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Navigating the MazeCareer, College and Financial Aid OptionsBy: Mrs. Helen Thrasher West Limestone High School Counselor

The OptionsPost-Secondary Education4-year Colleges and Universities2-year Colleges (Community)Technical and Professional SchoolsMilitary (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard)Work ForceApprenticeshipsWork Force Optionswww.gobuildalabama.comTo learn about Alabama construction trades for nonresidential building construction and their pay scale19% growth rate is projectedApprenticeships and programs available at community collegesPipe fitters, welders, steel workers, boilermakers, electricians, carpenters, masons, sheet metal workersCareer ResearchKuder 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 activation code is N955985EQJ.The Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov) offers insight into thousands of different careers.

Thinking About Four Year Schools

Thinking About 2 Year Schools

Choosing a College or UniversityThings to Consider:CostSizeLocation Rural/Urban, In State/Out of StateCampusSocial ActivitiesAcademics Major? Class Size?ReligionSportsSpecial Programs Honors Programs, Internships, Co-ops, Study AbroadChoosing a CollegeBe RealisticNarrow Your ListVISIT the Schools You are Interested in AttendingMake Sure You Meet the Application Deadlines!!! For universities, apply in the fall of your senior year.

Suggestions for College Visits:Research a college before you go check out their website thoroughlyTalk to students on campusEat in one of the dining hallsTour the dormsAsk about class sizes, activities, safetyTalk to professors in the discipline you are interested in majoring inTalk to people in financial aidFollow-up with a thank you note

Some Examples of Technical and Professional Schools :Culinary SchoolsNashville Auto-Diesel CollegeThe Art InstitutesVirginia CollegeTrade Schools There are also certificate programs available at community colleges in various trades.What Are Universities Looking For?Academic Record Grade Point Average (GPA), Difficulty of Classes, Class RankTesting Scores ACT or SATExtracurricular Activities, Awards/Honors, Community Service, EmploymentSometimes Letters of Recommendation, Essays, Interviews

Academic RecordRigor of Curriculum Universities are looking for college prep courses: English, Math (bare minimum is Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), Science (prefer lab courses in advanced science classes), Social Studies, Foreign Languages. They like to see advanced courses because they are better preparation for college.Grade Point Average (GPA)Quality Points (4.0 Scale)

Testing ScoresACT and SAT are college entrance exams designed to test readiness for college. You must take college prep classes to prepare for them! Classes such as: Alg. II and beyond, Chemistry, English, Social Studies.Advanced classes and AP provide better preparation. Please see me before you register.

SOMETHING NEW!Some universities are now requiring that ACT scores be sent directly from ACT. If you need score reports sent, go to www.actstudent.org for details.

Requirements for some local colleges:Calhoun Community CollegeAdmission: rolling admission, no application fee.Entrance Exam: ACT is not required, but recommended. Reading: minimum 15 to be exempt from reading course; English: minimum 20, in order to enroll in EG 101, Math: minimum 20, in order to enroll in MTH 110 or MTH 112. You may take a free placement test (COMPASS) at Calhoun to determine English and math placement in classes.

University of North AlabamaAdmission: 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 HuntsvilleAdmission: Sliding Scale Based on Core GPA and ACT (3.0 GPA + 20 ACT, 2.0 GPA + 25 ACT). Average ACT is 25 and Average GPA is 3.54. Must have 4 English, 3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 3 Science, 4 Social Studies, 6 Electives.

University of Alabama - BirminghamAdmissions: ACT 20Minimum 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 AlabamaAdmission: 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.

University of AlabamaPreview Days Nov. 11Feb. 3 (juniors and seniors)Feb. 20(juniors and seniors)You may schedule a family campus tour at www.gobama.ua.edu/visits. Tours may be scheduled Monday Saturday.

Auburn UniversityBase Admissions on ACT (with Writing), GPA and Classes Taken, EssaysMust 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 3.79Average ACT is 26.

Birmingham-Southern CollegeAdmission: Based on Course Selection, Grades, Essay, ACT or SAT Scores and School RecommendationMust Have 16 Units Including: 4 English, 2 Foreign Language, History, Math (Alg. I, Alg. II and Above), Natural Science, Social Science

Alabama A&M UniversityAdmission: Must have 18 ACT, 2.0 GPADean Scholarship Up to $4,000 +$250 for books and supplies 3.0 GPA, 21 ACTProvost Scholarship Up to $5,000 +$500 for books/supplies 3.25 GPA, 24 ACTPresidential Scholarship Full Tuition + $1,000 books 3.5 GPA, 26 ACT

Troy UniversityAdmission: 20 ACT, 2.0 GPAScholarships 27 ACT, 3.5 GPA Full Tuition; 31 ACT, 3.7 GPA Tuition plus Room and Board; Leadership scholarships start with 22 ACT, 3.0 GPA

University of MontevalloDecember 1 Scholarship Deadlines start. Some of their deadlines vary.Scholarships start with 25 ACT, 3.25 GPASee brochure for more complete details.

Mississippi State UniversityAdmission: 4 English, 3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Advanced Electives (Foreign Language, Science or Math), Computer.16 ACT, 2.5 GPA on Core Classes

Other Universities:University of MontevalloACT 20, 2.5 GPAUniversity of South AlabamaACT 20 ACT, 2.0 GPA, 16 Core UnitsUniversity of West AlabamaACT 19, 2.0 GPASamford UniversityNo set score (Avg. ACT 26, GPA 3.7)Jacksonville State20 ACT

Student Athletes:To play at a Division I or Division II school, athletes must meet requirements set forth by the NCAA.2.0 GPA in 16 core academic courses plus the required ACT or SAT scoreStudents must register with NCAA Clearinghouse. Online form at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.ACT Testing Dates:September 8 Register by Aug 17October 27 Register by Sept 21December 8 Register by Nov 2February 9 Register by Jan 11April 13 Register by March 8June 8 Register by May 3

How will you pay for college?Types of Financial Aid:Grants These are typically need-based and do not have to be repaid. Examples: Pell, FSEOG, SMART, TEACH, ACG.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 GRANTSPELL and FSEOG Grants Based on your familys incomeTEACH Grant For students who plan to teach in public schools who serve students from low-income familiesSMART Grant Based on need, 3rd and 4th year of college in certain fieldsAcademic Competiveness Grant Based on need, Advanced classes completed

MORE ON LOANSFederal 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 needDirect Subsidized Stafford Loan govt. is lender, interest 4.5%, depends on need, no interest while in collegeDirect Unsubsidized Stafford Loan govt. is lender, interest 6.8%, interest charged while in college MORE ON LOANSDirect Plus Loans for Parents borrower is responsible for all interest, 7.9% interest, no negative credit history, govt. is the lender.A fact sheet on loans is available in the Guidance foyer.Financial InformationFor more information, go online to: www.studentaid.ed.govThis is an excellent website with lots of information on financing your college education.

FAFSA Forms: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.For Seniors, it is based on family income for 2012.A pin number must be obtained at www.pin.ed.gov.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.

FASFA InformationGrant 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.You must fill out FAFSA before you can receive scholarship money from schools.

Free Help with FAFSA Forms: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.Some examples of scholarships available:ROTC Scholarships for Military Minded Students:Army ROTC 19 ACT, 2.5 GPA. Jan. 1 Deadline.NROTC Scholarships require an ACT score of 22 in Math and English.Air Force ROTC Scholarships require a 24 Composite ACT, GPA 3.0, Class Rank of Top 40%.Marines ROTC: 22 ACT

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.You must meet the deadlines!Dont forget to consider some of the smaller schools. They 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.UAH Academic Scholarships:UAH 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.Fact Sheet is available in guidance.UNA Academic Scholarships:Deadline is Feb. 1.Scholarships start with 3.0 GPA on core curriculum and 25 ACT.25 ACT = $3,000/year26-27 ACT = $4,000/year28 ACT = $5,000/year29-31 ACT = $8,000/year32 ACT = $8,000/year + Room33-36 ACT = $8,000/year+ Room + BooksUniversity of Alabama Academic ScholarshipsDeadline is Dec. 1.Must fill out scholarship application in MyBama (http://mybama.ua.edu).Scholarships start with 27 ACT and 3.5 GPA - $1,500/year28-29 ACT, 3.5 GPA - $3,500/year30-36 ACT, 3.5 GPA Full TuitionFirst Generation Scholarships - newAuburn University Academic ScholarshipsSpirit of Auburn ScholarshipsDeadline is Dec. 1.28-29 ACT and 3.5 or higher GPA = $2,500/year30-31 ACT and 3.5 GPA = Full Tuition32-36 ACT and 3.5 GPA = Full Tuition, $1,000 technology allowance, invitation to University Honors CollegeFoundation, Legacy and Achievement 26 ACT and 3.5 GPAUAB ScholarshipsDecember 1 DeadlineUAB Scholarships start with 24 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $1,00024 ACT, 3.5+ GPA - $2,50025-27 ACT, 3.5+ GPA - $3,00028-32 ACT, 3.3+ GPA - $6,00033+ACT, 3.0+ GPA Full Tuition + (highly competitive)

Mississippi State ScholarshipsScholarship Deadline Dec. 1Scholarships start with 24 ACT, 3.0 GPA, Excellent leadership and service activities

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)Admission Requirements are going up in 2012. (Core 4 every year, Math through Trig, 2 Foreign Language credits, 1 Fine Art credit), 20 ACT, 2.5 GPA Separate scholarship applicationDeadlines varyScholarships for out-of-state students start with 26 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $2,000/yearUniversity of South AlabamaScholarships start with 24 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $3,500/year28-29 ACT, 3.5 GPA - $5,000/year30-31ACT, 3.5 GPA - $8,000/year32 ACT, 3.5 GPA - $9,000/year33+, 3.5 GPA - $11,000/yearDec. 1 - Deadline

Jacksonville State UniversityDeadline is March 1.Apply for academic scholarships onlineBegin with 22 ACT26 ACT = Full tuition + books30 ACT = Full tuition + room/boardLeadership scholarships (paper application) 20 ACT, 2.5 GPA

Troy University27 ACT, 3.5 GPA Full Tuition31 ACT, 3.7 GPA (60 awarded) Full Tuition, Room and BoardLeadership Scholarships start with 22 ACT, 3.0 GPASeparate scholarship applicationDeadlines vary with different scholarships.See website for more details.

University of West AlabamaAdmission 19 ACT, 2.0 GPAApril 15 DeadlineScholarships start at 21 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $1,500/year23-24 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $2,500/year25-26 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $3,500/year27-28 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $4,500/year29-30 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $5,500/year31+ ACT, 3.0 GPA - $10,000/yearLeadership Scholarships:Many of the smaller schools offer good leadership scholarships with a little bit lower ACT score required. For example:UNA Minimum 18 ACT, Core Curriculum GPA 2.75, Resume required. From $1,200/year to $8,000.Troy 22 ACT, 3.0 GPA. Girls State Representative Scholarship.University of West Alabama Gives scholarships to those who held leadership positions in high school such as SCA President, Sr. Class President, Yearbook Editor, etc. $1,500-$2,500/year.Community College ScholarshipsMany community colleges offer a variety of scholarships.Deadline for Calhoun is March 1. Scholarship application at www.calhoun.edu.Calhoun offers Foundation Scholarships, Athletic Scholarships, Fine Arts Scholarships, Many Leadership Scholarships for Those Active in Calhouns Student Government Association, College Literary Magazine, Warhawks, etc.Calhoun ScholarshipsThere is a separate scholarship application (available online).ACT 26 and up One year scholarship of full tuition and fees Must complete FAFSA by March 1.Also need: transcript, essay, letters of reference (optional)Wallace State Community CollegeYou may take the COMPASS placement test instead of the ACT to attend Wallace State.Separate scholarship application Feb. 15 DeadlineAcademic Scholarships are based on ACT (21+) scores, GPA (3.0+), Essays and Letters of Recommendation.Fact Sheet available in College and Career Room.Local ScholarshipsLocal scholarship information is typically sent out in the spring.Watch the West Limestone guidance website, check in the guidance foyer, listen to morning announcements, follow guidance on Twitter and FaceBook.

More Information:Come and visit the Guidance Department. I will be glad to help you look up materials. We have handouts and fact sheets for different colleges and scholarships, as well as reference books.I will be glad to work with you on learning to navigate college websites. The best advice is to exploreCollege and Career GuidesThese are full of great information but they wont be of use to you unless you read them! There are forms in guidance for College Visitation Days and Transcript Requests.There are also sample resumes. For some applications, you need to include a resume. To help in writing letters of recommendation, teachers and counselors need a copy of your resume.STI NowThis is a great way of keeping up with your grades.

Great Websites!!!For information on careers, go to www.bls.gov. Scroll down to Featured Publications and click on Occupational Outlook Handbook. Detailed information on a multitude of careers.www.alstudentaid.com Check out these publications Affording Higher Education, Getting In and Planning Your Future. Good Websites:www.getin2college.com Their handbook has a lot of useful tips.www.mapping-your-future.org This has a lot of helpful information.College Searches www.petersons.com, www.collegeboard.com, www.princetonreview.comFinancial Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov Final Thoughts:If you have applied and been accepted to more than 1 college, let the ones that you will not be attending know before May 1. That will open a spot for another student.Let Mrs. OConnell know when you need transcripts sent. Forms are available in the guidance office. Let Mrs. Craig know when you need to take a college visitation day. Juniors are allowed 1 day. Seniors are allowed 2. Forms are available from Mrs. OConnellThe Last Word:I enjoy working with you at West Limestone High School. I am willing to meet with you and your parents after hours if needed. Please feel free to call for an appointment. You are my priority. I will be glad to help you prepare for your future in any way I can.Mrs. Thrasher