Senior Post-Secondary Informational Meeting Senior year timeline Options after graduation Preparing to apply College application process Student role/counselor role Transfer information Financial aid and scholarships/Legacy Scholarship Review of meeting These are all of the things we will discuss today

Senior Year Timeline Getting through the year Look at class choices: Hard or easy? How many core classes? On track to graduate? Senioritis: What is it and how do I avoid it? Refer to Senior Year Calendar

Options After Graduation Work: Learn interview/resume skills Military: Recruiter Vocational Training: Look into schools with your program of interest, help apply 2yr/4yr college: Help apply 80% of jobs don’t require a four-year degree, but good paying jobs usually require some additional training

Preparing to apply ACT/SAT: Should I take it again? Refer to test prep links. If interested in NCAA Division I or II athletics, you must sign up with NCAA clearinghouse by registering at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net It is always a good idea to work with your coaches on this. Do well in your classes!

Deciding where to apply? Taken from www.ACTstudent.org Location Academics College Expenses Facilities Activities Campus Visits Admission Requirements Environment Size Financial Aid Housing

Differences Between Schools College/University Quick Fact Sheet Note price differences Note ACT/GPA differences Note different academic programs Note different extra-curricular activities Note deadlines

College Application Process Student completes application Online is highly preferred by us and universities Paper application may be necessary in the case of special programs, athletics (per request by college coach), onsite admissions at LHS, etc. Online applications generally found on school website Some schools (U of M, many private schools, highly competitive schools) require the common app, found at www.commonapp.org Neatness & Honesty Essays

College Application Process (continued) Counselor Completes and Submits Supplemental Information Recommendation Transcript Unofficial Test Scores School Profile BCAMSC Profile (when applicable and provided by student)

College Application Process (continued) Student Verifies Completion with University Allow 1 week for counselor role, 1 to 2 weeks for processing by the college before application is considered complete. Admissions decision timeline will depend on when you applied, when they received it, and how many applications they have received (larger schools will often take longer than smaller ones). Be Patient…

Student Role Research options Complete/Submit Applications (by October 31) Essays – some required, some optional Submit Application Fee (check, credit card, fee waiver) Notify Counselor At the very least, the counselor must submit a transcript. Most schools have a counselor page that must be filled out. The common app allows you to e-mail this to your counselor. Your application is NOT COMPLETE until this is done.

Student Role (continued) Request necessary recommendations (teachers, counselor, employer, etc.) Submit OFFICIAL test scores when necessary Follow up to verify completed applications with prospective schools Scholarship Research/Searches Be aware of specific application requirements – they are all different.

Counselor Role Help students find and complete applications Coordinate College Visits Complete counselor page Send transcripts/recommendations/test scores in a timely fashion Facilitate contact between admission staff/military recruiters/employers and students Direct students to web and other resources

Transferring from 2 year to 4 year Apply now to 2 year institution Can apply now to 4 year institution, must reapply later if attend 2 year institution. Minimum number of credits to be considered transfer student. (30) Which classes to take? Take most classes within major at 4 year institution What will transfer? Meeting with academic advisor Degree granting university makes ultimate decisions

Paying for College Note the price tag of each college What are scholarships, loans, grants Need-based vs. Merit-based FAFSA (and Expected Family Contribution) Scholarship list (see handout) and process (see Recommendation request form) FINANCIAL AID TALK IN November Check out the College/University website under Admissions and/or Financial Aid for all scholarship information

Scholarship Competitions Some universities have competitions Medallion: WMU Centralis: CMU GVSU: Award of Excellence Certain GPAs and ACT scores required for most.. Can get money just for participating, and then do an essay competition or test and get more money

Legacy Scholarship Eligibility- 2 Years at KCC 6-8th Grade 100% 62 Credit Hours 9th Grade 75% 46.5 Credit Hours 10th Grade 50% 31 Credit Hours 11th Grade 0% 0 Credit Hours 12th Grade

Legacy Scholarship (continued) Requirements   1. A Legacy Scholar must graduate from Battle Creek Public Schools or the Lakeview School District. 2. A Legacy Scholar who transfers to Calhoun Community High School from Battle Creek Public Schools or the Lakeview School District will be an eligible Legacy Scholar. 3. A Legacy Scholar is eligible to attend KCC to acquire an Associate’s Degree or Certification. 4. A Legacy Scholar will have five years from the time he/she graduated from high school to use their scholarship. Scholars can start or stop at any time during the 5 years. 5. A Legacy Scholarship covers KCC tuition, mandatory fees and books. 6. A Legacy Scholar will complete the KCC admissions process in the fall of their senior year. 7. Legacy Scholars are required to fill out and submit a FAFSA form. 8. There will be an appeal process.

What You’ve Learned Hopefully, you’ve learned: What you need to do your senior year How to decide on a school How to fill out an application To see your counselor when you have questions To refer to this packet of information often so you don’t lose out on opportunities To listen to announcements so you don’t lose out on opportunities