• Every senior should request a copy of their unofficial transcript when school starts so that they can check it for accuracy (grades and test scores) and use it when completing applications online.

• Pick up a transcript release form from the SME Registrar, Melanie Lowe, and return it completed with signatures (you must also obtain a parent’s signature if you are not yet 18).

• Mrs. Lowe is available in the Student Services / Counseling office from 7:00-3:00. You can also email her with questions at melanielowe@smsd.org. However, you will need to submit a transcript request in person. (See more information about transcripts below.)

• For counselor recommendations, you should see 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.    Baker Univ     Ft. Hays St.    Wichita St.     Washburn Univ.

Your transcript includes both your weighted and unweighted GPA. You can get an unofficial copy of your transcript 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).

If you have questions about your grades or GPA, contact Mrs. Lowe.

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

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

Some applications ask for your class size. This number will be available on August 13.

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 your counselor 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.

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:  

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
   
• 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 November 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. 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, you must see the registrar first.

You should see the registrar a minimum of 6-8 weeks before your earliest application deadline.

The registrar will give you a questionnaire and after you return the completed questionnaire, she will then schedule an interview appointment for you to meet with your counselor.
Your counselor will not begin writing your recommendation letter until after this meeting.

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.

• 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.

• You must see the registrar first for all transcript submission methods (mailed, electronic, or uploaded).

• If you are applying to a school via Common App or SendEdu, your counselor will upload your transcript and each college will download it only after you have submitted your application to that college.

• 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.

• For all other application methods, the registrar will send your transcript to the college or university.

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.

Some scholarships, honors programs (e.g. KU Honors Program) and other special programs do require a transcript, even if you don’t need to submit one with your general application for admission.
Check details of these programs; 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.

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 in person (not by email) at least one month before your application deadline.

• 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) and be sure you use their correct email address in 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.

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.

• See the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, first. She will give you a questionnaire to complete and when you return it, she will schedule an appointment for you to have an interview with your counselor.

• The counselor will use the questionnaire and interview to write your recommendation.

• To provide a thorough, detailed, and personal recommendation, your counselor needs to interview you a minimum of one month before your earliest deadline, so you’ll need to return the completed questionnaire to the registrar six to eight weeks before your deadline.

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 2017 profile is located here on the SME Student Services/Counseling website. (The Class of 2018 profile will be posted the fall.)

You can find AP and IB course lists, ACT & SAT 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.

Financial aid and scholarships may come from the college itself, from the federal or state government, or from outside organizations, and can be based on grades, test scores, financial need, location, demographic background, athletic ability or other talent, or some combination of those and other factors.

Aid may be in the form of grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. For more detailed information on what these are and how they differ, see the Federal Student Aid website.

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is used to determine whether a student qualifies for federal student aid.

But it is also used in many other ways by universities and other organizations when awarding financial aid and scholarships, so you should complete and submit the FAFSA even if you think your family is above the income threshold.

Read Myths About Financial Aid for more information.

• Seniors should begin working on the FAFSA now so that you’ll be ready to submit it when the form opens on October 1st. 

• There are sections to be completed by both the student and parent.

• The first step is to get an FSA ID. The online application has help available on the website.

• Information submitted is based on your family’s 2016 tax year filing. You can print this worksheet to have a preview of the questions on the FAFSA and what information you’ll need before you begin the online application.

• Each college may have a different financial aid deadline. Check here to search or contact the college(s) you are interested in attending.

• Costs vary widely and family income is only one factor used to determine financial aid eligibility. Schools use the “EFC” (Expected Family Contribution) to determine how much aid is awarded to each student.

• You can the FAFSA Forecaster for a quick estimate of how much aid you might receive before you submit your FAFSA.

• The College Scorecard is a great tool you can use to search for and compare schools, and determine how much it will cost to attend a specific college or university.

• College Cost Calculator
  It's a common misconception that everyone pays the "sticker price" for college. Use this calculator from Community America Credit Union to determine the cost you may pay based on your income level and location.

• Another great source of information will be the Financial Aid office of the school where you’re applying.

If you qualify for free/reduced lunch or have some other type of recognized financial challenge, you may be able to have one or more of your college application fees waived.

If you believe this applies to you, send your counselor an email so she can make sure to assist you before your application deadline(s).

You should always first check the Financial Aid or Scholarships website of the colleges you’re applying to.

Then use search engines that allow you to create a profile and find scholarships that match your background and qualifications. (See suggestions on the Web Resources section of this site.)

Beginning in September, you should also check the SME & Local Scholarships list frequently for information about SME and other local scholarships.

College and outside scholarship organizations use a wide variety of criteria, some alone and some in combination with others.
Check the details on a college or organization web site to determine whether you qualify.

Examples include:

• Grades

• Test scores

• Activities

• Essay

• Demographic background (geographic, ethnic, nationality)

• Gender

• College destination

• Financial means

• First generation to attend college

• Recommendation letter

• High school attended

This College Board form is similar to the FAFSA and is used by many private colleges in determining financial aid and scholarships.

Check the Financial Aid website of colleges you’re applying to in order to determine whether you need to submit the CSS Profile.