1. Presented by the Independence HS Student Services Team

2. @cms.k12.nc.us StaffCaseloadEmailExt. B. WilliamsonA-Combrenda.williamson4011741 A. DurrCon-HaAnita1.durrlowe4011732 C. DavisHb-McCheryl1.davis4011706 A. McKinleyMe-RoAshley.blount4011702 R. RamadanRp-ZRyans.ramadan4011717 J. Kritzer9 th GradeJames.kritzer4011721 B. McSwain, Registrarbridget.mcswain4011726 S. Schuch, Secretaryshelley.schuch4011733

3.  Coordinate college recruiter visits to Independence  Coordinate the college and career fair  Facilitator of College and Career Promise at CPCC  Assist students in making critical decisions relative to their future  To contact Mrs. Wright, patrice.wright@cms.k12.nc.us patrice.wright@cms.k12.nc.us

4.  Connects students to work-based learning opportunities by providing job shadows, internships, and other special events that emphasize a wide range of industries with many career options  Facilitates the Youth Works program at Independence that helps students overcome barriers to their college and career aspirations  Provides lunch-n-learns to feeder middle schools in an effort to expose students to the opportunities both in high school and to begin having them think about college and career options  Rusty1.roberson@cms.k12.nc.us Rusty1.roberson@cms.k12.nc.us

5. CoursesCredits English (I, II, III, IV)4 Math (Math I, Math II, Math III, and a higher level math – AFM, Honors Pre-Calc, Honors Discrete, etc.) 4 Science (Earth/Environmental, Biology, Physical (Chemistry, Physics, or Physical Science) 3 History (World, Civics/Economics, American History I and II OR AP US History and another social studies course) 4 Foreign Languages (at least 2 of the same, but many prefer 3) 2 Health/PE1 Electives (including the 2 foreign language)8 TOTAL CREDITS24

6.  College Foundation of North Carolina www.cfnc.org  College Visits

7.  Choose 3-5 colleges that you wish to apply ◦ 1- ‘Reach’ school ◦ 2- Where you would like to attend ◦ 3- If you can’t get in anywhere else, what you will take  Follow the directions on the application.  Be mindful of deadlines!!!  You can apply at the college’s website or through CFNC (www.cfnc.org)www.cfnc.org  www.duke.edu; www.uncc.edu; www.nccu.edu www.duke.eduwww.uncc.edu www.nccu.edu

8.  Coursework  Grade Point Average (GPA)  Class rank  SAT and/or ACT scores  Extracurricular Activities  Community Service  Recommendations, essays, and interviews (if required)

9.  Private and independent colleges sometimes have more flexible entrance requirements. Check with individual schools for specifics.  Don’t let cost deter you from considering a private or independent college. They usually give great financial aid packages!!!

10.  Early Action -is an admissions procedure to notify student of early admissions to the college. Students are not obligated to accept the college’s offer of admission and may file applications at other universities.  Early Decision -is a plan under which candidates may submit credentials early to one college, usually by Oct. 15 th of senior year. Applicants are notified of their status by December. As part of the early decision plan, students may be required to sign an agreement to withdraw other applicants if accepted.

11.  Regular Admission – is the plan under which candidates submit credentials during November to February, depending on school deadlines. Check the deadlines for each individual school.  Rolling Admission – the plan under which candidates submit the credentials at their convenience through a certain date, usually late in the school year. They receive an offer of acceptance or denial within 4-6 weeks.  Onsite Admission – is an admissions option in which colleges visit students at the high school and make an admissions determination during a scheduled appointment with the student.

12.  SAT (2)  ACT (2)  College Application Waivers (4) – only used if you previously used an SAT or ACT waiver ◦ Please check with the college to see if they accept these waivers first! Students must qualify by having proof of free/reduced lunch.

13.  Can be written for college admissions or scholarships  Must turn in a ‘Brag Sheet’ firstBrag Sheet

14.  All transcripts for in-state colleges are free if they are requested through www.cfnc.org.www.cfnc.org  Official transcripts for out-of state college admissions -- http://connection.naviance.com/IndHSNC http://connection.naviance.com/IndHSNC  Scholarships and NCAA Clearinghouse are free! Please request them at www.bigibelieve.com. www.bigibelieve.com  Please see the secretary in Student Services.

15.  Please visit www.bigibelieve.comwww.bigibelieve.com  FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – Must be completed starting January 1 st of the year you will be attending college.  www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov  Merit-based aid is usually awarded by colleges and private sources for unique talents and achievement or for meeting other donor-specified qualification. Merit scholarships include academic, leadership, athletic, music, single parent and returning adult student awards.  Need-based aid – Eligibility for need-based aid is determined by an evaluation of your family's financial circumstances through completion of a need analysis application known as the FAFSA.

16.  Athletes should sign up in the spring of their Junior year.  Which courses count for Clearinghouse  How GPAs/SAT/ACT scores are calculated.  If you haven’t signed up yet, please do so ASAP. If you need help at school, please see Mr. Ramadan or Mr. Kritzer in Student Services. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

17. 1. Don’t neglect your study habits! 2. If you don’t have one, sign up for a college savings account. 3. Talk to your school counselors, teachers, family members, and other trusted adults about your plans for college. 4. Create a file for the following documents: report cards, honors and awards, volunteer work, etc. 5. Find out about AP and other honors-level courses

18. 6. Continue to be involved in campus and community activities. 7. Spend your summers volunteering and completing educational programs. 8. Take small steps toward independence. When you get to college, you’re on your own! 9. Always try your best. You may not get a 2 nd chance. 10. Be responsible for your own success!

19.  January 20 th, 2015 at 6:00 pm in the Mall Area

20. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! @indy_counselors

21. Counselors will be available at the end to discuss any specific questions.