Students prepare for college

 

Elizabeth Zielens

Seniors are now submitting applications for Eastern Madera County local awards. The almost-70 different awards range from $250-$1000, and are not all based on a student's academic abilities.  "There are awards for every type of student," announces counselor technician Jeanne Ratchford.

 In order to apply for the awards, there is a general application packet that students must fill out.  This is available from Ratchford or on the Yosemite High School website after clicking on the "badger" symbol.  Students must also submit an officially signed and stamped current transcript, along with two letters of recommendation. 

Currently seniors are waiting for acceptance into colleges.  On December 12, parents of seniors attended a workshop.  Recently, students took a placement test for Reedley and Fresno City Colleges.

 Juniors are also being prepared for college by counselors Bob Yohn and Valinda Clevenger.  Right now, they are mainly choosing their future careers and writing letters to colleges.  Information on financial aid programs is also available from the counselors.  Federal aid programs include the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) program as well as a program from California State.  Applications for the FAFSA program are available from Ratchford.

Along with the filled-out FAFSA application, a grade point average verification form must be submitted.  All FAFSA applications are officially due by March 2.  However, according to Yohn, "The earlier the better," and the end of January would have been preferable. 

"Everybody needs some training after school," explains Clevenger.

Juniors are now exploring possibilities in vocational schools or applying for a two or four year college.