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JaNeal Hale, Counselor (A-Le) Lisa Sweet, Counselor (Li-Z) Available by appointment. Also available for walk-ins during 4 th and 5 th lunch periods for those quick questions. Janine Willis, career center/scholarship specialist (best in the district!!) Get her weekly updates by going to Career Center in our Advisors page and signing up for her newsfeed AND/OR Go to our Advisors page and click on Remind101 to receive text message updates.

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Explore your interests/skills/work values! Go to: www.mpsaz.kuder.com.www.mpsaz.kuder.com Login formula is as follows 1) user name type in st and 6 digit school ID or first initial, middle initial, full last name & 2 digit day you were born, i.e., jtsmith15 2) password type in 6 digit school ID. Through Navigator, students can learn the following: What they are good at and enjoy doing Career clusters/occupations based upon the above Educational training required Where to find that educational training Other ways to explore interests/skills/work values: Job shadowing Volunteering/Working Education after high school costs time, $$ and focus. Many students enter college unsure of what they want to do and look at college as a way to explore. This becomes a very expensive form of career exploration. Explore now!

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Another recommended exploration tool/site: Big Future by CollegeBoard: Go to https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ Amazing collection of college/career planning tools!https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ Through Navigator or Big Future, explore the educational programs that match up with your career interests they may involve a 1 year training program, a 2 year associates degree, a bachelors degree or more. This will also determine where you go to school, i.e., community college, tech school, 4-year university, etc. Explore the job outlook when you research career areas. Its important to know where the jobs will and will not be when youre an adult.

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4 year 4 year course of study leading to bachelors degree. Minimum admissions requirements: Online application SAT/ACT Transcript 2 + 2 2 years @ community college leading to AA degree in general studies. Students will then transfer those credits to the 4 year university to complete the bachelors degree. No special admissions criteria for community college no SAT/ACT required, no minimum grades, etc. Student will enroll @ comm. college & meet with advisor to plan classes. 1-3 year training program Taken through a community college, tech school or apprenticeship program. This will result in a specific certification or associates degree, i.e., certification as veterinary assistant or AAS degree in welding.

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Use the same sites to begin to explore colleges. Navigator and Big Future both contain tools that allow you to specify criteria you may want to consider in your college search Location (Urban, Suburban, Rural) Distance Academic Rigor Size Extra-curricular (i.e. athletics) Field of Study/Major Financial Aid

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Go while school is in session Students-take notice Bring a notebook and/or a camera No more than two a day Eat in the caf if possible. See a FRESHMAN dorm See the music/athletic facilities if applicable Look for anything else that will be important to you VISIT COLLEGES

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You can be admitted to a community college with your high school diploma. You do not need to take the ACT or SAT. A placement test will determine which classes you will enroll in. Available programs can lead to: Certificate, i.e., certified nursing assistant Associates degree in a particular discipline, i.e., dental hygiene Associates degree in general studies (transfer degree) will allow student to transfer coursework to the 4-year university to complete a bachelors degree, i.e., elementary education

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Required course competencies: 4 English 4 Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 & an advanced math such as Trig, Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Calculus) 3 Science 2 Social Studies 2 World Language (same) One or more of the following: Top 25% of class 3.0 min. competency GPA (unweighted and based upon grades in courses listed above) ACT of 22 and/or SAT of 1040

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Competitive and/or out-of-state universities MAY require: AP & Honors Classes Additional Academics Additional Fine Arts Additional World Language Additional Tests, i.e., SAT Subject Tests Letters of Recommendation Tip: Become familiar ASAP with the admissions requirements of the school(s) youre considering.

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What Colleges Consider For Admission Completed online application Transcript Test Results Extracurricular activities Recommendations Essay(s)

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109 Name: Rufus D. Lion ID #: 654321 Class rank: based upon GPA from completion of 17 courses. Service Learning: 150+ hours required for Honor for Excellence diploma seal/transcript notation. Graduation Requirements: 1.22 credits 2.Meets/exceeds in AIMS subject areas. 3.Completed ECAP Cumulative GPA: GPA based upon how youve done in ALL classes. Sending your transcript to a university: 1.Visit Mrs. Hoopes, our asst. registrar, to request that it be sent to specific school(s) OR 2.Have it sent electronically via www.parchment.com Youll initially forward your transcript when you apply to college (fall of 12 th grade) then once more after you graduate from RMHS (a mid-year transcript may also be required by certain colleges).

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The SAT and ACT are exams that are one component of admission into most four-year universities across the country. Universities consider your performance on the SAT and/or ACT one predictor of how you may do academically in college. Universities will take whichever is your best score, meaning you can take them both and more than once. Students generally make some improvements upon retake. Many universities dont require/consider the writing portion of these exams. For example, ASU requires a combined math/reading score of 1040 out of 1600. It is, however, automatically a part of the SAT and is an optional part of the ACT. It is generally a good idea, however, to take/do your best on the writing portion as some universities, scholarship programs and college programs will take a look at this score. SAT Quick Facts: Frequency: 7 times/year Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes Sections: math, critical reading, writing (optional) Aptitude-based - looks at your critical thinking skills Cost: $50 Max. Score: 800 per section Avg. Scores: math 516, critical reading 501, writing - 492 ACT Quick Facts: Frequency: 6 times/year Duration: 3 hours, 3 hours including essay Sections: English, math, reading, science, writing Achievement-based - looks at the skills youve learned in school Cost: $34 - $49.50 Max. Score: 36 Avg. Score: 21

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WHY: Many selective schools and honors/scholarship programs require you take at least one or more SAT Subject Tests. Check ASAP with the admissions department of your top schools to learn more about their requirements. If a school to which you wish to apply requires SAT Subject test scores, register ASAP via College Board. You will not take the SAT and the SAT subject tests on the same day they are separate and require separate registration dates. WHAT: SAT Subject Tests are one hour tests that focus on specific academic subjects. The best part about the Subject Tests is that in many cases you get to choose which ones you'll take, so you should pick the ones where you're strongest. What specifically do the SAT Subject Tests test? It depends on the test. There are 5 content areasMath, History, Literature, Science, and Languages. There are multiple tests in every content area except Literature. How are the SAT Subject Tests scored? Each Subject Test is scored on a scale of 200800.

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SAT/ACT: WHEN TO TAKE AND HOW TO PREP Take ASAP if you havent yet! Register online at the SAT/ACT sites links located on the RMHS Advisors page Tools to Prep: SAT Prep Seminar: Red Mountain HS Sept. 27 9am-3pm Dobson HS Oct. 4 9am-3pm Skyline HS Oct. 4 9am-3pm To register for a seminar, go to www.prepforthefuture.comwww.prepforthefuture.com Online practice questions/tests available on the SAT/ACT sites. Many free/low-cost smartphone apps available Prep books available @ library/bookstores Software programs available Test prep classes available through companies such as Princeton Review & Kaplan Grab your calendar ASAP and plan when you will: * Practice * Take shortened exams * Sit for as many full-length exams as you can!

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Extracurricular Activities Its never too late to get involved at school and/or in your community! Join something in which youd grow, enjoy and that shows others your passions. Look for leadership opportunities, i.e., club officer positions, youth group leader, programs such as Boys & Girls State Service Learning

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Colleges & scholarship programs often ask for recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality. You should generally have 2 letters from teachers and one other from a volunteer supervisor/youth pastor/coach/employer. Some applications may also require a school counselor letter of recommendation. Look for adults whom youve known well for 6+ months or more.

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Often required as part of admission to universities/specific college programs. May be required as part of your college application. Often required for scholarships and honors program applications. Your essay reveals something important about you that your grades and test scores can'tyour personality. It can give admission officers a sense of who you are, as well as showcasing your writing skills. Topics may include overcoming an obstacle, discussing a special accomplishment or your own personal story. Go to College Boards Big Future for some great tips on writing your essay. Work with your English teacher to review your essay.

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Early Admissions: Deadline typically by November 1 st of senior year Early admissions means early answer plus the possibility of additional perks depending upon university, i.e., priority housing/orientation. Two types of early admissions Early action non-binding: you can choose whether or not to attend that school. Early decision binding: if youre accepted, you must attend that school. Typically used by more selective colleges. When its a good idea to apply early: You know where you want to go Youre a strong candidate (selective schools may accept a higher % of applicants during the early admissions window). When its not a good idea to apply early: You unsure about where you want to go. Youd benefit from another semester to showcase improvements in SAT/ACT scores, GPA, class rank, activities, etc. Regular Admissions: Deadline typically around February 1 st of senior year Reply Date: May 1 st of senior year Make your decision by or prior to this date, submit enrollment deposits.

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College is generally paid for by: * Private funds, i.e., the Bank of Parents/Relatives * Grants based upon financial need * Loans * Work-Study * Scholarships

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Colleges typically report their financial data to College Board. This becomes a valuable tool for you to learn about college costs! The cost of attending a college minus the average amount of gift aid that a student at that school receives from the college and the government Financial Need = Cost of Attendance minus Estimated Family Contribution. Your financial aid package may include a combo of scholarships, grants, loans and work study. Get an idea of the amount of financial need typically met by various schools.

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Your familys financial information is analyzed using the federal need formula. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which shows the expected family contribution (EFC). Your EFC is an indicator of your familys financial strength. It is sent to your state scholarship agency as well as to the colleges you listed on the FAFSA. They use this number to determine your financial aid award. Youll receive an award letter showing your financial package, which may consist of scholarships, grants, loans and work study. You can decline all or part of it. Youll need to report information about private scholarships youve been awarded to the universitys financial aid office. Your financial aid award may then be adjusted.

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Dear Rufus D. Lion, We have reviewed your financial aid application for the upcoming academic year 2013-2014 and are pleased to make the following offer of financial assistance: Your financial aid information was based on the following information: Cost of Attendance (COA) Tuition and Fees $31,400 Room and Board $ 8,500 Books and Supplies $ 1,000 Personal Expenses $ 2,500 Transportation $ 600 Total Cost of Attendance (COA)Total Cost of Attendance (COA) $44,000 Expected Family Contribution (EFC)Expected Family Contribution (EFC) $ 5,468 Calculated Financial Need Calculated Financial Need $38,532 To assist in covering your calculated financial need, you are offered the following financial assistance: Fall Spring Total Paws & Claws University Grant $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $20,000 ABC Restricted Scholarship $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $10,000 Subsidized Stafford Loan $ 1,750 $ 1,750 $ 3,500 Federal Work Study $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 3,000 Total Awards $ 18,250 $18,250 $36,500

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Get the facts about college costs by going to: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/college- costs/understanding-college-costs https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/college- costs/understanding-college-costs Look into types of aid that could help you cover college costs. Start by reading 7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid, located at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-101/7- things-you-need-to-know-about-financial-aid.7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-101/7- things-you-need-to-know-about-financial-aid Learning More Attend tonights presentation, called Beating the High Cost of College, presented by Mr. Ryon Frische. Attend Red Mountains Financial Aid Night in January.

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College Local State National

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Organize Your Space Create paper and file management systems so that you can keep track of all the documents, essays, brochures, scholarship applications, et al. Create an online file management system through Dropbox or Google Drive since most applications are done online now. Organize your Time Set aside a block of time every day or week that you can dedicate to the college & scholarship application process. Think of it as a part-time job (that costs you money). Set up a good calendar system where you can set goals and get reminders for upcoming deadlines. GET ORGANIZED!

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THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS COLLEGES CONSIDER Student Record/Transcript Strength of Schedule Scores (SAT/ACT/Optional?) STUDENTS CONSIDER Location/Distance Size Extra-curricular (i.e. athletics) Field of Study/Major Fall 14 Letters of rec give 2- 3 wks notice. Write/hone essays. Consider financial aid award packages. Accept/ Enrollment deposit Explore college search sites & indiv. college sites. Attend college presenta- tions. Visit colleges. Take/retake SAT/ACT. Scholarship search all year! Complete FAFSA by February. Early admissions period through Nov. 1 st Regular admissions period from Nov.1 st through spring (check deadlines) Spring 15