College Counselor Newsletter July 2025

Posted Date: 7/28/25 (4:00 PM)

July 2025

Hello Class of 2026 and parents/guardians,

I want to share some information with you that I will continue to repeat throughout the beginning of this semester, since the information about college applications may be new to a good number of you.

I will be visiting with seniors in the first week or so of school to discuss college applications and protocols. I am also having a senior parent education night on all things involving college applications and admissions.

Applications Opening

A large majority of colleges will open their applications on August 1st. The Common App also opens on August 1st. If there are important changes to when colleges open up for applications, I will let you know.

Forms Needed for the Application Process

Counselor Recommendation Letter-

Student Brag Sheet- Certain colleges require a letter of recommendation from a counselor for admissions. UA, Auburn, UAB, Troy, Miss State, Ole Miss, UNA, South do not, just to name a few. Colleges on the Common App may. If I need to write a letter, a student needs to fill out my counselor rec letter brag sheet. It can be found here and it is on the Schoology page for Class of 2026 under College Counseling. Please make a copy, label it with your name, and share it with me.
Parent Brag Sheet- Parents have wonderful insight into their children’s lives that can add a different perspective than the student’s. I highly encourage parents to also fill out a brag sheet to help me with the counselor rec letter. The form can be found here.

Teacher Recommendation Letter

Certain colleges require teacher recommendation letters. You would not request a teacher letter until you return in August. I will review etiquette for this process once we return. But, you will offer your teacher your resume and you will fill out this form for them. Brag Sheet for Teacher Rec

College Application Workshop

Mrs. Davenport will be holding a college application workshop on August 6 in the library glass room. I will offer two sessions and can have 20 students in each. 1st session will be 9-11:30 and 2nd session will be 12:30-3:00. We will work on the Common App, applications to colleges through the college websites, and creating a resume. You must register to attend. If this day does not work, I will be holding application sessions during 5th period and I will have scheduled after school office hours. Sign up below. Thanks!

RSVP to Workshop

Transcripts for College Applications

You will need to request a transcript be sent to the colleges that you apply to. Only request a transcript be sent once you have applied there. If you apply to schools through the Common App, I will upload your transcript. If you apply through the college website, you will go to Parchment.com to request a transcript. The cost is $5 per college.

Colleges Visiting Homewood High School

This is a live document that will be updated as colleges schedule their visits. All visits will be in the library.

Link to Live Document of Colleges Visiting HHS This Fall

Upcoming Events

August 6th, 2025- College Application Workshop- Must Register Here

August 18th, 2025- 6pm-Senior Parent College Info Night- HHS-Band Room

September 7th, 2025- 1:00-4:00- NACAC College Fair BJCC

Miscellaneous

How to Write a College Essay - Wondering how to get started on your college essays? This step by step guide and this video will walk you through the process.
Create a spreadsheet of requirements and deadlines - Keep track of application deadlines, number of required recommendation letters, scholarship deadlines, portfolio requirements, etc. all in one organized spot.

Question or concerns?

Ashley Davenport, M.Ed, NCC, LPC

College Counselor

adavenport@homewood.k12.al.us

205-871-9663