1. 2019 College Planning Night
Hardin Valley Academy
Anna Graham

2. Agenda What Is College? Paying for college
Types of colleges, timeline, and types of degrees
Paying for college
Tennessee Promise
FAFSA
Scholarships /Merit Aid
New: UT Promise- what is it?
College Planning & Senior Year
College/Career Program at HVA
Question and Answer

3. What is College?
Any school that a student enrolls in after receiving their high school diploma that offers a certificate or degree for completing courses.
There are several different kinds of colleges you can attend depending on your interests.

4. College of Applied Tech (TCAT) Community College (2-yr)
Types of Colleges
College of Applied Tech (TCAT)
Community College (2-yr)
University (4-year)
In-state or
Out of State
Public or
Private
Also known as “independent”

5. Types of Degrees
Diploma and Certificate: take less than a year to two years to complete and focus on a specific skill or career. These programs are offered at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (example: TCAT Knoxville)
Associate’s Degree: two-year degrees offered at community colleges (example: Pellissippi State, Roane State)- can be transferrable or NOT transferrable.
Bachelor’s Degree: four-year degrees offered at public and private four-year colleges and universities (example: University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Memphis, Vanderbilt University)

6. What’s the timeline for College?
12-18 months TCAT Diploma/Certificate
2 years Associates degree (community college)
4 years Bachelor degree (4 year degree)
2+ additional years:
Masters degree then PhD
Medical degree
Law degree

7. Types of 2-Year (or less) Colleges
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT): Tennessee’s provider of state-of-the-art technical training for workers to obtain the technical skills and professional training to enter the workforce. Students can earn certificates and diplomas here. Some programs are less than 1 year.
Community College: Offers associate degree and certificate programs that focus on preparing you for a certain career. Also, offers two-year associate degrees that prepare you to transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree.*
*Adapted from Bigfuture.Collegeboard.org

8. TCAT/Community College

9. Why TCAT? Small class size, personalized instruction
93% of grads are placed in their field of study
97% licensure pass rate
Administrative Office
Automotive Repair
Collision Repair
Computer Info Tech
Cosmetology
Dental Assistant
Diesel Powered Equip.
HVAC
Industrial Electricity
Industrial Maintenance Mechatronics
Machine Tool Technology
Pipefitting & Plumbing
Practical Nursing
Surgical Technology
Truck Driving
Welding Technology

10. Private and Public 4-Year Colleges
4-year colleges and universities offer bachelor degree programs.
Public Colleges: funded by local and state governments and usually offer lower tuition rates than private colleges, especially for students who are residents of the state where a college is located.
Private Colleges : schools that rely mainly on tuition, fees and private sources of funding. Private donations can sometimes provide generous financial aid packages for students.*
*Adapted from Bigfuture/Collegboard.org

11. Public University

12. 4 Year Public Universities in Tennessee
University of TN Knoxville
University of TN Chattanooga
University of TN Martin
Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN
East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
Tennessee State University Nashville, TN
Tennessee Tech University Cookeville, TN
University of Memphis Memphis, TN

13. Tennessee Private/Independent Colleges and Universities
Belmont University Nashville
Rhodes College Memphis
Bethel University McKenzie
Sewanee: The University of the South Sewanee
Bryan College Dayton
Southern Adventist University Collegedale
Carson-Newman College Jefferson City
Cumberland University Lebanon
Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens
Fisk University Nashville
Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville
Freed-Hardeman University Henderson
Tusculum College Greeneville
Johnson University Knoxville
Union University Jackson
King University Bristol
Vanderbilt University Nashville
Lane College Jackson
Watkins College of Art, Design & Film Nashville
Lee University Cleveland
Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate
Lipscomb University Nashville
Maryville College Maryville
Milligan College Milligan College

14. Profile: Class of 2018 43% 4 year college 48% 2 year college/TCAT
.5% Work full time
.5% Military
8% Undecided
10% -college attendees attending out of state
90% -college attendees attending in state
Enrolled in 65 colleges & technical schools from Florida to New York to Idaho!

15. Paying For College
Developing a plan to pay for college can feel overwhelming. Fortunately there are many options available to help reduce the cost of attending college, including:
Completing the FAFSA (must do to access HOPE scholarship, Pell Grant, loans)
Applying for Tennessee Promise by Nov 1, 2019 deadline
NEW- UT Promise! – available at any UT campus
Private Scholarships and Awards

16. FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA is an online form that uses a student and their family’s information to help calculate how much financial aid a student qualifies for
Federal programs: Pell grant, subsidized student loans, work study
State programs: Tennessee Promise, Hope Scholarship and more (GAMS, ASPIRE)!
Most colleges also use the information on the FAFSA to calculate financial aid. Everyone should complete the FAFSA!

17. www.fafsa.gov (VERY IMPORTANT!)
Available October 1, 2019
(VERY IMPORTANT!)
Student AND parent will create FSA ID usernames/passwords (fsaid.ed.gov) to sign electronically
Student and parent will submit FAFSA using IRS Data Retrieval Tool to upload 2018 tax information

18. Your FAFSA Timeline
The taxes you filed by April 15, 2019 are the taxes you will use to complete the FAFSA.
The FAFSA will officially open for your student on October 1, 2019
HVA will host several opportunities for you to receive help with the FAFSA, including:
FAFSA workshop. During this time, we will log in to the FAFSA with your FSA ID and ensure you and your student are supported in filling out the form.
FAFSA completion events: you’ve started the FAFSA but need help or have questions? We can help!

19. Common FAFSA Mistakes!
Parent completes both the student and parent portions of the FAFSA- this is a NO - NO!
Not using legal name when completing the FAFSA.
Forgetting the user name and password (both the student and the parent).
Students don’t know their Social Security number.
Not keeping up with all s from FAFSA/Federal Student Aid (create a folder).

20. Tennessee Promise
Apply to the Tennessee Promise program at by November 1, 2019
Do NOT Apply before August 1, 2019!
Complete FAFSA at by January 15, 2020*
Attend spring mandatory meeting as coordinated by TnAchieves.
Complete 8 hours of community service between November 2, July 1, 2020
Students selected for FAFSA verification must submit material to the college
*date subject to change- must be approved at TSAC’s board meeting in spring 2019
The Tennessee Promise is a financial aid program offering two years of tuition-free community or technical college to Tennessee high school graduates beginning with the Class of 2015.
Tennessee Promise provides eligible students with a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or TSAA.
Each Tennessee Promise Scholar will receive a mentor who will provide guidance and assistance as the student enters higher education.
Mentors are provided by a partnering organization designated by the mayor of every Tennessee county.
Our county’s partnering organization is [(REDI, tnAchieves, Ayers Foundation)].
To be eligible to receive a Tennessee Promise Scholarship, a student must (beyond the checklist) enroll in a community or technical college the fall after graduation. (Students attending a TCAT may enroll the summer following their high school graduation.)

21. Certificate/ Diploma TCAT
State Aid
TSAA
$1,000 – $4,000 per academic year
0 – 2,100 EFC 01/15/19
FAFSA deadline
HOPE Scholarship
$1,500/$1,750 per semester
21 ACT or 1060 SAT or 3.0 GPA*
Wilder- Naifeh
$2,000 per academic year
Certificate/ Diploma TCAT
TSAA: Students must meet the following requirements:
have a valid Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 2100 or less, and
be a U.S. citizen and Tennessee resident, if a dependent student, parents must also be a Tennessee resident, and
be enrolled at least half time at an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution, and
maintain institutional satisfactory academic progress according to the standards and practices of the institution, and
not be in default on a loan or owe a refund on any grant previously received at any institution, and
who have not received a baccalaureate degree.
Complete the FAFSA by January 15
Students must complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for TSAA
See more at:
HOPE Scholarship: Entering freshmen must:
Apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at Applications must be received by September 1st for fall semester, February 1st for spring and summer semesters. Early application is recommended.
Have been a Tennessee resident for one year by September 1 of the application date. For students beginning spring and summer terms, residency determined by February 1 as of application date.
Graduate from a TN eligible high school.
Enroll in one of the eligible Tennessee public colleges, universities, or private colleges. 
Entering freshmen must achieve a minimum of a 21 ACT (1060 SAT), exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests OR overall minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA)*.
Must enroll within 16 months following high school graduation at any eligible postsecondary institution. However, enrollment at an ineligible postsecondary institution during the 16 months will make the student permanently ineligible.
Award amounts are available for summer enrollment.
*grade point average means a grade point average on a 4.0 scale calculated with additional internal quality points awarded for advanced placement, honors or other similar courses according to the Uniform Grading Policy adopted by the State Board of Education.
Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant: available to Tennessee students who enroll in a certificate or diploma program at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology and maintain satisfactory academic progress and continuous enrollment.
Students must complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for HOPE, GAMS, Aspire, HOPE Access, and Wilder Naifeh.
If someone wants to present on the supplements to HOPE…
General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS) - Students graduating from a Tennessee public school or category 1, 2, 3 private school must have a minimum 3.75 GPA* AND 29 ACT (1350 SAT), exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests.
ACT/SAT exams must be taken on a national test date or state test date and prior to the first day of college enrollment after high school graduation. The ACT Residual test is not accepted.
Up to $500 per semester as a supplement to the HOPE Scholarship; including summer
Aspire - Meet Tennessee HOPE Scholarship requirements AND parents’ or independent student’s and spouse’s adjusted gross income must be $36,000 or less on IRS tax form
Four-Year Institutions: Up to $750 per semester as a supplement to the HOPE Scholarship; including summer
Two-Year Institutions: Up to $250 per semester as a supplement to the HOPE Scholarship; including summer
*All courses calculated on a 4.0 scale per the Uniform Grading Policy

22. Examples A B C $1,300 TN Promise $0 Tuition $1,300 $0 $4,300 $0
TN Promise Examples
Examples A B C
Tuition
$4,300
HOPE/Pell/TSAA
-$8,000
-$3,000 $0
Gap
$1,300
TN Promise $0
Tuition
$1,300 $0
$4,300 $0

23. Other 4 year College Scholarships- Merit
In addition to FAFSA, HOPE…Scholarships may be awarded by the 4 year college/university based on MERIT.
Academic Merit (GPA/ACT)
Athletic Merit (NCAA, NAIA, D1, D2 Schools)
Service to the Community (based on volunteering, leadership)
Service to the Country (Military commitment)

24. 4 year Cost of Attendance 2018-2019
UT Knoxville
ETSU
Maryville College
Tuition $13,006
Tuition $9277
Tuition $34,740
Room/Board $11,240
Room/Board $8136
Room/Board $11,424
Books $1598
Books $1090
Books $1250
Total COA $25,844
$18,503
$47,414
Scholarships/Grants
HOPE $3500
$3500
29 ACT/ $3000
26 ACT/ $2000
MC Scholarship $21,000
Pell G $2000
Pell G $2000
Aspire/TSAA $500
$500
Other schol $1000
$1000
Total Schol $ $8000
$9000
$28000
You PAY $17844
$9503
$19414

25. Searching for other Scholarships
Quest Bridge (top 10%, family earns <$65,000), see Mrs. Graham to be nominated and for details.
Nominated by counselor for scholarships (Furman, Wofford, Centre, High Point, Presbyterian) during spring of Junior Year
“Ultimate Scholarship Book” available on Amazon.
School Counseling web page
Paper applications in the SC office (Spring, $500- $1000 range)
Check the websites of colleges for separate applications
NEVER pay for scholarship searches

26. Planning for College
Know your GPA at the end of 2nd semester Junior Year.
Compare your March ACT score with average ACT scores of the schools you are interested in.
Know if you are on track to graduate.
Volunteer this summer. Or get a job. Or both.
Take challenging classes 12th grade. Don’t be a slacker
Talk to your parents about college in general. Get a sense of how you & your family will be paying for college.
Add your name to college lists (sign up on their websites). You may get the application fee waivered!
Create an address just for college applications.

27. Jumpstart Your College Search This Summer
Go on college visits. All schools offer tours!
Remember to send thank you notes (electronically is fine!)
If you haven’t already, make a list of activities you’ve participated in, volunteer experiences, honors and awards since 9th grade.
Work on your college application essays.
Review the application procedures for schools you plan to apply to. Write down and keep track of deadlines!
Start thinking about if you’re going to apply early decision or early action to any schools. Early decision= BINDING. Early Action= you really want to go there! Sometimes more selective schools may take most of their class from EA.

28. A Word about Recommendations and Essays
Category
Recommendation
Essay
Personal Statement
TCAT No
2 Year
UTK
Separate app
Yes
UTC
MTSU
ETSU
Maryville
Common App

29. Common Application
Students use Common App to apply to multiple colleges.
Example: Wofford, Emory, Tulane, Boston U, Sewanee, Wooster.
Essay Topic: pick from a list

30. Summer Workshops! https://forms.gle/kmoeVMmS4k5Y2eiq9
Wednesday, June : 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Students will complete a personality inventory from Collegefortn.org prior to attending the workshop.
Students will leave with at least a rough draft of a resume and a list of descriptive words to use in essay/interviews
Wednesday, June : 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Set up your Common App, Coalition App, or UTK/VIP accounts
Leave with a plan- recommenders and timelines for completing college applications.

31. Fall Semester Senior Year
Apply for TnPromise by 11/1
Meet with College Reps who visit HVA!
Take/retake the ACT/SAT. Graduation requirement!
If you are applying to UTK, create VIP account and apply by 11/1.
If you are applying to highly selective colleges, create Common App account.
After you apply to a college, send your transcript electronically through Parchment (more info in August!)
Complete FAFSA available October 1, 2019

32. Fall Semester Senior Year, continued…
teachers to ask them to write rec letters
Apply to several colleges (admissions, institutional aid, etc) and utilize their net price calculators
Student AND parent will create FSA IDs (fsaid.ed.gov)
Complete the FAFSA after October 1, 2019 using 2018 taxes!

33. Spring Semester Senior Year
Apply to TCAT/Community Colleges for TnPromise
Attend mandatory TnPromise meeting!
Complete college applications due in Jan/Feb
Complete local/private scholarship applications
April: complete taxes (and make sure parents keep a copy for next year’s FAFSA!)
April/May: review college acceptances, compare financial aid packages, ask questions, and follow up as needed
May 1 is National College Signing Day!

34. College/Career Program at HVA
Late Spring Essay/Common App workshop (May 2019)
Dedicated College/Career Counselor
Don’t you want an awesome rec letter? Resume required for all recommendations!
Fall College/Career Workshop Series for Students & Parents
HVA/Bearden/Farragut College Fair at BHS in October
College Reps Visit HVA throughout the Fall and Spring (students sign up through Signup.com)
I am a resource! There is no stupid question!
Sometimes colleges contact me about a last minute scholarship/program. I need to know about you!

35. Stay Informed! School Counseling web page weekly for official news
College visits to HVA
Scholarship Listing
Official Info
Follow us on twitter @hvacounselors
Re-tweets
College visit reminders
Scholarship tips
Study tips
Info Mrs. Graham finds interesting…

36. Stay informed, continued…
Facebook Hardin Valley Academy School Counseling
Post weekly, not official
Remind App Class of 2020 & Parents:
to to join
College rep visit reminders
Meeting notice reminders
You WANT to join Remind

37. Questions?

38. Visit tnreconnect.gov today!
Whether you’re returning to finish a degree to going to college for the first time, Tennessee Reconnect can help!
Between providing for your family, working a job, and paying bills, returning to college can often seem like an unrealistic option. To make college a reality, Tennessee Reconnect programs are designed to help busy adults like you achieve dreams of attaining a college degree or certificate.
Visit tnreconnect.gov today!

39. Did you know? 81% of Tennessee adults would feel a sense of personal accomplishment by earning a college degree or certificate.
As part of Tennessee Reconnect, all Tennessee adults can attend and earn a diploma or certificate at any of our 27 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) completely free of tuition and fees.
Check out tnreconnect.gov to search for programs, choose a degree path, talk to an advisor, learn how to pay for college and estimate your expenses and calculate how many of your past credits may transfer to your degree program.
Tennessee has between 900,000 and 1 million adults with some college but no degree. It is impossible to achieve the mission of the Drive to 55 without re-engaging adults and helping them finish their degree or certificate.

40. Please join the Counseling Remind!
to 81010
Receive important updates about meetings, workshops, deadlines
This will be used throughout your student’s high school career.
You will receive a survey link tonight through the remind text; please complete the survey as we work to improve our communication and presentations. Your feedback is important.