1. FHS Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships Presentation

2. ACT vs. SAT I Ex. 24 ACT/1170 SAT ACT
Can score a 1-36 (Average of 4 sections—Math, Science, Reading, English)
No penalty for guessing
SAT I
Can score on each of three sections (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing)
No penalty for guessing (new change)
*Studies show that out of the students who have taken both the ACT and SAT I, 1/3 of the students score better on the ACT, 1/3 score better on the SAT, and the other 1/3 score the equivalent on both tests.
Ex. 24 ACT/1170 SAT

3. Application Steps and Tips
Complete all applications online, if possible.
Most students waive their right to view their letters of recommendation or other information from those who contribute to the application. It’s a good idea to do this, because colleges will not view the recommendations with validity if they know that the student has had or will have access to that info.
Gather letters of recommendation, resume, or any other information the application asks for and submit separately if applying online/together if applying on paper.
Send your transcript to the school. (Fill out the transcript request in the guidance office)
Complete the scholarship application (if separate and/or applicable).
College will mail you their decision, what to do next, etc.

4. Who Wins Scholarships? -Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb
Very few students win a completely free ride
Of students enrolled full-time at a 4-year college
0.3% get enough grants to cover the full COA
1.0% get enough grants to cover 90% or more of the COA
3.4% get enough grants to cover 75% or more of the COA
14.3% get enough grants to cover 50% or more of the COA
Of students winning scholarships, more than two-thirds (69.1%) received less than $2,500
More students at 4-year colleges win scholarships
8.3% of students at 4-year colleges win scholarships
2.6% of students at 2-year colleges win scholarships
-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

5. Tips on Winning Scholarships
Prioritize your applications by deadline and the expected value of the scholarship
Use a calendar and checklist to get organized
Create an accomplishments resume
Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals
Read and follow the instructions
Make your application stand out from the crowd
Ask to be nominated
Practice on a copy of the application form
-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

6. Tips for Writing Essays for Scholarships
Answer the essay question orally and transcribe the recording
Use an outline to organize your thoughts
Give examples and be specific
Personalize your essay and be passionate
Write about something of interest to you
Talk about your impact on other people
Proofread a printed copy of the essay for spelling and grammar errors
-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

7. Other Scholarship Tips
Use a professional address, such as
Clean up the content of your Facebook account, removing inappropriate and immature material
Google your name to see what shows up
Make a photocopy of your application before mailing it
Send the application by certified mail, return receipt requested or with delivery confirmation
If rejected, ask for the reviewer comments
-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

8. Outside of Schools Scholarship Searches
Scholarships in our own backyard vs. nationwide scholarships
Service clubs—Rotary, Civitan, Kiwanis, American Legion, etc.
Scholarships from religious organizations
Money from your worker’s union
Talk to your employer (student and parent)
Scholarships from extracurricular activities (Boy Scouts, FBLA, Key Club, etc.)

9. Scholarships Your college financial aid office
Your department of study at the college you choose.
Search the newspaper for past winners of scholarships.
The internet ( etc.)
Big businesses
Professional associations

10. Scholarships Scholarship books Use your ethnicity or a disability
Use your leadership and/or community service
Contests
Military
Job vs. Scholarship Searching
20 hour part-time job$160=$8/hour
20 hour scholarship search$1000 scholarship=$50/hour

11. Most Common Application Mistakes
Missing deadlines
Failing to proofread the application
Failing to follow directions (essay length, number of recommendations)
Omitting required information
Applying for an award when you don’t qualify
Failing to apply for an award for which you are eligible
Failing to tailor the application to the sponsor
Writing a boring essay
-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

12. More Information
-- Click on Guidance for information on scholarships and on links and calendar for more information and reminders.
Career Planning, Scholarships/Financial Aid, and other info for students and parents.
Saving for college (PACT, ESA’s, and 529 Plans)
North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence—
Stay organized and motivated!

13. Factors to Consider When Choosing a College
College Characteristics
Academics
Size
Atmosphere
Cost
Location
Student Body Type

14. Auburn Univ. Admissions
In the past the regular decision minimums in the fall were around a 24 ACT/1170 SAT and a GPA.
Some admission decisions will be deferred— this is not a denial of admission. All deferred admissions will get a final answer by Feb. 15.
Writing portion of the ACT is required.
Will take the highest ACT regardless of when the writing portion was taken.
ACT scores must be sent from ACT and will not be accepted off of the back of the transcript.

15. Auburn Scholarship Info
February 10th deadline—Use AUSOM website to apply
Spirit of Auburn Scholarships
Presidential—33-36 ACT ( SAT) score and a 3.5 GPA—covers tuition for four years
Founders—30-32 ACT ( SAT) score and a 3.5 GPA—$8000 per year
University—28-29 ACT ( SAT) score and a 3.5 GPA --$4000 per year
Other scholarships are available starting around a 22 ACT.

16. Univ. of Alabama Admissions
Could have started applying August
Apply online or pdf version is available
Will take the highest ACT regardless of when the writing portion was taken. ACT score must be sent through ACT.

17. Univ. of Alabama Admissions
Last year a 3.0 GPA and 21 ACT/1000 SAT score was generally accepted for admission
Will accept a weighted GPA if printed on the transcript
Some admission letters are being sent out as soon as the application is complete

18. Univ. of Alabama Scholarships
Capstone Scholar—3.5 GPA and a 27 ACT/1210 SAT--$3500/year for 4 years
Collegiate Scholar—3.5 GPA and a 28 ACT/ SAT--$4000/year for 4 years
Foundation in Excellence—3.5 GPA and a 29 ACT/1290 SAT--$4913 or half-tuition for 4 yrs
Presidential Scholar—3.5 GPA and a ACT/ SAT—In-state tuition for 4 years
Academic Elite—Member of Univ. Fellows, 3.8 GPA and a 32-36/ SAT—Tuition for 4 years, $8500 per year for 4 years and Ipad

19. UAB Admissions and Scholarships
Generally speaking, UAB admits students with at least a 20 ACT/950 SAT and a 2.25 GPA.

20. In-State Scholarships for 2014-2015
UAB Scholarships
 In-State Scholarships for
Annual Amount
Required Test Score
Required GPA
Presidential Recognition, Presidential, and Endowed Scholarships (supplemental application required)
Tuition and fees
33-36 ACT
3.5 GPA or higher
Golden Excellence
$7,500
30-32 ACT
Collegiate Honors
$5,500
27-29 ACT
UAB Breakthrough
$3,000
24-26 ACT
UAB Academic Achievement
$2,000
20-23 ACT
30-36 ACT
GPA
24-29 ACT

21. UAH Admissions and Scholarship
Generally speaking, UAH admits students with at least a 20 ACT/970 SAT and a 2.9 GPA. However, they have a sliding scale for GPA as the ACT score goes up.
Scholarships

22. UNA Admissions and Scholarships
In general, admission standards are an 18 ACT score (or ranked in the top 50% of the senior class) and a 2.0 in core subject areas.

23. Jacksonville State University Admissions and Scholarships
Full admission starts at a 20 ACT
Students with a 22 ACT are automatically qualified for scholarships.
Students with a 26 ACT are automatically qualified for a full-tuition scholarship and book stipendfor up to four years.
Students with a 30 ACT are automatically qualified for a full-tuition, room and board scholarship for four years.

24. Community College info
Require you to have graduated from high school for admission.
An ACT score is not required for admission—However, if you score a 20 on the Math/English portions, you will not be required to take the COMPASS placement test to determine which Math/English class where you start in the fall of your Freshman year.
Last year, a 27 ACT score and a 3.0 GPA was a full-tuition scholarship at Calhoun and Wallace State
Many other scholarship opportunities exist at the community college level with lower ACT requirements than at 4-year colleges.
Tuition rates at community colleges are cheaper than 4-year universities.
Once students complete a couple of years of community college (usually around 48 hours), four-year schools offer admission and scholarships based on the GPA at the community college and not your high school GPA/ACT score.

25. Opportunities in Technology Fields/Career Tech
65% of the projected jobs of the future will require a two-year technical education. 20% will require a four-year degree. 15% will require no formal training at a post-secondary school.
However—65% of graduates pursue four-year degrees and 20% pursue two-year technical degrees.

26. Healthcare Careers Process Technology Machine Tool Technology Welding
Industrial Maintenance HVAC
Aerospace/AviationTechnology Design/Drafting
Automation/Electrical Tech Robotics
By helping to promote the technical programs that we’ve all seen this week currently being offered by Calhoun.
Now I’ll attempt to briefly summarize these programs of study for you.

27. Wallace State Community College Technical Degrees/Certificates
Agriculture Production/Horticulture
Auto Body Repair
Auto Mechanics
Automotive Manufacturing Technology
Aviation Flight Technology
Commercial Foods
Commercial Sewing
Diesel Mechanics
Drafting and Design Technology
Electronic Technology
Heating and Air Conditioning
Precision Machining/CNC/Tool and Die/Plastics
Upholstery/Interior Refinishing
Welding

28. Public—Approx. Cost of Attendance per year in 2015-16
Auburn University—$29,000
Univ. of Alabama—$26,000
UAB—$23,000
UAH—$24,000
UNA—$19,000
Troy University—$22,000
Jacksonville State—$20,000
Calhoun Community College—$8,000
Wallace State Community College--$8,000

29. Paying for School without Student Loans
Go to a school you can afford.
Search for scholarships like crazy and take advantage of financial aid and grants if possible.
Generate income—Studies show that an average college student working 20 hours/week can pay for an in-state public school education.
Save like crazy before school and while working in the summers during school.
Live frugally—Sacrifice for 4 years so that you can live the next 40 uncommonly.
-Rachel

30. Questions? Kenny Lopez kclopez@morgank12.org 256-784-5248
Remind Info: to 81010