01 OF CONTENTS TABLE 02 03 04 05 Introduction to Senior College and Career Readiness Schoolinks: Getting Started Career Exploration College Application Document Common App Documents 06 Letters of recommendation Forms
01 Introduction to Senior College and Career Readiness
Congratulations on reaching your final year at Lake Zurich High School! As you embark on this transformative journey, it is our utmost priority to ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to succeed in your future endeavors. This document serves as your comprehensive guide to College and Career Readiness, with an emphasis on strategic planning and forward-thinking, starting from the first day of your senior year. At Lake Zurich High School, we believe that the key to unlocking your potential lies in laying a strong foundation for your future. To this end, we have adopted three powerful platforms - Schoolinks, Common App, and Parchment - that will support and streamline your College and Career Readiness journey. 1. Schoolinks: Navigating the Path to Success Schoolinks is an invaluable platform that provides personalized guidance, resources, and insights tailored to your individual aspirations. It enables you to explore a wide array of career options, discover your passions, and identify the best-fit colleges or alternative paths to achieve your goals. With Schoolinks, you will gain access to: Interest and personality assessments to discover potential career paths that align with your strengths and passions. Detailed information about various colleges, including admission requirements, majors offered, campus culture, and more. A comprehensive scholarship database to explore financial aid opportunities that can ease the burden of college expenses. Tools for tracking application deadlines, scheduling campus visits, and maintaining a well-organized college application process. 2. Common App: Simplifying the College Application Process The Common App is a widely-used college application platform that streamlines the process of applying to multiple colleges and universities. By utilizing this platform, you can save valuable time and effort during the hectic college application season. Key features of the Common App include:
One centralized application form that can be submitted to over 900 participating colleges and universities. The ability to request and manage letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors directly through the platform. An integrated application fee waiver system to alleviate financial barriers for those eligible. Access to supplemental essay prompts and other application requirements for each college on your list. 3. Parchment: Securely Sending and Receiving Transcripts Parchment is a secure and efficient platform for requesting and sending official high school transcripts and other academic records to colleges, universities, and potential employers. By utilizing Parchment, you can ensure that your application materials reach their intended recipients promptly and securely. Planning for Senior Year and Beyond While these platforms are powerful tools, it's important to remember that College and Career Readiness is not a one-time event. It requires consistent effort and commitment throughout your senior year and beyond. Here are some essential steps to take, starting from your first day as a senior: Set Clear Goals: Reflect on your interests, passions, and long-term ambitions. Set clear and achievable goals for both your college and career paths. Meet with Your Counselor: Regularly meet with your school counselor to discuss your plans, review your academic progress, and ensure you are on track to meet graduation requirements. Build Your College List: Utilize Schoolinks to research colleges that align with your interests and aspirations. Consider factors such as majors, campus culture, location, and financial aid options. Prepare for Standardized Tests: If you haven't already taken college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT, plan to do so during your senior year. Consider test preparation resources to maximize your scores.
Nurture Extracurriculars: Stay engaged in extracurricular activities that align with your interests and demonstrate your leadership and involvement. Request Letters of Recommendation: Identify teachers and mentors who can provide strong letters of recommendation for your college applications. Make these requests well in advance. Work on Personal Statements: Begin crafting your personal statements and essays for college applications. Seek feedback from teachers or counselors to ensure they highlight your unique qualities. Submit Applications Early: Aim to submit college applications well before deadlines to avoid last-minute stress. Research Financial Aid Options: Explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid options to ease the burden of college expenses. Stay Organized: Utilize the platforms mentioned in this guide, along with traditional tools like calendars and planners, to stay organized and meet all deadlines. Remember, College and Career Readiness is about embracing the future with confidence, and it begins with taking intentional steps today. Lake Zurich High School is committed to supporting you every step of the way. Let us work together to shape a bright and promising future for each and every one of you.
02 Schoolinks: Getting Started
Schoolinks provides valuable resources and tools that will benefit our students in their college and career exploration. Here are some key highlights: Comprehensive College and Career Exploration: Schoolinks offers a vast database of colleges and career pathways, helping students make informed decisions about their future. Personalized Academic Planning: Students can create tailored academic plans to align their coursework with their interests, ensuring they stay on track towards their goals. Scholarship and Financial Aid Guidance: Schoolinks provides a comprehensive scholarship database and resources to help students secure funding for their education. Work-Based Learning/Internships: Schoolinks provides opportunities for students to explore work-based learning experiences and internships, connecting them with realworld professionals and industry partners to gain valuable hands-on experience in their desired career fields. Life Planning: Schoolinks supports students in developing essential life skills such as financial literacy, time management, and goal setting, empowering them to make informed decisions and plan for a successful future beyond college. College Applications: Schoolinks streamlines the college application process by providing resources, tools, and guidance to help students create compelling applications that highlight their strengths, achievements, and unique qualities. Alumni Connection: Schoolinks facilitates connections between current students and alumni, providing a network of support and mentorship. Students can learn from the experiences of successful alumni and gain valuable insights into different career paths. Enhanced College and Career Readiness: Schoolinks helps to equip students with the necessary tools and information to navigate their post-secondary options effectively.
To access Schoolinks, follow these simple steps: Visit the Schoolinks website: Log In - Schoolinks Use either the Clever button OR the login with your email address and onelogin password. To troubleshoot, please click the ‘reset password’ button if you do not know your login information. If you encounter any issues with Clever login or need assistance, please reach out to Mrs. Finn at [email protected]. Lake Zurich High School is dedicated to maximizing the benefits of Schoolinks for your college and career readiness. Our team of counselors and teachers will provide guidance and support as you explore the platform and utilize its resources effectively. We encourage you to take advantage of Schoolinks' features, engage in career exploration, and stay organized throughout your college and career planning process. Schoolinks will be instrumental in equipping you with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in your postsecondary life. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to your future success. We are excited to embark on this journey together. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a fulfilling and rewarding college and career readiness experience!
03 Career Exploration
Step-by-Step Career Exploration Using Schoolinks: Paving Your Path Beyond Lake Zurich High School Step 1: Sign Up and Access Schoolinks - Visit the Schoolinks website or app and sign up using your school credentials. - Access your Schoolinks account and navigate to the career exploration section. Step 2: Take Interest and Personality Assessments - Start by taking the interest and personality assessments provided by Schoolinks. - These assessments will help identify your strengths, preferences, and potential career paths that align with your unique qualities. Step 3: Explore Career Options - Utilize the career exploration tools on Schoolinks to explore various career options. - Dive into detailed information about job descriptions, required education, salary expectations, and growth opportunities. Step 4: Reflect on Your Interests and Passions - Reflect on the career options you've explored and assess how they align with your interests and passions. - Narrow down your list to those that resonate most with you. Step 5: Research Postsecondary Education Options - Investigate the educational requirements for your chosen career paths. - Explore different postsecondary education options, such as colleges, universities, trade schools, and certifications. Step 6: Utilize College Match Tools - Schoolinks provides college match tools that help you find institutions that align with your chosen career paths, academic interests, and preferences. - Use these tools to create a list of potential colleges that offer programs relevant to your aspirations.
Step 7: Consider Location, Size, and Campus Culture - In addition to academic programs, consider factors like the location, size, and campus culture of the colleges on your list. - Think about whether you prefer urban or rural settings, the size of the student body, and the overall atmosphere of the campus. Step 8: Attend Virtual College Fairs and Info Sessions - Take advantage of virtual college fairs and information sessions available on Schoolinks. - Attend events hosted by colleges of interest to gain valuable insights and ask questions directly to admissions representatives. Step 9: Seek Advice from Counselors and Mentors - Share your career exploration findings and college considerations with your school counselor and trusted mentors. - Seek their guidance and insights as you make important decisions about your future. Step 10: Set Clear Postsecondary Goals - Based on your career exploration and college research, set clear goals for your postsecondary plans. - Determine the academic prerequisites and extracurricular activities needed to strengthen your college applications. Step 11: Create a College Application Timeline - Work with your counselor to create a well-structured college application timeline. - Ensure you're aware of all application deadlines and necessary documents. Step 12: Review Financial Aid and Scholarship Options - Use Schoolinks to explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities. - Learn about different types of financial aid and eligibility criteria. Step 13: Monitor Your Progress - Regularly check in with your Schoolinks account to track your progress and stay on top of your goals. - Use the platform's resources to stay organized and motivated.
Step 14: Submit Applications and Make Decisions - Submit your college applications in a timely manner. - Review acceptances, financial aid packages, and other factors to make an informed decision about your postsecondary plans. Step 15: Embrace Life Beyond Lake Zurich High School - Embrace the next chapter of your life with confidence and excitement. - Utilize the decision-making skills and tools you acquired during your career exploration to navigate your postsecondary journey successfully. Remember, Schoolinks offers an invaluable array of resources and tools to help you make informed decisions about your future. By leveraging these platforms effectively, you can confidently choose the path that best aligns with your passions, interests, and aspirations, setting the stage for a fulfilling and successful life beyond Lake Zurich High School and District 95.
04 College Application Document