1. Fall/Winter Checklist Ron Michael High School Guidance Counselor

2. College Bound Senior Year November/December Checklist ____ Review scholarship options and applications that have fall due dates. ____ Attend Greater Omaha College Fair, October 31, 1-4 at UNO ____ Attend November 2 nd at DC West 6:30-8:00 ____ Update your résumé. ____ Visit colleges you might want to attend. ____ Meet with college representatives as they visit your high school.

3. November Checklist Apply for the FAFSA http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Continue Scholarship Hunt http://www.dcwest.org/index.cfm?action=206&bt =536&bt1=538&id=261&detail=493 http://www.dcwest.org/index.cfm?action=206&bt =536&bt1=538&id=261&detail=493

4. Apply for the FAFSA What does FAFSA Stand for? Free Application for Federal Student Aid What should I do in November with the FAFSA? Apply for a PIN Personal Identification Number

5. Fill out your PIN http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp Click PIN Site Apply Have them send the information to your home.

6. Common Questions about the FAFSA Is filling the FAFSA on the Web really Faster? Yes, The electronic application is processed in three to five days. If it is completed by paper it will take two to four weeks to process. Must I be accepted before I can apply for financial aid? No, You can apply for financial aid any time after January 1. If I change schools, will my financial aid go with me? No, Check with your new school to determine what steps to take to continue to receive aid.

7. Common Questions about the FAFSA If it is questionable that I qualify for aid; should I apply anyway? Yes, Submitting the FAFSA is free. Many families believe they don’t qualify for aid and fail to receive available funds. When completing the FAFSA, why must I report the highest school level my parents completed? Some states and schools offer funding for students who are first generation college students. Can my parents and I share a PIN? No, Students and parents must each have their own PIN. Could I lose my financial aid benefits if I don’t register with the selective service? Yes, If you are a male between the ages of 18-25 YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE SELECTIVE SERVICE.

8. Common Questions about the FAFSA What does EFC stand for? Expected Family Contribution (EFC) This is the amount calculated from a completed need analysis form that the family is expected to contribute toward meeting educational cost. What is an SAR? Student Aid Report, (SAR) Federal output document sent to a student by the application processor (College). The SAR contains financial and other information as reported by the student on the FAFSA

9. College Fairs College Fair at UNO Sapp Field House Sunday, October 31 form 1:00-4:00 Over 200 Colleges from around the nation College Fair at DC West Tuesday, November 2 nd from 6:30-8:00 Local College representatives

10. Campus Visits Where do I start? Call College Admissions Offices or contact Go.Visit.college http://www.educationquest.org/govisitclghs.asp What are some important factors to consider in your college environment? Size of Campus Private/Public Cost including travel Distance from home Housing Options Campus Environment – Urban/Rural

11. Scholarship Hunt Listen to what I have to say in class and continuously push yourself. Reminder 20 Scholarships by the end of the semester Continue Scholarship Hunt

12. Essay Writing Why do I have to write an essay? It shows colleges that you really care to get into that particular college or university. What do colleges look for in an essay? An essay gives insight to committee members to the student’s personality. In short, it is an interview.

13. Essay Writing Continued What does it take to write a good essay? Answer the question that is asked Express your voice in the essay Let your personality come out in the essay Be honest and true to your views

14. What is the difference between loans and grants? Federal Pell Grants Pell Grants can range from $100-$4000 a year depending on your level of need (After FAFSA) Pell Grants do not require repayment.

15. What is the difference between loans and grants? Student Loans Subsidized loans are awarded on the basis of financial need. You won't be charged any interest before you begin repaying the loan because the federal government subsidizes the interest during this time Unsubsidized loans charge interest from the time the money is first disbursed until it is paid in full. The interest is capitalized, meaning that you pay interest on any interest that has already accrued. One way to minimize how much interest accrues is to pay the interest as it accumulates.