Parent Alert - Consumer Tips for "Financial Aid Services" Learn how to determine if that "great opportunity" is legitimate, and how to identify scams.

Decision time
A few months from now, the class of '08 will be alumni of Spring Lake Park High School. As future graduates, you are in the process of deciding what's next in your life. Your choices include continuing your education (college or technical training), military service, or employment. To assist you in your decision-making, the counseling department will supply you with periodic updates that are intended to provide timely information that will guide you in your post-high school planning. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the Career Resource Center and your counselor to help make the best decisions for you!

Scholarships
A monthly list of scholarship opportunities for both college and technical training will be posted and distributed in your English classrooms on a monthly basis. Applications and further details can be obtained in the file cabinet in the Career Resource Center. Additional scholarship and aid resources are also available. In March, any SLPHS seniors may apply for local scholarships that may exceed $70,000!! Click here to see this month's featured scholarships.

Financial Aid applications can be completed after January 1, 2009.
The counseling office will have application forms available upon request.
If you would like an estimate to determine your eligibility for financial aid, take advantage of the Discover program. Using financial information that you provide in a confidential manner, this computer-based program will supply you with a printout estimate of the amount of aid you may receive. Click here for a list of financial aid web sites .

Choosing the "right" school
There are many factors you must consider before choosing a school. Some of these factors include location, cost, size, programs, entrance requirements, and most of all, matching your personality traits to the school. The Career Resource Center has school catalogs, video campus tours, computer-generated programs (like the DISCOVER and MCIS programs), and numerous reference books to help you.

NCAA Eligibility for Athletes
If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or II athletics, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. You need to pick up the booklet "Making Sure You are Eligible to Participate in College Sports" and the Student Release Form in the counseling office.

Campus Visits
There is no better way to "know" a school than to go in person to tour the campus, sit in on classes, and talk to key people in your interest areas. Seniors are allowed excused school absences for campus visits. Visits need to be arranged or verified by your counselor at least five (5) days in advance. NOTE: Many colleges and universities conduct specific days for incoming freshmen, so check in the Career Resource Center or click here for more information. In addition, various colleges, military and technical schools send representatives to visit SLPHS to meet with interested students. Watch for announcements and get a pass.

Military Academy/ROTC Scholarships
If you are interested in a nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, or applying for a Reserve Office Training Corp (ROTC) scholarship, time is running out. You should make an appointment with your counselor as soon as possible. The application process contains early deadlines to be eligible.

Additional Info in the Counseling Office

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay admissins office expressed what so many other colleges are also seeing. They state they are feeling disappointment when "reviewing final transcripts from high school senirs who took an academic nosedive. We are seeing too many high-achieving students with the horrific affliction known as senioritis. The excuses come pouring in. "I thought I was 'in' and it didn't matter. I lost motivation, but everything is different now. Can't you ignore my final term grades?" Last year we rescinded admissins for a good number of students who didn't perform well during their senior year. Failing classes, drastic GPA drops, and poor attendance are sure signs that the likelihood of success in college has also dropped.

Applying for College Admissions
Most schools require a prospective studentsĄŻ high school to complete a portion of the application and include an official high school transcript with your application. We request that all applications be mailed from the counseling office. We provide the postage and prefer to provide the envelope to fit the application. Be aware of application closing dates! Many schools and vo-tech programs begin filling by early winter.

Selective Service Registration
With few exceptions, all male United States citizens and male aliens residing in the U.S. and its territories must register within the period starting 30 days before, and ending 30 days after, their 18^th birthdays. Males who fail to register, as required by law, may lose eligibility for valuable benefits and privileges, such as educational benefits like Guaranteed Student Loans and Pell Grants. To register, complete Registration Form (SSS Form 1 or SSS Form 1M). Registration can also be completed on the Web.