COLLEGE! How do I do that?

Sarah Hester, SLHS 9th GradeBethany Wallace, SLHS 10th-12th, A-LAZLisa Godo, SLHS 10th-12th, LE-ZAmy Bolton, SLEHS, A-KMara Elwart, SLEHS, L-Z

FUTURE SENIOR PARENT NIGHTCLASS OF 2015Am I on track to graduate with my class?Students must have 17 credits by the end of their junior year to be on track for graduation.

What if Im short credits?You must complete some credit recovery or attend a 5th year.One credit per semester is allowed (summer = semester)Options: night school, MiVHS online, summer school, or retake the class at SLHSMost credit recovery costs money and requires transportation.See your counselor for more information.

Senior Schedule SelectionGraduation Requirements:Senior EnglishSenior Math or Math Related CourseAny other graduation requirement not yet met.What are colleges looking for?Solid academic schedule think science, math, social studies, English, world languageAim for 3-4 academic coursesChoose classes that build skills related to career goalsExplore dual enrollment options with your counselorMaintain strong GPA

Dual EnrollmentCommunity College coursework replaces SLHS coursework.SLCS pays for your coursework.You must have qualifying scores on PLAN, MEAP or ACT.There are restrictions on the type of courses you can take at the community college.Courses can be at the college (requires transportation) or online.College grades do not factor into your GPA.May be difficult to dual enroll if you are involved in extracurricular activities at SLHS.

ACT March 2014You will take the ACT plus writing, ACT Work Keys, MME at school from March 4th-6th No costNo need to registerCollege reportable scoresValid scores on all 3 days of testing required for graduationACT RetakesRegister to retake at www.actstudent.orgCost: ACT with writing $52.50; ACT without writing $36.50You will take at a National Test SightDates are available online and in student services

Looking for Post-Secondary Options?

Where do I best fit?2 year Community CollegesCost effectiveCan earn an Associates DegreeGreat place to get basics4 year Colleges/UniversitiesCan earn a Bachelors DegreeWider variety of coursesIndependence Trade SchoolsSkill specificVery hands on learningEarn a certificate or license in area of study

MilitaryServe your country in 1 of 4 branchesCan earn money for collegeVariety of skilled programsASVAB February 4, 2014

Where Do I Start?Create a professional sounding email address.

Good example:wallaceb@slcs.usNot so good example:bikerchick@yahoo.comSchools will use your email address to contact you about practically everything.CHECK YOUR EMAIL!Start a folder to keep everything organized.

ACT scoresTranscripts-Parchment Calendar of important datesLetters of recommendationInformation from the schoolsNotes from your visitsEssaysScholarshipsFinancial aid

When you are registering to take the ACT please note that you are given the option to send your scores directly from ACT to the colleges that you will be applying to. You are able to do this for up to 4 schools. The University of Michigan and Michigan State do require official ACT scores that are sent directly from ACT. If you do not fill them out on the ACT registration form and later need to have them officially sent there is a fee.

Parchment- Students create a parchment account and register. This is how students send their official transcripts to colleges and universities. Transcripts can also be sent to NCAA and the Common Application through Parchment. Instructions are in the folder provided to you tonight.

Calendar- Keep a master calendar of due dates for applications, scholarships, etc.

Letters of recommendation form should be filled out prior to asking a teacher or counselor for a letter of recommendation. These can be found in the folder you receive tonight as well as in the student service office.

Essays- Keep copies of every essay you write.

8Do Your Research!Visit College WebsitesAttend College Fairs

Visit College Campuses College Visits at SLHS & SLEHS

Compare Costs

Think about whats most important to you in a college as you start looking. Make sure they have your program of study.

Use mid-winter/spring breaks and summer to visit.

College admission officers come to our high schools and meet with the students in small groups usually in the fall. It gives the students a chance to ask questions about the colleges and meet the admissions reps. Students can sign up in the student services office. The visits are posted outside the office, on the announcements, as well as at SLHS we tweet them and scroll them. 9Applying to Colleges:Begin applying the August before your senior year begins.Know if your college has an early deadline usually November 1st.Find your colleges application online at their website. Check for essay requirements. Many applications require a fee so be prepared.

What do you need to apply?Your basic personal and contact info.A list of all your activities/work/ volunteer/awards, etc.Your senior schedule.Essay(s)Letters of recommendationYour ACT scores

Submit only when you have had someone check over your application!

Start making your lists of activities, experiences, etc. now. Its much easier to jot things down as you think of them than while trying to fill out an application.

Double and triple check your application. Spelling and grammar errors do not make you look good.11How on Earth Do I Pay for School?File the FAFSA between January 1st March 1st of your senior year.

Attend Financial Aid Night in December of your senior year.Look for and apply for scholarships.www.fastweb.comwww.scholarships.comGoogle scholarshipsCheck Student Services scholarship book.FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Be sure and apply early, because funding does run out quickly. In your packet there are some websites that you may want to check out for financial aid planning that will be very helpful. You should never have to pay for a scholarship. Dont apply for scholarships unless you qualify.Make sure that you proof read and edit all essays and applications for scholarships.

12QUESTIONS?

Career Questions Contact: SLHS: Jane Miloch SLEHS: Lauren Bedich

College Questions Contact: SLHS: Beth Wallace (A-La) or Lisa Godo (Le-Z)SLEHS: Amy Bolton (A-K) or Mara Elwart (L-Z)