Bendle High School Guidance Department

INFORMATION FOR SENIORS

College Applications (September - June)
Seniors are encouraged to apply to the college of their choice by the end of October. Those applying to highly selective schools or specialized career programs should apply even earlier. Applications can be obtained from the Counseling Office and should be carefully and accurately completed (either typed or hand written in blue or black ink). Applications need to be returned to your Counselor for processing and mailing. Please make sure you include the application fee in the form of a check or money order. For online applications, make a copy of the completed application and return it to your Counselor so your transcript and ACT scores can be mailed to the college.

College Representatives (September - May)
Representatives from many colleges and universities visit Bendle High School during the fall and winter. Visitation dates are announced and posted in the hallway outside of the Counseling Office. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get specific information about a college/university. Students can sign up in the Counseling Office.

ACT / SAT
ACT and SAT registration packets are available in the Counseling Office. Students may choose to take the ACT or SAT repeatedly since colleges will use the highest scores for admissions and scholarship purposes. Test preparation is both important and helpful. A free practice test can be found in your ACT or SAT registration packet and online.

NCAA (Athletic Eligibility)
Meeting high school graduation requirements is DIFFERENT THAN meeting NCAA Division 1 or 2 athletic eligibility requirements. Students who are interested in earning both freshmen eligibility and scholarships to NCAA Division 1 or 2 colleges MUST meet the NCAA Division 1 or 2 athletic eligibility requirements. These students MUST also register with the NCAA Clearinghouse after their junior year of high school (online at www.eligibilitycenter.org). It is important to let your Counselor know as early as possible in your high school career that you are interested in NCAA eligibility to ensure that you are taking the appropriate classes.

College Visits
Contact the college(s) you are considering and schedule a day to visit. This is a great opportunity to see the campus (dorms, classrooms, size, etc.) and ask questions.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) January - March 1
The FAFSA should be completed as soon after January 1st (of senior year) as possible. The state aid deadline is March 1st (date received). There is no cost to apply. The FAFSA collects demographic and financial information from students and parents to determine an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is then used by colleges to determine a student's eligibility for Federal Pell Grants, other financial aid programs, and many state programs. The EFC is determined by a formula that is set periodically by the U.S. Congress. Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which will tell you your EFC. The FAFSA must be completed in order to be considered for federal/state grants, scholarships, loans, and work study programs.

Financial Aid Workshop (February)
Bendle High School hosts a Financial Aid Workshop each January. A financial aid officer from the University of Michigan - Flint will go through the FAFSA form and answer questions. A letter will be sent to parents of seniors in early January notifying them of the specific date and time.

Useful College Planning Websites

           Michigan College Access Network

 

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