Future Planning Presentation for Juniors *Resources taken from the following: -Cappex -MU College Planning 101 -ACT Organization for Juniors

Words of Wisdom Relax… Students will get in, you just have to be realistic. 70% of colleges accept an average of 70% of their applicants.

Words of Wisdom Students don’t have to go far away. 88% of high school students go to college in their home state.

Words of Wisdom If students don’t have a major, it’s OK. More than half of new college students say a very important reason for going to college is “to find my purpose in life.”

Preparing for a College Search

Types of Colleges Four year Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements Four year Degrees offered: Bachelors and beyond Provides: A well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study. State: Typically under $15,000/year Private: Typically more than $20,000/year SAT or ACT GPA Class rank Essay Extracurricular activities Letters of recommendation Transcripts

Types of Colleges Two year Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements Two year Degrees offered: Associates Provides: A way to ease into college / take general college classes for credit. Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits. Typically around $4,000/year Open-door admission policy

Choosing College Priorities What is important? Location/Size Academics Campus Appeal/Social Life Total Cost – Including aid Other Considerations: Prestige Selectivity Legacy Where their friends are going College Search www.collegeboard.org www.cappex.com Click on College Search tab

Making the Decision About Where to Apply Research College Requirements Attend College Fairs Meet w/ Admissions Reps Surf the Internet (View Course Equivalencies/Transfer Credit, Take Virtual Tours, Request Information) Visit Various Campuses (College Visits-2 per year or summer) Apply to Several Colleges/Universities (3-5) Apply by Deadline Dates: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision ($$ depends on this)

What information do college admission officers review? Grades / Overall GPA/Send Transcript Strength of high school course selections Admission Test Score Essay (Some Colleges Require This) Teacher and counselor recommendations Class rank Student’s demonstrated interest Personal accomplishments Courses in progress Senior year Kaplan Study: 35% of Colleges Look at Applicants' Social Media Accounts

About College Admission Tests ACT Predominantly used by schools in middle-U.S. states Consists of four tests: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing Writing component is optional Top composite score is 36 SAT Predominantly used by east and west coast schools Consists of three tests: Evidence Based Reading & Writing, Math Each test is scored on a scale of 200-800 Also have Subject Tests

College Information – Where to go Cappex.com - College search made simple. Your first stop to kick-start your college and scholarship search. For students & parents collegeboard.org - Information about the SAT & College Search act.org - Information about the ACT test MyMajors.com – Information about careers, schools, scholarships, etc. For students & parents nacacnet.org - National Association for College Admission Counseling. Help with finding a college and the college process. Offers national college fair information.

Want to play sports? Register NOW… Division I & II Small Schools During your junior year Division I & II Must register with NCAA 16 core classes D1~2.3 GPA D2~2.0 www.ncaa.org Small Schools Must register with NAIA www.naia.org

Talent is important, but GPA is key!

How to Finance College?

Merit Scholarship Tips Merit scholarships are where the money is. There are more than $11 billion in merit scholarships available to students from colleges Not just for “A” students Many awards emphasize leadership or school involvement Nearly all colleges offer merit aid scholarships The average merit scholarship is $5,000 Many awards can be renewed year after year

Federal Money FAFSA: Money Based on Need Loans/Grants/Work-study Apply in October of Senior Year Use this Site: www.fafsa.ed.gov Get your FSA ID EFC SAR FAFSA Frenzy: February

State Programs Department of Higher Education (DHE) www.dhe.mo.gov Bright Flight 31+ACT Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) www.dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/scholarships

Scholarship Resources Cappex.com – College and Scholarship information Fastweb.com - Private scholarships finaid.org - Free student resource for learning about all types of financial aid scholarshipguidance.com – List of scholarships Studentaid.ed.gov - The federal government’s website about paying for college Our Favorite Type of Money!

What If College Isn’t For Me?

Military Talk with various recruiters Each branch has different incentive packages Will have to take the ASVAB test, which determines what types of jobs you will be eligible for Include your parents in the decision. Sometimes they think of good questions you may not think of

Enlisting vs. ROTC Can enlist right after high school (18 yrs. old) May qualify for the G.I. Bill – You can go to college for free during and/or after your military service is complete College ROTC Scholarships Full & partial college scholarships You agree to serve in the military after graduation for 4-6 years Become an officer upon graduation (higher rank than enlisted individuals)

Apprenticeships Combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training Opportunity to learn and practice while getting work experience in the real world Takes 1-6 years to fully complete the program, but you are paid while you train! No previous experience required Pay increases as you gain experience **More info at www.missouriapprenticeship.com

Trade, Tech, or Cosmetology Schools Cosmetology – Can finish a full program (hair, nails, make-up, massage therapy) in around 1 year Community Colleges have many programs that can be completed in 1 year or less Technical Colleges Linn State Technical College ITT Technical Institute BTC (Business & Technology campus of MCC) Technical focused programs Take 1-4 years to complete

Next Steps

Next Steps for Students In School Stay focused on academics Do not lighten your academic load for senior year (Don’t take “blow off” classes) Meet with your school counselor Stay involved in school activities Start Resume Standardized Testing Prepare for and register for ACT / SAT Register for AP tests as appropriate College Exploration Create a separate College e-mail Explore colleges on the Web Visit colleges-go on campus Meet with college representatives Attend college fairs

Staying informed…. Weekly Guidance Announcements Do you Tweet? www.bssd.net Go to South’s homepage Do you Tweet? Follow us on Twitter @BSSCounselors

Blue Springs Activities To Assist The Student/Family… ACT Test Site Test Dates: Sept, Oct, Dec, Feb, April, and June ACT Prep Prep Days After school tutoring ACT Academy (Saturdays) BSSD College Fair At BSSHS next year October Register at www.gotocollegefairs.com College Planning & Financial Aid Night