Presented by: Susan Wales Athens High School Jr./Sr. Counselor.
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Transcript of Presented by: Susan Wales Athens High School Jr./Sr. Counselor.
BE A STAR: EXPLORE COLLEGE, CAREER
AND FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS 2015
Presented by: Susan Wales Athens High School Jr./Sr. Counselor
The Options
Post-Secondary Education Four-year Colleges and Universities Two-year Colleges (Community) Military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,
National Guard, Coast Guard) Work Force Apprenticeships
Career Research
Kuder Navigator is a site that students can access to take assessments to determine interests, skills and values. They will need to set up an account at www.kudernavigator.com. The batch code is N3843772GZQ.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov) offers insight into thousands of different careers.
Career Research Websites
www.alcareerinfo.org – Alabama’s Hot 40 Jobs, information on preparing for college, and financial aid
www.mynextmove.org – Has different ways to search for careers
www.alstudentaid.com – Check out these publications – “Affording Higher Education,” “Getting In,” “Planning Your Future.”
Technical or Professional Schools
Culinary Schools Lincoln Tech (Nashville Auto-Diesel
College) The Art Institutes Virginia College ITT Tech Trade Schools – There are also certificate
programs available at community colleges in various trades.
Calhoun’s Programs www.calhoun.edu, Programs of Study,
Division of Business/CIS/Technology and Workforce Development
Aerospace Technology, HVAC, Automation/Robotics, Welding Barbering/Cosmetology, Design Drafting,
Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology,
Process Technology, Renewable Energy
Calhoun’s Health Care Programs:
Nursing, Clinical Lab Technology, Dental Assisting, EMS, Physical Therapy Assistant, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology
Some of these programs have specialized requirements for admission.
Things to Consider in Choosing a College or University:
Cost Academics – Major? Class size? Size Location – Rural/Urban, In State/Out of
State Campus Social Activities/Sports Special Programs – Honors, Co-op,
Study Abroad, Internships
Choosing a College
Be Realistic Narrow Your List VISIT the Schools You are Interested in
Attending Make Sure You Meet the Deadlines – for
applications, scholarships, housing! For universities, apply in the fall of your senior year.
Suggestions for College Visits:
Research before you go – Check out their website thoroughly, register online for a visit
Talk with students on campus Tour the dorms Eat in one of the dining halls Ask about class sizes, activities, safety Talk to professors in the discipline you are
interested in majoring in Talk to people in Financial Aid Follow up with a thank-you note
College Visit Days:
Juniors are allowed 1 day, seniors are allowed 2 days (before March 31st). You can also visit on weekends sometimes or days we are out of school.
Also remember – E-learning Days Forms are available in the Attendance Office. You must have the College Visit Form filled out
by your teachers 5 days in advance of your visit and turned back in to the Attendance Office.
You must bring signed verification back from the college showing that you were there and turn it in to the Attendance Office at AHS.
What are Universities Looking For?
Academic Record – Difficulty of Classes, GPA, Class Rank
Testing Scores – ACT or SAT Extracurricular Activities, Community
Service, Awards/Honors, Employment Sometimes – Letters of Recommendation,
Essays, Interviews
Academic Record for Universities
Rigor of Curriculum – “College Prep” classes such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language. Advanced classes are better preparation!
GPA Quality Points (4.0 Scale)
Testing Scores
ACT and SAT are college entrance exams designed to test readiness for college.
Advanced classes provide better preparation.
Please see me before you register for the ACT.
All juniors will take the ACT with Writing in April 2016 as part of state testing requirements.
PREPARE BEFORE YOU TAKE IT!
Testing Scores
Some colleges require that ACT and SAT test scores be sent directly from the testing agency. If you need test scores sent directly, go online to request score reports: www.actstudent.org for ACT and www.collegeboard.org for SAT (and AP).
For Juniors
PSAT (Preliminary to the SAT) is the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.
Test will be given on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. Cost is $15.
Sign up in the Guidance Dept. by Oct. 9. Prep material available on
www.collegeboard.org Big benefit of PSAT – My Big Future and
specialized help with SAT
Great Website for College Planning and Information
www.collegeboard.org Click on Students Click on Big Future Or go to
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org Has information on scholarship
searches, college visits, financial aid, choosing a college, and more
Early College Opportunities
Accelerated High School Student Program – through Calhoun – must have “B” average, classes count only for college credit
Dual Enrollment – through Calhoun – classes count for both high school and college credit
University of Alabama Early College Program – online classes
Calhoun Community College
Admission: Rolling Admission, Must have HS diploma
Calhoun will use your ACT score to determine your placement in math and English classes. Do your best on the test to try and avoid remediation courses. You must pay for them but you don’t get college credit for them.
University of North Alabama
Admission: For Unconditional Admission, students need ACT of 18, 2.0 GPA on Core Classes (4 English, 2 Math, 2 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Additional)
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Admission: Based on test scores, GPA, rigor of coursework, trend of high school grades, achievements in leadership and scholarship. Advanced diploma is strongly recommended.
Must have 4 English, 3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 3 Science, 4 Social Studies, 6 Electives.
ACT – 20, Minimum GPA – 2.9
University of Alabama in Birmingham
Admissions: ACT 20 Minimum 2.25 GPA in Academic Core
Classes Including: 4 English, 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 3 Math (Alg. I and higher), 1 Foreign Language, 3 Additional Academic Courses.
University of Alabama Admission: Evaluated Based on ACT
(must include Writing), GPA, and High School Course Load. ACT 21 and GPA 3.0 Mentioned in Literature.
Require: 4 English, 4 Social Sciences, 3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II and Geometry), 1 Foreign Language, 3 Science, 5 Additional Units.
Auburn University
Base Admissions on ACT (with Writing), GPA and Classes Taken, Essays
Must have: 4 English, 3 Social Studies, 3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 2 Science.
Recommended: Additional Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language.
Average GPA is 3.74. Average ACT is 24-30.
Troy University
Admission: ACT 20, 2.0 GPA Scholarships – 28 ACT, 3.5 GPA = Full
Tuition; 32 ACT, 3.7 GPA = Tuition plus Room and Board; Leadership scholarships start with 22 ACT, 3.0 GPA
Troy also has scholarships available in other areas like – Band, Foundation, Alumni, Girls State, Athletic and Theatre
University of Montevallo
Admission: 20 ACT, 2.5 GPA Scholarships start with 24 ACT, 3.0 GPA Deadlines vary but start with Dec. 1.
See website for complete details.
Mississippi State University
Admission: 4 English, 3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Advanced Electives (Foreign Language, Science or Math), ½ Computer, 1 Art
16 ACT, 2.5 GPA on Core Classes
University of Mississippi
Admission: 4 English, 3 Math (Alg I, Alg II, Geometry at a minimum), 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Advanced Electives (Foreign language or Core), ½ Computer, 1 Art
Must have 2.75 on Core and 22 ACT
University of South Alabama
Admission: 19 ACT and 2.5 GPA, 16 core units
Scholarships start with 23 ACT and 3.0 GPA = $2,500/year
Student Athletes:
To play at a Division I or Division II school, athletes must meet requirements set forth by the NCAA.
2.3 GPA in 16 core academic courses plus the required ACT or SAT score
Students must register with NCAA Clearinghouse. Online form at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
ACT Testing Dates
Oct. 24, 2015– Register by Sept. 18 Dec. 12, 2015– Register by Nov. 6 February 6, 2016– Register by Jan. 8 April 9, 2016– Register by Mar. 4 June 11, 2016– Register by May 6 Cost of the test is $39.50 for ACT and
$56.50 for ACT with Writing
Types of Financial Aid:
Grants – These are typically need-based and do not have to be repaid. Examples: Pell, FSEOG, TEACH, Iraq/Afghanistan Service.
Scholarships – These are typically based on merit and do not have to be repaid. Examples: Academic, Athletic, Leadership.
Work-Study – Students work for the university on a part-time basis.
Loans – These are lower interest loans by the federal government – PLUS, Stafford, Perkins.
More on Grants:
PELL and FSEOG Grants – Based on your family’s income
TEACH Grant – For students who plan to teach in public schools who serve students from low-income families
Iraq or Afghanistan Grant – Based on your family’s income and a parent killed in service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11
More on Loans:
Federal Student Loans offer borrowers lower interest rates and have more flexible repayment terms and options.
Federal Perkins Loan – college is lender, interest 5%, depends on need
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan – govt. is lender, interest 4.66%, depends on need, no interest while in college
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – govt. is lender, interest 4.66%, interest charged while in college
More on Loans:
Direct Plus Loans for Parents – borrower is responsible for all interest, 7.21% interest, no negative credit history, govt. is the lender, repayment begins within 60 days after the 2nd loan disbursement.
A fact sheet on loans is available in the College and Career Room.
Financial Information
For more information, go online to: www.studentaid.ed.gov
This is an excellent website with lots of information on financing your college education.
Do Not Pay for Scholarship Search Information.
FAFSA Forms:
For Seniors, it is based on family income for 2015.
A Student Aid Report showing Expected Family Contribution to College will be sent to you. A report will also be sent to the colleges you choose.
To receive any type of financial aid, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This may be filled out online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
FAFSA Information Grant money is distributed according to
need and is given out on a “first come, first serve” basis.
It is important to fill out your FAFSA forms before March 1st for many schools. If your parents don’t fill out taxes early in the year, you may use last year’s tax information, but you must go back and update it later.
You must fill out FAFSA before you can receive scholarship money from schools.
FREE Help with FAFSA:
Counselors with the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence are available to help parents with FAFSA forms.
The office is located in the QuadPlex (corner of Hobbs St. and Thomas St.)
The number is (256) 233-1220. There is no cost for this service.
Academic Scholarships:
Different schools have different requirements. It pays to do your research online and check out the websites of the schools you are interested in applying to.
Always fill out the scholarship application. You might meet the requirements for endowed scholarships even if you don’t meet the academic scholarship requirements. Check to see if they have separate scholarship applications.
You must meet the deadlines! You may have to be admitted before you can fill out scholarship applications. It takes time to process applications so don’t delay!
UAH Academic Scholarships:
UAH – Departmental Deadline is Dec. 1.
Separate Scholarship Application. UAH will allow students to continue
taking the ACT in the spring to try and increase their score.
UAH scholarships start with 25 ACT and 3.0 GPA. As scores go up, the amount of the scholarships go up.
UAH Merit Tuition Scholarships
ACT 25-27 28-29 30-33 34-36
4.0 + 50% 67% 100% 100%
3.5-3.99 40% 45% 100% 100%
3.0-3.49 35% 35% 45% 50%
UNA Academic Scholarships:
Deadline is February 1, 2016. Scholarships start with 2.75 on Core Curriculum and
20 ACT – Vanguard Scholarship = $1,000. 25 ACT + 3.0 Core GPA = $4,500/year 25 ACT + 3.5 Core GPA= $6,000/year 27 ACT + 3.0 Core GPA = $5,500/year 27 ACT + 3.5 Core GPA = $7,000/year 30 ACT + 3.5 Core GPA = $8,000/year ACT + 4.0 Core GPA = $500 more per year Leadership and Presidential Mentors Academy also
available
UNA Excellence Scholarships
Scholarship Deadline – Feb. 1, 2016 Leadership Scholarships start with ACT 18
and 2.75 Core GPA plus resume Presidential Mentors Academy – ACT 18,
2.75 Core GPA (Diversity Scholarship)ACT 20-21 22-24 25-26 27-29 30-36
Core GPA
2.75-2.99
$1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000
3.0-3.49
$1,500 $3,000 $4,500 $5,500 $6,500
3.5-3.99
$2,000 $4,000 $6,000 $7,000 $8,000
4.0+ $2,500 $4,500 $6,500 $7,500 $8,500
University of Alabama
Deadline – Dec. 15, will accept Dec. ACT test scores. Must fill out scholarship application in MyBama (
http://mybama.ua.edu). Scholarships start with 27 ACT and 3.5 GPA =
$3,500/year 28 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $4,000/year 29 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $4,913/year 30-36 ACT and 3.5 GPA = Full Tuition Also – check out Alumni Association Scholarships
Auburn University
Spirit of Auburn Scholarships Priority Deadline is Jan. 15. Deadline is Feb 10. Apply through AUSOM. Presidential – 33-36 ACT + 3.5 GPA= Full Tuition Founders – 30-32 ACT + 3.5 GPA = $8,000/year University – 28-29 ACT + 3.5 GPA = $4,000/year Achievement – 26 ACT + 3.5 GPA (competitive,
based on funding) Ever to Conquer – 22 ACT + 3.0 GPA, Pell Grant
eligibility
UAB Scholarships:
Deadline: Dec. 1, but they will consider the Dec. test scores. Must be admitted before then!
Scholarships start with 24-29 ACT and 3.0 GPA = $2,000/year, 30-36 ACT and 3.0 GPA = $5,500/year
20-23 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $2,000/year 24-26 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $3,000/year 27-29 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $5,500/year 30-32 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $7,500/year 33-36 ACT and 3.5 GPA = Tuition + Fees
Mississippi State Scholarships:
Scholarship Deadline is Dec. 1, but they will consider Dec. test scores.
ACT 3.0 GPA 3.5 GPA
20-21 $1,000 $1,500
22-25 $6,500-$7,000 $7,500-$8,000
26-29 $9,000-$10,000 $12,500
30-32 $12,500-$13,000
$13,500-$14,000
33-36 $15,500-$17,000
$16,500-$18,000
Ole Miss Scholarships:
Separate Scholarship Application is available.
January 5 is Priority Deadline Date. Scholarships for out-of-state students
start with 24 ACT and 3.0 = $1,000, but as test scores go up, money goes up. Example – 28 ACT and 3.0 = $6,500.
See website for more details. Books with complete details are available in the Guidance Department.
University of South Alabama:
23 ACT, 3.0 GPA = $2,500/year 24-27 ACT, 3.0 GPA = $3,500/year 28-29 ACT, 3.5 GPA = $5,000/year 30-31 ACT, 3.5 GPA = $8,000/year 32 ACT, 3.5 GPA = $9,000/year 33+ ACT, 3.5 GPA = $11,000/year Dec. 1 - Deadline
Jacksonville State University
Deadline is March 1st. Apply for academic scholarships online. Check website for full details. Academic scholarships start with 22 ACT
= 6 hours of tuition per semester and go up as test scores go up.
Leadership scholarships start with 20 ACT
Jacksonville State Scholarships
Elite – 30 ACT = 16 hours tuition per semester, Housing and Meals
Faculty – 26-29 ACT = 16 hours tuition per semester
Gamecock – 24-25 ACT = 9 hours tuition per semester
Gem – 22-23 ACT = 6 hours tuition per semester
Troy University
28 ACT, 3.5 GPA – Full Tuition 32 ACT, 3.7 GPA– Full Tuition, Room and
Board Leadership Scholarships start with 3.0
GPA – send resume Separate scholarship application Deadlines vary with different
scholarships. See website for more details.
Academic Scholarships: Don’t forget to consider some of the
smaller schools. They often offer good scholarships as well.
Some schools have you fill out separate scholarship applications.
Some departments give out scholarships and you must fill out separate applications.
Talk to College Financial Aid advisors.
ROTC Scholarships
If you are interested in an ROTC scholarship, several colleges offer programs. These are very competitive scholarships with Jan. 1 deadlines. See me this fall for contact persons.
Military Financial Aid for College
The Military offers financial assistance for college including programs such as the Army National Guard Tuition Assistance Program and the Montgomery G.I. Bill.If you are interested, please see Mrs. Wales for your local recruiter’s contact information.
Leadership Scholarships
If you have developed a resume with lots of leadership and community service, remember to apply for leadership scholarships. Sometimes, the ACT requirement for these scholarships is a bit lower. We also have a couple of community scholarships in the spring based on community service. For example – Optimist Club chooses a student in Octagon Club with 100 documented hours during senior year.
Athletic/Fine Arts Scholarships:
Check with coaches on athletic scholarships.
For fine arts scholarships, you will need to audition. Talk to the band director at the college to set it up. For theatre or dance, contact the department at the college.
Calhoun Community College Scholarships:
Offer a variety of scholarships – STEM, Foundation, Athletic, Fine Arts, Leadership
Academic Scholarships at Calhoun – 3.0 GPA (do not require ACT)
Deadline is March 1. Separate Scholarship Application (online). Must fill out FAFSA by March 1. ACT Scholarship – 27 ACT = l yr. Tuition To audition for Fine Arts (Art/Graphics,
Chorale, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Band, Theatre) – call 256-306-2699 to set up an appointment.
Wallace State Community College Scholarships:
Separate scholarship application – Feb. 15 Deadline – All require scholarship application and essay in addition to admission
Presidential – ACT + GPA = 30, 16 credit hours per semester
Academic – ACT + GPA = 27, $1,250 per semester Leadership – ACT + GPA = 24, $1,100 per semester Also have other scholarships in performing arts,
healthcare and career tech
Local Scholarships
Local scholarship information is typically sent out in the spring.
Watch the newsletter, school bulletin boards, newspaper and website for details of local scholarships being offered.
More Information:
Reference Books in College and Career Room
Come and see me if you need help exploring college websites.
Check out the newsletters at Athens High School’s website.
Keep a check on your grades through STI.
The Last Word
I am enjoying working with you at Athens High School. Please feel free to drop by and see me. I have an open door policy. The only time my door is closed is if I am in a meeting with someone. You are my priority. I will be glad to help you prepare for your future in any way I can.
Mrs. Wales