College Planning “Jump Start”

1. College Planning“Jump Start” Your to-do list for the summer before senior year

2. Counselor Contact Information: • (A-B)> JWCordray @ wsfcs.k12.nc.us • (C-Gn)> RENorris • (Go-L)> Carly Youngman • (M-R)> Tameka Oliphant • (S-Z)> Marissa Dancy Handouts (3): ~ Scholarships 101 ~ Essay-Writing Tips ~ Financial Aid/Common Terms

3. What will I be doing senior year? • Calendar: • Aug/Sept – Attend RHS senior meeting • Fall -Fill out college applications, & request that Reagan or CFNC send transcripts to colleges and that the College Board send SAT scores to colleges • Oct – Attend College Day at Benton Convention Center, and take the SAT • Jan – Attend county “Financial Aid Meeting,” and complete the FAFSA • Ongoing: • Keep up with e-mail newsletters • Contact your counselors with questions • Fill out scholarship applications

4. What should I be doing this summer? • Research colleges • Prep for the SAT / ACT • Learn what colleges look for • Create and enhance your resume • Learn about financial aid & scholarships • Work on admissions essays

5. Set Up Online Accounts and Research Colleges • www.collegeboard.com • Find admissions criteria (ranges for expected GPA / Rank / SAT scores)) • www.cfnc.org • Apply online to NC Colleges • www.commonapp.org • Apply online to numerous U.S. colleges • When considering colleges: • Keep an open mind (beyond the “Ivy League!”) • Consider less “popular” schools to increase scholarship chances • Recognize the benefits of community college

6. Use Resources to Prepare for the SAT and ACT (online registration opens in Aug.) • www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org • Books for SAT/ACT prep • Classes (i.e. CapEd 721-4275, Salem College 917-5459) • Online test prep • Read, read, read!!! • Note that SAT scores will NOT appear on your transcript. You must request that the College Board send scores to colleges (you have the “score choice” option)

7. Know What Colleges Look For Colleges want to find students who: • ***Show academic excellence (rigorous curriculum, GPA/rank, SAT, grades) • ***Demonstrate meaningful involvement in activities (clubs, sports, service, hobbies, enrichment, etc…) AND • Project professionalism (use formal instead of familiar language, use black/blue pen instead of pencil, type instead of print when possible, etc…)

8. (continued ….) Colleges want to find students who: • Are creative and original • Communicate their ideas maturely and clearly, and advocate for themselves • Present themselves with sincerity, rather than in trendy or “cookie-cutter” packages • Can demonstrate that they are self-aware, curious, kind, collaborative, sharp, etc ….. • Are known and respected by faculty

9. Create and Enhance Your ResumeUse your time for productive and enriching activities, rather than for purely recreational activities. • Donate your time in service to others (volunteering is a BIG plus for scholarships!) • Take a class • Learn a new skill • Job-shadow a career professional • Go to a “camp” or a seminar (leadership training, etc…) • Find a job • Travel somewhere new and keep a journal • Become aware of current events

10. Learn About Financial Aid • Criteria: Need-based vs. Merit-based • Types: Scholarships, Grants, & Loans • Sources: Federal, State, Local, Institutional, Private Organizations • Required Forms: • FAFSA: Federal application for need-based aid (complete after 1-1-2014) • PROFILE: Supplemental application required by some colleges for need-based aid (complete in Fall) • Scholarship applications: Required for most merit-based aid

11. Learn About Scholarships • Browse individual college websites for scholarships offered institutionally • Browse websites (College Board, CFNC, etc….) for scholarships that can be used at any college • Review the periodic “News for Seniors” e-mails that are sent during 12th grade

12. Start Your College Admissions Essays • Review your college’s essay questions (be sure questions don’t change in the Fall!) • Review samples of “standout” essay responses (many sources on the internet) • Determine your unique qualities, experiences, perspectives, & goals • Review essay writing tips • Work on rough drafts

13. Priorities for Early Fall 2013 • Get to know your teachers/counselors for the purpose of recommendations • Request transcripts and recommendation letters EARLY! • Make a calendar/timeline of college application deadlines • Visit colleges and attend Open Houses (call admissions offices) • Turn in your senior resume • Discuss athletic options with coaches & register for NCAA Clearinghouse

14. How to Access Presentation Handouts • Go to the Reagan Web Page • Go to Faculty Web Pages • Click on “Student Services” • Click on “Randy Norris” Handouts will be accessible there by early May. Presentation/Handout Sources: College Board Time Magazine UNC Admissions Amherst Admissions Carolina Alumni Review Randolph Macon Admissions College Foundation of NC

15. Q & A Stay tuned for the publication of a “Senior Handbook” that will provide detailed instructions regarding every step of the college planning process --- available in August? • What questions do you have now? • Please e-mail to let us know what would help make this process less daunting for you next year!