Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland Scholarships
Tons of scholarship opportunities for students from NE Ohio. Some scholarships do not require that students are Jewish.

Federal Student Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid

CSS Profile
May be required by selective colleges as part of the admission and financial aid process. Check to see if your school requires it.

FinAid.org
Explore the Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid.

FastWeb Scholarship Search Engine
Find scholarships for college and vocational school