Featured in this issue
We always welcome reader feedback. You can share comments with Dr. Patrick Sassen, Director of Educational Services ([email protected]).
In The News
College Board Kills Subject Tests and SAT Essay
Schools Worth a Look
Belmont University - Nashville, Tennessee
Belmont University is a mid-size private liberal arts college with approximately 6,300 undergraduate students. The campus sits on 93 picturesque acres that are located just two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, a dynamic and vibrant hub for government, healthcare, music, tourism and more. A private, four-year university, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service.The acceptance rate at Belmont is 84% with an average ACT score range of 24 to 29. Popular majors include: Music Management, Art-Entertainment-Media Management, Nursing, Music, Recording Arts Technician, Business, and Communications.
Saint Louis University - St. Louis, Missouri
Saint Louis University (SLU) is a mid-size private Jesuit research university with approximately 8,000 undergraduate students. SLU is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. SLU accepts nearly 60% of its applicants with an average accepted ACT score range of 25 to 30. Popular majors include: PreMed, Nursing, Biology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Aviation Science and Psychology.
West Virginia University - Morgantown, West Virginia
West Virginia University is a large public research university with approximately 21,000 undergraduate students at its Morgantown campus. WVU is known for its strong academic programs, a fun and relaxed school atmosphere, and a student body that is school spirited. WVU accepts about 84% of its applicants with an average accepted ACT score range of 21 to 27. Popular majors include: Liberal Arts/Humanities, Journalism, Psychology, Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, Business and Exercise Physiology.
University of South Carolina - Columbia, South Carolina
University of South Carolina is a large flagship research institution with approximately 27,000 undergraduate students. The campus is beautiful, the school spirit is tremendous, and the weather is excellent. USC accepts about 69% of its applicants with an average accepted ACT score range from 25 to 30. Popular majors include: Finance, Marketing, Business, Exercise Physiology, Biology, Public Health and Management Sciences/Information Systems. 
Nuts and Bolts
Attention Seniors

Decision Day
May 1st is recognized as the National Response Day, or Decision Day. For our college bound students, it is the date to commit to the college or university they will be attending in the fall. Students typically need to sign a form and submit a deposit in order to accept the offer of admission.  For students who have been awarded financial aid, there may be additional documents to sign in order to secure the funds they have been offered.

At LFHS, we use this Decision Day to recognize all of our seniors, and give them this day as a way to celebrate their post high school plans, whether that is to attend college, enter the workforce, take a gap year, or enlist in military service. Since May 1st falls on a Saturday this year, plans are being made for celebrations during the week of May 3rd. More details to follow!

Sending Final Transcripts
Counselors will meet with their seniors on May 5th during PLT time to assist seniors with year end preparations. Through the completion of a senior survey, students will declare which college they are attending and therefore, where to send their final high school transcript. There are no additional forms to complete to request the senior final transcript.

FAFSA Completion or Waiver Form
The State of Illinois is now requiring families of seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or a waiver form. If families will not be filing the FAFSA, please click here to access the waiver form. Either the FAFSA or this form must be completed prior to graduation. If you will be completing the waiver, please return that form to Gail Moesta, [email protected].
Attention Juniors

College Planning Meetings
Counselors are meeting with juniors and their parents throughout the months of March, April and May to discuss their post high school plans. During this individual meeting, counselors will review and add to the student’s list of safety, target and reach schools, along with discussing a timeline for application completion.

Standardized Testing
During the spring semester, most juniors focus on taking standardized tests to include as part of their college applications. Colleges will accept either the ACT or SAT test, they do not have a preference between the two. Last year, many colleges shifted to a test-optional policy, in response to the difficulty that many students faced in trying to complete an ACT or SAT test. We expect to see that trend continue this year. Test optional means a college does not require a standardized test to be considered for admission, but a college will review a test score if a student chooses to send one. Please use this link for additional information.

College Essays
When completing college applications, many schools require an essay as a way to learn more about an applicant. The essay can reveal something new about a student, or it can expand upon an activity, event or achievement that is noted elsewhere in the application. Because the essay allows a student to use their voice and communicate more about themselves, it can sometimes be a daunting task getting started and knowing what to write about. Getting a start on this during the summer months is a great use of time, when students typically have less on their plate, and can focus on crafting a solid essay without other distractions. Please consider signing up for the Common App Workshop, held July 12-14. Students will spend time starting their Common Application and working on their application essays. Registration details can be found with the summer school information on the LFHS website.
Attention Freshmen/Sophomores

Focus on these items to make the most of your high school experience, and to prepare you for your post-secondary plans:
  • Take the PSAT 9/10 at LFHS in April
  • Create reasonable and attainable academic personal goals for next year
  • Make plans for summer: part-time work or volunteering.  
  • Work towards leadership positions in the service and extracurricular activities you like best.