College Planning
College Visits at NCHS | Posted 9/3/26
Many college representatives are scheduled to visit NCHS. Visits are posted on the school calendar and on Mrs. Ahearn's Google Classroom. Sign up for SRT visits on the bulletin board outside Mrs. Ahearn's office.
Visiting Colleges
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—now is the perfect time to start exploring your college options. Whether you're considering a large university, a small private college, a community college, or a technical school, visiting campuses in person or virtually is essential to finding the best fit. Aim to narrow your list to 3–5 schools before applications are due in the fall of senior year.
What to Do on a College Visit:
• Meet with an admissions representative
• Talk with a financial aid advisor
• Sit in on a class (general education or one in your major)
• Eat in the dining hall
• Stay overnight in a dorm (if the school allows it)
• Walk around campus to see if you feel safe and comfortable
Visiting a school is one of the most important steps in the decision-making process. If a campus feels right, trust that instinct—it probably is. If something feels off, that’s just as valuable to know. There's no better way to determine your fit than by seeing and experiencing a campus first-hand.
All juniors and seniors are allowed two college visit days per year that do not count against attendance—as long as the proper procedures are followed. These days can be used for open houses or individual campus visits. Many colleges have visit request forms on their admissions websites.
For help with college research, setting up visits, or building your college list, reach out to Mrs. Ahearn. She is happy to help you plan a meaningful visit that supports your future goals.
Application Timeline for Seniors
If you're planning to attend a four-year college, fall of senior year is application season. Most priority deadlines fall between October 1 and December 1. Be sure to know the deadlines for each college and prepare all necessary materials: application, essay, transcript, test scores, recommendation letters, and counselor forms.
Ask teachers for recommendation letters at least two weeks in advance, and include a resume and list of courses you’ve taken with them.
For seniors planning to attend a community college, applications open in mid-November and continue through March. No essay is required, and the timeline is more flexible. Whether you're pursuing an Associate Degree, certificate, or planning to transfer to a four-year school, you’ll select courses in late spring. This process will also be reviewed in your College and Career class.
SAT/ACT Testing
Although many colleges are now test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still help with admissions and scholarships. All juniors will take the SAT in April, but because this test date is late, consider registering for an earlier national test date to allow time for a possible retake.
Most students improve their score on the second attempt. For national test dates and registration, visit:
Prepare early! Use Khan Academy for free SAT prep, including a diagnostic test and customized study plan. For additional resources, such as prep books and practice exams, see Mrs. Ahearn.
Financial Aid & FAFSA
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on October 1. You must submit it on or after that date to be considered for financial aid. Plan to attend Financial Aid Night on September 29 to learn more about the process and what documents are needed.
Community college students should also complete the FAFSA starting October 1, as scholarships typically open between October and January.
For questions about the FAFSA, scholarships, or any part of the college application process, schedule an appointment with Mrs. Ahearn.
Military or Union Career Plans?
Enlisting in the Military:
If you plan to enlist, please let Mrs. Ahearn know so she can connect you with a recruiter. You must be at least 17 to speak with one. Recruiters are available during lunch or SRT.
Applying for a Union Apprenticeship:
Union programs, such as the Painters and Allied Trades District 30 (year-round) and the Illinois Laborer’s Union (first Tuesday each month), require a high school diploma. Apprenticeships range from 3 to 5 years depending on the trade.
Most unions require:
• High school diploma
• Valid driver’s license
• At least a C in two semesters of Algebra
• Letters of recommendation
• Drug test
For details on current openings and requirements, contact Mrs. Ahearn.
12 Reasons to Stay in Illinois
The following publication provides current information about each state university, while the accompanying chart presents comparative admission, cost, curricula, and other relevant information about the state universities.
12 Reasons to Stay in Illinois (PDF)
State Universities at a Glance
The following At-A-Glance charts present comparative admission, cost, curricula and other relevant information about the state universities.
2018-2019 State Universities at a Glance (PDF)
Many college representatives are scheduled to visit NCHS. Visits are posted on the school calendar and on Mrs. Ahearn's Google Classroom. Sign up for SRT visits on the bulletin board outside Mrs. Ahearn's office.
- Joliet Junior College: Sept. 15 during lunches
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: Sept. 15 during SRT
- Morrison Tech: Sept 22 during SRT
- Saint Norbert College: October 5 during lunches
- US Army: October 7 during SRT
- University of Chicago: October 13 during SRT
- Aurora University: October 19 during lunches
- Bradley University: November 10 during SRT
Visiting Colleges
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—now is the perfect time to start exploring your college options. Whether you're considering a large university, a small private college, a community college, or a technical school, visiting campuses in person or virtually is essential to finding the best fit. Aim to narrow your list to 3–5 schools before applications are due in the fall of senior year.
What to Do on a College Visit:
• Meet with an admissions representative
• Talk with a financial aid advisor
• Sit in on a class (general education or one in your major)
• Eat in the dining hall
• Stay overnight in a dorm (if the school allows it)
• Walk around campus to see if you feel safe and comfortable
Visiting a school is one of the most important steps in the decision-making process. If a campus feels right, trust that instinct—it probably is. If something feels off, that’s just as valuable to know. There's no better way to determine your fit than by seeing and experiencing a campus first-hand.
All juniors and seniors are allowed two college visit days per year that do not count against attendance—as long as the proper procedures are followed. These days can be used for open houses or individual campus visits. Many colleges have visit request forms on their admissions websites.
For help with college research, setting up visits, or building your college list, reach out to Mrs. Ahearn. She is happy to help you plan a meaningful visit that supports your future goals.
Application Timeline for Seniors
If you're planning to attend a four-year college, fall of senior year is application season. Most priority deadlines fall between October 1 and December 1. Be sure to know the deadlines for each college and prepare all necessary materials: application, essay, transcript, test scores, recommendation letters, and counselor forms.
Ask teachers for recommendation letters at least two weeks in advance, and include a resume and list of courses you’ve taken with them.
For seniors planning to attend a community college, applications open in mid-November and continue through March. No essay is required, and the timeline is more flexible. Whether you're pursuing an Associate Degree, certificate, or planning to transfer to a four-year school, you’ll select courses in late spring. This process will also be reviewed in your College and Career class.
SAT/ACT Testing
Although many colleges are now test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still help with admissions and scholarships. All juniors will take the SAT in April, but because this test date is late, consider registering for an earlier national test date to allow time for a possible retake.
Most students improve their score on the second attempt. For national test dates and registration, visit:
- collegeboard.org for SAT
- actstudent.org for ACT
Prepare early! Use Khan Academy for free SAT prep, including a diagnostic test and customized study plan. For additional resources, such as prep books and practice exams, see Mrs. Ahearn.
Financial Aid & FAFSA
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on October 1. You must submit it on or after that date to be considered for financial aid. Plan to attend Financial Aid Night on September 29 to learn more about the process and what documents are needed.
Community college students should also complete the FAFSA starting October 1, as scholarships typically open between October and January.
For questions about the FAFSA, scholarships, or any part of the college application process, schedule an appointment with Mrs. Ahearn.
Military or Union Career Plans?
Enlisting in the Military:
If you plan to enlist, please let Mrs. Ahearn know so she can connect you with a recruiter. You must be at least 17 to speak with one. Recruiters are available during lunch or SRT.
Applying for a Union Apprenticeship:
Union programs, such as the Painters and Allied Trades District 30 (year-round) and the Illinois Laborer’s Union (first Tuesday each month), require a high school diploma. Apprenticeships range from 3 to 5 years depending on the trade.
Most unions require:
• High school diploma
• Valid driver’s license
• At least a C in two semesters of Algebra
• Letters of recommendation
• Drug test
For details on current openings and requirements, contact Mrs. Ahearn.
12 Reasons to Stay in Illinois
The following publication provides current information about each state university, while the accompanying chart presents comparative admission, cost, curricula, and other relevant information about the state universities.
12 Reasons to Stay in Illinois (PDF)
State Universities at a Glance
The following At-A-Glance charts present comparative admission, cost, curricula and other relevant information about the state universities.
2018-2019 State Universities at a Glance (PDF)
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