WELCOME SENIOR NIGHT AT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

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WELCOME SENIOR NIGHT AT CENTRAL
HIGH SCHOOL

• ALICIA SAUNDERS
• COLLEGE AND CAREER ADVISOR
• CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 671-4080
• EMAIL - alicia.saunders_at_sjsd.k12.mo.us

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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
• RESOURCES/PREP HQ

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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 questionIs this a realistic choice for
  my student?
• ALWAYS have a backup plan!!
• Online college searches are very helpful. Dont
  focus too much on the major, but what the college
  has to offer your student.
• www.mapping-your-future.org is a great site.

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Selecting the RIGHT major

• Your student should have taken the MO Connections
  Assessment as a junior. You can visit the
  website at www.missouriconnections.org and view
  the results of the assessments or take additional
  assessments. The counseling center has passwords
  and batch codes if you need them.
• 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.
  www.mapping-your-future.org is a great resource
  for career help.
• As parents, you must try to help your student be
  realistic-
• Is the NFL a possibility? Professional actor?
  Doctor?
• Most colleges have career advisors available, use
  them.
• My best advice at this pointDONT STRESS OUT
  ABOUT MAJORS!

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ACT TEST

• ACT TEST DATES
• December 13, 2008 (November 7th regular
  deadline)
• February 7, 2009 (January 6th regular
  deadline)
• April 4, 2009 (February 27th
  regular deadline)
• June 13, 2009 (May 8th regular
  deadline)
• Most colleges do not require the writing portion
  of the ACT. Contact the individual colleges to
  see what they recommend. There are very few
  colleges that require it in Missouri.
• Who should take the ACT?
• Anyone planning to attend college
• Most colleges will take this test (most
  popular in the Midwest)
• Take the test as early as possible to meet
  early deadlines
• Packets available in the Counseling Office or
  visit www.act.org
• Scores are reported back to the student and
  high school

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Testing help is available!!

• Its FREE and CONVENIENT
• 1. ACT Prep is being offered during seminar
  everyday in the Library-1st floor lab
• 2. Petersons online ACT prep is available to
  students at no cost. Students should have their
  password--if not, go to Seminar ACT Prep to get
  it (Library 1st floor lab)
• 3. Mrs. Hoecker (Rm. 24) has an ACT Prep every
  Wednesday after school from 300-400

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SAT TEST

• SAT TEST DATES
• December 6, 2008 (November 5th, regular
  deadline)
• January 24, 2009 (December 26th, regular
  deadline)
• March 14, 2009 (February 10th, regular deadline)
• May 2, 2009 (March 31st, regular
  deadline)
• June 6, 2009 (May 5th, regular deadline)
• contact the individual colleges to see what test
  is recommended
• Who should take the SAT?
• Many colleges will take either the ACT or SAT
• SAT is most popular at East/West Coast schools
• Packets 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)

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College Applications

• Many colleges have a Nov. 15/Dec. 1 priority
  deadline
• Even though colleges have early deadlines, many
  will continue to take applications for admission
  after deadlines.
• Most colleges recommend the online application.
• The Common Application is for selective colleges
  all over the U.S., 347 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
  supplemental information).

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TRANSCRIPTS

• MRS. KING IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE WILL SEND
  TRANSCRIPTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS OR COLLEGES,
  WHENEVER REQUESTED. REQUESTS MUST BE DONE ON
  PREP HQ. ALL SENIORS SHOULD HAVE REGISTERED ON
  PREP HQ!
• GO TO TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS ON PREP HQ
• UPON GRADUATION, SIGN UP ON THE FINAL
  TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM TO SEND THE FINAL
  TRANSCRIPT TO YOUR FINAL COLLEGE CHOICE.
• 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 POSTEDMAY/JUNE

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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.

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FINANCIAL AID

• 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 students education.

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FEDERAL FINANCIAL AIDWhat does it all mean?

• When you submit the FAFSA, your SAR will give you
  the EFC.
• Translation When you submit the Free
  Application for Federal Student Aid, your
  Student Aid Report will give you the Expected
  Family Contribution.
• Dont stress out. Help is available.

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FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

• FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Available after January 1, each year
• GET TAXES DONE EARLY
• Apply by March 1, 2009
• Fill out paper FAFSA or file
• electronically (preferred) at
• www.fafsa.ed.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.

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CHANGES TO FAFSA

• Many changes have been made for the 2009/2010
  school year
• More families will qualify because of a new
  formula
• All students must show proof of citizenship with
  passport, drivers license or birth certificate--
  to any college
• 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

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SUBMIT BY MARCH 1
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GRANTS

• Grant money- awards are based on financial need
  (repayment is not required)
• PELL GRANT
• Financial need is required
• Awards range from 976-5,350 per year
• SEOG GRANT
• Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
  (exceptional financial need required)
• Awards range from 100-4,000 per year
• ACG Grant
• Academic Competitive Grant (first and second year
  students only).
• Must be Pell Grant eligible and have taken a
  rigorous high school curriculum as defined by the
  Department of Education.
• Students may receive up to 750 the first year
  and up to 1,300 the second year.
• Families with an EFC of 4,617 or less typically
  qualify for grant money. In 2007-2008, 97 of
  the grant recipients came from households with an
  income under 50,000.

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Access MissouriGrant Program

• New program in August 2007
• Must be attending a participating MO college
• Must be a full-time student from MO
• Families with an EFC of 0-7,000 qualify for
  1,830- 2,150 per year (up to 4,600 for a
  private college)
• Families with an EFC of 7,001-11,999 qualify for
  1,000 per year (up to 2,000 for a private
  college)
• Is renewable for 4 years with a 2.5 GPA
• Must submit FAFSA by April 1 to qualify
• EFCExpected Family Contribution
• Can not be pursing a theology or divinity degree

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Federal Teach Grant

• Excellent 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.go
  v/
• 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)
• Not all colleges participate, check website
• Anyone can qualify as long as one of your ACT
  sub-scores (ENG, MAT, READ, SCI) rank in the 75th
  percentile. Depending on the subject area, this
  ACT score is approx. 23-25.

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EFC Estimates(Expected Family Contribution)

• To estimate your EFC (what the federal government
  expects your family to contribute toward your
  students education), you may enter your
  estimated 2008 financial information at one of
  the sites below.
• http//apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_welcome.j
  sp
• www.act.org/fane/
• www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov
• Is it good news or bad news? Figure your EFC to
  find out how much financial aid is in your future.

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WORKSTUDY

• JOBS ON CAMPUS (some are off campus)
• Based on financial need of the family, date
  the FAFSA is submitted and the colleges 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.

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LOANS

• Repayment is REQUIRED!!
• Loan programs have been affected by the
  credit crisissome states/colleges may not
  have loan money available. Check with your
  college.
• Dont take out a loan unless it is absolutely
  necessary.
• Student loans cannot be forgiven through
  bankruptcy.
• There are loans for the
• Student (in the students name)
• Parents (in the parents name)

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What if I dont 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 all
  dollars awarded.
• 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.

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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.

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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 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.

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Parent Loans

• Federal PLUS Loans (Parent Loan for Undergraduate
  Students) (8.5)
• PLUS loans are a financial obligation of the
  parents.
• Parents borrow money for costs not covered by the
  students 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/college.
• NEW parents can apply to defer payments on loans.

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MOHELA Loan Programs

• MOHELA (MO Higher Education Loan Authority)
• (visit the website www.mohela.com)
• Because of the credit crisis, many of the
  MOHELA special loan forgiveness and rate relief
  programs are being discontinued. Check the
  website to see the latest information. It is
  changing daily.
• If an older sibling previously signed up for one
  of these programs, they are still being honored.

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COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAYBE THERE

• Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Missouri Western
  State University
• Leah Spratt Hall 200-400
• 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 2008 taxes, social security numbers,
  investment information, drivers license numbers
  and any other personal financial information for
  student and parents
• Parents and student should attend together
• You can actually submit the FAFSA this day

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MWSU Financial Aid Nights

• Financial Aid Nights are for any student/parent
  attending any college
• Mark your calendar so you can learn about all the
  details of the federal/state programs, these
  nights are free and open to the public.
• January 29, 2009 700 Spratt Hall
• February 24, 2009 700 Spratt Hall

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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
• Dont pay anyone to do a scholarship search for
  you. All scholarship searches should be free!
  Scholarship websites are in your packet.

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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.

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Local Scholarships

• There are many local scholarships.
• Ask the student/parent employers about
  scholarships.
• Organizations in which you are a member, such
  as church, Lions Club, Credit Union,
  professional organizations.
• Companies that you do business with such as
  Walmart, Burger King, Farm Bureau, banks, etc.
• The Counseling Center updates PrepHQ on a
  daily basis with new scholarships. Many
  scholarship applications are downloaded on
  Shared Files on PrepHQ.
• The Scholarship booklet that was given to
  every senior in September is a good guide to
  follow.

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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. More sites are
  available in your packet.
• There are many national scholarships, this
  information is available on PrepHQ.

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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?

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More Hints.

• Make copies of everything - essays, letters of
  recommendation, college applications, scholarship
  applications, financial aid paperwork, etc.
• Dont 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 or
  other people you talk to. Get information in
  writing, if possible.
• Many local scholarships become available in the
  spring, so check PrepHQ 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 informationEVEN IF YOU
  ARE PAYINT THE BILLS!

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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 essay requirements for scholarships.
• Know the students ACT, GPA and class rank by
  logging into PrepHQ.
• View available upcoming scholarships on PrepHQ.
• Make an Activity Sheet for all activities 9-12
  grades, include honors, awards, community
  service, jobs, etc.
• Know the students strengths and weaknesses.

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Athletes

• Athletes need to apply to the NCAA clearinghouse
  if interested in a Division I or II school, the
  website is www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. There is a
  60 fee to apply. Go to www.ncaa.org for
  eligibility requirements.
• New clearinghouse requirement started Fall of
  2007, students need to send their ACT scores
  directly from ACT, NCAA will not accept scores on
  the 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.

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Resources

• In your packet you will find
• Financial Aid brochures
• Paying for College brochure
• Helpful websites for careers, scholarships,
  financial aid, ACT/SAT, students with special
  needs, etc.
• Prep HQ information

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ANY QUESTIONS??THANK YOU FOR COMING(please
complete survey)Please let us know if we can
help you with anything throughout your students
last year at Central High School.The Counseling
Center