Solving the Puzzle: College, Career and Financial Aid Options

2013

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 N3683443QRW.

• 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• 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, 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.

• 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.• Seniors planning to attend Calhoun may take the

COMPASS test for free.• All juniors will take the ACT with Writing in April

2014 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. 16, 2013.• Cost is $15.• Sign up in the Guidance Dept. by Sept. 30.• Prep material available on www.collegeboard.org• Big benefit of PSAT – My College QuickStart

program

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

Admission Requirements for Some Local Colleges:

What It Takes To Get In

Calhoun Community College

• Admission: Rolling Admission, Must have HS diploma

• Entrance Exam: ACT is not required.• You may take a free placement test

(COMPASS) at Calhoun to determine English and math placement in classes.

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.

• Avg. GPA-3.86, Avg. ACT (Middle 50%)- 22-29

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 3.81.• Average ACT is 27.

Troy University

• Admission: ACT 20, 2.0 GPA• Scholarships – 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 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.

• 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

• Must have 2.5 GPA on Core and 16 ACT or 2.0 GPA on Core and 18 ACT

University of South Alabama

• Admission: 20 ACT and 2.0 GPA, 16 core units or 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.

• 2.0 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

• Sept. 21, 2013 – Register by Aug. 23• Oct. 26, 2013 – Register by Sept. 27• Dec. 14, 2013 – Register by Nov. 8• February 8, 2014 – Register by Jan. 10• April 12, 2014 – Register by Mar. 7• June 14, 2014 – Register by May 9

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 6.8%, depends on need, no interest while in college

• Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – govt. is lender, interest 6.8%, interest charged while in college

More on Loans:

• Direct Plus Loans for Parents – borrower is responsible for all interest, 7.9% 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

2013.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.

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.

• 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.

You must meet the deadlines!

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.

UNA Academic Scholarships:• Deadline is Dec. 2.• Scholarships start with 3.0 on Core Curriculum and 25

ACT.• 25 ACT = $3,500/year• 26 ACT= $4,500/year• 27 ACT = $5,000/year• 28 ACT = $5,500/year• 29 ACT = $6,500/year• 30-36 ACT = $6,500-$8,000/year• Limited Provost Scholarships – 24 ACT, $2,000 Requires a

resume

University of Alabama• New 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 = $4,725/year• 30-36 ACT and 3.5 GPA = Full Tuition• First Generation Scholarships

Auburn UniversitySpirit of Auburn ScholarshipsDeadline is Dec. 1.28-29 ACT and 3.5 or higher GPA = $3,000/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 College

Foundation, Legacy and Achievement – 26 ACT and 3.5 GPA (competitive – based on funding)

UAB Scholarships:• Deadline: Dec. 1, but they will consider the Dec.

test scores• 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.• Scholarships start with 26 ACT and 3.0

GPA• Non-resident Tuition Scholarships – 24

ACT and 3.0 GPA = 50% Non-resident Tuition, 26 ACT and 3.0 GPA = 100% Non-resident Tuition

Ole Miss Scholarships:

• Separate Scholarship Application• Deadlines vary• 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 = $6,000.

• See website for more details.

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 and go up as test scores go up.

• Leadership scholarships start with 20 ACT and 2.5 GPA (separate app)

Troy University

• 27 ACT, 3.5 GPA – Full Tuition• 31 ACT, 3.7 GPA (60 awarded) – Full

Tuition, Room and Board• Leadership Scholarships start with 22 ACT,

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.

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.

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 and

Fees

Wallace State Community College Scholarships:

• You may take the COMPASS placement test instead of the ACT to attend Wallace State.

• Separate scholarship application – Feb. 15 Deadline

• Academic Scholarships are based on ACT (21+) scores, GPA (3.0+), Essays and Letters of Recommendation.

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