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Applying for Colleges

     1. After careful research, select 3-4 colleges to apply to.  Get applications from the Career Center, online, or college admissions offices.  It is in your best interest to submit college applications before Oct. 31st.

     2. Turn in SENIOR PROFILE, PARENT BRAG sheet, "release of test scores" form and Activity List (Resume) that were mailed home this summer.  Make copies of senior resumes for teachers who will be writing your letters of recommendation.  The test score release form MUST be signed by you and your parents.

     3. At least 2-3 WEEKS AHEAD ask teachers for recommendations.  Be sure to include your social security number on all college correspondence.  Students should give the teachers a stamped college-addressed envelopes along with the recommendation requests.

     4. Complete application THOROUGHLY and neatly in blue or black ink or typed. SIGN IN INK and make a few copies.

     5. Attach check or money order for application fee made out to college.  Application material must be COMPLETE when turned in.  Nothing can be added to the application after it has been turned in to the General Office at Pioneer HS.  No partial submissions (the volume of applications makes it impossible to add something later).

     6. Turn in to GENERAL OFFICE.  First application is free. $1.00 handling fee for each additional application.  NO ENVELOPES OR STAMPS are necessary unless preprinted and provided by college.

     7. Applying online: Approximately 75% of applications submitted by Pioneer students are done on-line.  After you have completed the on-line process, print the counselor or secondary school page.  Bring the page to the General Office, just as you would a paper application.  We will process it exactly like a paper application.  You will be asked to complete an on-line form; for this you will need your student number and the address of your college admissions office.  DO NOT BRING A COPY OF YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION TO US.  (You should, however, print a copy for your own files).  If your college does not ask for a counselor page, come to the General Office and fill out an on-line form; we will send your academic records to the college.  Fee -- same as for paper applications -- see above.

     8. On-Site Admissions: Some universities have begun using an on-site admissions process. (Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan are those with which we have had experience; others may also do this).  Student takes application materials to the university (typically on a Saturday in early October) and they will give the student an admission decision that day.  If you are interested in on-site admission call the university's admissions office for details. You will need to submit your request to Pioneer at least 10 SCHOOL DAYS in advance so that we have ample time to process your records.  As with all application submissions, present your request to the General Office and be sure to let them know it is an on-site application.  You will then pick up your application materials in the Records Office when they are ready.

      9. If your college requires scores directly from ACT/SAT, YOU are responsible to arrange for your TEST SCORES to be sent DIRECTLY from ACT, SAT to your prospective colleges.  Call the college to verify.

     10. Plan on 2-3 weeks to process an application.  Your application is routed to the records office, counselor, class principal, where transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and signatures are provided as needed.  Records office then mails completed application.

     11. Submit self-addressed stamped postcard if you need to know when application was mailed from Pioneer.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE RECORDS OFFICE.

     12. Most applications will leave Pioneer within 15 working days of receipt in General Office. We will begin accepting applications on Monday, September 14, 2009.  Because of the volume of applications received in November, your applications must be turned in by NOVEMBER 6, 2009 if you want them mailed before winter break.  PLAN AHEAD to meet application deadlines.  We will accept applications after November 6, 2009, but we cannot guarantee they will be mailed before winter vacation.