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P R E S E N T E D B Y T H E S A N R A M O N V A L L E Y H I G H S C H O O L
C O L L E G E / C A R E E R C E N T E R
“College 101 for Parents of Juniors”
Welcome!2/24/16
“College is a Match to be Made, not a Prize to be Won”
Agenda
� Welcome� Student/Parent/Counselor/College & Career Center Responsibilities� Where Did 2015 SRVHS Grads Go? (95% College-bound)� What is considered in the 4 Year College Admissions Process?� Beginning the College Search
¡ Visiting Colleges¡ Some College Research tools to use ¡ Types Schools & Applications
÷ “2 year” Community College (TAG)/Technical School Options÷ “4 year” college options
� Student Athletes� Financial Aid� Parents: how to assist your student � Q & A
SRVHS Counseling Department
Susan WiseCollege & Career Center CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]
Jill SchratzCollege & Career Center Coordinator Email: [email protected]
Barbara Murray-RegistrarEmail: [email protected]
Cheryl Wurnitsch– Career TechEmail: cwurnitsch @srvhs.org
Christina Riley– Counseling SecretaryEmail: [email protected]
Jenifer Levy-Wendt (A-E)Email: [email protected]
Nancy Conti (F-Lu)Email: [email protected]
Melissa Bergstedt (Ly-Ri)Email: [email protected]
Cady Scharff (Ro-Z)Email: [email protected]
Christie Harrington-Tsai (student support) [email protected]
Roles & Responsibilities
� Counselor - Advises students on course selection to be eligible for college admission. Guides seniors through application process through class visits. Writes letters of recommendation/secondary school report.
� College & Career Center Coordinator - Manages the College & Career Center: A place for students to do their college research. Hosts visits from College Reps. Conducts workshops for students and parents regarding college/career planning. Co-coordinates annual district college fair.
� Parents– Support their child’s research/planning/ implementation-encourage progress in the search. Help arrange college tours & provide access college search resources. Talk about college financing.Students – Know themselves the best. Take ownership of what their plans are going to be after they graduate high school. Be responsible for their own research, planning and implementing!
Where Did SRVHS 2015 Grads Go?
95% of SRVHS 2015 Grads went on to college¡2 Year Community College: 114/20%¡University of California: 50/9%¡California State University: 94/17%¡4 year CA Private College: 60/11%¡Out of State/Int’l Public and Private Universities:
210/38%¡Undecided Plans: 30/5%
Note: This is single year data. 2012-2015 cumulative data is captured in Naviance program. See Wolf Tracks handout for a list of colleges in each category.
What is considered in the 4 year College Admissions Process?
Factors having considerable importance with Admissions Directors at 4 year schools?* ¡ Grades in College Prep Courses (A-G) 83% ¡ Rigor of curriculum 66%¡ College Admissions Test (ACT/SAT) Scores 59%¡ Grades in all courses 46%¡ Essay/Personal Statement /Writing Sample 27%¡ Student’s demonstrated interest 23%¡ Counselor Recommendation 19%¡ Teacher Recommendations 19%¡ Interview (very limited) 9%¡ Work/Extra Curricular Activities 7%¡ Portfolio (6%)¡ SAT Subject Test Scores (5%)(*% agree with factor. From a survey given by the National Association of College Admissions
Counselors in 2010. Each college might prioritize these components differently)
Grades: Transcripts
Two important GPA’s on Transcript for colleges� Cumulative GPA (Weighted): Used by many private &
out of state public schools (includes 9-12), but any college may choose to recalculate.
� Weighted 10-12 A-G GPA: Used by UC & most CSU’s (exception: Cal Poly SLO recalculates using 9-12th grades)
� Myth busting……¡ Are freshman grades considered? Do they matter?¡ Do senior grades matter?
� Other schools’ transcripts (Community college, online courses) (note: See Academic counselor for district policy of what non-district grades are posted on the SRVHS transcript).
UC/CSU “A – G” Requirements
University of California California State University
a. History/Social Science(2 years required)
a. History/Social Science(2 years required)
b. English(4 years required)
b. English(4 years required)
c. Mathematics(3 years required; 4 recommended)
c. Mathematics(3 years required)
d. Laboratory Science(2 years required)
d. Laboratory Science(2 years required)
e. Language other than English (2 years required; 3 recommended)
e. Language other than English (2 years required)
f. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)
f. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)
g. Electives (1 year required)
g. Electives (1 year required)
For detailed information regarding each A-G requirement, please refer to the SRVUSD Online Course Catalogue.
AP Credit Policy Information
� Taking AP courses shows colleges ‘rigor’ in course load.
� Colleges and universities MAY offer credit and/or placement for qualifying Advanced Placement Program Exam scores. This is determined by each college.
� Besides on College websites, information about AP credit and placement policies at many colleges and universities can be found on the College Board’s website. Follow the steps below.
1. Go to https://apscore.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies
2. Type in the name of the college/university you want to view3. You will see two things for each school:
÷ A link to the college’s own web page that details their policy.÷ A statement about the college or university’s AP credit policy.
Testing
•PSAT•SAT•ACT•Subject Tests•AP Tests•CAASPP (EAP-11th)
PSAThttps://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10
� Juniors typically take the PSAT in October of their junior year. Colleges do not see PSAT scores.
� Juniors who qualify for the National Merit/NMSQT competition will be notified in September of senior year.
� Gain access to free test prep on College Board website (Kahn Academy)
SAT & ACT Dateswww.collegeboard.org www.actstudent.org
¡Upcoming 2016 SAT dates: March 5 (first administration of “new” SAT), May 7, June 4, October 1*, November 5*, December 3*. (*anticipated, not confirmed)
¡Upcoming 2016 ACT dates: April 9, June 11, September 10, October 22, December 10.
SAT or ACT…....What’s the Difference?
Both are accepted by all 4 year colleges
(NEW) SAT (starts 3/5/16) ACTHow often is it administered? 7 times per year 6 times per year
What is the test structure? 3-4 - section exam: Math, Evidence- based Reading & Writing, Essay (optional, but recommended)
4-5 – section exam: English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Writing (optional but recommended)
What is the test content? Math: up through trigonometryScience: none Reading: reading comprehension; words in context; evidence based.Writing & Language: tests grammatical and rhetorical skills.Essay: tests reading, analysis and writing skills (optional, but recommended)
Math: up through trigonometry Science: charts; experiments Reading: four passages, one each of prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences English: stresses grammar Essay: 1 prompt (optional, but recommended)
Is there a penalty for wrong answers? No No
How is the test scored? Scale ranging from 400-1600. 200-800 for Evidence-Based Reading & Writing; 200-800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three traits for Essay
1-36 for each test, averaged together for a composite score – 36 is the highest possible composite score. STEM score and ELA Score – 1 to 36 each.
Are there other uses for the exam? Scholarship purposes Scholarship purposes
What is the best time to register? At least 6 weeks before the test date At least 4 weeks before the test date
Subject Tests
� Besides the SAT or the ACT, the UC’s and some private schools also recommend or require one or more Subject Tests.¡ The UC’s no longer require Subject Tests as part of the admissions process, but for
certain majors, Subject tests are strongly recommended, but cannot not negatively impact the student’s admissions status. (see UC website for specific campus recommendations)
� Students who plan to take Subject Tests, typically take them in May or June when they have almost completed a year of the subject.
� Check specific college websites to see if the SAT Subject Tests are part of the admissions requirements/recommendations.
� SAT Subject Tests¡ Reported on a scale from 200-800. ¡ Your scores tell college admissions staff how you did compared with other students
who took the test and indicate strength of knowledge in a subject.
Scoring the SAT
� SAT Reasoning Test (March 5, 2016 and beyond)¡ SAT score reporting scale is 400 to 1600. Scale ranges from 200 to
800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and for Math; and 2 to 8 on each of three traits for the optional Essay portion.
¡ Scores tell college admissions staff how students did compared with all other students who took the test.
¡ Essay results are reported separately as the essay is optional¡ Scores from March 5 administration will be reported in mid-May.
From May 7th, will be reported in mid-June.¡ Closest testing center is California High School
� SAT Mean test score for 2014-15 was 1497. SRVHS was 1749. (test prior to March 2016)NOTE: The SAT will change to a new format beginning in March of 2016.
Colleges will accept scores from both the old and new SATs but will not super score between them.
Scoring the ACT
� ACT: Using a Composite Score¡ Your Composite Score and each test score (English, Mathematics,
Reading, Science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). ¡ The Composite Score is the average of your four test scores, rounded
to the nearest whole number.
� National Rank¡ Shows the percent of recent high school graduates who took the ACT and
scored at or below each of your scores.¡ Provides a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in the four broad
areas represented by the test scores and in the seven specific areas represented by the sub-scores.
� The average ACT composite score in CA (2015) was 22.5 and nationally it was 21. For SRVHS the average is 26.9.
Sending SAT & ACT Scores to UC and CSUwww.collegeboard.org www.actstudent.org
� UC’s and CSU’s use the best scores in the application review. They each recommend sending all of a student’s scores. Subject test scores are part of the College Board report and are sent with SAT score report.
� UC uses the highest combined score from a single sitting of the ACT Assessment or the SAT Reasoning Test and includes the (optional) essay score for both tests! So, for UC campuses, the essay portion is NOT OPTIONAL!
� CSU combines best Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and math scores from multiple sittings of the same version of the SAT (super score); and for ACT, the composite score is used. SOME CSU’s may use section scores and “super score” them to create a new composite score. Policy is determined by each campus. For neither test is the essay score used by CSU campuses.
� Subject Tests: Might be recommended by some UC programs, but NOT required.
Sending Scores via Score Choice Option
What is Score Choice The score choice option allows students to select which SAT scores they would like to report to colleges.
� UC and CSU campuses say they prefer that students NOT use the Score Choice option.
� Some selective colleges have (als0) said they prefer to receive all of the scores from the SAT and ACT, so be sure you know each college’s score reporting policy. See College Board for a list of colleges’ preferences.
� For more information on Score Choice go to: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/sending-scores/score-choice
ACT/SAT: Ways to Prepare www.collegeboard.org www.actstudent.org
� PSAT, practice tests, resource books (C & Career Center), online prep, prep classes strategies, Academic Boosters sponsored prep, etc.
� Note: Colleges are still deciding how to compare scores from the old SAT/new SAT and ACT, but will accept all!
� Some schools are “test optional”.� For a list of schools who do not require SAT or
ACT, visit www.fairtest.org.
Academic Boosters Test Prep Program
Mock ACT/ or Mock SAT: March 20, 9-1:30 p.m. ($30)
Essay Writing for the SAT or ACT: March 28th, 6-8 p.m. ($55)
ACT or SAT Boot CampApril 23 & 24, 9-1:00 p.m. ($175)
MOCK ACT/SAT Combination Test: April 30, 9-1:30 p.m. ($30)
(this test is targeted at sophomores, but juniors who won’t test until fall but wish to “try” both tests might benefit.)
Essay Writing for Senior Applications: May 10th or 17th, 6-8 p.m. ($55)
REGISTER VIA THE SRVHS WEBSITE – “Academic Boosters”
CAASSP – EAP SCORES
� 11th graders will be taking the state CAASSP tests this spring.
� The results can determine if your student is ready or will soon be ready for college-level math and English courses.
� These results are mailed to each student during the summer following their 11th grade year.
� Save these test results as they are accepted to exempt qualifying students from taking their Math and/or English placement tests for all 23 CSUs and 90+ CCC’s (including Las Positas and DVC).
What Else May Be Considered in the 4 year College Admissions Process?
¡ Essay/Personal Statement/Writing Sample – personalizes an application=student voice
¡ Student’s demonstrated interest¡ Counselor Recommendation ¡ Teacher Recommendations ¡ Work/Extra Curricular Activities – what
does the student do in his/her free time?
¡ Special talents¡ Interview (very limited)
“College is a Match to be Made, not a Prize to be Won*”“ . . . the “best” college is the one that will challenge you appropriately, open your eyes to new ways of thinking, and help you develop and broaden your talents as you take your place in the world ahead.”
* Colleges That Change Lives” by Loren Pope
Some things to think about as your student begins the college search process……
� Consider options (many types/sizes/locales, etc)� Cost of Attendance & financing (in state/out of
state/private/scholarship/Fin. Aid)� Growth and Learning (new location, new culture, make new
friends, discover who you are, academics)� Risk & Reward (jump in the “deep end”, get involved, time
management, mentorship, friendship)� Top 5 reasons students choose a college
¡ 5-location; 4-# of students; 3-cost; 2-I got accepted; 1-It just felt right!
� Talk to your student about your and his/her post high school expectations ¡ Parent/student surveys (download from College & Career Center page)
College Search Process
� STEP 1: Identify Student Priorities¡Location, size, majors and programs, cost,
selectivity, sports, etc.� STEP 2: Narrow School Choices
¡Research and compare pros and cons. Use Naviance to learn history of SRVHS applicants!
¡Group schools by chance of being admitted (reach, probable/target, safety)
¡Prepare final list by fall of senior year. Typical number is 8-10.
College Search Process (cont’d)
§ STEP 3: Visit Schools¡ Take campus tours, attend classes, meet with admissions
counselors, stay in dorms, eat cafeteria food, talk to students and professors. Book ahead to ensure space on a tour!
� STEP 4: Get Organized� Students should create a college appropriate email!
Use for all college communication.¡ Compile list of required forms, recommendations, and
deadlines¡ In the fall of your senior year, note application
deadlines/procedures and begin writing personal statements¡ Add colleges to “Colleges I am thinking about” in Naviance
Organizing College Visits/Tours
Consider the following when planning a visit to a college campus:¡ Encourage your student(s) to select four or five colleges that
interest them. Pick a several different types to visit.¡ Encourage them to do their homework about a college before
visiting the campus. Naviance is a great tool for this.¡ Plan to visit only one or two campuses each day.¡ Consider visiting a local college first to get your “feet wet”¡ Remember that the tour guide has been through the
admissions process and can be a great resource.¡ Plan to visit the Student Resource Center on each campus. Ask
about Academic support programs. Tutoring?
Organizing College Visits/Tours (cont’d)
¡ Try to visit while college students are on campus.¡ Book tours/info sessions ahead of time online via the college
website (campus tours/visiting campus, etc.).¡ Often admissions officers, who present info sessions, also read
applications. Have your students introduce themselves! ¡ As you walk around campus, encourage your student to
imagine what it would be like to be a student at this college. ¡ Think about having a few similar questions for each campus
visit to help compare campuses. ¡ Parents: talk to other parents on tours. Where else are they
visiting?
Questions to Ask?
� Students should ask questions that:¡ Involve opinions, impressions, and information that is
important to a student experience on that campus, such as student life, class availability, food options, housing options, weekend options, etc.….
¡ Interest them and will assist them to compare different college campuses & experiences.
¡ Are not readily available in school publications.¡ Cover financial aid policies and availability of funds. Merit
aid? Need based aid? Cost of attendance?
After the College Visit…
� Immediately after the visit, take time to make some notes. Write down:¡ Student’s impressions/parent’s impressions¡ answers to student questions¡ reflections on what student liked and didn’t like about the
campus � When you get home, students should organize all of their
information in a college planning folder or file. (Parents can help here!)
� Remind your student to sign up on the college’s website to receive future correspondence. Use a “college application” e-mail. Encourage them to get in the habit of checking it often!
Some College Research Tools to use …..
� College & Career Center web page� Naviance (Family Connection)
¡ Parents and students have separate log in access¡ College scattergrams/college compare/super match
� College Board’s “Big Future”¡ www.collegeboard.org
� College Guides, Book of Majors, Career Guides¡ Fiske, College Handbook, Insiders Guide, Book of Majors…..
� College Websites – Each college and/or…¡ CSU Mentor (www.csumentor.edu); UC:
www.universityofcalifornia.edu; www.californiacolleges.edu; (Websites to Use and Peruse – handout available in the CCC)
From the SRVHS Website – College & Career Center Information
College & Career Center Home Page
Friday eBulletin Pages
From the SRVHS Website -Naviance
Researching College Options – Narrowing Choices –Finding “right fit” for YOU (student)!
� Naviance Scattergrams/college compare (stats for SRV students)
Researching College Options – Narrowing Choices –Finding “right fit” for YOU (student)!
� Compare Colleges (using Naviance)
Navigating College Websites
Types of schools & Applications
� Community Colleges (112 in CA)� California State Universities (23)
� University of California (9)� Private/Independent CA Colleges (77 in CA)
� Total colleges in US (3400+)� International Schools
� Applications: UC, CSU, Community College, Common Application, Institutional Application,
Coalition Application (new for fall 2016)
Community College Overview
� CCC System is the largest educational system in the world� Certain Community Colleges offer on-campus housing
¡ In 2012-13÷ 251 DVC students transferred to UC Berkeley÷ 721 DVC students transferred to a UC÷ 856 DVC students transferred to a CSU
� For transfer information, visit:¡ www.assist.org¡ http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/transfer
¢ Admissions Requirements; Major Preparation Paths; Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
� DVC & LPC offer early admissions programs (Jan/Feb of senior year)
Transfer Programs
Transfer Admission Programs� All community college students will complete a state
mandated Educational Learning Plan to follow while in Community College. This prepares them to transfer.¡ UC TAG – Transfer Admission Guarantees
÷Currently, 6 UC Campuses offer TAG – UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz. (CSUEB and University of Pacific have offered guaranteed transfer options from DVC)
¡ CSU Associate Degree to Transfer (AST or AAT)÷ Applies to certain programs at certain CSU’s. See
website for more information. http://www.sb1440.org/
Career and Technical Programs
� Community Colleges offer Career and Technical Programs in which students can earn Associates Degrees or Certificates.
� Examples of courses offered:¡ Culinary Arts¡ Dental Assisting/ Dental Hygiene¡ Sports Medicine/ Athletic Training¡ Architecture Technology¡ Real Estate¡ Engineering Technology
� For more information¡ Go to www.dvc.edu/Programs OR www.lpc.edu or other college websites.¡ Visit the SRVHS College and Career Center
Community College Timelines
Step Recommended Time Line
*Complete the application for admission. See link from Community College website.
February – March 2016
Take English and Math Assessments at the college campus.
February – April 2016
Complete orientation and other counseling advising requirements as per campus instructions.
Register March – April 2016
Register for fall 2016 classes Registration date is assigned by college
* Priority class registration for DVC and Las Positas campuses for SRVHS grads who meet early admission criteria. See college websites for details.
4 Year Colleges – Application timelines
� Deadlines vary…÷ CSU: October 1 – November 30
¢ Apply online at www.csumentor.edu÷ UC : Website opens in August. Filing period is November 1 - November 30.
¢ Apply online at www.universityofcalifornia.edu÷ Private Schools/Out of State Public: The application process and
enrollment timelines vary per school. Contact the school directly to obtain specific information. Over 500 public and private school applications are available through the Common Application.¢ Apply online at www.commonapp.org¢ Apply via the college’s website.
÷ Coalition Application: https://coalitionforcollegeaccess.org This will be a new application (for fall 2017 applications) being initiated in by 80+ public and private schools and is supposed to come on line in April 2016. See the website for more details.
When to apply? Consider Regular Decision/Early Decision/Early Action/Rolling Admission
� What is Regular Decision? � What is Rolling Admission?� What is Early Action/Restrictive Early Action/Single
Choice Early Action?� What is Early Decision?
¡ When is it appropriate to apply Early Decision? When is it not appropriate?
¡ What does it mean if I get accepted as an “Early Decision” applicant?
¡ Can I apply to more than one college “early decision”?
Letters of Recommendation
� Some applications require teacher and counselor recommendations at the time of application. CSU and UC… DO NOT!¡ Students should start thinking about which teachers they
would like to ask to write a letter of recommendation. ÷ 11th or 10th grade teacher is preferred.
¡ Need to complete a Letter of Recommendation Packet ÷This packet is available in the Naviance Document
Library or the SRVHS Counseling Website.¡ Packet should be completed and turned into their teacher
and counselor at least 3 weeks prior to the first application due date to give writer time to write a quality letter.
Application fees
� There is an application fee for most schools to which a student applies*.¡Average cost per application is $60-$90¡*Fee waivers may be available for eligible
students. Students should see their academic counselors for details.
¡If applicable, ask college reps at college fairs about application fee waivers. Sometimes they may be offered on the spot or during a college visit to SRVHS.
Student Athletes
� NCAA¡ The NCAA has three divisions
÷ Division I and II offer scholarships÷ Division III is non-scholarship
¡ NCAA Eligibility Center-formally known as the Clearing House÷ Only for NCAA Divisions I and II
¢ Student registers directly, preferably at start of junior year¢ Eligibility Center determines if student can practice, play, or receive athletic
scholarship and determines amateur status based on certain criteria.¢ Student and coaches must follow communication rules and timelines set out by the
NCAA.
� NAIA¡ The NAIA has two divisions
� Club Sports/Intramurals
Student Athletes
� Resources:¡ NCAA
÷ www.ncaa.org or specifically the NCAA Guide to the College Bound Student-Athlete and information on the Eligibility Center can be found on line at www.eligibilitycenter.org.
¡ NAIA÷ http://naia.cstv.com or specifically the Guide for the College Bound Athlete
can be found at http://naia.collegesports.com/member-services/attend.htm� Both publications have good questions to ask when you are making a college
visit. � Both websites have listings of schools that will help you determine which
division a college plays in and what sports they offer. This is also available at the back of the “College Handbook” by College Board.
� Do not be afraid to ask questions of a college, the coach and current students.
� Pick a school that is right for your academic needs and then consider the athletic opportunities.
Questions to Think About for Athletes
� Does the college offer what you want to study? Are athletes restricted in what they can study (i.e. particularly rigorous majors?)
� Do you like the coaches, their philosophy and the current team members? Ask about a coach’s coaching style (or philosophy)
� Find out the graduation rates of student-athletes � What is the financial stability of the athletic program? (i.e. will
your sport be cut in the next 4 years)?� What would your role be on the team?� Are there restrictions in scheduling classes around practice?� What happens if you want to transfer?
COLLEGE FINANCES: Paying for college!
�What does it cost to go to college?�“COA” = Cost of attendance –
dorms, food, fees, books, tuition…�Financial aid options¡FAFSA, CSS Profile, Grants,
Scholarships, Loans
2015-16 Per Year Estimated College Costs
2015-2016 Community College
CSU UC Private/ Independent
Registration Fees and Tuition*
$ 1234-1500 $ 6274- $ 9000 $ 12440 -$15703
$ 30741-$48690
Books & Supplies $ 1860 $ 1860 $ 1860 $ 1860
Room & Board $ 4001-$11970 $ 9108 - $16745on campus housing
$ 12071-$15700on campus housing
$ 7800- $ 14150on campus housing
Transportation $ 1486 $ 1486 $ 1486 $ 1486
PersonalExpenses
$ 1392 $ 1392 $ 1392 $ 1392
Total Expenses
$ 10373 -$ 18208
$ 20120-$30483
$ 29049 –$ 36141
$ 43009 –$ 67578
*Registration fees and tuition are based on full-time enrollment. Fees and tuition are subject to change without advanced notice.
Financial Aid
There will be a Financial Aid Overview session in late September 2016, and a FAFSA on the Web for seniors and their parents in Nov. 2016 for the class of 2017. Details TBA.� FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
¡ www.fafsa.ed.gov¡ Application will open Oct. 1, 2016*. Filing window will be Oct. 1st – March
2nd, of your senior year. (earlier date than 2016!)� Cal Grant (district uploads GPA Verification info)
¡ www.calgrants.org¡ Must meet eligibility requirements of income and GPA. See website.
� CSS/Financial Aid Profile¡ Required by some (approximately 250) independent colleges and scholarships
organizations to assist in awarding institutional monies.
� WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) Scholarship
Financial Aid Programs for Undergraduates
Pell $650 - $5775
SEOG $100 - $4000
Cal Grant A $5472 - $12192
Cal Grant B $7128- $13848
Cal Grant C Vocational programs only
EOP Grant $100 - $1000
University Grant Varies by school
Middle Class $90 - $1092Scholarship
Perkins $3000 per year maximum
Stafford/Federal $5500 - $7500 perDirect Loan year
Federal $1000 to $4,500Work Study
Work StudyFinancial assistance earned by a student through employment
GrantsFinancial aid that does not have to be repaid
LoansMoney loaned to students. Repayment begins after student has left college
In order to be considered for all types of government financial aid, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2nd of their senior year in high school.
SRVUSD uploads the GPA for verification. No form is needed. To continue to receive student aid, students must re-apply every year. Contact the financial aid office at the college where you want to attend for complete information.
Rev. 2/16
Scholarships $$$
� Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria. They may be awarded for such things as academic performance (merit), response to an essay prompt, financial need (need based), art prowess, major interest, and/or a combination of reasons.
� Announcements of scholarship opportunities and availability are posted on Naviance (“Colleges” tab; click on “Scholarship List”).
� Also, look to local community organizations, parent employers, search engines (such as www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org ) and on college websites!
Remember…Students cannot win a scholarship unless they apply!
Some Examples of Scholarships
� PTA/PTSA’s give several scholarships for students participate in community service. California State PTA, 32nd District PTA, SRV Council of PTA’s and school PTA’s. $500 to $1,000 each as so several other SRVHS parent groups.
� Rotary/Women’s Clubs/Medical Groups/National companies-Buick, Comcast, PG & E and more, such as private companies, private citizens, sororities/fraternities, ethnic organizations, Financial institutions, community groups, etc.
� WUE – Western Undergraduate Exchange – discounted out of state tuition http://www.wiche.edu/wue
� Check individual college websites’ financial aid pages. Many colleges offer institutional scholarships and deadlines vary.
RECAP: Supporting your student in their College
Search
Goal: “The Right Fit for Your Student”
¡ Remember, what might be a good fit for one student, may not be the “right fit” for another student.
¡ Students need to consider…What college is best for them?÷Is it a liberal arts college or a research university?÷Is it a big school or a small school?÷Is it nearby or far away? In CA or out of state?÷Urban, suburban or rural setting…..÷On campus living communities? Commuter campus?
� Remember, it depends on your student’s personality, learning style, and academic interests and goals. It takes time and effort to find this match!
What to do……
� Get organized and work together with your student… but remember that your student needs to do the work (fill out her/his own applications, speak with counselors, etc.).
� Begin to explore the Naviance/Family Connection tool. Contact the College & Career Center for log in assistance.
� Talk about college finances with your student! � Put important dates on the calendar:
¡ SAT &/or ACT test dates¡ Application deadlines¡ Financial aid deadlines¡ Housing deadlines
� Help your student make a realistic list of possible choices for college (safety, probable/target, reach).
Making the list…..
� Help your student make a realistic list of possible choices for college (safety, probable/target, reach).
Think about…..÷ Academic Program - does it have their major? Can they change
majors?
÷ Admissions Requirements and Selectivity
÷ Location
÷ School Size
÷ Living Conditions-Housing and food
÷ Graduation Rates, Retention Rates
÷ Tuition cost/financial aid
Encourage your student to….Do his/her research!
÷ Naviance is a good tool for college research. ¢ Use the scattergrams and college match
functions ¢ Sign up for college visits at SRVHS and/or
attend regional presentations by colleges.¢ Do Naviance surveys to assist with finding a
Major!÷ Explore other on line college search sites such
as Big Finder on College Board, or College Data, or California Colleges.edu
Last, but not least, encourage your student to..
� Register for rigorous senior year courses that interest them. No senioritis! Maintain GPA. Admissions offers are “conditional”.
� Read postings on Naviance and announcements in the eBulletin and on School Loop for upcoming college admissions & information events.
� Sign up for ACT or SAT (spring, early fall)� www.collegeboard.org (SAT) ; www.actstudent.org (ACT)� Sign up for AP tests @ SRVHS (if appropriate)� Begin the search and ENJOY the process!
Remember us….Your Family’s Valuable SRVHS Resources!
� SRVHS College and Career Center¡ Website. School Loop postings & e-mails/eBulletin; signs
around campus¡ College Visits to Career Center; College Info files; College
Visit Surveys binder; Admissions stats, guide books, workshops for students and parents.
¡ SAT & ACT testing & test prep information.� Naviance Family Connection--Counseling/
College & Career Planning software.¡ Students were introduced to Naviance as freshmen.
Junior parents have access to view their student’s portal. See College & Career Center for log in assistance.
� SRVHS Academic Counselors
Future College Fairs & Events
� Gap Year Fair: Sunday, Feb. 28th @ Bentley H.S. in Lafayette, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
� NACAC College Fair in SF: April 21, 2016 @ Cow Palace, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
� WACAC College Fair @ St. Mary’s College: May 7, 2016, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
� Christian College Fair @ Berean High School in WC (Usually in Sept)� Visual & Performing Arts Fair in SF: Sept.(?) 2016� Financial Aid Overview @ SRVHS: Sept. 26th, 2016 @ 6 p.m.
(tentative date)� College Information Evening – SRVHS Counselors (fall date TBD)� SRVUSD College Night: Oct. 26, 2016 @ DVHS, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Most updated list available on Naviance/Colleges/College Visits.
Enjoy this book to illuminate some new perspective on the college admissions process and how many kinds of colleges can provide great options for students. Think outside the box when doing your own family research to assist your student to find their own post high school “FIT”!
Questions
If you have a specific question not addressed tonight, please email us at:Jill Schratz, [email protected] Wise, [email protected]
OR your student’s Academic Counselor (see 2nd slide for contact information)
