Transcript (unofficial, for student's personal use):
- Contact SME Registrar, Melanie Lowe, by email or in person, for a copy of your unofficial transcript. It will include both your. weighted & unweighted gpa, plus your senior year courses. melanielowe@smsd.org
Sending your official transcript to colleges:
- Please read the Transcripts section below. Many colleges do not want or need an official transcript at the time you apply because they use the "self-report" method for courses and grades. You should only request that an official transcript be sent if a college actually needs it right now.
- Students (and a parent, if the student is not yet 18) must sign a transcript release form in person with the SME Registrar after we return in August before a transcript can be sent anywhere outside of SME.
ACT/SAT tests:
- COVID-19 has impacted the way colleges and universities are using and evaluating students' test scores.
- Be sure to check the admissions website of every school you're thinking of applying to for up-to-date information.
- Also keep in mind that the way test scores are used for admissions purposes may be very different from scholarship or program requirements. (In other words, a school may be "test-optional" for admissions, but have test score requirements for scholarships or financial aid.)
- IMPORTANT: Your ACT/SAT scores are automatically placed on your transcript and will therefore be sent to colleges unless you indicate on your transcript release form IN ADVANCE that they be removed from your transcript. Please see the Test Scores section, below, for additional important information.
College Applications:
- WHICH METHOD: college's website OR Common App OR SendEdu OR Coalition?
- Keep in mind that whichever method you choose to submit your application, ALL materials for that particular school must be submitted using that same method (i.e. your application, your transcript, recommendation letters, etc.). It's important to stay in communication with your counselor about which method you're using for each school to avoid confusion and missed deadlines.
- If you are applying to only two or three schools, and they do not require essays and recommendation letters, it may be easier to apply directly through each college's admission website. For example, if you plan to apply only to KU and KSU, it's probably easier to apply directly on each school's website.
- If you are applying to numerous schools, and/or are applying to schools that require essays and recommendation letters, using SendEdu or the Common App can save you time, since you only have to enter some information. Be sure to check each school's website for directions.
- Some schools allow you to choose between the Common App and Coalition. If you have a choice, we recommend the Common App, Please contact your counselor before applying via the Coalition.
- Please read the information in the FAQ below for important information before you begin submitting applications.
Recommendation letters:
- Please read the Recommendation Letters section, below. Many colleges and universities do not require recommendations, and some require only a teacher's recommendation.
- If a college requires only one letter, from a teacher or counselor, we recommend that you ask a teacher, since they have had you in class and can write about you as a student firsthand.
- For colleges that require a counselor's recommendation, SME counselors will begin meeting individually with seniors when school resumes in the fall.
Resume:
Preparing a resume in advance will make it easier to fill out your college and scholarship applications, and if you need a letter of recommendation your teachers and/or counselor will usually need one before they begin writing your letter. See the Resume question below for tips on how to prepare a resume for college applications.
College research
Now is the time to begin narrowing your list of schools. Use the SME College Resources page to find websites that will help you find and evaluate schools that may be a good fit for you.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
- If you haven't started working on the FAFSA yet, you should start now.
- The earliest you can submit the FAFSA is October 1st of your senior year, but you can begin filling it out now, to save time this fall when you'll be busier.
- Changes to the FAFSA took effect in January 2022. For information, about these changes and the rest of the basics on the FAFAS, see our Financial Aid & Scholarships web page.
Bookmark our calendar so you never miss a college rep visit, college fair, deadline, or other college-related opportunity or event
IMPORTANT!
Please read through all of the Frequently Asked Questions below BEFORE you begin your college applications and before you contact your counselor. It's a lot of information, but reviewing this information before you contact your counselor will help you, and will make the process work more smoothly and efficiently.
Questions for your counselor?
After you've read all of the information on this website, if you have questions that you can't find the answer to, send your counselor an email (find your counselor on the Contacts page on this website).
We know this process is complicated and can be confusing and overwhelming. We're here to help you on this exciting next step toward your future. Thank you!