Senior Parent Night:

 Topics of Discussion Tonight:  Applying to College  Taking the SAT/ACT  Finding Scholarships  Timeline for Senior Year

 Students need to fill out college applications and meet college deadlines for admission.  They can apply online: ▪ using ▪ through the college/university website. ▪ using the Common Application.

 Colleges will communicate with your child via . Make sure that their addresses are professional vs  Have s sent to your child’s smart phone and remember to check them often. They can miss important deadlines if they are not diligent.

 Deadlines:  Each school has their own deadline(s), they are posted on the Admissions Office page of a website.  This information can also be found on CFNC.org under Plan for College (Explore Postsecondary Schools) and on the PGHS Counselor Page under the “Seniors” tab.  Many schools have more than one deadline.  Be sure your child submits their application by the deadline!

 Why different deadlines? › Schools offer different types of admission:  Regular Dated Admissions: The dates vary but usually students apply mid-October through November and hear back in January and/or apply mid-January and hear back by April.  Rolling Admissions: Applications are taken in throughout the year and students hear within 4-6 weeks.  Early Action: Students apply early October 15th) and hear back earlier-it is nonbinding.  Early Decision: Is a binding agreement. Students apply early and if accepted will go to this school. Students must withdraw all other applications at the time of acceptance.

 Admission Decisions:  Accepted: Your child has a space available for them at that school if he/she wants to go there!!  Deferred/Waitlisted: The admissions office wants to see more information on your child and has decided to wait to make a decision. Schools typically want midyear grades and may request that the applicant take the SAT again. They will then make a decision later in the school year.  Denied: The admissions office does not think that your child meets their profile for a successful student at that campus.

 Schools are looking for students to create a diverse student body and they want students who will add to their community.  They look at the entire child, not 1 element.  Things they consider:  Transcripts  SAT/ACT  Essays  Recommendations  Resume

 Transcript:  Each school requires students to send in an official transcript from the high school.  Students applying to schools in-state should send transcripts electronically (we will assist with this!) Directions on how to do this are located on the PGHS Homepage under School Counselors and the “Transcript” link on the left hand side of the page.

 1. Through CFNC. If you use another method to send your current transcript you should still send one to all in-state schools through CFNC. It automatically puts in a “work order” to send your final transcript when you send the current one.  2. Through SendEDU. Some colleges use this service. You need your counselor’s to do this.  3. Through the Common App. A link is sent to counselors and they upload it to the App.  4. AGAIN: You must arrange for your final transcript to go through CFNC even if you use SendEDU or the Common App.

 Please do not send transcripts until you/your child has actually submitted their college application. If you send them prematurely the college will not have a file on you/your child set up and the transcript may get misplaced.

 Your child’s transcript:  Your child’s transcript shows what classes they take, what grades they made, GPA, and class rank through the JUNIOR year. It includes senior courses but no grades unless they apply AFTER first semester.  The transcript shows how rigorous a course load your child attempted:  We provide a school profile that shows what classes the school offers that colleges use to judge how rigorous the course load is.  Students are evaluated based on what their high schools offer and how many of the upper level courses offered that they took while in high school, not against other schools.

 SAT/ACT  These tests are designed to predict how well a student will perform at a college or university.  It is a way to assess students on a national level.  Only students who will begin at a four year college/university need to take the SAT/ACT.

 Students must arrange to send scores through the College Board website (SAT) or the ACT Program.  These scores are not included on the official HS transcript.  Students CAN arrange to send scores to four colleges at the time they sign up for the ACT or SAT.  After that, students must go through the SAT or ACT website and PAY to send each score to each college.

 College Essays  Essays allow colleges to get a better picture of the applicant.  It is a way for students to speak to the college and show off their individuality.  Optional Essays: These allow admission readers to hear from the student and make a lasting impression on them-your child should write them!!  Ask an English teacher or someone you trust to proofread the essay before the application is submitted!

 Recommendations:  Are not required at all schools, but are helpful.  Ask teachers or adults who know you well in advance so they can prepare them.  Ask recommender to save recc so that they can be used for scholarships later.  Send no more than 2-3 recommendations.  (The counselors will also send a recommendation if there is a counselor statement).

 Resume  A college resume is not a career resume!  Share your high school experience in the resume.  Explain what you have done in high school and how often you participated in things (sports, work, community service).  When you write your resume you may remember experiences that could help you with your essays.  May not need a resume unless you are applying to a very selective college.

 Application Fee  Each four year university requires an application fee, and they can be pricey! ($40-$85)  Every applicant must pay, even if they are not admitted.  Make a decision as a family about how much you are willing to spend on application fees and make sure your child is serious about attending the schools before you spend the money on the application fee.  Students who used a waiver on the SAT will receive four college application waivers via to participating schools-ask your counselor about specific schools.  Community Colleges do not have an application fee.

 Many private colleges will let you apply FOR FREE the week of November 2 nd through 6 th. You can sign up for a time to use the lab in the Media Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3 rd to apply to colleges. Mrs. Porter and Mrs. Hall will be in the lab all day to assist you with this.  Seniors will be allowed to sign up for a computer closer to that week.

 Where to look….  What exactly are they looking for???

 Libraries & bookstores (old school)  Internet sites  Colleges/Universities  Employee Benefits  Your child’s counselor! *** Check out our website, get on our list, and attend out next Senior Parent Meeting about “Scholarships” on October 22 nd at 6:30 pm.

 Local Libraries or Bookstores  These books are a great resource to help you out!  They are good because you can read and research as much information as you need.  These materials are not updated as often as other places and can quickly become outdated.

 The internet is your new best friend!  There are many legitimate places to find scholarship opportunities and are updated often.  Fastweb.com: this is one of the best free resources for you to use. Students are able to search for opportunities based on the profile they set up.  Scholarships.com is another free resource.  is a great place to look for state funded scholarships.  There are also some to be wary of because they are scams.

 CFNC has a vast amount of information to help make college available to everyone!  Paying for College (green tab) section of the website has lots of information on scholarships.  Students can apply for scholarships online (example: FELS Program).

 Each financial aid office has their own guidelines and can help you find scholarship opportunities for your child.  Ask them about first year merit scholarships or search for them on the college website.  They can direct you how to apply for merit scholarships.  The financial aid office can help you find out what is available. They are the expert at their school.

 Many employers offer scholarships to employee’s children-ask if your employer has any benefits that can help you.  Does your child have a job that offers scholarships?  Burger King, Food Lion, and Chick-Fil-A all offer scholarships to their student employees.

 Our office provides scholarship bulletins every 4-6 weeks updating students on opportunities as we become aware of them.  We will send an copy to anyone who wants to be added to our list serve. Mrs. Porter to be added to the list serve.  In spring newsletters will come more frequently because we receive more local scholarships.  Call us!! Use us, we can help make this easier for you!

 A big misconception is that only the top students are awarded scholarships…and that is far from the truth.  Each organization who provides scholarships are looking for different qualities, so just because you do not meet one scholarship does not mean you will not meet someone else’s qualifications.

 There are many types of scholarships:  Academic Merit: Merit scholarships are available from the individual colleges. Check college webpages. Sometimes these are based on more than just academics. (Examples: Morehead Scholarship – Academics, Physical Vigor, Leadership, and Character and the Park Scholarship focuses a LOT on community service.)  Special Talents: these are based on special talents your child has (Sports, Music, Art).  Community/Club awards: these are awards based on participation or involvement in clubs in the area or civic activities in which your child has participated.

 Scholarship essays:  Write the essays! Many times students do not fill out these applications and they let an opportunity pass them by because of the essay.  Essays are a chance to let the student show another dimension of who they are to the scholarship committee.

 Beginning January 1 st students can begin the FAFSA form on the internet.  FAFSA= Free Application For Student Aid  The form must be submitted online, although you can download a form to complete before you do it.  Website:

 Financial Aid: is awarded based on financial need, not academic success or special talents.  Types of financial aid:  Grants: don’t have to be paid back.  Loans: must be paid back and some are in student’s name and some are in parent’s name.  Work Study: Students work on campus and receive money for school.

 When to apply:  Apply early!! Each school has their own deadline for priority aid - apply early so that you will get a good package!  Many deadlines are in March (early) ▪ Check the financial aid office of the schools being considered.  If you cannot finish your taxes early than use last years or estimate and update your form later.

 CSS/Profile:  Some schools require the CSS profile: Davidson, Guilford, Meredith, NC A&T, NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest  CSS Profile is through the College Board website (SAT); it allows schools the get a better picture of students’ financial need.  Applications are available for on October 1 st 2015  Students receive non-federal student aid.  There is a fee for this.

 Once the FAFSA is submitted you receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that shows the information submitted. If there is an error you can make changes.  This information is sent to the schools you designate.  You will be asked to upload your tax information as you fill in the FAFSA.

 Your EFC (Estimate Family Contribution)  Your EFC determines how much a family is expected to contribute to the student’s education.  Schools use your EFC to determine what type of assistance package you receive.

 Eligibility Formula: This is how colleges determine how much aid you receive: Total Cost of Attendance Minus Estimate Family Contribution Equals Financial Need

 There are many creative ways to pay for college:  Military Benefits  Community Colleges  Ferree Foundation  Lenders

 Military Benefits  Students can have their education paid for by the US Army if they enlist.  Students can contact any branch recruiter for more information.

 Community Colleges  Colleges are considerably cheaper ($50 a credit hour).  Students can attend 2 years and transfer to a 4 year college or specialize in an associate program.  Financial aid is available at the community college level.  Students who transfer to a college typically do well.

 Ferree Foundation  Provides low interest loans (does not exceed 3%) to students of Randolph County.  Students can apply for loans each year they are in school and interest does not begin until 6 months after graduation.  Last year students received $1,000 loans, but they can be higher (depending on the stock market).  A student from PGHS who applies for the loan will receive an $8,000 scholarship!!!

 Lenders  Most students receive financial aid and many of them are in the form of loans.  Stafford Loans  Plus Loans  Hope Tax Credit

 If you are unsure how to fill out the FAFSA please call your child’s counselor or attend FAFSA day at RCC where local counselors and financial aid personnel can help you.  PGHS counselors can set up meetings to help you fill out the FAFSA forms in our office.  Call or to set up your appointment- it takes less than an hour.

 September/Early October: first parent meeting, register for SAT/ACT, begin filling out college applications, prepare resume, ask teachers for recommendations  October & November: take SAT/ACT, submit applications.  January: attend FAFSA informational meetings, send mid year school reports if needed, fill out FAFSA and CSS Profile  February-June-Scholarships!!!  May 1 st : Decision day, you must send in your deposit

 October 22 nd : “How to Use the Internet to Find Scholarships”  January 5 th : “Filling Out the FAFSA”  Meetings are a 6:30 pm

 Beware of scammers!!!  Some companies that ask for a fee to help you find scholarships your child may qualify for-do not pay a fee  This is also true of Financial Aid Services  Fafsa.com charges a fee to fill out the FAFSA form. It submits your application to the correct place, but charges to do it ▪ (fafsa.ed.gov is the correct address)

 Please add your name and address to our list serve!  Contact information  Phone:  Kim Hall (Counselor A-J):  Jane Porter (Counselor K-Z):