Mustang Central

Logging In

Desktop Login Mobile Login

Note:

• Our district code for FACTS is DLCS-TN.
• Students - ParentsWeb is for students also. Just make sure you choose "Student" when you log in.
• FACTS has released a mobile app for ParentsWeb. The app requires a $4.99 annual subscription per family.

If you run into problems, please don't hesitate to contact phil.sanders [at] lipscomb.edu.

First-time Users

1. You must have an email address entered in FACTS. This is usually done as part of the admissions process. You can only set up a FACTS account based on that email address.
2. Access Parents Web.
3. Choose the "Create New ParentsWeb Account" link.
4. Enter your email address and choose the "Create Account" button.
5. Your password information for Parents Web will be emailed to you (check your spam or trash folder if you don't see it).
6. You can use the links above for subsequent logins or bookmark the logon page in your browser. Please note that we don't recommend bookmarking any pages past the login page.

Detailed Instructions

Returning Users

1. Access Parents Web.
2. Enter your username (usually your email address) and your password.
3. Select either the Parent, Student, or Staff button.
4. Choose the Login button.

Forgotten password?

1. Access Parents Web.
2. Choose on the "Forgot Username/Password?" link.
3. Enter your email address and choose the "Reset Password" button.

Detailed Instructions

Updating Family Information in FACTS

Please note that when updating student information, each student must have a home phone number listed and the home phone number for each student in your family must be the same in order for multi-student tuition discounts to calculate properly. Please enter phone numbers in a 123-456-7890 format.

1. Access Parents Web.
2. Once logged on to Parents Web, choose on School Information on the left (it may already be open).
3. Choose Web Forms.
4. Choose on Family Demographic Form in the right pane.
5. You should see a "Student Demographic Form" link for each student in your family. Select the link, update any information and choose on the "Save" button at the bottom.
6. Choose the "Return to Main Form" button at the top to return to the list of all forms.
7. Student medical information, custodial parent information, emergency contact information, and grandparent information can all be updated in the same way.
8. Changes made in FACTS are not immediate. They must go through an approval process before the changed information is viewable in FACTS.

Please note:

• If your email address has not been entered into FACTS, you will get an error message. Please use the contact information below and be sure to include your child's name and grade level.
• If FACTS says that your password has been emailed but you do not receive it, please check your junk or spam email folder.
• Lipscomb's district code for FACTS is DLCS-TN.
• Students in grades 5-12 will be able to use their school email address to get their password.
• Your student email address must be activated before logging on to FACTS.

What Can Be Seen in FACTS?

Depending on your student's grade level, you can view various information about your child and their progress.

• Parents of all grades should be able to view student demographic information.
• Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Pre-First parents will not be able to view any grading information.
• First, Second, and Third grade parents are able to view report cards (when available) but not any grading information.
• Fourth through Twelfth grade parents should be able to view all grading information including progress reports, report cards (when available), and daily grades.
• There are times when some items are unavailable for viewing. For instance, viewing of schedules is usually turned off during the summer.

Other problems? 

• To see schedules, choose Student Information then Schedules. Select the desired child from the tabs and then choose View Schedule. This will probably work better from a computer rather than a phone.
• For other problems, please email Phil Sanders (phil.sanders [at] lipscomb.edu (subject: Parents%20Web%20Problems) (phil[dot]sanders[at]lipscomb[dot]edu)) and include the student's full name and grade level.

Lower School School PTO

An active PTO provides leadership as parents seek to support the mission of the school. Two room mothers/fathers are designated for each classroom to coordinate the efforts of all parents interested in helping with field trips, parties, and special activities. There is a grade level liaison who plans a grade level family activity each year. Moms in Prayer meet each Monday morning to pray for students, faculty and any special needs.

Parents volunteer in many ways around the school including help with the school clinic and library and events like Jump Rope for Heart and Physical Skills Day. Parents with a particular interest in supporting athletic and band programs do so through the efforts of the Mustang Athletic Club. "MAC" members staff concession booths, provide transportation, and generally encourage the students and sponsors of these programs.

Parents who would like to volunteer may contact the corresponding PTO officer, listed in the front of the Lipscomb Academy directory.

Middle School PTO

The Middle School Parent Teacher Organization provides support to teachers and administrators. Parent leadership and involvement is an integral part of success at the middle school level. Officers are appointed each year to lead this organization in concert with the overall needs of the school. PTO takes the lead in many activities including, new family connections, Purple Pals, Spirit Day and teacher luncheons. In addition, the PTO helps appoint a liaison for each classroom. These “room mothers” help coordinate grade level activities such as field trips or class parties. The PTO also provides leadership of the Eighth Grade Blessing ceremony in May of each year. All parents are encouraged to get involved in middle school. Specific information can be found in the Directory or by calling the school office.

Upper School PTO

An active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) provides leadership as parents seek to support the mission of the school. There is a grade level liaison who plans a grade level activities each year. Parents volunteer in many ways around the school including help with the chapel, sponsoring and chaperoning trips, coordinating receptions, and supporting the faculty through various means.

Parents with a particular interest in supporting athletic and band programs do so through the efforts of the Mustang Athletic Club. "MAC" members staff concession booths, provide transportation, and generally encourage the students and sponsors of these programs.

Parents who would like to volunteer may contact the corresponding PTO officer or MAC Officer, listed in the front of the Lipscomb Academy directory.

Visit the PTO website

Lower School Extended Day

The Lower School Extended Day Program is designed to provide after school care for working parents and for those who may need occasional care. Extended Day is available Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 5:30 for Pre-K through 4th grade. We offer flexible payment arrangements, including daily fees and monthly contract.

The program offers a wide variety of academic and fun filled activities, such as arts and crafts, games, homework assistance/ study hall, outdoor activities, movies and special events. A daily snack is provided only for children in Pre-K through Pre-First. All other students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack.

Our extended day staff members are experienced teachers and university students who provide a fun, loving and safe environment.

The extended day program is not available when the school is officially closed, (e.g. holidays, teacher in-service and inclement weather).

For more information about the program you may contact Cynthia Harvey at 615-966-6337 or Cynthia.harvey [at] lipscomb.edu (Cynthia[dot]harvey[at]lipscomb[dot]edu).

Information and Guidelines

Application and Contract

Health Form

For busy Lipscomb Academy families, we realize how challenging it can be to get all of your children to school on time and hassle free. The Lipscomb Academy Transportation Program offers a safe and affordable way for families to get their children to school, offering convenient and secure pick-up and drop-off locations.

For the 2021-22 academic year, the South Route is the only transportation option at this time. However, if demand for a North Route increases and a driver with a commercial drivers license is available, then the academy will consider adding a north transportation route.

South Route

• Otter Creek Church of Christ, 409 Franklin Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027
  • Pick up: Monday-Friday at 7:00 a.m.
  • Drop off: Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 3:45 p.m.; Tuesday/Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Program Cost 

• Round Trip: $120 per child, per month

If you have any questions, please email gary.waller [at] lipscomb.edu (gary[dot]waller[at]lipscomb[dot]edu). 

Pay Bus Fee

Download the health forms needed for your students.

Lower School Student Health Information

Upper School Student Health Information

Please complete the appropriate absence request form and submit two weeks prior to the date of absence.

Anticipated Absence (Parent Requested) Anticipated Absence (Student Requested)

Lower School Anticipated Student Absence

SEED School

Find resources, forms and other information for your SEED School student. Also access information about meal plans, extended day, health forms and the library among other resources under the Lower School section.

Summer Reading List

Lipscomb Academy Summer Reading Program       

Rationale:
At the Lipscomb Academy SEED School, our philosophy is that children need free time in the summer to relax and enjoy the pleasures of childhood. However, the research is clear , without practice, students lose reading skills over the summer months, especially reluctant readers, and that loss has a cumulative, long-term effect.

Goals:
We have two distinct reading goals for your child this summer. The first is to continue building their reading stamina. Reading stamina is a child's ability to focus and read independently for periods of time, depending on their age,  without being distracted or without distracting others. The second is simply to foster the love of reading.

Just Right Reading Level:
In the summer, students need to read on their independent reading level. This means they should read a book that is not "too hard" and not "too easy," but instead are "just right". One way to check for a “just right” book is to practice the Five Finger rule:

• Choose a book that you think you will enjoy.
• Read the second page.
• Hold up a finger for each word you are not sure of, or do not know.
• If there are five or more words you did not know, you should choose an easier book.

Another resource is to use a website like arbookfind.com or www.scholastic.com/bookwizard to find a book’s reading level.  

Make reading enjoyable for your children this summer:

1. Read aloud together with your child every day. Make it fun by reading outdoors on the front steps, patio, at the beach or park. Also, let your children read to you. For younger children, point out the relationship between words and sounds.

2. Set a good example! Parents must be willing to model behavior for their children. Keep lots of reading material around the house. Turn off the TV and have each person read his or her book, including mom and dad.

3. Read the same book your child is reading and discuss it. This is the way to develop habits of the mind and build capacity for thought and insight.

4. Let kids choose what they want to read, and don't turn your nose up at popular fiction. It will only discourage the reading habit.

5. Buy books on tape, especially for reluctant readers. Listen to them in the car, or turn off the TV and have the family listen to them together.

6. Take your children to the library regularly. Most libraries sponsor summer reading clubs with easy-to-reach goals for preschool and school-age children. Check the library calendar for special summer reading activities and events. Libraries also provide age appropriate lists for summer reading.

SEED School Supply List

You may purchase school supplies on your own, or you may order them directly packaged through Educational Products, Inc (EPI).

School Supply List School Supplies Order Form

Lower School Resources

Student Handbook

View the Lower School Handbook

Title IX Policy

View the Title IX Policy

Counseling

Elementary School Guidance Services

Emotional and social skills are critical to a child’s lifelong health and happiness, as well as to their success as a student. While teaching and modeling these skills begins at home, school is an important place to have these reinforced. Guidance counselor Loren Cataldo visits elementary classrooms once a week for guidance lessons.

The lessons focus on building life skills such as empathy, emotion management, problem solving, impulse control, friendship skills and bullying prevention. The Second Step (PK-2nd grade) and Steps to Respect (3rd & 4th grade) curricula were chosen for their strong research base, demonstrated results and high endorsements. Scripture is also incorporated intentionally and regularly to build these skills on the Biblical foundation of wisdom, self-control and love.

In addition to classroom guidance, individual sessions are available for students at the request of teachers and parents to address needs that are specific to the student.

Support groups offered through our Power In Numbers (PIN) program are yet another way the social and emotional needs of Lipscomb families are addressed. PIN groups provide support for those experiencing parental separation and divorce, students in need of social skills training, as well as other identified topics.

Contact Cataldo at loren.cataldo [at] lipscomb.edu (loren[dot]cataldo[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) or 615-966-6320.

Lipscomb Academy Summer Reading Program       

Lower School Summer Fiction Reading List

Lower School Summer Non-Fiction Reading List

First Grade Summer Reading List

Rationale:
At LAES, our philosophy is that children need free time in the summer to relax and enjoy the pleasures of childhood.  However, the research is clear, without practice, students lose reading skills over the summer months, especially reluctant readers, and that loss has a cumulative, long-term effect.

Goals:
We have two distinct reading goals for your child this summer. The first is to continue building their reading stamina. Reading stamina is a child's ability to focus and read independently for periods of time, depending on their age,  without being distracted or without distracting others. The second is simply to foster the love of reading.

Just Right Reading Level:
In the summer, students need to read on their independent reading level. This means they should read a book that is not "too hard" and not "too easy," but instead are "just right". One way to check for a “just right” book is to practice the Five Finger rule:

1. Choose a book that you think you will enjoy.
2. Read the second page.
3. Hold up a finger for each word you are not sure of or do not know.
4. If there are five or more words you did not know, you should choose an easier book.

Another resource is to use a website like arbookfind.com to find a book’s reading level.  

The following are a few tips to make reading enjoyable for your children this summer:

1. Read aloud together with your child every day. Make it fun by reading outdoors on the front steps, patio, at the beach or park. Also, let your children read to you. For younger children, point out the relationship between words and sounds.
2. Set a good example! Parents must be willing to model behavior for their children. Keep lots of reading material around the house. Turn off the TV and have each person read his or her book, including mom and dad.
3. Read the same book your child is reading and discuss it. This is the way to develop habits of the mind and build capacity for thought and insight.
4. Let kids choose what they want to read, and don't turn your nose up at popular fiction. It will only discourage the reading habit.
5. Buy books on tape, especially for reluctant readers. Listen to them in the car, or turn off the TV and have the family listen to them together.
6. Take your children to the library regularly. Most libraries sponsor summer reading clubs with easy-to-reach goals for preschool and school-age children. Check the library calendar for special summer reading activities and events. Libraries also provide age appropriate lists for summer reading.

Library

Visit the Lower School Library Online

Lower School Supply List

You may purchase school supplies on your own, or you may order them directly packaged through Educational Products, Inc (EPI).

School Supply List 

Lower School Summer Fiction Reading List

Lower School Summer Non-Fiction Reading List

PK3

2021 Summer Activity Ideas

Pre-Kindergarten

2021 Summer Activity Ideas

Kindergarten

June 2021 ELA June 2021 Math

 July 2021 ELA  July 2021 Math

First Grade

June 2021 ELA June 2021 Math

July 2021 ELA July 2021 Math

Second Grade

ELA and Math Combined

Third Grade

June 2021 ELA June 2021 Math

July 2021 ELA  July 2021 Math

Fourth Grade

June 2021 ELA June 2021 Math

July 2021 ELA July 2021 Math

Fifth Grade

Reading Requirements ELA and Math Combined

Middle School Resources

Student Handbook

View the Middle & Upper School Student Handbook

Title IX Policy

View the Title IX Policy

Summer Reading Lists

A key part of the growth and development for any child is finding a healthy balance between time for learning and time for rest and relaxation. Although summer is a great time for students to enjoy time with friends and family, it is important for young people to continue challenging their reading skills in order to benefit from its cumulative and long-term effects.

Our middle school teachers spend a great deal of time considering the most compelling and age-appropriate books for our students, which will both challenge their reading skills and help further their passions for stories across various genres. If you have any general questions about summer reading, please contact your child's ELA teacher for the 2021-22 academic year. 

Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eighth Grade

Middle School Supplies

School Supplies List School Supplies Order Form

Community Service Hours

Service Hours form

Library

Visit the Middle School Library Online

Upper School Resources

Library

Visit the High School Library Online

Summer Reading List

The purpose of summer reading at Lipscomb Academy is to offer opportunities for students to maintain critical reading experiences throughout the summer months. The English department strives to offer students a variety of reading experiences with a variety of scopes and themes. The choices for summer reading range from classic literary pieces to contemporary nonfiction. We hope students can find a book that opens a new world for them, and allows them to stay engaged in the learning process throughout the summer. The works chosen for each English class serve as an anchor for the school year and expose students to many different genres, characters, settings, themes, and purposes. We hope that students enjoy these reading experiences and feel equipped and excited to discuss and write about these texts when they return to school in August.

Student Handbook

View the Middle & Upper School Student Handbook

Title IX Policy

View the Title IX Policy

Program of Studies

2021-2022 Program of Studies Grades 9-12

Counseling

Guidance counseling in the high school encompasses several important aspects of high school:

• Social and Emotional support

• Class scheduling

• New student orientation

• Development of a four year plan

• Monitoring of report cards, credit recovery, and community service requirements

Students begin their high school guidance experience in eighth grade as they transition from middle school to life as a freshman. Each student receives a notebook with information that ranges from grade level expectations to instructions on the development of a resume. This notebook serves as a continual place of information for a student all through high school. Students meet with the guidance staff and work on a four year plan based on graduation requirements and student interest. Counselors meet individually with students each spring to schedule classes for the following fall.

The guidance staff is responsible for organizing and implementing the testing program in grades 9-11. Test preparation (ACT, PSAT and SAT) are also emphasized. Students are encouraged to seek help from the guidance office on any issues related to preparation for college entrance testing. The guidance office is available to meet with students and their parents based on individual concerns whether academic or emotional. Students are divided among counselors by grade level. College counseling works along with the guidance office as students begin the transition from high school to college.

College Counseling

Naviance Family Connection

Requesting Transcripts for Current Students

ACT Code: 431-655

9th Grade (Freshman Year)

• Create your four year academic plan.

• Concentrate on improving good study habits. Highlight your strengths and be supportive in areas that need improvement.

• Keep the focus on getting good grades. (All of these remain on your final transcript.)

• Build strong academic, language, mathematics and critical thinking skills by taking challenging courses at DLHS. Strengthen your vocabulary by increasing your reading.

• Browse through college literature or college search engines to get an idea of what kinds of schools may be of interest to you. Research career possibilities.

• Check out what high school courses colleges require – be proactive.

• Know NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) requirements if you want to play sports in college.

• Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) in October for practice. The PSAT is a preliminary test that will prepare you for the SAT Reasoning Test.

• Explore your extra-curricular interests.  Consider joining a school club, sport, theatrical production, or school publication.

• Meet with your college counselor to start navigating the college search process.   Discuss post-high school plans and set goals that are aligned with graduating from high school, post-secondary plans and community service.

• Learn to balance the demands of your academics, extra-curricular interests and social life. It is never too early to plan for the future!

• Begin saving money for college.

10th Grade (Sophomore Year)

• Make sure you are navigating college exploration through the Family Connection program that DLHS offers for students in grades 9-12.

• Take time to meet with your teachers outside of class if you have questions or if you are curious about other areas related to the class.  This shows you are interested in learning the material. You may need to ask these same teachers for a letter of recommendation during your senior year.

• Start obtaining information from colleges in which you have shown an interest. Check them out online. Talk to people who have been there. Good resources can be found at Collegeboard.com.

• Take the PSAT and PLAN in the fall for practice. Find ways to improve on academic areas that are keys to college success. Discuss the scores with a school counselor.

• Take NCAA-approved courses if you want to play sports in college.

• Sign up, if you have not done so already, for co-curricular activities that interests you. The level of involvement and accomplishment is most important, not the number of activities.

• Get organized – keep a record of your co-curricular involvement and volunteer work.

• Save your best work in academic courses and the arts for your academic portfolio (all year).

• Register for June SAT Subject Test in June (You will register for these in April). These are one-hour exams testing you on academic subjects that you have already completed. Among the many to choose from are biology, chemistry, foreign languages and physics. Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement. You can take SAT Subject Tests when you have successfully completed the corresponding course in high school study (B+ average or better). Talk to your teachers and counselor about which tests to take.

• Continue to research career options and consider possible college majors that will help you achieve your career goals.

• Plan now for wise use of your summer. Consider taking a summer course or participating in a special program, working or volunteering.

• During the summer, you may want to sign up for a PSAT/SAT prep course, use computer software, or do the practice tests in books designed to familiarize you with standardized tests.

11th Grade (Junior Year)

• Discuss course selections with a counselor to make sure college requirements are being met. When selecting your senior courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically.

• Take the PSAT. Your scores may qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and the National Hispanic Scholars Programs. So, even though these scores will not be used for college admission, it is still a good idea to take the PSAT. The more times you take standardized tests, the more familiar you will become with the format and the types of questions asked. If you wish to receive free information from colleges, indicate on the PSAT test answer form that you want to participate in the Student Search.

• Junior year grades are extremely important in the college admission process, because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced, upper-level courses. Grades also are used to determine scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible. So put in the extra effort and keep those grades up! Save samples of your best work for your academic portfolio (all year).

• Create your resume and keep it updated with co-curricular activities, community service and any summer jobs.

• Ask your parents for your Social Security number (required on many college applications).

• Meet with your college counselor to discuss your preliminary list of colleges. Discuss whether your initial list of colleges meets your needs and interests (academic program, size, location, cost, etc.) and whether you are considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted. You should be optimistic and realistic when applying to colleges.

• Attend a college fair to get more information about colleges on your list. Visit NACAC's National College Fairs web page www.nacacnet.org to check out the schedule for the National College Fairs and the Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs.

• Request admission literature and financial aid information from the colleges on your list. There is no charge and no obligation to obtain general information about admission and financial aid.

• Take the SAT Reasoning Test and/or the ACT in the spring. Prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT by signing up for a prep course, using computer software, or doing the SAT/ACT practice tests available in the counseling office or at bookstores. But don't spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that grades and co-curricular involvement suffer.

• Register for the May/June SAT Subject Tests. Not all SAT Subject Tests are given on every test date.

• Look into summer jobs or apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge and developing their skills and interests. Become involved in a job or internship over the summer in a field that is relevant to your career interests.

• Visit colleges, take tours, have interviews and ask questions. Make college visiting a family event. Involve your parents and siblings in every step of your application process. Choosing the right college is a tough decision; the opinions of those who know you best can provide helpful insight into which college is best for you. Do a practice interview with your counselor, teacher, employer, or a senior who has had college interviews.

• Begin preparing for the actual application process: draft application essays; collect writing samples; and assemble portfolios or audition tapes. If you are an athlete and plan on playing in college, contact the coaches at the schools to which you are applying and ask about intercollegiate and intramural sports programs and athletic scholarships.

• Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you hope to play Division I or II sports. (This form cannot be mailed until you finish your sixth semester of high school.)

12th Grade (Senior Year) Fall Semester

• Make sure you have all applications required for college admission and financial aid. Write, phone, or use the Internet to request missing information.

• Check on application and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you plan to apply. They may vary and it is essential to meet all deadlines!

• Meet with your college counselor to be sure your list includes colleges appropriate to your academic and personal record. Review your transcript and co-curricular records with your school counselor to ensure their accuracy.

• Register for the October/November SAT Reasoning Test and/or SAT Subject Tests, or September/October ACT if you still need to raise your score.

• If the colleges require recommendations, ask the appropriate people to write on your behalf. At least three weeks before the due date, ask your counselor and teachers, employers, or coaches to write letters of recommendation. Provide recommendation forms, any special instructions and a stamped, addressed business envelope to the people writing your recommendation. Be thoughtful! Write thank-you notes to those who write recommendations and keep them informed of your decisions.

• Plan visits to colleges and set up interviews (if you didn't get to them during the summer or if you want to return to a campus for a second time). Read bulletin boards and the college newspaper. Talk with current students and professors.

• Attend a regional college fair to investigate further those colleges to which you will probably apply.

• Mail applications in time to reach the colleges by the deadlines. Check with your college counselor to make sure your transcript and test scores will be sent to the colleges to which you are applying.

• If applying for early decision or early action, send in your application now. Also prepare applications for back-up schools. Remember, if you are accepted under the early decision option, you are expected to enroll at that college and to withdraw all other applications. Submit financial aid information if requested from early decision/action candidates.

• If you need financial aid, obtain a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) from your college counseling office. Check to see if the colleges to which you are applying require any other financial aid form. Register for the CSS Profile if required and obtain the college's own financial aid forms, if available.

• Keep all records, test score reports and copies of applications for admission and financial aid. Do not throw anything away until at least the end of your first year in college.

• Complete scholarship applications. You may be eligible for more scholarships than you think, so apply for as many as you can. Spring Semester

• Keep working in your classes! Grades and courses continue to count throughout the senior year. Enjoy your final year in high school, but don't catch senioritis!

• Request that your counselor send the transcript of your senior first semester grades to the colleges to which you applied.

• Parents and students, complete your income tax forms as soon as possible. You will need those figures to fill out the FAFSA. Complete and return your FAFSA as quickly as possible after January 1. Check to make sure your colleges or state does not require any other financial aid forms. If they do, consult your college counselor or contact the college's financial aid office.

• Remember to monitor your applications to be sure that all materials are sent and received on time and that they are complete. Don't procrastinate!

• Do not take rolling admission applications for granted. (Some colleges do not have application deadlines; they admit students on a continuous basis.) These schools may reach their maximum class size quickly-the earlier you apply, the more availability there may be.

• Review your college acceptances and financial aid awards. Be sure to compare financial aid packages in your decision-making process. If you are positive you will not enroll at one or more of the colleges which accepted you, please notify those colleges that you have selected another college. Keeping colleges abreast of your plans might enable those colleges to admit someone else. If you know which college you will attend, send your tuition deposit and follow all other instructions for admitted students. You must decide which offer of admission to accept by May 1 (postmark date).

• By May 1, decide on the one college that you will attend. By May 1, send in your tuition deposit to the college you will attend. Notify the other colleges that accepted you that you have selected another college.

• If your first-choice college places you on their waiting list, do not lose all hope. Some students are admitted off the waiting list. Talk with your counselor, and contact the college to let them know you are still very interested

• Take Advanced Placement examinations, if appropriate and request that your AP scores be sent to the college you will attend.

• Request that your college counselor send your final transcript to the college you will attend. Notify the college of any private scholarships or grants you will be receiving.

• Know when the payment for tuition, room and board, meal plans, etc., is due. If necessary, ask the financial aid office about a possible payment plan that will allow for you to pay in installments.

• Look for information in the mail from the college about housing, roommate(s), orientation, course selection, etc. Respond promptly to all requests from the college.

• Ease the transition into college. Accept the fact that you'll be in charge of your academic and personal life. What you do, when you do it and how things get done will be up to you. You'll have new responsibilities and challenges. Think about budgeting your time and establishing priorities. Go forth with confidence and enthusiasm, willingness to adapt and determination to succeed. College Bound

• Pack for college. Don't forget to include things that remind you of friends and family. Be prepared for the new opportunities and challenges. Have a great freshman year!

• With the process complete, move on to the next phase of your quest for higher knowledge. Robert Frost said this about ambition: "The best way out is always through."

• Enjoy the journey