Be College ready Graduate High School Research college/universities Application process –including testing (ACT/SAT) Financial aid, scholarships, grants Rebecca Durrer, PhD College Professor, High School Teacher and Middle School Administrator

Before we jump in– the Money question THERE IS MONEY OUT THERE Going to University does not have to cost you the ‘sticker price’ We will talk about Financial Aid, FAFSA, Scholarships, Grants, and Loans tonight. We can also discuss in depth at a later workshop. Dulcy Dawson

Tonight’s Topics Steps and timeframe to be college ready College Search Private vs Public Universities WUE school options Admission requirements ACT/SAT preparation and testing “Common App” Application Essays Recommendation Letters Campus Visits Paying for College and Selection among the sea of schools In person and Virtual Visits Merit, Need-based, FAFSA Research and finding Scholarships

Simplified Timeframe Early Actions End of Junior Year & Senior Year Take the most challenging class you can in high school Dual Enrollment is beneficial Take the PSAT Junior year. Decide between SAT and ACT for your college test Junior year research colleges (or before) Know admission requirements Summer programs—especially Junior summer and even Sophomore summer Contemplate your college essay topic Take ACT/SAT end of Junior and/or beginning of Senior year Early Senior year--College Essay and College Recommendation Letters Fall/Early Winter Complete Common App Early Decision and Early Action FAFSA asap after Oct 1 -2017 tax returns Research Scholarships/Grants

College Admissions activity Do you know the value on your college resume

Research universities Decide on geographic location, size of school, academic major, cost, housing, etc US News College Search Princeton Review Big Future from College Board User name rdurrer1 pass v.nxKc8L:!U4y!R) College Navigator and Common App search WUE List of Schools and WUE benefits WUE Schools—Know their application guidelines. ASU example Visit Schools- Summer programs, Fly-Ins, and Virtual Tours

Application process Assess school’s Selectivity and Reputation –Acceptant Rate ACT or SAT? Study for and take your ACT/SAT Objectively look at your GPA and ACT/SAT Test scores Sign up , read, and contemplate, the “Common App” Write your Application Essay(s) Secure Recommendation Letters from your teachers (2) Submit your Applications

Paying for university FAFSA asap after Oct 1 (2017 tax returns) Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA short video –by govt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK0bbu0y5AM College Board -Big Future- Scholarship Search Hawaii Community Foundation Scholarship Manager. Research specific Universities you are applying, ex Oregon State Univ Many websites to research scholarships and grants and then follow breadcrumbs. Think of local opportunities Burger King, Native Hawaiian, etc Scholarship Search Engines, Unigo, Fastweb, Scholly

Additional opportunities Pre-College Summer Programs High School-College Summer Programs High School Programs Quest Bridge Fly-In and Diversity Programs Blog about the fly-ins

Thank you If you want more information be sure to email me. bcollegeready@gmail.com What additional and specific workshops with WHEA would you like? I can work with groups as part of my grants or work with individuals for a fee.