The College Application Process Search Application Process Financial Aid & Scholarships Resources WHS Class of 2014

Objectives – Students will become aware of the college search process – Students will become aware of the college application process – Students will become aware of financial aid opportunities

The College Search Finding the Right Fit Location – Distance from home/ accessibility – Urban vs. Rural Size – Small, Mid-Size, Large – Average Class Size Relationships with professors Cost – In State vs. Out of State Tuition – Scholarship Opportunities – Financial Aid

The College Search Finding the Right Fit Private or Public Cost Affiliations Prestige Academics Major Options Academic match Student Life Athletics, Greek Life, Travel Abroad Opportunities, Dining hall, Housing Amenities, etc.

The College Search Finding the Right Fit Review your high school transcript – Weighted & Unweighted GPA – Academic, Honors, & AP level courses Tests – ACT or SAT (SAT II – subject specific tests) – Placement/ Accuplacer Test  Match your performance with average test scores and GPA of current freshmen class using college websites

Tests SATACT Accuplacer/ Placement Test Writing ( ) Math ( ) Critical Reading ( )  Total Score Range (including Critical Reading) Subject Tests Required by some colleges English (1-36) Math (1-36) Reading (1-36) Science (1-36) Optional Writing Test (factored in to English portion)  Total Score 4-36 Reading Writing Math  Student performance determines placement into remedial or college level courses.  SAT Scores may exempt students from having to take the placement exam.  For optimal results students should take the test after completing English 11 and Algebra II (By the Fall Semester of Senior Year)  Register through or  WHS School Code is  A photo ID is required when registering.

Tests SATACTASVAB October 5 (late registration through September 23) November 2 December 7 January 25 March 8 May 3 June 7 (Bold are given at WHS) October 26 December 14 February 8 April 12 June 14 Closest testing locations: Franklin H.S. Hereford H.S. McDonough H.S. October 16 April date TBD

Ways to Research Colleges School Counseling Department Online Resources College Websites College Fair – Ag Center on October 14 th Admissions Offices – Schedule a Tour – Open House Opportunities

Narrow It Down “Safe” Schools Pros Cons “Reach” Schools Pros Cons “Good Fit” Schools Pros Cons

The Application Process WHEN should you apply? Students typically apply during the Fall Semester of their Senior Year. Identify the deadline for each school and the type of admission process. Mark important dates on your calendar(s) and set reminders. Consider applying for early action if possible. Most of these deadlines are between October and December.

The Application Process Types of Admission Early Action – Apply early (usually during October-November) find out usually by late December if accepted Early Decision – Binding decision, committing to attend that school Rolling Admission – Accepts applications continuously until entering class is full Regular Admission – Firm application deadlines (usually during January or February) Open Admission – Typically Community Colleges

The Application Process HOW do you apply? Apply online or by mail Some schools use the Common Application. Visit for a list of participating members. All forms are submitted electronically. Some schools use their own applications (paper & online) versions. Transcripts Complete a Transcript Request Form (available in the Counseling Office). Be sure to fill in ALL information. The first 3 transcripts are free and additional requests are $1.00 each. Please allow 2 weeks for processing. Test Scores Students can have their SAT/ACT test scores sent officially to colleges by indicating each school’s code through Test scores can also be included on your transcript if indicated on Transcript Request Form.

The Application Process HOW do you apply? Letter of Recommendation Determine how many letters are required (do not send more than required). Identify appropriate staff members. Complete a Student Credential Sheet (available in the Counseling Office) to help the person write a thorough letter. Students should request a letter in person  giving at least 2 weeks notice with credential sheet and pre-addressed envelope with stamp. Essay Be sure to answer the question. Consider having your English teacher review. Proofread. Interview Some schools have an interview portion of the application process, this is handled by each Admissions Office. Relax and be yourself!

Financial Aid Need Based Merit Based Two Broad Categories of Aid $

Financial Aid Sources of Aid The Federal Government- offers grants and low interest loans to students and/or parents The State Government- offers grants based on need and/or merit for in-state schools Institutional Funds (from College or University)- aid may be based on need and/or merit Foundations, Community, Businesses, etc. - private scholarships (available in school counseling newsletter and in school counseling office) Loans and Grants

Financial Aid Loans & Grants Federal Loans PLUS Loans- for parents and not need-based Stafford Loans- for students Perkins Loans Subsidized Loans- Federal government pays the interest while the student is in school Work Study- federally funded student jobs Need-based Grants Pell FSEOG SMART Academic Competitiveness

Financial Aid Begin the process by researching what your eligibility may be – College Board- Big Future Parents & Students Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in January of their Senior year. – Determines “estimated family contribution”

Application Timeline Narrow Search  attend Open Houses Take the SAT/ACT test Begin Application Process Fill out application Secure Letters of Recommendation Submit necessary paperwork Fall January  complete FAFSA Start researching & applying for scholarship opportunities Winter Continue researching & applying for scholarship opportunities May 1 st  Deadline to send Statement of Intent Register to take Accuplacer Placement test if you are interested in attending a 2 year school Spring

Questions?