2. Next Steps DeAnna Brown ELCS School Counselor

3. First Steps  Introductions  Parent Involvement is Key  Where to find more information  Contact me at dbrown@elcsd.org or at 873-6371x4dbrown@elcsd.org

4. Planning & Preparing

5. Every Year  Make your academic transcript strong  Get Involved in Clubs, Sports, Community Programs or other Activities  Volunteer/Community Service  Research possible careers or majors  Take challenging coursework and do your best

6. 9th & 10th Grade – Explore!  Take the Plan Test (10 th grade w/Mrs. Brown)  Consider CV-TEC program for 11 th /12 th Grade  Attend College Visits with Mrs. Brown

7. CV-TEC Programs New Visions – Seniors Only Medical Careers / Law & Government Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute (PAI) – Junior & Senior Years + 1 year of College Courses at Clinton CC = Associate’s Degree Vocational Programs Junior & Senior Years

8. 11th Grade – Prepare!  Keep Your Grades Up – this is the year that is spotlighted on transcripts.  Take the PSAT  Research Colleges  Take the SAT or ACT (late spring)  Visit College Campuses  Take courses for college credit

9. Earning College Credit at ELCS Dual Credit Course = HS+College Credit at the same time Through North Country Community College Cost is $50 per course Note: You will have a transcript on file with NCCC that shows your college course credits. AP Course = Advanced Placement  Students pay a fee to take the AP Exam

10. Courses Offered for NCCC College Credit at ELCS  English 12  AP English  Pre-Calculus  Calculus  Technical Math  Statistics  Fitness  French 3  Advanced Art  Art Portfolio  Music Theory  Marketing Principles  Computer I  Computer Graphics

11. Aim for Your Highest Diploma  Regents Diploma w/Advanced w/Honors **with Mastery in Math and/or Science (NEW)  Regents Diploma w/Advanced Designation  Regents Diploma w/Honors  Regents Diploma  Local Diploma (for eligible students with IEP or 504 Plan only) Note: Regents Exams can be retaken; Highest grade is posted on transcript.

12. Regents DiplomaRegents Diploma w/Advanced Designation English4 Credits + Comprehensive English Exam Social Studies 4 Credits + Global Exam + US History Exam Math3 Credits + 1 Math Exam3 Math Regents Exam Science3 Credits + 1 Regents Exam2 Science Regents Exams Other Total of 22 Credits 1 Credit Language Other Than English,.5 Credits Heath, 1 Credit Art/Music, 2 Credits P.E., 3.5 Credits Electives Spanish/French Regents Exam

13. SAT and ACT Tests  Taken by students across the nation to give perspective colleges and universities a "snapshot" of the student's academic ability.  Most 4-year colleges and universities require either the SAT or the ACT.  Some selective colleges also require SAT Subject Tests. Check application requirements early.  Register online.  Some students choose to take both tests and submit their scores.  School Counselor has applications for fee waivers and testing accommodations

14. 12th Grade  Review your GPA, rank, & diploma type with Mrs. Brown  Take courses for college credit  Narrow your list of colleges & know deadlines  Apply to Colleges, Apply for Jobs, Meet with military recruiters  Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships  Keep your grades up & retake Regents Exams or SAT/ACT Exams or SAT Subject Tests

15. Researching Options  Internet Searches (from Ms. Brown’s site)  Books from Counselor’s Office and Library  College Fairs  Meet with Admissions Reps and Military Recruiters  Attend Open Houses at colleges  Talk to friends, teachers, neighbors, relatives  Volunteer or work part-time Watch Schrauf Alley & listen to announcements

16. Common Paths  4 year college or university program  2 year college  1 year certificate program  Vocational training programs (ex CV-TEC)  Employment  Military (Active Duty, Reserves, or ROTC)

17. Exploring Military Options  Take the ASVAB (see Mrs. Brown to set up)  Talk with Recruiters  Research ROTC, Active Duty, Reserves  Talk with people who have been in the military

18. Considering Employment  Talk with people you know about their careers  Ask about employment opportunities through people you know  Visit One WorkSource  Volunteer or work part-time to gain experience  Prepare a resume and ask for references

19. Researching College Programs Note: Collegeboard.com or Careercruising.com are recommended search sites.  Academic Programs/Degrees  Location & Size of School  Admissions Criteria  Cost & Financial Assistance  Housing  Clubs & Sports (if interested in playing sports at college, contact college coaches ASAP)  Support Services  Visit the campus via Open House or Tour

20. Some Terms to Know  Associate’s Degree  Bachelor’s Degree  Certificate Programs  Undergraduate vs. Graduate  Public vs Private  Matriculated vs. Non-matriculated  Matriculation Agreement or Transfer Agreement

21. Admissions Information CampusEnrollmentCombined SAT ACT Composite H.S. GPA SUNY Albany 13,2501110- 1260 24-2888-94 SUNY Potsdam 3,6701000- 1160 21-2484-91

22. Applying to Colleges

23. The Application Process  Your application will not be reviewed until all materials are received (including your high school transcript)  Rolling admissions vs. deadlines  Early acceptance vs. early decision  Interviews can be very helpful to you  Know your deadlines and requirements!!

24. Applying to Community College Programs  Community Colleges have Open Enrollment – anyone with HS Diploma can enroll.  Some programs are selective (ex. Nursing, Rad Tech) and have an additional application process.  Apply for free via college’s application to NCCC and CCC.  Attend NCCC with full tuition waiver if in top 20% of graduating class.

25. Typical Application to 4-year programs  Application, Common Application or SUNY Application & Supplemental Application  Official High School Transcript (Transcript Request Form)  Fee or Fee Waiver (see Mrs. Brown)  SAT or ACT Scores (some colleges want them sent directly from SAT/ACT; some colleges are test-optional  Counselor & Teacher Recommendations Note: It is to your advantage to submit everything digitally

26. Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP / HEOP) Provides academic support, and financial aid to students. Eligibility  Ineligible for admission under traditional standards, but demonstrate potential for completing a college program; and  In need of financial assistance within established income guidelines. To Apply  Mark on admissions application that you wish to be considered for EOP/HEOP or submit letter of interest.

27. After the Acceptances  Commit to a college via deposit (typically by May 1 st )  Apply for housing if interested  Take Placement Tests if required  Attend an Orientation  Register for courses  Communicate directly with college for other requirements

28. Paying for College

29. Financial Aid Workshop at ELCS on January 7 th at 5PM with Keri Lubold from PSU

30. Applying for Financial Aid 1)Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you have filed your taxes (after January 1 st ). You can get an estimate of aid prior to this by visiting 2) Complete the HESC Application for financial aid through NY State. 3) Wait to receive an Award Letter from each school, which tells you what financial assistance they can offer you. Note: Some private colleges also require the completion of the CSS Profile through College Board

31. A Word About Price Tags $$ Cost of Attendance - Financial Aid = Actual Cost to You School A School B $40,000$20,000 -20,000- 00000=$20,000 It is possible to attend private college for the same price or less than a public college. Each college has a Net Price Calculator to estimate your actual cost of attendance.

32. Paying for College  Financial Aid  Scholarships  Grants  Student Loans  Parent Loans  Work-Study  Savings  Family Financing  Employment

33. Award Letter Estimated Cost of Attendance Amount of free money you will receive: - Federal Aid - State Aid - Grants/Scholarships - Loans you are eligible for - Work study Estimated Family Contribution

34. 3 Main Sources of Scholarships  Scholarships offered through colleges & universities.  Mrs. Brown’s Scholarship List  Internet Searches

35.  Questions?  Fill out evaluation form please