September 20, 2012

Back to School Night

Senior Meeting

The Process Begins….

Senior meetings will begin the first week of October

Finalize college selections (before Oct. 1st ) Finish college applications Update or start an academic resume Continue looking at possible majors Go on college visits! Take the SAT/ACT Meet with college reps when they visit

College Applications

Many applications are online Print Counselor Forms online to

bring in Fill out application NEATLY Bring to Counselor Office to get

transcript, etc. We cannot send in any money! Keep a folder or file with all your info

in it Keep a calendar of deadlines! Ask teachers for recommendation

letters early

Where to Access Applications

Click on Counselor’s Corner

Click on College Applications

College Go! Week

A great time to apply September 24-28, 2012 Encourages students to

take practical steps in preparation for college

Certain colleges and universities will waive the application fee during this week!

College Application Do’s and Don’ts Keep it neat (legible) No nicknames (emails, etc) Write in pen – all in one color Complete everything Sign it! Include your money Apply online if possible Have them all done by Thanksgiving

Registering for SAT / ACT

Register for SAT online at www.collegeboard.org

Register for ACT online at www.actstudent.org

Be sure to send scores to Whiting – School Code is 153810

Be sure to send scores to colleges See Mrs. Duncan about a fee waiver if

you qualify for free-reduced lunch

COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE,BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE!

Average Community College$3,000

Average Public University$16,000

Average Private University$28,000

Elite Private College$40,000 +

Financial Aid Information

Attend Financial Aid Night at Whiting HS on January 24, 2013

Complete FAFSA online: the STUDENT and PARENT both need a PIN

PIN is the electronic signature Apply early for PIN numbers at

www.PIN.ed.gov www.FAFSA.ed.gov is the website to

complete the FAFSA online

College Quick Facts

Many families qualify for financial aid even though they think they make too much money

Colleges are in competition for students Colleges have empty seats to fill Colleges will pay for good students 90% of students attending private

colleges receive financial aid

Additional Tips

Follow up with college if you get a rejection letter

If test scores or grades are low, send in application with a letter of explanation and/or recommendation

Apply to at least one private and one public school

Scholarship Information Apply early and apply often There are many good scholarship search engines

online that are free: Scholarships.com helps you find money for

college as well as learn about the entire financial aid process.

Search Fastweb.com to find scholarships and information on financial aid, job, and internships

The more information you have, the more prepared you’ll be to plan for your future

Academic Scholarships

Most commonly thought of scholarships Usually need a good GPA or standardized test

scores, such as SAT/ACT Often related to academic performance, but can

also be given to a candidate displaying artistic or athletic excellence

Example: National Merit Scholarship qualify by taking the PSAT and receiving a high student score

If you do not qualify for an academic scholarship, don’t worry!

Student Specific Scholarships Chances are there is at least one scholarship

out there that you’re eligible for Make a list of what makes you special, and look

into the organizations, local groups, and private corporations that may have funding set aside for education

Example: Scholarships for left-handed students, students with a particular last name, tall students and students who are vegetarians

Best Buy runs a scholarship program for incoming college students interested in community service

Student Specific Scholarships

The good thing about having a unique hobby is that the awards for those hobbies may be less competitive than needs-based or more high-profile scholarships

Think about what makes you stand out, and consider contacting local organizations that fit those criteria

If you’re going into a field that is unique, look to your community for awards in that field of study you’re pursuing

Community Scholarships Scholarship providers like to

see people from their communities succeed

They often offer local scholarships available only to residents of their community

The number of students who qualify is based on location, so chances of winning local scholarships are often better

This can make local scholarships an attractive and easy option for funding your education.

Example: BP offers scholarships to children of its employees who achieve academic excellence

McDonalds offers scholarships to employees who are a high school senior and show commitment to school, work, and volunteering in their community

Other Ways to Find Local Scholarships

Local Scholarship Bulletin Morning announcements at school Scholarship Corner across from Mrs. Duncan’s

office The Counselor’s Corner website

Go to Whiting High School website Click on the “For Students” heading Select the “The Counselor’s Corner” link

Whiting High School online announcements

Counselor’s Corner

Updated Weekly!!

When to Apply Watch application deadlines

According to the National Scholarship Database, 60% of scholarship deadlines fall between February and April

Students should begin applying at least a few months prior to this, preferably between September and December

Now is the time!

Websites of Interest www.collegeboard.org

Information about SAT, SAT practice tests, SAT sign-up, links to college websites

www.act.orgInformation about ACT, ACT practice tests, ACT sign-up and more

www.learnmoreindiana.comIndiana’s own website to research colleges and careers

www.scholarships.comFree internet college scholarship search and financial aid resource

www.fastweb.comA great site for researching scholarships and getting financial aid information

Websites of Interest www.knowhow2go.org

Provides useful information by grade level to prepare for college, apply to college, what to ask on a campus visit, and much more!

www.triptocollege.orgProvides college planning timeline, figures and information about preparing and paying for college, a savings growth calculator, and information about Indiana Colleges

www.Wachovia.com/CollegeReadyOffers products and services for parents and students who need to fund a college education

www.ecampustours.comTake a virtual tour of over 1200 college campuses! A great place to start the college search process

www.indianacareerexplorer.comOnline system that helps students plan for a career through exploration of majors, occupations, and interests