College 101Senior Parent Night:

College 101

Topics of Discussion Tonight: Applying to College Taking the SAT/ACT Finding Scholarships Timeline for Senior Year

Applying to College

Students need to fill out college applications and meet college deadlines for admission.

They can apply online:▪ using www.cfnc.org.▪ through the college/university website.▪ using the Common Application.

It’s an Electronic Age!!!!

Colleges will communicate with your child via email. Make sure that their email addresses are professional ones….khall@gmail.com vs gammyextraordinaire@gmail.com.

Have emails sent to your child’s smart phone and remember to check them often. They can miss important deadlines if they are not diligent.

Applying to College

Deadlines: Each school has their own deadline(s), they are

posted on the Admissions Office page of a website.

This information can also be found on CFNC.org under Plan for College (Explore Postsecondary Schools) and on the PGHS Counselor Page under the “Seniors” tab.

Many schools have more than one deadline. Be sure your child submits their application by

the deadline!

Applying to College

Why different deadlines?› Schools offer different types of admission:

Regular Dated Admissions: The dates vary but usually students apply mid-October through November and hear back in January and/or apply mid-January and hear back by April.

Rolling Admissions: Applications are taken in throughout the year and students hear within 4-6 weeks.

Early Action: Students apply early (@ October 15th) and hear back earlier-it is nonbinding.

Early Decision: Is a binding agreement. Students apply early and if accepted will go to this school. Students must withdraw all other applications at the time of acceptance.

Applying to College

Admission Decisions: Accepted: Your child has a space available for

them at that school if he/she wants to go there!! Deferred/Waitlisted: The admissions office

wants to see more information on your child and has decided to wait to make a decision. Schools typically want midyear grades and may request that the applicant take the SAT again. They will then make a decision later in the school year.

Denied: The admissions office does not think that your child meets their profile for a successful student at that campus.

College Applications:What are they looking for?

Schools are looking for students to create a diverse student body and they want students who will add to their community.

They look at the entire child, not 1 element. Things they consider:

Transcripts SAT/ACT Essays Recommendations Resume

Applying to College - transcripts

Transcript: Each school requires students to send in an

official transcript from the high school. Students applying to schools in-state

should send transcripts electronically (we will assist with this!) Directions on how to do this are located on the PGHS Homepage under School Counselors and the “Transcript” link on the left hand side of the page.

Ways to send a transcript: 1. Through CFNC. If you use another method to

send your current transcript you should still send one to all in-state schools through CFNC. It automatically puts in a “work order” to send your final transcript when you send the current one.

2. Through SendEDU. Some colleges use this service. You need your counselor’s email to do this. khall@randolph.k12.nc.us jporter@randolph.k12.nc.us

3. Through the Common App. A link is sent to counselors and they upload it to the App.

4. AGAIN: You must arrange for your final transcript to go through CFNC even if you use SendEDU or the Common App.

Note:

Please do not send transcripts until you/your child has actually submitted their college application. If you send them prematurely the college will not have a file on you/your child set up and the transcript may get misplaced.

College Applications:What are they looking for? Rigor!

Your child’s transcript: Your child’s transcript shows what classes they take,

what grades they made, GPA, and class rank through the JUNIOR year. It includes senior courses but no grades unless they apply AFTER first semester.

The transcript shows how rigorous a course load your child attempted: We provide a school profile that shows what classes

the school offers that colleges use to judge how rigorous the course load is.

Students are evaluated based on what their high schools offer and how many of the upper level courses offered that they took while in high school, not against other schools.

College Applications:What are they looking for? SAT/ACT

SAT/ACT These tests are designed to predict how well

a student will perform at a college or university.

It is a way to assess students on a national level.

Only students who will begin at a four year college/university need to take the SAT/ACT.

How to send SAT/ACT scores?? Students must arrange to send scores

through the College Board website (SAT) or the ACT Program.

These scores are not included on the official HS transcript.

Students CAN arrange to send scores to four colleges at the time they sign up for the ACT or SAT.

After that, students must go through the SAT or ACT website and PAY to send each score to each college.

College Applications:What are they looking for? Essays

College Essays Essays allow colleges to get a better picture of

the applicant. It is a way for students to speak to the college

and show off their individuality. Optional Essays: These allow admission

readers to hear from the student and make a lasting impression on them-your child should write them!!

Ask an English teacher or someone you trust to proofread the essay before the application is submitted!

College Applications:What are they looking for? Reccs

Recommendations: Are not required at all schools, but are

helpful. Ask teachers or adults who know you well in

advance so they can prepare them. Ask recommender to save recc so that they

can be used for scholarships later. Send no more than 2-3 recommendations. (The counselors will also send a

recommendation if there is a counselor statement).

College Applications:What are they looking for? Resumes

Resume A college resume is not a career resume! Share your high school experience in the resume. Explain what you have done in high school and

how often you participated in things (sports, work, community service).

When you write your resume you may remember experiences that could help you with your essays.

May not need a resume unless you are applying to a very selective college.

College Applications - Cost Application Fee

Each four year university requires an application fee, and they can be pricey! ($40-$85)

Every applicant must pay, even if they are not admitted.

Make a decision as a family about how much you are willing to spend on application fees and make sure your child is serious about attending the schools before you spend the money on the application fee.

Students who used a waiver on the SAT will receive four college application waivers via email to participating schools-ask your counselor about specific schools.

Community Colleges do not have an application fee.

College Application Week

Many private colleges will let you apply FOR FREE the week of November 2nd through 6th. You can sign up for a time to use the lab in the Media Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd to apply to colleges. Mrs. Porter and Mrs. Hall will be in the lab all day to assist you with this.

Seniors will be allowed to sign up for a computer closer to that week.

Finding Scholarships

Where to look…. What exactly are they looking for???

Finding Scholarships: Where to look

Libraries & bookstores (old school) Internet sites Colleges/Universities Employee Benefits Your child’s counselor! *** Check out

our website, get on our email list, and attend out next Senior Parent Meeting about “Scholarships” on October 22nd at 6:30 pm.

Where to look for scholarships

Local Libraries or Bookstores These books are a great resource to help

you out! They are good because you can read and

research as much information as you need. These materials are not updated as

often as other places and can quickly become outdated.

Where to look:Internet

The internet is your new best friend! There are many legitimate places to find

scholarship opportunities and are updated often. Fastweb.com: this is one of the best free

resources for you to use. Students are able to search for opportunities based on the profile they set up.

Scholarships.com is another free resource. www.cfnc.org is a great place to look for state

funded scholarships. There are also some to be wary of because they

are scams.

Where to look:CFNC.org

CFNC has a vast amount of information to help make college available to everyone!

Paying for College (green tab) section of the website has lots of information on scholarships.

Students can apply for scholarships online (example: FELS Program).

Where to look:Colleges & Universities

Each financial aid office has their own guidelines and can help you find scholarship opportunities for your child.

Ask them about first year merit scholarships or search for them on the college website.

They can direct you how to apply for merit scholarships.

The financial aid office can help you find out what is available. They are the expert at their school.

Where to look:Employee Benefits

Many employers offer scholarships to employee’s children-ask if your employer has any benefits that can help you.

Does your child have a job that offers scholarships? Burger King, Food Lion, and Chick-Fil-A all

offer scholarships to their student employees.

Where to look:Your Counselor

Our office provides scholarship bulletins every 4-6 weeks updating students on opportunities as we become aware of them.

We will send an email copy to anyone who wants to be added to our list serve. Email Mrs. Porter to be added to the list serve.

In spring newsletters will come more frequently because we receive more local scholarships.

Call us!! Use us, we can help make this easier for you!

What are they looking for?

A big misconception is that only the top students are awarded scholarships…and that is far from the truth.

Each organization who provides scholarships are looking for different qualities, so just because you do not meet one scholarship does not mean you will not meet someone else’s qualifications.

What are they looking for? There are many types of scholarships:

Academic Merit: Merit scholarships are available from the individual colleges. Check college webpages. Sometimes these are based on more than just academics. (Examples: Morehead Scholarship – Academics, Physical Vigor, Leadership, and Character and the Park Scholarship focuses a LOT on community service.)

Special Talents: these are based on special talents your child has (Sports, Music, Art).

Community/Club awards: these are awards based on participation or involvement in clubs in the area or civic activities in which your child has participated.

What are they looking for?

Scholarship essays: Write the essays! Many times students do

not fill out these applications and they let an opportunity pass them by because of the essay.

Essays are a chance to let the student show another dimension of who they are to the scholarship committee.

Applying for Financial Aid

Beginning January 1st students can begin the FAFSA form on the internet.

FAFSA= Free Application For Student Aid

The form must be submitted online, although you can download a form to complete before you do it.

Website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Applying for Financial Aid Financial Aid: is awarded based on

financial need, not academic success or special talents.

Types of financial aid: Grants: don’t have to be paid back. Loans: must be paid back and some are

in student’s name and some are in parent’s name.

Work Study: Students work on campus and receive money for school.

Applying for financial aid

When to apply: Apply early!! Each school has their own

deadline for priority aid - apply early so that you will get a good package!

Many deadlines are in March (early)▪ Check the financial aid office of the schools

being considered. If you cannot finish your taxes early than

use last years or estimate and update your form later.

Applying for financial aid CSS/Profile:

Some schools require the CSS profile: Davidson, Guilford, Meredith, NC A&T, NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest

CSS Profile is through the College Board website (SAT); it allows schools the get a better picture of students’ financial need.

Applications are available for 2016-17 on October 1st 2015

Students receive non-federal student aid. There is a fee for this.

Applying for Financial Aid:Now what?

Once the FAFSA is submitted you receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that shows the information submitted. If there is an error you can make changes.

This information is sent to the schools you designate.

You will be asked to upload your tax information as you fill in the FAFSA.

Applying for financial aid:Now What?

Your EFC (Estimate Family Contribution)

Your EFC determines how much a family is expected to contribute to the student’s education.

Schools use your EFC to determine what type of assistance package you receive.

Applying for Financial Aid:Figuring it all out

Eligibility Formula: This is how colleges determine how much aid you receive:

Total Cost of AttendanceMinus

Estimate Family ContributionEquals

Financial Need

Applying for AidOther places to look

There are many creative ways to pay for college: Military Benefits Community Colleges Ferree Foundation Lenders

Applying for AidOther places to look

Military Benefits Students can have their education paid for

by the US Army if they enlist. Students can contact any branch recruiter

for more information.

Applying for AidOther places to look

Community Colleges Colleges are considerably cheaper ($50 a

credit hour). Students can attend 2 years and transfer to

a 4 year college or specialize in an associate program.

Financial aid is available at the community college level.

Students who transfer to a college typically do well.

Applying for AidOther places to look

Ferree Foundation Provides low interest loans (does not exceed 3%)

to students of Randolph County . Students can apply for loans each year they are

in school and interest does not begin until 6 months after graduation.

Last year students received $1,000 loans, but they can be higher (depending on the stock market).

A student from PGHS who applies for the loan will receive an $8,000 scholarship!!!

Applying for AidOther places to look

Lenders Most students receive financial aid and

many of them are in the form of loans. Stafford Loans Plus Loans Hope Tax Credit

Applying for College

If you are unsure how to fill out the FAFSA please call your child’s counselor or attend FAFSA day at RCC where local counselors and financial aid personnel can help you.

PGHS counselors can set up meetings to help you fill out the FAFSA forms in our office.

Call or e-mail to set up your appointment-it takes less than an hour.

Senior Year Timeline(so you know what to expect) September/Early October: first parent

meeting, register for SAT/ACT, begin filling out college applications, prepare resume, ask teachers for recommendations

October & November: take SAT/ACT, submit applications.

January: attend FAFSA informational meetings, send mid year school reports if needed, fill out FAFSA and CSS Profile

February-June-Scholarships!!! May 1st: Decision day, you must send in your

deposit

Upcoming Nights for Senior Parents:

October 22nd : “How to Use the Internet to Find Scholarships”

January 5th: “Filling Out the FAFSA”

Meetings are a 6:30 pm

WARNING!! WARNING!!

Beware of scammers!!! Some companies that ask for a fee to

help you find scholarships your child may qualify for-do not pay a fee

This is also true of Financial Aid Services Fafsa.com charges a fee to fill out the

FAFSA form. It submits your application to the correct place, but charges to do it▪ (fafsa.ed.gov is the correct address)

Questions?

Please add your name and email address to our list serve!

Contact information Phone: 685.0728 Kim Hall (Counselor A-J):

khall@randolph.k12.nc.us Jane Porter (Counselor K-Z):

jporter@randolph.k12.nc.us