1. Staying Informed  Counseling webpage  Viking Voyage – monthly newsletter  Skyward (monitor your student’s grades, attendance, etc.)  NKHS High School Main Website  Sophomore, Junior, Senior Calendar

2. College Research www.wois.org www.checkoutacollege.com Community and technical college search and information www.collegeboard.org Explore College Websites (usually takes about 45 minutes per college) College Visitations preview days

3. Selecting a School L OCATION, MAJORS, COST, ADMISSION RATES, SIZE, STUDENT LIFE … YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR STUDENT. A student’s College List should include a broad range of colleges “S AFETY ” S CHOOLS – student well exceeds admission requirements “M ATCH ” S CHOOLS – student matches or exceeds admissions requirements “R EACH ” S CHOOLS – admission requirements are very competitive, regardless of whether the student has exceeded admission requirements (historically very low admissions rates) Application fees range anywhere from $45-$90. Applying to a large number of schools can be expensive and counterproductive.

4. 4 year College Admission Requirements  Washington public 4-year colleges require the following: English – 4 years Social Science – 3 years Math – 3 years including algebra I, geometry, and algebra II and meaningful math in Senior year World Language – 2 years of the same language Lab Science – 2 years (biology, chemistry, or physics) Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts -.5 of a year Academic elective -.5 of a year Standardized testing to include SAT or ACT (with writing) **** REVIEW THE WEBSITES FOR THE COLLEGES TO WHICH YOU INTEND TO APPLY BEFORE YOU APPLY!

5. 4 Year College “Need to Know”  Admissions Requirements – refer to college website for specific details  PSAT Date: October 18, 7:45am to 11:00am  Recommended for all college-bound juniors  SAT www.collegeboard.com  ACT www.actstudent.org  Deadlines  Seniors: most colleges will accept up to December test results  Juniors: plan to take the SAT/ACT this spring  GPA & Rank  Transcript Request  Private vs. Public Institutions  Letter of Recommendation Procedure

6. College Admissions  Grades (in rigorous courses)  Recommendations  Essay(s)  Extra-curricular activities including leadership and community service  Test Scores  **Be sure to truly represent yourself and your areas of passion

7. How to Distinguish Your Application  Extra-Curricular Activities  Volunteer Work Hours  Paid Work Hours  Leadership  Clubs/Sports/Music  Clubs and memberships outside of school  Personal Statement  Difficulties you have overcome  Challenges you have met  Area of passion  Reasons for wanting to go to college  Edit, edit, edit

8. College Application See college or universities for requirements and deadlines State schools have their own on-line application Most private schools use Common Application or SendEdu ***Transcripts ***Test Scores

9. 2 Year College “Need to Know”  Accuplacer/Placement Test  Seniors – Spring  fall registration usually occurs around early June  2 Year vs. 4 Year decision  Smaller Class Sizes  Cost Difference  Housing  Maturity  SAT/ACT not required for admissions into community college  AA/AAS Transferable Degree

10. Financial Aid  Financial Aid Night  Attend in December of Junior and Senior year @ NKHS Commons  College Financial Aid Speaker  FAFSA Information  Application window begins January 1 st  Seniors: apply ASAP to maximize your eligibility for awards  What can you do now?  FAFSA4caster FAFSA4caster

11. Scholarships  Main Office contact Karen Lawlis 396-3116  School Website: www.nkschools.orgwww.nkschools.org  www.thewashboard.org  Check out websites of colleges/university of interest to stay informed of their scholarships

12. Out of State Scholarship (WUE)  Out of State Exchange Programs (reduced tuition for out-of- State applicants (WUE)WUE Student must have legal residency in WUE state ○ Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah Washington, Wyoming Students can receive a discounted rate through the completion of their Bachelor’s degree ○ Over 145 public institutions are participating Some majors are not eligible Some colleges/universities have limited availability ○ May require evidence of academic performance To apply: ○ Check WUE box on your online admissions application or contact the admisions office of your prospective colleges For more information go to www.wiche.edu/wue

13. Q & A