SAT/ACT Testing:  Students planning to attend a four year college are encouraged to take the SAT or ACT soon, so that they may retake it if necessary early in the school year.  This is to give students a chance to use the higher of the two test scores.  Colleges in Washington State will accept either test.  SAT registration and dates are at the website http://www.collegeboard.com/.  ACT registration and dates are at the website http://www.act.org/.  For colleges outside of Washington, you will need to contact that school's admissions office for the tests that they require.  U.S. News and World Report provides a website that is a good resource to assist students and parents: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/eduhome.htm.  Also, check out the Career Center and their webpage for much more detailed information.

College Visits:  Summer is a good time to visit colleges you are considering to get a real feel for what it is like to be on campus.  Call the colleges' admissions office in advance.  They welcome visits by prospective students. 

Senior Interviews:
Seniors will be asked to complete a Senior Interview  with their counselor early in the fall.  Seniors should schedule this interview as soon as they receive a notice from their counselor.  The Senior Interview is an opportunity to go over your transcript to see if you really are on track to graduate, to add classes that you will need for college or graduation, to have a lively conversation with your counselor about your hopes and dreams for your future, and to make a plan to get there!  At the same time Seniors should pick up a Scholarship Inquiry Form which is essential if students want to be considered for scholarships from MTHS.

Applications and Letters of Recommendation: 
Be thinking about this now.  You may need to write a
personal essay (or several), and help is available from your English teacher or counselor to review your essay.  There are some great books in the Career Center on essay writing as well.  

When asking for letters of recommendation, be sure to ask far in advance so that teachers have time to write something personal and meaningful.  Counselors need at least two weeks notice to write a letter.  Please, no requests the day before holidays!! The counselors have forms to help you organize your accomplishments, and those writing your letters will often find this information helpful to make the letters as personal and accurate as possible.

Community Service: 
It is not too late to think about performing some community service this summer or next school year.  Colleges are very interested to see students have demonstrated that they are willing to go "outside of themselves" to help someone else.  Most scholarships require it as well.  Community Service opportunities are available in the Career Center, or at http://www.uwsc.org.  Students can earn .34 credit for every 60 documented hours of volunteer work.  Credit must be applied for through the Career Center.  

Financial Aid Information:
See Career Center Page: http://mthsweb/StudentGuide/Career/financialaid.htm