Senior Packet

College Application Student Checklist

Visit the Terre Haute North Vigo High School Website (opens in a new tab)

Student To-Do List

• Keep organized with a separate college binder & calendar.
• Create a professional email address (remember your username and password).
• Register for & take SAT or ACT. Send your scores directly to colleges via the College Board SAT Portal (opens in a new tab) or the ACT Student Portal (opens in a new tab) .
• Develop a resume/information sheet.
• Ask for letters of recommendation (some schools require recommendations for admission):
  • Ask appropriate people to write on your behalf at least three weeks before the due date.
  • Ask your teachers, employers, coaches, or counselor.
• As soon as possible after its October release, complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) at the Official FAFSA Website (opens in a new tab) , along with any other financial aid applications required by your chosen schools. Submit your FAFSA® by the earliest financial aid deadline (usually early February). Refer to the official FAFSA website (opens in a new tab) for assistance.
• NCAA (Division I or II athletics only): Register at the NCAA Eligibility Center (opens in a new tab) .
• Check the THN Guidance webpage for scholarships or follow us on Instagram @THNCounselors.
• WATCH DEADLINES! PLAN AHEAD!

Sending Your Transcript

Create an account on the Parchment Transcript Service (opens in a new tab) :

1. Go to Parchment (opens in a new tab) and click the green "Order Now" button.
2. Select your school to create an account by clicking "Find an institution".
3. Enter Terre Haute North Vigo in the search box and select it when it appears.
4. In your Learner Account, enter your email. Do NOT use a school email, iCloud email, or Facebook login. Use a personal email checked daily.
5. Enter your personal information: Name, Date of Birth, Highest Level of Education (12th grade), Cell Phone, Address, and create a password. Click "Create Account & Continue."
6. Complete years attended (earliest year 2023, expected graduation year 2027).
7. Under FERPA, waive your rights and check if you want a copy stored.
8. Click Consent and Request.

Ordering Transcripts on Parchment

1. Log in to your account at Parchment (opens in a new tab) .
2. Select Terre Haute North Vigo and click Order.
3. Pick destination (school, business, organization, or person).
4. Search for the organization and select it. Verify the routing display (e.g., FROM: Terre Haute North Vigo → TO: Indiana State University).
5. Select Processing Time: Send now or Send at the end of the semester.
6. Add additional schools if needed, then click Save & Continue.
7. Review your order and click Continue.
8. Provide consent and save (no fee required). You will land on a confirmation page to track your order.

Common Application

Some schools require students to apply via the Common Application. Check your target school's admissions website or visit the Common Application Website (opens in a new tab) .

What is it?

• An online college application accepted by multiple institutions.
• Fill out your profile details once and send to multiple colleges.
• Access and update information as needed throughout the application cycle.
• Pay application fees online with a credit card or approved fee waiver.

Get to Know the Common Application

• Set up your account and familiarize yourself with each section.
• Start your Common App essay early (files are easily uploaded).
• You MUST invite your teachers on the Common App site to send recommendation letters.
• You MUST invite your counselor on the Common App site to send recommendation letters.
• All school documents (transcripts and recommendations) are sent electronically.
• Check if target colleges require supplemental questions or writing prompts.
• Note: Once submitted to a school, you cannot modify that application.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid

• Every student is required to complete the online Federal FAFSA Form. FAFSA opens October 2026 using 2025 income information for students and parents (tax returns, bank accounts, 529 savings plans, etc.).
• Review individual college financial aid webpages for specific institutional requirements.

Scholarships

• Check for institutional, local, and national scholarships.
• Search national databases:
  • Fastweb (opens in a new tab)
  • RaiseMe (opens in a new tab)
  • Scholarships.com (opens in a new tab)
  • College Board BigFuture (opens in a new tab)
  • Cappex (opens in a new tab)
  • Learn More Indiana (opens in a new tab)
• 21st Century Scholars: Complete ScholarTrack activities by May 20th. Final GPA must be 2.50 or higher with at least a Core 40 diploma.
• IU Groups: See Mrs. Kirby for details on this opportunity for minority and/or first-generation scholars.
• Updated scholarship lists are posted on the Guidance website and Instagram @THNCounselors.
• Application deadlines vary — keep track of all due dates!

College, Career Searches & Military

• For career searches and interest assessments, register on Indiana Career Explorer (opens in a new tab) .
• Explore colleges and careers at Learn More Indiana (opens in a new tab) .
• For job market entry, search listings on Indiana Career Connect (opens in a new tab) .
• Military: Recruiters visit frequently during lunch periods.

College Visits

Seniors receive TWO excused college visit days per semester. Steps to take:

1. Contact the college or university via phone or online to schedule an official appointment.
2. Have a parent/guardian notify the attendance office 24 hours prior to your visit.
3. Obtain an official confirmation letter on college letterhead during your visit confirming attendance.

Writing College Essays

The college essay showcases your individuality and creativity. Use these guidelines to make your submission stand out:

• Make it personal: Answer the prompt directly and connect it to your future goals and personal identity.
• Captivate your audience: Start with an engaging introduction that compels the reader to continue.
• Be yourself: Express your genuine voice instead of writing what you assume admissions officers want to hear.
• Accentuate the positive: Focus on personal experiences and highlight positive personal growth.
• Handle sensitive topics thoughtfully: Remain aware that readers hold diverse personal and social viewpoints.
• Seek feedback: Ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to review your draft.
• Revise continuously: Dedicate time to writing, proofreading, and refining.

Testing Information

SAT

Visit the Official SAT Website (opens in a new tab) for details.

• Register online approximately one month prior to the test date.
• Fee waivers are available through your School Counselor for eligible students (Free/Reduced Lunch or 21st Century Scholars).
• Scores are available online approximately 3 weeks post-test. Request official reports via College Board directly to target schools.

ACT

Visit the Official ACT Portal (opens in a new tab) for details.

• Registration deadline is approximately five weeks prior to the test date.
• Fee waivers are available in Guidance for eligible students.
• Guidance recommends the ACT plus Writing for first-time test takers.
• ACT includes a Science reasoning section not present on the SAT.

Other Helpful Information

• Meet with your counselor to verify your target college list aligns with your academic record.
• Review your transcript with guidance to verify coursework accuracy.
• If pursuing a Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma and/or Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma, verify all credit requirements with your counselor.

Guidance Dates for Seniors & Parents