18-19 Junior and Senior Parent Night Counselors Nancy Badi Last names A-K Amy Rubin Last Names L-Z

Graduation Requirements 4 English Credits 4 Math credits (Including Alg 1 and Geo) 3 Science Credits (including Bio) 3 Social Studies (WORLD HISTORY, Us history, Us Govt, Economics) Practical/Performing art Credit Hope Online credit Pass- ALG 1 EOC and FSA/ela or concordant score Participate in other Eoc’s (geo, bio, us history) 2.0 GPA 24 credits

Types of Colleges Two Year schools 4 year schools Transcript needed after graduation NO sat/act scores No letter of recommendation Apply by deadline (October-January most of the time) Some will have self reported transcripts and scores others will need it sent Some need recommendations Need SAT/ACT scores

Types of admission Rolling- Applications are looked at as they come in (FAMU, FAU, FIU, UCF, UNF, USF) Early Action-non binding- Have till May 1 to decide Have specific deadlines (Fl poly, FSU, NCF, UF, UWF) Early Decision-binding- If student gets in they are attending (many ivy leagues)

Common/ Coalition Application Over 300 schools participate Schools not biased if Common/coalition App used Complete ONE application Counselor/Teacher Rec. form-complete ONE Supplemental materials for specific schools

Common vs Coalition Common Coalition FAU Fl ploy fSu NCF UCF Unf uwf FSU UF usf Students can always apply with the institution app as well.

College essay Why it's important different types of essays Your STUDENT’s college essay is their opportunity to reveal their best qualities and to show an admission committee what makes them stand out from other applicants. The “You” Question The “Why us” question The “Creative” Question When all else is equal between competing applicants, a compelling essay can make the difference. A great application essay presents a vivid, personal, and compelling view of you to the admissions committee. It rounds out the rest of your application and helps you stand out from other applicants. The essay is one of the only parts of the application over which you have complete control, so take the time to do a good job on it. The "you" question This question boils down to "Tell us about yourself." The college wants to know students better and see how students introduce themselves. Example: "The University of Vermont values a diverse student body. What contributions might you make to our campus community outside of academic achievement?" Plus: This type of direct question offers students a chance to reveal something about themselves other than grades and test scores. Danger: The open-ended nature of these questions can lead to an essay that's all over the place. The "why us" question Some institutions ask for an essay about a student's choice of a college or career. They're looking for information about the applicant's goals, and about how serious the student’s commitment is to this particular college. Example: "How did you become interested in American University?" Plus: This type of question provides a focus for the essay; that is, why the student chose this particular college or path — and the answer to that will (hopefully) be clear. Danger: Any factual errors in the essay will reveal that the student really hasn't thought deeply about the choice. For example, writing about attending Carleton College to major in agriculture would be a blunder, because Carleton doesn't have an agriculture major. The "creative" question The goals of the "creative" question are to evaluate a candidate's ability to think and write creatively and to assess the breadth of the student’s knowledge and education. Example: "Sharing intellectual interests is an important aspect of university life. Describe an experience or idea that you find intellectually exciting, and explain why." Plus: This kind of question gives students an opportunity to convey their personalities and views. Danger: Some students may take the "creative" aspect of the question as license to be obscure, pretentious or undisciplined in their writing.

College essay tips* Write simply. Keep your focus narrow and personal. Provide specific evidence (facts, events, quotations, examples) to support your main idea. Use vivid, compelling details (show, don't tell). Address the topic directly. Don’t repeat information that is found elsewhere in the application, such as lists of courses or extracurricular activities. Write about something unique and different—not just what you think the admissions officer wants to hear Apply principles of good composition (beginning, middle, and end). Structure your writing in a way that allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. Revise and proofread to make sure there are no typographical, spelling, or grammatical errors. Address the topic directly, focus on facts - For example, if an application asks you to explain any deficiencies in records (e.g., a low grade or bad semester), provide a straightforward, reasonable response. *link to tips on bottom of slide https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/professionals/essay-writing-tips-for-students.docx

SAT vs ACT SAT ACT Register on www.collegeboard.org FEE: $47.50, $64.50 WITH WRITING Fee waivers available Register on act.org Fee: $50.50, $67.00 with writing Fee waivers available

Letter of Recommendation Counselor letter Teacher letter(s) Required by some (not all) colleges Students should follow the directions carefully – Some schools do not accept Please give time to complete

After acceptance May 1 – State of Intent to Register (SIR) Provide deposit No double deposits!! One school ONLY! Housing – may need to apply early Wait List-Let schools know you are interested Appeals – new compelling information

Bright Futures FAS 3.5 gpa, 29 act or 129o SAT, 100 hours FMS 3.0 gpa, 26 act or 1170 sat, 75 hours GSC 3.0 GPA, earn minimum 5 postsecondary credits through CAPE industry certifications, 30 hours Must do the application https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPHome/SAPHome

Scholarship Check out the Seminole HS website https://www.pcsb.org/seminole-hs Fastweb.com Scholarship.com Cappex.com/scholarships Pinellas Ed foundation

Questions Please email your counselor with any questions Nancy Badi- Badin@pcsb.org (last names A-K) Amy Rubin- Rubina@pcsb.org (last Names l-Z)

Financial Aid Brooke Pair

Senior announcement orders John MClay

Thank you for coming!