AHS SENIOR PARENT NIGHT Hosted by Mrs Candice
AHS SENIOR PARENT NIGHT Hosted by: Mrs. Candice Cranford
QUICK REFERENCE PAGE • Ashville High School Counseling Department Website: http: //ahs. sccboe. org **Click School Staff and locate my number. • Frequently Used Telephone Numbers Throughout Senior Year: – – – ACT: (319) 337 -1270, www. actstudent. org SAT: (609) 771 -7600, www. collegeboard. com NCAA Eligibility Center: 1 -800 -638 -3731, www. eligibilitycenter. org NAIA Eligibility Center: 1 -816 -595 -8300, www. playnaia. org FAFSA (Financial Aid): 1 -800 -433 -3243, www. fafsa. ed. gov Alabama Pact Program: 1 -800 -ALA-PACT, www. treasuty. state. al. us • Frequently Used Websites: – – – www. collegeabacus. org **Can compare college expenses side by side www. tuitionfundingsources. com **Can find scholarship opportunities www. cappex. com **Can find scholarship opportunities www. achievealabama. org **Can find scholarship opportunities www. alcareerinfo. org **Can find scholarship opportunities • Ashville High School Code: 010165 – Will be asked for this code when completing applications for the items listed above. 2
SENIOR CALENDAR • AUG/SEPT. – – Begin filling out college applications (Applications due December 1) Register for SAT (Test: Nov 4, Registration Deadline: Oct. 5) Register for ACT (Test: Oct. 28, Registration Deadline: Sept. 22, Late: Oct. 6) Begin drafting essays for scholarship applications • Remember to save your drafts. You can usually alter 1 essay to serve on multiple occasions. • Drafts should include: (paragraph 1 - include information about family, extracurricular activities, etc. ; paragraph 2 - include information about future goals, college major, career interest, etc. ; paragraph 3 - include information about financial need, how you plan to use the scholarship money and why it will be beneficial) – Plan college visits • Preview Days are an excellent way to get a feel for the campus and student atmosphere. **Discuss upcoming preview days from newsletter • Seniors will also be provided with a chance to tour a couple of colleges with the senior class (First Come, First Serve Basis & a Minimal Fee) – Attend each session offered at Ashville with College Representatives & College Fair • These representatives will be able to answer any specific questions you may have regarding their particular college • (Upcoming campus visits: University of Alabama- Sept. 28, Jacksonville State University- Oct. 20, Birmingham Southern- Nov. 3, University of Montevallo- Dec. 1) 3
SENIOR CALENDAR • OCT. – Complete FAFSA Application (opens October 1) – Based on 2016 income tax information – Can list up to 10 colleges to send your FAFSA information • We will have a workshop in November or December if you need assistance (Date TBA) – Create/Update Resume – Take ACT/SAT (if unsatisfied with current score) • Major Universities require at least a 25 on ACT /or 1200 on redesigned SAT prior to awarding academic scholarship (e. g. 25 ACT and 3. 5 GPA at Alabama is solely a partial scholarship, valuing at $2, 000/yr; current Alabama cost of attendance is approximately $30, 000/yr) **tuition, room/board, meal plan, books, transportation, additional fees • Mid-size Universities require at least a 23 on ACT/or 1100 on SAT prior to awarding academic scholarship (e. g. 23 ACT & 3. 0 GPA at the University of South Alabama is a partial scholarship valuing at $2, 500/yr; current South Alabama cost of attendance is approximately $19, 000/yr. ) **tuition, room/board, meal plan, books, transportation, additional fees • Community colleges offer full tuition scholarships beginning at a 22 on the ACT (e. g. Jefferson State Community College offers full tuition scholarships to students who have scored a 22 on their ACT & possess at least a 3. 00 GPA; current cost of attendance at Jefferson State is approximately $6, 000 ) – Register for the SAT: (Test: Dec 2 Registration Deadline: Nov 2) – Order Senior Materials from Herff Jones (Oct. 19, 7 -8 AM) – Work on essays for scholarship applications – Plan college visits/attend preview days 4
SENIOR CALENDAR • Nov. – Participate in College Application Week (Oct. 30 -Nov. 3) • Some colleges will waive the application fee this week, we will be applying through Coach Hill’s Government class on Nov. 2 (odd classes) & Nov. 3 (even classes) – – Tour Troy University- Nov. 7 (if interested) Take SAT (if unsatisfied with current score) Register for the ACT (Test: Dec. 9, Registration Deadline: Nov. 3) Review Mrs. Cranford’s Scholarship Book & College. Board’s Scholarship Book • Dec. – Major universities application/scholarship deadline (Dec. 1) • Look @ Newsletter deadlines – Complete Housing Applications (if available) – Tour University of Alabama- Dec. 4 (if interested) – Take ASVAB- Dec. 5 (if interested in the Military or want career exploration information) – Take SAT/ACT (if applicable) – Check all other college of interest application/scholarship deadlines 5
• Jan. SENIOR CALENDAR – Register for the ACT (Test: Feb. 10, Registration Deadline: Jan. 12) – Submit college applications/scholarships that are due – Review Mrs. Cranford Scholarship book, apply for scholarships • Feb. – Scholarship Deadline- Feb. 1 • Look @ Newsletter deadlines – Review Mrs. Cranford Scholarship book, apply for scholarships – Submit college applications/scholarships that are due – Take Workkeys Assessment **http: //www. act. org/products/workforce-act-workkeys 6
SENIOR CALENDAR • March • April • – Big college application deadline (March 1) – Submit college applications/scholarships that are due – Review Mrs. Cranford’s Scholarship book, apply for scholarships – – – May Review college responses and aid offers with parents/counselor Write withdrawal letters to colleges you have selected to not attend by May 1 Send acceptance letter to college of choice by May 1 Speak with admissions representative of college of choice regarding meal plans, housing plans, & freshman orientation MAKE SURE TO CHECK EMAIL REGARDING SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS!!!! – Confirm meal plan – Confirm housing plan – GRADUATE!!!! **IMPORTANT MAY DATES: • • AP ENGLISH LITERATURE EXAM- MAY 9, 8 AM AP GOVERNMENT EXAM- MAY 10, 8 AM AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE- MAY 10, 12 PM AP CALCULUS EXAM- MAY 15, 8 AM SR. AWARDS DAY- MAY 7 (? ) BACCALAUREATE-MAY 16 SR FINAL EXAMS- MAY 16 -18 GRADUATION- MAY 21 7
ACT vs. SAT • ACT – A national college admission examination that consists of the following subject areas: English, Math, Reading, & Science Reasoning. Also students can select to participate in an optional writing portion of the exam for an additional expense. – 215 multiple choice questions – Approximately 3 ½ hrs. to complete, 4 hrs with the writing portion – ACT composite scores range from 1 -36 (Alabama avg. 19. 2, Ashville avg. = 18. 1) – Cost: $46. 00 ACT w/o writing; $62. 50 ACT w/writing 8
ACT vs. SAT • SAT – A national college admission examination that consists of the following subject areas: Evidence Based Reading & Writing, Math, and optional essay portion – Approximately 3 hrs to complete, 3 hrs and 50 mins if optional essay portion is included – Each section of the test will be scored using a 400 -1600 scale – (200 -800 for Evidence Based Reading and Writing) – (200 -800 for Math) – The essay will be scored using a 2 -8 scale for all 3 dimensions of the essay (reading, analysis, & writing) – Cost: $46. 00 SAT no essay, $60. 00 SAT with essay – Fee Waivers are available for both the ACT & SAT for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch • Students can use the service twice throughout their high school career!!!! • Students who qualify for fee waivers may also qualify for admission waivers to college – Accommodations are available for both the ACT & SAT for students with disabilities. If you feel that your child could qualify for this service, contact me prior to registering for the test!!! 9
SETTING COLLEGE PRIORITIES • Location: • ___Distance from home • ___Weather • ___Off Campus Setting (Rural vs. Urban) • ___Geography: Beaches, Mountains, etc. • • Academics: • ___Majors offered • ___Academic reputation • ___Class size • • Campus: • ___Size (Number of students enrolled) • ___Student Body (All male/female or Co-ed) • ___Atmosphere • ___Dorms • ___Diversity • ___Cost of Attendance(Tuition +Housing +Books + Additional fees) • ___Scholarships/Financial Aid available • • Social Life: • ___Clubs/Sports • ___Art Scene • ___Greek life • ___High School friends attending same college/university • ___ College facilities (fitness center, student union building, cafeteria) • Should select the 5 most important items to you prior applying to college!!! 10
CHOOSING A COLLEGE • Reach school: – A student’s top choice school. It is ok if this is a long shot school • Usually select one school • Make sure student meets eligibility requirements though • Likely: Students are encouraged to apply to at least two schools!!! – A school that has most features that the student desires and the probability of admission is likely to certain (e. g. community college) • Usually select two schools 11
COLLEGE VISIT & INTERVIEW • College visits should be completed prior to 2 nd Semester of Senior year • Preparing for your visit: – Call ahead & schedule an appointment. Never just show up & expect to be assisted!!! – Inquire about speaking with a coach, band director, or professor (if this is something that interest you) – Prepare questions to ask during your visit (Mrs. Cranford has sample question sheet if you need one) **discuss a few sample questions – Take an unofficial transcript on your visit so that the admission officer can inform you of how competitive you may be in comparison to their other applicants/past applicants. 12
COLLEGE VISIT & INTERVIEW • Questions you may be asked during a visit (BE PREPARED) • • • How did you first hear about this college? What are your career goals? What are you interested in majoring in? What kinds of things do you do outside of school? What do you think are your academic strengths and weaknesses? How familiar are you with this college? What are your priorities in selecting a college? How would you describe your high school? What is the most significant contribution you have made to your school? *****After each visit send a letter of appreciation to the admission officer. This shows maturity as well as helps the admission officer to recall you at a later date when applications are being processed. 13
COLLEGE APPLICATION • Steps to applying for college: – Apply and pay online (application processes at a faster rate) **Always print anything you submit online for your records!!! – Complete transcript release form, so Mrs. Cranford can mail your official transcript • Applications will not be seen as complete without your official transcript • Notify Mrs. Cranford in advance so that your transcript will have plenty of time to arrive prior to application deadline – AHS will also be using PARCHMENT this school year. Each student will create a personal login and Mrs. Cranford will be able to send their transcripts electronically. – Send ACT/SAT scores to college of choice • Applications will not be seen as complete without your official ACT/SAT scores ** Must log on to ACT website to send official scores, not seen as official when they come from the high school, school ACT score (March 21) is on ACT student account, must be sent from there!! 14
COLLEGE APPLICATION When you apply to colleges you have the following responsibilities: – Before you apply: • You have the responsibility to research & understand the policies and procedures of each college or university regarding application fees, admission requirements, financial aid, scholarships, and housing. You should also be sure that you understand the policies of each college or university regarding deposits that you may be required to make before you enroll. – As you apply: • You must complete all material that is required for application, and submit your application on or before the published deadlines. You should be the sole author of your applications. • You should seek the assistance of Mrs. Cranford or an admissions counselor from the college/university in which you are applying throughout the entire application period. • It is your responsibility to arrange, if appropriate, for visits to and/or interviews at colleges of your choice. – After you receive your admission decision: • You must notify each college or university that accepts you whether you are accepting or rejecting its offer. You should make these notifications as soon as you have made a final decision as to the college that you wish to attend, but no later than May 1. (Some colleges will provide you with certain deadline; make sure to check your EMAIL!!) 15
EARLY ACTION VS EARLY DECISION – Early Action: (Non-Binding) • Apply early, but do not commit. – Early Decision: (Binding) • Apply early, commit early. **Talk with College Representative if you are considering Early Decision to assess if this is the appropriate path for you. 16
• • FAFSA (FINANCIAL AID) FAFSA= Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA website: www. fafsa. ed. gov Apply after October 1, 2017 **Will use 2016 tax returns** A student’s financial aid is determined based on their EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) – The EFC is calculated by using the parent/parents’ contribution (income tax), student income (income tax), & student income from assets/benefits (e. g. child support, disability check, etc. ) In addition, other factors are considered when reviewing the EFC (e. g. number of individuals in household, number of individuals in household currently enrolled in a post-secondary institute, etc. ) – If you have a special financial circumstance, you may want to contact the financial aid officer at your student’s college of choice to discuss financial options. – Also, a student can file independent rather than dependent if the student has a child or they are homeless. For more information, see Mrs. Cranford – If you are not required to file taxes, you will be required to submit a “proof of non-filing form” from the IRS to your college of choices financial aid office – Alabama is the 6 th lowest in the Nation at completing the FAFSA 17
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID • Pell Grant – Money that does not have to be paid back – Valued up to $5, 800. 00 • Student Loan – Money that has to be paid back upon completion of college/or “exiting” of college – 2 types of loans: subsidized and unsubsidized • Subsidized usually does not charge interest while a students in enrolled in school • Unsubsidized always charges interest • Work Study – Campus employment (e. g. RA, Resident Assistant) – Money earned assists in payment for college courses/books 18
SCHOLARSHIPS • Most scholarships & financial aid are obtained directly from the Office of Financial Aid of the college a student selects. – It is the student’s responsibility to secure and implement the application process for scholarships • Community-based scholarship opportunities are released & awarded each spring. – It is essential that seniors keep an eye on Mrs. Cranford’s scholarship book all throughout the Spring Semester. – Also, read & review each Senior Newsletter. • May 1 is the latest any college can wait to hear back from a student regarding a scholarship offer 19
BEWARE OF SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS • Rules of Thumb: – – – – If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is Spend time researching scholarships, not money Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships Nobody can guarantee your student a scholarship Legitimate scholarship foundations do not charge application fees If your suspicious of a scholarship offer, there is usually a good reason. Trust your instincts!!! Fin. Aid offers good information on avoiding/reporting scholarship scams at www. finaid. org/scholarships/scams/phtml 20
NCAA & NAIA • NCAA- National Collegiate Athletic Association – – – $80 Registration Fee Waiver available for students who receive a free/reduced lunch www. eligibilitycenter. org Registration for Division I & II College Athletics See coach prior to applying • NAIA= National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics – – $80 Registration Fee **Going up to $80 on Oct. 1 Fee Waiver available for students who receive a free/reduced lunch Registration for Private College & Mid-size Universities See coach prior to applying 21
NCAA DIVISION I SCHOOLS IN ALABAMA • • • Alabama A&M University Alabama State University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Auburn University Birmingham - Southern College Jacksonville State University Samford University of South Alabama Troy University DIVISION II SCHOOLS IN ALABAMA • University of Alabama in Huntsville • University of North Alabama • University of West Alabama • Tuskegee University 22
NAIA SCHOOLS IN ALABAMA School Location Conference University of Mobile Admissions Athletics Mobile, AL SSAC Talladega College Admissions Athletics Talladega, AL GCAC Stillman College Admissions Athletics Tuscaloosa, AL A. I. I. Faulkner University Admissions Athletics Montgomery, AL SSAC 23
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