Universities State Universities offer a four-year Bachelor’s degree and higher 4 yr. universities have dormitories to live on campus, fraternities, sororities and sports teams

They are looking for well rounded students Universities cont. They are looking for well rounded students who have a good GPA and SAT/ACT score have taken academically challenging courses have taken two years of foreign language have demonstrated leadership qualities, involved in extra-curricular activities such as clubs, sports, band, camps and have participated in community service projects.

Community Colleges Community colleges have an open admissions policy requiring a high school diploma or GED However they will require a SAT/ACT/PERT test for placement into college-level classes Those lacking placement scores will be scheduled for remedial Math or English classes before advancing to higher levels

Community colleges cont. Community Colleges offer 2-year associates degrees and 1-year certificate programs An AA degree is a 2-year program and qualifies students to enter universities to pursue a Bachelors Degree An AS degree is a 2-year program that usually leads to employment in technology or vocational fields (this is usually a 2-year degree and students do not continue on to a university) Certificates are non-degrees that are usually 6 months to 1-year programs that usually lead to employment in an occupational field.

A.A. Degree A.S. Degree Certificate University 4 years B.A or B.S. Degree Community College A.A. Degree A.S. Degree Certificate 2 years 2 years 6 months – 1 year 2 years

College Applications Applications are on-line for both community colleges and universities. The earlier you apply the better! (All apps should be in by Nov.1st)- **Community college can wait until March or April Students must send test scores directly from collegeboard.com or act.org to all colleges they apply to

Students will need to mail their transcripts college applications Applications will ask for two of the following to confirm Florida state residency : parent’s voter registration card car registration and/or driver’s license Students will need to mail their transcripts After graduation students will need to send final transcripts to the college.

CommonApp.org Can be used for out-of-state and private colleges in Florida Can apply to several schools at one time Look for “supplemental essays” Student does NOT need to mail these transcripts

Bright Futures Requirements The Florida Academic Scholarship requires : *3.5 weighted GPA in core courses, *SAT of 1290 OR ACT of 29 Composite * 100 Community service hours Pays 100% tuition The Florida Medallion Scholarship requires: * 3.0 weighted GPA in core courses, * SAT of 1170 OR an ACT of 26 * 75 hours of community service Pays approximately 50% of tuition

Estimated Tuition and Extras to a University for 1 year Tuition/Fees $6,500 (4yr) OR $3,000 (CC) Room (Housing) $5,500 Board (Food/Meals) $4,500 Books/Supplies $1,500 Transportation $1,000 Personal TOTAL $20,000 univ $17,000 CC

Local Scholarships Our community is very generous with scholarship opportunities Applications for local scholarships will become available in February or March A list of scholarships along with the applications will be available on the Coral Shores website www.csh.keysschools.com

Federal Financial Aid You can apply after October 1 Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) is based on adjusted income from the parent’s and student’s tax return. It will take into consideration how many children are in the family and how many will be in college You can apply after October 1 May be worth up to $7,000 per year that does NOT have to be paid back!

What You Need to Do and When You Need to Do It Eleventh Grade Take academically challenging classes Stay involved in extracurricular activities Take the SAT/ACT several times if planning to attend a university Attend or volunteer at a summer camp or travel abroad. Research colleges for particular majors, entrance requirements, costs, etc. Attend campus tours of colleges of interest

What You Need to Do and When You Need to Do It Twelfth Grade Take academically challenging classes Finish taking the SAT/ACT Attend campus tours of colleges of interest Apply to Universities in the fall Apply to Community Colleges in the spring Register for Bright Futures Scholarship after Dec. 1st Apply for Federal Financial Aid after October 1 Apply for local scholarships in the Spring

Websites on Financial Aid Federal Financial Aid www.fafsa.gov This is the gateway to all Pell Grants and student loans Collegeboard.com- CSS Financial Aid Profile This is for PRIVATE colleges- A more comprehensive look at your family’s financial situation to potentially award additional scholarship money directly from the college.

Senior Time Line Register for SAT/ACT Tests Visit Colleges - students are allowed 5 days to visit colleges during their Junior and Senior year Apply On-Line – be aware of application due dates STUDENT Must mail their transcripts or fill in SSAR Report to college PARENTS fill out In-State Residency form Apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA, PELL GRANT) in October Apply for Community Scholarships in Feb/March

Senior time line -- After deciding on your college, apply for housing on campus. After Graduation Send Final Transcripts from CSHS and FKCC Receive Notification from Bright Futures Over the Summer Attend Summer Orientation for Both Student and Parent Questions?

Take Stock in Children Erin Fry (TSIC Success Coach) Students may apply from 7-10th grade based on family income Students must have passed previous FCAT/FSA Reading exams Have all A’s B’s and C’s All students sign a contract to meet with their mentor on a weekly basis