1. Blue Springs South Counseling Department

2.  Prior to graduation all students are expected to take one of the following tests: ◦ ASVAB-Career Exploration Program  If you are not planning on going to college, this is the test for you!  Military uses this test. So, if you do not want them to contact you, make sure to opt out. ◦ COMPASS-Entrance test  for 2-year Colleges/Community College ◦ ACT-College Readiness Test  for any 4-year College/University

3. Have you met admission course requirements?  4-year public ◦ 4 English ◦ 3 Math ◦ 3 Social Studies ◦ 2 Science ◦ 3 Electives (2 Foreign Language) ◦ 1 Fine Art  4-year university (MU, UMKC, MO S&T, UMSL) ◦ 4 English ◦ 4 Math ◦ 3 Social Studies ◦ 3 Science ◦ 2 Foreign Language ◦ 1 Fine Art  2-year college ◦ Open admission ◦ A+ ◦ ACT??

4.  College Credit ◦ 3 credit hours=3 hours in class per week ◦ Many Bachelor Degrees require 120+ hours of college credit.  Early Decision vs. Early Action ◦ Allows you to apply early (usually in Nov.) ◦ Receive admission decision well in advance of the usual spring notification date; normally by Dec. or Jan. ◦ Sometimes you have a better chance of acceptance than via regular admissions process. ◦ Early Decision – You agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package.  Can apply to only 1 college for Early Decision, but can apply to others for regular admission  If accepted by 1 st choice college, you must withdraw all other applications ◦ Early Action – similar to Early Decision, but non-binding Can choose to commit right away or wait until spring Can apply to other colleges as Early Action

5.  ACT vs. SAT ◦ Colleges/Universities typically take the highest composite score ◦ Take often ◦ Bright Flight-estimated amount-$1750/year for top 3%  ACT ◦ Next test--October 24 ◦ Register by September 19  SAT ◦ Next test—October 11 ◦ Late Registration by September 12

6.  ACT Prep Day ◦ More info to come  Instructional Coaches Prep ◦ One afternoon the week before the test  English-Math-Science  ACT Online Prep ◦ www.actstudent.org  Outside Opportunities ◦ Watch the guidance newsletter  On your own

7.  Public School vs. Private School  Fill out applications ◦ Type EVERYTHING ◦ Make photocopies/print & save information  Letters of recommendation ◦ Activity sheet/resume (in packet) ◦ 2 weeks notice  Essays ◦ Some colleges will require an essay ◦ Use your English teachers  Email ◦ Create a separate email to help with organization ◦ Think about using an appropriate name

8.  Common Application is used by almost 400 colleges – www.commonapp.org ◦ Application ◦ Secondary School Report ◦ Mid-year Report ◦ Final Report ◦ Teacher Evaluations (may be required by colleges)  CSS Profile – form used by some colleges to award aid ◦ Used in addition to FAFSA ◦ Can file as early as October 1 of senior year ◦ Fee for 1 st college & additional reporting fees apply

9.  Sending high school transcripts ◦ (secretaries can help) ◦ First 3 are free ◦ $4 for each additional ◦ If 18 you can sign release forms, otherwise require parent signature  Sending college transcripts ◦ You must contact the college directly ◦ Send to colleges you are applying to  Sending ACT Scores ◦ Some colleges now require ACT scores to be sent directly from ACT (MU & NWMSU)  AP Scores ◦ Must contact College Board to send  Meet Deadlines

10.  College Planning Night ◦ September 24 ◦ 7:00 p.m. ◦ BSSHS-PAC  College Fair ◦ October 7 ◦ 6:30-8:00 p.m. ◦ At BSHS ◦ www.GoToCollegeFairs.com www.GoToCollegeFairs.com  to register  Great websites ◦ www.cappex.comwww.fastweb.com www.cappex.comwww.fastweb.com ◦ www.mymajors.com www.studentscholarships.org www.mymajors.comwww.studentscholarships.org

11.  Guidance department announcements  Twitter---@BSSCounselors  College Visits ◦ 2 per year ◦ Signed note must be returned to attendance  College Reps. visiting South  TextCaster ◦ Go to www.jagnewsonline.com & click on the Jag Alert logo to sign up.www.jagnewsonline.com

12.  NCAA ◦ Large colleges & universities ◦ http://eligibilitycenter.org http://eligibilitycenter.org  NAIA ◦ Small colleges & universities ◦ www.playNAIA.org www.playNAIA.org  To play for either, you MUST ◦ register with clearinghouse ◦ Stay aware of requirement changes  Intramurals ◦ Recreational sports organized on campus ◦ Talk to your Campus Recreation Center for more info.

14.  Based on GPA/Class Rank/ACT  No separate application ◦ (with few exceptions)  Apply by early deadline ◦ We say November 1  The majority of scholarship money comes from merit scholarships  www.meritaid.com www.meritaid.com

15.  FAFSA ◦ www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov ◦ Register for PIN # (parent & student)  www.pin.ed.gov www.pin.ed.gov ◦ File taxes as soon as possible ◦ Complete by March 1 or as soon as possible  Financial Aid ◦ Loans ◦ Grants ◦ Work Study  EFC ◦ Expected Family Contribution  SAR ◦ Student Aid Report

16.  Financial Aid Night ◦ January 28 ◦ @ South  MO Department of Higher Education ◦ www.dhe.mo.gov www.dhe.mo.gov ◦ FAFSA Frenzy  Talk to the Financial Aid Department at your college

17.  Department of Higher Education (DHE) ◦ www.dhe.mo.gov www.dhe.mo.gov ◦ 800-473-6757  Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) ◦ www.dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/scholarships/ www.dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/scholarships/

18.  Internet Scholarship Searches ◦ www.fastweb.com www.fastweb.com ◦ www.cappex.com www.cappex.com ◦ www.studentscholarships.org www.studentscholarships.org ◦ www.scholarships.com www.scholarships.com ◦ Google scholarship applications ◦ Watch for scams  National/State/Metro Scholarships ◦ Things to consider in your application ◦ Guidance Newsletter  Pick up in counseling office  www.bssd.net www.bssd.net  Local Scholarships ◦ We will talk about this in December

19.  100 hours community service  Receive cord at Awards Night to wear at Graduation  Pick up form in counseling  Can use A+ hours  Turn in to your principal by May 1 to earn your cord for graduation  OR turn in to your principal by April 22 if you want to be recognized at Awards Night

20.  Counselors encourage you to set up individual conferences by appointment on an as needed basis.  We are here to assist you with your college plans.