1. Welcome to Plainfield High School’s
Senior College
Planning Night

2. Funding your education wisely
Planning Ahead Can Save You Time & Money

3. Value and Cost of Postsecondary Education

4. The Value of Higher Education
Doctoral
Professional
Masters
Bachelors
Associates
Some College
High School
Less then High School
Source: Current Population Survey, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5. Higher Education Debt
70% of college graduates have college-related debt
Averages:
Student loan debt $37,000
Monthly payment $350
50% are surprised by how much they owe
Student loan debt is larger than credit card debt

6. Choosing the Right Career & College for You

7. MyNextMove.Org

8. For help and link visit:
Choosing Your School
College Navigator
Variety of search criteria
Wealth of information
Find options to fit you
For help and link visit:
INvestEdIndiana.org

9. The Right Choice
The key is finding a school that offers the right major AND is a good fit!
Academically
Socially
Financially
Changing majors or schools may add
Extra time to complete degree
Increased cost & student debt

10. Financial Aid Overview

11. The Importance of the FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Annual application for most forms of financial aid
Basis for determining eligibility for:
Federal Funds (Grants, Scholarships, Loans and Work Study)
State of Indiana (Grants and Scholarships)
Potentially Institutional Funds
Determines EFC

12. Types of Financial Aid Gift Aid Self-Help Scholarships Grants
Employment (Work Study)
Loans
Savings

13. Scholarships Colleges & Universities Local & Community
Need Based vs. Merit Based
Local & Community
Private Businesses
Community Foundation
Civic Organizations
Church Groups
School Counselor
Place of Employment
FREE National Search Sites

14. INvestEdIndiana.org/1000 Five $1,000 scholarships will be given
Must be 16 or older to enter

15. Education Loans Federal Direct Loan (4.45% + 1.069 Fee)
Subsidized or Unsubsidized
Federal Perkins Loan (5% + No Fee)
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (7% Fee)
Private Loan (Rates vary + Typically No Fee)
Remember
Loans MUST Be Repaid!
(Interest Rate for loans disbursed on or after 7/1/17, Loan Fees for loans disbursed between 10/1/16 – 9/30/17)

16. Saving for College

17. Comparing College Costs

18. Net Price Calculators INvestEdIndiana.org Cost of Attendance Gift Aid
*What you have to pay
through:
Employment
Savings
Loans
Scholarships
For a link to any school’s net price calculator or the
INvestEd Comparison Worksheet visit:
INvestEdIndiana.org

19. Example Sample data from an Indiana public institution
Student demographics
Middle/low income
Above average GPA & test scores

20. Impact of Social Media

21. Professional Online Presence
Appropriate address:
Review social media accounts removing
Inappropriate material
Anything that may be misinterpreted
Be engaging and personal

22. Professional Online Presence
Do social media decisions make a difference?

23. Evaluation of Scholarship Applicants
Scholarship providers indicated the following about reviewing an applicant’s online presence:
To determine whether the applicant demonstrates good judgment (58%)
To get to know the applicant better (42%)
Scholarship providers review of online content
25% of scholarship providers selected an applicant
33% denied an applicant a scholarship
Survey of 300 National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) members who provide more than $1 Billion in scholarships

24. We’ll Help!

25. INvestEdIndiana.org

26. INvestEd on Social Media
Facebook
Facebook.com/INvestEdIndiana
Twitter
@INvestEdIndiana
Others
Instagram.com/INvestEdIndiana
Pinterest.com/INvestEdIndiana

27. Connect with us anytime!
Brent Walker

28. The Guidance Department
Mrs. Davis Last Names P-Z, Department Chair
Mr. Newbold Last Names A – Ge
Mrs. Royer Last Names Gf-O
Mr. Fritz Special Services (IEP,ENL,504)
Mr. Reber College & Career Advisor
Mrs. Detzel Student Assistance Counselor
Mrs. Groeschen Guidance Secretary/Registrar

29. What Can Parents Do To Help Their Children Get Into College?
Create a timeline
Encourage BUT allow your student to lead the process
Discuss family finances
Foster relationships
Know the admission process
Create a list of deadlines for each institution
Visit college campuses

30. Tips on Visiting Colleges
Go to the university/college’s admissions page to register for a campus visit.
Complete College Visit Form and submit to Student Services 5 DAYS before scheduled visit: Seniors are permitted 2 excused absence for college visits!
Plan your visit when students are actually on campus.
Schedule a visit that fits your needs: athletic, group visit, individual, open house, etc.
Ask similar questions at each institution to truly compare/contrast each school. STUDENTS ask current students questions – most likely your tour guide of students that you see on campus.
Design Your Own Visit:
Tour the campus
Meet with an admissions counselor/financial aid officer
Bring an unofficial high school transcript
Observe a classroom lecture
Schedule an overnight visit (if possible)

31. College Rep Presentations College Representatives provide information about their college/university’s programs and majors, admission requirements, student life and scholarship/financial aid opportunities.
College Rep Presentations Scheduled as of 8/23/2017:
8/ Purdue University
9/ Trine University
8/ Alma College
9/ Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
8/ Franklin College of Indiana
9/ Bellarmine University
8/ DePauw University
9/ University of Indianapolis
8/ Valparaiso University
9/ Holy Cross College
8/ Indiana University
9/ Marian University
9/ Anderson University
9/ The University of Alabama
9/ Wabash College
9/ University of Notre Dame
9/ University of Southern Indiana
9/ Bethel College – IN
9/ Indiana State University
9/ Saint Mary’s College
9/ Grace College
9/ Butler University
9/ Ball State University
10/2 University of Evansville
9/ Indiana Tech
10/ Ivy Tech Community College
9/ Cedarville University
10/ Hanover College
The locations and times of each College Rep Presentation are provided in Naviance. Students must register for College Rep Presentations via Naviance.

32. Application/Admission Tips
Application Deadlines
Early Decision: binding, must withdraw all other college apps
Early Action: non-binding, given maximum admission & financial aid opportunities
Rolling: apps accepted throughout the year, typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive decision & potentially financial aid
Open Admission: admit nearly all students who have a HS degree or GED
Application Documents – Required or Recommended
Official HS transcript
SAT or ACT scores: What exam & how do they accept scores?
Essay: PROOFREAD, provide info that your GPA & test scores don’t
Letters of recommendation: 1-3 letters, don’t exceed institution’s preference
Resume: provide in-depth info, don’t just list activities

33. SAT Test Dates 2017 – 2018 Plainfield High School ID = 152852
Register online:
SAT Customer Service:
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
(Late Fee = $28)
August 26
July 28
August 15
October 7
September 8
September 27
*November 4
October 5
October 25
December 2
November 2
November 21
*March 10
February 9
February 28
*May 5
April 6
April 25
June 2
May 3
May 23
SAT Registration and Test Fee = $45; $57 (with essay)
Students who receive lunch/book rental assistance and/or are 21st Century Scholars
may qualify for a fee waiver. See your guidance counselor.
Purdue University, Indiana University (Bloomington) and the NCAA require that SAT scores be sent directly from the CollegeBoard testing agency.
*PHS is a test site on this date!

34. ACT Test Dates 2017 – 2018 Plainfield High School ID = 152852
Register online:
ACT Customer Service:
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
(Late Fee = $27.50)
September 9
August 4
August 5 – 18
October 28
September 22
September 23 – October 6
*December 9
November 3
November 4 – 17
February 10
January 12
January 13 – 19
*April 14
March 9
March 10 – 23
June 9
May 4
May
July 14
June 15
June 16 – 22
ACT Registration and Test Fee = $42.50; $58.50 (with writing)
Students who receive lunch/book rental assistance and/or are 21st Century Scholars
may qualify for a fee waiver. See your guidance counselor.
Purdue University, Indiana University (Bloomington) and the NCAA require that ACT scores be sent directly from the ACT testing agency.
*PHS is a test site on this date!

35. ZAPS SAT & ACT Test Prep Seminars
5-Hour test prep seminar for the SAT and ACT
ZAPS SAT: September 13th & 14th 6:00-8:30 PM
Plainfield High School, LGI Room
Cost: $89.99
Register online at

36. Naviance Parent Registration Naviance is intended to assist students and parents with the management of the college and career planning process. We encourage students and parents to visit Naviance often for important updates and messages from the guidance office, and links to valuable college and career resources.
Naviance website:
(Also accessible via PHS guidance website)
Select “I Need to Register”
Your registration code = Your child’s home telephone number (with area code)
You will then be prompted to enter your address and choose a six-digit (minimum) password.
Download the Naviance App
**If you are unable to register your address with Naviance, contact your child’s guidance counselor**

37. The College Application Process Many colleges have priority deadlines of November 1st for maximum scholarship consideration or for admission into a specific program/major. It is critical that all college applications be completed by fall break to meet any priority deadlines.
Step 1: Complete college applications online via the university’s admission webpage or via the
Common Application (
Step 2: Be sure to submit the application fee payment at the same time you are submitting the online
application. Your application will not be evaluated until the university receives payment.
(Students who participate in the free/reduced lunch program may qualify for an application fee waiver
and should see their guidance counselor to request a fee waiver.)
Step 3: Request official transcripts via Naviance, which is accessible via the PHS guidance website or at
Step 4: Submit your official SAT and/or ACT test scores to the university. Determine if the university requires that
test scores be sent by the testing agency.
(IU, Purdue and NCAA require that SAT/ACT test scores be sent directly from CollegeBoard or ACT.)
Step 5: Complete a “PHS College Application Checklist”, which can be found in the guidance office or on Naviance
in the “Document Library”. 
Step 6: If required for a college application, request teacher recommendations at least two weeks in advance.
Students should personally speak with the recommending teacher and provide a resume.
Step 7: Submit your completed “PHS College Application Checklist” to the Guidance Office for processing.
Completed PHS College Application Checklists and official transcript requests MUST be submitted to the guidance office by October 13th in order for counselors to process applications and meet any November 1st priority deadlines!

38. Upcoming Dates/Events:
September 11: Parent Financial Aid 6pm
October 1: FAFSA Opens
October 3: FAFSA PHS
Session 1: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Session 2: 3:00 – 7:00 pm