Each year, we hear from parents seeking direction and guidance regarding the college application process. The calendar below provides a general time frame of suggested activities to assist your child in the college selection process. Parents are encouraged to contact the Guidance Services Department for additional assistance.
Freshman Year
Discuss academic and career plans with the guidance counselor.
Attend annual college fairs at Joliet Junior College, Lewis University and Lockport Township High School.
Review results of your child’s ability and interest inventories.
Discuss the impact of grades and course selection on college admission.
Check curriculum requirements for college entrance.
Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteering, and internships or other work experiences.
Plan for college expenses…explore your savings options.
Sophomore Year
Review PLAN results with your child.
Attend annual college fairs at Joliet Junior College, Lewis University and Lockport Township High School.
Start to network with your child’s teachers and counselor.
Begin exploring appropriate college options with your child.
Continue your support of extracurricular involvement and encourage participation in leadership roles.
Encourage your child to begin career and college exploration in the College/Career Center.
Support your child’s involvement in volunteer services or organizations. Volunteerism may support admission and scholarship opportunities.
Consider registering for PSAT.
Junior Year
Begin college visitations.
Attend annual college fairs at Joliet Junior College, Lewis University and Lockport Township High School.
Consider ACT preparation classes for your child. (Registration information will be mailed in January).
Schedule a visit to the College/Career Center at LTHS to obtain additional information regarding college selections, scholarships, financial aid, testing information, etc.
Review results of ACT test with your child. Consider registering for the National ACT Test, especially if your child may be considered for an NCAA athletic scholarship.
Attend information sessions and college nights sponsored by the high school.
Consult with your son’s or daughter’s high school counselor for college search ideas and advice.
Review all options. If a school seems too costly, find out what scholarships and other financial assistance may be available to you.
Support your child’s involvement in volunteer services or organizations. Volunteerism may support admission and scholarship opportunities.
Consider registering for PSAT.
Summer before Senior Year
Help your son or daughter sort through college mail as it arrives.
Review ACT/SAT results and discuss whether your child should retest.
Visit different types of schools: small and large, vocational and liberal arts, private and public.
Develop a list of questions for colleges and take them with you on your visits.
Senior Year
Encourage student athletes to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
If applicable, encourage your child to write an essay or personal statement.
Encourage your child to request recommendations from teachers or counselors.
Schedule a visit to the College/Career Center at Lockport Township High School to obtain additional information regarding college selections, scholarships, financial aid, testing information, etc.
Attend annual college fairs at Joliet Junior College, Lewis University and Lockport Township High School.
Contact counselor to discuss your child’s post-graduation plans.
Continue college visits.
Review college applications for accuracy. Include required application fees.
Submit completed applications, fees, and transcript requests to the College/Career Center Manager. It is suggested that all applications be submitted by November 1.
Review monthly scholarship bulletins with your child.
Review local scholarship information (available in January) and deadlines. Encourage your child to submit completed local scholarship applications by required deadlines.
Collect all of your tax information and file for financial assistance in a timely fashion. Keep copies of all financial aid application information.
Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA (FAFSA applications are not available until December of your child’s senior year.).
Notify the chosen school of the final decision and send in the tuition deposit. It is also common courtesy to notify all other schools that granted acceptance.
Submit housing deposits.