1. Sept. 20th, 2017 Mills High School Counseling Department
College Info Night
Sept. 20th, 2017
Mills High School
Counseling Department
If you would like interpretation in Cantonese, Mandarin or Spanish, please pick up a headset in the lobby.
如果您需要广东话或普通话翻译, 請在入口大廳拿取 一付耳機。
Si desea traducción en español, por favor recoger un auricular en el vestibulo.
T: Update title & date

2. Counseling Department
Rachel Mack (A–G)
Lisa Cole (H–Lin)
Kalani Vasquez (Lio–P)
Alex Stillman (Q-Z)
Sandy Murtagh (College & Career Advisor)
Joana Feit (Assistant Principal)
Andrea Crowley (Counseling Secretary)
T: Update alpha and names

3. Tonight’s Agenda College Application Overview
Private College Applications
Naviance Overview
Paying for College
Resources For Students at Mills
Parents’ Role in the College Process

4. Mills Counseling Online Resources
If you have a smartphone…
Go to millshigh.org/college
Scroll down to “College Presentations”
Click on Senior Parent Night to follow along on your device
Check out other great resources on our college webpage!
T: Update website, year

5. College Application Overview

6. Building a Realistic College List
Apply Broadly
3 Reach – 3 Target – 3 Likely
Do NOT apply to only Reach Schools
8 Reach – 2 Target – 0 Likely
Don’t rule out any colleges based on cost yet! (Wait to see how much Financial Aid they offer you).

7. Comparison of College Application Requirements
Online Application
ACT or SAT scores
Personal Statement
Letters of Rec
Official Transcript
Community Colleges X
CSU’s
UC’s
Private Colleges
* Requirements vary for out-of-state public colleges.
Check college admissions websites for details.

8. Application Filing Periods
CSU Application Period
October 1st – November 30th
NEW: calstate.edu/apply
UC Application Filing Period
November 1st – November 30th
admission.universityofcalifornia.edu
Private College Application Period
November – February
commonapp.org
Community College Application Period
Priority Enrollment: February - March
T: Update CSU website

9. Recommended College Application Timeline
SEPTEMBER
Finalize college list
Work on college application essays
Complete letter of recommendation survey*
OCTOBER
Request letters of recommendation*
Submit FAFSA financial aid application
NOVEMBER
Pay for official transcripts*
DECEMBER
Last chance to take the ACT/SAT
Submit CSS Profile financial aid application*
T: new slide
* Items with asterisks required by private colleges only. Deadlines for early applications may be sooner.

10. Sending ACT/SAT Scores
** Students must send ACT/SAT score reports to colleges themselves! **
CSU’s: Send SAT/ACT scores to any one CSU campus, and it will be shared with the rest
UC’s: Send SAT/ACT scores to any one UC campus, and it will be shared with the rest
Private Colleges: Send ACT/SAT scores individually to each school
T: Update

11. Sending ACT/SAT Scores
Money-saving tip:
You can send scores to up to 4 colleges for free if you request them BEFORE taking the ACT/SAT!

12. SAT Subject Tests SAT Subject Tests Optional for most colleges
Some colleges and/or majors may require subject test scores - - Check with individual colleges
Students applying to STEM majors at UC’s are encouraged to take subject tests

13. Let your counselor know if you want to play college sports!
Student Athletes
Students interested in playing collegiate sports must:
Complete registration at
Send ACT/SAT test scores to NCAA Eligibility Center (Code 9999)
Send official transcripts to NCAA Eligibility Center
Let your counselor know if you want to play college sports!

14. Private College Applications

15. Private College Application Process
Private colleges require:
Common App online application
ACT/SAT score reports
Personal statement
Supplemental essays
Letter(s) of Recommendation
Official transcripts sent from school (both initial and mid-year)
T: New slide

16. Types of Admissions Deadlines
Rolling – Colleges make decisions about the applicant as information is received
Early Decision – BINDING – Students who are accepted must attend that college
Early Action – NON- BINDING – Students who are accepted do not have to attend
(moved this slide)

17. Over 700 private colleges, one application. www.commonapp.org
Submit the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waiver
Sync Naviance account to Common App -- REQUIRED for colleges to receive necessary documents from Mills
T: update

18. Need step-by-step instructions?
PLEASE refer to the Mills “Applying to Private Colleges” handout! (millshigh.org/college)
T: Change website

19. Alternative Private College Applications
Please use the Common Application, even if you are offered a free alternative from a private school! (Ex.: University of the Pacific).
You can still apply for free through Common App, but counselors are better able to process your paperwork through Naviance

20. The Coalition Application
Some private colleges offer the “Coalition Application” as an alternative
If given a choice, please use the Common App to avoid delays or complications in sending application materials
Students who wish to use the Coalition App must talk to their counselor first
T: Update

21. Letters of Recommendation
How many rec letters do students need?
Most private colleges require 1 to 2 teacher letters of recommendation
Students may request letters from a MAXIMUM of 2 teachers
Some colleges also require a counselor rec letter - Check each college’s admissions website
The UC’s & CSU’s do not accept letters of rec! Exception: Some applicants to UC Berkeley and Davis will be invited to submit 2 optional letters of recommendation. After applying, students should check their s regularly to see if the college is requesting letters.
T: Update

22. Letters of Recommendation
When should students request letters?
Counselors and teachers needs 6 weeks to write a letter of recommendation. Ask early!! ☺
September 25th: Deadline to request letters for Early applications
November 1st: Deadline for Regular decision applications
T: update

23. Letters of Recommendation
How should students request letters?
Teacher rec letters:
Ask teacher in person
Use Naviance to submit requests to each teacher
Counselor rec letters:
Ask counselor in person
Complete the Letter of Rec Survey in Naviance (REQUIRED!)
Strongly recommended: Schedule an appointment to discuss colleges
T: update

24. Transcript Requests
To request official transcripts for private colleges:
Request transcripts through Naviance
PAY $8 per college to the Student Data Analyst
Transcripts & recommendation letters will not be sent until payment is received!
NO transcript required of CSU’s & UC’s until requested
T: Update

25. Demonstrated Interest
Some private colleges track “demonstrated interest,” or how much interest a student shows in the college prior to applying
Students should make multiple contacts with colleges they will apply to:
or call Admissions Office with questions
Join their Social Media page
Visit the campus
Request an interview if offered
If the admissions rep visits Mills, be sure to attend! They may be the person who reads your application.

26. Naviance Overview Log into your student’s account to... College Visits
College List
Scattergrams
SuperMatch College Search
T: Update

27. Community College

28. Community College
Apply for Priority Enrollment Program (PEP) in February or March 2018
Take Math & English placement tests
Apply for financial aid
T: 2018

29. Benefits of Community College
Community College students get PRIORITY for transfer to UC/CSU System
Transfer Guarantee Pathways
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) – UC/CSU/Private Colleges
AS-T or AA-T (Transfer) Pathway - CSU
Cost Savings

30. Certificate Programs College of San Mateo (CSM) Skyline College
Electrical Pathways
Cosmetology
Dental Hygienist/Dental Assisting
Fire Academy
Administration of Public Justice
Skyline College
Early Childhood Development
Automotive Technology
Fashion Merchandising

31. Financial Aid Overview
T: Update all slides in this section

32. Per Year Estimated College Costs Registration Fees & Tuition
Community College
CSU UC
Private
Registration Fees & Tuition
(full time)
~$1,400
~$7,000
~$14,000
$30,000 to $50,000
Books and Supplies
$1,900
Room and Board
$5,000 - $12,500
$9,500 - $16,000
(on campus housing)
$12,500 - $16,000
(on campus)
$9,500 -$14,500
Transportation
$1,500
Personal Expenses
Total (Sticker Price)
$11,000 -$18,500
$20,500- $30,000
$29,000- $36,000
$45,000- $70,000

33. Video

34. Financial Aid Financial Aid is money for college
Grants & Scholarships = Free $$
Need-based: Determined by family income
Merit-based: Determined by student’s accomplishments (e.g. GPA, community service, etc.)
Self-Help
Loans
Work study

35. Applying for Financial Aid
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an online financial aid application:
fsaid.ed.gov - First create a pin for BOTH parent & student
fafsa.ed.gov - Begin applying October 1st of senior year
We recommend using the IRS Retrieval Tool within the FAFSA, which uploads your 2016 IRS tax return info

36. Applying for Financial Aid
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application required by many private colleges
collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile
Some also require copy of income tax returns
NOTE: Financial aid application deadlines are often earlier for private colleges! (As early as November)
Check each college’s financial aid website for requirements & deadlines

37. Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to file the FAFSA
Even if you think your family earns too much to qualify, you should still apply. Colleges also use the FAFSA to give out merit aid.

38. Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to file the FAFSA
Waiting to file the FAFSA
Apply ASAP after October 1
Students who file during the first 3 months typically receive double the grants
Students attending CSU/UC/community college must file by March 2nd
Missing deadline → missing out on $$!

39. Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to file the FAFSA
Waiting to file the FAFSA
Failing to apply for scholarships
Scholarships = FREE MONEY! Every $1 in scholarships is $1 less to borrow
Apply now - many deadlines are in the fall
Scholarship resources:
millshigh.org/counseling - Scholarship list

40. Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to file the FAFSA
Waiting to file the FAFSA
Failing to apply for scholarships
Borrowing too much
U.S. student loan debt now totals $1.4 trillion, with over 4 million loans in default
Total debt should not exceed expected annual income after graduation
Parents - beware of taking on too much loan debt!
Recommended: Loan calculators
finaid.org/calculators/

41. Top 5 Financial Aid Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to file the FAFSA
Waiting to file the FAFSA
Failing to apply for scholarships
Borrowing too much
Borrowing private loans instead of federal student loans
Always borrow federal loans first, since they are cheaper & have better repayment plans
Be careful with private loans, esp. if they have variable interest rates

42. Net Price Calculators
All colleges are required by law to post Net Price Calculators on their websites
Provides an ESTIMATE of financial aid the college will offer you based on your income
Net price = [Cost of Attendance – Gift Aid]
(In other words, what students actually pay)

43. Estimated net price for family of 4 earning $65,000
Net Price Calculator: SF State
Estimated net price for family of 4 earning $65,000
Student living at home

44. Net Price Calculator: UC Santa Cruz
Estimated net price for family of 4 earning $65,000
Student living on campus

45. Net Price Calculator: University of Chicago
Estimated net price for family of 4 earning $65,000
Student living on campus

46. Average Net Price
niche.com/colleges: Lists average net prices of colleges (what students actually pay) - broken down by household income
Example: Pomona College

47. UC and CSU Programs UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
Free tuition for families earning less than $80,000/year
CSU University Grants
Families who meet income criteria may receive grants that cover CSU tuition & fees
Middle Class Scholarship
UC/CSU tuition discounts for families making between $80,000 to $150,000 (10% to 40%)
UC/CSU/CC Equal Opportunity Program
Low-income students may receive financial & admission assistance, as well as academic support after enrollment
Additional application may be required

48. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
California students can attend public colleges in other western states at a reduced tuition level
Scholarship application sometimes required
For info:
University of California (UC) Tuition
University of Nevada Tuition
University of New Mexico Tuition
Without WUE
With WUE
$13,900
$20,000
$9,300
$20,500
$7,900
University of New Mexico - Last semester is free if graduate in 4 years

49. Financial Aid Safety Schools
Students should apply to at least ONE Financial Aid Safety School – a college your family is likely to afford. Examples:
UC or CSU, if price tag is within family’s budget
Private college where student is in the top tier of applicant pool
Out-of-state public colleges with WUE scholarship
Community College!
Tuition is only about $1,400
Students who successfully transfer can earn the same Bachelor’s degree for half the cost...

50. Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Undocumented students MAY be eligible for financial aid at California public colleges!
To apply online, visit the California Dream Act website: dream.csac.ca.gov
For more info, visit e4fc.org (Educators for Fair Consideration)
Please see your school counselor for help – All conversations are confidential

51. Fee Waivers Qualifying students may request free or reduced fees for:
ACT/SAT registration
College application fees
Transcript requests
NCAA registration (for student athletes)
CSS Profile
Sign up for Free/Reduced Lunch on the SMUHSD website if you might quality for fee waivers
For more info, see Mrs. Murtagh or your counselor

52. Final Words on Financial Aid
Financial aid guide:
Discuss finances together now, not in April
Avoid saying “We’ll only pay for a ‘good’ college…”
If the college does not offer enough financial aid, appeal to the Financial Aid office to request more. Financial Aid officers are available at each college and want to help you!

53. Get out your smart phones now...
… and go to the website kahoot.it

54. Resources for Students

55. New this year! YouScience
YouScience is a powerful career assessment tool that uses proven science to help your student find the right career path. All seniors will take the assessment on Oct. 11th.
YouScience Video Intro
Translate

56. New this year! YouScience
Why YouScience?
Research shows that students who start college with an informed major are twice as likely to take the right classes and graduate
YouScience matches students with careers that fit their natural skills, to help them choose the right major
When will seniors take the YouScience Assessment?
The morning of Oct. 11th (while 10th & 11th graders take the PSAT)
How much does YouScience cost?
Similar aptitude tests in the private sector are hundreds of dollars. Mills seniors can take it for free!
Students have access to their account for 10 years
Translate

57. Resources We Offer to Students
UC Personal Insight Questions Workshop - 8:00 AM
Common App Essay Workshop - 11:00 AM (Flex Time)
District-Wide College & Career Fair - 10/16 Mills
Cash 4 College Financial Aid Workshop – TBA
Common App Workshop - TBA
UC Application Workshop – TBA
CSU Application Workshop – TBA
Community College Workshop - TBA
* Workshop Dates will be updated in Naviance & on Mills College website *
T: Update slide

58. What if my student still needs help?
Creating Your College List Workshop in Career Center on Tues, 9/26 during Flex Time/Lunch – Get help choosing which colleges to apply to
College Application Help sessions every Tuesday in November during 1st & 7th periods in the Career Center
After all this….. if students still need help, contact your counselor or Ms. Murtagh
T: Update

59. Additional Resources College Visits
Admissions representatives from around the country visit Mills to share about their campuses
Visits scheduled in the Career Center throughout the year
Use Naviance to check dates and to sign up

60. Upcoming College Visits at Mills
Boston University
UC Santa Barbara
University of Chicago
University of Washington
University of Southern California (USC)
Purdue University
University of Hawaii, Manoa
And many more….
All visits are posted on Naviance & updated periodically, so check frequently!
T: Update

61. Additional Resources New this year!
We are pleased to welcome Nina Woolsey as our Internship Coordinator, a new position
Ms. Woolsey will help students find internship and job opportunities
Office located in the Career Center
Contact:
Translate

62. Key Events for Families
District College & Financial Aid Fair
Meet dozens of college representatives from all over the country
Financial Aid Presentations
Mon., Oct. 16th evening at Mills High School!
Cash for College Night
Assistance completing the FAFSA
Located at Mills High School!
Date & time TBD
T: New dates

63. Parents’ Role in the College Process

64. How can parents support students?
Review your student’s YouScience career results together, and discuss potential majors/careers.
Speak with your student about paying for college
Collaborate with your student on developing a well rounded college application list
Visit campuses together
Help your student find scholarships
Optional: Once a week, check in with your student about their progress with applications (e.g. college essays, submitting scores, etc.)
T: Update

65. How can parents support students?
VOLUNTEER
in the College & Career Center!
We need parents to help…
Host college visits
Research scholarships (you just might find some for your own student!)
Research volunteer & job opportunities
Organize/update college resources
Contact Ms. Murtagh at for more info.
T: Update

66. How can parents support students?
“Dear Matt,
On the night before you receive your first college response, we wanted to let you know that we could not be any prouder of you than we are today. Whether or not you get accepted does not determine how proud we are of everything you have accomplished and the wonderful person you have become. That will not change based on what admissions officers decide about your future. We will celebrate with joy wherever you get accepted — and the happier you are with those responses, the happier we will be. But your worth as a person, a student and our son is not diminished or influenced in the least by what these colleges have decided.
If it does not go your way, you’ll take a different route to get where you want. There is not a single college in this country that would not be lucky to have you, and you are capable of succeeding at any of them.
We love you as deep as the ocean, as high as the sky, all the way around the world and back again — and to wherever you are headed.
Mom and Dad”
*Excerpt from Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Become by Frank Bruni

67. Final Thoughts Senior year DOES COUNT
All acceptances are PROVISIONAL dependent upon final semester grades
After applying, students MUST notify colleges of changes in schedule or senior year D’s/F’s
Students should check their and online portals at least once per week!
Got more questions? Things getting tough?? Contact your counselor or Ms. Murtagh!

68. Annual school-wide fundraiser Friday, Sept. 29th Mills Football Field
Mills Mania
Annual school-wide fundraiser
Friday, Sept. 29th
Mills Football Field
Walk-a-Thon
Food Booths
Entertainment
translate date

69. THANKS FOR COMING!!
This presentation along with college resources are available on the Mills High Counseling webpage: millshigh.org/college
The Grad Night Committee invites all senior parents to stay for a planning meeting following the presentation