SENIOR YEAR – the final steps towards college!

Finish strong & don’tdevelop this well-known,

infectious disease!

Your RMHS senior “go-to” people & sites!JaNeal Hale, Counselor (A-Le)Lisa Sweet, Counselor (Li-Z)

Available by appointment. Also available for walk-ins during 4th and 5th lunch periods for those quick questions.

Janine Willis, career center/scholarship specialist (best in the district!!)

Get her weekly updates by going to Career Center in our Advisors page and signing up for her newsfeed AND/ORGo to our Advisors page and click on Remind101 to receive text message updates.

EXPLORE!

Explore your interests/skills/work values!Go to: www.mpsaz.kuder.com.

Login formula is as follows – 1) user name – type in st and 6 digit school ID or first initial, middle initial, full last name & 2 digit day you were born, i.e., jtsmith15 2)

password – type in 6 digit school ID.

Through Navigator, students can learn the following:

What they are good at and enjoy doing Career clusters/occupations based upon the above Educational training required Where to find that educational training

Other ways to explore interests/skills/work values:Job shadowingVolunteering/Working

Education after high school costs – time, $$ and focus.

Many students enter college unsure of what they want to do and look at college as a way to explore. This becomes a very expensive form of career exploration. Explore now!

Another recommended exploration tool/site:

Big Future by CollegeBoard:

Go to https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ Amazing collection of college/career planning tools!

Through Navigator or Big Future, explore the educational programs that match up with your career interests – they may involve a 1 year training program, a 2 year associates degree, a bachelors degree or more. This will also determine where you go to school, i.e., community college, tech school, 4-year university, etc.

Explore the job outlook when you research career areas. It’s important to know where the jobs will and will not be when you’re an adult.

4 year

4 year course of study leading to bachelor’s degree.

Minimum admissions requirements:Online applicationSAT/ACTTranscript

2 + 2

2 years @ community college leading to AA degree in general studies. Students will then transfer those credits to the 4 year university to complete the bachelor’s degree.

No special admissions criteria for community college – no SAT/ACT required, no minimum grades, etc. Student will enroll @ comm. college & meet with advisor to plan classes.

1-3 year training program

Taken through a community college, tech school or apprenticeship program. This will result in a specific certification or associate’s degree, i.e., certification as veterinary assistant or AAS degree in welding.

What’s your plan?

3. Get College ReadyExplore!

Use the same sites to begin to explore colleges. Navigator and Big Future both contain tools that allow you to specify criteria you may want to consider in your college search

•Location (Urban, Suburban, Rural)•Distance •Academic Rigor•Size•Extra-curricular (i.e. athletics)•Field of Study/Major•Financial Aid

Explore!

• Go while school is in session• Students-take notice• Bring a notebook and/or a camera• No more than two a day• Eat in the café if possible….• See a FRESHMAN dorm• See the music/athletic facilities if applicable…• Look for anything else that will be important to

you

VISIT COLLEGES

Get College Ready

Get InMaricopa Community Colleges

You can be admitted to a community college with your high school diploma. You do not need to take the ACT or SAT. A placement test will determine which classes you will enroll in.

Available programs can lead to:

• Certificate, i.e., certified nursing assistant• Associate’s degree in a particular discipline, i.e., dental hygiene• Associate’s degree in general studies (transfer degree) – will allow student to transfer coursework to the 4-year university to complete a bachelors degree, i.e., elementary education

Get InAZ University Admission Requirements For admission directly from high school

Required course competencies:• 4 English• 4 Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 & an advanced

math such as Trig, Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Calculus)

• 3 Science• 2 Social Studies• 2 World Language (same)

One or more of the following:Top 25% of class

3.0 min. competency GPA (unweighted and based upon grades in courses listed above)

ACT of 22 and/or SAT of 1040

Get InCompetitive and/or out-of-state

universities MAY require:• AP & Honors Classes• Additional Academics• Additional Fine Arts• Additional World Language• Additional Tests, i.e., SAT Subject

Tests• Letters of Recommendation

Tip: Become familiar ASAP with the admissions requirements of the school(s) you’re considering.

What Colleges Consider For Admission

• Completed online application

• Transcript • Test Results• Extracurricular

activities• Recommendations• Essay(s)

Get In

TRANSCRIPT

109

Name: Rufus D. LionID #: 654321

Class rank: based upon GPA from completion of 17 courses.

Service Learning: 150+ hours required for Honor for Excellence diploma seal/transcript notation.

Graduation Requirements:1. 22 credits2. Meets/exceeds in

AIMS subject areas.

3. Completed ECAP

Cumulative GPA: GPA based upon how you’ve done in ALL classes.

Sending your transcript to a university:1. Visit Mrs. Hoopes,

our asst. registrar, to request that it be sent to specific school(s) OR

2. Have it sent electronically via www.parchment.com

TRANSCRIPTYou’ll initially forward your transcript when you apply to college (fall of 12th grade) then once more after you graduate from RMHS (a mid-year transcript may also be required by certain colleges).

The SAT and ACT are exams that are one component of admission into most four-year universities across the country. Universities consider your performance on the SAT and/or ACT one predictor of how you may do academically in college.

Universities will take whichever is your best score, meaning you can take them both and more than once. Students generally make some improvements upon retake.

Many universities don’t require/consider the writing portion of these exams. For example, ASU requires a combined math/reading score of 1040 out of 1600 . It is, however, automatically a part of the SAT and is an optional part of the ACT. It is generally a good idea, however, to take/do your best on the writing portion as some universities, scholarship programs and college programs will take a look at this score.

SAT Quick Facts:Frequency: 7 times/yearDuration: 3 hours, 45 minutesSections: math, critical reading, writing (optional)Aptitude-based - looks at your critical thinking skillsCost: $50Max. Score: 800 per sectionAvg. Scores: math – 516, critical reading – 501, writing - 492

ACT Quick Facts:Frequency: 6 times/yearDuration: 3 hours, 3½ hours including essaySections: English, math, reading, science, writingAchievement-based - looks at the skills you’ve learned in schoolCost: $34 - $49.50Max. Score: 36Avg. Score: 21

SAT Subject TestsThe Why and What

WHY: Many selective schools and honors/scholarship programs require you take at least one or more SAT Subject Tests. Check ASAP with the admissions department of your top schools to learn more about their requirements. If a school to which you wish to apply requires SAT Subject test scores, register ASAP via College Board. You will not take the SAT and the SAT subject tests on the same day – they are separate and require separate registration dates.

WHAT: SAT Subject Tests are one hour tests that focus on specific academic subjects. The best part about the Subject Tests is that in many cases you get to choose which ones you'll take, so you should pick the ones where you're strongest.

What specifically do the SAT Subject Tests test?It depends on the test. There are 5 content areas–Math, History, Literature, Science, and Languages. There are multiple tests in every content area except Literature.

How are the SAT Subject Tests scored?Each Subject Test is scored on a scale of 200–800.

SAT/ACT: WHEN TO TAKE AND HOW TO PREPTake ASAP if you haven’t yet!Register online at the SAT/ACT sites – links located on the RMHS Advisors page

Tools to Prep:

SAT Prep Seminar:Red Mountain HS Sept. 27 9am-3pmDobson HS Oct. 4 9am-3pmSkyline HS Oct. 4 9am-3pmTo register for a seminar, go to www.prepforthefuture.comOnline practice questions/tests available on the SAT/ACT sites. Many free/low-cost smartphone apps availablePrep books available @ library/bookstoresSoftware programs availableTest prep classes available through companies such as Princeton Review & Kaplan

Grab your calendar ASAP and plan when you will:

* Practice * Take shortened exams * Sit for as many full-length exams as you can!

Extracurricular Activities It’s never too late to get involved

at school and/or in your community!

Join something in which you’d grow, enjoy and that shows others your passions.

Look for leadership opportunities, i.e., club officer positions, youth group leader, programs such as Boys’ & Girls’ State

Service Learning

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Colleges & scholarship programs often ask for recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality. You should generally have 2 letters from teachers and one other from a volunteer supervisor/youth pastor/coach/employer. Some applications may also require a school counselor letter of recommendation.Look for adults whom you’ve known well for 6+ months or more.

ESSAYSOften required as part of admission to universities/specific college programs.

May be required as part of your college application. Often required for scholarships and honors program applications.

Your essay reveals something important about you that your grades and test scores can't—your personality. It can give admission officers a sense of who you are, as well as showcasing your writing skills.

Topics may include overcoming an obstacle, discussing a special accomplishment or your own personal story.

Go to College Board’s Big Future for some great tips on writing your essay. Work with your English teacher to review your essay.

Early Admissions: Deadline typically by November 1st of senior yearEarly admissions means early answer plus the possibility of additional perks depending upon university, i.e., priority housing/orientation.

Two types of early admissions – Early action – non-binding: you can choose whether or not to attend that school.Early decision – binding: if you’re accepted, you must attend that school. Typically used by more selective colleges.

When it’s a good idea to apply early:You know where you want to goYou’re a strong candidate (selective schools may accept a higher % of applicants during the early admissions window).When it’s not a good idea to apply early:You unsure about where you want to go.You’d benefit from another semester to showcase improvements in SAT/ACT scores, GPA, class rank, activities, etc.

Regular Admissions: Deadline typically around February 1st of senior year

Reply Date: May 1st of senior yearMake your decision by or prior to this date, submit enrollment deposits.

ADMISSIONS:

COMMON APP

5. Get Money ReadyCollege is generally paid for by:

* Private funds, i.e., the Bank of Parents/Relatives

* Grants – based upon financial need

* Loans

* Work-Study

* Scholarships

Colleges typically report their financial data to College Board. This becomes a valuable tool for you to learn about college costs!

The cost of attending a college minus the average amount of gift aid that a student at that school receives from the college and the government

Financial Need = Cost of Attendance minus Estimated Family Contribution. Your financial aid package may include a combo of scholarships, grants, loans and work study. Get an idea of the amount of financial need typically met by various schools.

Your family’s financial information is analyzed using the federal need formula.

You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which shows the expected family contribution (EFC). Your EFC is an indicator of your family’s financial strength. It is sent to your state scholarship agency as well as to the colleges you listed on the FAFSA. They use this number to determine your financial aid award.

You’ll receive an award letter showing your “financial package,” which may consist of scholarships, grants, loans and work study. You can decline all or part of it.

You’ll need to report information about private scholarships you’ve been awarded to the university’s financial aid office. Your financial aid award may then be adjusted.

AFTER THE FAFSA IS FILED

Dear Rufus D. Lion,

We have reviewed your financial aid application for the upcoming academic year 2013-2014 and are pleased to make the following offer of financial assistance:Your financial aid information was based on the following information:Cost of Attendance (COA)Tuition and Fees $31,400Room and Board $ 8,500Books and Supplies $ 1,000Personal Expenses $ 2,500Transportation $ 600Total Cost of Attendance (COA) $44,000Expected Family Contribution (EFC) $ 5,468Calculated Financial Need $38,532To assist in covering your calculated financial need, you are offered the following financial assistance:

Fall Spring TotalPaws & Claws University Grant $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $20,000ABC Restricted Scholarship $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $10,000Subsidized Stafford Loan $ 1,750 $ 1,750 $ 3,500Federal Work Study $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 3,000Total Awards $ 18,250 $18,250 $36,500

SAMPLE FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER

Get the facts about college costs by going to: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/college-costs/understanding-college-costs

Look into types of aid that could help you cover college costs. Start by reading 7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid, located at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-101/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-financial-aid.

Learning More…Attend tonight’s presentation, called “Beating the High Cost of College,” presented by Mr. Ryon Frische.

Attend Red Mountain’s Financial Aid Night in January.

TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS

CollegeLocal

StateNational

Organize Your Space

Create paper and file management systems so that you can keep track of all the documents, essays, brochures, scholarship applications, et al.

Create an online file management system through Dropbox or Google Drive since most applications are done online now.

Organize your TimeSet aside a block of time every day or week that you can dedicate to the college & scholarship application process. Think of it as a part-time job (that costs you money).

Set up a good calendar system where you can set goals and get reminders for upcoming deadlines.

PREPARING TO APPLY TOCOLLEGES & FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

GET ORGANIZED!

THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

COLLEGES CONSIDER

• Student Record/Transcript

• Strength of Schedule

• Scores (SAT/ACT/Optional?)

STUDENTS CONSIDER • Location/Distance

• Size

• Extra-curricular (i.e. athletics)

• Field of Study/Major

Fall ’14

Letters of rec – give 2-3 wks notice.Write/hone essays.

Consider financial aid award packages.Accept/Enrollment deposit

Explore college search sites & indiv. college sites.Attend college presenta-tions.Visit colleges.Take/retake SAT/ACT.Scholarship search all year!

Complete FAFSA by February.

Early admissions period through Nov. 1st

Regular admissions period from Nov.1st through spring (check deadlines)

Spring ’15