College Planning Guidelines for:
Steps to Completing College Applications:
Step 1: Choose which colleges you would like to apply to
Step 2: Determine when you will apply
Step 3: Determine how you will apply to those colleges
Step 4: Complete the applications through Common App or directly to the institution
Step 5: Complete essays and supplemental questions
Step 6: Request teacher recommendations through Naviance
Step 7: Reporting test scores directly from the specific testing website
Step 8: Sending transcripts electronically through Naviance
Step 9: Applying for scholarships and financial aid
*Once you recieve an admission decision (via college portal, email or mail), you will then be sent your award letter that gives scholarship and financial aid information. You will have to make a decision and declare by May 1st.
College Representative Visits:
College representatives come to Jackson and visit throughout the year. You can see which colleges are coming when you log in through your Naviance account. Click on the "Colleges" tab and scroll down to "College Visits." This is a great way to take advantage of seeing what the college has to offer and if they could be a good fit for you. The interest you show in a college is a factor when the college is deciding admittance. This is a great opportunity to have the college reps put your face with your name. You just need to sign up in Naviance by clicking "Register Now" in College Visits.
How to request a transcript:
There are a couple ways that a transcript can be requested from student services. If you are using Common App or adding your college to Naviance, you do NOT have to request a transcript. This is automatically sent through Naviance to your application.
1. If you need a hard copy sent in the mail and you are a current JHS student, fill out this transcript request form (hard copies can be found in the student services office) and bring it along with $2.00 per request to Mrs. Hawkins in the student services office.
2. If you are requesting a transcript electronically through the Common App, an email will be sent to the counselor that you enter. You DO NOT have to fill out any additional forms or pay a fee. Once the counselor completes your transcript request, you will be notified through email.
Form for requesting a letter of recommendation (AKA Brag Sheet):
School counselors meet with seniors in September and send all seniors "Class of ____- Survey/Brag Sheet" google form. The survey results are shared with all teachers to help teachers write a letter of recommendation. It is essential that all seniors fill out this information for graduation and college purposes.
Other Information:
- FAFSA Completion night- January 25, 2024. Come to JHS to get help filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). More details to come through school announcements.
A presentation and handout given to Seniors on "Navigating the College Process" from Counselors in September
Sophomore year: College and Career Day in January
