1. SENIOR SCOOP 3 CLASS OF 2016 JAN. 11-12, 2016 Atascadero High School

2. Cuesta College Important Dates January/February  Apply to Cuesta via www.cccapply.org March 1st  Complete the Cuesta Promise Application and FAFSA April- TBD  Assessment testing at Cuesta College North County Campus  9:00am A-C room N2408, D-G room N2411, H-L room N3134  11:30am M-P room N2408, Q-SL room N2411, SM-Z room N3134  Make sure to bring your picture ID and Cuesta ID #  Don’t forget to purchase a $2 daily parking permit if you will be parking on campus that day. May 26th  Cuesta Course registration at the North County Campus.  Buses will be provided and will leave at 8am.

3. How to Prepare for Assessments Check out the Cuesta Assessment Website where they will provide you with links to the following online resources:  http://www.cuesta.edu/student/getstarted/assessment_testin g/resources.html http://www.cuesta.edu/student/getstarted/assessment_testin g/resources.html  Accuplacer Practice tests  Aleks  Areyoureadyformath.com  Plato Software  Khan Academy

4. 2016-2017 Cuesta Promise 1. Submit your Cuesta College admissions application 2. Submit your Promise Scholarship 3. Apply for FAFSA or the Dream Act – March 1st 4. Complete the Cuesta College assessment process- April 5. Complete the Cuesta College Online Orientation 6. Register for your classes 7. Send final high school transcript

5. English Language Learner Students AB540 Student Information  Eligible for Fall 2015 Scholarships and Board of Governors (BOG) Waiver English Assessment Test  Can take English Assessment in the ESL office. Call to make an appointment (805) 591-6209 Educate- Si Se Puede Conference  March 18, 2016, 9:00am- 2:00pm.  Cuesta College Associated Student Center, San Luis Obispo Campus.  See your counselor to register to attend.

6. Educational Opportunity Program (EOPS) The Educational Opportunity Program is designed to improve access and retention of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. EOP students have the potential and demonstrated motivation to perform satisfactorily in college, but they have not been able to realize their potential because of their economic or educational background. The program provides admission and academic assistance to EOP eligible undergraduate students. In many cases the program offers financial assistance to eligible students. Contact the EOPS office at Cuesta for more information at (805) 546-3144 SLO Campus of (805) 591-6214 NC Campus.

7. Other Community Colleges If you are interested in attending a community college other than Cuesta, you will need to check with that college directly to find out when it’s application is due, assessment dates, orientation, etc. To Access information on community colleges go to www.cccco.edu or www.californiacolleges.edu www.cccco.eduwww.californiacolleges.edu

8. Requests for Recommendations Any recommendations, evaluations, or student academic record forms that require counselor or teacher input must be submitted to the evaluator at least two weeks before the deadline to submit. Keep in mind that recommendations are not needed for community college admission. Don’t forget to submit your personal Senior Profile with each request.

9. Selective Service Registration In compliance with the Military Selective Service Act, young men over the age of 18 are responsible to register with Selective Service. To register go online to www.sss.govwww.sss.gov Penalties for not complying with the Military Service Act can be a fine up to $250,000 and/or up to 5 years in prison. In addition, you must be registered in order to be eligible for any financial aid.

10. Free Cash for College Workshops Cuesta College (SLO Campus)  Tuesday, February 2nd from 5:00pm to 8:00pm Atascadero High School  Tuesday, February 24 th from 3:00pm to 8:00pm Financial Aid Night- Jan 28 th AHS Library 5pm-7pm

11. Who should apply for financial aid? Any student who wishes to attend a trade or technical school, community college, four-year public or private university should apply for financial aid. There are no fees to apply for financial aid, so you have nothing to lose—only lots of available money to gain.

12. What is financial aid? Financial aid is money that helps a student pay the cost of education by filling the gap between a family’s contribution and the student’s yearly academic expenses. Aid is available in the following forms:  Grants: Grants are awards based on financial need and have no requirement of repayment.  Scholarships: This aid is money awarded for achievement skills, talents, and/or financial need. It does not require repayment.  Loans: Loans are awards that must be repaid with interest.  Work Study: This aid is in the form of part time jobs that could be related to interests, skills, and/or majors.

13. How do I apply for financial aid? Both student and parent must apply for a FAFSA ID # at www.fafsa.gov www.fafsa.gov If you and/or your parents have not yet filed their income taxes you can use information from your 2014 income tax filing. Once you have the new information you can log back in and update it. The completed FAFSA is due March 2, 2016. Depending on the schools you apply to, you may need to complete other forms such as the CSS Profile. Check with each school as to exactly which forms they require. For State Grants and Awards, the school automatically sends your GPA verification electronically so you can qualify.

14. Scholarships A number of scholarships are available through the applicants university. Scholarships are awarded competitively on the basis of academic performance, financial need, or a unique ability. For information and a list of scholarships offered, contact the Financial Aid office at the college or university of choice.

15. Local Scholarships The counseling office also receives scholarship information so check the website or stop by for info.  The local scholarship application will be available January 15th and will be due March 4, 2016. Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is accepting applications now through February 12 th.  Visit www.cfsloco.org for scholarship information and to download an application. Also see AHS website.www.cfsloco.org

16. Remember… Students be sure to always use your legal name on all applications and financial aid documents. You should learn your social security number as it is required for all financial aid and college identification.