1. 4 year College Planning Meeting Fall, 2011

2. Have a 3.5+ GPA? Guaranteed admission to WSU!!!

3. Check out a Private school at no cost PLU has no application fee if you complete it online

4. Do you know if you qualify for a Pell Grant? Tuition is guaranteed at UW through the Husky Promise Program

5. First generation college student? Eastern Washington University has scholarships available up to $1500

6. Interested in becoming a nurse? Grand Canyon University, in Arizona, has the best nursing program in the state and no waitlist. Universities within the Seattle area also have nursing programs but many applicants. WSU has affiliation to nursing schools in Spokane and has no waitlist.

7. Ahead of the game? If you apply early you may hear back from your school of choice in November. If you are determined to be accepted to one specific college, consider applying for Early Admission or Early Decision.

8. Have above a 3.1 and 1000 SAT (CR & Math)? Then, you won’t have to write the essays on Central Washington University’s application

9. Free or reduced Lunch? See your counselor to get fee waivers for applications or SAT & ACT test fees.

10. Pre-Med? There are other schools besides UW, consider SPU… They have a 90% average in the placement of their pre-med students into med schools annually. The national average is 54%.

11. Private school too expensive? An average of 90% of all private school students in the State of Washington will receive some, if not significant, financial aid.

12. Do you demonstrate an ongoing commitment to multiculturalism and/or diversity? Western offers $500-$3,000 scholarships as part of the MAP program

13. Want to major in Forensic Science or be a Dental Hygienist? EWU (Eastern Washington University) is the only college in the state that offers 4-year degrees in these majors.

14. Want to attend a small, new school that allows you to study on the porch in the below picture, ski at Whistler and get food prepared by a chef? Check out Quest University ~ located in Squamish, BC

15. WHAT NOW? You’ve researched and determined your criteria for your top colleges choices You’ve visited, done a virtual tour, or plan to visit those colleges BUT…WILL YOU GET IN? DISPLAY YOUR “PERSONAL BEST” IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS!

16. What’s Important –Curriculum quality in grades 9 – 12 –Senior year take rigorous courses –GPA and SAT or ACT scores –School activities, community services, leadership, responsibility for family or in employment –Significant cultural awareness and contributions –Ability to bring a unique perspective, background or ability to the student body –Educational or economic disadvantage –Overcoming personal adversity –Exceptional artistic talent –Personal statement writing quality – put time and thought into completing this.

17. ACT If you haven’t taken the SAT/ACT yet or are going to test again, do so ASAP!

18. Brush up on your skills before you take the exam

19. Most colleges prefer you do their application online (make a copy for yourself!)

20. 390 Colleges around the nation use this application! Read it carefully before you submit!

21. Some colleges ask you to write in your courses, rather than sending a transcript.

22. A couple FYI’s There are application fees for Universities & Colleges ($50+) Make sure you challenge yourself and take a full schedule of courses in your senior year! Universities/Colleges will follow-up with admitted students whose grades drop during their senior year. Universities can revoke admittance if they see a major change in your grades & classes!

23. Essay Tips Write about what is not covered in the rest of the application. Don’t list. You should be the only person who can write your essay. Show who YOU are… YOUR voice… how events/people effected YOU. READ and FOLLOW the directions – answer the question Be wary of “Tip of the Iceburg” and “Thesaurusitis” writing. OMG – also avoid “Txt Message” and using slang in writing. Have someone proofread your writing & read it aloud (spell check doesn’t catch everything!) Give yourself time!

24. These essay tips are from Project Opportunity

25. Get your essays started! Start essays this summer to be ahead of the game! Sample questions are on the JHS Counseling Webpage ~ See “Essay Sample Question”

26. Let’s start your essay! 3 minutes: –Write down all the things that have gone well for you in high school 3 minutes: –Write down all of the things that haven’t gone well for you in high school What themes do you see that keep coming up?

27. How do I pay for all of this?

30. Check out the District Scholarship Website for $$$$$

32. Now let’s do the FAFSA Forecaster! Go to www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov Click on FAFSA4caster Fill out 4 caster to the best of your ability to get an estimate of how much you will need to pay for college

33. HIGH SCHOOL & BEYOND NIGHT WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19 TH 5:00 – 6:30 PM COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR 6:30 – 8:30 PM BREAK OUT SESSIONS An evening for you and parents to get information and resources about your post-high school plans. Watch for the postcard in the mail. YOU won’t want to miss this BIG event!

34. “Opportunities are usually disguised by hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.” Ann Landers The college application process is not overwhelming if you don’t procrastinate and proceed in steps. Take time to do the process needed to get into your ideal school! It’s your future. TTYL