September 20, 2012 Back to School Night Senior Meeting.
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Transcript of September 20, 2012 Back to School Night Senior Meeting.
September 20, 2012
Back to School Night
Senior Meeting
The Process Begins….
Senior meetings will begin the first week of October
Finalize college selections (before Oct. 1st ) Finish college applications Update or start an academic resume Continue looking at possible majors Go on college visits! Take the SAT/ACT Meet with college reps when they visit
College Applications
Many applications are online Print Counselor Forms online to
bring in Fill out application NEATLY Bring to Counselor Office to get
transcript, etc. We cannot send in any money! Keep a folder or file with all your info
in it Keep a calendar of deadlines! Ask teachers for recommendation
letters early
Where to Access Applications
Click on Counselor’s Corner
Click on College Applications
College Go! Week
A great time to apply September 24-28, 2012 Encourages students to
take practical steps in preparation for college
Certain colleges and universities will waive the application fee during this week!
College Application Do’s and Don’ts Keep it neat (legible) No nicknames (emails, etc) Write in pen – all in one color Complete everything Sign it! Include your money Apply online if possible Have them all done by Thanksgiving
Registering for SAT / ACT
Register for SAT online at www.collegeboard.org
Register for ACT online at www.actstudent.org
Be sure to send scores to Whiting – School Code is 153810
Be sure to send scores to colleges See Mrs. Duncan about a fee waiver if
you qualify for free-reduced lunch
COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE,BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE!
Average Community College$3,000
Average Public University$16,000
Average Private University$28,000
Elite Private College$40,000 +
Financial Aid Information
Attend Financial Aid Night at Whiting HS on January 24, 2013
Complete FAFSA online: the STUDENT and PARENT both need a PIN
PIN is the electronic signature Apply early for PIN numbers at
www.PIN.ed.gov www.FAFSA.ed.gov is the website to
complete the FAFSA online
College Quick Facts
Many families qualify for financial aid even though they think they make too much money
Colleges are in competition for students Colleges have empty seats to fill Colleges will pay for good students 90% of students attending private
colleges receive financial aid
Additional Tips
Follow up with college if you get a rejection letter
If test scores or grades are low, send in application with a letter of explanation and/or recommendation
Apply to at least one private and one public school
Scholarship Information Apply early and apply often There are many good scholarship search engines
online that are free: Scholarships.com helps you find money for
college as well as learn about the entire financial aid process.
Search Fastweb.com to find scholarships and information on financial aid, job, and internships
The more information you have, the more prepared you’ll be to plan for your future
Academic Scholarships
Most commonly thought of scholarships Usually need a good GPA or standardized test
scores, such as SAT/ACT Often related to academic performance, but can
also be given to a candidate displaying artistic or athletic excellence
Example: National Merit Scholarship qualify by taking the PSAT and receiving a high student score
If you do not qualify for an academic scholarship, don’t worry!
Student Specific Scholarships Chances are there is at least one scholarship
out there that you’re eligible for Make a list of what makes you special, and look
into the organizations, local groups, and private corporations that may have funding set aside for education
Example: Scholarships for left-handed students, students with a particular last name, tall students and students who are vegetarians
Best Buy runs a scholarship program for incoming college students interested in community service
Student Specific Scholarships
The good thing about having a unique hobby is that the awards for those hobbies may be less competitive than needs-based or more high-profile scholarships
Think about what makes you stand out, and consider contacting local organizations that fit those criteria
If you’re going into a field that is unique, look to your community for awards in that field of study you’re pursuing
Community Scholarships Scholarship providers like to
see people from their communities succeed
They often offer local scholarships available only to residents of their community
The number of students who qualify is based on location, so chances of winning local scholarships are often better
This can make local scholarships an attractive and easy option for funding your education.
Example: BP offers scholarships to children of its employees who achieve academic excellence
McDonalds offers scholarships to employees who are a high school senior and show commitment to school, work, and volunteering in their community
Other Ways to Find Local Scholarships
Local Scholarship Bulletin Morning announcements at school Scholarship Corner across from Mrs. Duncan’s
office The Counselor’s Corner website
Go to Whiting High School website Click on the “For Students” heading Select the “The Counselor’s Corner” link
Whiting High School online announcements
Counselor’s Corner
Updated Weekly!!
When to Apply Watch application deadlines
According to the National Scholarship Database, 60% of scholarship deadlines fall between February and April
Students should begin applying at least a few months prior to this, preferably between September and December
Now is the time!
Websites of Interest www.collegeboard.org
Information about SAT, SAT practice tests, SAT sign-up, links to college websites
www.act.orgInformation about ACT, ACT practice tests, ACT sign-up and more
www.learnmoreindiana.comIndiana’s own website to research colleges and careers
www.scholarships.comFree internet college scholarship search and financial aid resource
www.fastweb.comA great site for researching scholarships and getting financial aid information
Websites of Interest www.knowhow2go.org
Provides useful information by grade level to prepare for college, apply to college, what to ask on a campus visit, and much more!
www.triptocollege.orgProvides college planning timeline, figures and information about preparing and paying for college, a savings growth calculator, and information about Indiana Colleges
www.Wachovia.com/CollegeReadyOffers products and services for parents and students who need to fund a college education
www.ecampustours.comTake a virtual tour of over 1200 college campuses! A great place to start the college search process
www.indianacareerexplorer.comOnline system that helps students plan for a career through exploration of majors, occupations, and interests