1. Future Planning Presentation for Juniors
*Resources taken from the following:
-Cappex
-MU College Planning 101
-ACT Organization for Juniors

2. Words of Wisdom
Relax… Students will get in, you just have to be realistic. 70% of colleges accept an average of 70% of their applicants.

3. Words of Wisdom
Students don’t have to go far away. 88% of high school students go to college in their home state.

4. Words of Wisdom
If students don’t have a major, it’s OK. More than half of new college students say a very important reason for going to college is “to find my purpose in life.”

5. Preparing for a College Search

6. Types of Colleges Four year Type Description Tuition
Admission Requirements
Four year
Degrees offered:
Bachelors and beyond
Provides: A well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study.
State: Typically under $15,000/year
Private: Typically more than $20,000/year
SAT or ACT
GPA
Class rank
Essay
Extracurricular
activities
Letters of
recommendation
Transcripts

7. Types of Colleges Two year Type Description Tuition
Admission Requirements
Two year
Degrees offered: Associates
Provides: A way to ease into college / take general college classes for credit.
Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits.
Typically around $4,000/year
Open-door admission policy

8. Choosing College Priorities
What is important?
Location/Size
Academics
Campus Appeal/Social Life
Total Cost – Including aid
Other Considerations:
Prestige
Selectivity
Legacy
Where their friends are going
College Search
Click on College Search tab

9. Making the Decision About Where to Apply
Research College Requirements
Attend College Fairs
Meet w/ Admissions Reps
Surf the Internet (View Course Equivalencies/Transfer Credit, Take Virtual Tours, Request Information)
Visit Various Campuses (College Visits-2 per year or summer)
Apply to Several Colleges/Universities (3-5)
Apply by Deadline Dates: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision ($$ depends on this)

10. What information do college admission officers review?
Grades / Overall GPA/Send Transcript
Strength of high school course selections
Admission Test Score
Essay (Some Colleges Require This)
Teacher and counselor recommendations
Class rank
Student’s demonstrated interest
Personal accomplishments
Courses in progress Senior year
Kaplan Study: 35% of Colleges Look at Applicants' Social Media Accounts

11. About College Admission Tests
ACT
Predominantly used by schools in middle-U.S. states
Consists of four tests: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing
Writing component is optional
Top composite score is 36
SAT
Predominantly used by east and west coast schools
Consists of three tests: Evidence Based Reading & Writing, Math
Each test is scored on a scale of
Also have Subject Tests

12. College Information – Where to go
Cappex.com - College search made simple. Your first stop to kick-start your college and scholarship search. For students & parents
collegeboard.org - Information about the SAT & College Search
act.org - Information about the ACT test
MyMajors.com – Information about careers, schools, scholarships, etc. For students & parents
nacacnet.org - National Association for College Admission Counseling. Help with finding a college and the college process. Offers national college fair information.

13. Want to play sports? Register NOW… Division I & II Small Schools
During your junior year
Division I & II
Must register with NCAA
16 core classes
D1~2.3 GPA
D2~2.0
Small Schools
Must register with NAIA

14. Talent is important, but GPA is key!

15. How to Finance College?

16. Merit Scholarship Tips
Merit scholarships are where the money is.
There are more than $11 billion in merit scholarships available to students from colleges
Not just for “A” students
Many awards emphasize leadership or school involvement
Nearly all colleges offer merit aid scholarships
The average merit scholarship is $5,000
Many awards can be renewed year after year

17. Federal Money FAFSA: Money Based on Need Loans/Grants/Work-study
Apply in October of Senior Year
Use this Site:
Get your FSA ID
EFC
SAR
FAFSA Frenzy: February

18. State Programs Department of Higher Education (DHE)
Bright Flight
31+ACT
Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE)

19. Scholarship Resources
Cappex.com – College and Scholarship information
Fastweb.com - Private scholarships
finaid.org - Free student resource for learning about all types of financial aid
scholarshipguidance.com – List of scholarships
Studentaid.ed.gov - The federal government’s website about paying for college
Our Favorite Type of Money!

20. What If College Isn’t For Me?

21. Military Talk with various recruiters
Each branch has different incentive packages
Will have to take the ASVAB test, which determines what types of jobs you will be eligible for
Include your parents in the decision. Sometimes they think of good questions you may not think of

22. Enlisting vs. ROTC Can enlist right after high school (18 yrs. old)
May qualify for the G.I. Bill – You can go to college for free during and/or after your military service is complete
College ROTC Scholarships
Full & partial college scholarships
You agree to serve in the military after graduation for 4-6 years
Become an officer upon graduation (higher rank than enlisted individuals)

23. Apprenticeships Combines classroom instruction with
on-the-job training
Opportunity to learn and practice while getting work experience in the real world
Takes 1-6 years to fully complete the program, but you are paid while you train!
No previous experience required
Pay increases as you gain experience
**More info at

24. Trade, Tech, or Cosmetology Schools
Cosmetology – Can finish a full program (hair, nails, make-up, massage therapy) in around 1 year
Community Colleges have many programs that can be completed in 1 year or less
Technical Colleges
Linn State Technical College
ITT Technical Institute
BTC (Business & Technology campus of MCC)
Technical focused programs
Take 1-4 years to complete

25. Next Steps

26. Next Steps for Students
In School
Stay focused on academics
Do not lighten your academic load for senior year
(Don’t take “blow off” classes)
Meet with your school counselor
Stay involved in school activities
Start Resume
Standardized Testing
Prepare for and register for ACT / SAT
Register for AP tests as appropriate
College Exploration
Create a separate College
Explore colleges on the Web
Visit colleges-go on campus
Meet with college representatives
Attend college fairs

27. Staying informed…. Weekly Guidance Announcements Do you Tweet?
Go to South’s homepage
Do you Tweet?
Follow us on Twitter
@BSSCounselors

28. Blue Springs Activities To Assist The Student/Family…
ACT Test Site
Test Dates:
Sept, Oct, Dec, Feb, April, and June
ACT Prep
Prep Days
After school tutoring
ACT Academy (Saturdays)
BSSD College Fair
At BSSHS next year
October
Register at
College Planning & Financial Aid Night