290 likes | 400 Views
Journey to College. Avoid Future Shock! Plan Now … Life beyond High School. Presented by: PHS Guidance and Career Center Ms. Kathryn Sheridan, Dean of Guidance Mrs. Sharon Spooner, Guidance Counselor. 1. Life beyond Pelham High . 2. College Search . 3. Naviance: Family Connection.
E N D
Journey to College Avoid Future Shock!Plan Now …Life beyond High School Presented by: PHS Guidance and Career Center Ms. Kathryn Sheridan, Dean of Guidance Mrs. Sharon Spooner, Guidance Counselor
1. Life beyond Pelham High 2. College Search 3. Naviance: Family Connection 4. College Application Process 5. Scholarships and Financial Aid AGENDA
What is my Current Status? • Preparation while at PHS • Rigorous course selection • Algebra II, Trigonometry • Essay writing, College writing • Biology and Chemistry • Social studies • AP Courses • Fine arts • Community service commitment • Extra-curricular activities
Where do I go from PHS? • Options • Work or Internship • Military • Trade Schools (NHTI, NH Community Colleges) • Prep Schools • Colleges/Universities • 2 year programs (Associates) • 4 year programs (BA/BS) • Advanced Programs (BA/MA)
Wherever you go. . . • Consider these points… • What are my strengths? • Weaknesses? • What are my educational and career goals? • What excites me most about college? • What makes me anxious?
There’s a Place for YOU! Over 300 just in New England • Characteristics of Colleges • Majors and educational programs • Type of school and degrees offered • Admission policy • Location and size • Costs and financial aid • Campus activities • Support services
Admissions Criteria • Admissions Requirements • GPA (Core courses) • Academic courses; a strong high school curriculum • Preparation for SAT and/or ACT National Tests • Service Learning • Extra-curricular activities
Explore College Choices • Compile information from several resources: • Internet/Websites • College catalogs, videos, and computer-based services (NAVIANCE™) • College representatives • College visits at PHS and college fairs • Counselors and teachers • Parents, students, and alumni
NAVIANCE: Family Connection • Family Connection is a planning tool for students and families that includes self-discovery assessments, goal-setting, college research tools, and career exploration resources. • GO TO: Pelham High School • http://www.pelhamsd.org/ • Click Naviance (far right link)
Naviance: Using Family Connection USERNAME: firstinitiallastnameyog PASSWORD: login to student portal
College Application Process • Early Decision is a binding program and can only be used for one college. If accepted, students must attend that college, and generally are usually required to send a deposit by the end of January. The exception to the rule deals with finances. It means that students may not apply to any other college. • Early Action is a non-binding early application/notification program for freshmen. If accepted, students have until May 1 to finalize enrollment decisions.
Regular Vs. Rolling Admissions • Regular Admission has a specific deadline for application submission, such as January 1 or 15th . The college generally will not review the application any earlier than the published deadline date. • Rolling Admissions is a process whereby schools review applications as they arrive, admitting or denying students based solely on their criteria, not a comparison of a larger pool of applicants.
The Application:Pay Attention to Detail • Application Process • Select four to six colleges • Highly Selective • Competitive • Safety • Complete application • Online • Common Application™ • Paper (infrequent)
The Essay Set Your “self” Apart • Write your BEST Essay • Brainstorm ideas • Select a topic that allows you to highlight your qualities, interests, and motivations • Write with passion • Rewrite, Revise, Edit
Letters of Recommendation • Academic • Teacher • Counselor • Athletic (Varsity Coach) • Business/Work • Manager (not co-worker) • Peer (only if required by college) • Parent (only if required by college)
Deadlines: Plan Ahead • Review college admission test requirements • Know application fees and deadlines • Submit application materials • High school transcript • Recommendations
STUDENTS ATHLETES and NCAA • www.eligibilitycenter • Click on the Cell Phone Icon to begin the process. • Click My Planner to request transcript. • Click My Task List, click official transcript needed • Task Detail appears, you need to “click here”. • Docufide by Parchment opens, and create an account. • BEST BET:See your Guidance Counselor!
How Do I Pay for This Experience? • Investigate all possible resources • Parents • Savings • Summer earnings • Financial aid • Scholarships • Grants • Loans • Work study • Other sources (trust funds)
Applying for Financial Aid • Complete Institutional Application Forms • CSS Profile (If needed) • College Financial Aid • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • Needs Analysis Form
Applying for Financial Aid FAFSAhttp://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm Needs Analysis Form is used to determine Expected Family Contribution (EFC) EFC used to determine amount of Financial Need Cost of Education -- Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need (finaid.org/calculators/finaidestimate.phtml) • Prior year’s income • Assets • Family size • Number of household in college • Parents’ age
Applying for Financial Aid • CSS Profile profileonline.collegeboard.com • Can be completed in the fall • More specific questions than FAFSA • Minimum student contribution • Fee charged ($5 for application, $18/college
Helpful Hints for $$! • Make Photocopies of All Documents for Your Records Before Mailing • Check College/University Application Deadline Dates • Apply Early (March 1) and Online • Keep your PIN # for future use • You Must Reapply for Financial Aid each year
School Grants and Scholarships? • Scholarships • Academic Excellence • High SAT/ACT scores • Excellence in the arts, sciences, or math • Athletic ability (dependent on division levels) • Focused specialty (FEA, Asthma, Music) • Group affiliations (Masons, Elks, etc.)
Will I Succeed? • Predictors of Success in College • Study Habits • Motivation • Course Selection • Placement • Interests • Commitment
Who Does what for Whom at PHS? • Counselors • Ms. Sheridan (A to D) • Mrs. Spooner (E to M) • Ms. Caira (N to Z)