Be Senior Year Ready!

1. Be Senior Year Ready! Kemberli Mayo Counselor-Intern Cape Fear High School May 2013

2. Complete the Pre-Test Quietly without speaking to anyone—if you don’t know an answer, just make an educated guess. The idea is that you will know the answer by the time we complete the Post-Test.

3. Target Audience: Current Juniors/underclassmen Delivery Method: Classroom Guidance Goal: To assist high school juniors/underclassmen in the exploration of post-secondary options. Objectives: 1.) Students will identify at least two factors that college admissions representatives look for when considering their applications. 2.) Students will identify at least two types of post-secondary options.

4. Agenda Pre Test Senior Year Checklist Post-Secondary Options Job/Career Choices College Application Process College Terminology Financing Your Education Post Test

5. Senior Year Checklist • Maintain good grades • Meet with your senior counselor- Mrs. Ayars • Sign up for scholarship/financial aid list • Visit colleges, trade schools, recruiters, job fairs, etc. • Use technology tools to keep up with test dates, scholarship deadlines, application deadlines, etc. • Sign up for SAT/ACT tests • FAFSA

6. Post Secondary Options • US Military Branches *Benefits- salary, paid training, discipline and structure, opportunities for travel, career advancement *Sign up for the ASVAB to help identify military occupations that suit your abilities. Exploration: www.todaysmilitary.com www.military.com

7. Branches of the Military • US Army/Army National Guard www.goarmy.comwww.army.mil • Marine Corps www.marines.com www.usmc.mil • Navy www.navy.com www.navy.mil • Air Force/Air Guard www.airforce.comwww.af.mil • Coast Guard www.gocoastguard.comwww.uscg.mil

8. Two Year/Trade Schools/Apprenticeships --Two year school—An educational institution that offers a two year program of study that is generally equal to the first two years of a four year undergraduate program. One example of a two year school is Fayetteville Technical Community College. --Trade School—A secondary school that offers instruction in skilled trades, also known as vocational school. Examples: ITT Tech& Miller-Motte Tech. *Make sure that the school you are considering is an accredited institution. --Apprenticeship—A paid or unpaid field-based experience with a supervising instructor where the apprentice receives job training, work experience, and technical training. Programs can last from 1-6 years.

9. *For more information about two year and/or trade schools, see your counselor (Ms. Hollingsworth/Ms. Ayars) You can also visit the following websites: www.tradeschools.com www.collegeboard.comwww.collegebound.net www.trade-school.org www.trade-schools.net *For more information about apprenticeships, see your counselor (Ms. Hollingsworth or Ms. Ayars) or visit the following websites: www.doleta.govwww.careervoyages.gov

10. Job/Career Options Go to www.bls.gov/oco/ to explore possible career options. Also consult with your counselor, parents and other loved ones to explore options that may suit your abilities, personality and skills. Local Job Postings and Career Help Employment Security Commission: https://www.ncesc.com/default.aspx Fayetteville Observer Jobs List: http://marketplace.fayobserver.com/jobs/ * It is important that you narrow down your career options before deciding to go straight to work or continue your education through trade schools, two-year college, trade school, apprenticeship or a 4 year college.

11. 4 Year College What are they looking for? • Challenging coursework—this should continue through your senior year; Admissions representatives want to see that you have taken challenging courses and that you did not “slack off” during your senior year. • GPA/Class Rank—It does make a difference! • SAT &/or ACT scores—Each college is different with regards to standardized testing requirements; Consult the individual college’s website or The College Handbook for this information. • Extra-curricular/Community Activities—More, More, More • Leadership Abilities &/or Awards/Honors • Recommendations—Ask teachers, community leaders, & church leaders and other people that can speak highly of your abilities and qualities. • Personal Statement/Essay—This is your chance to show admissions staff who you are and what you have to offer.

12. APPLICATION PROCESS • Narrow down your top college choices by researching schools and ensuring they offer programs that fit your interests. (5 is average) • Check with each college for application deadlines! • Read the application to be sure that you understand. Ask for help if you don’t! • Ask your English teacher to proofread your essay if an essay is required. • Be sure to put in transcript requests with the school a few weeks before the deadline. • Give counselors, teachers, coaches, church leaders and/or community leaders, etc. at least two weeks to complete letters of recommendations!

13. College Terminology Early Decision—Applying to a college in the early Fall. If accepted, you must attend that college and withdraw any applications sent to other schools. You will not be able to compare financial aid offers. Early Action—Applying to a college in the early Fall. You may compare admissions and financial aid offers and wait to commit to the college at a later time. Rolling Admissions—There is no set application deadline date. Deferred Admissions—An admission plan that permits you to postpone enrollment at that college for one year after acceptance to the college is offered to you Accepted—You’re in!! The college has approved you for admission, pending your high school graduation and successful completion of admission requirements. Denied—You were not admitted to the college. This school may not have been the best fit for you.

14. Wait Listed—You have not been denied or accepted. The college is waiting to make a decision regarding your application, based on confirmation received by applicants they have accepted. Wait listed applicants will be admitted as openings in the freshmen class become available. Undergraduate Student—A student that has not yet completed a Bachelor’s Degree (This would be you!) FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This must be completed to find out how much federal aid you are eligible to receive. EFC—Estimated Family Contribution. The amount students and their family are expected to contribute toward the cost of attending a college. Cost of Attendance—Includes any costs associated with attending college (tuition, fees, room and board, books, etc.)

15. Award Letter—Tells you how much financial aid your college is offering you. It includes the types and amount of aid offered. You may choose to accept some or all of what is offered. Grant—Money that is given because of financial need. This does not have to be repaid. Scholarship—Money that is awarded to you because of exceptional academic achievement, talent, skills, volunteerism, specific major, etc. This does not have to be repaid. Loan—Borrowed money that must be repaid. Work Study—Money that a student earns by working at an on-campus job. State Grant—Specific grants awarded to students who meet the state requirements. In the state of Virginia it is called the Tuition Assistance Grant.

16. FINANCIAL AID *Need-Based Aid—The majority of financial aid available falls into this category and is based on a family’s need for financial assistance. --Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges use the information from the FAFSA to develop a financial aid package to assist you in meeting your need. --The package offered to you may meet all or part of the need as computed by the FAFSA Profile. Packages offered to you by different colleges may vary, and you will want to consider all of your options carefully.

17. *No-Need Aid—Scholarships, grants, and financial aid that can be divided into two categories: Talent-Based Scholarships and Private Scholarships --Talent-Based Scholarships are usually given by the college as a reward for proven talents including academic, athletic, and artistic/musical scholarships. You have to continue to meet certain criteria each year to maintain the scholarship. Contact the college you are interested in for information regarding talent-based scholarships --Private Scholarship Programs are scholarships that are given to students by community, religious, and professional organizations. Some may have special qualification requirements or restrictions in order to be eligible to apply. You should check the eligibility requirements and stipulations carefully before applying. Ms. Ayars regularly sends out a list of scholarships. Please sign the form to be added to that list. Please print your name and e-mail address legibly to ensure that she send it to the correct address.

18. Type this link into your web browser: http://www.quia.com/pages/kemayo/page14

19. Lastly!!! Let’s explore our options!  Go to www.cfnc.org If you do not have an account, please create one. If you do log in. We will spend some time exploring this site. Choose your career/college interest: trade school, apprenticeship, 4 year college, 2 year college and/or military. Compare and contrast two schools or branches within your option.