Applying to College Leigh Ann Brown, Sheri Crigger, & Nancy Wolfe HCS District College Counselors

HCS District College Counselors Leigh Ann Brown Huntsville and Jemison leighann.brown@hsv-k12.org 256-226-7637 Sheri Crigger Grissom and Lee sheri.crigger@hsv-k12.org 256-529-8842 Nancy Wolfe Columbia and New Century nancy.wolfe@hsv-k12.org 256-348-8443 www.hcscollegecounselorsinfo.weebly.com

Senior Counselors and College Counselors What is the role of the College Counselor? College Admissions Scholarships Financial Aid Related – ACT/SAT, NCAA, fee waivers, military, college major/career, etc. How is this different from the Senior Counselor?

Good news! It’s not too late!

Talk it over . . . If you haven’t had these discussions, start NOW! Be realistic Both parent and student should share their vision/dreams for the student’s future College expectations – location, degree, etc. College and Career Interests of the student Family Finances Tried to shorten from last year

Getting started . . . Research and narrow your list of schools Get organized! Calendar of deadlines Manage multiple email accounts Then, open online applications and GET started! Click “Apply Now” on the college website www.una.edu Application fees range from $0 - $75 Talk to your Counselor to find out if you qualify for a fee waiver

How many applications? 3-4 applications is appropriate for the majority of students Safety Best fit Reach

Elements of the College Application ALL college applications require these items: Email address to create account Online application High school transcript Test scores (sent from ACT or SAT) Application fee or fee waiver (no fee for 2-year colleges)

Elements of the College Application SOME college applications also require these items (selective, private, etc.): Student essay(s) Student resume or list of activities Teacher or counselor recommendation letter * These items are often required for scholarship applications as well

GPA Cumulative weighted GPA is used by most colleges 9th – 11th grade Weight added for Honors/AP/IB GPA is on 4.0 scale See your Counselor if you need information

“Specialized” College Applications The Common Application (www.commonapp.org) The Coalition Application The Common Black College Application Questbridge * If you are interested in applying to college utilizing one of these applications, talk to your Counselor ASAP!

What happens after I apply? The College will guide you to the next step! Check your email and online account REGULARLY! Keep in touch with the admissions counselor Is there a separate scholarship application? Is there an Honors College or other special program application? Deposits, housing, etc.

What matters most . . . Academic requirements Cost Major Location Special Programs (Honors College, Research opportunities, etc) Campus Life Housing AP Credit

College Admissions Counselors Who is the college admission counselor/advisor? Why is this person so important? Rachael Fairchild - UAB

College Visits Colleges visiting the schools during Power Hour Campus Preview Days Setting up a Private Campus Visit or Tour Juniors and Seniors can request two visit days as excused absences if they submit the appropriate request form ahead of time.

Basic Timeline for Senior Year Ongoing Search and apply for scholarships August to December Take the ACT or SAT again Submit applications (admission, scholarship, Honors College, etc). December 1 is the goal! Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens October 1 January to April Gather and compare information received from colleges Review Housing, Orientation, and other details May May 1 – Deadline to accept scholarships and notify colleges of your decision to attend

Recap Get started on applications with December as a goal to be finished Students – check your email regularly! Use available resources

Assistance in the Process College Admissions Advisors (at the college) College Counselor (at your school) Senior High School Counselor (at your school) NACEE (North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence)

College Entrance Tests ACT – www.actstudent.org SAT – www.collegeboard.org Plan to take the test at least once during your senior year

Fee Waivers Fee waivers are available for students who qualify based on family income (free/reduced lunch status) ACT and SAT NCAA registration Some College Applications See your Senior or College Counselor for details

HCS District College Counselors Leigh Ann Brown Huntsville and Jemison leighann.brown@hsv-k12.org 256-226-7637 Sheri Crigger Grissom and Lee sheri.crigger@hsv-k12.org 256-529-8842 Nancy Wolfe Columbia and New Century nancy.wolfe@hsv-k12.org 256-348-8443 www.hcscollegecounselorsinfo.weebly.com