SEPTEMBER 2025

Senior year will be a busy one filled with milestones, memorable moments, and big decisions as students plan for their post-high school future. Whatever the path forward, LEAF is prepared to assist seniors in making their career goals a reality.

LEAF is a non-profit that partners with your high school, providing career, education, and financial aid advisory services to help students and families plan for the next steps after graduation. LEAF's services are free to students and families in the schools we serve.


The LEAF Advisor at Aurora High School is Renee Morgan. Mrs. Morgan is available for one on one student, parent, or family appointments at your school between 8:00 am - 2:30 pm on Tuesdays or virtually by appointment. 


Please email Rmorgan@leaf-ohio.org for available dates and times.

Mrs. Renee Morgan

Rmorgan@leaf-ohio.org

leaf-ohio.org

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A MESSAGE FROM LEAF'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Congratulations…you have reached your senior year! It is a milestone in your education and a year of transition to achieve your career aspirations.

Whether you are going to a 4-year college, 2-year college, or will be

entering the workforce, earning a certificate or entering a trade

apprenticeship, your LEAF advisor is there for you. Your school is providing

LEAF service free of charge.


This newsletter contains information on what and how you can keep moving forward in your postsecondary pathway. Our Virtual Information Sessions are filled with information and, if you can’t attend, you can still get the slides and video from the session.


Wishing you much success in your senior year and in planning for you

future.  


Patricia G. Egan, MBA, CFRE

LEAF Executive Director

UPCOMING VIRTUAL SESSIONS FOR SENIORS

LEAF offers free Virtual Information Sessions throughout the school year covering all phases of postsecondary planning. These sessions take place on Google Meet on select Mondays. Sessions are free to attend, but pre-registration is required.

Filling Out the Common App: Walk-through & Tips Monday, September 29, 2025 (6:30-7:30 pm)

Strengthen your college applications with this walk-through of the Common App, the single application that is accepted by more than 1000 colleges and universities. 

Community College and Branch Campus Options

Monday, October 13, 2025 (6:30-7:30 pm)

A panel of local community college and branch campus admission representatives will provide information on local programs, the application process, timelines, and financial aid.

If you missed our recent session,

College Applications Tips & Timelines: Four-Year Colleges & Universities, featuring admission experts from Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University, The Ohio State University, and Ursuline College, you can email your LEAF Advisor for a copy of the presentation video and handouts.

CAREER EXPLORATION

Postsecondary planning should start with career exploration if you are still undecided about your career path. Here are four steps to get you started:

POSTSECONDARY PATHWAYS

Your career goals will drive your postsecondary plans. Some careers have a set pathway, while others have multiple options for entry into the field.

Knowing your postsecondary options and the entry requirements for each will help you make the most of your remaining time in high school as you take advantage of learning opportunities that will prepare you for your future.

COLLEGE ADMISSION

Over 1,000 colleges and universities use the Common App for application submission, making it easy to apply to multiple schools using one online form. Seniors can begin their application today by creating an account at apply.commonapp.org/createaccount.

Colleges that don’t use the Common App will post an application on their website.


Students should apply to a balanced mix of schools and should have an understanding of what colleges are looking for in their applicants, the college admission types, and the potential admission decisions.

SENIOR YEAR TIMELINE

College-bound seniors should create a detailed plan to meet all deadlines for admission, financial aid, and scholarships so that they avoid missing opportunities.


Having a plan to stay on track will help minimize stress, and make your last year of high school much more enjoyable.


Start with understanding the timeline for senior year. Reach out to your LEAF Advisor for assistance.

SCHOLARSHIP TIPS

Institutional Scholarships (free money awarded by colleges) may be awarded based on merit and/or financial need. These should be your top priority when applying for scholarships during fall of senior year since they:

  • Are high in dollar value
  • Are renewable for all four years
  • Are awarded to a large percentage of admitted students

Consideration for institutional scholarships may be based entirely on your admission application if received by the school's scholarship eligibility deadline (which can be as early as mid-October.) Sometimes a separate application, essay, interview, or video submission is required. Scholarships with a need-based component will require financial aid forms, like the FAFSA or CSS Profile.

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Research institutional scholarships on college websites under their financial aid sections. A few examples: Ohio State, Miami University, Ursuline College, & John Carroll University.

Lake County Fall College Fair 2025

Sunday, October 5, 11:30 am - 1 pm, Athletic and Fitness Center

Co-sponsored by Lakeland Community College and Lake Erie College, the Lake County Fall College Fair is held in the Athletic and Fitness Center on Lakeland Community College's campus. This annual event is free and open to the public. Students are offered the opportunity to speak with personnel from participating schools and ask questions regarding programs offered at that particular college or university. No pre-registration required.


Experience Lakeland Day

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, 9 am - noon, Health Technologies Building

Discover how Lakeland turns your potential into success. Join us for an engaging morning filled with valuable college insights, interactive program details from our expert faculty, and much more. Whether you're exploring academic pathway options or curious about campus life at a community college, this event is designed to give you a deeper look into all that Lakeland has to offer.


  • 9 - 11 a.m. | Information Fair - H-Building Atrium
  • 9:15 – 9:40 a.m. | Aquarium (Coral Reef) or Greenhouse Tour 
  • 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. | Overview of Lakeland Session (30 Min.) – Room H-134
  • 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. | How to Pay for College Session (30 Min.) – Room H-134
  • 11:00 a.m. – Noon | Program-Based Breakout Sessions and/or Dept Tours


Preregistration is encouraged; walk-ins are welcome. Register Here!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your LEAF Advisor is prepared to help you with all of your post-high school planning needs. Look for Financial Aid Nights presented by LEAF at your high school in the weeks ahead. Keep an eye out for our Senior E-Newsletters each month with timely information to keep you on track as you plan for your future.


Check your mailbox for LEAF's 2025-26 Resource Guide to Pathway Success, a 20-page guide to help you navigate postsecondary choices, understand the admission and financial aid processes, and find scholarship opportunities.


Learn more about our services for high schoolers at leaf-ohio.org

2025-26 E-NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Thank you to our 2025-26 University Partners, Lakeland Community College and Ursuline College, and to all of our 2025-26 sponsors for supporting LEAF's important work.

Auburn Career Center

Cardinal Credit Union

Huntington Learning Center

Lake Erie College