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WELCOME POST-SECONDARY PLANNING NIGHT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

WELCOME POST-SECONDARY PLANNING NIGHT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL. ALICIA SAUNDERS COLLEGE AND CAREER ADVISOR CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL – 816-671-4080 EMAIL - alicia.saunders@sjsd.k12.mo.us. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION. ACT TEST/SAT TEST SELECTING THE “ RIGHT ” COLLEGE

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WELCOME POST-SECONDARY PLANNING NIGHT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

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  1. WELCOMEPOST-SECONDARY PLANNING NIGHT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL ALICIA SAUNDERS COLLEGE AND CAREER ADVISOR CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL – 816-671-4080 EMAIL - alicia.saunders@sjsd.k12.mo.us

  2. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION • ACT TEST/SAT TEST • SELECTING THE “RIGHT” COLLEGE • COLLEGE APPLICATIONS • REQUESTING TRANSCRIPTS • COLLEGE VISITS • SCHOLARSHIPS • FAFSA • TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID • CAREERS/COLLEGE MAJORS

  3. Selecting the “RIGHT” College • Selecting the “right” college and career can be difficult. • College selection should be based on where the student will be successful. Consider: campus size, distance from home, cost, majors, sports, scholarships, extracurricular activities, special needs of student, etc. • Ask the question—Is this a realistic choice for my student? • ALWAYS have a backup plan!! • Online college searches are very helpful. Don’t focus too much on the major, but what the college has to offer your student www.collegeboard.org and www.missouriconnections.org

  4. Selecting the “RIGHT” Major • Students took a MO Connections assessment to prepare for The My Success Event their sophomore year, but they are encouraged to retake the assessments if they would like. The username is their student ID number (34567) and their password is “pw” followed by their student ID number (pw34567). www.missouriconnections.org • The average COLLEGE student changes his or her major 3-4 times!! • Encourage your student to start with the basics/general studies. • Help the student find what is right for him or her. It is important that the student focus on THEIR own interests and strengths. • As parents, you must try to help the student be realistic- Is the NFL a possibility? Professional actor? Doctor? • Most colleges have career advisors available. • My best advice at this point—DON’T STRESS OUT ABOUT MAJORS!

  5. ACT TESTCHS SCHOOL CODE 262895 ACT TEST DATES ($35) • December 8, 2012 (November 2nd regular deadline) • February 9, 2013 (January 11th regular deadline) • April 13, 2013 (March 8th regular deadline) • June 8, 2013 (May 3rd regular deadline) NEW THIS YEAR—MANY COLLEGES REQUIRE SCORES TO BE SENT DIRECTLY FROM ACT *Most colleges do not require the writing portion of the ACT. Contact the individual colleges to see what they recommend. There are very few Missouri colleges that require it. ($50.50) *The ACT measures achievement related to high school curricula. • Who should take the ACT? * Anyone planning to attend college, most colleges will take this test * Take the test as early as possible to meet early deadlines * Information is available in the Counseling Office or visit www.act.org * Scores are reported back to the student and high school * Signing up online is recommended * Students on free or reduced lunch qualify for a fee waiver (see your counselor)

  6. Testing help is available!! It’s FREE and CONVENIENT: 1. ACT Online Prep is available to CHS students at no cost. Teachers and counselors have the passwords and usernames if needed. The link to access the page is: https://actonlineprep.act.org/ePrep/browserInfo.do Log in and take a practice test in each subject area and then practice any of the ACT sections. 2. Mrs. Hoecker does ACT prep in her classroom each Wednesday from 2:45-4:00. 3. ACT Academy will continue to be offered before each test. Students should listen to the announcements for details. This is free ACT help at CHS and priority will be given to seniors.

  7. SAT TESTCHS SCHOOL CODE 262895 • SAT TEST DATES • December 1, 2012 (November 1st, regular deadline) • January 26, 2013 (December 28th , regular deadline) • March 9, 2013 (February 8th, regular deadline) • May 4, 2013 (April 5th, regular deadline) • June 1, 2013 (May 2nd, regular deadline) • Contact the individual colleges to see which test is recommended • SAT measures general verbal and quantitative reasoning. Top score is 1600 (critical reading+math or 2400 math+reading+writing) Who should take the SAT? * Many colleges will take either the ACT or SAT * East/West Coast schools and/or highly selective colleges recommend SAT * Information is available in the Counseling Office or visit www.collegeboard.com *The SAT “Reasoning Test” is the general SAT test *The SAT “Subject Tests” are required by many highly selective colleges (contact your individual college for requirements)

  8. College Applications • Many colleges have a Nov. 15/Dec. 1 priority deadline. • Even though colleges have early deadlines, many will continue to take application for admissions after deadlines. • Most colleges recommend the online application. • The Common Application is for selective colleges all over the U.S. About 480+ colleges accept the common application. Information is available at www.commonapp.org/ • Contact your college to see what is required for a complete application packet (essay, ACT/SAT scores, application, application fee, high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and any supplemental information).

  9. TRANSCRIPTS • MRS. KING IN THE COUNSELING CENTER WILL SEND TRANSCRIPTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS OR COLLEGES, WHENEVER REQUESTED. • REQUESTS FOR TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE DONE ON THE CHS WEBSITE (CLICK ON COUNSELING CENTER, THEN SENIORS, THEN TRANSCIPT REQUEST). FILL OUT THE REQUEST AND SUBMIT. • UPON GRADUATION, SIGN UP ON THE “FINAL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST” FORM TO SEND THE FINAL TRANSCRIPT TO YOUR FINAL COLLEGE CHOICE (AND NCAA FOR COLLEGE ATHLETES). • A COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT (MWSU) FOR ANY COLLEGE CREDIT EARNED THROUGH DUAL CREDIT OR A SUMMER PROGRAM WILL NEED TO BE SENT TO YOUR FINAL COLLEGE CHOICE. DO THIS AFTER THE CLASS HAS ENDED AND GRADES ARE POSTED—MAY/JUNE

  10. COLLEGE VISITS • Seniors are allowed two excused college days (see Mrs. Gilleland-Attendance Secretary at CHS) • Parents should attend with the student, if possible. • Go to the college website or call the college to arrange a visit • Visits can be individual or group (some offer Saturday visits) • ASK QUESTIONS (current college students can offer great info. on campus safety, food, campus life, dorms, etc.) • TOUR THE DORMS and EAT THE FOOD • Find out about hidden fees (parking, books, activity fees) • A college visit is one of the most important things you and your student can do. * Talk with college representatives when they visit CHS. Check the calendar on the CHS website for dates and times.

  11. What is FINANCIAL AID? Any money to help with college expenses. This includes: College Scholarships Student Loans Parent Loans Private Scholarships Grants Any funds from outside sources that will help with the cost of the student’s education. FINANCIAL AID

  12. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AIDWhat does it all mean? After you submit the FAFSA, your SAR will give you the EFC. Translation: After you submit the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid”, your “Student Aid Report” will give you the “Expected Family Contribution”. Don’t stress out. Help is available.

  13. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID • FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid Available after January 1, each year • GET TAXES DONE EARLY, by mid February, if possible • Apply by March 1, 2013 (some are earlier) • File electronically (preferred) at www.fafsa.gov(not .com) - The student and one parent need to apply for a pin number at www.pin.ed.gov, before submitting the FAFSA. - All families must fill out the FAFSA in order to qualify for any federal or state financial aid, including student loans. - Parents can make estimates on the FAFSA if the taxes will not be complete in time to meet March 1 deadline. Updates/corrections will need to be made before a financial aid package is awarded.

  14. Submitting the FAFSA automatically allows you to apply for the following: Grants (free money) Loans (parent and student) Work-Study (work program) SUBMIT BY MARCH 1

  15. Changes to FAFSA Many changes have been made for the coming school year: - All students must show proof of citizenship with passport, drivers license or birth certificate-- to any college if asked - If a student is on free/reduced lunch, SSI, food stamps, or WICK they should qualify for the Pell Grant. Talk to your financial aid office - Homeless Youth programs are now available - MO Heroes, Survivor Grant and others for military families/students - File a “Special Circumstance Form” in case of lose of job or any special financial situations.

  16. Additional Changes FAFSA • IRS Data Retrieval Tool—allows you to transfer data from IRS into the FAFSA when completing the FAFSA. USE THIS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE • If you don’t use this option and you get picked for verification, you will be required to submit an official Tax Return Transcript. Copies of tax returns are no longer accepted. To request a tax transcript you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or request online at www.irs.gov or visit your local IRS office (in UMB Bldg. in St. Joseph).

  17. GRANTS • Grant money- awards are based on financial need (repayment is not required) • PELL GRANT • Financial need is required • Awards range from $555-5550 per year (may go up) • SEOG GRANT (*unsure about current funding) • Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (exceptional financial need required) • Awards range from $100-4,000 per year (awards vary by college funding) • ACG Grant (Academic Competitive Grant) • No longer being funded • Families with an EFC of $5,000 or less typically qualify for grant money. In 2011-2012, 97% of the grant recipients came from households with an income under $50,000.

  18. Access MissouriGrant Program(Funding is questionable) • Program started in August 2007 • Must be MO resident and attending MO college • Must be a full time student • Families with an EFC of $0-11,999 qualify for $1000 per year (may be more for private college) • Is renewable for 4 years with a 2.5 GPA (not likely) • Must submit FAFSA by April 1 to qualify • EFC=Expected Family Contribution • Can not be pursing a theology or divinity degree

  19. Federal Teach Grant • Program for future teachers • $4000 per year, renewable for 4 years • Must commit to teaching in MO for 4 years (have 8 years to complete requirement) www.teach-ats.ed.gov/ • Sign an agreement with your teaching intentions when entering college • Must teach in a high-need field, low-income school • If commitment is not fulfilled, grant converts to a loan (6.8%) • Anyone can qualify as long as oneof the ACT sub-scores (ENG, MAT, READ, SCI) rank in the 75th percentile. Depends on subject area, this ACT score required is approx. 23-25. • Not all colleges participate. Many students change majors or can’t find a job that meets requirements, as a result, students have more loans, so some colleges choose not to participate. Check the website for details

  20. EFC Estimates(Expected Family Contribution) To estimate your EFC (what the federal government expects your family to contribute toward your student’s education), you may enter your estimated 2012 financial information at one of the sites below. • http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_welcome.jsp • www.act.org/fane/ • http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/estimate • Is it good news or bad news? Figure your EFC to find out how much financial aid is in your future.

  21. WORKSTUDY JOBS ON CAMPUS (some are off campus) * Based on financial need of the family, the date the FAFSA is submitted and the college’s funding * Students work 5-15 hours per week * Earn current minimum wage pay * Students get paid once a month * Payment goes directly to the student unless otherwise specified * Hours are flexible FAFSA must be submitted by MARCH 1.

  22. LOANS • Repayment is REQUIRED!! • Loan programs have been affected by the credit crisis—some colleges may not have loan money available. Check with your college. • Don’t take out a loan unless it is absolutely necessary. • Student loans cannot be forgiven through bankruptcy. • Many people are already in default due to loss of jobs. • There are loans for the: • Student (in the student’s name) • Parents (in the parents’ name)

  23. What if I don’t want a loan? • All Federal and State aid is optional • By filing the FAFSA, you are automatically applying for grants, work-study, and loans. • The SAR (student aid report) will outline information reported on the FAFSA and EFC. • Just because you apply and qualify for a loan or work-study does not mean you must take the money. Or, you may take only a portion of the money awarded. Borrow wisely.

  24. Basic Loan Information • Federal Perkins Loan - meant for students with the greatest financial need. Best loan available!! (5%) • Federal Stafford Loan – all students will qualify for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan, regardless of need. (max is 6.8%) • Subsidized loan- the government pays the interest while the student is in college (available for the students with the greatest need). • Unsubsidized loan-you pay the interest. You can make payments while in college, or defer payments until six months after college, but interest still accumulates. • Subsidized loans could be in jeopardy

  25. Student Loan Limits • As of 7/1/08 loan limits increased to: • Freshmen $5,500 year • Sophomore 6,500 year • Junior 7,500 year • Senior 7,500 year • The maximum allowed for an undergraduate dependent student is $31,000. These are limits for federal student loans only. There are situations where students can borrow more money. Talk to your financial aid office after the student aid report is returned to you.

  26. Parent Loans • Federal PLUS Loans (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) (7.9%) • PLUS loans are a financial obligation of the parents. • Parents borrow money for costs not covered by the student’s financial aid, up to the cost of attendance. • College financial aid office will help with paperwork. • Parents must qualify based on their credit history. • Typically parents start making payments immediately. • This loan money goes directly to the student. • NEW- parents can apply to defer payments on these loans.

  27. FAFSA WORKSHOPS(also know a FAFSA Frenzy Sunday) • Sunday, February 10, 2013 (2:00-4:00) • Snow date February 17, 2013 (2:00-4:00) • MWSU Leah Spratt Hall • Call MWSU Financial Aid Office for details (271-4361) • Apply for pin before attending (www.pin.ed.gov) • Free help with the FAFSA, no matter the college attending • Financial aid experts will answer questions • Bring 2012- taxes, social security numbers, investment information, driver’s license numbers and any other personal financial information for student and parents • Parents and students should attend together • You can actually submit the FAFSA this day

  28. SCHOLARSHIPS • Scholarship money is “free” money given to the student based on academics, financial need, special talents (band, art ability, athletic ability, cheerleading, etc. • Watch out for scholarship SCAMS • Don’t pay anyone to do a scholarship search for you. All scholarship searches should be free! Scholarship websites are in your packet.

  29. College Scholarships College scholarships – Colleges have large budgets set aside for scholarship $$$$ • This is the best way for colleges to entice “talented” students. • Focus your energy on these scholarships first. • Find out what scholarship money is available on college websites, in brochures, and by talking to college representatives or coaches. Watch deadlines! • Always ask if there are exceptions for requirements, deadlines, qualifications, etc.

  30. Local Scholarships There are many local scholarships. * Ask the student/parent employers about scholarships * Organizations in which you are a member, such as church, Lion’s Club, Credit Union, professional organizations * Companies that you do business with such as Walmart, Burger King, KCPL, Farm Bureau, banks, etc. * Find local scholarships on the CHS website. Go to “Departments”, then “Counseling Center”. Click on “Seniors” on the left. You will see “Scholarships”. Click on this and you will see a list of all current scholarships, a description and a link to the website or the application. These are in date order. Check back often for updates. * The Scholarship booklet is a good guide to follow.

  31. National Scholarships A lot of money is available on the national level, but many students are competing for this money. • www.fastweb.com is probably the best online scholarship search for students. • There are many national scholarships, this information is on the Central HS website.

  32. Helpful Hints • Many scholarships are stackable (meaning you can add several scholarships together to cover a variety of costs), so apply for everything you can. • Find out if scholarships are renewable and if so what are the requirements. • Are there any special requirements for scholarships (living on campus, taking certain classes, etc.) • If you transfer to another college, does the scholarship convert into a loan? What about athletic scholarships, if you quit the sport or get hurt, does the scholarship continue?

  33. More Hints……. • Make copies of everything -essays, letters of recommendation, college applications, scholarship applications, financial aid paperwork, etc. • Don’t believe all college statistics. • Use a big calendar for all due dates. • Visit colleges, ask questions and take notes. • Get the names of college/financial aid reps. Get information in writing, if possible. • Many local scholarships become available in the spring, so check the website periodically. • When enrolling in college, have your student sign a “Parent Release” so you have access to their grades and financial info. Otherwise, you will not be able to get this information—EVEN IF YOU ARE PAYING THE BILLS!

  34. What students can do now? • Students need: • At least two letters of recommendation for scholarships, colleges, etc. • Write a general essay on “Why I deserve _____ scholarship” or “I want to major in ______ because”, then make minor changes according to the specific scholarship requirements. • Know the student’s ACT, GPA and class rank. • View available & upcoming scholarships on website. • Make an “Activity Sheet” for all activities 9-12 grades, include honors, awards, community service, jobs, etc. • Know the student’s strengths and weaknesses.

  35. Athletes • Athletes need to apply to the NCAA clearinghouse if interested in a Division I or II school, the website is http://www.eligibilitycenter.org/. Waivers are available for students on free/reduced lunch. • Check out the CHS Counseling Website and click on “College Athletics” for much more information about playing at all levels. • Students need to send their ACT scores directly from ACT, NCAA will not accept scores on the high school transcript. • Talk to your high school coach about your interest and have them make contact with college coaches. • Call college coaches to indicate your interest, send them film, stats, schedules, etc. • IMPORTANT– you must send 6th/7th semester transcript and FINAL TRANSCRIPT upon graduation.

  36. ANY QUESTIONS??THANK YOU FOR COMING(please complete survey)Follow us on TwitterCHS Counseling@Counseling_CHSThe Counseling Center

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