1. The Path to Graduation

2.  Carolyn Mize, Counselor cmize@mscs.k12.al.us@mscs.k12.al.us  Honor Day – Friday, May 20 th  Graduation – Thursday, May 26 th

4.  95% Attendance  75 average  American Citizen  A Clean Record  This scholarship will only be awarded as long as funds are available…don’t have this as your ONLY option for paying for college!  Covers 12 hours of tuition at NWSCC (there will be fees that are NOT covered)  This is a LAST CHANCE SCHOLARSHIP! (if you get Pell Grant or other scholarships, you are not going to receive this scholarship!)

5. Talk about careers & majors (undecided-no dept. scholarships) Talk about money for college Talk about expectations and sacrifice Talk about stress and confusion

6.  How to apply?  Paper applications-UNA if Early Scholar (fee)  On-line applications (preferred!!)  Some colleges have a separate scholarship application  Send your transcript –fill out card in the guidance office….GREEN BOX  Know your deadline (if you are on time you are late)-Halloween is your application deadline!  Start paying attention to your mail/email

7. #1. APPLY #2. Admission Letter #3. Set up email account (and start checking it) #4. Enrollment deposit (Let’s Get Serious Fee!!) #5. Access to Scholar- ship Applications #6. Apply for Housing

8. Special Visit Days Schedule a Visit with the Admissions Office *Housing/Dorms *Environment *Programs of Study *Honors College *Meet someone in the department of interest

9.  Public- best buy  Private- more flexible  Out of State  Junior College- best bargain!!  Plan a Safety School- NWSCC or UNA  Transferring- be careful with scholarships and taking classes that will transfer!  Size- think about the BEST fit for your student!  Distance- is this important to you??  Affordability- #1 factor  Dorms

10.  Admissions vs Scholarships  ACT  Grades/GPA  Extracurricular Activities  Class Rank

11.  Next test date – October 24 th with a registration deadline of Sept. 18 th  Other test dates-December 12 th  ACT or ACT + Writing-required by AL & AU  Some schools require scores to come straight from the testing agency-look on-line for your school!  Ideas of how to improve? Keeton/HoltACT Online Prep (free) Score PlusLentz Educational Practice Tests—in guidance office

12.  ACT vs SAT  October 24 th next test date with a registration deadline of September 18 th Deadline- MSHS is a testing site!  SAT has partnered with khanacademy.org 

13.  GPA : One way to know the average letter grade earned in a class  4.0 = A  3.0 = B  2.0 = C  1.0 = D  GPA has nothing to do with class rank

14.  Rank is determined by using the numerical final average in each class dividing by the number of classes attempted and finding an over-all numerical average  The number is used to rank students which tells colleges how the student did in comparison with others in the class  We have 84/214 students with a 90 average or above starting out this year  Recognized top 10 must be on Honors Diploma

15.  Merit based by the University (This is where most scholarships come from)  Departmental/ depends on declared major  Need based – FAFSA Required  Leadership  Special Talents (athletics, band, music, art)  Employers  Senior “Stuff” Newsletter  Internet Searches

16.  Deadlines  Don’t count on a scholarship  Misconceptions  Myths  Scams-if they ask for $  Recommendations  Not eligible unless you apply  Accept them all!  Save those Offers-we need a copy for Honor Day!!-Red file folders

17.  Free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov  Financial Aid Night at MSHS in February bring your 2015 Taxes and experts will help you!! (watch for more details)  Grants  Loans  Work Study  After completing this form contact the financial aid department of the school you are interested in.  Possible Free Summer Class at NWSCC (Jump Start)

18.  Northwest Shoals Community College www.nwscc.edu  University of North Alabama – www.una.edu  University of Alabama – www.ua.edu  Auburn University – www.auburn.edu  University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) www.uab.edu  Samford – www.samford.edu  University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) www.uah.edu

19.  University of South Alabama (USA) www.southalabama.edu  Mississippi State – www.msstate.edu  University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) www.olemiss.edu  Birmingham Southern College – www.bsc.edu  Huntingdon College – www.huntingdon.edu  Search websites for information

20.  Northwest Shoals Community College  FAFSA (Plan to do those taxes early this year!)

21.  Graduation Clothes Guys – Dark Dress pants, white shirts with a collar, dark tie, dark dress shoes Girls – Dress and dark dress shoes  Senior Pictures  Graduation Invitations and other supplies-last year senior supplies were $81.70…Balfour will be here soon to take orders!  Start now preparing your senior for life after high school  Anyone interested in tutoring?... Sign up with a counselor--usually $10/hour

22. It is going to be a GREAT year...together WE can do this!!! Mrs. Carolyn S.Mize