1. WELCOME TO POST-SECONDARY PLANNING NIGHT
October 18, 2016

2. CONTACT INFORMATION
Megan McCamy College and Career Advisor Central High School Counseling Center Follow on

3. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION ACT test / SAT test Selecting the “right” college
College Majors
College Applications
Requesting Transcripts
College Visits
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships
FAFSA
Grants
Loans

4. ACT TEST Who should take the ACT? Anyone planning to attend college.
Most students took the ACT in April as juniors at Central.
Scores are reported back to the student and the high school.
Register online (
Students on free/reduced lunch qualify for two fee waivers (see counselor).

5. ACT TEST (continued) (CHS School Code 262895)
Upcoming Test Dates ($42.50**)
December 10 (November 4 deadline)
February 11 (January 13 deadline)
April 8 (March 3 deadline)
June (May 5 deadline)
Many colleges require scores to be sent directly from ACT (can select up to four colleges at no extra charge during registration).
**Many colleges do not require the “writing” portion of the ACT ($58.50). Contact individual colleges to see what they recommend.

6. SAT TEST Upcoming Test Dates ($45 or $57 with essay)
December 3 (November 3 deadline)
January 21 (December 21 deadline)
March 11 (February 10 deadline)
May 6 (April 7 deadline)

7. ACT ACADEMY Testing help is available! It’s free and convenient!
The ACT Academy is being held this week (Tues-Wed-Thurs) and there are plans to hold the academy again in December before the next test date.
Students should listen to announcements for details. This is free ACT help at Central.

8. SELECTING THE RIGHT COLLEGE
Selecting the “right” college is difficult.
College selection should be based on where the student will be successful. Consider: campus size, distance from home, cost, majors, scholarships, sports, special needs, etc.
Ask the question – is this a realistic choice?
ALWAYS have a back-up plan!
Online college searches are very helpful. Don’t focus too much on the major, but what the college has to offer the student.
and

9. COLLEGE MAJORS
Students took a Missouri Connections assessment during their sophomore year, but they are encouraged to retake the assessments.
Contact counselor for more information.
The average college student changes his/her major 3-4 times!
Help the student find his/her interests and passion.
As parents, you must try to help the student be realistic. Is the NFL a possibility? Professional actor? Doctor?
Best advice at this point – DON’T STRESS ABOUT MAJORS!

10. COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Many colleges have a Nov 1 – Dec 1 priority deadline.
Even though colleges have early deadlines, many will continue to take application for admissions after deadlines – rolling admissions.
The Common Application is for more selective colleges all over the USA. Approximately 700 colleges accept the Common App.
Contact college to see what is required for a complete application packet (application, essay, ACT/SAT scores, application fee, high school transcript, letters of recommendation, supplemental information, etc.).

11. REQUESTING TRANSCRIPTS
Mrs. King, CHS Registrar, located in the Counseling Center, will send transcripts for scholarships and colleges. She sends them daily.
Requests for transcripts must be completed on the CHS website (Departments > Counseling Center > Seniors > Transcript Request Form). Fill out form and submit online. Here is the direct link.
If you have earned college credit through a dual credit class at CHS, you must send a college transcript to your college. Do this after the class has ended and grades are posted.

12. COLLEGE VISITS
Go to the admissions website or call the college to arrange a visit.
Parents should attend with the student, if possible.
Visits can be individual or group (some offer Saturday visits).
ASK QUESTIONS (current college students can offer great info on campus safety, food, campus life, residence halls, etc.)
Tour the residence halls and eat the food.
Find out about hidden fees (parking, books, activity fees).
A college visit is one of the most important things you and your student can do.
Talk to college reps when they visit CHS. Check the website for dates.

13. COLLEGE VISITS (continued)
Two upcoming dates with no school:
Friday, October 21
Friday, November 11

14. WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID? Any money to help with college expenses:
Scholarships (college, local, national, A+, athletic, etc.)
Student Loans
Parent Loans
Grants

15. SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship money is “free” money given to the student based on academics, financial need, special talents (band, art ability, athletic ability, cheerleading, etc.)
Watch out for scholarship scams! Don’t pay anyone to do a scholarship search for you. All scholarship searches should be free.
If you get something in the mail/ and not sure, ask your counselor to look at it.

16. COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
College have large budgets set aside for scholarship money.
This is the best way for colleges to entice “talented” students.
Focus your energy on these scholarships first. Many are automatic!
Find out what scholarship money is available on college websites, in brochures and by talking to college reps/coaches.
Always ask if there are exceptions for requirements, deadlines, qualifications, etc.

17. LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS There are many local scholarships.
Ask student/parent employers about scholarships.
Organizations in which you are a member – church, Lion’s Club, Credit Union, professional organizations.
Companies you do business with – Farm Bureau, banks, insurance companies, etc.
Find local scholarships on CHS website. Departments > Counseling Center > Seniors > Scholarships. Click here to access the scholarship page.
The Scholarship Guide is a good resource and available online.

18. NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
A lot of money is available on the national level, but many students are competing for this money.
There are many websites for scholarship searches: and and are a few options.
There are many national scholarships listed on the CHS website also.

19. A+ PROGRAM Students must have participation agreement on file.
Visit CHS website. About Us > A+ Program to see guidelines. Go here for direct link.
All requirements completed by beginning of May.
2.5 GPA, 95% attendance, 50 hours unpaid tutoring/mentoring, citizen in good standing, submit FAFSA.
Visit with your college to determine if there are benefits and understand requirements.
Many colleges have their own scholarships.
See Ms. Davison (A+ Coordinator) in LRC (Tues/Wed).

20. ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Athletes need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if interested in Division I or II school. (Waivers available for free/reduced lunch)
Check out the CHS Counseling website and click on “College Athletics” for much more info.
Students need to send their ACT scores directly from ACT.
Talk to your high school coach about your interests and have them make contact with college coaches.
Call college coaches to indicate your interest, send them film, stats, schedules, etc.
IMPORTANT – you must send 6th/7th semester transcript and FINAL TRANSCRIPT upon graduation.

21. HELPFUL HINTS
Many scholarships are stackable (meaning you can add scholarships together to cover costs). Apply for everything!
Know criteria to renew a college scholarship.
Are there any special requirements for scholarships (living on campus, taking certain classes, etc.)?
If you transfer to another college, does the scholarship convert into a loan? What about athletic scholarships? If you quit playing or get hurt, does the scholarship continue?

22. MORE HINTS
Make copies of everything – essays, letters of recommendation, college applications, scholarship applications, financial aid paperwork, etc.
Don’t believe all college statistics!
Visit colleges, ask questions, take notes.
Get the names of college/financial aid reps. Get information in writing, if possible.
Many local scholarships become available in the spring.
When enrolling in college, have your student sign a “Parent Release” so you have access to their grades and financial info. Otherwise, you will not be able to get this information – even if you are paying the bills!

23. FAFSA FREE Application for Federal Student Aid
Available after October 1 (new date for this year)
Apply by February 1 (Missouri schools)
File electronically at (not .com)
This is FREE – do not pay a fee!
Student and one parent need to apply for an FSA ID
All families must fill out the FAFSA in order to qualify for any federal/state financial aid, including loans.
Some schools require FAFSA for scholarships; must complete for A+ Program!

24. SUBMIT FAFSA BY FEBRUARY 1
Submitting FAFSA automatically allows you to apply for the following:
Grants (Free Money)
Loans (Parent and Student)
Work-Study

25. IMPORTANT FAFSA INFORMATION:
In order to verify financial aid eligibility, all students must show proof of citizenship w/passport, driver’s license or birth certificate to any college, if asked.
If a student is on Free/Reduced Lunch, McKinney-Vento, SSI, Food Stamps or WIC, they should qualify for the Pell Grant. Talk to your Financial Aid office.
MO Heroes, Survivor Grant and others available for military families/students.
File a “Special Circumstance Form” with your college financial aid office in case of the loss of a job or any special financial situations.

26. CHANGES TO FAFSA FAFSA opened October 1st (used to be January 1st)
FSA ID has replaced the PIN. Student and one parent must create an ID.
IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows you to transfer data from IRS into FAFSA when completing the FAFSA. USE THIS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE!
If you don’t use this option and you get picked for verification, you will be required to submit an official Tax Return Transcript (not copies of the taxes). To request a tax transcript, call IRS at or request online at or visit local IRS office (UMB Building in St. Joseph).

27. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID What does it all mean?
After you submit the FAFSA, your SAR will give you the EFC.
Translation: “After you submit the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid, your Student Aid Report will give you the Expected Family Contribution.”
Don’t stress out! Help is available!
Thursday, October 20 from 5:00-7:00 in the lower library (Lab 1). Bring FSA ID and 2015 tax information. Allow about 30 minutes if planning to complete FAFSA.

28. GRANTS
Grant money – awards are based on financial need (repayment not required)
PELL GRANT: max amount for is $5920 (could be renewed for up to 6 years)
Families with EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) of less than $12,000.
Go here for more information.

29. ACCESS MISSOURI GRANTS
Must be a Missouri resident and attending Missouri college
Must be a full-time student
Families with EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) of less than $12,000 may qualify for $1000-$2250 per year
Award amounts depend on state funding
Renewable for 4 years with 2.5 GPA
Must submit FAFSA by February 1
Cannot be pursuing theology or divinity degree
Go here for more information.

30. FEDERAL TEACH GRANT
TEACH (Teacher Educational Assistance for College and Higher Education)
Program for future teachers
Up to $4000 per year (renewable for four years)
Must teach in a high-need field and low-income school
Go here for more information.

31. WORK STUDY Jobs on/off campus
Based on financial need of the family, the date the FAFSA is submitted and the college’s funding
Students work 5-15 hours per week
Earn at least current minimum wage
Students paid at least once per month
Payment goes directly to the student unless otherwise directed
Hours are flexible
FAFSA must be submitted by February 1

32. LOANS Repayment is required!
Don’t take out a loan unless it is absolutely necessary.
Student loans typically cannot be forgiven through bankruptcy.
There are student loans for students and parents.

33. WHAT IF I DON’T WANT A LOAN?
All Federal and State aid is optional.
By filing the FAFSA, you are automatically applying for grants, work-study and loans.
The SAR (Student Aid Report) will outline information reported on the FAFSA.
Just because you apply and qualify for a loan or work-study does not mean you must take the money. You may take only a portion of the money awarded. Borrow wisely!

34. STUDENT LOAN LIMITS (DEPENDENT STUDENTS)
Freshmen $5500 per year
Sophomores $6500 per year
Juniors and beyond $7500 per year
Max allowed for undergraduate dependent students is $31,000.
These are limits for FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS only. Speak to college financial aid office for specifics to your situation.
Go here for more information.

35. PARENT LOANS Federal PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)
Current interest rate is 6.31%.
PLUS loans are a financial obligation of the parents.
Parents borrow money for costs not covered by the student’s financial aid, up to the cost of attendance.
Parents must qualify based on their credit history.
Typically parents start making payments immediately.
This loan money goes directly to the student.
Parents can apply to defer payments on these loans.
Go here for more information.

36. COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK
Activities this week (October 17-20)!
A week designed to help seniors get a jumpstart on the college application process!
Bring awareness to early college deadlines.
Hear from teachers about their college experiences.
During FLEx – hang up a pennant on the #CHSiapplied wall and sign up for prizes
Counselors have started meeting individually with seniors for “Senior Conferences”.

37. ANY QUESTIONS? Thank you for coming!
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Please complete survey and leave on table!
Ms. Davison is here if you have any questions about the A+ Program.