Avoid Future Shock!Plan Now …

Life beyond High School

Presented by: PHS Guidance and Career CenterMs. Kathryn Sheridan, Dean of Guidance

Mrs. Sharon Spooner, Guidance Counselor

Journey to College

AGENDA

1. Life beyond Pelham High

3. Naviance: Family Connection

4. College Application Process

5. Scholarships and Financial Aid

2. College Search

What is my Current Status?

Preparation while at PHS Rigorous course selection

Algebra II, Trigonometry Essay writing, College writing Biology and Chemistry Social studies AP Courses Fine arts

Community service commitment Extra-curricular activities

Where do I go from PHS?

Work or Internship Military Trade Schools (NHTI, NH

Community Colleges) Prep Schools Colleges/Universities

2 year programs (Associates) 4 year programs (BA/BS) Advanced Programs (BA/MA)

Options

Wherever you go. . .

Consider these points… What are my strengths? Weaknesses? What are my educational and

career goals? What excites me most about

college? What makes me anxious?

There’s a Place for YOU! Over 300 just in New England

Majors and educational programs Type of school and degrees offered Admission policy Location and size Costs and financial aid Campus activities Support services

Characteristics of Colleges

Admissions Criteria

Admissions Requirements GPA (Core courses) Academic courses; a strong high

school curriculum Preparation for SAT and/or ACT

National Tests Service Learning Extra-curricular activities

Explore College Choices

Compile information from several resources: Internet/Websites College catalogs, videos, and computer-

based services (NAVIANCE™) College representatives College visits at PHS and college fairs Counselors and teachers Parents, students, and alumni

NAVIANCE: Family Connection

Family Connection is a planning tool for students and families that includes self-discovery assessments, goal-setting, college research tools, and career exploration resources.

GO TO: Pelham High School http://www.pelhamsd.org/ Click Naviance (far right link)

Naviance: Using Family Connection

USERNAME: firstinitiallastnameyogPASSWORD: login to student portal

Naviance: Using Family Connection

Naviance: Using Family Connection

College Application Process Early Decision is a binding program

and can only be used for one college.If accepted, students must attend that college, and

generally are usually required to send a deposit by the end of January. The exception to the rule deals with finances.

It means that students may not apply to any other college.

Early Action is a non-binding early application/notification program for freshmen. If accepted, students have until May 1 to finalize

enrollment decisions.

Regular Vs. Rolling Admissions

Regular Admission has a specific deadline for application submission, such as January 1 or 15th . The college generally will not review the application any earlier than the published deadline date.

Rolling Admissions is a process whereby schools review applications as they arrive, admitting or denying students based solely on their criteria, not a comparison of a larger pool of applicants.

The Application:Pay Attention to Detail

Application Process Select four to six colleges

Highly Selective Competitive Safety

Complete application Online Common Application™ Paper (infrequent)

The Essay Set Your “self” Apart

Write your BEST Essay Brainstorm ideas Select a topic that allows you to

highlight your qualities, interests, and motivations

Write with passion Rewrite, Revise, Edit

Letters of Recommendation

Academic Teacher Counselor

Athletic (Varsity Coach) Business/Work

Manager (not co-worker) Peer (only if required by college) Parent (only if required by college)

Deadlines: Plan Ahead

Review college admission test requirements

Know application fees and deadlines

Submit application materials High school transcript Recommendations

STUDENTS ATHLETES and NCAA

• www.eligibilitycenter• Click on the Cell Phone Icon to

begin the process.• Click My Planner to request

transcript.• Click My Task List, click official

transcript needed• Task Detail appears, you need to

“click here”.• Docufide by Parchment opens, and

create an account.• BEST BET: See your Guidance Counselor!

College Costs

TuitionRoom and

Board

TransportationComputers,

Books, Supplies

Miscellaneous (snacks, pizza,

movies)

How Do I Pay for This Experience?

Investigate all possible resources Parents Savings Summer earnings Financial aid Scholarships Grants Loans Work study Other sources (trust funds)

Applying for Financial Aid

• Complete Institutional Application Forms

– CSS Profile (If needed)– College Financial Aid – Free Application for Federal

Student Aid (FAFSA)• Needs Analysis Form

Applying for Financial Aid

FAFSA http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm Needs Analysis Form is used to determine Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

EFC used to determine amount of Financial Need

Cost of Education -- Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

(finaid.org/calculators/finaidestimate.phtml)

Prior year’s income Assets Family size Number of household in college Parents’ age

Applying for Financial Aid

• CSS Profile profileonline.collegeboard.com– Can be completed in the fall– More specific questions than

FAFSA– Minimum student contribution– Fee charged ($5 for application,

$18/college

Helpful Hints for $$!

• Make Photocopies of All Documents for Your Records Before Mailing

• Check College/University Application Deadline Dates

• Apply Early (March 1) and Online• Keep your PIN # for future use• You Must Reapply for Financial Aid each

year

School Grants and Scholarships?

Scholarships Academic Excellence High SAT/ACT scores Excellence in the arts, sciences, or

math Athletic ability (dependent on

division levels) Focused specialty (FEA, Asthma,

Music) Group affiliations (Masons, Elks,

etc.)

Will I Succeed?

Predictors of Success in College Study Habits Motivation Course Selection Placement Interests Commitment

Counselors Ms. Sheridan (A to D) Mrs. Spooner (E to M) Ms. Caira (N to Z)

Who Does what for Whom at PHS?

Let’s Address Questions and Concerns