WHITEFISH HIGH SCHOOL

Road to Graduation

Counselors

Junior/Senior CounselorBarb Mansfield600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 59937

862-8600 ext. 475mansfieldb@wfps.k12.mt.us

Freshman/Sophomore CounselorTina Corwin600 East Second StreetWhitefish, MT 59937862-8600 ext 463corwint@wfps.k12.mt.us

WHS School Code

Also known as the CEEB Number, ACT and/or SAT Code.

Used for college applications. ACT/SAT testing, FAFSA, and scholarship applications.

270-920

Useful Internet Sites

Financial Aid and Scholarships:www.fastweb.comwww.fafsa.govwww.fafsa4caster.ed.govwww.finaid.orghttp://montana.collegesavings.comwww.usbank.com/studentloanswww.wellsfargo.com/collegesteps

*Montana Specific Informationwww.montanacolleges.comwww.montana.edu/mushttp://mus.edu/collegeprep.aspwww.mgslp.state.mt.uswww.safmt.orgSmartAboutCollege.com

Internet Sites Continued

College Searchwww.fastweb.comwww.wirescholar.comwww.kaplan.comwww.princetonereview.comwww.collegeplan.orgwww.mycollegeoptions.comwww.petersons.comwww.act.orgwww.collegeboard.orgwww.knowhow2go.org

Internet Continued

Test Registrationwww.actstudent.orgwww.collegeboard.orgsat.org/registration

*Test Prepwww.number2.comwww.collegeboard.orgwww.act.org

Senior Time Line

September:*Discuss course load, college plans and test scores with high school

counselor.*Request college applications. Go online for applications.*Arrange campus visits.*Register to take the SAT/ACT, and/or SAT Subject tests.*Search for scholarships and ways to pay.*Stay organized. File copies. Update calendar.*Parent and student need to sign up for PIN number for FAFSA. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov – look for PIN site. Keep PIN numbers in safe

place.

October: *Verify that transcript is accurate. *Find out which financial aid applications are required at colleges of choice. *Ask for letters of recommendation to include with your admissions and/or scholarship applications. *Work on admission application essays if needed. *Attend financial aid nights. *”Early Decision” candidates should complete college applications.

November: *Continue completing your college applications. *Determine which financial aid forms are required-when in doubt contact financial aid office. *Search for additional sources of student financial aid. *Check out the scholarships the guidance office has. Newsflash

and/or WHS Guidance Website.

Time Table Continue

December: *Complete school applications ideally by December 1.

*Print the “FAFSA on the Web worksheet.” http://fafsa.ed.gov *Take SAT/ACT if registered.

*Request transcripts be sent out prior to Christmas break if school needs them by January 1. *Stay organized and watch deadlines.

January: *Submit your FAFSA via the Web as soon after January 1 as possible. *Fill out and submit required financial aid forms.

February – March: *College acceptance and financial award letters will begin to arrive *Watch your email/mail for your Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA. Examine the results and keep copies. *Stay on top of important financial aid deadlines. *Respond quickly to college requests for additional documentation. *Continue to complete scholarship applications. *Register for Advanced Placement exams – listen to announcements.

April: *Make a decision – many colleges have a May 1 decision deadline *Send in required housing requests and deposits. *Keep calendar updated with deadlines for housing, meals, financial

aid, etc. *Awards letters may arrive – evaluate what to accept or turn down.

Time Line Continued

May: *Take AP exams signed up for. *Finish any scholarship applications that are still due and available.

*Notify other colleges of decision not to attend. *End the school year strong. *Get ready for senior check out – pay any fines, return books, school equipment and have correct address of college for checkout sheet. *If taking out a loan evaluate loan lender. *Look for a summer job and save money for school.

June – August: *Save some of your graduation money for school. *Respond to requests from the college you will be attending. *Keep copies of everything you send.*Read and be familiar with your college catalog and class schedule.*Register and attend a college orientation session.*Confirm housing arrangements and meal plans.*Review your cell phone plan to limit roaming charges.*Contact your roommate and coordinate what to pack.*Pack for college.*Finalize your college budget.

Senior Year General To Do List

Discuss your course load, post-secondary options and test scores with high school counselor.

Check with your counselor that you are on track for graduation – go over transcript and credits earned.

Take challenging classes. Maintain high grades. Senior year is no time to slack off.

Continue leadership roles in activities both in and out of school.

Keep a calendar of important dates and/or deadlines. Update as needed

Keep a folder - include: awards, school and community activities involved with, community service, work experience, applications, financial aid information.

Stay organized. Copy and file all paperwork .

To Do List Continued

Take an interest inventory if unsure of post-secondary plans.

Check out the various post-secondary options. (College 2 or 4 year, military, apprenticeships, College of Technology, trade schools, employment)

Register and take ACT/SAT exams.Ask for letters of recommendations.Develop the senior resume.Share information with parents

To Do List For College Bound Seniors

Discuss your course load, college plans, and test scores with counselor.

Student athlete check with counselor if on track for Division I and /or II qualifications.

Keep a calendar. Know deadlines, due dates. Stay organized. Keep copies of all applications

and/or communication with colleges and financial aid.

Visit with college representatives that come to WHS.

Request college applications and financial aid forms– go online.

Arrange for campus visits. Register and take ACT/SAT and SAT Subject tests if

needed. Search and apply for scholarships. Check transcript and progress towards graduation. Ask for letters of recommendations Work on admission and scholarship essays. Narrow your list of targeted colleges to five or six

that have what you desire in a school.

College To Do Continued

Student and parent need to sign up for their PIN – www.fafsa.ed.gov before January.

Gather parent and student income information from previous year.

Print a FAFSA web worksheet to help gather information to complete the FAFSA – www.fafsa.ed.gov.

January 1 start completing the FAFSA. Know the priority deadline for the state the college is in.

Make a choice.Apply for housing at college student will

attend.Check medical and immunization records

to be sure student is up-to-date on all required vaccinations and shots.

WHS Graduation Requirements

4 credits English 2 credits Science2 credits Math (Alg I or equivalent)2 credits Physical Education &

Health3 credits Social Studies½ credit 21st Century Literacy (IT

Essentials/Intro to Computer Science)

1 credit Fine Arts1 credit Career Technical

Education (Practical Arts)Total required credits 15.5, plus

6.5 elective credits = 22 credits

Options After High School

GAP Year*Taking a year off between high school

and college.*Should be a constructive time out.*Can be anywhere, anytime and doing anything.*Important to plan.*Questions to ask:

*What do I want to do?*How much structure is needed?*Where do I want to go?*What do I want to do?*What will I do if things get difficult?*What is my budget.

*Should continue with college search and application process. Ask college to defer your admission for a semester or a year.

U.S Military Options

Full Time Service OptionArmy, Navy, Marine Corps, Air

Force and Coast Guard

Part Time Service OptionArmy Reserve, Marine Corps

Reserve,Air Force Reserve, Coast Guard

Reserve,Naval Reserve, Air National

Guard,Army National Guard.Reserve Officer Training Corps

ROTC

Service Academies

The U.S. Military Academy – West Point, New York

The U. S. Naval Academy-Annapolis, Maryland

The U.S. Air Force Academy-Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy-New London, Connecticut

Admissions criteria include: High School Academic Performance ACT or SAT Athletics Nonathletic Extracurricular Activities Leadership Positions Community Involvement Work experience A nomination by your State Senator and/or

Representative

Apprenticeship Options

Apprenticeships are high quality, work-based training programs.

Qualifications: 18 years old High school diploma or GED Physical ability to perform the duties and

mechanical aptitude Strong math background is not required but is

necessary for course work completionBenefits:

Paid employment while training Regular pay raises as job skills increase Supervised training on the job and academic

instruction Ability to compete more effectively in the job

market after becoming proficient at the occupation

Employee benefits are often available with paid employment

Upward mobility within your chosen field

Higher Education Options

Universities Can offer 2 or 4 year degrees as well as graduate

degrees Larger than colleges, usually include liberal arts

college, some professional colleges and graduate programs

Larger class sizes, extensive resources, huge course selection

Professors involved in teaching and research. Classes may be taught by graduate students instead of professor

Colleges- Offer 4-year Bachelor of Arts (BA or Bachelor of

Science (BS) degrees. Some may have a 2-year Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS.

- May be specialized or offer a broad curriculum.- Professors primary responsibility is to teach- Class size is usually smaller than class size at a

university

Higher Ed Options continued

Community Colleges- Also known as junior colleges- Offer two-year liberal arts programs or specific career training programs.-May have transfer programs to four-year

schools.-Students are able to get core or general

education courses taken for a cheaper cost.

Colleges of Technology (COT)-Offer a variety of degrees from 1-year certificate, 2-year associates, to a 4-year collaborative Bachelor options.-Offer specialized programs and retraining options that last only a few weeks or months.-Great program for students who have chosen a specific, specialized occupation- May offer general core and education courses that

are used for transfer.

Higher Ed Options continued

Tribal Colleges -Small colleges that offer one-year certificate

programs and two-year associate degrees, some offer four-year degrees

-Serve Native American students, but they welcome all students.-More than 30 Tribal Colleges in the nation, seven are located in Montana.

Online Colleges -Offer Distant Education.

-Increasingly more popular each year.-Tend to be expensive. -Most colleges and universities around the

world have started to include online courses,

options, and some even offer full degrees.

Standardized TestsACT/SAT

What do you need these test? Assesses readiness for college-level work Admissions-predict college performance Course Placement Scholarships

What do the test measure?

-They examine your knowledge of the fundamentals of high school education.

-ACT tests English, Math, Reading, Science and an optional writing test.

-SAT tests critical reading, math and writing.

Major differences between ACT/SAT

-Highest score on ACT is 36. Highest score on SAT is 2400. The SAT has a penalty for incorrect answers; ACT does not.

ACT Test Dates

Test Date Regular DeadlineOct. 25, 2014 Sept. 19, 2014Dec. 14, 2014 Nov. 7, 2014Feb. 7, 2015 Jan. 9, 2015April 18, 2015 March 13, 2015June 13, 2015 May 8, 2015

Cost: ACT (no writing) $38.00ACT Plus Writing $54.50 (recommended)Take at Flathead Valley Community College –

Test Center Code 024170Online Registration: www.actstudent.org

SAT Test Dates

Test Dates Regular Deadline

Oct 11, 2014 Sept. 12, 2014Nov. 8, 2014 Oct. 9, 2014Dec. 6, 2014 Nov.6, 2014Jan. 24, 2015 Dec. 29, 2014March 14, 2015 Feb. 13, 2015May 2, 2015 April 6, 2015June 6, 2015 May 8, 2015

Cost is $52.50Take at Flathead Valley community

College, Test Center Code – 27147Online register: sat.org/register

College Athletics

College athletics are regulated by governing associations which divide college sports programs into three divisions known as Division I, II, III.

Participation in Division I or II where scholarships are awarded must be certified as eligible by the Initial-Eligibility Clearing House.

Two governing association for college athletics: NCAA and NAIA

NAIA, 23500 W. 105th Street, P.O. Box 1325, Olathe, KS 66051-1325, (913)791-0044http://naia.cstv.com

NCAA, 700 W. Washington Street, P.O. Box 622, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206(317)917-6222, http://www.ncaa.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org – registration

Student Athlete Things To Do

Inform coach and counselor that you are interested in playing college sports. They can outline the athletic recruiting process and what student role should be in the process.

Make sure student has or will complete NCAA and/or NAIA required curriculum.

Prepare and mail a short letter of introduction and an athletic resume to college coaches.

Become familiar with NAIA and/or NCAA rules regarding the recruitment of athletes.

Register with the NCAA Clearing House if you plan to play a sport at a Division I or II college.

Have taken the SAT and/or ACTApply to desired schools to attend.

NCAA – Division I

Division I - 16 core courses 4 years English 2 years Science 3 years Math (Algebra I or higher) 1 year other (additional English, Math

or Science) 2 years Social Science 4 years other(additional English, Math,

Science, Social Science, Foreign Language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy)

NCAA Division II

Division II – 16 core courses 3 years English 2 years Science 2 years Math (Algebra I or higher) 3 years other (additional Math, English

or Science) 2 years Social Science 4 years other (additional English,

Science, Math, Social Science, or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy)

NAIA Eligibility

Graduate from a U.S. high school in the spring of senior year and enroll in college for the following fall.

Be a graduate of an accredited high school or be accepted as a regular student I good standing as defined by the enrolling institution.

Meet two of the three following requirements: If as an entering freshman student does not meet at least two of the three standards, they cannot participate in athletics for the first full year of attendance(2 semesters, 3 quarters or equivalent). Achieve a minimum of 18 on ACT or 860

(critical reading & math)on the SAT Achieve a minimum overall high school GPA

of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale Graduate in the top half of high school

class.

Montana University System Admission Policies

Students must meet one of three minimum requirements

*Minimum admissions exam scores: MSU-Northern, UM-Western

20 ACT Composite or 1440 SAT Total MSU-Billings & Bozeman, UM-Missoula &

MT Tech 22 ACT Composite or 1540 SAT Total.

OR *Have at least a 2.5 high school cumulative GPA

OR *Rank in top half of school’s graduating class.

AND, students must complete the Board of Regents’ College of college prep courses, the minimum core or the rigorous core. Students graduating in 2010 or later must complete the rigorous core to be eligible for a Montana University System Honor Scholarship.

Minimum Core

Mathematics – 3 years-Algebra I, II and Geometry (or the sequential content equivalent)

English – 4 years- written and oral communication skills and literature

Science – 2 years – 2 lab sciences: one year must be earth science, biology, chemistry or physics

Social Studies – 3 years-global studies (world history, geography), American History and government, economics, American Indian history or other third-year course.

Electives – 2 years – world language, computer science, visual and performing arts, or vocational education

And student must satisfy the Mathematics and Writing Proficiency standard.

Rigorous Core

English – 4 years – Written and oral communication skills literature and a designated college-prep composition or research-writing course.

Math – 4 years-Algebra I, II and Geometry (or the sequential content equivalent) and a course beyond Algebra II – Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Computer Math, or course equivalent

Science – 3 years- Full year each: General, physical or earth science, Biology, chemistry or physics.

Social Studies -3 years – global studies (world history or geography), American history and government, economics, American Indian history or other third-year course. Recommend: ½ year of other courses such as psychology, humanities.

Electives- 3 years – 2 years of a second language, music, fine arts, speech/debate, career and technical education (information technology, computer science)

And students must satisfy the Mathematics and Writing Proficiency standard.

Proficiency StandardsMath and Writing

Math Proficiency StandardsACT Math 22

SAT Math 520AP Calculus AB or BC exam 3CLEP College Algebra-Trig, Calculus or Trig 50

ORMinimum grades of C in each course of ht High School Rigorous Core including 4 years of math and 3 years of science.

* Writing Proficiency StandardsACT Writing Sub score on Optional Writing 7

ACT combined English/Writing Score 18Essay score writing section of SAT 7SAT Writing section score 440AP English Language Literature Examination 3MUS Writing Assessment 3.5CLEP minimum score subject exam in Composition 50

ORStudents who do not meet the Writing and/or Mathematics Proficiency standards may enter a four-year program under Provisional admissions.

What Colleges Look For

Transcript – shows rigorous courses, AP, dual credits from community college

Academic growth- grades are consistent or improving

Standardized Test Scores – consistent with high school grades.

Involvement in extra-curricularsCommunity Service-shows integrity

and motivation to help make a difference.

Employment-shows good work ethic and ability to follow orders

Essay-honest, mature, describe passions, beliefs and aspirations

Letters of recommendationOrganizationDiverse student

Selection Criteria

The priorities for college selection will be unique to each student. However, there are some things that all students should consider. The following is a sample of priorities-students need to determine what is import to them and family*Curriculum-specific subject, more general education, study abroad, internships, etc.*Quality of Education-contact with professors, graduate students, research, learning outside class*Size-total school population, class size*Admission-difficulty, what are requirements, chances of being accepted*Facilities- computer labs, library, research facilities, food service*Campus Life-security, social life, sports, etc,*Location-region of country, size of city, closeness to home*Community-how close to campus, welcoming*Retention and Graduate Rates*Housing and resources*Other*Cost

TYPES OF DEGREES

CERTIFICATES: These are CAS Degree options that lead to employment in a specific career field.

ASSOCIATE DEGREES: These are Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree received after completing two years of study similar to the first two years at a four-year college or university. May be transferred to a four-year school. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is awarded on completion of technological or vocational programs of study.

BACHELOR DEGREES: After completing a four-or-five-hear, full-time program of study the student will earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelors of Applied Science (BAS)

GRADUATE DEGREES: Vary in time . First is a Master’s Degree and then option of a Doctorate Degree (PHD) .

ApplicationsProcess, Types

Process:-online or hard copies-know school’s requirements-meet deadlines-pay fees

• Types:-Regular Admissions: Deadline by which all

applications must be received or postmarked.-Rolling Admissions-Applications considered as soon

as the college receives all required credentials.-Early Decision: If accepted under this plan, the acceptance is binding which means you are under obligation to attend the college and to withdraw or forego applications to other schools.-Early Action: Early notification of acceptance. Applicant is not obligated to attend that college, and the student

may apply to other colleges.-Deferred or Delayed Admission: Most colleges allow an accepted student or postpone enrollment for one semester or one year depending upon the school.

Finances

Cost of Attendance: COA is the total amount it will cost you to go school-usually expressed as a yearly figure. This figure is used to calculate your financial aid eligibility. Once you are in school, our actual expenses will vary based on your lifestyle.

Direct Costs: Paid directly to school. Student very little control over these costs. Tuition: Cost of classes. Based on credit hours

taken, full-time, part-time enrollment. Fees: Activities fees, parking fees, etc. Room & Board: Variety of room options and food

plans.

Indirect Costs: Not paid directly to school. Student has some control over these costs.

-Books and Supplies-Transportation-Personal expenses-Special circumstance-Other costs: Lab fees, drop-and-add fees, etc.

How To Pay For College

Student’s own resources.ScholarshipsGiftsGrantsWork-studyMilitary benefitsLoansNeed to complete the FAFSA by

priority deadline for each school. www.fafsa.ed.gov

Student and parent need PIN number – www.fafsa.ed.gov.

*Get to know your financial aid officers.

Campus Visit

Schedule two-three weeks before visit.Plan to spend at least half a day (full day

is preferable) at each college.Meet with admissions & financial aid

personnel, and faculty member in chosen area of study.

Schedule a interview if needed.See the facilities to be used for study,

living, recreation, etc.Talk with current students.Check out the surrounding community.Attend a class in chosen area.Eat in food service area.Take a copy of your transcript, schedule,

resume and questions.After visit send a thank you to the people

involved with your visit.

COLLEGE MOVE –IN DAY

TIPS: Know what your dorm provides and what you need to

bring. Certain items may not be allowed – candles, space heaters, toaster ovens to name a few. Check the housing contract and/or website.

Know your schedule for checking into the dorms. Prepare to wait in line for check-in, dolly rental and the elevator.

Usually room set up is first-come first-served. Communicate with roommates to plan the room arrangement- what will each bring.

Bring basic tools – measuring tape, screwdrivers, cordless drill, duct tape, pliers, utility knife and a level

Bring miscellaneous supplies- scissors, thumbtacks, clothes hangers, pocket change, flashlight, basic cleaning material, broom, etc.

Inspect room before unpacking. Look for any damage and make notes of the damage or problems. Report findings to dormitory personnel right away.

Leave a surprise for your student to find after you leave.

MCISMontana Career Information System

Great site for college, occupational and financial aid searches.

Parents and students may access from school or home.

Pathway: http://whs.wsd44.orgAcademicsGuidanceLinksMontana Career

Information

*Username: whitefishhs*Password: plan7ing