Senior Meeting

1. Class of 2013 Senior Meeting

2. Graduation Requirements Core Courses • 6 Semester Credits in English • 6 Semester Credits in Social Studies • 6 Semester Credits in Math • 6 Semester Credits in Science • 2 Computer Elective Credits • 1 Physical Education Credit

3. Graduation RequirementsMN Testing • 9th Grade Writing • 10th Grade Reading • 11th Grade Math • Students who do not pass the Writing, Reading, or Math have an opportunity to retest throughout the year

4. Graduation RequirementsMCA Grad Math Exam • What if I don’t pass the MCA Grad Math exam? • Students who do not pass the MCA Grad Math can still graduate using the Alternative Pathway given by the MN Department of Education • Students must attempt the Math test a minimum of three times with remediation (R&R Math).

5. College PlanningWhere do I start? • The college planning process can be overwhelming • Begin by researching schools and asking yourself key questions • Do I want to attend a large school, be in a big city, or do I prefer a smaller atmosphere? • Do I have a career direction? If so, do they offer the program I would like to study? • See Choosing a College book

6. Choosing a College • Don’t be afraid to visit the campus • MEA is a big weekend for student and family visits • See Mrs. Turner to set-up a specialized visit or schedule a general orientation • Once on campus make sure you take the time to ask key questions about the college (see Questions to ask on a college visit)

7. Choosing a CollegeNCAA • Are you planning on playing a sport in college? • For some, being able to play sports is a huge part of the student’s decision making process for what college they will be attending • To play sports in college students must apply with the NCAA • What if I get into a college, does that mean I automatically get accepted with the NCAA?

8. Choosing a CollegeNCAA • The NCAA has their own standards for each division • Just because a student gets accepted into college does not automatically mean they can play college athletics • Students must apply to the college of their choice and through the NCAA to play sports • See NCAA rules and requirements provided in your folder

9. Choosing a CollegeNCAA • If students need help applying to the NCAA please see Mrs. Turner • Students apply online • Application Fee • List of approved and denied HS courses are found in your folder

10. College Applications • What if I am not sure what campus I want to go to, but I have it narrowed down to three? • Apply, Apply, Apply • Don’t be afraid to apply to your top three choices • If application fees are an issue, often times colleges have a promotion period where application fees are waived if you apply online • See Mrs. Turner and together we can contact the college for any promotional opportunities or fee waivers

11. College Applications • Be aware of the application deadline • Know the college requirements (ACT, SAT, ACT plus writing, SAT subject tests, Accuplacer) • See me if you need help understanding the college requirements • Colleges post their requirements on their websites under Undergraduate Admission Requirements

12. College ApplicationRolling Admissions • What is Rolling Admissions? • Most four-year colleges have application deadlines • After the deadline, students are no longer eligible to attend for that school year • Two-year colleges operate on a Rolling Admissions • Rolling admissions there is no set deadline • Students can apply anytime throughout the academic year

13. College ApplicationsRolling Admissions • If there is no deadline, should I still apply early? • Yes, Yes, Yes • Many of the financial aid packages are dependent upon how much money the institution is given. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive any scholarship money. Once the money is gone it’s gone. • Competition • Many of the two-year programs are extremely competitive and applying early is key into getting into your desired program of study

14. College ApplicationsPSEO &CIS Credits • Will my CIS & PSEO credits transfer? • MNSCU Vs. Private Institutions • Must request official transcripts • Forms via web or Mrs. Turner (LSC) • Must also send HS transcripts • Mid-Year Report • End-of-year Report

15. CIS & Honors Online Graduation • Students graduating with their AA degree from LSC will need to complete a LSC application along with a $20.00 application fee. • Students will then apply for graduation in the spring (February, March).

16. Financial AidFAFSA • Apply early to colleges • Apply for college scholarship programs • Often there is a separate application form for each college • Funds run out early • Apply to your top three schools • See what financial aid package all three schools are willing to give you

17. Financial Aid FAFSA • Parents can fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) through the federal government after January 1, 2013. • FAFSA is based on the past year’s income • Students must fill out the FAFSA every year they are in college • Financial Aid meeting in February 2013 • Grants and other aid will be determined by the FAFSA

18. Financial AidScholarships • Scholarship information is located on the web • Students can go to the Pillager website, click on the counselor’s link and see the scholarship page • Many scholarships are going to the online format for applying • Hard copies of applications, if available, can be requested through Mrs. Turner • Please check the website frequently for new scholarship opportunities

19. Financial AidLocal Scholarships • Every year students have the opportunity to apply for local Pillager scholarships • Some local scholarships include, but are not limited to: • Dollars for Scholars, Booster Club Scholarship, Pillager Lions Club Scholarship • All local scholarships will be advertised via the web when they become available • Hard copy applications will be available outside of the Media Center

20. Questions & Answers • If you have questions or need help with the application process you may contact Mrs. Turner • Email: sturner@isd116.org • Phone: 746-2116