Four Year Timeline
College Applications:
A copy of your Unofficial Transcript will be uploaded to Scoir. Use it to complete college applications. Make sure you are on track to graduate.
Attend the Senior Class Meeting with your counselor. Important information related to your application process will be shared.
Attend the mandatory CRC Senior Transcript Workshops. Information on registering for this training will be shared in August.
Continue to use Scoir to narrow your list of colleges and investigate application requirements.
Meet with your counselor to discuss your college applications and recommendation letters. Give your counselor AT LEAST three weeks to complete their letter of recommendation, if it is required by your colleges.
Request a teacher recommendation(s) in person, if needed, and if you have not done so already. Give your teacher AT LEAST three weeks to complete the letter. Remember-most colleges require only one teacher recommendation, if any. Add your teacher's name in Scoir.
Meet with college representatives when they visit the CRC. This is an extremely important opportunity to meet with the person who will read your application. Register for rep visits in Scoir.
Work on your college essay.
Visit colleges in which you are interested!
Attend college fairs.
Complete Early Action, Early Decision, and Priority applications for October and November deadlines.
Send ACT/SAT scores to the colleges to which you will be applying, if you have not already reported the scores.
Final exams are in December! Budget your time well when completing college applications and studying for finals.
Once you start applying to college:
Move your college/university's tile to 'Applied' in Scoir
Fill out the Transcript Request Form. Check Scoir periodically to confirm that the Registrar has sent your requested documents.
Plan ahead for campus visits during VHHS non-attendance days.
Be aware of January application deadlines.
Financial Aid:
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is required for anyone applying for financial aid, and will be available sometime in December 2023 (the FAFSA will open in October in future years).
Parents should attend the FAFSA Completion Workshop, if they feel they need help.
Complete the CSS Profile financial aid form, if needed.
Check out our CRC website for information on financial aid.
Watch the VHHS Scholarship Workshop. Look out for the VHHS Scholarship Program.
Thank the faculty member(s) and counselor who wrote your letters of recommendation.
Continue to research and apply for scholarships. Complete VHHS Scholarship Paket.
If applicable, complete the Mid-Year Transcript Request Form.
Let the CRC and your counselor know about your college decisions as they begin to arrive. Update your Decision in Scoir.
Visit or revisit colleges, if undecided.
Investigate housing options at the schools to which you are accepted. You may deposit for housing at multiple schools, but read the fine print! You may not get a refund if you decide not to attend a college.
Once you have decided what college you will attend, email your other colleges to inform them that you will not be attending. This opens a spot for someone else!
Most importantly: Request your final transcript! Instructions will be distributed during second semester senior year.
Make your final college decision by May 1, the National Candidate Reply Date, and send in your deposit.
Take AP exams.
Graduate! CONGRATULATIONS!
Make this year count! Junior year grades are very important!
If you are college-bound, verify the admission requirements of the colleges in which you are interested to make sure you are taking the right courses!
Activate Scoir, if it isn't already. Begin to 'Follow' college and universities.
Stay involved in extracurricular activities and community service. Make an impact!
Continue to visit the CRC and use Scoir to research colleges, careers, and majors.
If you are interested in being a college athlete, attend the North Suburban Conference NCAA Eligibility Workshop.
IMPORTANT: Visit with college representatives in the CRC throughout the fall. Register in Scoir.
Ask yourself questions about your future. What should I do after high school? Where should I go to school? Where will I be admitted?
Attend College Fairs in the area.
Take advantage of long weekends or non-attendance days to visit colleges.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT. You will register at school.
Attend information sessions through the CRC.
Prepare for first semester finals.
Plan your schedule for Senior year. If you are college-bound, verify the admission requirements of the colleges in which you are interested.
Register for senior classes. Remember to take at least four core classes (English, social studies, math, science, foreign language) each semester.
Develop your testing timeline with your parents and/or counselor or college counselor and determine whether you will take a national SAT, ACT or both. You will be registered to take the state SAT in April at VHHS.
Plan for your summer.
Register for AP exams, if applicable.
Attend College Fairs.
Continue to investigate colleges in the CRC.
Familiarize yourself with the CRC.
Plan college visits for spring break and summer vacation.
Sign up for SAT subject tests if they are required by the colleges on your list.
Take the State SAT which will be offered by the state of Illinois during the school day at VHHS.
Register for the national ACT, SAT or SAT Subject Tests, if appropriate.
Visit colleges, if you haven't already.
Build your college list. Remember to include a "foundation school", a college that is a strong fit for you where you are assured admission. Complete a college search in Scoir, if you haven't already.
Request a teacher recommendation(s) in person, if needed, and if you have not done so already. Give your teacher AT LEAST three weeks to complete the letter. Remember-most colleges require only one teacher recommendation, if any.
If you plan to be a college athlete, contact coaches at the schools in which you are interested and ask about their programs and athletic scholarships.
Take the SAT and/or AP tests, if appropriate.
Narrow college choices through research, campus visits, talks with your counselor, college counselor and parents.
Get a jump-start on summer activities. Work, find an internship,volunteer, take a class.
Focus on achieving. Get good grades, refine your study skills, and work hard.
Continue your involvement in a club, sport, job, or volunteer activity that you enjoy. If you haven’t gotten involved in an organization yet, do so!
If you are interested in being a college athlete, attend the North Suburban Conference NCAA Eligibility Workshop.
Attend College Fairs in the area.
Take advantage of long weekends or non-attendance days to visit colleges.
Prepare for first semester finals.
Plan your schedule for Junior year. If you are college-bound, verify the admission requirements of the colleges in which you are interested.
Meet with your counselor to register for your Junior year classes.
Explore summer programs, courses on college campuses, work experiences, volunteer or travel opportunities.
Plan some college visits over the summer.
Register for AP exams, if applicable.
Attend college fairs.
Activate Scoir (email sent from Scoir).
Take the PSAT 10. You will register at school.
Take AP exams for courses in which you may be enrolled.
Study for finals and FINISH STRONG!
Welcome to Vernon Hills High School!
Meet your counselor.
Get to know your LST and the people who work there.
Get involved in clubs, sports or fine arts.
If you are interested, attend college fairs
Develop study skills and time management strategies
Prepare for first semester finals. Finish strong!
Plan your schedule for Sophomore year.
Meet with your counselor to register for your Sophomore year.
Start planning your summer.
Consider volunteer opportunites both at VHHS and in the community.
Stay focused! Your grades matter!
Take the PSAT 8/9. You will register at school.
Take AP exams for courses in which you may be enrolled.
Study for finals and FINISH STRONG!