1. Senior Information Meeting Class of 2016 Sherry Hart, Senior Counselor (251) 824-3213 ext. 13605; shart@mcpss.com

2. Ways to Communicate and Find Information Tonight’s presentation and all mentioned items can be found at:  Bryant H.S. website - http://bryant.mcs.schoolinsites (click on GUIDANCE)  Counselor’s Website- http://teacherweb.com/AL/almabryanthighschool/sherryhart

3. Receive reminders via text

4. Goals for this evening: To help 12 th grade students and parents Learn about the services offered by the Counseling Department and understand the timeline of contact for post-secondary planning. Understand requirements for high school graduation (courses, testing, College & Career Readiness) and college entrance.

5. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Credit Requirements Regular/Advanced Diploma28 Required Honors Diploma30 Required 3.5 GPA required, all honors core classes

6. All Students Graduate College & Career Ready Students Should Meet at Least One College & Career Readiness Indicator  Benchmark score on any section of the ACT.  English 18, Math 22, Reading 22, Science 23  Score of 3 or higher on any AP exam  Approved dual enrollment credit  Benchmark level (silver on all portions) on ACT WorkKeys  Will be given to ALL seniors – excellent opportunity  Approved industry credential (through Career Tech courses)

7. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Career Portfolio Is now required to meet graduation requirements (Board Approved 5/29/13). Based on knowledge gained while exploring career opportunities in Alabama Career Planning Systems (WWW.ALCAREERINFO.ORG) the minimum career portfolio requirements include: 1.Typed letter of introduction 2.Typed Resume 3.Evidence of career exploration The purpose of the portfolio is to highlight academic, community and personal accomplishments. Opportunities to complete requirements will be given during school hours.

8. ALABAMA CAREER PLANNING SYSTEM www.alcareerinfo.org – Career Interest Inventory – In depth occupations files with multimedia interviews – Explore colleges & universities (including cost) – Financial aid info (scholarship search tool) – Portfolio Tool – includes professional resume builder User ID and password required to log on. Directions are posted on the guidance website.

9. SENIOR YEAR MYTHS MYTH College isn’t in my future. I have too many other responsibilities. FACT College includes any postsecondary education, including vocational training, certificate programs, & degree programs. You Can Go! Visit www.alcareerinfo.org to view the wealth of information available

10. SENIOR YEAR MYTHS MYTH It’s time to take it easy because I’m a senior! I think I will drop math 2 nd semester and take an elective… FACT Oh no! Junior year helps prepare for college acceptance, senior year prepares for college level study. Choices made during 12 th grade set the tone for college. Don’t pay for remedial college courses (skills that should be obtained for free in high school).

11. SENIOR YEAR MYTHS MYTH I have to go away to college since all of my friends are going away… FACT The away experience is expensive and not for everyone. Investigate other options. (BSCC, FSCC) 2 yrs @ BSCC/FSCC = @ $12,000 2 yrs @ 4 yr public university (not living on campus) = @ $22,000 2 yrs @ 4 yr public university (in state on campus) = @ $40-44,000

12. SENIOR YEAR MYTHS MYTH It’s not cool if I go to a community college… credits won’t transfer FACT Community College may be the best bang for your buck! The first 2 yrs of college are general requirements and many are unsure of a major. CC offers general classes that will transfer (remedial courses do not) and for a fraction of the cost.

13. SENIOR YEAR MYTHS MYTH I could never afford to go to a private college (ex. Spring Hill or University of Mobile) FACT Never rule out a college because of cost alone. Compare costs before applying. Net price calculators are on EVERY college/university website (required by law) and provide an estimate of fin aid eligibility and remaining college costs. Remember to apply for the FAFSA. Get advice from the college’s fin aid office. Compare award letters – look at grants, loans, and parental contributions before making a final decision on a college.

14. Post High School Options “Not all children need college, but all children need an education.”  Technical or Trade School  Military Service, Military Academies, ROTC  Community College  College & Universities  Apprenticeships & employment opportunities

15. Military Military Service Academies Top-notch college education for the price of a military commitment upon graduation-no monetary cost. All academy graduates are commissioned officers of their respective services. Visit the websites for admission information. Students should start early if considering an Academy. Academy Night is sponsored by Rep. Bradley Byrne each year. This year is Sept. 2 nd @ St. Paul’s 7:00 p.m.

16. Military College ROTC program Most major universities offer ROTC scholarships that fully cover all costs for a college education. The scholarships offer not only tuition & fees but a generous monthly stipend to help with room & board & books. FRESHMAN ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS offer nearly a full ride for the first year of college WITH NO MILITARY COMMITMENT!! Hard to believe, but true. If at the end of your first year, you decide to withdraw from the ROTC program at the college, you can walk away. THE CATCH: Freshman ROTC scholarships are highly competitive. GPA & ACT/SAT are factors. If you decide to continue in the ROTC program for all four years of college, you will owe the service a military commitment. If you don’t mind following orders and are self-disciplined, give an ROTC scholarship thoughtful consideration.

17. Military The entrance test for all military branches is the ASVAB, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Seniors wanting to take it again may do so tomorrow, Sept. 2 nd, 7:30 a.m. in the auditorium. BHS Military Recruiters – visit quite often. Contact them if you are interested in joining the military right after high school. Name and contact information of specific military branch recruiters are listed on the guidance website.

18. College Proprietary Schools/AKA For Profit Schools Remington, Virginia College, UTI, ITT, Fortis… Be aware that most of the courses that are taken at schools such as these are not transferable to a 4 year university.

19. College 2 year / Community Colleges  Offer certificates, degrees, and transferrable credits at much lower costs.  Offer specialized programs that only require a 2yr degree. May lead to apprenticeships  APPLY ONLINE. There is no application fee  Can apply anytime during senior year. Most applications are online or download the PDF.

20. College 4 year Colleges/Universities Student’s Responsibilities in the Application Process Knowing admission requirements for college you’re applying Deciding on final list of colleges Completing the applications Obtaining other relevant information such as, recommendations, test scores, etc..

21. Parents’ & Counselors’ Responsibilities in the Application Process Provide support Provide guidance Provide assistance

22. Admission Options Regular Decision – Traditional application process, applicants accepted until a certain date, usually mid-winter. Rolling Admission – No application deadline, college will take applicants until full. Priority – Apply by specified date. Applications sent after that date are considered on a space available basis.

23. What is needed for a complete application? Application – online (preferred) – Activities and honors information – Demographic information – Essays (NOT required for all colleges - usually for private schools) – Official ACT/SAT scores requested from testing companies – Student and/or parent signature (electronic) – Teacher and/or Counselor recommendation, usually private schools APPLICATION FEE (credit card, check, fee waiver)

24. Essays Schools are trying to find out, Who are you? Why do you want to go there? How will you make the campus community a better place? Ask your English teacher for assistance on your essay. Check out books at the library on how to write great essays.

25. Fee Waivers Families for whom the applications fees are a hardship may be eligible for fee waivers* Waivers are generally available for students who have already received ACT/SAT fee waivers, have received one from the college, or qualify to receive free or reduced lunch. *Students should see the counselor if uncertain.

26. Transcript requests All colleges require an OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT! A transcript request form must be complete and signed in order for a transcript to be sent. The transcript request form is found at the guidance website or in the registrar’s (Mrs. Strauss) office. Transcript request forms should only be completed once you have applied to the college (not before). There is no fee to send transcripts for current students.

27. Test Scores ACT/SAT and SAT Subject Test scores and AP scores must be sent directly from the testing agency www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.com A very small number of colleges, typically those with highly selective admissions, require that students submit scores from SAT Subject tests as well as ACT/SAT scores. Check the college’s website.

28. Test Scores It is strongly encouraged that you request test scores ASAP. It can often take 4-6 weeks for scores to be received. Do not “RUSH” scores. It is expensive!! If taking an ACT this fall, consider sending one score now if your current score falls within the college’s published range. In most cases applications will not be considered complete until a score is received.

29. Teacher Recommendation Recommendations are not required for all applications. If required, talk to teachers FIRST to ask if they would be willing to write a recommendation. If the teacher does not know you well, provide a Student Profile form (download or in Mrs. Hart’s office) Request for Letter of Recommendation form available also.

30. Top 10 College Application Mistakes Misspellings and grammatical errors Applying online, but the application is not actually submitted Forget to sign the application Not reading directions carefully Writing illegibly Not completing a “transcript request form” so that the official transcript is sent Using an email address that is not appropriate (sexychick01…) or have inappropriate pics on FACEBOOK/Instagram… Not checking email regularly Letting Mom or Dad fill out college applications/write essays

31. Researching & Applying for Scholarships The bulk of money is merit money awarded by individual colleges (GPA/ACT). Many schools have early deadlines. Some schools have specific applications for scholarships and others will automatically award money based on your application. Begin researching for scholarships early. Check the website frequently.

32. Researching & Applying for Scholarships Any information received concerning local or national scholarships is put on the guidance website. Texts may also be sent through Remind.com. Check the website often for updates.

33. Financial Aid Financial aid is any scholarship, grant, work study, or loan that will help pay for college. File FAFSA (free application for student aid) no sooner than Jan. 1; www.fafsa.ed.gov Do not pay an agency to assist with financial aid. Use our guidance office and college financial aid offices for assistance. (fafsa.com is a scam website – never pay to complete the FAFSA). Do not pay for a scholarship search either! A Financial Aid workshop will be held at BHS in January or February. Exact date & time TBD.

34. College Representative Visits Date and time of college rep visits are listed on the guidance site. They are announced to students and posted on a calendar outside of Mrs. Hart’s office. Students must sign the log to meet with the representative. The student should meet the specific admission requirements in order to meet with the college representative. Clear the visit with the teacher prior to the visit. Good way to learn about a variety of colleges.

35. Other Notes Seniors are allowed 2 college/military visits (excused) for the year. See Mrs. Hart for form. It can also be downloaded at the guidance website. MCPSS College & Career Days – Oct 27; all seniors will attend at USA Mitchell Center (field trip). @ 100 booths set up, colleges, military, career fields, etc… Seniors must register to do so. Directions were given out as you entered. Many university scholarship deadlines – Dec. 1 st. You must apply & all have all required paperwork submitted by this date. (USA, UofA, Auburn, and others – you must check for deadlines)

36. Final Notes I hope you have found this information to be valuable. You may see the entire power point presentation online at the Guidance Website. Have a great evening! Thank you for coming tonight!

37. Common App

38. Common Application Application used by over 500 colleges/univ. mostly private. Students create an account at www.commonapp.org Make sure to sign off on the FERPA question Students complete one online application and submit it to multiple schools Large FAQ and Help section on website (use it!) Most schools have a supplement, college specific questions, which must also be submitted Make sure to invite/assign recommenders, teachers/counselor to write a rec by supplying accurate email addresses on the common app site!

39. Teacher Recommendations How many? 0? 1? 2? Who? – Academic teachers who know you best as a learner in their class – Best if a junior year teacher. – Typically one from Eng. Or Social Studies, one from Math or Science teacher. – Visual and Performing Arts teachers usually write in the Supplemental

40. Teacher Recommendations Talk to teachers FIRST to ask if they would be willing to write a recommendation. If the teacher does not know you well, provide a Student Profile form (download or in Mrs. Hart’s office) After you have confirmed with teacher, enter their correct email into the Common App. Site The Common App. Site will send an email to the teacher asking them if they will complete a recommendation for you.

41. Teacher Recommendations Inform teachers of ACCURATE deadlines for each college/university; teachers can also see deadlines once they log in to Common App site. Be clear with actual needs. Do not ask 3 teachers for a recommendation if only 1 is necessary. Many teachers only write a limited number – ask early and follow up with a thank you letter to the teacher. Student should check their Common App. or, individual college site for updates to make sure all information was received.

42. Secondary School Report (SSR) Counselor Recommendation for schools accepting the Common App Students must have an active Common App account Sign/Release Authorization. Waive your FERPA rights to review your records, recommendations. Invite your counselor to be a recommender by inputting her name and email address You can track when SSR and recommendation were submitted Counselor Recommendations are not required by all colleges – generally private schools. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!