Welcome to College, Scholarship and Financial Aid 101

Educational Choices 2-year (or less) technical or certificate program 2-year college, then transfer to 4-year university 4-year university

Exploring Careers Choose a career, NOT a major. Parents and students often make the mistake of focusing on a degree rather than a career. Remember that a degree is not necessarily a ticket to a career. Planning is key! Take a look at the college course of study for a major in which you are interested. Your high school coursework should mirror the college course of study. Think outside the box! There are thousands of careers. There are very good career opportunities that do not require a four year degree.

Alabama Career Planning System http://www.al.kuder.com/

Alabama Career Planning System Includes 3 Assessments Career Interests Skills Confidence (What do I think I’m good at?) Work Values (What is important to me….income, accomplishment, prestige, etc.?) Will allow you to search careers related to your test results. Includes an online portfolio that students will always have access to. Each student is required to update their four- year educational plan in this system each year. (9th-Career Prep A, 10th- Career Prep B, 11th- English class)

Preparing for College As a freshman, make good grades, take pre-ap classes, get involved, start a resume, save money, and read! As a sophomore, make good grades, take the PSAT, take ACT/SAT if you’ve completed Algebra 2, get involved, update your resume, same some more money and read! As a junior, take the PSAT, take the ACT/SAT, research colleges online, make college visits, update your resume. As a senior, APPLY! Applications should be completed in the fall of your senior year. Applying online is preferred by most colleges. Request a transcript be sent to any college to which you send an application.

PSAT, ACT, SAT-I, SAT-II PSAT-Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Take in the sophomore year for practice. Take in the junior year as qualification for National Merit Scholarships. October 28th, (juniors) register NOW in guidance ($15) SAT I-Scholastic Aptitude Test (Reasoning Test) Take in the sophomore year if you’ve completed Alg. 2/Trig Take in the middle of the junior year SAT II-Subject Area Tests Take as recommended by the college you are applying to

PSAT, ACT, SAT-I, SAT-II ACT-American College Testing Take in the sophomore year if you’ve completed Alg.2 Take at least twice during the junior year. All juniors will test on April 19th. Repeat either the ACT or SAT at the end of the junior year and again at the beginning (Sept/Oct/Dec) of the senior year as needed. What is a good score on the ACT? 20-24 for admissions 27&up for academic scholarships

ACT/SAT Preparation Study! Even before you take the test for the first time. There are free practice booklets in guidance and the College & Career Center. Websites www.collegeboard.com (SAT and PSAT) www.actstudent.org (ACT) Prep Classes in Enterprise and Dothan ACT Prep during flex for sophomores and juniors for a 9 weeks. There is a list of ACT Prep Options on the EHS website and in the College & Career Center.

ESCC What does it cost? $142 per credit hour X 12 hours=$1,704 $500 for books Room/Board= Mom & Dad Total=$2,204/semester

What does it cost? Tuition and fees for one semester=$4,708 $550 for books Room & Board=$3,572 Total=$8,830/semester Four year total= $70,640

What does it cost? University of Alabama 12-16 hours of undergraduate study=$4,913 Course fees (average) $400 Dining Dollars - $325 Meal Plan/Board-$1,633 (required for Freshmen) Room-$4,400 Parking Decal - $320 Books & Supplies - $600 Total=$12,591/semester Four year total= approximately $100,728 Note: Out of state tuition is 2-3 time that of an in-state student regardless of college.

The Federal Government University and Private Scholarships How to pay for it! The Federal Government University and Private Scholarships Military Scholarships Self-Help

The Federal Government Need based aid Based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Completed in February of senior year (after tax returns) www.fafsa.ed.gov Determines Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Complete whether or not you THINK you are eligible

The Federal Government Financial aid packages can include: Federal Pell Grant (2015-16 maximum is $5,775 per year) FSEOG-Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant ($100-$4000 per year) for students with exceptional financial need. Varies by school. TEACH Grant for teaching careers ($4,000 per year). Must sign agreement to serve. Visit www.teachgrant.ed.gov FWS-Federal College Work-Study Program Loans-Subsidized and Unsubsidized Lots of information available at www.studentaid.ed.gov

More on Loans Direct Subsidized Loans-loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. Government covers the interest while in school. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but in this case, the student does not have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the loan. Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Federal Perkins Loans are for students with exceptional need. Students can borrow up to $5,500 per year. A student can borrow $5,500 to $12,500 per year in Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans Private or alternative loans are credit-based loans for students and parents of students. Private student loan terms vary. Make sure to shop around and be smart.

University Scholarships Academic—meet requirements and apply by the deadline. (Dec. 1, Dec. 15 for UA, Feb. 10 for AU) Foundation or Departmental—may involve an interview, resume, etc. Check each college’s website for these scholarships. You may also call the financial aid office of the college. Performing Arts/Leadership/Athletic—usually involves a tryout or audition Athletes, make sure you register with the NCAA.

University Scholarships Academic Example #1: University of Alabama 27 ACT/3.5 GPA=$3,500 per year ($14,000 total) 28 ACT/ 3.5 GPA=$4,000 per year ($16,000 total) 29 ACT/3.5 GPA=1/2 tuition ($20,340 total) 30-36 ACT/ 3.5 GPA=full tuition, $10,170 per year ($40,680 total)

University Scholarships Academic Example #2 Troy University 28 ACT/ 3.5 GPA=Full Tuition 32 ACT/3.7 GPA= Tuition, Room, and Board Leadership Scholarship, 23 ACT/3.0 GPA= amount varies Troy “stacks or super scores” for the ACT Deadline is March 1 All applications for Troy are online. Make sure to visit Troy’s website to explore other scholarship opportunities.

Private (Foundation) Scholarships Private Scholarships EHS Website- Click on College & Career and then “News” www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com Tuitionfundingsources.com (Wells Fargo) Check affiliations with church, employers, civic groups, etc. Usually smaller amounts at a time. Can take to any college. No limit on the number you apply for.

Military Scholarships Academy Appointments-start early in junior year, highly selective, requires a Congressional Nomination, explore summer seminar programs between junior and senior year ROTC Scholarships—Apply to college and for ROTC Scholarship Navy, www.nrotc.navy.mil Air Force, www.afrotc.com Army, www.goarmy.com Veterans Affairs Office-one at every college Veterans Benefits Visit www.todaysmilitary.com, click on Benefits, and then tuition support Parent’s GI Bill. Info is available at www.gibill.va.gov or call 1- 888-442-4551

In a Nutshell…. Paying for a college education may require pulling from several different funding sources. “Full-rides” (tuition, room, board, books, and fees) are limited. Going to college requires planning, saving, researching, and dedication.

A Word of Caution Private scholarship search companies who charge for services may or may not be reputable. They CANNOT guarantee that you will receive funds. Never pay to complete the FAFSA form. If you need help, contact me or the financial aid administrator at any college or university.

More Information Available Online! The following documents are available on the EHS Website (go to Guidance Services, Files, College/Scholarship Information): Internet Resources-a list of website that will be helpful for you Recommended Timetable for College Bound Students-a great outline of what you should be doing in grades 9-12 Ready! Or Not?-General information regarding college and scholarships How Colleges Choose Among Applicants ACT or SAT?-A general overview of the differences between these tests. How to Get an Athletic Scholarship College Admissions Glossary This PPT presentation is also available under Presentations. cmcclenny@enterpriseschools.net 334-347-2640 X230

Stay Connected! Get on Mrs. McClenny’s email list! Email me at cmcclenny@enterpriseschools.net. Include your name and grade in your email. Remind 101 Sr’s—text @4d359 to 81010 Jr’s—text @4d3594 to 81010 So’s—text @4d3594b to 81010 Fr’s—text @4d3594b9 to 81010 “Like” Enterprise High College & Career on Facebook Visit the College & Career Center! Parents are welcome during school hours or in the evening by appointment. Visit the EHS website often! Check the calendar under “Guidance Services.”

Alabama College Application Week Initiative—Nov. 3-6 The goal is for 100% of the senior class to have completed at least one college application by November 6th. Seniors should notify Mrs. Hogan in the College & Career Center when they have completed an application. Seniors who have applied by Nov. 6 th will be entered into a drawing for a $500 cash scholarship. Two-year college applications count and most two-year schools don’t charge an application fee.

College & Career Center Hours: Monday-Friday (8-3) College & Career Center Hours: Monday-Friday (8-3). Appointments can be scheduled for parents and students. Services: Register and prepare for the ACT/SAT Visit with College Recruiters (check the online calendar) College Applications College Searches Scholarship Applications Scholarship Searches FAFSA Completion Career Exploration Interest Inventories Interview Preparation Resume Preparation

Thanks for Coming!