Choosing the Right College

1
Choosing the Right College
2
Agenda

• The right college for you
• Factors to consider
• College preparation programs
• College application timeline

3
Getting Started

• The right college for you
• Degree programs
• Associates
• Trade and Vocational
• Transfer programs
• Bachelors
• Masters, Ph.D., Specialized degrees

4
Choosing a College

• Factors to consider
• Program
• School size
• Class size
• Location

5
Choosing a College

• Factors to consider
• Campus culture
• Extracurricular activities
• Affiliations
• Cost of attendance

6
College Preparation Programs

• Advanced Placement Classes (AP)
• Concurrent-enrollment programs
• IBOs Diploma Programme
• Technical Preparation Programs

7
Your Starter List
8
Application Timeline (Juniors)

• August
• Ensure that you will graduate
• October
• Take PSAT/NMSQT
• List college entrance requirements
• Meet with guidance counselor
• Consider attending college fairs

9
Application Timeline (Juniors)

• January-June
• SAT/ACT
• Achievement test
• Start preparations for other admission
  requirements
• July-August
• Request information from colleges
• Work on your resume

10
Application Timeline (Seniors)

• September
• Review plans with guidance counselor
• Retake SAT/ACT (if necessary)
• Make a final list of colleges
• Plan for college admissions deadlines
• Note any early decision deadlines

11
Application Timeline (Seniors)

• October
• Visit colleges
• Request informational multimedia
• Start drafts of admissions essays
• Request high school transcripts

12
Application Timeline (Seniors)

• November
• Identify references
• Finalize other admissions requirements
• Get feedback on your admissions essays
• Schedule admissions interviews

13
Application Timeline (Seniors)

• December
• Follow up with your references
• Complete revisions of applications essays
• Mail/submit applications before holiday break
• Commit to keeping your grades up
• May
• Take Advanced Placement tests

14
College Entrance Exams

• PSAT/NMSQT
• Junior year
• Rehearsal for the SAT
• High score may qualify for scholarships
• Measures reading, math writing skills
• More information www.collegeboard.com/testing

15
College Entrance Exams

• SAT Reasoning
• Math, critical reading, writing
• Measures conceptual thinking rather than facts
• Scoring scale is 200-800 for each section
• Practice questions available at
  www.collegeboard.com

16
College Entrance Exams

• SAT subject tests
• Multiple choice
• Measures knowledge of particular subjects
• 22 subject tests available
• Many colleges may require one or more

17
College Entrance Exams

• The ACT
• 215 questions, multiple choice
• Directly related to what you learned in High
  School
• Score ranges from 1-36
• Optional writing test available

18
College Testing Dates
19
Your College Applications

• Deadlines
• Postmark or arrival?
• Many colleges accept online applications
• Read the directions carefully
• Ability to follow directions correctly is part of
  many colleges acceptance criteria

20
Your College Applications

• Transcripts
• Official transcript for each college applied to
• Many acceptances contingent on maintaining GPA
• Most require a final high school transcript

21
Your College Applications

• References
• Usually from teachers, other adults and peers
• Allow plenty of time
• Give as much information as possible
• Write thank you notes to your references and let
  them know when you get accepted
• Include stamped, pre-addressed envelope

22
Your College Applications

• Admissions essays
• Stay on topic
• Essays should be error free
• Dont exceed the word limit
• Be yourself

23
Your College Applications

• Other evidence of talent
• Portfolio
• Audition tapes
• Writing samples
• Contact specific program for more information

24
The Financial Aid Process
25
Agenda

• Your college costs
• The FAFSA and you
• Types of federal aid
• Oregon Opportunity Grant
• The final decision
• Understanding your award letter

26
Your College Costs

• Cost of attendance
• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Books and supplies
• Personal expenses
• Transportation

27
Your College Costs

• May also consider
• Allowance for dependent care
• Loan fees
• Costs related to disability
• Reasonable costs for study abroad

28
About the FAFSA

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Determines eligibility for federal and most state
  programs
• Schools may require additional forms as well
• File early to meet priority deadline
• Paper or electronic versions available

29
About the FAFSA

• Online version
• Available on January 1, 2008
• Generally easier than paper version
• Faster results, less errors
• Must have PIN to sign electronically
• FAFSA online worksheet is available
• Paper version available in November
• Make sure that you have 08-09 version
• 1 (800) 4-FED-AID

30
Preparing for the FAFSA

• Gather documents (both parents and students)
• Income tax returns
• W-2 forms and other income
• Benefits records from state and federal agencies
• Current bank statements
• Mortgage information

31
Financial Aid Flow Chart
32
Tips for Success

• Make all financial aid deadlines
• Sign the FAFSA when completed
• List all colleges that you are applying to
• Its okay to estimate your financial information
• Retain a copy of your completed FAFSA

33
FAFSA is Completed

• Student receives Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Correct any errors and return
• SAR contains Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

34
EFC Determines Financial Aid Award

• Cost of attendance EFC financial need
• Financial Aid office meets need with aid package

35
Types of Financial Aid

• Gift aid
• Federal grant programs
• Other types of federal Aid
• Federal Work study
• Federal Loan Programs
• Must be repaid, with interest

36
Major Federal Grant Programs

• Pell Grant
• Need based
• Awards depend on program funding, cost of
  attendance and expected family contribution
• Up to 4310 available

37
Major Federal Grant Programs

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
  Grant (FSEOG)
• Need based
• Must have received Pell Grant
• Awards between 100-4000

38
Major Federal Grant Programs

• Academic Competitiveness Grant Program (Federal)
• 1st or 2nd year student
• Have completed rigorous high school program
• 750 1st year
• 1300 2nd year

39
Major Federal Grant Programs

• SMART Grant
• Enrolled full-time in bachelors or grad degree
  program that includes at least 3 years of study
  at a 4 year college
• Must major in sciences math or crucial foreign
  language
• At least 3.0 cumulative G.P.A
• Award up to 4000

40
Oregon Opportunity Grant

• 2008-2009
• 107 million in Governors budget (2007-2009)
• Shared financial responsibility
• Managed by Oregon Student Assistance Commission
  (OSAC)
• Partners with
• Students and their families
• Federal Government
• State of Oregon

41
Oregon Opportunity Grant
Cost of Attendance - Tuition Fees - Books,
supplies tools - Modest living expenses
State Share
Step 4
Federal Share
Step 3
Family Share
Step 2
Student Share
Step 1
42
Oregon Opportunity Grant

• Shared responsibility Student
• Personal Savings (savings account, 529 plan,
  etc.)
• Work (15 hr/wk for 48 wks at Oregon minimum wage)
• Loans
• Scholarships or other gift aid

43
Oregon Opportunity Grant

• Estimated Student Share for 2008-09
• Community College students equal to earnings
  from a part-time job (15 hr/wk for 48 wks at OR
  minimum wage approximately 5200)
• For students at 4-year public or private
  independent college/university equal to
  earnings from a part-time job PLUS a modest loan
  (approximately 7950 5200 work 2750 loan)

44
Oregon Opportunity Grant

• Increased income limits
• 60,000 family of 4 with 1 dependent in college
• 35,000 independent student, no dependents
• 60,000 independent student in a family of 4
  (including children)

45
Federal Work Study

• To qualify
• US Citizen, high need, at least half time
  undergrad or graduate student
• Getting the money
• Work part time
• Earn at least minimum wage

46
Federal Loan Programs

• Perkins Loans
• Student borrower
• Need based
• Undergrads borrow up to 4000 annually
• 10 year repayment period
• Deferment options available while enrolled
• In school interest paid by federal government

47
Federal Loan Programs

• Stafford Loans
• Subsidized Stafford Loan
• Student borrower
• Need based
• Dependent students can borrow up 3500 for first
  year
• 10 year repayment period
• Deferment options available while enrolled
• In school interest paid by federal government

48
Federal Loan Programs

• Stafford Loans
• Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
• Student borrower
• Dependent students can borrow up 3500 for first
  year
• 10 year repayment period
• Deferment options available while enrolled
• Interest accrues from time of disbursement

49
Federal Loan Programs

• PLUS Loan
• Parent borrower
• Fixed interest rate of 8.5 FFEL, 7.9 DL
• Repayment begins 60 days after last disbursement
• Credit based
• Can borrow up to cost of attendance minus other
  financial aid

50
Understanding Your Award Letter

• Read your award letter carefully
• Look for instructions for next steps
• Keep your college aware of changing financial
  issues
• Meet all deadlines

51
Understanding Your Award Letter

• Award letter
• Lists types of aid
• Accept or decline
• Shows budget
• Sign and return

52
Understanding Your Award Letter

• What if its not enough?
• Research private scholarships
• Consider any potential employer benefits
• Check into college tuition payment plans
• Make college aware of special circumstances

53
Completing and Filing the FAFSA
54
Agenda

• The FAFSA and U
• Getting started
• Completing the FAFSA
• Next steps
• Tips for Success

55
The FAFSA and U

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Determines eligibility for federal and most state
  programs
• Paper or electronic versions available
• For Fall 2008, apply after January 1, 2008

56
The FAFSA and U

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• File early to meet priority deadline
• Check with the college you plan to attend
• Schools may require other forms
• FAFSA may also qualify you for additional types
  of financial aid

57
The FAFSA and U

• Federal Methodology
• Used to determine your Expected Family
  Contribution (EFC)
• Students income
• Parents income
• Some net assets
• FAFSA4caster can give EFC estimate
• www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov

58
Getting Started

• Apply for a PIN
• www.pin.ed.gov
• Parents and students will have separate PINs
• Takes 1-3 days with valid email address

59
Getting Started
www.pin.ed.gov
60
FAFSA-Ringing in the New Year

• FAFSA on the web worksheet
• Income tax forms (OK to estimate)
• W-2 forms and other income records
• Current bank statements
• Mortgage information
• Benefits records from federal and state agencies
• Drivers license number (student)

61
Completing the FAFSA Section 1

• Student information
• Mostly identifying information
• Best to request other types of aid
• Drug offense question
• Requires separate worksheet if youve been
  convicted

62
Completing the FAFSA Section 2

• Dependent versus independent status
• Will be 24 by December 31
• Veteran of U.S. Armed Forces
• Currently on active duty
• Orphan or ward of the court
• Have legal dependents other than spouse
• Married
• Graduate/professional student

63
Completing the FAFSA Section 3

• Parental information
• Complete only if student is dependent
• If divorced, use information from parent with
  whom student lives the most
• Complete parent section of FAFSA worksheets A-C

64
Completing the FAFSA Section 4

• Student finances
• Financial information as of date you file FAFSA
• Complete student section of FAFSA worksheet A-C

65
Completing the FAFSA Section 5

• List schools to receive information
• Enter each six digit federal school code (found
  at fafsa.ed.gov)
• Up to six codes on the online version four on
  the paper version

66
Completing the FAFSA Section 6

• Sign the form
• Use PIN for electronic version
• Use pen with black ink for paper version

67
Next Steps

• Make corrections on Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Look for Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

68
Next Steps

• Watch for additional information requests
• Financial aid office may request verification of
  reported information
• Communicate special circumstances to financial
  aid office

69
Tips for Success

• Meet all financial aid deadlines
• Sign the FAFSA appropriately
• List all colleges applied to
• Consider completing electronic FAFSA instead

70
Tips for Success

• Do not delay filling out the FAFSA
• OK to estimate financial information
• Look forward to a renewal FAFSA in 2009

71
Resources

• www.studentaid.ed.gov (live chat available)
• Federal student aid information center
• 800.4FED.AID
• Friendly Financial Aid Professionals
• High School Guidance Counselors

72
Scholarship Searches and Scams
73
Agenda

• Dispelling myths
• OSAC scholarship program
• Other scholarship resources
• Successful scholarship candidates
• Scholarship applications
• Watch for scams
• Tips to remember
• Scholarships and financial aid

74
Dispelling Myths

• You need a very high G.P.A.
• You need lots of extracurricular activities
• Youre a great student, theyll find you
• Millions of dollars go unclaimed each year
• Its just like applying to college
• The competition is too intense

75
Merit Based Scholarships

• Money given to students that doesnt have be
  repaid
• Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC)
• Colleges/Universities
• Religious/Civic groups
• Community Organizations
• Individuals/Corporations
• Foundations
• Employers

76
OSAC Scholarship Program

• The Oregon Application
• Students may apply for several public and private
  financial aid sources with one application
• Approximately 7,000 students apply each year
• More than 3,400 receive private scholarships
  through OSAC
• Over 370 organizations offer scholarships
• www.getcollegefunds.org

77
OSAC Scholarship Program

• Also available
• Scholarship and financial aid application
  training and competition workshops also offered
  statewide
• The Oregon Opportunity grant is available by
  filling out the Free Application for Federal
  Student Aid (FAFSA)

78
OSAC Scholarship Program

• OSAC scholarship application
• Available in September (print and online)
• 85 apply online
• February 15 Early Bird Scholarship deadline
• March 1 final deadline

79
Targeted Programs administered by OSAC

• Robert C. Byrd Federal Honors Scholarship
• Chafee Education and Training Scholarship for
  former foster youth
• National Guard Tuition Program

80
Targeted Programs administered by OSAC

• Rural Health Services, bringing professionals to
  rural communities
• Nursing Services loan repayment program,
  addressing critical nursing services areas
• JOBS Plus for former trainees

81
ASPIRE Program

• Helps students access education and training
  beyond high school
• Partners with high schools to build sustainable
  communities of volunteer mentors
• Helps foster culture of achievement in Oregon
  high schools
• Provides scholarship and financial aid information

82
OSAC and the ASPIRE Program
83
Other Scholarship Resources

• High school counselor
• May have a list of local competitions
• Check with other area high schools
• College/University
• Check within your major
• Financial aid office

84
Other Scholarship Resources

• Internet
• Most popular way to search for scholarships
• Search engines require you to complete profile
• Watch for scams
• Several sites available including Fastweb,
  College Board, and Scholarships.com

85
Other Scholarship Resources

• Family and friends
• Check with area employers and organizations
  youve been involved with
• Public library
• Several volumes of scholarship listings

86
Successful Scholarship Candidates

• Request application with plenty of time
• Show how qualified
• Match values to awarding organization
• Meet deadlines
• Turn in error-free applications
• Apply for many different scholarships

87
Successful Scholarship Candidates

• Follow all application directions
• Watch out for the fine print
• Keep copies of completed applications
• Help reference writers
• Are thankful and gracious

88
Scholarship Applications

• May need to provide
• Essays/personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Examples of work in specific study area/portfolio
• SAT/ACT scores
• Transcripts
• Interview

89
Scholarship Application Packet

• Essays and personal statement
• Show, dont tell
• Recycle writing appropriately
• Have others proofread
• Focus on potential
• Ask for help if you need it

90
Scholarship Application Packet

• Letters of recommendation
• Provide criteria
• Request personalized recommendation
• Provide resume and copy of recommendation form
• Provide stamped envelope
• Keep in touch

91
Scholarship Application Packet

• ACT/SAT Scores and transcripts
• Request in time to meet deadlines
• Confirm that information has been sent
• Official or unofficial transcript?
• Take standardized tests in time to meet deadlines

92
Scholarship Application Packet

• Interviews
• Can be a major source of stress
• Be prepared for most common questions
• Think of it as a conversation
• Remember the basics
• Be on time
• Dress appropriately

93
Scholarship Application Packet

• Portfolio
• May include writing samples, artwork, audition
  tapes
• Many committees request electronic versions
• Provide postage if you want it returned

94
Watch for Scams

• If it sounds too good to be true
• Beware of promises that are unrealistic
• Youre guaranteed to win or your money back
• Scholarships are competitive

95
Watch for Scams

• Come to a free seminar with a trained financial
  aid consultant
• May try to sell you other financial products
• The scholarship will cost some money
• Always investigate the sponsor

96
Watch for Scams

• You cant get this information anywhere else
• Legitimate scholarship providers want to award
  their scholarships
• Just give us your credit card number and well
  get started
• Investigate organizations carefully

97
Watch for Scams

• You are a finalist (for a scholarship you never
  applied for)
• Most scholarships sponsors contact in response to
  inquiries
• Well do all the work for you
• You must provide all the work or the application
  is fraudulent

98
Tips to Remember

• Scam mailings often sound/look official
• If you win, you will always receive notice via
  mail
• Watch out for 900 area code telephone numbers
• Always walk away from high pressure sales
• Be wary of endorsements

99
When You Win

• What to expect
• Congratulations letter
• High profile scholarships may include follow ups
• Check may be sent to you or your college
• May need to send transcripts and proof of
  enrollment
• Fulfill obligations

100
Your Financial Aid Package

• Schools may adjust your financial aid award
• Check with your college/university

101
Thank You!

• Questions?