Preparing students for college is a common thread throughout all of our schools. From K-12, our students are engaged in programs that set the tone for potential college aspirations and include college visits during High School.

While college isn't right for everyone, we believe that all students should understand the opportunities that exist. For those that choose to follow the college path, we offer an award winning Dollars for Scholars program that has awarded an impressive $1 million dollars of scholarships since its inception. For those who opt for a technical route, our students have access to numerous vocational opportunities at the Southeastern Indiana Career Center.

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE,  INFORMATION BY CLASS

Freshman Year

• Learn More: learnmoreindiana.org. Freshman may begin to use this web site to help in planning their future career and education.
• Indiana Career Explorer - All freshmen have access to this online program and will utilize it throughout high school for college and career planning.

Sophomore Year

• Review high school credits earned to date.
• Begin to seek out what area the student has aptitude and a successful record.
• Begin discussion between parents and students concerning education after high school.
• Attend South Dearborn High School College Night in the fall to gather information about colleges.
• Take the PLAN (pre ACT) test at SDHS in the fall; this is a preliminary test for experience in taking college admissions tests.
• In the fall take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This is a preliminary test for experience in taking a college admissions test and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT is given at SDHS in October.

Junior Year

• Begin in-depth investigation into all the possibilities discovered during the previous year.
• In the fall retake the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This is a preliminary test for experience in taking a college admissions test and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT is given at SDHS in October.
• Compile an extensive college list identifying geographic areas, financial ranges, academic opportunities and athletic opportunities.
• Review admission requirements of different colleges as well as scholarship and financial aid plans.
• By winter and spring term the college list should be narrowed considerably.
• In the spring students should take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT (American College Testing Program). Most colleges in Indiana will accept the ACT or SAT. Students should check which test is required by the colleges they are interested in attending.
• Begin college campus visitation. Campus days will be posted on the bulletin board in the Guidance area.

Senior Year

• Obtain college admission, housing, and financial aid applications. Many colleges encourage use of on-line applications.
• The Guidance area has applications and information on most Indiana colleges, and some popular Ohio and Kentucky colleges. The college handbooks will give information on any two and four year colleges in the United States. Many colleges have online applications and encourage their use. The counselors will help obtain any other information you might need concerning your future plans.
• Submit application before Thanksgiving or as early during the senior year as possible.
• After January 1 and before March 1, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is used to apply for Federal, State, and institutional aid. Some colleges have earlier deadline dates for the FAFSA. The FAF is now a form to only collect additional, non-federal data. A few institutions will require both the FAFSA and the FAF to be completed and to be considered for financial aid. A fee is required with the FAF. A Financial Aid Workshop is hosted each January at South Dearborn High School.