BE A STAR: EXPLORE COLLEGE, CAREER

AND FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS 2015

Presented by: Susan Wales Athens High School Jr./Sr. Counselor

The Options

Post-Secondary Education Four-year Colleges and Universities Two-year Colleges (Community) Military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,

National Guard, Coast Guard) Work Force Apprenticeships

Career Research

Kuder 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 batch code is N3843772GZQ.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov) offers insight into thousands of different careers.

Career Research Websites

www.alcareerinfo.org – Alabama’s Hot 40 Jobs, information on preparing for college, and financial aid

www.mynextmove.org – Has different ways to search for careers

www.alstudentaid.com – Check out these publications – “Affording Higher Education,” “Getting In,” “Planning Your Future.”

Thinking About Four Year Schools

Thinking About Two Year Schools

Technical or Professional Schools

Culinary Schools Lincoln Tech (Nashville Auto-Diesel

College) The Art Institutes Virginia College ITT Tech Trade Schools – There are also certificate

programs available at community colleges in various trades.

Calhoun’s Programs www.calhoun.edu, Programs of Study,

Division of Business/CIS/Technology and Workforce Development

Aerospace Technology, HVAC, Automation/Robotics, Welding Barbering/Cosmetology, Design Drafting,

Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology,

Process Technology, Renewable Energy

Calhoun’s Health Care Programs:

Nursing, Clinical Lab Technology, Dental Assisting, EMS, Physical Therapy Assistant, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology

Some of these programs have specialized requirements for admission.

Things to Consider in Choosing a College or University:

Cost Academics – Major? Class size? Size Location – Rural/Urban, In State/Out of

State Campus Social Activities/Sports Special Programs – Honors, Co-op,

Study Abroad, Internships

Choosing a College

Be Realistic Narrow Your List VISIT the Schools You are Interested in

Attending Make Sure You Meet the Deadlines – for

applications, scholarships, housing! For universities, apply in the fall of your senior year.

Suggestions for College Visits:

Research before you go – Check out their website thoroughly, register online for a visit

Talk with students on campus Tour the dorms Eat in one of the dining halls Ask about class sizes, activities, safety Talk to professors in the discipline you are

interested in majoring in Talk to people in Financial Aid Follow up with a thank-you note

College Visit Days:

Juniors are allowed 1 day, seniors are allowed 2 days (before March 31st). You can also visit on weekends sometimes or days we are out of school.

Also remember – E-learning Days Forms are available in the Attendance Office. You must have the College Visit Form filled out

by your teachers 5 days in advance of your visit and turned back in to the Attendance Office.

You must bring signed verification back from the college showing that you were there and turn it in to the Attendance Office at AHS.

What are Universities Looking For?

Academic Record – Difficulty of Classes, GPA, Class Rank

Testing Scores – ACT or SAT Extracurricular Activities, Community

Service, Awards/Honors, Employment Sometimes – Letters of Recommendation,

Essays, Interviews

Academic Record for Universities

Rigor of Curriculum – “College Prep” classes such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language. Advanced classes are better preparation!

GPA Quality Points (4.0 Scale)

Testing Scores

ACT and SAT are college entrance exams designed to test readiness for college.

Advanced classes provide better preparation.

Please see me before you register for the ACT.

All juniors will take the ACT with Writing in April 2016 as part of state testing requirements.

PREPARE BEFORE YOU TAKE IT!

Testing Scores

Some colleges require that ACT and SAT test scores be sent directly from the testing agency. If you need test scores sent directly, go online to request score reports: www.actstudent.org for ACT and www.collegeboard.org for SAT (and AP).

For Juniors

PSAT (Preliminary to the SAT) is the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.

Test will be given on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. Cost is $15.

Sign up in the Guidance Dept. by Oct. 9. Prep material available on

www.collegeboard.org Big benefit of PSAT – My Big Future and

specialized help with SAT

Great Website for College Planning and Information

www.collegeboard.org Click on Students Click on Big Future Or go to

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org Has information on scholarship

searches, college visits, financial aid, choosing a college, and more

Early College Opportunities

Accelerated High School Student Program – through Calhoun – must have “B” average, classes count only for college credit

Dual Enrollment – through Calhoun – classes count for both high school and college credit

University of Alabama Early College Program – online classes

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SOME LOCAL COLLEGES:

What It Takes To Get In

Calhoun Community College

Admission: Rolling Admission, Must have HS diploma

Calhoun will use your ACT score to determine your placement in math and English classes. Do your best on the test to try and avoid remediation courses. You must pay for them but you don’t get college credit for them.

University of North Alabama

Admission: 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 Huntsville

Admission: Based on test scores, GPA, rigor of coursework, trend of high school grades, achievements in leadership and scholarship. Advanced diploma is strongly recommended.

Must have 4 English, 3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 3 Science, 4 Social Studies, 6 Electives.

ACT – 20, Minimum GPA – 2.9

University of Alabama in Birmingham

Admissions: ACT 20 Minimum 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 Alabama Admission: 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.

Auburn University

Base Admissions on ACT (with Writing), GPA and Classes Taken, Essays

Must 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 3.74. Average ACT is 24-30.

Troy University

Admission: ACT 20, 2.0 GPA Scholarships – 28 ACT, 3.5 GPA = Full

Tuition; 32 ACT, 3.7 GPA = Tuition plus Room and Board; Leadership scholarships start with 22 ACT, 3.0 GPA

Troy also has scholarships available in other areas like – Band, Foundation, Alumni, Girls State, Athletic and Theatre

University of Montevallo

Admission: 20 ACT, 2.5 GPA Scholarships start with 24 ACT, 3.0 GPA Deadlines vary but start with Dec. 1.

See website for complete details.

Mississippi State University

Admission: 4 English, 3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Advanced Electives (Foreign Language, Science or Math), ½ Computer, 1 Art

16 ACT, 2.5 GPA on Core Classes

University of Mississippi

Admission: 4 English, 3 Math (Alg I, Alg II, Geometry at a minimum), 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Advanced Electives (Foreign language or Core), ½ Computer, 1 Art

Must have 2.75 on Core and 22 ACT

University of South Alabama

Admission: 19 ACT and 2.5 GPA, 16 core units

Scholarships start with 23 ACT and 3.0 GPA = $2,500/year

Student Athletes:

To play at a Division I or Division II school, athletes must meet requirements set forth by the NCAA.

2.3 GPA in 16 core academic courses plus the required ACT or SAT score

Students must register with NCAA Clearinghouse. Online form at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.

ACT Testing Dates

Oct. 24, 2015– Register by Sept. 18 Dec. 12, 2015– Register by Nov. 6 February 6, 2016– Register by Jan. 8 April 9, 2016– Register by Mar. 4 June 11, 2016– Register by May 6 Cost of the test is $39.50 for ACT and

$56.50 for ACT with Writing

How Will You Pay for College?

Grants Scholarships Loans Work-Study

Types of Financial Aid:

Grants – These are typically need-based and do not have to be repaid. Examples: Pell, FSEOG, TEACH, Iraq/Afghanistan Service.

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 Grants:

PELL and FSEOG Grants – Based on your family’s income

TEACH Grant – For students who plan to teach in public schools who serve students from low-income families

Iraq or Afghanistan Grant – Based on your family’s income and a parent killed in service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11

More on Loans:

Federal 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 need

Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan – govt. is lender, interest 4.66%, depends on need, no interest while in college

Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – govt. is lender, interest 4.66%, interest charged while in college

More on Loans:

Direct Plus Loans for Parents – borrower is responsible for all interest, 7.21% interest, no negative credit history, govt. is the lender, repayment begins within 60 days after the 2nd loan disbursement.

A fact sheet on loans is available in the College and Career Room.

Financial Information

For more information, go online to: www.studentaid.ed.gov

This is an excellent website with lots of information on financing your college education.

Do Not Pay for Scholarship Search Information.

FAFSA Forms:

For Seniors, it is based on family income for 2015.

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.

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.

FAFSA Information Grant 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. If your parents don’t fill out taxes early in the year, you may use last year’s tax information, but you must go back and update it later.

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

FREE Help with FAFSA:

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:

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.

Always fill out the scholarship application. You might meet the requirements for endowed scholarships even if you don’t meet the academic scholarship requirements. Check to see if they have separate scholarship applications.

You must meet the deadlines! You may have to be admitted before you can fill out scholarship applications. It takes time to process applications so don’t delay!

UAH Academic Scholarships:

UAH – Departmental 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.

UAH Merit Tuition Scholarships

ACT 25-27 28-29 30-33 34-36

4.0 + 50% 67% 100% 100%

3.5-3.99 40% 45% 100% 100%

3.0-3.49 35% 35% 45% 50%

UNA Academic Scholarships:

Deadline is February 1, 2016. Scholarships start with 2.75 on Core Curriculum and

20 ACT – Vanguard Scholarship = $1,000. 25 ACT + 3.0 Core GPA = $4,500/year 25 ACT + 3.5 Core GPA= $6,000/year 27 ACT + 3.0 Core GPA = $5,500/year 27 ACT + 3.5 Core GPA = $7,000/year 30 ACT + 3.5 Core GPA = $8,000/year ACT + 4.0 Core GPA = $500 more per year Leadership and Presidential Mentors Academy also

available

UNA Excellence Scholarships

Scholarship Deadline – Feb. 1, 2016 Leadership Scholarships start with ACT 18

and 2.75 Core GPA plus resume Presidential Mentors Academy – ACT 18,

2.75 Core GPA (Diversity Scholarship)ACT 20-21 22-24 25-26 27-29 30-36

Core GPA

2.75-2.99

$1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000

3.0-3.49

$1,500 $3,000 $4,500 $5,500 $6,500

3.5-3.99

$2,000 $4,000 $6,000 $7,000 $8,000

4.0+ $2,500 $4,500 $6,500 $7,500 $8,500

University of Alabama

Deadline – Dec. 15, will accept Dec. ACT test scores. Must fill out scholarship application in MyBama (

http://mybama.ua.edu). Scholarships start with 27 ACT and 3.5 GPA =

$3,500/year 28 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $4,000/year 29 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $4,913/year 30-36 ACT and 3.5 GPA = Full Tuition Also – check out Alumni Association Scholarships

Auburn University

Spirit of Auburn Scholarships Priority Deadline is Jan. 15. Deadline is Feb 10. Apply through AUSOM. Presidential – 33-36 ACT + 3.5 GPA= Full Tuition Founders – 30-32 ACT + 3.5 GPA = $8,000/year University – 28-29 ACT + 3.5 GPA = $4,000/year Achievement – 26 ACT + 3.5 GPA (competitive,

based on funding) Ever to Conquer – 22 ACT + 3.0 GPA, Pell Grant

eligibility

UAB Scholarships:

Deadline: Dec. 1, but they will consider the Dec. test scores. Must be admitted before then!

Scholarships start with 24-29 ACT and 3.0 GPA = $2,000/year, 30-36 ACT and 3.0 GPA = $5,500/year

20-23 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $2,000/year 24-26 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $3,000/year 27-29 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $5,500/year 30-32 ACT and 3.5 GPA = $7,500/year 33-36 ACT and 3.5 GPA = Tuition + Fees

Mississippi State Scholarships:

Scholarship Deadline is Dec. 1, but they will consider Dec. test scores.

ACT 3.0 GPA 3.5 GPA

20-21 $1,000 $1,500

22-25 $6,500-$7,000 $7,500-$8,000

26-29 $9,000-$10,000 $12,500

30-32 $12,500-$13,000

$13,500-$14,000

33-36 $15,500-$17,000

$16,500-$18,000

Ole Miss Scholarships:

Separate Scholarship Application is available.

January 5 is Priority Deadline Date. Scholarships for out-of-state students

start with 24 ACT and 3.0 = $1,000, but as test scores go up, money goes up. Example – 28 ACT and 3.0 = $6,500.

See website for more details. Books with complete details are available in the Guidance Department.

University of South Alabama:

23 ACT, 3.0 GPA = $2,500/year 24-27 ACT, 3.0 GPA = $3,500/year 28-29 ACT, 3.5 GPA = $5,000/year 30-31 ACT, 3.5 GPA = $8,000/year 32 ACT, 3.5 GPA = $9,000/year 33+ ACT, 3.5 GPA = $11,000/year Dec. 1 - Deadline

Jacksonville State University

Deadline is March 1st. Apply for academic scholarships online. Check website for full details. Academic scholarships start with 22 ACT

= 6 hours of tuition per semester and go up as test scores go up.

Leadership scholarships start with 20 ACT

Jacksonville State Scholarships

Elite – 30 ACT = 16 hours tuition per semester, Housing and Meals

Faculty – 26-29 ACT = 16 hours tuition per semester

Gamecock – 24-25 ACT = 9 hours tuition per semester

Gem – 22-23 ACT = 6 hours tuition per semester

Troy University

28 ACT, 3.5 GPA – Full Tuition 32 ACT, 3.7 GPA– Full Tuition, Room and

Board Leadership Scholarships start with 3.0

GPA – send resume Separate scholarship application Deadlines vary with different

scholarships. See website for more details.

Academic Scholarships: Don’t forget to consider some of the

smaller schools. They often 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.

Talk to College Financial Aid advisors.

ROTC Scholarships

If you are interested in an ROTC scholarship, several colleges offer programs. These are very competitive scholarships with Jan. 1 deadlines. See me this fall for contact persons.

Military Financial Aid for College

The Military offers financial assistance for college including programs such as the Army National Guard Tuition Assistance Program and the Montgomery G.I. Bill.If you are interested, please see Mrs. Wales for your local recruiter’s contact information.

Leadership Scholarships

If you have developed a resume with lots of leadership and community service, remember to apply for leadership scholarships. Sometimes, the ACT requirement for these scholarships is a bit lower. We also have a couple of community scholarships in the spring based on community service. For example – Optimist Club chooses a student in Octagon Club with 100 documented hours during senior year.

Athletic/Fine Arts Scholarships:

Check with coaches on athletic scholarships.

For fine arts scholarships, you will need to audition. Talk to the band director at the college to set it up. For theatre or dance, contact the department at the college.

Calhoun Community College Scholarships:

Offer a variety of scholarships – STEM, Foundation, Athletic, Fine Arts, Leadership

Academic Scholarships at Calhoun – 3.0 GPA (do not require ACT)

Deadline is March 1. Separate Scholarship Application (online). Must fill out FAFSA by March 1. ACT Scholarship – 27 ACT = l yr. Tuition To audition for Fine Arts (Art/Graphics,

Chorale, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Band, Theatre) – call 256-306-2699 to set up an appointment.

Wallace State Community College Scholarships:

Separate scholarship application – Feb. 15 Deadline – All require scholarship application and essay in addition to admission

Presidential – ACT + GPA = 30, 16 credit hours per semester

Academic – ACT + GPA = 27, $1,250 per semester Leadership – ACT + GPA = 24, $1,100 per semester Also have other scholarships in performing arts,

healthcare and career tech

Local Scholarships

Local scholarship information is typically sent out in the spring.

Watch the newsletter, school bulletin boards, newspaper and website for details of local scholarships being offered.

More Information:

Reference Books in College and Career Room

Come and see me if you need help exploring college websites.

Check out the newsletters at Athens High School’s website.

Keep a check on your grades through STI.

The Last Word

I am enjoying working with you at Athens High School. Please feel free to drop by and see me. I have an open door policy. The only time my door is closed is if I am in a meeting with someone. You are my priority. I will be glad to help you prepare for your future in any way I can.

Mrs. Wales