1. Class of 2013 and 2014 College Informational Meeting Lee-Scott Academy Dr. Jennifer Stone, LSA teacher

2. PANEL GUESTS Auburn University – Admissions Auburn University - Financial Aid Auburn University - NCAA Eligibility Southern Union State CC - Admissions Southern Union State CC - Student Development

3. TONIGHT’S AGENDA  HS Graduation Requirements  College Admissions Process  ACT and SAT  Transcripts/Letters/Essays  Scholarships  Financial Aid  NCAA Eligibility

4. HS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Lee-Scott Academy  Course of Study Advanced College Prep Diploma College Prep Diploma  Credits (26 or 27 – earn 7 credits/year)  Community Service Hours Minimum of 75 45 hours must be “ off campus ”  Scholarship Application (min. of 1)

5. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS  Contents include, but not limited to: Application / Application Fee Transcript Standardized Testing Personal Statements / Essays Letters of Recommendation

6. APPLICATION  Electronic vs. print  Demographic information, GPA, SAT/ACT scores, senior year schedule, unofficial transcript (self-reporting), accolades, activities, etc. (brag sheet/resume)  Common Application (www.commonapp.org)www.commonapp.org  Will not be processed without fee  Have a sloppy copy!

7. TRANSCRIPTS  Transcripts are available through Mrs. Matthews (request forms are available in her office and on the website)  Students must apply to a college/university before the transcript will be mailed  Transcripts will not be faxed, so make sure you are meeting deadlines accordingly  Allow 3 day turn-around for transcripts to be processed and mailed

8. ACT / SAT  Required for colleges and universities ACT – Achievement Test (English, Math, Reading, Science)  Optional Writing  Guessing OK SAT – Aptitude Test (Critical Reading, Math, Writing)  Registration due about a month before test days www.actstudent.org www.collegeboard.com  ACT – written required for most schools Take at least once Placement purposes  ACT administered at LSA September, December, February, April  SAT administered at LSA December, January, May  Juniors should start by December or after Algebra 2 (Sophomores too!) LSA School Code: 010223

9. TEST PREP  ZAPS @ LSA February 24 th (Sunday) 12:30-6:00pm $79; includes take-home materials Register at www.zaps.comwww.zaps.com  Sylvan Learning Center  Bennett Education (bennetteducation.com)  Auburn University Summer ACT Prep  Numerous Online Options

10. PERSONAL STATEMENT / ESSAY  “ Recommended ” means “ Required ” if you are really interested in that school  Follow directions... 250 words does not mean 150 or 450!  Think of something about yourself that makes you stand out from others (e.g. leadership qualities)

11. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION  Give at least 2 weeks notice to writers  Choose someone who likes you and can speak of your abilities  Letters should come from multiple sources (e.g. academic teacher and coach)  Provide writers with envelopes already addressed and stamped for mailing  Complete a “ Brag Sheet ” (or resume) if there are other things about yourself the writer should know

12. FINANCIAL AID  All students should consider financial aid opportunities  Helpful Resources College Financial Aid Office** www.studentaid.ed.gov www.students.gov  Multiple forms of financial aid Scholarships Grants Work Study Loans

13. SCHOLARSHIPS  Free money that does not need to be paid back  Merit-based vs. Need-based  Review criteria closely... Do not discount yourself!  Be cautious of fee-based services  Utilize technology for searches www.FastWeb.com www.collegeboard.com www.petersons.com LSA Scholarship Matrix

14. RESOURCES TO INVESTIGATE  ALWAYS begin with the college/university Request a scholarship/financial brochure from EACH college or download from college website  Local Area Resources High School website Civic organizations Service clubs Student ’ s employer  www.google.com www.google.com Left-handed Duck Calling Duct Tape Prom Scholar-Athlete Milk Mustache Tall Clubs Vegetarian Remember: Do not pay for scholarship search services!

15. FAFSA  EVERYONE should complete the FAFSA  Free Application for Federal Student Aid http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/  Get PIN now! (www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp)  Automatically considered for: Grants Work Study Jobs Loan Options Complete after January 1 st and by March 15 th of the senior year

16. FAFSA FOR JUNIORS The federal government has a form you may complete that gives you an “ early estimate ” based on the current year ’ s income and assets to help you make projections for NEXT year. Go To: http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/

17. WORK STUDY  Federally-funded and/or Campus-funded  Job on campus = “ payment ” towards education  Can be varied: work events, Student Union Building, Athletics, etc.  Contact specific college ’ s Financial Aid Office for opportunities

18. LOANS  Way to supplement other sources of financial aid  Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized  Payments may begin 6 months after graduation  Some loans do not accrue interest until after graduation  Stay away from Non-Federal Private Credit Based!

19. NCAA DIVISION 1 & 2 ELIGIBILITY  Student-athlete must register with NCAA Eligibility Center www.eligibilitycenter.org Registration Fee  Official transcript mailed to NCAA  ACT/SAT scores sent (official)  NCAA will not process a transcript with fewer than 6 semesters (conclusion of junior year request transcript to be sent) Division 3 – institutions decide

20. NAIA ELIGIBILITY  Register Online (www.playnaia.org)www.playnaia.org  Registration Fee  Official Test Scores (ACT/SAT)  Official Transcript mailed Check out the NAIA ’ s Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes

21. WHAT DO I DO NOW? JUNIORS: Review HS Graduation Requirements Complete a Brag Sheet/Resume Register for the ACT/SAT Visit Campuses/Attend Preview Days Register for the NCAA Eligibility Center or NAIA Determine and calendar scholarship deadlines… Apply now to start saving money for later! Attend College Fairs

22. WHAT DO I DO NOW? SENIORS: Complete appropriate admission application forms well before deadlines Retake the ACT/SAT (September or October) Get a scholarship/financial aid brochure from EACH college you plan to apply to Determine and calendar scholarship deadlines-apply! Register for the NCAA Eligibility Center or NAIA Obtain a FAFSA form and/or look at the website to feel better prepared Attend College Fairs

23. QUESTIONS ? * Class of 2013 seniors: Remember to sign-up for your senior meeting on the Counselor ’ s door! * Panel Guests will be available in the lobby following the program

24. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT! On behalf of Lee-Scott Academy, THANK YOU for coming! LSA College Fair – Wednesday, September 5 th (6-7:30pm) *MANDATORY FOR JUNIORS*