1. The Road to College
Welcome to Senior Year!

2. Topics Graduation Requirements and NH Scholars Timelines
Types of Deadlines
College Search Process
Types of schools
Naviance
Standardized Testing
Financial Aid Overview

3. AHS Graduation Requirements
4 credits of English
3 credits of Social Studies
World History (1) Economics(.5)
US History (1) American Government (.5)
3 credits of Math
Each Student must complete at least Algebra 1
3 credits of Science
Physical Science (1) Biological Science (1) Other (1)
½ credit Fine Arts
1 credit Information Computer Technology (ICT)
½ credit of Health
1 credit Physical Education
7 credits in Open Electives
Total credits for AHS Graduation: 23

4. NH Scholars Program
The NH State Scholars initiative (SSI) is a multi-state business/education partnership effort focused in increasing the number of high school students who take a rigorous secondary-level curriculum designed to strengthen the chances for success in college and the workplace.
To be designated a NH Scholar through the Hudson School District students must complete a minimum of:
English credits
Math credits through Algebra II
Lab Science 3.0 credits
Social Studies 3.5 credits
Foreign Language 2.0 credits
GPA of a 2.7 or above

5. What should I be doing now?
Fall Timeline
Finalize list of colleges and continue to visit campuses
* (Safety – Probable – Reach)
Attend Local College Fairs (SNHU and UNH)
Request letters of Recommendation and complete Senior Resume – Available on Naviance!
Take college entrance exams (SAT/ACT) again
Sign up to meet with college reps in the Counseling Department.
Create a Common Application Account for appropriate schools and complete FERPA form on Naviance.
Attend the Financial Aid Workshop on 10/3 at AHS
Remember all application materials must be submitted to your counselor 2 weeks prior to the deadline!

6. Types of Deadlines Early Action (Non-Binding) Early Decision (Binding)
Typically Oct 15, Nov 1, Nov 15
Early Decision (Binding)
Regular Decision
Varies…as early as December 1 and as late as April 1
Rolling Admission
Applications are processed upon arrival. Acceptance/denial letters received in about 6-8 weeks
Open Enrollment
Admittance is dependent upon graduation from high school

7. Winter Timeline Submit applications
Deadlines are typically around January 1, but check with each school.
Continue working on the necessary financial aid forms, including the FAFSA.
Continue to apply to outside scholarships.
Ask your counselor to complete any necessary Mid-Year School Reports. They are typically due in February.

8. Upcoming College Fairs

9. Spring Timeline
You are almost done! You will typically receive notification letters at the beginning of April.
Discuss with your parents the financial aid offers and contact the schools if they are seriously insufficient.
Take part in “Pre-Frosh” events and visitations.
Notify the schools of your decision and send in the postcard and deposit to your new college (May 1st).

10. What are the options for college?
How much training & education am I willing to get to achieve my career & life goals?
2-year Technical School or
Community College
4-year University or College

11. 2-Year Technical & Community Colleges
Affordable
Community College costs between $6,000 and $8,000 per year
Stepping Stone
One or two successful years at a community college can help you get in as a transfer student to your dream school and help you develop the characteristics (such as independence, ambition and maturity) necessary to become a successful college student.
The Connections Program at the community colleges allows a student to seamlessly transition to Plymouth, Keene, or UNH upon completion of 2 years at the community college level.
Licensure/Certification
These schools offer hundreds of Associate Degree and Certificate Programs that lead to licensure in the career field of your choice.

12. 2-Year Admissions Requirements
High School Diploma
Completion of the Accu-placer
Exam administered by the college that evaluates English and Math proficiency. These scores determine which math and English classes are appropriate for your 1st semester of college

13. Local 2-year Community Colleges
NH Community Colleges share a commitment to provide students with opportunities not only for an excellent education but also a well-rounded college experience.
Student clubs and activities, events, performances, and community service opportunities are among the many options. Many colleges have intercollegiate or club athletic teams, and each has a student government that facilitates student involvement in the life of the campus and provides opportunities for leadership.
Only one of the CCSNH Colleges, NHTI in Concord, currently includes residence halls, although other campuses may be able to assist you in finding local housing if that is what you need.
Closest to home are Nashua Community College and Manchester Community College.

14. 4-Year Colleges and Universities
There are over 2,000 4-year colleges and universities in the country. Decide the factors that are important to you to help narrow down a list of schools that are a good match for you.

15. Location, Location, Location! How far are you willing to go?
Factors to Consider
Location, Location, Location! How far are you willing to go?
Size and Enrollment
Have you dreamed of attending a huge university or do you prefer a medium-sized college?
Money, Money, Money!
The investment of college is expensive. When finalizing your list of colleges; be sure to include schools which are “financially safe” such as state schools and community college
Programs of Study
Not all schools have all academic majors. If you have not yet chosen a major, be sure to look at schools that have all of your academic areas of interest.

16. Selectivity/Admission Requirements
GPA & quality of courses
Standardized Test Scores
Extracurricular Activities
Letters of Recommendation
Essay
Interview
These are all factors admissions counselors will use to decide if you are a good match for their school. The more competitive the school, the harder they will scrutinize the quality of your admissions file.

17. Articulation Agreements with 4-year Schools
UMASS Lowell
Reduced tuition is offered for residents of Southern NH
Southern NH University-SNHU
App. Fee waived
January notification
Students with min. 2.5 G.P.A. eligible for scholarship $

18. Naviance Manage and track all aspects of the admissions process.
Delivers all of the supporting documents for college applications to approximately 1,000 colleges.
Provides valuable insight into the college admissions process with college search, scatter grams, scholarship information and college application statistics
So much more!

19. Perform a College Search Choose the criteria you are looking for in your dream school

20. Research Schools

21. Keep Track of Schools You Are Considering

22. Track Submitted Applications

24. Standardized Tests SAT I – Reasoning Test SAT II – Subject Tests
Three-hours 45 minutes
Primarily multiple-choice test that measures evidence-based reading and writing, along with math abilities that develop over time. There is an optional writing portion.
Many colleges require SAT scores for admission.
SAT II – Subject Tests
One-hour
Primarily multiple-choice tests that measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply that knowledge.
More selective colleges may require or recommend one or more Subject Tests for admission or placement.
ACT – Assessment Test
Three-hours 25 minutes
Measures educational development in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.
It is recommended students choose to take the optional writing section of the test.

25. The ACT will be offered at Alvirne High School! Register at:
The SAT will be offered at Alvirne High School as well as other local schools! Register at:
The ACT will be offered at Alvirne High School! Register at:

26. Financial Aid
The financial aid process may seem complicated, but in its simplest form it comes down to understanding five easy steps: 

27. FAFSA
You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) soon after October 1 of the prior to the year you intend to enroll in school.  Check with each of the colleges to which you apply for specific deadlines. Be certain to ask if any other supplemental forms (such as the CSS Profile Form or institutional financial aid form) are required. 

28. E.F. What?
After completing the FAFSA, your information is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education. The DOE calculates, your ability to pay for the cost of attendance for one academic year.  Your ability to pay is called the EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION (EFC).
EFC= amt. of the money student and parent are expected to contribute to the student's education for one academic year.
Financial Aid Night Tuesday October 4th.

29. C.O. Who?
The Department of Education sends the FAFSA information, including the EFC, to every school you listed on the FAFSA. The financial aid officers subtract your EFC from the COST OF ATTENDANCE (COA) to determine your eligibility for financial aid.  

30. Gap…like at the mall?
The financial aid officer calculates, based on the campus’ available resources, the amount of financial aid the institution is able to offer the student. BE AWARE: Because a student is eligible for a certain amount of financial aid does not mean the student is guaranteed to receive that amount. The unmet need is called the GAP.

31. If it’s an Award Letter why don’t I feel like a winner?
The financial aid officer sends the student an AWARD LETTER that details the amount of financial aid the college is able to offer the student. The aid is broken into categories of loans, grants, scholarships and work-study.

32. Financial Aid Resources
New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF)
FinAid
FAFSA
Fast Web

33. Make an Appointment With Your Counselor!
The sooner you start talking to your school counselor, the less daunting this process will seem…don’t wait until the last minute!

34. Q&A
One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.
--Chinese Proverb