Graduation Action Plan 11th Grade Career/College Planning Unit

1. Graduation Action Plan11th Grade Career/College Planning Unit Module Three: Necessary Steps

2. What are some Necessary Steps that need to be taken BEFORE you graduate from high school if you plan to attend a Four Year College/University or join the military? BRAINSTORM

3. College Admission Tests • ACT (www.act.org) • SAT (www.collegeboard.com) • SAT II (www.collegeboard.com)

4. ACT Assessment Test Date Regular Registration Late Registration Postmark Deadline Postmark Deadline (regular fee)(regular fee plus late fee) September 25, 2004 August 20, 2004 August 21-September 3, 2004 October 23, 2004September 17, 2004September 18–October 1, 2004 December 11, 2004November 5, 2004November 6–November 18, 2004 February 12, 2005*January 7, 2005January 8–January 21, 2005 April 9, 2005March 4, 2005March 5–March 18, 2005 June 11, 2005May 6, 2005May 7–May 20, 2005

5. SAT and SAT II 2004-2005 Test Dates Test Dates Test Registration DeadlinesRegular Late October 9, 2004 SAT I & SAT II September 7, 2004 September 11, 2004 November 6, 2004 SAT I, SAT II, & Language Tests October 1, 2004 October 13, 2004 December 4, 2004 SAT I & SAT II October 29, 2004 November 10, 2004 January 22, 2005 SAT I, SAT II, and ELPT December 20, 2004 December 29, 2004 March 12, 2005**New SAT SAT I only February 7, 2005 February 16, 2005 May 7, 2005New SAT SAT I & SAT II March 25, 2005 April 6, 2005 June 4, 2005New SAT SAT I & SAT II April 29, 2005 May 11, 2005

6. ASVAB • What is it? The ASVAB, like most aptitude tests, measures your potential. The ASVAB predicts how well you might do in certain military branches and specialties, as well as how well you might perform in certain civilian careers. You do not have to join the military or even plan to join the military to take it. A good career aptitude tool. • How do you take it? Contact any branch of the military or www.military.com/ASVAB or go to the Career Center for more information.

7. Financial Aid • GRANTS • no repayment • based on financial need • Cal Grant guarantee: “Every high school senior who graduates after June 30, 2000, meets the academic, financial and eligibility requirements and applies on time is guaranteed a Cal Grant award to attend college.” • WORK STUDY • employment • based on when you apply, need and college’s funding level • LOANS • repayment with low interest rate

8. How to Apply for Financial Aid • Go to the Career Center for forms and assistance • Attend Financial Aid workshops • Apply for FAFSA PIN online • Complete and mail the GPA Verification Form by March 2nd • Go to www.csac.ca.gov for Cal Grants • Go to www.studentaid.ed.gov for info • Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to apply

9. Scholarships • Additional sources of financial aid for college • Research your options through: • Scholarship coordinator at school • Parents’ work • Your religious affiliation • Private clubs/organizations • Online (www.fastweb.com) • Be aware of deadlines: Start EARLY!

10. Scholarships: Don’t Get Scammed • “This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.” • “You can’t get this information anywhere else.” • “May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?” • “You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship” or “You are a finalist in a contest you never entered.” • “This scholarship may cost some money.” • “We’ll do all the work.”

11. Career and College Planning Guide • Seek out information and complete the Information Necessary to Increase Post-Secondary Opportunities Insert • These contacts can help you help yourself with all your Post-Secondary questions and needs