1. Welcome to Mesa Ridge High School’s Senior College Night

2. Learning Target Today, I will learn key elements of the college process beginning with Naviance, Admissions, Essays, Scholarships, and Financial Aid. So that I can have a better understanding of the college process with Naviance, Admissions, Essays, Scholarships, and Financial Aid. I know I will have it when I can create an action plan for starting the college process.

3. Agenda  Introduction of counselors and CC college process.  Introducing Naviance  The Application Process  The Admissions Essay  Letters of Recommendation  College Visits/ Financial Aid  Managing College Costs  Scholarships  Selective Services  NCAA

4. Naviance Family Connection  Students can search prospective colleges  Take a personality assessment  Track college and scholarship applications  Request official transcripts  Sign up for college visits at Mesa Ridge  Receive reminders from the Counseling Center

6. Read job descriptions, learn necessary skills view activities, and compare potential salaries. Click Here to search colleges with related majors.

7. Review colleges offering majors related to career matches. Click on ones of interest.

8. Here you can watch videos, review admission information, link to the school’s website, and even begin the application! If you are interested in a school, Click Here to add it to your Colleges I’m Thinking About list.

9. College Visits  College Visits in the Mesa Ridge library  College Fair October 26 th at Fountain Fort Carson High school. Space is limited students will need to obtain a permission slip from the Counseling Center beginning October 3 rd. Only students with C’s or better will be allowed to attend. Remember to check your email and school website for additional information  College Preview Days or campus tours – check college websites

11. How to Choose a College  Academic Programs – Major  Chances of Being Accepted  Size – Large vs. Small  Location - Instate vs. Out of State  Cost – Community Colleges vs. Public vs. Private

12. Programs and Degrees  Community Colleges Certificate Programs Programs that offer you more training in a career such as mechanics, nurses assistant, etc but do not transfer if you wish to continue your education at another college Associates Degree General Education courses that can transfer to a 4-year school  Technical Schools/Career Colleges specific degree programs (2 or 4 years).  4 year Colleges/ University Bachelor’s Degree ** make sure credits will transfer if you choose to switch programs!!

13. The Application Process  FERPA  Selective Service  Application Fees  Retake ACT/SAT to try to improve score  Complete financial aid forms (Oct 1-Mar 1)  Scholarship Applications  Keep up high school grades and activities  Final decision (May 1 st )

14. Admissions Criteria  Eligibility Index (G.P.A and ACT scores)  Activities, leadership, contribution to community, potential for success  Letters of Recommendation  Admissions Essay

15. ACT and SAT ➢ Fall Test Dates ACT - Oct. 22 nd (register by Sept 16th) - Dec. 10 th (register by Nov. 4th) SAT – Oct. 1 st (register by Sept. 1st) - Nov 5th (register by Oct. 7th) ➢ Practice tests  See tonight’s handout for websites to register.

16. Letters of Recommendation  Request recommendations through Naviance  2 to 3 weeks notice  Prepare activities list or resume on Naviance  Thank you note

17. Admissions Essay  Engage the reader  Show why you are a great candidate  Be genuine!  Have a clear main point with a well-written thesis and great supporting examples.  Proofread, proofread, proofread.  Type your essay

18. Application Process-Deadlines  Complete standard applications in the fall (by Thanksgiving)  Early Action-Application submission generally mid October through early November. Check with specific college.  Non binding  Early Decision-Application submission generally mid October through early November. Your application must be submitted by deadline.  Binding, committing to going to that particular college.

19. The Common Application Sign up for Grizzly University for more information YOU MUST NOTIFY COUNSELOR ➢ Online form and instructions found on Naviance. ➢ Download forms and fill them out as rough drafts before submitting them online ➢ You will need recommendation forms from a teacher and counselor ➢ Bring a mid-year report to counselor in January ➢ Application can be submitted to multiple colleges at once or add schools at a later time ➢ Be aware – many schools require other forms in addition to the common application.

20. Application Tips  Keep a calendar of deadlines  Online applications are preferred  Make sure your files are complete - transcripts - recommendations - essay - fee  Be neat and thorough

21. Changes to FAFSA 1. The FAFSA will be available earlier (October 1 of the previous year instead of January 1 of the upcoming school year). 2. The FAFSA will collect income information from the 2015 tax year. Students need to contact the schools they are adjusting their processing timelines.

22. Financial Aid  Attend Financial Aid Night  Scholarships What you can do now:  FSA ID  College Opportunity Fund (https://cof.college-assist.org/Apply)  If you e-file there is a button that will populate your information automatically

23. Fafsa.gov

24. College Opportunity Fund

25. WUE  Residents of WICHE states are eligible to request a reduced tuition rate of 150% of resident tuition at participating two- and four-year college programs. See below.  The WUE reduced tuition rate is not automatically awarded to all eligible candidates. Many institutions limit the number of new WUE awards each academic year, so apply early!  WICHE members include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

26. Scholarships  Be wise, avoid scams  Naviance website  Help us update our lists  Ask for help in the Counseling Center

27. Winning Scholarships 1/13 RATIO  List community service and school activities on your resume!  Pay close attention to deadlines!! Keep a calendar!  Professional presentation of application!  Follow directions!  Write a focused essay!  PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD!  Update winning scholarships in Naviance

28. Fastweb.com

29. NCAA Eligibility Students will need to meet the below requirements to receive athletics aid, practice, and compete their first year of college. For more information about NCAA go to www.eligibilitycenter.org Students will also need to register with NCAA Clearinghouse before entering college. Credit Recovery and D3MyWay classes taken do not count towards NCAA eligibility.

30. Division 1 16 core courses in the following areas: 4 years English 3 years math at Algebra 1 level or higher 2 years natural or physical science (1 lab) 1 year additional English, math, or natural/physical science 2 years social studies 4 years additional from areas above or foreign language Minimum required GPA Minimum GPA of 2.30 in those 16 core courses. Completion of sliding scale for ACT or SAT. Sliding scale depends on GPA. See counseling office with questions. Graduate from high school

31. Division 2 16 core courses in the following areas: 3 years English 2 years math (Alg 1 or higher) 2 years natural or physical science 3 years additional English, math, or science 2 years social studies 4 years additional from areas above or foreign language Minimum required GPA Minimum GPA of 2.00 in those 16 core courses. Minimum SAT score of 820 (critical reading/math only) or ACT sum score of 68. Graduate from high school.

32. How to Ask for Help  Stop by the Counseling Center and make an appointment  Students can send emails from Naviance site  Parents can email the Counseling Center

33. Learning Target Today, I will learn key elements of the college process beginning with Naviance, Admissions, Essays, Scholarships, and Financial Aid. So that I can have a better understanding of the college process with Naviance, Admissions, Essays, Scholarships, and Financial Aid. I know I will have it when I can create an action plan for starting the college process.

34. ` THANK YOU FOR COMING