Summer College Application and Financial Aid Information Meeting Welcome Parents and Seniors

Purpose of College Improve the mind God gave me. Align my life mission with the will of God. To find an occupation (work, job) and practice my vocation (called to be His). Learn to make the faith, my faith. To serve Christ with my whole heart as a student and a Child of God – and be a servant of others while there. To learn the various ways God has wired me and gifted me to serve Him and others in the world.

THINGS TO KNOW Self Facts Deadlines God Self Knowledge + College Knowledge + Timely Action + Consistent Prayer Wise Decision To know the facts about colleges is essential for making a wise decision. To do things decently and in good order, one must know the deadlines. But to choose the right college, you must know yourself - your strengths and weaknesses, your ability to use time wisely, your ability to prioritize - and your God - your desire for God and His Word and your commitment to a life of prayer and discipline. Self-knowledge, combined with the facts, timely action, and lots of prayer, are the right formula for making a wise decision.

College Considerations Reputation – the school and your program Majors/Degrees Selectivity/Requirements Location Type – Private, Public, Christian, Secular Size Cost – after financial aid Learning Atmosphere Spiritual Support/Campus Groups Opportunities for Serving

Personal Considerations How has God wired me? Am I a leader? Where am I best suited to lead? Big fish, small pond? Gap year? Maturity? Work? Money? Others?

Guidance Responsibilities Provide information, procedures Assist families/students with decision-making Schedule college rep visits at NCHS Keep families apprised of scholarship opportunities on Naviance Assist students/families with applications Provide information/guidance on financial aid Meet with each senior to aid this process

Family Responsibilities Attend meetings – stay informed. Know collegeboard.com and naviance.com. Watch deadlines on SAT’s, applications, and financial aid – search for scholarships. Make a plan, follow it! Apply online, where possible – follow up on all applications – start in August. Stay up to date on Naviance. Ask for help when needed.

Family Responsibilities

College Applications I A. Timetable - Watch Your Deadlines B. Narrowing the Choices C. Filling Out Applications D. Writing Essays E. Recommendations F.Activities Summaries G.Waiver Form NORFOLK CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL CODE =CEEB CODE = SAT CODE = ACT CODE =

College Applications II Do all applications on line. Finish everything by NOVEMBER 1. Print all necessary forms off the website –Secondary School Report Form –Mid-year Report Form –Recommendation Form –Guidance Counselor Recommendation Follow the Guidelines sheet carefully!

NORFOLK CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL CODE

Financial Aid Concerns List Price (Tuition, Fees, Room, Board) + Books + Transportation + Computer + Laundry + Pizza + Miscellaneous Total Cost Total Cost - EFC = Need Need - FAP = Remaining Need Remaining Need - Local Scholarship = ?? EFC = Expected Family Contribution SAR = Student Aid Report FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid - the road to all need based aid FAP = Financial Aid Package Scholarships = based on skill or ability Grants = usually based on need Loans = need based or not Work Study = need based The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Financial Aid Timetable Fall - Gather all information, apply for various scholarships - KNOW ALL THE FACTS December - Attend FA Seminar, gather all pertinent forms and tax info GET ALL THE FORMS January - do tax returns, transfer info to FAFSA DO ALL THE CALCULATIONS February - mail FAFSA well before the deadline (most deadlines are March 1)MAIL ALL THE FORMS March - receive the SAR GET THE EFC April - receive the FAP - (get answers from colleges) GET YOUR FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE May - (Answer colleges), Send in acceptance letter and down payment to hold your spot MAKE YOUR FINAL DECISION

THE OVERARCHING GOAL THE FINAL GOAL OF EDUCATION AT NORFOLK CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS IS TO PRODUCE GRADUATES WHO ARE EQUIPPED TO BE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST IN THE WORLD. 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you [ to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Col 1:9-12

THE SENIOR CHALLENGE 1. Choose to lead well. 2. Encourage the little people. 3. Be mature about the responsibilities of your Senior year. 4. Seek God and how you can serve Him with all your heart in each and every activity. 5. Be examples of Christ-like behavior for all those who are watching. 6. Work hard right to the end!!