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College Planning“Jump Start”

Your to-do list for the summer before senior

year

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Counselor Contact Information:

(A-B)> JWCordray @ wsfcs.k12.nc.us(C-Gn)> RENorris(Go-L)> Carly Youngman(M-R)> Tameka Oliphant(S-Z)> Marissa Dancy

Handouts (3):~ Scholarships 101

~ Essay-Writing Tips

~ Financial Aid/Common Terms

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What will I be doing senior year?

Calendar:Aug/Sept – Attend RHS senior meeting Fall -Fill out college applications, & request that Reagan or CFNC send transcripts to colleges and that the College Board send SAT scores to collegesOct – Attend College Day at Benton Convention Center, and take the SATJan – Attend county “Financial Aid Meeting,” and complete the FAFSA

Ongoing:Keep up with e-mail newslettersContact your counselors with questionsFill out scholarship applications

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What should I be doing this summer?

Research colleges Prep for the SAT / ACTLearn what colleges look forCreate and enhance your resume Learn about financial aid & scholarshipsWork on admissions essays

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Set Up Online Accounts and Research Colleges

www.collegeboard.com Find admissions criteria (ranges for expected GPA / Rank / SAT scores))

www.cfnc.org Apply online to NC Colleges

www.commonapp.orgApply online to numerous U.S. colleges

When considering colleges:Keep an open mind (beyond the “Ivy League!”)Consider less “popular” schools to increase scholarship chancesRecognize the benefits of community college

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Use Resources to Prepare for the SAT and ACT

(online registration opens in Aug.)

www.collegeboard.com and www.act.orgBooks for SAT/ACT prepClasses (i.e. CapEd 721-4275, Salem College 917-5459)Online test prepRead, read, read!!!

Note that SAT scores will NOT appear on your transcript. You must request that the College Board send scores to colleges (you have the “score choice” option)

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Know What Colleges Look ForColleges want to find students who:

***Show academic excellence (rigorous curriculum, GPA/rank, SAT, grades)***Demonstrate meaningful involvement in activities (clubs, sports, service, hobbies, enrichment, etc…)

ANDProject professionalism (use formal instead of familiar language, use black/blue pen instead of pencil, type instead of print when possible, etc…)

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(continued ….)

Colleges want to find students who:Are creative and originalCommunicate their ideas maturely and clearly, and advocate for themselvesPresent themselves with sincerity, rather than in trendy or “cookie-cutter” packagesCan demonstrate that they are self-aware, curious, kind, collaborative, sharp, etc …..Are known and respected by faculty

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Create and Enhance Your ResumeUse your time for productive and enriching activities, rather than for purely recreational activities.Donate your time in service to others

(volunteering is a BIG plus for scholarships!)Take a classLearn a new skillJob-shadow a career professionalGo to a “camp” or a seminar (leadership training, etc…)Find a jobTravel somewhere new and keep a journalBecome aware of current events

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Learn About Financial AidCriteria: Need-based vs. Merit-basedTypes: Scholarships, Grants, & LoansSources: Federal, State, Local, Institutional, Private OrganizationsRequired Forms:

FAFSA: Federal application for need-based aid (complete after 1-1-2014)PROFILE: Supplemental application required by some colleges for need-based aid (complete in Fall)Scholarship applications: Required for most merit-based aid

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Learn About Scholarships

Browse individual college websites for scholarships offered institutionallyBrowse websites (College Board, CFNC, etc….) for scholarships that can be used at any collegeReview the periodic “News for Seniors” e-mails that are sent during 12th grade

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Start Your College Admissions Essays

Review your college’s essay questions (be sure questions don’t change in the Fall!)Review samples of “standout” essay responses (many sources on the internet)Determine your unique qualities, experiences, perspectives, & goalsReview essay writing tips Work on rough drafts

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Priorities for Early Fall 2013Get to know your teachers/counselors for the purpose of recommendationsRequest transcripts and recommendation letters EARLY!Make a calendar/timeline of college application deadlinesVisit colleges and attend Open Houses (call admissions offices)Turn in your senior resumeDiscuss athletic options with coaches & register for NCAA Clearinghouse

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How to Access Presentation Handouts

Go to the Reagan Web PageGo to Faculty Web PagesClick on “Student Services”Click on “Randy Norris”

Handouts will be accessible there by early May.

Presentation/Handout Sources:College Board Time MagazineUNC Admissions Amherst AdmissionsCarolina Alumni Review Randolph Macon AdmissionsCollege Foundation of NC

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Q & AWhat questions do you have now?Please e-mail to let us know what would help make this process less daunting for you next year!

Stay tuned for the publication of a “Senior Handbook” that will provide detailed instructions regarding every

step of the college planning process --- available in August?