CRC News

1. How can I get help with my applications? Schedule a meeting or stop in the CRC before school, during a free hour or during your lunch to ask your questions. Stop in anytime to talk with CRC staff about applications, essays and more.

2. What is the actual deadline? Unless the college states otherwise, it is 11:59 p.m. CST on the deadline day.

3. When should I actually submit my college application? When YOU are ready and sure that you’ve done a good job! (And definitely by the posted deadline.)

4. Should I wait to submit until my counselor’s forms or teacher’s letter is uploaded? No, you don’t need to wait. Your teacher and counselor have until the application deadline to complete their part. You can check the status of their letter or forms in your Common App.

5. How do I know my transcript has been sent to a Common App school? Your transcript is attached to your counselor’s School Report Form. When they submit the School Report, your transcript has been sent. You can check on completion of this step by clicking on one of your college names, and then the Recommenders and FERPA section in your Common App.

6. How do I send my transcript to a non-Common App campus? For non-Common App schools, you must order your transcript through your Parchment account. 11/1 requests should be submitted by end of day, Friday, October 25th. You can find directions on how to use Parchment in the CRC Google Classroom. Click on Classwork, then Fall 2024 Application Support, then Parchment - Directions and Reasons to Use!

7. What do colleges mean when they require 'official test scores'? This means that you must request your test score through College Board or ACT. Your application will not be complete unless your official scores are sent by the testing agency. (Not all schools require official scores; check with admission websites to be sure of requirements)

8. Do I submit each Common App application individually? Yes, you will submit each application individually on your Common App. You will review a .pdf of your application (review it carefully), pay the application fee (if required), and submit (confetti time!).

• Be sure to check (and read!) the emails you receive from colleges once you have applied.

• Remember that it takes time for colleges to download transcripts, test scores, or letters of recommendation into your file. It’s not an instant process...If you know you completed the steps, allow up to two weeks for the system to catch up.
  

• Some colleges (University of Illinois @ Urbana Champaign, for example) require a Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR) that must be completed after you submit your application. Be sure to check your email after you apply for follow-up information or additional requirement information from your campuses.
  

• After you submit your application, watch for an email from the college confirming receipt of your application, or providing a link to create your admission portal. They may also let you know if anything is missing from your file.
  

• If you are not submitting your applications, or all of your applications, by 11/1, keep chipping away at your application tasks and aim for a completion date of 11/22. Stay on track with your progress and celebrate each completed step along the way!

• Be sure to celebrate your hard work in the CRC on November 1 during all lunches! Let's Celebrate...You Clicked Submit! Class of 2025 Progress Party!

You have worked so hard on your college applications, and it is time to pause and celebrate your progress! Stop in the CRC for sweet snacks, fun photos with friends, a chance to write a thank you note or two and more fun!

Thanks to everyone who attended our financial aid information session on September 19th. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording using this link.

Jerry Cebrzynski, our presenter from Lake Forest College, also shared the slides from his presentation, which include many helpful links to support your financial aid questions.

❗❗Create your Student Aid (FSA ID) account NOW❗❗

Video walkthrough - studentaid.gov directions - studentaid account page

For more Financial Aid Resources, please bookmark our Financial Aid Newsletter.

Looking for help paying for college or trade certification? The D128 Scholarship Database contains scholarships focused on LHS students.

Scholarships Open NOW - Check the CRC Google Classroom for application information

VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition (due 10/31; awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd)

Bruce Fishkin Scholarship (due 11/10 - award amount varies)

2025 Rotary Career & Technical Educational/Vocational Scholarship ($1,500)

Stay tuned for the LHS Scholarship Program -- scholarships only for LHS seniors. Whether you plan to go to college or study a trade, there is an option for you. The LHS scholarship program will open in December.

• Attend at least ONE Rep Visit! College and military reps visit LHS to talk with YOU!
• Attend the CLC Regional College Fair on 10/17! More than 150 colleges will be at the fair and eager to meet with YOU! Info & Registration
• Explore SchooLinks! LHS has transitioned to SchooLinks from Naviance; students can access this resource to explore colleges, careers and more. Watch the Onboarding Directions again here!
• Plan to attend the Class of 2026 College Planning Night on 11/18 @ 7:00 in the LHS Auditorium.
  
• Ms. Murphy will be visiting US History classes the week of 11/11. We'll review academic progress, post-high school planning steps and complete a SchooLinks activity to help you make informed decisions about your post-LHS plans.
• Stay/get involved in a club or activity
• Read for fun (read anything! Just read!)
• Consider your testing plans. All juniors will take the ACT at school in April, but colleges accept the ACT or SAT without preference. It is up to you to decide on an appropriate testing plan and schedule your seat at available dates.
• Consider your wellness; eat well, sleep well, be well.

The CRC hosts over 100 college and military rep visits in the fall months. Visitors want to meet with YOU, and these meetings are a great way to expand or finalize your options. Check out the October schedule, sign up, and attend meetings of interest!

10/10 - DARING DAY

10/17 - Lake County Trades Career Field Trip- October 17th, Periods 2-8, Info & Registration

10/17 - CLC Regional College Fair - October 17th, 6:00 - 8:00, CLC, Info & Registration

10/22 - CLC in the CRC! Apply, ask questions and explore all of the options CLC offers.

10/24 - CLC in the CRC! Apply, ask questions and explore all of the options CLC offers.

11/1 - Senior Check-In Survey Opens

11/1 - Senior Celebration in the CRC, All Lunch Periods

11/11 --11/15: US History Classroom Visits (Ms. Murphy)

11/12 - CLC in the CRC! Apply, ask questions and explore all of the options CLC offers.

11/14 - Tour of CLC Tech Campus 4:30-7:30; no reservation required; open to Students & Families

11/18 - Class of 2026 College Planning Night, 7:00, Auditorium

11/27 - 12/01 - Thanksgiving Break

12/3 - Completing the FAFSA webinar sponsored by Coalition for College

12/4 - FAFSA Support in the CLC! (3rd-8th period) Drop-in support for Seniors & Families

• Nine reminders for Parents of High School Seniors
• Approach Senior Year with a Difference Mindset
• Getting into College with Rick Clark, (Ask Lisa parenting podcast)
• 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People (FAN event)
• Paying for College Crash Course (College Essay Guy)
• Fall CRC Resources