GHS Class of 2010 Juniors’ Parents and Students

1. GHS Class of 2010 Juniors’ Parents and Students College & Career Preparation Presentation Tues Oct 28 & Wed Nov 5, 2008

2. www.actstudent.org • National test sites - 6 Saturday’s yearly • Dates offered & deadlines for registration • GHS code is 142-015 (also known as SAT/CEEB/HS code) • Option to indicate up to 4 colleges to send scores free at ACT registration - or pay later • Most colleges take best scores from multiple testing dates • Test practice available at actstudent.org • Apply “test-optional” with interview & writing sample method at some institutions

3. Prairie State Achievement Exam • 2-day test - Wed/Thur April 22 & 23 • Wed - ACT - 5 sub tests - English, Reading, Math, Science, Writing (Writing optional @ national sites) • ACT composite - average of first 4 sub tests • Thur - 3 sub tests - ISBE-developed science test, WorkKeys reading for information, & WK Applied Mathematics • Possible senior privileges

4. PSAE Continued • The 2-day test is required for an Illinois public high school diploma - no charge • Students are automatically registered by GHS • Taking the ACT at a national test site is optional & in addition to the required PSAE • Students may indicate college, career, & degree choices to assist with college selection • Optional ACT prep workshops are listed on the GHS counseling web site

5. Illinois State Scholars • Based on a mathematical formula determined by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) • Combination of ACT composite & high school class rank after 6 semesters • ISAC determines the State Scholar recipients • Not a monetary award

6. NCAA • National Collegiate Athletic Association • Clearinghouse link available on the GHS counseling site - $60 to apply • Request that the GHS counseling office send your 6th semester transcript in the fall of your senior year to the NCAA clearinghouse • Request that ACT send scores to NCAA

7. Collegezone.com • This is a reputable site for ALL your needs • Career, college, & financial aid planning • Illinois mentor • Financial aid - fastweb.com

8. Transcripts • Request your 6th semester be sent for college applications in the fall - except BHC requires 8th sem. only (in June) • Some colleges require a 7th semester update in January • Students make requests in the guidance office that transcripts be sent • Signature required & stamped envelope

9. Common Application? • This method is used by some colleges. • The student and counselor send everything electronically. • Students send an email message to their counselor asking to have the information (including transcript) sent electronically. • The college’s online application will indicate if you need to use this method. By using this method students do not need to sign off on a transcript request or provide any postage.

10. Grade Point Average & Rank • Rank in class is determined by GPA & may change after each semester • For acceptance to some colleges, the higher the rank, the lower the ACT may be and the higher the ACT, the lower the rank may be • Colleges may rescind their acceptance based on senior year grades and course changes/drops • BHC - top 10% - possible free tuition

11. College Requirements • Meeting or exceeding minimum college requirements does not guarantee admittance • May need more courses in math, science, social studies, fine arts, & foreign language • Acceptance to a college does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program at all colleges

12. College Selection Procedure • Narrow down choices - use the web & make college visits - take a tour - Make an appointment to talk to the professors & students pursuing your same field of interest - Stay overnight in dorm • Use “List of ?’s to ask reps” - (on our web site) • Open house/Discover/Preview Days • Research colleges’ requirements & procedures… GPA, rank, personal statement, placement tests, auditions, “college-specific” scholarships • Guarantee 4yr BA degree plan? • Guarantee tuition &/or room & board freeze?

13. A Good “Fit” for You • Campus location (rural/urban) • Size - overall population & class size • Same ACT/Intellect - be challenged but not overwhelmed • Strong program for your major/degree? • Career planning office? • Resume assistance? • % job placement for your profession? • % graduate program placement ? Where?

14. College Application Continued • Application fee sometimes waived for making a campus tour with qualifying GPA/Rank- ASK! • Fee may be waived or reduced for submitting application online - online may be required • Print “counselor page” & bring to GHS counselor • Print hard copies to keep for your records • Be certain your complete name appears on every page… application & essay • GPA/Rank requirements may increase after early application deadlines • Possible perks for early application

15. Transfer Credits • Check web sites at WIU, NIU, etc… for “transfer students” tab then click on the Black Hawk Community College link • Ask your advisor about 2 + 2 program • Credits may/may not be accepted depending on your chosen degree • Acceptance depends on achievement at prior college, not ACT or high school GPA

16. Tuition • Often “Pay by the hour” • Most classes are 3 hour classes, lab classes 4 • Typical full-time load is 12 to 15 hours per semester - Don’t come up short senior year! • Multiply the # of hours by the rate • Financial aid may be awarded only for full-time • Students may be required to be full-time to stay on parent’s health/auto insurance coverage

17. FAFSA • Free Application for Federal Student Aid • Required for grants, loans, work study • On-line application -student & parent pin #’s • Never pay for financial aid • January 2009 & 2010 parent presentations • File using 2009 1040 tax forms in Feb 2010 • Indicate up to 10 colleges to send info • Some colleges require copies of 1040’s too

18. Major/Degree Program • Use the college’s web site to look up the required course sequence • What is required? -- Certificate, AS, BA/BS, MA/MS, Doctorate • Campus advisors to assist • BA/BS can be earned in 4 years if you stick to your degree plan

19. Scholarships • National - fastweb.com & GHS counseling site • Area - IL/IA, Henry County & counseling site • Local - GHS seniors only - Feb 2010 on GHS counseling web site for the class of 2010 • Check with your local bank/credit union, church affiliations, community organizations • College specific - ask about their process • Watch for deadlines, type or print neatly, be sure your name is on each page, check & re-check for neatness and completion, make copies to keep

20. GHS Counseling Office • College representatives at GHS 2nd semester and next fall - sign up in the counseling office a day ahead • List of questions to ask during campus tours • College Handbook & Book of Majors • Individual college “view books” • Financial aid brochures, booklets • Degree/Career planning assistance

21. GHS Counseling Web Site • Alphabetical division of students assigned to 3 GHS counselors with links to their e-mail • Monthly newsletters • ACT/PSAT/AP information & links • College search/admissions, lists of reps coming to GHS, direct links to college homepages, FAFSA, and others • Senior year timeline • Career links • Scholarships

22. Senior Year • Counselors will visit senior English classes in the fall with general, updated information • BHC “College Night” in October - almost 100 college reps in one location! • Students are encouraged to visit their counselor individually with questions and for assistance • Ask a GHS faculty member to proof your essays - give plenty of advance notice!

23. Now - Junior Year • Use your PLAN/ACT scores, the internet and the GHS guidance counselors/reference materials to help narrow your search • Make arrangements to visit campuses and speak to admissions officers, students, & faculty - Nov. 7th thru 10th - 4 day weekend • Visit with college representatives coming to GHS during 2nd semester • Use the “Careers” tab on the guidance web site to explore occupations