College Planning 101

1. College Planning 101 What we should be doing SENIOR YEAR to prepare for after high school…

2. Who is my School Counselor? Last names: • A – F Mr. Sam Jacks • G – O Mrs. Lyndsey Donnell • P – Z Mrs. Kelly Hicks

3. KHS Counseling Office Information • The best way to stay informed during senior year is to join the School Counseling Fusion page: --Visit http://karnshs.knoxschools.org --Click “School Counseling” link on left side of page --Click “Join this FusionPage” on top right corner of page. • You will now receive an email every time the page is updated with new information. **Scholarship Bulletin will be updated here monthly!**

4. English- 4 credits Math- 4 credits (Alg I, Geom, Alg II, and advanced math) Science- 3 credits (Bio, Chem or Physics, and 1 additional) Social Studies- W.Hist/W.Geog/ Anc History 1 credit US Govt .5 credit US History 1 credit Economics .5 credit Personal Fin. .5 credit Wellness/P.E.- 1.5 credits (1/2 PE credit can be earned through marching band, ROTC, and/or athletics) Elective Focus- 3 credits (must be focused pathway) **Foreign Language 2 credits **Fine Art 1 credit **The foreign language and fine art credits may be waived for students not intending to attend a 4-year college or university. However, these credits are required to meet college entrance requirements.** High School Graduation Requirements

5. GPA • Knox County high schools maintain two cumulative GPAs for students. One is based on a four-point scale: A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1, F-0. It is noted on the transcript as the TN Lottery GPA. On this scale, students completing an AP course will have 5 points added to the final class average. Students completing an Honors course will have 3 points added to final average. • The second cumulative GPA will be calculated using weighted quality points. It is noted on the transcript as the Knox County Weighted GPA. AP/IB and core dual enrollment courses will receive additional weight as follows: A-5, B-4, C-3, D-2, F-0. In addition, an Honors course recognized by the Knox County School System will be weighted as follows: A-4.5, B-3.5, C-2.5, D-1.5, F-0.

6. The ACT is a standardized test taken to measure your college-readiness. Your score may mean admission to the college of your choice and scholarship money. You must register to take the ACT online at www.act.org. The KHS school code is 431-108. The ACT costs $35 (or $50 with the Writing test). 2013-2014 Test Dates Sept 21 Oct 26 Dec 14 Feb 8 Apr 12 Jun 14 **All tests have a registration deadline about 3 weeks prior to the test date.** ACT

7. College admissions test typically used by more highly selective colleges/universities Register online at www.collegeboard.com The SAT costs $50. 2012-2013 Test Dates October 5 November 2 December 7 **Registration deadlines are approximately one month prior to test date.** SAT

8. Where should I go to school? • Get Online! • Consider what your looking for: --Location --Size --Academics --Cost • Realistically evaluate your options. • Take college visits. • Narrow your choices

9. Where should I go to school? Types of Post-Secondary Schools • Colleges – generally smaller in size and offer 4 and some 2-year degrees • Universities – usually larger institutions with 2-year, 4-year, graduate and professional degrees. • Community/Junior Colleges – smaller colleges offering 2-year Associate degrees. Many students attend local community colleges with the intent to transfer to a larger institution to further their education. • Vocational/Career Schools – specialized schools of training for specialized trade jobs. Programs vary in length and there may be a waiting list to enroll. Upon completion, graduates receive a license or certificate.

10. How do I apply? • Visit college website to determine how to apply (most applications are done online). • Pay attention to deadlines!! College application deadlines are non-negotiable. • There will be an application fee. • Request transcript (high school grades and test scores) from Counseling Office after you have completed application.

11. What do Colleges Consider • GPA • ACT Score (or SAT) • High School Courses • Extracurricular Activities • College Essay (not required by all) • Recommendations (not required by all)

12. I need a Letter of Recommendation • Choose the school professional (teacher, counselor or coach) that knows you best: • Complete the Senior Brag Sheet and make copies • Provide teacher/counselor with Senior Brag Sheet or resume and instructions for where to send letter with stamped envelope if necessary. • Allow teacher/counselor 2 weeks to complete letter of recommendation.

13. TRANSCRIPTS What is it? • Your transcript is a report of all high school grades, test scores, GPA & decile How do I get it? • Official copies must be requested in writing in the Counseling Office. See the Transcript Request Form attached. Transcripts cost $3 after the first one requested. Official copies will be sealed and sent to the college or scholarship company. • You may request an unofficial copy for your records.

14. Campus Visit • KHS allows seniors two college visit days that will count as excused absences. • The process: • Schedule campus tour with college • Pick up College Visit form in KHS office one week prior to visit. • Fill out and have administrator approve and sign. • Take form to college rep for signature. • Return form to attendance to get absence excused.

15. Student Athletes • Students interested in playing sports on the college level will need to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at: http://eligibilitycenter.org. • NCAA has its own set of high school course requirements and GPA/ACT a student must meet to be eligible to play with an NCAA school.

16. How do I pay for college? • FAFSA • Hope Scholarship (TN Lottery Scholarship) • Financial Aid • Scholarships • Loans

17. How do I pay for college? FAFSA • Free Application for Federal Student Aid • Online application available at: www.fafsa.gov • Must be completed and filed online before you can receive any financial aid or scholarship money. • Will be available Jan 1, 2014.

18. How do I pay for college? HOPE Scholarship • The FAFSA is the application • Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program, visit: www.collegepaystn.com • The Hope Scholarship requires a 3.0 unweighted GPA OR an ACT composite score of 21.

19. How do I pay for college? Financial Aid • The information provided on the FAFSA will determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid. • FAFSA is essentially a 1040 line-item referenced financial aid statement.

20. How do I pay for college? Scholarships • Every college offers their own scholarships and has their own parameters. Make sure you are filling out appropriate paperwork and meeting deadlines. • KHS Scholarship Bulletin published monthly and posted on Counseling Fusion page. • Helpful search engines: www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com, www.tn.gov. • Do NOT pay for scholarship information! It’s a scam!!

21. How do I pay for college? Loans • Stafford Subsidized Loan – A subsidized low interest loan offered in conjunction with private lenders. Interest and principal are deferred for periods of at least half time enrollment. • Stafford Unsubsidized Loan –A low interest loan available to students not eligible to borrow any or all of the subsidized Stafford Loan. Interest must be paid by the student or capitalized during the school period. • Perkins Loan – A federal low interest loan, offered by the college as the lender, based on the availability of funds. • PLUS Loan – Parent loan to undergraduate students.

22. Upcoming Dates KHS College & Career Planning-Take Two – Thursday, September 12, 2013 --Presentations from area college and career schools Knox County College Fair – Tuesday, October 1, 2013 --Seniors, with parent permission, will be bused from KHS during school day KHS College & Career Planning-Take Three – Thursday, November 12, 2013 --Financial aid information presented by TSAC representative