Stevenson Class of 2014 SENIOR MEETING

5 STEPS FOR COLLEGE PLANNING 1 Ensure you are on track to graduate 2 Know what colleges want 3 Search for colleges that are a good fit 4 Apply to colleges that interest you 5 Develop a plan to pay for college

STEP 1 - Ensure you are on track to graduate Stay on track with the PLANNING CALENDAR FOR SENIORS Review your transcript and check your credits Make sure that you have fulfilled your VPAA and SENIOR MATH-RELATED CREDITS STEP 1 - Ensure you are on track to graduate

STEP 2 - Know what colleges want QUALITY & RIGOR of classes INCLUDING SENIOR YEAR STEP 2 - Know what colleges want

Actual quote from MSU Admissions Officer “I am currently reviewing your application to Michigan State University. Your senior year is academically very weak. At MSU, we like to see at least 3 core academic classes in a student’s senior year While I understand your interest in (arts), to be considered for admission to MSU you will need to have at least 3 academic classes in second semester of your senior year” Actual quote from MSU Admissions Officer

STEP 2 - Know what colleges want Your academic performance i.e., your grades and rank in class STEP 2 - Know what colleges want

STEP 2 - Know what colleges want Test scores – ACT, SAT, AP STEP 2 - Know what colleges want

FOR INFORMATION ON COLLEGE CREDIT AVAILABLE FROM YOUR AP TEST SCORES GO TO http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp FOR INFORMATION ON COLLEGE CREDIT AVAILABLE FROM YOUR AP TEST SCORES

What are the next test dates? Should I retake the ACT? How do I do that? Go to www.actstudent.org What are the next test dates? 10/26 & 12/14

Getting ACT Scores to Colleges Does my school require scores directly from ACT? Check with the college How do I do that? Order score report IF you didn’t put the school’s code down when you tested Go to www.actstudent.org How much is it? $11 per school Getting ACT Scores to Colleges

STEP 2 - Know what colleges want ADDITIONAL FACTORS SUCH AS: Extracurricular activities Essays Letters of Recommendation (if provided) Your interest in the school STEP 2 - Know what colleges want

What about Foreign / World Language?

DON’T BE DISAPPOINTED… Make sure that your schedule is one that prepares you to be a SUCCESSFUL college student DON’T BE DISAPPOINTED…

STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you

STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you There are many factors to consider when choosing a college. Make sure you do your research so that you know you are picking one that will be a good fit FOR YOU STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you

STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you Learn about the colleges through Websites Schedule a visit to the college See a presentation here at Stevenson from a representative of the school STEP 3 – Search for colleges that are a good fit for you

Three Good Reasons to Attend Macomb Community College Macomb Community College is ranked in the top 10 Community Colleges in the United States. Largest granter of Associates degrees in MICHIGAN Over $16 Million in Financial aide awarded annually Annual enrollment = 743,000!

THE PROGRAMS Accounting/Finance Architectural Technology Automotive Technology Business Management Cisco Networking Climate Control/Heating and Cooling Communication/Radio & TV Construction Technology Crime Lab Technician Culinary Arts Early Childhood Studies Electronic Technology EMT/Paramedic Firefighter/Paramedic Hospital Pharmacy Technician Hospitality Management

Respiratory Therapist Restaurant Management Surgical Technologist Theater Arts Veterinary Technician Web site Programmer IT Specialist Law Enforcement Legal Assistant Medical Assistant Molecular Biotechnology Nursing Photography and Digital Imaging Physical Therapist Assistant These are just 30 of the 200 Associate degrees or Career Education Certification Programs!

COST MACOMB Tuition: $89/credit hour 4 credit class = $356.00 30 credit/year = $2,670 Oakland U. Tuition : $353/credit hour 4 credit class = $1,412 30 credit/year = $10,590 Michigan State Tuition $12,674 + Room & Board $8,526 = $21,764

STEP 4 – Apply to Colleges that interest you CREATE AN ACCOUNT AT PARCHMENT TO SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPTS Register AT WWW.PARCHMENT.COM

STEP 4 – Apply to Colleges that interest you NARROW YOUR CHOICES Sign up on Docufide/Parchment to send your transcripts Visit college websites to complete online applications If essays are required, have someone proof read REMEMBER… everything on the application represents you Submit a request on Parchment to have a transcript sent to each school you apply to Send ACT scores directly to the schools that require this Complete all NCAA requirements if you are hoping to compete as a college athlete See your counselor with questions you may have

STEP 4 – Apply to Colleges that interest you REMINDERS Submit all applications for schools you are serious about by Halloween MSU Early Notification – If ALL application materials are in by October 11, you will be notified of acceptance by November 15. U of M –materials in by 11/1, notification by 12/24 Forms that require counselor input should be given to your counselor at least 10 days prior to the due date

STEP 5 – Develop a plan to pay for college Look at the costs for each school Do your FAFSA so the school can determine any GRANTS, LOANS or SCHOLARSHIPS that you may be eligible for Pursue additional scholarships

STEP 5 – Develop a plan to pay for college THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO FILL OUT THE FAFSA It’s FREE Use your family tax info Submit online after January 1 (but before March 1 in order to be eligible for the greatest amount of state aid

Scholarships

Do not pay for this service Scholarships Visit both the UCS Scholarship site and others such as those listed in your handout Don’t miss deadlines Proofread carefully Don’t miss any required information Do not pay for this service

Got Questions??? Visit your counselor….