Senior Parent Meeting September 24th, 2018

PHS School Counseling Department Lisa Evans, Director of Counseling, A-Fi Katherine Banton, Fl-Mo Lynn Neenan, Mu-Z Rosalyn Sklute, Counseling Secretary

Stay Connected @PoquosonHS_Coun @phsbulls

Topic Overview Preparing for College Preparing for the Workforce Preparing for the Military Considering a Gap Year

If College Bound…

Starting the Application Process Retake SAT and/or ACT Select about 5 Schools Apply EARLY! Begin writing essays Request Recommendation Letters Request Transcripts-Due DECEMBER 1st Visit the school Contact the Admissions Office Stay focused! Self Evaluation & Brag sheets.

Registration Deadline Registration Deadline SAT and/or ACT Typically required as part of admissions process Take at least six weeks before your earliest college admissions or financial aid deadline SAT Test Date Registration Deadline October 6 November 3 December 1 September 7 October 5 November 2 ACT Test Date Registration Deadline October 27 December 8 September 28 November 2

Selecting Schools - Which Ones Do We Choose? 1 “Reach” School 2 “Target” Schools 3 “Safe” Schools * Remember: Admission is COMPETITIVE and the average application fee per school is about $65.00!

Apply EARLY! RESEARCH application deadlines. Benefits: Merit Scholarships Less Stress May know sooner

Request Transcripts Complete and return Records Release Form Print any needed forms from College Website (Secondary School Report Form, Counselor Recommendation Form, etc.) Complete the College and Scholarship Transcript Request and Checklist Form and the Student/Parent Brag Sheet Submit all forms, letters of recommendation, and $2 to the Counseling Office All requests should be submitted at least TWO (2) weeks prior to deadline date Keep the returned copy of the checklist for your records December 3rd deadline

Request Recommendation Letters Give AT LEAST two weeks notice Ask NICELY  Provide “brag” sheet and/or Resume For online recommendation, be sure to have correct email address

College Essays The one thing over which students have absolute control If optional, do it Be creative and show your personality Be straightforward and to the point Revise and edit thoroughly Write about something you know, not what you think they want to hear SHOULD NOT BE WRITTEN BY THE PARENT

Contact Admissions Office STUDENT should make contact Show initiative and be professional – NO “text speak” Put a “face” with your application

Visit Schools Sign up for a tour Interviews – think about how you present yourself Sign up for a tour If you attend open house, some colleges will waive the application fee Be prepared with a list of questions!

College Fair OCTOBER 24, 2018 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Admission Type Definition Early Decision If accepted, you MUST attend If denied, request consideration for regular decision Action Acceptance is NON-binding Rolling Continuously accepting applications for next semester Regular Must meet regular admission deadline

Types of Colleges Type of College Features Public Private Community In state tuition Admission agreements with community colleges Private Higher tuition rates Endowments often make tuition comparable to public schools More opportunities for internships, job placement, and graduate school studies Community Smaller; local Opportunity to save on college tuition Agreements with Public Colleges Transition school from high school to college

Community College – How much can I really save? 2 Yrs. TNCC/2 Yrs. CNU 4 Years at CNU TNCC Yr. 1 $4,806 TNCC Yr. 2 $4,806 CNU Yr. 3 $29,680 CNU Yr. 4 _$29,680_ Total Cost 68,972 CNU Yr. 1 $29,680 CNU Yr. 2 $29,680 CNU Yr. 3 $29,680 CNU Yr. 4 _$29,680_ Total Cost 118,720 Total Savings = $49,748

Paying for College Don’t get “sticker shock!” Apply to schools that fit your needs There are many financial options available

FAFSA Submit early! October 1st *** 1st come, 1st serve Estimate w/last year’s tax return (2017) Online application is best Consider listing Community College https://www.youtube.com/user/FederalStudentAid

Student Loans Subsidized Unsubsidized Federally guaranteed loans based on financial need Interest does NOT accrue while in school Federally guaranteed loans that are NOT based on financial need Interest does accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school

Research Scholarships Check PHS “Scholarship Bulletin” Posted on-line & available outside PHS guidance office Research Community Scholarships Merit Scholarships Automatically considered if apply to college by the deadline

Stay Focused! Senior year is NOT a break! Acceptance is conditional on successful completion of senior year Don’t forget to have your AP Exam scores and/or dual Enrollment transcript sent to the college or university

Considering the Military? Register by October 12th to take ASVAB on October 17th Talk with recruiters Acceptance NOT guaranteed

Going into Workforce? Research career options Consider work experience, interests & skills Work on resume Look into Apprenticeships Find references Clean up Social Media Accounts!!!!! Complete Applications Prepare for interviews Access the following resources My Next Move Virginia Wizard Monster College

Considering a GAP year? What is it? Should I apply to college before or after? What about financial aid/scholarships? Are there affordable options? What are the benefits? What will college admissions officers think? Won’t it be harder to transition to college?

Legal Considerations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9qkAD3t7_o

Questions?