WHAT EVERY SENIOR NEEDS TO KNOW ….

Presented by HAHS Guidance Department

GETTING READY FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

DATES TO REMEMBER October 25October 25thth – College Fair @ HAHSDecember 17th December 17th – Financial Aid NightSAT Deadlines – Register by: ** Late registration **

October 19, 2012 for test November 3November 1, 2012 for test December 1

ACT Deadlines – Register by: November 2, 2012 for test December 8

Common Questions:

Am I ready to graduate? What am I going to do after high school? Am I ready for college or getting a job?How do I know if college is right for me?How do I pay for college? How many times do I have to take the

SATs; do I have to take them at all?How many colleges should I apply to; what

do I do if I am not accepted or going?Should I look into the military or taking a

year off ?

THE FACTS

Professional Degree $109,600

Doctoral Degree $89,400

Master's Degree $62,300

Bachelor's Degree $52,200

Associate's Degree $38,200

Some College $36,800

High School Graduate $30,400

Some High School $23,400

Average Annual Earnings for College Graduates and Non-Graduates

KEYS TO GRADUATION

Complete your Graduation RequirementsPay attention to your AttendanceBeware of “Senioritis”Stay away from “drama” – Keep focusedKeep good communication with your counselor & your family.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

Complete Course Requirements Complete Graduation Project Complete 4 Years of High School Score at least proficient on the PSSA Math & Reading Tests

Course RequirementsA minimum of 28 credits are required for

graduation:Required subjects are -

4 English4 Mathematics 4Science (2 in Lab Components) 4Social Studies 3 Foreign Language 2.5 Physical Education / Health6.5Electives

YOU HAVE CHOICES!Continue your education:

4 year college2 year college2-4 year technical school

Go right to work: Job training programs

Military Service:ArmyNavyAir forceMarines

How do I pick a college that’s right How do I pick a college that’s right for me?for me?

Consider . . .Admission requirementsSize of campusCampus life and activitiesGeographic locationStrength & variety of

majorsFinancial costsFaculty/student ratioHousing availability

College VisitsSet up a tourVisit when school is in sessionAttend a classIf possible, stay overnightTalk to students and teachers especially

within your intended major.Eat a meal in the dining hallExplore the community

COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTING

SAT I – 12th grade(October-December)SAT II (Subject) – Take subject matter test as

soon as possible after you complete the appropriate course and according to your colleges’ requirements.

ACT – May be required by some colleges.

UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES

Complete applications for each campus – unless listed to receive the Common Application: www.commonapp.org

Minimum GPA Aprrox. 80The lower the GPA, the higher the SAT must be. Most

colleges will still only use the Critical Reading and Math Scores for Admission.

Extra curricular achievements are helpful but not necessary for some colleges – but all colleges like to see a well-rounded student

SAT I, SAT II (Subject), ACT – (depends on college) recommendation letters, essays

Fees- some colleges will waive fees if visit during an open house or if a financial need can be given.

Community College

Variety of programsAssociate degrees – 2 yearsTransfer to 4 year as a juniorVocational programsLower costsAdmissions criteria -HS grad or 18 years old

- SAT’s may not be required

- assessment tests in Math and English for class placement

Simple application process - apply before March for priority

For a school you’ve dreamed of attending, even if it is selective and you may not meet all the requirements for admission. With a little luck – who knows? The only risk is a rejection and the cost of an application fee.

Review several schoolswhose admissionrequirements seem tomatch your qualificationswell. You stand a goodchance of being accepted,although it may not be a“sure thing.”

Have at least one school on your list that you know will accept you, no matter what, in case your other choices don’t work out for you. This is a school you would still be very happy to attend.

Pay attention to deadlines

Makes notes on what your school needs

Keep all material in one place

Making sure your application is complete is YOUR responsibility!

THE LANGUAGE OF ADMISSIONS

Regular Decision– Submit by specific date

Early Action– Non-Binding

– “Priority Filling Period”

Rolling Admission- No specific deadline date

– Apply Early & Get Decision

Early Decision– BINDING! (like signing a contract)

– May back out only if the college does not meet your financial need.

THE COLLEGE THE COLLEGE APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

Common ApplicationCommon Application

PACE FINANCIAL AID WEB SITEPACE FINANCIAL AID WEB SITE

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY - Admissions TEMPLE UNIVERSITY - Admissions pagepage

Tips From Guidance Web SiteTips From Guidance Web Site

Application Tips Ask for fee wavers

Most colleges wave fees if you apply online, visit the school or simply ask.

Keep Organized Get folder for all your important papers and shoe box for any extra

college info

PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES Give yourself time to fill them out thoughtfully Essays, personal statements and activity resumes

Pre-write many can be written in advances and adjusted slightly to fit your schools needs.

Ask teachers in advance for general letter of recommendation and pick teachers that give insight into specific areas of your education (ex majoring in health care ask a math or science teacher)

Keep passwords, usernames and email names professional and easy to remember – keep in safe location.

Create check list of what information your colleges need Some will require more information then others, while some art and

performing schools will requite a portfolio or audition.

Online – SEND EDU, Common App, PSU - let us know when you do this so we can send out transcripts

Paper – some apps are confusing you can bring them in for us to help you review

WHAT YOU MAY NEED TO INCLUDETranscript Release or Counselor Report or School

Report must be filled out by counselor (varies by school)

Must bring us Addressed envelope with postage (usually 2 stamps)

Teacher and counselor recommendations.

Personal Essay

~What to give me ~Envelope(s) addressed to the admissions

office of your collegesYour name 2 stamps for regular sized envelopeLetters of recommendation from teachersApplication if not filed online

Office of AdmissionsBest University EverPO Box 007Casper, IA 50310

HASD1601 W. 23rd StHazleton PA, 18202

Rigor of Coursework- Honors, AP? GPA & Grade Trends ACT/SAT Scores Well Written Essay Admission Coursework Requirements Activities, Athletics, Leadership, Service Other factors -see the college website

Sign up with the NCAA - NCAA Clearinghouse qualifies your

eligibility to participate in sportsMust have GPA of 2.0 and combined SAT of 1010To register, complete release form and mail with fee and current official transcript from every school attendedFollow with final transcript in JuneWeb site: www.NCAAClearinghouse.org

Types of Financial AidTypes of Financial AidGrantsScholarshipsLoansWork studyFAFSA – required for PHEAA Grant, Pell Grant,

work study, loans and institutional aidFiling period – Jan 1 – March 2Plan on filing your taxes early

Types of Scholarships Types of Scholarships

Type CRITERIA

Merit PSAT - Academic achievement + high test scores

Community/Achievement + financial need Community Service+ School

Academic achievement + high test scores

Athletic Athletic achievement + academic

Business Achievement + connections

Corporation Any of the above

Post Secondary Inst Financial need + achievement

Military Achievement + test scores + ROTC involve

OPTIONS OTHER THAN COLLEGE

Community College 18 mos Programs Health care specialty Dental Hygienist Child Care

Vocational/Career SchoolsTrade ProgramsApprenticeshipsArmed Services

enlisted personnel ROTC officer candidate school

Create a Career Timeline Where do I see myself in 3-5 years

List my abilities & interestConsider options

What can I realistically doVisit a vocational center

Career LinkCreate a portfolio of resumes,

writing samples and work skillsFocus on a specific career path

CommunicationOrganizationProblem SolvingSensitivity JudgmentConcentrationCooperationHonesty

Initiative Willingness to learn Dependability Enthusiasm Acceptance of

criticism Ability to work in team Loyalty Time management

Senior Credit Checks - SeptSAT – Oct (begins testing)College applications - Oct/NovFAFSA Forms – Jan – March College mid year reports - JanGraduation Project – Jan AP testing – MayProm – MayGraduation – June

ALL Students must sign into guidance Students MUST see their counselor for

Official Transcripts. Please do not use Guidance as an

excuse to leave class unless truly an emergency!

College applications must be reviewed by student’s counselor.

Computers are solely to be used for Guidance related material, and NOT to play games!

If student cannot reach their counselor please leave them a message & we will do our best to get back to you! Everyone is seen based on priority.

AdministrationAdministration& & Counseling Staff Counseling Staff

Mr. Petrone, Principal Mrs. Conston, Asst. Principal School Counselors

Mr. Samoyedny (a - e) Mrs. Stetz (f – l) Ms. Taylor (m – ri) Mrs. Papa (ro – z)

Administrative Secretaries Mrs. Neamon (12th Grade Office ) Mrs. Cassano ( Principal’s Office)

Guidance Secretary Mrs. DeJoseph

Graduation is Near… Don’t stop til it’s

over!

Continue with Extracurricular ActivitiesSportsClubsService LearningChurch GroupsScoutingThe Arts(dance,

drama, music, painting)

Community volunteer work

Continue a Rigorous High School Program Challenge yourself

when selecting classes.

Select four academic classes all four years of high school.

Choose academic electives

Study subjects in depth.

Read, Read, and Read some more.

SeniorYearSeniorYear Discuss your final college choices with

your parents and counselor. Make a calendar with deadlines for

admission, financial aid and scholarships.

Give recommendation forms to teachers and counselors

Review your transcripts before sending them out.

Make copies of all applications you have sent out for your records.

Continue to focus on grades Fill out the free application for Federal

Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov before winter.

Follow up with colleges make sure they received your application and have submitted all requirements.

NOTE: Male Students: You must register for selective service on your 18th birthday to be eligible for federal and state financial aid.

Watch the mail for acceptance letters btw March 1 and April 1 and look out for information on Financial aid btw April 1 and May 1

Make your final decision and notify all schools of your intent by May 1. Request that your counselor send a final transcript to your chosen college by June.

Be sure you received your FAFSA acknowledgement.

Complete any follow up paperwork for the college of your choice.

If applicable apply for a Stafford Loan. Receive orientation schedule from your

college. Get residence hall assignment from your

college. Obtain course scheduling and cost

information from your college.

Congratulations and Good LUCK!

Admissions DecisionsAdmissions DecisionsCampuses select through a comprehensive

review of academic performance measured by:# of college prep, AP, honors, transferable college

coursesGPA & class rankingSAT Subject Test scores & SAT Reasoning (or ACT) test

scoresAP scores Honors and awards reflecting intellectual or creative

achievementSustained participation in extra-curricular activities12th grade courses (how challenging are your courses)Diversity in personal background, leadership,

motivation, employmentLetters of Recommendation from teachers and

counselors ( please ask early & give specific deadlines for returns).

Helpful Websites

College Prep:Education Planner

SAT Prep: http://dynamo.dictionary.com/?rf=y

Career Search:Career ClustersO’netCareer One Stop