SENIOR YEAR – the final steps towards college!

1. SENIOR YEAR – the final steps towards college!

2. Finish strong & don’t develop this well-known, infectious disease!

3. Your RMHS senior “go-to” people & sites! JaNeal Hale, Counselor (A-Le) Lisa Sweet, Counselor (Li-Z) Available by appointment. Also available for walk-ins during 4th and 5th lunch periods for those quick questions. Janine Willis, career center/scholarship specialist (best in the district!!) Get her weekly updates by going to Career Center in our Advisors page and signing up for her newsfeed AND/OR Go to our Advisors page and click on Remind101 to receive text message updates.

5. Education after high school costs – time, $$ and focus. Many students enter college unsure of what they want to do and look at college as a way to explore. This becomes a very expensive form of career exploration. Explore now! EXPLORE! • Explore your interests/skills/work values! • Go to: www.mpsaz.kuder.com. • Login formula is as follows – 1) user name – type in st and 6 digit school ID or first initial, middle initial, full last name & 2 digit day you were born, i.e., jtsmith15 2) password – type in 6 digit school ID. • Through Navigator, students can learn the following: • What they are good at and enjoy doing • Career clusters/occupations based upon the above • Educational training required • Where to find that educational training • Other ways to explore interests/skills/work values: • Job shadowing • Volunteering/Working

6. Another recommended exploration tool/site: Big Future by CollegeBoard: Go to https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ Amazing collection of college/career planning tools! Through Navigator or Big Future, explore the educational programs that match up with your career interests – they may involve a 1 year training program, a 2 year associates degree, a bachelors degree or more. This will also determine where you go to school, i.e., community college, tech school, 4-year university, etc. Explore the job outlook when you research career areas. It’s important to know where the jobs will and will not be when you’re an adult.

7. What’s your plan? 4 year 4 year course of study leading to bachelor’s degree. Minimum admissions requirements: Online application SAT/ACT Transcript 2 + 2 2 years @ community college leading to AA degree in general studies. Students will then transfer those credits to the 4 year university to complete the bachelor’s degree. No special admissions criteria for community college – no SAT/ACT required, no minimum grades, etc. Student will enroll @ comm. college & meet with advisor to plan classes. 1-3 year training program Taken through a community college, tech school or apprenticeship program. This will result in a specific certification or associate’s degree, i.e., certification as veterinary assistant or AAS degree in welding.

8. 3. Get College Ready Explore! Use the same sites to begin to explore colleges. Navigator and Big Future both contain tools that allow you to specify criteria you may want to consider in your college search • Location (Urban, Suburban, Rural) • Distance • Academic Rigor • Size • Extra-curricular (i.e. athletics) • Field of Study/Major • Financial Aid

9. Get College Ready Explore! VISIT COLLEGES • Go while school is in session • Students-take notice • Bring a notebook and/or a camera • No more than two a day • Eat in the café if possible…. • See a FRESHMAN dorm • See the music/athletic facilities if applicable… • Look for anything else that will be important to you

11. Get In Maricopa Community Colleges You can be admitted to a community college with your high school diploma. You do not need to take the ACT or SAT. A placement test will determine which classes you will enroll in. • Available programs can lead to: • Certificate, i.e., certified nursing assistant • Associate’s degree in a particular discipline, i.e., dental hygiene • Associate’s degree in general studies (transfer degree) – will allow • student to transfer coursework to the 4-year university to complete • a bachelors degree, i.e., elementary education

12. Get In AZ University Admission Requirements For admission directly from high school • Required course competencies: • 4 English • 4 Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 & an advanced math such as Trig, Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Calculus) • 3 Science • 2 Social Studies • 2 World Language (same) One or more of the following: Top 25% of class 3.0 min. competency GPA (unweighted and based upon grades in courses listed above) ACT of 22 and/or SAT of 1040

13. Get In Competitive and/or out-of-state universities MAY require: • AP & Honors Classes • Additional Academics • Additional Fine Arts • Additional World Language • Additional Tests, i.e., SAT Subject Tests • Letters of Recommendation Tip: Become familiar ASAP with the admissions requirements of the school(s) you’re considering.

14. Get In What Colleges Consider For Admission • Completed online application • Transcript • Test Results • Extracurricular activities • Recommendations • Essay(s)

15. TRANSCRIPT You’ll initially forward your transcript when you apply to college (fall of 12th grade) then once more after you graduate from RMHS (a mid-year transcript may also be required by certain colleges). Name: Rufus D. Lion ID #: 654321 TRANSCRIPT Sending your transcript to a university: Visit Mrs. Hoopes, our asst. registrar, to request that it be sent to specific school(s) OR Have it sent electronically via www.parchment.com Graduation Requirements: 22 credits Meets/exceeds in AIMS subject areas. Completed ECAP Service Learning: 150+ hours required for Honor for Excellence diploma seal/transcript notation. 109 Class rank: based upon GPA from completion of 17 courses. Cumulative GPA: GPA based upon how you’ve done in ALL classes.

16. The SAT and ACT are exams that are one component of admission into most four-year universities across the country. Universities consider your performance on the SAT and/or ACT one predictor of how you may do academically in college. Universities will take whichever is your best score, meaning you can take them both and more than once. Students generally make some improvements upon retake. Many universities don’t require/consider the writing portion of these exams. For example, ASU requires a combined math/reading score of 1040 out of 1600 . It is, however, automatically a part of the SAT and is an optional part of the ACT. It is generally a good idea, however, to take/do your best on the writing portion as some universities, scholarship programs and college programs will take a look at this score. ACT Quick Facts: Frequency: 6 times/year Duration: 3 hours, 3½ hours including essay Sections: English, math, reading, science, writing Achievement-based - looks at the skills you’ve learned in school Cost: $34 - $49.50 Max. Score: 36 Avg. Score: 21 SAT Quick Facts: Frequency: 7 times/year Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes Sections: math, critical reading, writing (optional) Aptitude-based - looks at your critical thinking skills Cost: $50 Max. Score: 800 per section Avg. Scores: math – 516, critical reading – 501, writing - 492

17. SAT Subject Tests The Why and What WHY: Many selective schools and honors/scholarship programs require you take at least one or more SAT Subject Tests. Check ASAP with the admissions department of your top schools to learn more about their requirements. If a school to which you wish to apply requires SAT Subject test scores, register ASAP via College Board. You will not take the SAT and the SAT subject tests on the same day – they are separate and require separate registration dates. WHAT: SAT Subject Tests are one hour tests that focus on specific academic subjects. The best part about the Subject Tests is that in many cases you get to choose which ones you'll take, so you should pick the ones where you're strongest. What specifically do the SAT Subject Tests test? It depends on the test. There are 5 content areas–Math, History, Literature, Science, and Languages. There are multiple tests in every content area except Literature. How are the SAT Subject Tests scored? Each Subject Test is scored on a scale of 200–800.

18. SAT/ACT: WHEN TO TAKE AND HOW TO PREP Take ASAP if you haven’t yet! Register online at the SAT/ACT sites – links located on the RMHS Advisors page Tools to Prep: SAT Prep Seminar: Red Mountain HS Sept. 27 9am-3pmDobson HS Oct. 4 9am-3pmSkyline HS Oct. 4 9am-3pm To register for a seminar, go to www.prepforthefuture.com Online practice questions/tests available on the SAT/ACT sites. Many free/low-cost smartphone apps available Prep books available @ library/bookstores Software programs available Test prep classes available through companies such as Princeton Review & Kaplan Grab your calendar ASAP and plan when you will: * Practice * Take shortened exams * Sit for as many full-length exams as you can!

19. Extracurricular Activities • It’s never too late to get involved at school and/or in your community! • Join something in which you’d grow, enjoy and that shows others your passions. • Look for leadership opportunities, i.e., club officer positions, youth group leader, programs such as Boys’ & Girls’ State • Service Learning

20. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Colleges & scholarship programs often ask for recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality. You should generally have 2 letters from teachers and one other from a volunteer supervisor/youth pastor/coach/employer. Some applications may also require a school counselor letter of recommendation. Look for adults whom you’ve known well for 6+ months or more.

21. ESSAYS Often required as part of admission to universities/specific college programs. May be required as part of your college application. Often required for scholarships and honors program applications. Your essay reveals something important about you that your grades and test scores can't—your personality. It can give admission officers a sense of who you are, as well as showcasing your writing skills. Topics may include overcoming an obstacle, discussing a special accomplishment or your own personal story. Go to College Board’s Big Future for some great tips on writing your essay. Work with your English teacher to review your essay.

22. ADMISSIONS: Early Admissions: Deadline typically by November 1stof senior year Early admissions means early answer plus the possibility of additional perks depending upon university, i.e., priority housing/orientation. Two types of early admissions – Early action – non-binding: you can choose whether or not to attend that school. Early decision – binding: if you’re accepted, you must attend that school. Typically used by more selective colleges. When it’s a good idea to apply early: You know where you want to go You’re a strong candidate (selective schools may accept a higher % of applicants during the early admissions window). When it’s not a good idea to apply early: You unsure about where you want to go. You’d benefit from another semester to showcase improvements in SAT/ACT scores, GPA, class rank, activities, etc. Regular Admissions: Deadline typically around February 1st of senior year Reply Date: May 1st of senior year Make your decision by or prior to this date, submit enrollment deposits.

23. COMMON APP

24. 5. GetMoneyReady College is generally paid for by: * Private funds, i.e., the Bank of Parents/Relatives * Grants – based upon financial need * Loans * Work-Study * Scholarships

25. The cost of attending a college minus the average amount of gift aid that a student at that school receives from the college and the government Colleges typically report their financial data to College Board. This becomes a valuable tool for you to learn about college costs! Financial Need = Cost of Attendance minus Estimated Family Contribution. Your financial aid package may include a combo of scholarships, grants, loans and work study. Get an idea of the amount of financial need typically met by various schools.

27. After the fafsa is filed Your family’s financial information is analyzed using the federal need formula. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which shows the expected family contribution (EFC). Your EFC is an indicator of your family’s financial strength. It is sent to your state scholarship agency as well as to the colleges you listed on the FAFSA. They use this number to determine your financial aid award. You’ll receive an award letter showing your “financial package,” which may consist of scholarships, grants, loans and work study. You can decline all or part of it. You’ll need to report information about private scholarships you’ve been awarded to the university’s financial aid office. Your financial aid award may then be adjusted.

28. Sample financial aid award letter Dear Rufus D. Lion, We have reviewed your financial aid application for the upcoming academic year 2013-2014 and are pleased to make the following offer of financial assistance: Your financial aid information was based on the following information: Cost of Attendance (COA) Tuition and Fees         $31,400 Room and Board        $  8,500 Books and Supplies    $  1,000 Personal Expenses     $  2,500 Transportation            $     600 Total Cost of Attendance (COA)                 $44,000 Expected Family Contribution (EFC)$  5,468 Calculated Financial Need                         $38,532 To assist in covering your calculated financial need, you are offered the following financial assistance: FallSpringTotal Paws & Claws University Grant $ 10,000              $ 10,000                      $20,000 ABC Restricted Scholarship       $   5,000              $   5,000                      $10,000 Subsidized Stafford Loan           $   1,750            $   1,750                       $  3,500 Federal Work Study                 $   1,500             $   1,500                      $  3,000 Total Awards                             $ 18,250              $18,250                       $36,500

29. Learning More… Attend tonight’s presentation, called “Beating the High Cost of College,” presented by Mr. RyonFrische. Attend Red Mountain’s Financial Aid Night in January. Get the facts about college costs by going to: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/college-costs/understanding-college-costs Look into types of aid that could help you cover college costs. Start by reading 7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid, located at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-101/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-financial-aid.

30. TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS College Local State National

31. Preparing to apply to Colleges & for scholarships GET ORGANIZED! OrganizeYourSpace Create paper and file management systems so that you can keep track of all the documents, essays, brochures, scholarship applications, et al. Create an online file management system through Dropbox or Google Drive since most applications are done online now. Organizeyour Time Set aside a block of time every day or week that you can dedicate to the college & scholarship application process. Think of it as a part-time job (that costs you money). Set up a good calendar system where you can set goals and get reminders for upcoming deadlines.

32. THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS • COLLEGES CONSIDER • Student Record/Transcript • Strength of Schedule • Scores (SAT/ACT/Optional?) • STUDENTS CONSIDER • Location/Distance • Size • Extra-curricular (i.e. athletics) • Field of Study/Major Spring ’15 Fall ’14 Consider financial aid award packages. Accept/ Enrollment deposit Complete FAFSA by February. Explore college search sites & indiv. college sites. Attend college presenta-tions. Visit colleges. Take/retake SAT/ACT. Scholarship search all year! Early admissions period through Nov. 1st Regular admissions period from Nov.1st through spring (check deadlines) Letters of rec – give 2-3 wks notice. Write/hone essays.