WCHS BAND SPACE

Seniors! Many colleges and universities have early application deadlines coming up in the next month or so. Please make sure you are checking the websites of your colleges of choice to find out the requirements and deadlines. Early application is very helpful because you can apply, receive information about acceptance, and register before the majority of the students who will be incoming freshmen next year. Many of the best classes fill up fast, so you should try to get accepted early!!!

Attention Seniors!

Did you know that taking the SAT and/or ACT early can help you prepare for your college applications as well as help you manage your fall schedule? It is TRUE! You need to check out testing dates, registration, and testing information early. Double-check all of your testing dates in relationship to the fall marching calendar. Please rembmer that the SAT/ACT are not excused absences. In the words of a fellow band director (to his seniors), "Some of you un-intelligently signed up for your college entrance exams. Here's the phone number where you can pay an additional fee to change your registration..." DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!!!!

In addition, you should research your college(s) of choice in advance to find out the early application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, scholarship information, and more! Some colleges require the SAT while others require the ACT. Check with your college(s) before you register for the exams.

Check out these helpful websites:
http://www.collegeboard.com ACT, SAT, University and College Search Engine with links to all school websites.
***NOTE*** It appears that December 1 is the next testing day that will be open (i.e. no festivals). Check with Miss Trent and register now!
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov Government forms for financial aid. You must fill out the FAFSA to get any scholarship you qualify for outside of WCHS.
http://www.fastweb.com Scholarship Search Engine. Register for FastWeb. You might be surprised how many scholarships are available to you!

LINKS TO SELECT UNIVERSITIES AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES
http://www.asu.edu My personal favorite - Arizona State University - GO DEVILS!
There is a specific scholarship application (not on FastWeb) for ASU. Fill it out early!
http://www.arizona.edu "That other school" - The University of Arizona
http://www.nau.edu Go Jacks!
http://www.gcu.edu Go 'Lopes!
http://www.maricopa.edu Links to all community colleges in the area. Click "Visit a College" to find out more!
Glendale Community College (Mr. Humbert) is the closest community college with a band and music program.
Mesa Community College (Mr. Hunter) also offers a fine band and music program.

Letters of Recommendation
If you would like to request a letter of recommendation for a specific scholarship or college application, please submit the following to Miss Trent IN ADVANCE:
1. Personal "Brag" Sheet - This is similar to a resume in an informal setting. Please list all school activities, academics, awards, community activities, sports, church events, community service, and any other pertinent information in a nice neat format. Make sure that you - the student - complete this brag sheet :)
2. One Copy of the Completed Application - Please submit a copy of the application you have completed (or a print version if you submitted your application online). Include all requirements for the letter!!!
3. The address where the letter should be mailed - It is important to submit the address when you request the letter so that the school can send it to the proper location by the deadline. If you do not submit an address, it is likely that you will not receive your letter. All letters will be mailed directly to the institution or committee for which you are applying. Letters will not be given to students or parents before or after the application process.
4. DEADLINE DATE - Please be sure to let Miss Trent know when the letter must be RECEIVED by the organization. Please request your letters at least three weeks in advance to allow time for composition and shipping.

It is very important that all seniors begin the college application process in the Fall of their senior year. Many colleges have application deadlines during the fall semester. Apply early, register for classes early, and be ready early! It pays off - sometimes literally! $$$