Senior College Workshop

College Preparatory Senior OrientationPresenter Mr. Samoyedny

Congratulations, Class of 2014 !!Youve made it! This is your last year of high school!

Enjoy yourself and make good decisions!

Dont limit yourself!

What you should have been doing so farResearching and visiting schoolsConsidering distance, location, size, cost, programs, reputation, selectivity, etc.Discussing your plans with your parents, teachers, and counselorVisiting schoolsTaking or arranging necessary admissions tests (SATs, Subject Tests, ACTs)Double-checking graduation credits.How do I select a college?Location (distance, community type)Major (Do they have what you are planning to study?)Cost schools range from $2,500 to $55,000 per yearAcademic criteria (Do you qualify?)Campus Life Size, extracurricular activities, religious affiliation, etc.

LocationHow far away from home do I want to be?How far away do my parents want me to be?Pennsylvania has many great colleges.Out of state tuition is usually doubled.Laundry?Meals?Finances?

MajorsMost popular major = UNDECIDEDKeep your options open.Think of past experiences.Where do I want to live in the future?How many years of school ?What am I good at, AND what subject do I like?How many hours per day do I want to work?What kind of salary do I want to make?

Academic CriteriaGradesClass RankSAT or ACT scoresEssay InterviewAccomplishments

How many?It is a very good idea to apply to at least a few schools.Keep all of your options open.Applying does not mean attending!Situations can change from September to JuneApplying to only one school is rarely a good option.Most counselors will place schools into three categories A school youve dreamed of attending, even if it is selective , too expensive, or you might not meet all the requirements for admission. With a little luck who knows? The only risk is the cost of an application fee and a possible rejection.Reach School

Review several schoolswhose admissionrequirements seem tomatch well with your qualifications.You stand a goodchance of being accepted,although it might not be asure thing.

Target School

Have at least one school on your list that you know will accept you in case your other choices dont work out. This is a school you would still be happy to attend.Safety School Dont focus too much on the numbers!What is it that you really want to study?

What do you want to do in terms of a long-term career?

Study something you really like to learn about!

Uncertainty is normal DONT PANIC!!!College VisitsOpen Houses are happening NOW!Architectural/Group Tours are GOOD.Private Tours are BETTER.Sleepovers are the BEST.

Sit in on a class eat in the cafeteria.Talk to a professor and students.Request an interview.Ask questions and take notes.

How to get applications:HAHS Guidance OfficeCollege Visits @ HAHS These are happening NOW!College Night @ HAHS October 24, 2013Online requestPhone requestWritten requestOnline applicationCollege Open House These are happening NOW!

Is ONLINE better???At this point in history, YES.

You MIGHT get a faster response.

You MIGHT get the application fee waived.

It MIGHT really be encouraged (as in the case of Penn State).ApplyingFill out the application accurately and completely. Include supplementary materials (essays, personal statements, recommendation letters, etc.)

Include any fees.

When complete, bring in all materials needed including two stamps inside an envelope.

Applying, contdComplete any essay questions.

Give yourself enough time.

If applying to PSU an online application is recommended. Optional Essay might mean required.Give evaluators ample time to complete recommendations.

Some SAT and ACT NotesRegister online at www.collegeboard.orgCEEB code for HAHS = 391718Applicants to PSU MUST send SAT/ACT scores electronically from The College Board.PSU Recipient Code = 2660Most other schools will view your scores from your high school transcript.Some preparation opportunities still existA Word About SAT and ACT ExamsHopefully, you have taken these entrance testsSAT - October 5, 2013SAT - November 2, 2013SAT - December 7, 2013 TOO LATE???

DO NOT WAIT to apply if you have not taken the exams!DO NOT WAIT to apply if you did not get the score you want!

Heed deadlines!Read application instructions carefully!Different admission plans have different deadlines (early decision, early action, regular decision, rolling admission, open admission, etc.).Many schools have regular application deadlines of January 1, 2014.Penn States preferred deadline is November 30, 2013.The national reply date is May 1, 2014.$cholarships Listen for announcements!Internet = www.fastweb.com, www.questbridge.orgGuidance officeStandard SpeakerHAHS website

Financial AidListen for announcementsFinancial Aid night at HAHS December 17, 2013FAFSA Completion Night January 28, 2014Standard-SpeakerGuidance website PIN CafeChannel 99

State and Federal Aid You can apply for PHEAA (State) and Pell (US Govt.) grants on or after January 1, 2014.Acquire an application online www.fafsa.ed.govAcquire a paper application late December online or in the Guidance office (discouraged).

Unsure what to do after high school?www.bridges.comIncludes an interest survey. Hundreds of careers. Hundreds of colleges, universities, trade schools, and technical schools.Career Development Resource

.Heres to a great senior year and an even better future !