1. Parent/Student Meeting September 17, 2012 COLLEGE PLANNING

2. CONVERSATIONS Discuss what are they wanting to do for a career/vocation. Discuss what research they have done on attaining this career. Discuss if they have searched for accredited programs or distinguished schools. Discuss costs of college education. Discuss what do each of you want them to gain from their education. Ask them why they really want to go to that particular college. Discourage them from selecting a college due to friends, or a reason that is not academic.

3. NARROWING IT DOWN If you or you child is undecided, then select a general college with a good track record. Have them select 2 to 4 colleges/universities to research If they are very decided, then speak with admissions counselors from that college/university. Apply to that college (NOW!!) Compare the costs, benefits, drawbacks to each of the colleges if you still are undecided.

4. TIMING- JUNIORS OR YOUNGER Research or narrow down your career options to one or two specific areas Research the best colleges for those career options Start conversing with these colleges Find out what it will take for you to get into the college of you choice, ACT scores, minimum GPA, specific scholarships you might apply for with that college

5. TIMING-SENIORS NOW Apply now for your first, and if any second choice colleges. DO NOT wait the later you apply the lower your chances for scholarships and other financial aid that might help defray cost. Most major 4-year colleges are accepting applications now, and will stop accepting applications for scholarships in December. Take the ACT again if you are not satisfied with your score. BUT prepare for the test, don’t just show up and expect to improve without working for it first.

6. TIMING—SENIORS By December have your applications submitted By December have your plan for ACT figured out or take the COMPASS By March 1 have FAFSA filled out By April select your college choice In April/May pay deposits on dorms, fees, and enrollments for Fall 2013 semester In April/May select your summer registration/workshop for your college Take advantage of any programs available-MACC summer send off, or the like May narrow down your financial aid packages, finalize any scholarships, and register for classes

7. EDUCATE YOURSELF Know what it takes to get into, pay for and sustain a college education. Just appearing at their classes, and waiting for the professor to care is not going to work Most of the larger colleges/universities can be unwelcoming, and unfriendly environments Learn how to advocate for yourself NOW Work on an education that will prepare you for whatever bumps come along the road.

8. UNDERSTAND YOUR INVESTMENT Really look at the cost associated with each College/University Whatever you borrow for student loans, you will pay back even if you do not complete your degree or certification By all means use your A+ Scholarship if you want, it means walking out of Community College or Technical College with little to no debt Search for tuition assistance programs: Hospitals that will provide scholarships and jobs for Nursing students, Reduced tuition or scholarships for completing programs for a University or College. Some colleges are offering reduced tuition if you completed A+ and then go to their college first.

9. MY PAPERWORK Transcript Request-Available in my office or outside the front office. Submit Transcript requests to Secretary Julie, she tracks who and when she sent them College Visit forms- Seniors are allowed 2; Juniors are allowed 1 Dual Credit Paperwork packets will be available throughout the year but unnecessary until 1. You have selected your final college 2. You have completed all course work for those classes 3. You have graduated

10. DUAL CREDIT Most of our Dual Credit is easily transferable, we have carefully selected Dual Credit that transfers as General Education Credits to Most Missouri Colleges and Universities Dual Credit is earned like College Credit meaning: IF you took 3 credit hours that is what will be transferred to the college/university Many students leave Van-Far with over 20 hours or more of dual credit completed, and some gain advanced standing at their preferred college at second semester.

11. DUAL CREDIT Normal College semesters have students earning between 15 to 18 credits per semester for a total of 30-36 Credits per year. This is only 5 to 6 classes generally each semester. By transferring 30 or more Dual Credit hours you are eliminating one full year of college from your final bill and at a fraction of the cost to attend 4-year colleges. Generally it only costs about 10% of what a 4-year college will charge you. Why? because you have no textbook cost, no general student fees, no computer technology fees, no equipment rental fees which can add up to about the cost of 6 hours of college credit per semester.