• Every senior should get a copy of their unofficial transcript from Skyward so that they can check it for accuracy (grades and test scores) and use it when completing applications online. It includes both your weighted and unweighted GPA.

• Go to "Grade Cards & Academic Awards" in Skyward to find your transcript. 

• For official transcripts, students must contact SME Registrar, Melanie Lowe, for a transcript release form and return it to her, completed with signatures (you must also obtain a parent’s signature if you are not yet 18). 

• You can email Mrs. Lowe at melanielowe@smsd.org. (See more information in the Transcripts section, below.)

• After you've submitted your transcript release form, you may request that transcripts be sent to colleges and universities through your Xello account. This is also required for teacher and counselor recommendations. (See directions, below, in the Transcripts section.)

• For counselor recommendations, you should contact SME registrar Melanie Lowe first. She will explain the process and next steps. (See more in the Recommendations section below.)

• Check each school’s admissions website for details.
  Most will allow you to apply online and some have multiple online methods. (See theTimelines & Deadlines section below about when to apply and whether you need to submit transcripts, test scores, and recommendations.)

• Quick links to local schools’ admissions sites:
   KU    K-State    JCCC     Missouri (Columbia)  Pitt St.    Emporia St.     Ft. Hays St.    Wichita St.     Washburn Univ.     Missouri State

• Many colleges and universities are altering their admissions processes, requirements, and deadlines due to the coronavirus. You can use this searchable database to find details on individual colleges. It is being updated frequently.
   
• Some colleges and universities have also altered their admissions testing requirements (ACT/SAT):
  • Some have extended their deadlines for submitting test scores
  • At many schools, test scores are optional or will not be required at all for admission.
  • Check the admissions website of the college you're applying to for the most up-to-date information.
  • Check out this article that explains exactly what "test-optional" actually means. 
  • IMPORTANT:   Just because a college or univresi
     
• Check this reference sheet for information on KS Board of Regents institutions (KU, K-State, Emporia St, Wichita St, Fort Hays St., Pittsburg St)
   
• Read this recent article from the New York Times for juniors applying to selective schools.

Your transcript includes both your weighted and unweighted GPA. You can get an unofficial copy of your transcript from Skyward, in the "Grade Cards & Academic Awards" section. You can also request a copy from the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, between 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 

Your weighted GPA can be found on Skyward on the Gradebook page (look for the small "GPA" in blue letters to the right of the student's name).
Note:  this function is temporarily disabled at various times throughout the year. 

If you have questions about your grades or GPA, contact Mrs. Lowe, melanielowe@smsd.org

For both regular and weighted GPA, the GPA scale is 4.0

• If you apply during the summer or fall, your six-semester transcript is used; this includes your freshman, sophomore, and junior year semester grades. You will also enter your senior class schedule (if you are self-reporting courses and grades). If a college you're applying to requires a transcript it will include your full senior year schedule. 
• After fall semester grades are placed on transcripts, some colleges and universities require students to submit an additional transcript and a report of any schedule changes. (Check each college's admissions requirements to see if this applies in your situation.)
• If you submit your initial application after fall semester grades have been posted in January, your GPA will be a seven-semester GPA and transcripts submitted to colleges will include fall semester grades and the courses you're taking in spring semester. 
• Quarterly progress reports and percentage grades are not official grades, do not appear on transcripts, and are not sent to colleges and universities. (Only final semester grades are sent to colleges and universities.)
• A final transcript that includes spring semester grades and your eight-semester GPA will be sent to the one school you indicate you will be attending on your senior exit survey.

Policies vary from school to school, so check the admissions website of the schools you’re applying to.

Some schools use only the weighted gpa, some use only the unweighted, some will use whichever is higher, and some schools re-calculate students' gpa using their own formula.

Yes! A resume will help you organize and document all of your school activities, extracurricular activities, honors, and awards. Use these tips to create a great resume.

It will be extremely useful when entering information on your college applications, to ensure you enter complete and accurate information.

You should start working on a resume during your sophomore or junior year.

The class size for the class of 2021 is 434.

Officially, Shawnee Mission does not rank students. Class rank does not appear on a student’s transcript, and we do not provide it as part of a student’s official student record. There may be some rare circumstances where rank may still be required. Please contact SME Registrar, Melanie Lowe, if you have questions.

172473

This code is used when you register for the ACT and SAT, and is sometimes included on certain college and scholarship applications.

Kansas Board of Regents institutions include KU, KSU, Emporia State, Ft. Hays State, Pittsburg State, and Wichita State, and use Qualified Admissions criteria. 

 

Requirements for Class of 2021

The Kansas Board of Regents recently approved new requirements for students entering college in the fall of 2021. 

In order to be directly admitted, students must meet all graduation requirements plus have these minimum GPA and/or ACT scores:

University	Minimum ACT and/or GPA
Emporia State, Ft. Hays State, Pittsburg St., and Wichita State	21+ ACT OR 2.25 GPA
Kansas State University	21+ ACT OR 3.25 GPA
University of Kansas	21+ ACT AND 3.25 GPA -OR- 24+ ACT AND 3.00 GPA

These universities still recommend that students complete the Qualified Admissions curricula to be prepared for success in college.

---

Requirements for Class of 2020:

In addition to SMSD graduation requirements, in order to be admitted directly, students must also meet both of these Qualified Admissions requirements:

• Math:  Must complete either:
        Option A - 3 approved units and earn a minimum 22 math ACT subscore or
        Option B - 4 approved units, one of which must be taken in the graduating year

  • Math "approved units" does not include the Consumer Math course

• Science:  Must complete one unit of either Chemistry or Physics.
  (The SMSD course “Physical Science” meets the physical science graduation requirement and helps prepare students for either Chemistry or Physics, but does not meet the Qualified Admissions Physics or Chemistry requirement.)

Students must also have a 2.0 overall gpa AND one of the following requirements:

• ACT composite score of at least 21; or 
  SAT score of at least 980, or 
• graduate in the top 1/3 of their class.  

Additional requirements for the University of Kansas
Beginning in 2016, KU implemented stricter gpa and test score requirements:  

• For assure admission, students must have a 3.0 minimum GPA
  • With a GPA between 3.00-3.25, students must have a 24 or higher ACT composite
  • With a GPA of 3.25 or above, students need a 21 ACT composite score.

If you do not meet the GPA, ACT, math and/or science requirements for direct admission, you may be eligible for alternate admission. Contact the admissions office of the school you're applying to determine your options.

 

• Some schools use only a student’s gpa and coursework to determine admission, while more selective schools may also consider some combination of test scores, essays, recommendations, activities, leadership positions, community service experience, and other criteria. Carefully review admissions criteria on the website of each school you’re interested in.

• To find colleges and universities that are a good fit for your interests and academic credentials, try the College Board's Big Future search tool, which includes a personalized, interactive search tool.

• JCCC:  admission requires graduation from a state-accredited high school. The ACT is not required for admission, but JCCC may use it, or a student’s scores on the JCCC Accuplacer test, to determine course placement.

• Many colleges and universities make exceptions and/or have an appeals process for students who do not meet all of their admissions requirements. If you are concerned about your eligibility, contact the admissions office of the school you’re interested in to identify your options and next steps.

World Language credit is not required for admission to a state university in Kansas, however, it is recommended for college preparation, and many other colleges and universities in the U.S. recommend or require two-to-four years for admission. (For example, U of Missouri-Columbia requires two years.) See KU's Foreign Language placement policy and check individual college websites you're applying to for details on their requirements and placement policies.

• Always check directly with the admissions office, beginning with their website, so you are seeing the most current and accurate information.
• In Google or another search engine, enter the name of the school and "admissions" or "new students" or "freshmen"
• Most schools assign specific representatives to a region or state, so look for "Find My Representative" or "Contact My Representative" on the admissions website to find the SME rep.
• Contact is usually best when it comes directly from the student (not a parent). 

SME is now using RepVisits.com to schedule virtual visits with college representatives!

View all virtual visits on our Counseling Calendar. 

• Only juniors and seniors may participate.
• Students should inform their teachers they will be missing class.
• Students are responsible for making up any classwork they miss during a visit with a college representative.
• Copy and paste the url listed in the calendar to join the virtual visit on the scheduled date/time.

• State universities in Kansas use a rolling admissions method, which means they will usually provide you an admissions decision within a week or two after you have submitted all of your application materials. While there is no specific deadline, students are encouraged to apply early in order to be eligible for priority scholarships, housing, etc. Click here for an update from K-State on their admissions and scholarships.
   
• Be aware that some programs or majors within a state university may have specific deadlines (for example, the deadline to apply to the KU Honors Program is November 1st).
   
• Also, keep in mind that many schools that use rolling admissions do have a specific deadline for scholarships and financial aid. For example, the priority deadline for scholarships at KU and K-State is December 1st. Check the Financial Aid or Scholarships website of schools where you're applying to find their specific financial aid deadlines. (See more in the Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions section of this web page.)

• Every school has different deadlines and processes, and they sometimes change from year to year. Most schools will open their applications during the summer before your senior year, but it is very important to read all information on each school’s website very carefully. Get started EARLY! Do not wait until the last minute, especially if you need recommendation letters.

• At some schools the deadline for admissions may be different from its scholarship deadlines. Carefully review all deadlines on each college’s web site.

(These are general descriptions; be sure to check details on each school’s web site to determine how they define these terms!)

• Rolling:  You may submit your application at any time and will usually receive a decision notification within days or weeks. (E.g. KU, K-State and JCCC)

• Early Action: (usually in the fall)

  • No admissions decisions are made until after the deadline and students are usually notified within 1-2 months after the deadline. Usually non-binding.
    There are several variations, such as Single Choice Early Action and Restricted Early Action. Read all of the details carefully and see the SME registrar in September!

• Early Decision: (usually in the fall)  

  • ​​​​​​​Almost always binding (if you are accepted, you must attend).
    No decisions are made until after the deadline and students are usually notified within 2-3 months after the deadline)

  • You, a parent, and your counselor will be required to sign submit a document acknowledging you understand your acceptance is binding.
              See the SME registrar in September!

• Regular Decision (usually Dec 1 or later): Specific deadline and no admissions decisions are made until after the deadline. Students are usually notified 2-3 months after the deadline.

Many schools use a combination of these deadlines to allow students many options. Read details on each school’s website very carefully and never make assumptions!

See this article for more detailed information.

Important:  IF you need a recommendation letter from your counselor, here are the steps:

1. You must see the registrar first, to obtain and submit a transcript release form. (Keep in mind that many colleges do not require a counselor recommendation.)

2. You should contact the registrar a minimum of 4-6 weeks before your earliest application deadline.

3. Send an invite to your counselor through Common App (or SendEdu, if you're using it for your applications).

4. Your counselor will then send you a Google Form questionnaire. After you submit the completed questionnaire your counselor will begin writing your recommendation.

If you have questions after you see the registrar, or if you have questions about other aspects of the college application process, send your counselor an email and she can help you.

Every school is different! For some you only need to complete an online application. With others, you may need to also provide a transcript, essay, test scores, and/or recommendations.
Generally, the more selective a school is, the more of these items they require for admissions.

Carefully check each school’s website for specific requirements. Do not submit information that is not requested. See more below in the Transcripts and Test Scores sections.

• These websites allow you to enter your information online once and have it sent to multiple schools. So if you are applying to more than two or three schools, it might make sense to use one of them.

• Check each college’s website to determine which application methods are available (this varies a lot from school to school). Keep in mind that not all schools use Common App.

• Important:  IF you need a recommendation letter from your counselor, here are the steps:

  1. You must see the registrar first, to obtain and submit a transcript release form. (Keep in mind that many colleges do not require a counselor recommendation.)

  2. You should contact the registrar a minimum of 4-6 weeks before your earliest application deadline.

  3. Send an invite to your counselor through Common App.

  4. Your counselor will then send you a Google Form questionnaire. After you submit the completed questionnaire, your counselor will begin writing your recommendation letter.
  
  If you have questions after you see the registrar, or if you have questions about other aspects of the college application process, send your counselor an email and she can help you.

• If you are using the Common App or SendEdu, you do not need to wait for your counselor or teachers to submit their recommendation materials. As soon as your submit your application, the college can download it.

• However, an individual college or university cannot download your transcript and recommendations from Common App until you have submitted your application to that specific college.

See the Common App or ask your counselor for more information about which method is best for you.

No, some schools (for example, KU & K-State) use the “self-report” method and do not want you to send them a transcript when you apply. You will enter your courses and grades online when you apply. (Obtain an unofficial transcript from the registrar to make it easier to fill in your application.)

Follow instructions on each school’s web site. Do not send a transcript to a school that does not want or need it. It could delay processing of your application.

• You must contact the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, first for all transcript submission methods (mailed, electronic, or uploaded). Students must submit a completed transcript release form, in person, to Mrs. Lowe.

• Before requesting a transcript, you should always confirm first that your college or university actually needs and wants a transcript right now---many do not! If the school uses self-reporting for courses and grades, you'll just enter them yourself. Do not request that a transcript be sent now unless you're sure they want and need it.

• If you're sure the college needs a transcript, you may request it through your Xello account, but only after you have contacted the registrar and signed a transcript release form. Only students may do this (parents are not able to request transcripts using their child's Xello account). Please allow at least two business days after you submit the request for your transcript to be sent.

  • To submit a request to have a transcript sent to a school that you are NOT applying to through Common App, following these directions:

    • In your Xello Student Dashboard, under Goals & Plans, click College Planning.

    • Under College Applications, select the institution to which you'd like your transcript sent.

    • Under the Application Checklist, find Transcript.

    • To the right, click Request.

      • A banner at the top of the screen will indicate the request was sent.

If you are applying to a school via Common App or SendEdu:

Some schools allow your counselor to upload your transcript directly to their portal. Discuss this with the registrar when you sign your transcript release card and she will let your counselor know.

1. You must contact the registrar first, to obtain and submit a transcript release form. (Keep in mind that many colleges do not require a counselor recommendation.

2. You should contact the registrar a minimum of 4-6 weeks before your earliest application deadline.

3. Invite your counselor in your Common App account and email your counselor to update her on your colleges and deadlines.

4. Your counselor will upload your School Report (which includes your transcript) to Common App and each college will download it when you submit your application.

5. If a college requires a counselor recommendation, let your counselor know immediately, but no later than a month before your application deadline. Your counselor will then send you a Google Form questionnaire.

6. For all other transcripts or questions about GPA:  

   Please contact SME Registrar, Melanie Lowe, directly with questions: 
   melanielowe@smsd.org

7. Keep in mind that it may take several days (or even weeks, during busy times), for a college or university to download and match your transcript to your application file. This must be done manually, even with transcripts sent electronically. Your application status may continue to indicate they have not yet received your transcript if they haven't yet matched it to your file (even if it has already been sent by SME). If you have questions, first check with your college's admissions department directly.

Some scholarships, honors programs, and other special programs may require a transcript, even if you don’t need to submit one with your general application for admission.

 *NOTE:  The KU Honors Program no longer requires a transcript as part of their application process. Follow instructions on their website.

For other programs, check details on their website; some will allow you to upload an unofficial transcript. If they need an official transcript sent directly, see the registrar.

See the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, in the Student Services / Counseling office.

In April, each senior will complete a senior survey, which includes designation of the college they’ve decided to attend. SME will send your final transcript to that school in June.

Every college and university uses different admissions criteria. You should check the website and/or talk with an admissions rep at schools you're considering applying to.

COVID-19:  Many colleges and universities are changing---or eliminating---their testing requirements for admissions due to the impact of the coronavirus. 

However, keep in mind that schools may still require a test score to be eligible for a specific scholarship or program. It's important to check details!

Yes, if you indicated you wanted them sent to SME when you registered for the test.

If you did not mark the box to have your scores reported to SME when you registered for the test, we do not have your scores and cannot place them on your transcript (unless you later request that they be sent to us from the testing agency).

If you do NOT want your test scores on your transcript, you must request in writing to the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, that they be removed.

At your request we will remove all or none of your scores (you cannot choose to have only some scores removed).
Once they are removed they cannot be put back on your transcript.

Keep in mind that some selective schools require that you send all of your scores to them, so removing them from your transcript may not prevent them from seeing all of your scores. Check policies and requirements on the website of each school you're applying to.

• Every college has different admissions requirements. Some schools are "test-optional" and do not require any test scores, while others require all of them. Some allow students to report only their highest score in each component. It is the student’s responsibility to determine what test scores are required and whether a college or university will accept test scores that are on a transcript.

• SME will transfer your test scores from your score report onto your SME transcript. (We do not send a copy of your score report to colleges along with your transcript.)

• Each college or university determines what types of scores they consider official and what scores they will accept. Some will accept scores on a student's transcript or self-reported on the application, while others will only consider scores sent directly from ACT or College Board (for the SAT). Therefore, students must carefully check each college’s admissions web site to determine their policy.

• If the school requires scores sent directly from the testing agency (ACT or College Board, for SAT), it is the student’s responsibility to request them from ACT or College Board. This can take several weeks, so check on this early in the application process.

• Keep in mind that some selective schools require that you send all of your scores to them, so removing them from your transcript may not prevent them from seeing all of your scores.

No. If your college or university needs official AP scores you will need to have them sent directly from College Board using their Score Reporting Service.

No, many schools do not need---and do not want---letters of recommendation.

Be sure to check each school’s admissions website for specific details.

If the school does not require or suggest or allow letters, do not ask teachers or a counselor for one “just in case.” Some schools will not process your application if you submit unwanted or unnecessary materials.

Good recommendation letters that are personal and detailed require a lot of time for the writer.
If you want a good recommendation letter, you must give your teacher(s) or counselor plenty of time (a minimum of one month, not including holidays).

Check each school’s website to determine what type and how many letters you need.
Some schools are very specific about who should write your letter.

More is not necessarily better:  some schools will not process your application if you do not follow directions and send more letters than the number specified.

• Ask the teacher at least one month before your application deadline.  Be sure to ask the teacher in person or send him/her a personal email (do not just have invite them automatically through Common App).

• Allow the teacher time to think about your request, since they may have multiple requests.

• Follow up with the teacher afterward and ask what information they need from you (for example, a resume).

• Be sure to let the teacher know the method they will need to submit the recommendation (online or Common App). If you are using Common App, be sure to ask the teacher for the specific email address to use, since that is how you will request it through Common App.

• Always write your teacher a thank you note after they have submitted a recommendation for you.

The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act allows a student to see information sent to an outside institution, including colleges and universities.

You will have the ability to waive this right when you apply to colleges and universities, which means you will not be able to see any recommendations that teachers and counselors submit for you. 

A positive recommendation for a student who has waived their FERPA right carries more weight with an admissions committee. It is to your benefit to waive your right to see recommendations.

For a thorough discussion of this issue, see this article on PrepScholar.

No, most colleges and universities do not need a counselor recommendation.

Some schools ask for just one recommendation letter. In this case, it is better to ask a teacher who knows you well and can best describe your academic performance in the classroom.

1. If you are applying to a school via Common App or SendEdu:
   • You must contact the SME Registrar first, to obtain and submit a transcript release form. (Keep in mind that many colleges do not require a counselor recommendation.
      
2. You should contact the registrar a minimum of 4-6 weeks before your earliest application deadline
    
3. Next, contact your counselor directly to let them know you need a recommendation. Include the name of the school and your application deadline when you contact the counselor. After you have communicated with your counselor, invite them through your Common App or SendEdu account.
    
4. Your counselor will then send you a Google Form questionnaire. Your counselor will not begin writing your recommendation letter until after you have submitted the questionnaire.
    

5. To provide a thorough, detailed, and personal recommendation, your counselor needs to have your questionnaire submitted a minimum of one month before your earliest deadline.

• Keep in mind that it may take several days (or even weeks, during busy times), for a college or university to download and match the counselor recommendation to your application file. This must be done manually, even with transcripts sent electronically. Your application status may continue to indicate they have not yet received your transcript if they haven't yet matched it to your file (even if it has already been sent by SME). If you have questions, first check with your college's admissions department directly.

This is a document completed by your counselor that includes demographic information about SME and basic information about the student (gpa, course history, etc.), and often includes a transcript.

A school report is only required by selective schools and is often submitted via the Common App or SendEdu. 

No, only selective schools or schools that use Common App or SendEdu or have an online School Report portal require this.

Check each college’s admissions website carefully for details. If you need a School Report in order to apply to a college or university, be sure to contact your counselor at least a month before your application deadline.

This is an update to the School Report and is submitted in January, after fall grades are added to transcripts. We also report any schedule changes made after the initial school report was submitted.

The Class of 2020 profile is located here on the SME Student Services/Counseling website. (The Class of 2021 profile will be posted in fall 2021.)

You can find AP and IB course lists, ACT test score averages, and other community and school demographic background information on the profile.

You need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center as soon as possible.

There is a fee to register. If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, see your counselor for a fee waiver.

You can also use CoreCourseGPA for free to track your eligibility. Follow these steps to create an account:

1. Go to www.CoreCourseGPA.com
2. Click "Free Member Account"
3. Enter School ID and School Code
4. Fill in appropriate fields to complete registration form.

SCHOOL ID: 172473

SCHOOL CODE: 706288901

If you have additional questions about playing sports in college or NCAA eligibility, contact SME Athletic Director Debbie Katzfey, debbiekatzfey@smsd.org.

See the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, in the Student Services / Counseling Office, melanielowe@smsd.org

You'll need to sign and submit a Transcript Release Form.

See the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, in the Student Services / Counseling Office, melanielowe@smsd.org

You'll need to sign and submit a Transcript Release Form.