1. COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT Wednesday, September 26, 2012 Regina High School 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

2. Contact Information 586-585-0500 Mrs. Mary Berschback Ms. Corinne Forys Seniors Freshmen Juniors P-ZJuniors H-O x227 x228 mberschback@reginahs.comcforys@reginahs.com Mrs. Amy Dulgerian Mrs. Helen Dombruski Sophomores Guidance Secretary Juniors A-G x226 x229hdombruski@reginahs.com adulgerian@reginahs.com

3. Agenda Overview - Senior Year College Application Process Financial Aid & Scholarships Overview – Junior Year College Exploration & Standardized Testing

4. Timeline - Senior Year College applications – the process Attend visits with college reps. at Regina Retake ACT/SAT (U of M and MSU require official scores sent from ACT company) College Fairs: at RHS on October 9 from 1:30 – 3:30 (parents welcome after 2:40) 2012-2013 College Fair schedule go to: www.macrao.org

5. Timeline - Senior Year For current announcements go to www.Reginahs.com and click on Guidance Tab and then Counselors’ News Briefs – beginning October 1 www.Reginahs.com Visit college campuses Attend Financial Aid Night-obtain a PIN from FAFSA website Review acceptance offers (keep all documents regarding scholarship offers until after graduation) Finalize decision by May 1

6. College Application Process Discuss realistic options Apply to 3+ schools Safety school Match school Reach school Check schools’ deadlines Rolling Admissions (U of M – Feb. 1) Regular Admissions (Boston College – Jan. 1) Early Action - Early Notification Financial Aid Apply before October 31 (if possible)

7. Parchment.com - Waiver

8. Parchment.com - Authorization

9. College Application Process Complete college application online (required) Submit payment (application fees vary) by credit card. Order transcript via Parchment (small fee may be required for some colleges) An additonal transcript fee of $1 is billed at semester by RHS

10. College Application Process Application Components Online Application Application fee (credit card or check directly mailed to admissions of college) Electronic transcript: includes grades 9 – 11; class rank; and ACT test scores (unofficial, but accepted by most colleges) Letter(s) of recommendation, if needed, by more selective schools, (check first with the school website to see if required) Essay(s) if needed

11. Sample Criteria Michigan State University Rolling admissions (through July 30) Early notification: October 5, 2012** Financial aid: January 1 – March 15 for best results SAT or ACT: must be sent FROM the testing service Essay: personal statement **by invitation only from MSU

12. Sample Criteria University of Michigan Early action (Nov. 1 – non binding – will receive decision by December 24) December 1 deadline: music, theater & dance Equal consideration deadline: February 1, 2013 Financial aid: Apply January 1 – March 15 for best results SAT or ACT: must be sent FROM the testing service Essay and short response questions

13. Teacher Recommendations Highly Selective Schools Only! Ask 11th/12th grade teachers (core subject) Allow at least 2 weeks notice Supply the teacher with your resume/activity sheet Ask the teacher to turn the letter in to the guidance office, or indicate if they are submitting online Remind the teacher to keep a copy in case you need additional letters Wait two weeks, then confirm with the teacher that the letter was handed in or submitted on line Follow up with a “thank you” note to the teacher

14. When you write your essay Start early Read the directions carefully: answer the question!! Tell the truth about yourself Focus on your best side: what sets you apart! Tie yourself to the college Speak positively Write about your greatest assets & achievements www.essayedge.com (sample essays, free tips) www.essayedge.com Wow Writing Workshop, LLC info@wowwritingworkshop.com 800-497-WRITE

15. Resume Also helpful for scholarship apps! Keep to one page Use quality paper Make it easy to read Be specific Include address, phone & e-mail address Include academics, athletics, activities, honors, volunteer/community service & work experience A good start is the EDP on Career Cruising

16. Common Application Now exclusively used by University of Michigan Used by 500+ institutions Some schools use the Common App as an option – you have a choice Supplements are generally required for each college Go to: www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org

17. Campus Visits Go online to schedule a visit or call the school’s Admissions Office With your campus tour ask to sit in on a class have lunch in a dining hall stay overnight in a dorm meet with a financial aid rep., if possible Pick a day the college is in session (week day) October 8 is a day off for all Regina students October 17 is Testing Day at RHS- no school for seniors See Regina school calendar for short schedule days Saturday campus visit days on are also good opportunities

18. MME - Class of 2013 Results were sent home with your student on Sept. 5 LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE Level 1* – Advanced - Exceeding Michigan Standards* Level 2* – Proficient - Met Michigan Standards* Level 3 – Partially Proficient - Basic Level Level 4 – Not Proficient – Apprentice As you know, the Michigan Promise Award has been discontinued. Your student’s score may still be of interest to you.

19. Financial Aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Paper application (discouraged) Web-based application www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov (faster results) EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE THIS FORM. Go on the website now to obtain your PIN number, both parents and students.

20. FAFSA - on-line – Fafsa.ed.govFafsa.ed.gov Financial aid information is available in the counseling office File January 1 through February 15 Use estimated tax information if your actual figures are not available Amend your estimated figures as soon as possible New Feature: you can electronically import your tax return information (1040 Form) into the FAFSA form Make a copy for your files Be aware of CSS Profile deadline– addendum to FAFSA – required by U of M etc. Juniors can use the FAFSA 4caster link now available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1112/help/complete001.htm http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1112/help/complete001.htm

21. Scholarships & Financial Aid www.fastweb.com financial aid search through the web Search more than 375,000 listings Scholarships: check Regina’s tab under Guidance Grants Loans Free website Local scholarship opportunities are the most beneficial, i.e. Elks Club, your employer, city governments, etc. DO NOT be scammed by those promising to get you scholarships if you sign up for their services.

22. Financial Aid Financial Aid Nights are available through Macomb Community College: Wednesday, November 14* – 6 – 8 p.m. Center Campus Wednesday, November 28* – 6 - 8:00 p.m. South Campus (A Financial Aid professional will be presenting) *Additional dates available in early 2013 College Goal Sunday… FREE assistance with your FAFSA! February 10, 2013 2 - 4 p.m. Go to: http://www.micollegegoal.org/Students/Home/tabid/1350/Default.aspx http://www.micollegegoal.org/Students/Home/tabid/1350/Default.aspx

23. Timeline - Junior Year Explore - College Choices College Day – Regina - October 9 1:30 – 3:30 PSAT – Oct. 17 (in school) ACT/MME Test Prep after school beginning in Jan. ACT/MME – March 5, 6 & 7, 2013

24. Timeline - Junior Year SAT / retake ACT – April/May/June AP Testing - May Career cruising – Create a tentative list of colleges Spring – Summer – Fall - Visit college campuses Summer - Work on essays and resumes

25. Choosing a College Type of School Two year or four year Public or private College search programs Single sex or coedwww.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com Religious affiliationwww.princetonreview.comwww.princetonreview.com www.petersons.com Locationwww.careercruising.comwww.careercruising.com In-state Out-of-state Campus setting Urban Suburban Rural

26. Choosing a College  School Size Small (fewer than 2,000 students) Medium (2,000 - 15,000) Large (15,000+)  Diversity  Percent of students with minority backgrounds Percent of out-of-state students  Activities & Sports Greek life Choir/dance/radio/etc. Div I, II, III or club/intramural

27. Choosing a College Majors and Academics Rugg’s Recommendations Admissions Requirements Curriculum GPA Test Scores Cost and financial aid Tuition Need-based aid

28. Regina College Day – Oct. 9 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. (parents welcome beginning at 2:40) RHS Cafeteria 50+ Colleges including: Albion, Aquinas, Central, Columbia (Chicago), Grand Valley, John Carroll, Kalamazoo, Kettering, Lawrence Tech, Loyola, Madonna, Marygrove, MSU, Michigan Tech, Northwood, Notre Dame, Oakland, Ohio State, St. Mary’s of Notre Dame, Saginaw Valley,Specs Howard, U of M, U of Dayton, Wayne State, Western Mich.

29. College Admissions Criteria Grades/Curriculum Extracurricular Activities ACT/SAT

33. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS COMPARISON CHART SUBJECTREGINA HIGH SCHOOL STATE OF MICHIGAN Class of 2012 COLLEGE ENTRANCE RECOMMENDATIONS English4 credits 4 credits (honors and AP for selective colleges) Foreign Language2 credits (beginning with the class of 2015)2 credits (beginning with the class of 2016)3 credits (4 for selective colleges) Mathematics 4 credits – including one credit in the senior year 4 credits: Alg. I, Geometry, Alg. II, including one credit in the senior year 4 credits Social Studies 3 credits including World and U.S. History & Geography, Am. Govt. & Economics 2 credits in History and 1 credit in Social Studies (4 including AP for selective colleges) Science3 credits including Biology and Chemistry 3 credits including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, one additional science credit 3 credits (4 including AP for selective colleges) Fine Arts1 credit Fine/performing arts Health & Phys. Ed.1 credit Computers½ credit and online learning in each class One online class or online learning in each required class Computer literacy strongly recommended Religious Studies3 ½ credits Christian Community Service½ credit (60 Hours) Electives3 – 5 credits TOTAL27 credits16-18 academic credits18-23 academic credits

34. College Admissions Tests PLAN (Sophomores)PSAT (Juniors) ACT SAT Achievement Aptitude

35. College Admissions Tests - PSAT ONLY Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Dismissal – 11:30 a.m. Length of Test – 2 hours 10 minutes Measures:Critical Reading Math Problem Solving Writing Skills Value of the Test: Feedback on academic skills Practice for the SAT Get used to standardized testing www.collegeboard.com/psatwww.collegeboard.com/psat (practice questions) Official Student Guide to the PSAT Full-length tests available

36. College Admissions Tests - PSAT PSAT/NMSQT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test Juniors Only Screening Test for National Merit Scholars 1.5 million students take the test 34,000 students are commended 16,000 students are semi-finalists 8,300 receive National Merit Scholarship awards (one-half of the top one percent who take the test)

37. College Admissions Tests/MME Michigan Merit Exam (MME) ACT Plus Writing (college reportable score) WorkKeys (Applied Math – Reading for Info – Locating Info) Additional assessments in Math, Science, and Social Studies

38. MME Regina 2013 MME Schedule (State wide administration) Tuesday, March 5 – ACT Plus Writing (To be held at Macomb CC South Campus) Wednesday, March 6 – WorkKeys (To be held at RHS) Thursday, March 7 – Michigan Science, Math and Social Studies Assessments (To be held at RHS)

39. MME ACT score from the MME will be accepted by all colleges and universities and the NCAA Clearinghouse (National Collegiate Athletic Association – www.ncaa.org)www.ncaa.org ACT score (plus writing score) will be available four weeks after the test ACT March scores can be sent to four colleges free MME Score will be available in the summer before senior year

40. MME Website: www.michigan.gov/mme (Information for Parents and Students)www.michigan.gov/mme The New Michigan Merit Exam -- What it is, What it Means, and What it OffersThe New Michigan Merit Exam -- What it is, What it Means, and What it Offers Your Guide to the ACTYour Guide to the ACT (Link to ACT Website) Preparing to Take the ACT Plus WritingPreparing to Take the ACT Plus Writing State Testing Preparing for WorkKeys ACT College Readiness Standards ACT - Ready for College & Ready for Work: Same or Different?

41. ACT 2012-13 National Test Dates Test DateRegular Deadline December 8, 2012November 2, 2012 February 9, 2013January 11, 2013 April 13, 2013March 8, 2013 June 8, 2013May 3, 2013 Register on-line: www.actstudent.org Regina CEEB code: 231-873

42. ACT 2012-13 Register Online (for all except MME test) Real Time Seat Assignment Print Admission Ticket View Scores – beginning 2 weeks later New: ACT requires student to upload photo

43. ACT 2012-13 National Test Fees ACT (No Writing)$35.00 ACT Plus Writing$50.50 Additional score reports (first 4 colleges are free)$11.00 each Late registration fee (10 – 14 days after deadline)$22.00 Stand-by basic fee+$43.00 Test Information Releasebasic fee+$19.00* Test date or center change$21.00 *Available only Dec., April, June

44. ACT 2012-13 Average Student takes ACT 2 - 4 times Writing Test: required by some schools (UM – MSU – Kalamazoo – etc.) 78% - Go Up or Stay the Same (1.2 pts) 22% - Go Down Dec – Apr – June $19 – Test Information Release: Get Test and Answers

45. Test Prep – ACT/MME ACT – One Day Workshop Saturday – March 2, 2012 Regina High School 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $30.00* *For students testing March 5 who are not enrolled in the ACT class. Price is $20.00 for students enrolled in the ACT class.

46. Test Prep – ACT/MME ACT/MME Test Prep Class Eight week class (registration deadline is Friday, December 14) Tuesdays: Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, and Feb. 26 Regina High School 3 – 4:45 p.m. $175 If enrolled in the class there is a $10.00 discount for the Saturday workshop on March 2 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

47. Test Prep – ACT Free on-line resource www.actonlineprep.com Students received username & password in Spring 2012* Diagnostic assessment tailors prep class to each student’s level *See Mrs. Dulgerian or Ms. Forys if original username and password is lost

48. Take and know the test – “Preparing for the ACT” http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf English Math Reading Science Writing ACT Toolbox K-12

49. Test Prep – ACT/MME Test Prep Websites www.actstudent.org www.collegeboard.com www.kaplan.com www.princetonreview.com www.collegequestmi.com Test Prep Resources The Real ACT Prep Guide ACT Prep On-Line (student edition)

50. SAT 2012-13 Test Dates Test DateRegular Deadline November 3, 2012October 4, 2013 December 1, 2012November 1, 2012 January 26, 2013December 28, 2012 March 9, 2013February 8, 2013 May 4, 2013April 5, 2013 June 1, 2013May 2, 2013 register on-line: www.collegeboard.com or www.sat.org Regina’s CEEB code: 231-873

51. SAT 2012-13 Fees SAT Reasoning Test$50.00 SAT Subject Tests – basic fee$23.00 plus each subject$12.00 New (as of 2010) Students may choose which SAT test results they wish to report

52. http://www.act.org/aap/concordance/

53. Explore Colleges College Night Programs www.macrao.org www.macrao.org 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (unless otherwise indicated) Tues., October 2O.C.C. – Royal Oak 5:30 – 7 p.m. Wed., October 10Grosse Pointe South 6 – 8 p.m. Mon., October 15Troy Athens High 6:30 – 8 p.m. Tues., October 16Notre Dame Prep9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thurs., October 16Rochester Adams6:30 – 8 p.m.

54. EDP – careercruising.com Online guidance program that assists with the Career and Education planning process. Career Exploration Education Plans College Search Portfolio/Resume