Everything You Need to KnowEverything You Need to KnowEverything You Need to DoEverything You Need to Do
(Most information taken from (Most information taken from Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists for High Schoolfor High School by Valerie Pierce with by Valerie Pierce with
Cheryl Rilly)Cheryl Rilly)
• Discovering and Choosing the Right Post-Secondary Education Choice for You
• Testing• Finding and Choosing the Right School
– Campus Visits• Applying for College
– The Application, Teacher Recommendations, the Resume, the Essay
• Applying for Financial Aid– Scholarships– FAFSA
• BASIC NOTE: KEEP COPIES OF EVERYTHING!
• Entering the Workforce• Statistics show that typically, students who enter the
workforce directly will earn less in their lifetimes than their peers who obtain some type of training/skill or further education. See http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/moneymatters/a/edandearnings.htm
• Job Apprenticeship• Centuries old, this program allows students to train while on
the job, earning money. After obtaining more certification, earning power rises. See Handout
• Visit www.moapprenticeships.com
• Choose from various branches:– Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard for
each branch, Coast Guard, ?• Advantages
– Bills are taken care of while in the service– Obtain funding for college education following service
• Disadvantages– Postponing education– May get sent to war
• Technical Schools– Career School which help you to obtain specific
skills– Usually done with degree more quickly –
anywhere from 1 to 3 years– Usually move at a quicker pace– More hands-on; less “book” and lecture-type
classes– In Missouri: DeVry, Linn Tech, Cosmetology
Schools, Etc.
• 2-Year Colleges– Obtain Associates Degree
• 4-Year Colleges– Obtain Bachelor’s Degree– Can also obtain Master’s, Specialist’s and
Doctorate
Handout on Colleges and Schools in MO
• Compass Testing– Used for those entering any community college
– Free
– May be set up at the nearest community college; may be used at any community college.
– Used as a placement test for classes
– May still take the ACT test toward end of community college; scores may look better to go into 4-year college of choice
• ACT Testing (Handout of dates, codes, costs)– Given 6 times a year– May be taken here at WHS or in Sedalia– Measures: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Optional
Writing.– May take with Writing Portion or Without – most MO schools do
not require the writing section– May register on-line using credit card or on paper– If Free or Reduced lunch, student may use a fee waiver two times
• Preparing for the Test– Booklet– On-line preparation– Workshops– Books in library
• College search sites match colleges to your interests and abilities– www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/tools/cpq/
coquiz.htm– www.collegebaord.org– www.petersons.com– www.collegereview.com
• Choosing the right school for you – not you and your high school friends• If you do, just remember that sometimes, rooming
together can ruin a frienship.
• Academics:– What do you want to study?– Do you want a specific major or liberal arts degree?– Does your area of study require specific facilities?
• Size– Large student body or small?– 100 students in class or 30?
• Location and Distance– Where do you want to live?– Big city? Small town?– Beach? Mountains?– In state? (cheaper tuition) Out of state? (more expensive)– Stay at home? Close to home? Move far away?
• You– More comfortable in a structured class or focused enough for
independent study? – Academically challenged or not?
• Extra-curriculars and Sports– What activities do you want to participate in outside the
classroom? – Do you want to join a sorority or fraternity?– Do you want to play a sport? Does it have to be Bowl Game-
bound every year?• Reputation
– Do you want to go to a “party” school?– Or one that is more selective?
• Money– What’s affordable?– If you rely on student loans, is a more expensive school worth it?
• Check into the following publications:– US News and World Report: America’s Best Colleges– Newsweek: How To Get Into College
• Pricey Schools – Don’t count them out– Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – the
amount of tuition your family is expected to pay- stays roughly the same
– Schools want a diverse population, and to get that, they may be willing to help you.
– If you total your federal aid, scholarships and work-study programs, your student loan may be the same as a less expensive school.
• By this time, if possible, seniors should have narrowed down to three choices:– A first-choice school– A second-choice school– A school you KNOW you will be accepted to
• Picking the right one:– Make those campus visits and check the “fit”– See what financial package each is willing to offer– Handout on Choosing the Right School
The Campus VisitThe Campus Visit
• Set up an appointment with an advisor by calling the admissions office of the college you want to visit.
• Take a tour with a student guide.• Some colleges offer overnight dorm experiences to get a
real feel for the school; determine if this is something you want to do.
• If allowed, sit in on classes, meet with professors and coaches, visit the department of your chosen major.
• Check to see if they have a specific day set aside where all high school students are invited to explore the campus. Many times, they’ll have special activities.
Some Tips from College StudentsSome Tips from College Students
• “Tours of campus can provide a reality check.”• “College is a whole lifestyle and you’re not going to experience
it on a two-hour tour. Plan on spending one or two nights with a student at the college. If it’s Tuesday night and there’s a lot of partying going on, are you going to be able to study?”
• “Visit the school. Visit the town. Visit the stores. Visit the people.
• “Don’t wait until August to visit. The place can be a ghost town!”
• “Lose your parents at some point. Walk around campus by yourself. They’re not coming to school with you.”
• “Trust your gut. If you don’t feel right, it’s not the school for you.
WHS Rules for Campus VisitsWHS Rules for Campus Visits
• Set up your campus visit. If you need help doing this, see the counselor.
• Parents are encouraged to go with the student.• Once the visit is set, fill out and turn in the top portion of
the campus visit form to the office at least one week ahead of time.
• Take the bottom portion of the form with you. When visiting with an advisor or professor, have him/her sign your form to show that you were there.
• Bring that portion back to the office to verify you made the visit.
• Seniors are allowed 2 days for College Visits. Any extra are parent requests.
• (Handouts for Campus Visits – form and questions)
Applying to SchoolsApplying to Schools
• Once you have narrowed down your choices, begin applying.• Application fees range from $25 to $75, so choose wisely. (If
you have free or reduced lunches, you may ask the counselor for a fee waiver letter.)
• Read applications carefully and follow them to the letter! Omitted or incorrect information will cause your application to be returned.– Deadline admissions: applications are sent in by deadline
and only then does the school begin the process.– Rolling admissions: applications are accepted or rejected
when they arrive. Most large state schools use this process. The schools get choosier as they get closer to the deadline date. APPLYING EARLY IS VITAL!
– Out-of-State may have different deadlines – check carefully.
More on Applying…More on Applying…
• Most schools have THEIR scholarship deadlines by December 1st. Be sure to apply for that school and its scholarships by that date.
• “It’s easier than it used to be.” Most schools have on-line applications on their websites, as well as downloadable forms. You can also use the common application for many schools. See www.commonapp.org. Some are even free.
• Once you have applied, you will need to fill out a transcript request form for me so I can send a transcript to your school.
• Double-check with me within a few days to make sure I’ve sent it, then check with the college in a few more days to make sure it was received. Sometimes, they disappear on their end, believe it or not.
Admission TricksAdmission Tricks
• The college that everyone at your school wants to go to will be harder to get into. They only take so many – they like diversity.
• Colleges give points for geographical diversity (state and rural/urban), being related to alumni, and ethnicity. Consider schools in various locations and don’t forget schools family members may have attended.
• If you don’t need financial aid, let them know. It may help your chances.
• If you really want to get in, offer to do a face-to-face interview and talk to professors in your desired major.
More Tricks…More Tricks…
• Colleges are more likely to accept you if your major is an “under-enrolled” area. Ask how your choice of major affects your chances.
• Stand OUT! Colleges give extra points for talent and athletic ability. Let them know what you can do. And market yourself – send a sample of your work.
• Choose at least one safety school in the bunch.• Call every school you’ve applied to and make sure your
application has been received and is complete. If anything is missing, get it to them pronto.
• Send a thank you note after interviews, visits or if an admissions officer has been extremely helpful. You’ll get your name in front of them again.
More TricksMore Tricks
• Didn’t make the cut? Find out what community college that school uses as a “feeder school”. Do your 2 years of core curriculum there and you’ll be able to transfer. It’s a great way to save money.
• NOTE: If you choose a community college and you intend to go on, be sure to either choose a 4-year university which has an articulation agreement with that cc, OR be double-checking all along the way to see which courses will transfer to the college of your choice. You don’t want to waste your time or your money on courses that won’t transfer!!
Last Set of TricksLast Set of Tricks
• Apply Early Decision ONLY to your first choice school – applying ED is like adding 100 points to your SAT score. Just remember that it is binding if you do this.
• If you know alumni from the college – a relative, employer, volunteer supervisor – ask them to write a letter of recommendation for you.
• FOLLOW UP ON EVERYTHING!
How To Get Good How To Get Good RecommendationsRecommendations
• Select teachers who know you well.• Give each teacher a copy of your resume and a
personal statement of your goals. Include the colleges you are applying to and why you chose them. You can do the same for scholarship applications which require teacher recommendations.
• Include any necessary forms as well as a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Include the deadline!
• Ask early…before everyone else does. Do a polite follow-up to make sure the letter was completed and sent.
Teacher Recs.Teacher Recs.
• Follow instructions. If a school requests a letter from a language teacher, don’t substitute. If they want 2 letters, don’t send 3.
• Send thank you notes! Hand-written, no emails! Teachers eat that stuff up! And they save them too. Cause it’s sweet. And makes them feel good.
• Ask the teacher (who likes you) to save that letter. You may need another one down the road for another application, and with word processing, it’s easy to switch a few words around to make it fit the criteria.
The ResumeThe Resume
• Where to use it: – applying for jobs and internships, attaching to
scholarships (unless not specifically allowed), college applications, those writing recommendations for you
• What to include:– Personal Info – name, address, phone, email– Scholastic Info – h.s., class rank, GPA, test scores– Academic Achievements – honor roll, awards, tutoring
or mentoring roles, Honors/Weighted classes, college credit classes
– Computer Skills – programs you know, skills (web site design, programming, etc.)
The Resume (cont.)The Resume (cont.)
• What else to include:– Workshops, camps, programs, special classes– Work experiences, internships– Club involvement – school, community, church– Special Interests – hobbies, pursuits– Volunteer Work – on-going and one-time events– Athletic participation and achievements– Leadership Roles – holding office in class, sports,
clubs; taking initiative or responsibility for projects and committees; leadership camp participation
The EssayThe Essay
• Yes! There’s a reason your English teacher made you write all those essays! To get a life and get money!!!!
• Once you’ve written one, save it in case another app comes along that asks for something similar. You can always tweak it and revamp it.
• This is your chance to show them YOU and your personality outside of the numbers.
• (See Handout on Essay Do’s and Don’ts)
Early Decision/Early ActionEarly Decision/Early Action
• Early Decision is an option offered by some schools. Simply, you must apply early and you find out early if you’re accepted. Early Decision can lessen your senior year load, but it has its pitfalls.
– It’s binding. If they accept you, you’ve got to go to that school. So make sure it’s your first choice.
– You can’t compare financial aid packages. And they may not feel generous to you because you are committed.
• Early Action works the same way, but it’s non-binding. Check to see if they offer it.
• Don’t slack off on regular applications to other schools.
Tips from College Students in Tips from College Students in Making the Final DecisionMaking the Final Decision
• “A&M had my friends but SWT had the majors I was interested in. It was hard, but I left my friends. It’s been a good choice. I couldn’t be happier.”
• “I always thought I wanted a small school, but my mom made me apply to a large university too. That’s where I ended up. I love the environment, the diversity, and all the experiences that go with it. College is more than books.”
• “Don’t choose a college to be close to your boyfriend. I fell out of love with him AND the college.”
• “Look at the freshmen support services, especially if you’re an athlete. You’re not going to have the time other students have to figure out everything.
More TipsMore Tips
• “Everyone thinks it’s good to go away. But I missed home. I missed the place that I had hated my entire life. I came back. It’s been a great experience.”
• “Both of my sisters went here. I just followed them. I’ll always wonder how happy I could have been someplace else.”
• “Look for an environment with things to do outside of school.”• “This school’s in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere and it’s
the most fabulous four years I could imagine. On campus and off, everyone feels like ‘family’.”
• “I didn’t make a decision. I just went where my friends went. It was SO big. I felt SO lost. Great school – but not for me.”
• “Listen to your heart. Pick a college that fits YOU.”
The Community College EdgeThe Community College Edge
• Offer Advantages: flexibility in terms of time, money, and type of degree you can obtain – 2 year associates, certification, or simply taking core classes close to home.– Yearly tuition at CC is usually less than ½ what it costs at
4-year institutions. Plus, if you have A+, you can use it.– SATs and ACTs are not necessarily considered. You will
take a Compass test to see what math and English classes you should take.
– Classes are at various times during the day, evenings, and weekends. And many have on-line courses.
• NOTE: Not all classes transfer. Look for 4-year schools that include articulation agreements!
Tech Schools/Career SchoolsTech Schools/Career Schools
• If you are on the fast track to get done, and you have a passion for a particular job you know you want, this may be for you.
• Every course you take will be related to the field or industry that you intend as your career.
• It can be fast – 12 months to 4 years, depending on the type of degree or certification needed.
• You are “plugged in” to your field – to latest trends and technology, as well as job contacts.
Various Careers at Tech and Various Careers at Tech and Career SchoolsCareer Schools
• 3-D Animation• Architectural Drafting• Art• Aviation• Broadcasting• Business• Computer Aided Drafting• Computer Information Systems• Culinary Arts• Dental Hygiene• Digital Media• Fashion Design• Building Trades• Machine Tool• Automotive
• Film• Golf• Graphic Design• Hospitality Management• Interior Design• Legal Administration• Nursing• Personal Trainer• Photography• Recording Arts• Show Production• Acting/Theater• Turf Management• Video Game Design• Large Machine Operations• Childcare Careers
FINALLY…Financial AideFINALLY…Financial AideThe BasicsThe Basics
• (See Handout for Terms)• There is some type of financial aide available to every
student; filling out the FAFSA is key.• Financial Aid packages vary from college to college
and depend on family circumstances, a student’s abilities and talents, and how each FAO interprets a student’s needs.
• The amount your family is expected to pay (EFC) stays roughly the same at expensive schools as at cheaper schools. It’s the aid package that is adjustable.
• Financial forms do not reflect family circumstances that may limit your ability to pay (i.e. medical expenses). You can talk to your FAO directly and have your EFC adjusted.
More BasicsMore Basics
• Don’t put family assets in a student’s name. Student’s money is always assessed at a higher rate.
• You can negotiate. Be a deal broker.• You’ll pay more at out-of-state. Base tuition is usually doubled. • Aid packages can change from year to year.• Money Moves –
– Your income is the central figure – some elect to ‘lower’ their income by controlling one-time or unusual income.
– Colleges base their packages on the calendar year beginning Jan 1 of junior year and Dec 31 of senior year. Any money moves need to be done before or after that base period.
More BasicsMore Basics
• Financial Aid is a “First Come, First Served” basis• Wait too late and the coffers will be empty.• Since FAFSA relies on numbers from parents’
1040 income tax form, you’ll want to complete return as quickly as possible. You will need to get your taxes done quickly too.
• You can begin FAFSA as of Jan 1.• You will want to get your FAFSA pin number at
least one month ahead of time.
FAFSA explainedFAFSA explained
• The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You will go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Do NOT go to fafsa.com. They will try to make you pay, but it doesn’t cost anything.
• To get your pin, which you will do first, go to www.pin.ed.gov. This is how you set up an account with fafsa; this is also your “signature.”
• Once you have filed, it takes 3-5 days to process. Then your SAR (Student Aid Report) will become available to the school of your choice 1 business day after the process date. Then you can start talking packages.
More FAFSA and Other FormsMore FAFSA and Other Forms
• Why You Don’t Want to Avoid Filling Out the FAFSA– Some scholarships and grants will disqualify you if you haven’t sent
in your FAFSA.– Many student employment situations won’t consider you if you don’t
apply.• CSS/Profile
– Some schools require this.– They each have a priority filing date.– Go to www.collegeboard.com.
• Special Applications– Some schools require their own financial aid forms.– Call the college fin. aid dept. to get apps and deadlines
FAFSA ForecasterFAFSA Forecaster
• You can get an idea right now about how much federal aid you might be eligible for.
• Have necessary documents in hand…yours and your parents:– Social Security numbers– W-2 forms; other records of income received– 2010 tax returns– Untaxed income records (IRA deductions, child support,
etc.)– Current bank statements– Business mortgages; business and farm records; stock,
bond and other investment records• Go to http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov/• Fill out information needed and it will give you an idea about
what kind of aid you will be eligible for.
Aid PackagesAid Packages
• Comparing Aid Packages– Same amounts do not equal packages meet (if one is
primarily scholarships and another one is loans)– Use the “Compare Aid Awards” tools at
www.collegeboard.com• Appealing Aid Packages
– Explain to the 1st school of choice that another school has made a better offer
– If extenuating family circumstances, explain. (medical bills, divorce, loss of job, etc.)
– Don’t lie. The FAO will want supporting evidence for any claim you make, including a copy of the other school’s aid package.
Financial Aid TipsFinancial Aid Tips
• Don’t wait to get an acceptance letter to apply for aid.
• College financial aid deadlines are different, and usually earlier, than federal and state deadlines. Check these carefully.
• Early decision could mean early deadlines. Check with the FAO.
• Even if you don’t qualify for federal aid, you may qualify for state aid. States are more generous than the fed gov. (I think we knew this already!)
More Financial Aid TipsMore Financial Aid Tips
• WATCH those scholarship deadlines and requirements CAREFULLY! Missing one or having an incomplete application will jeopardize your eligibility.
• Empty spaces on your financial aid forms will count as errors and cause delays. Enter ‘0’ in lines that don’t apply.
• Call the financial aid offices to confirm your application has been received and is complete.
• Correct errors immediately. They slow down the process which can limit your aid.
And One More Page of TipsAnd One More Page of Tips
• Keep copies of EVERYTHING!!!! You’ll need them if your forms get lost or to correct errors.
• Ask your parents to call the Human Resources Dept where they work. Sometimes, companies will pay some of the tuition for employees’ children.
• NOTE: All males must register with Selective Service by their 18th birthday. Not registering will disqualify you from receiving federal aid. You can register on the FAFSA form, or go to: www.sss.gov.
Scholarships – Scholarships – Where To Find Them and Where To Find Them and
How Students Hear About ThemHow Students Hear About Them• National Databases and Local scholarships that
come to our school• Both are available on Counselor’s Corner on H.S.
website. Go there and click on links.• Students will also find local, state, national
scholarship information no less than bi-weekly from me on paper in their advisories.
• Email (once emails are loaded into a mass email)• School-Reach• (See Handout of Scholarship Websites)
Senioritis – Not Your New Spanish Senioritis – Not Your New Spanish Teacher!Teacher!
• (From the Latin meaning “time to party.”)• A condition that affects 12th graders who believe
they can coast through the last year of high school.
• Symptoms include falling GPA’s, lower class rank, missed opportunities.
• Rare cases have resulted in grades so low, accepting colleges have reversed their decision.
• Prescribed cure? Continued reality checks and acting in one’s own best interest
More Tips from College StudentsMore Tips from College Students
• “I just felt like I didn’t need any more hard work. The worst part was that it continued into my first semester at college – not a good thing.”
• “If you’re thinking about dropping academic classes listed on your application, think again. Colleges DO review your senior records.”
Parents – Let Them Grow UpParents – Let Them Grow Up
• Allow your student to make the phone calls to set up campus visits and get information.
• Allow your student to ask for scholarship information.
• Encourage, motivate, push if you have to – but make them do it.
• Colleges and scholarship committees recognize that it may not be as polished, but the student’s enthusiasm and interest count more.
For Your Younger OnesFor Your Younger Ones
• Start making lists now of activities, leadership roles, awards, etc. when they are freshmen, sophomores, juniors.
• Start looking at colleges and scholarships sophomore and junior years that you might be eligible for.
RemindersReminders
• Don’t forget our College Fair on Monday, October 3rd from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Location to be announced.
• If there is enough need and interest, we will host a Financial Aid Night in January to go over more specifics about the FAFSA and how to complete it.
