Prepare For College

1. Prepare For College SENIOR OVERVIEW TIMELINE SAT - ACT APPLY TO COLLEGE FAFSA SCHOLARSHIPS

2. Senior Overview TimeLine

3. SAT - ACT

4. Process For Applying To College • Fill out the application online • Request letters of recommendation • Request transcripts • Request application fee waiver • Write your application essay • Double-check everything and submit it! • Receive confirmation letter or e-mail • Hear back and make a decision

5. Free Application for Federal Student Aid • Apply for a FAFSA PIN at www.pin.ed.gov - student + parents • Discuss family finances and gather important documents and info: • Your Social Security number or Permanent Resident card • Your Driver License number • Your W-2 forms • Your family’s income tax returns (1040 or 1040EZ, etc.) • Your income tax returns • Untaxed income records • Current bank statements for you and your family • Business and investment records for your family • Begin to fill out the FAFSA beginning January 1st • Submit it!

6. Apply for Scholarships • Find a scholarship that fits you • Oregonstudentaid.gov • Fastweb.com • Talk to counselors • Use Google! • Make a list of the different pieces • Letters of recommendation • Transcript required • Financial Information • Fill out the application • Write your essay • Submit before the deadline

7. Common Scholarship Questions • Explain your career aspirations and your educational plan to meet these goals. • Explain how you have helped your family or made your community a better place to live. Please provide specific examples. • Describe a personal accomplishment and the strengths and skills you used to achieve it. • Describe a significant change or experience that has occurred in your life. How did you respond and what did you learn about yourself?

8. Scholarship Application Tips • Start searching for scholarships as soon as possible. • Apply only if you are eligible • Read and follow all instructions • Meet all the application deadlines • Gather application materials early • Don’t ignore small awards • Request letter of recommendation early • Write great essay • Be yourself, honest • Don’t repeat information • Make it sounds interesting • Ask for help if you need it • Read profiles of past winners • Proofread the essay before you submit it • Try, try again and keep try again!

9. Ace Your Scholarship Interview • Prepare beforehand • Review your application • Dress for success • Be on time • Smile, shake hands • Stay confident and relaxed • Honest and be yourself • Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting • Be a good listener as well as a good communicator • Look the interviewer in the eye while speaking • Show enthusiasm • Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no.” Explain • Explain clear your goals • Ask question • Follow up

10. College Resource & Scholarship Websites • OSAC – www.oregonstudentaid.gov • FastWeb – www.fastweb.com • College Board – www.collegeboard.com • GatesMillennium – www.gmsp.org • Oregon University System – www.ous.edu • APIASF - www.apiasf.org • US Dept of Education – www.studentaid.edu.gov

11. Questions? Hai Dao daoh@onid.orst.edu haidao_o@yahoo.com

12. Thank you!