College Prep Informational Handout

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College Prep Informational Handout

• Bolivar High School
• Michelle Darby, Counselor
• Contact information
• mdarby_at_bolivar.k12.mo.us
• 326-5228, extension 401

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Graduation Requirements

• 4 units in English
• 3 units in Science
• 3 units in Social Studies
• 3 units in Math
• ½ unit in Health
• ½ unit in Personal Finance
• 1 unit in Fine Arts
• 1 unit in Practical Arts
• 1 unit in PE
• 10 units in Electives
• _______________________
• 27 units total

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Core Curriculum(required for MO 4-year public
colleges)

• 4 English
• 3 Math (Algebra I and higher)
• 2 Science (not including Earth Science)
• 3 Social Studies
• 1 PE
• 1 Fine Art
• 3 Foreign Language and/or Additional Core
  Electives
• University of MO4 Math, 3 Science, 2 Foreign
  Language

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Dual Credit

• SBU
• ACT Score of 18
• 85 per credit hour
• Dual Credit Composition
• College Algebra
• Pre-Calculus
• Business Calculus
• Fund. Of Speech
• 328-1598

• MSU (formerly SMSU)
• ACT Score of 21 (preferred)
• 90 per credit hour
• Chemistry I and II
• Physics
• Computer App II
• Livestock, Horticulture
• Personal Finance
• Debbie Penn
• 836-6246

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ACT/SAT Test

• ACT Achievement test that measures what a
  student has learned in school.
• English
• Mathematics
• Reading
• Science
• Writing Test (optional)

• SAT More of an aptitude test that tests
  reasoning and verbal abilities.
• Verbal
• Mathematics
• Writing Test

4-year colleges require ACT or SAT 2-year
colleges may/may not require (contact Admissions
Dept. for each college to find out) Dual Credit
courses at BHS require ACT
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ACT Information

• ACT Testing Dates
• September 12
• October 24
• December 6
• February 6
• April 10
• June 12
• Cost of ACT test is 32
• ACT Writing Test is additional 15 (few colleges
  are requiring the writing test at this time)

• Registration packets and practice test booklets
  are available in BHS Counseling Center or online
  at www.actstudent.org
• Be sure to include your school code 260260 when
  asked for it

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Resources for selecting a college

• Contact College Admissions offices
• College websites
• College catalogs/literature

• Monthly Senior Newsletters
• College representative visits to BHS
• College campus visits

College planning tips www.actstudent.org/planning
Information for parents www.act.org/path/parent
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College Applications

• Fall semester of senior year ideal time to apply
• Most require a fee
• High school transcripts (GPA, class rank)
• Unofficial (photocopy of transcript you send
  yourself)
• Official (sealed and stamped copy Mrs. Darby has
  to send for you)
• Tell Mrs. Darby when you are applying to a
  college so she can send an official transcript to
  that school.

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NCAA Clearinghouse

• Athletic Division I and II Colleges/Universities
• If you hope to play a sport in college, apply
  with NCAA after spring semester of junior year or
  first semester of senior year
• Requires Core Curriculum, ACT, GPA, Rank
• Apply online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

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Scholarships

• Most available during senior year
• College specific scholarships
• Athletic/performance scholarships
• General scholarships
• Local scholarships
• Any scholarships that come through Mrs. Darbys
  office are posted in the newsletter and on the
  school website under Counseling Center. Go to
  www.bolivarschools.org Click on High, Counseling
  Center.
• DEADLINES ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

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Scholarship Search Websites

• www.fastweb.com
• www.collegeboard.com
• www.collegeview.com
• www.princetonreview.com
• www.fastaid.com
• www.mach25.collegenet.com
• www.xap.com

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Financial Aid

• Seniors planning to attend college are expected
  to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for
  Federal Student Aid) as soon as your 2009 taxes
  are completed (January/February.)
• Informational Parent meeting in late January
  regarding the FAFSA at BHS to help with this
  process.
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Application for federal grants, loans, and some
  scholarships
• Required for A students before A funds can be
  used
• Requires income tax information for 2009 year
• Encouraged to apply online www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Obtain PIN anytime between now and January at
  www.pin.ed.gov

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• Contact information
• mdarby_at_bolivar.k12.mo.us
• 326-5228, extension 601