College

101 W H A T S T U D E N TS A N D P A R E NT S NE E D T O K NO W

Planning for College

 Start talking with staff at least three weeks ahead of time regarding recommendation letters and provide each a resume. Remember to choose people who know you well.  If you are considering military academies or ROTC scholarships, the process should begin in your junior year.

 Get organized by creating a file to manage your college search, testing, application data, and financial aid information.

 Watch deadlines! Use a calendar or planner to write down important deadlines to keep track of college deadlines.

College Terminology

    Associate Degree – two-year degree – usually 62 credit hours Bachelor’s Degree – four-year degree – usually 120 – 130 credit hours  Undergraduate – Obtaining an associates or bachelor’s degree Master’s Degree – started after bachelor’s degree – usually 32 – 36 credit hours  Graduate – Obtaining a masters or doctoral degree Credit - Courses taken in college are measured in terms of credit hours. To earn one credit hour, a student must attend a class for one classroom hour (usually 50 minutes) per week for the whole semester (usually 16 weeks). Classes are usually offered in 3 4 credit hour increments.

Transfer Credits



Be aware of transfer credit pitfalls

   Be sure courses transfer into your specific program Talk to both the college admissions representative from your current college and the college you will transferring to in the future Taking your general education courses at Delta – If your major is in Health, Science, Technology, Engineering or Math, list AS.40000 as your program. If your major is in Human Services, Art, Education, or Humanities, list AA.40000 as your program.

Choosing a College

           Cost of tuition and board GPA and ACT/SAT meet entrance requirements of the university Size of college/university Reputation Distance from home Make up of student population Particular programs, majors, specialties Athletic opportunities Scholarships and financial assistance Clubs, organizations and networking opportunities https://www.michigancap.org/College/Search with narrowing down college choices - site to assist

College Matches – Three Categories



FINALIZE your college list early in the senior year. Consider the following guide:

 One or two safe colleges: colleges to which you will almost certainly be admitted  A few Moderately Selective colleges: colleges where your GPA, test scores, and other features look very similar to those of recent entering classes 

Visit www.collegedata.com

criteria to research colleges’ admittance

 One or two Highly Selective colleges: colleges where you meet the criteria for admission but may not have the exceptional qualifications of most first year students

College Visits

      

Develop a plan of action for your junior and senior year

When can you and your family participate in college campus visits?

What colleges/universities do you want to visit? What exactly are you looking for when you visit? How many colleges/universities do you plan to apply?

Must report college visits to attendance office (visitation form available in counseling office)  College Visits are School Related Absences Numerous college representatives visit John Glenn. Many will waive application fees if you attend the meeting. The college visit schedule is available on the John Glenn counseling website. Please sign up in the counseling office. You may attend three visitations each semester.

Admission Requirements

College

Central Michigan U.

recommended required Eastern Michigan U.

Ferris State U.

Grand Valley State Hope College Lake Superior State recommended required recommended required recommended required recommended required recommended required Michigan State U.

Michigan Tech Northern Michigan U. recommended required Northwood U.

recommended required Oakland U.

Saginaw Valley St.

recommended required recommended required recommended required recommended required Univ. of Michigan Wayne State U.

recommended required recommended required Western Michigan U. recommended required

English Math Science

4 4 4

For. Lan.

Soc. St.

Hx

2 4 2

Ac. Ele

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 2 2 4 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 3

ACT

23 avg 4 22 avg 21.8 avg 24 avg 3 26 avg 22 avg 26 avg 2 27 avg 23.9 avg 21 avg 22 avg 22 avg 17 min 1 30 avg 22.8 avg 23 avg

GPA

3.3 avg 3.2 avg 3.23 avg 3.5 avg 3.72 avg 3.32 avg 3.65 avg 3.7 avg avg 3.30

3.25 avg 3.4 avg 3.25 avg 3.85 avg 3.22 avg 3.37 avg

Focus of Admission

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Retaking the ACT

 

Students retaking the ACT to achieve a higher score should do so by October to be considered for scholarships.

Register on-line: http://www.actstudent.org/

     $38.00 for ACT with no Writing $54.50 for ACT Plus Writing ACT given September, October, December, February, April and June Late fee of $23 if registration deadline is missed John Glenn’s ACT High School Code is 230-208

Obtain College Applications

      Apply to colleges in the summer or fall of senior year Some paper applications are available in the Counseling Office Many applications are completed electronically Counselors would like all applications submitted by October 31 st  Although some colleges have earlier deadlines related to competitive academic scholarships Complete and submit applications even if taking the ACT again – indicate this on the application Request transcripts from your counselor or Docufide by Parchment – www.parchment.com

 Students were mailed parchment registration codes – you can also obtain from your counselor or register without the code.

Application Tips

       Keep copies of your submitted application materials Write an identifier as a header on the top right hand corner of your additional forms (essays, activities list/résumé) in case they are separated Print and prepare in advance, especially essays Follow up your transcript requests READ & REREAD everything before submitting! Apply early The earlier you apply, the earlier you are accepted. The earlier you are accepted, the earlier you obtain the housing application and the better chance you have at obtaining your first choice for on-campus housing.

College Admission Checklist

          College Application Application Fees Essays Activities List/Résumé Letters of recommendation ACT/SAT scores High School Transcripts Proof of residency (if applicable) Immunization Records (if necessary) NCAA forms (if applicable)

Financing College

  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The deadline is March 1 st in Michigan.  Complete Income Tax Returns as soon as tax information is available Consider attending College Goal Sunday at Delta College

from 2:00 – 4:00 on Sunday, February 8

college choices.

th

to receive hands-on guidance in filling out the FAFSA. BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR PIN NUMBERS FOR BOTH STUDENT AND PARENT. If you wish a paper form, you must call 1-800-FED-AID(1-800 433-3243) to request one. Paper form is not recommended. When submitting financial aid forms make sure to list all

Types of Financial Aid - Grants

 Grants – money does not need to be repaid  Example – Pell Grant (up to $5,730 a year – need-based)  TIP (Tuition Incentive Program)  Student received Medicaid for 24 months within a 36 consecutive month period starting in the sixth grade; tuition paid for associates degree and $500 a semester for Bachelors Degree   Community Colleges and Phase I Universities  Phase I Universities include FSU, LSSU, MTU, NMU, MSU (Agriculture Technology Program), and numerous private universities Contact 1-888-447-2687 to check if unsure

Types of Financial Aid - Loans

 Loans – money will need to be repaid  Perkins – exceptional need-based loan for students; low interest rate; nine month grace period after graduation to start paying back the loan    Stafford – most common federal student loan  Direct Subsidized – Based on financial need; Department of Education pays interest on loan while student is completing degree   Direct Unsubsidized – Not need based; Student/Parent pays interest on loan while in school Loan itself does not have to be paid until after student graduates Parent PLUS – most common affordable federal parent loan Private – provided by banks and credit unions

Types of Financial Aid - Scholarships

 Our John Glenn High School Scholarship website is updated every few weeks. Go to www.bangorschools.org

scholarships. ; click on counseling and then scholarships to view scholarships. Apply for local    Bay Area Community Foundation Scholarships – approximately 100 available Bay Commitment Scholarship – first generation college students – parents have not received Bachelors degree; attending Delta or Saginaw Valley in Fall; $2,000 one time scholarship John Glenn’s Achieve Your Dream Scholarship - $500 one time scholarships – number of scholarships determined yearly  Numerous National Scholarship websites are available such as www.fastweb.com

and www.weeklyscholarshipalert.com

Scholarships Continued

 Michigan Competitive Scholarship   Need based; 23 composite on ACT; combined score of 90 on the ACT  Students receive a letter indicating that they have met the qualifications for the scholarship; however, the actual scholarship awards are given to students based on financial need.

Amount awarded set yearly (up to $676 annually)    Most scholarships are completed electronically If paper copies are required/available, this will be indicated on our John Glenn scholarship website Be aware of scholarship deadlines

Types of Financial Aid – Work Study



Federal Work Study Programs – jobs that allow students to earn money toward their education while in college

   Usually on campus Need based Check Work Study Box on FAFSA form

Types of Financial Aid - Military



Military Programs- numerous options to pay for college

   Discuss options with recruiter Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) http://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college scholarships/scholarships-by-type/military scholarships/

Bay Commitment College Resource Center

     Provides college, financial aid, and scholarship resource materials and brochures Provides extra assistance in the financial aid and scholarship process Hosts informational sessions regarding college and career awareness Center open from 8:30 – 5:00 Monday – Friday (Pere Marquette Depot)    No appointment necessary Call 989-893-6026 for more information Or visit http://bayfoundation.org/CollegeAccess.htm

Bay Area Community Foundation CPSO (College Prep Service Officer) for JGHS: Mrs. Isola

College Specific Scholarships

  

Once student receives a scholarship award letter, submit the necessary paperwork to assure scholarship is secured even if other colleges are being considered Awards can be declined at a later date Maintain a file for all award letters – these scholarship offers will be announced during the senior honors’ assembly in May

Avoid Scholarship Scams

 

Avoid scholarships which:

   require a fee guarantee that you will receive an award request credit card information to verify or hold scholarship http://baycommitment.org/pdfs/scholarshipscams_ tipsheet.pdf

Scholarship Essay Writing Tips

Compliments of Miss Klida

         Always follow the directions EXACTLY! Pay special attention to margins, fonts, total number of words, and any other specific essay requirements. They will not even read your essay until they have looked for these things, so you want to be sure you follow everything completely. FYI: this also happens with resumes and cover letters. Do not be afraid to build yourself up! This essay needs to convey the kind of individual you are, all you have accomplished and what you specifically need to be successful. You need to “sell yourself” in a way. Be careful not to be cocky! If your writing style conveys you as cocky, you may turn the reader off. You must find a way to be confident, but humble. Remember, you NEED their help. So, you must show them that you are deserving of their assistance both financially and personally.

Specifics = Success! The more specific you are the better. They do not know you from any other applicant. So you must tell them specifically what you have accomplished and why you are the best candidate. What makes you stand out from your peers? Draw them in! Getting the reader’s attention is vital. This is why you have been practicing titles and hooks in all of your essays for English class. The first sentence or two must be intriguing. If they are not interested and drawn in, then your essay is just another that they have read. Make it stand out. Here are some tips for starting: - Use a quote that describes you, is your motto, or is related to the essay topic. Be sure to cite the quote’s source (in other words, tell who said it). An easy way to do this is: John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” - Start with an interesting fact about you that makes you stand out from everyone else. - Begin with a short story that connects with your essay. It could be specifically about you, or just one that has a strong connection with the rest of your essay.

PROOFREAD! Again, they are looking for a reason to put your essay in the discard pile in order to narrow down the numbers. Don’t give them the opportunity because of grammatical errors.

Important Elements of a College Essay

     Some applications require an essay in order to provide more information about you. Share your unique personality, talents, goals, life, etc. This helps you stand out from the other applicants.

The essay serves many purposes for the admissions counselor. It helps them:  Get a clearer overall picture of who you are.

  Evaluate your abilities to think clearly and communicate your ideas in writing Evaluate your own level of seriousness about attending this school.

A good essay begins with neatness, proper grammar, and correct spelling. It should be interesting to read and reveal something about your personality, values and goals.

If not covered in another section, it should include clubs, organizations, sports, community involvement, etc.

Resume

 Create or update your resume including a record of your accomplishments, activities, community service, and work experiences from high school.

 Choose a format that best highlights your experience, education, and interests – be brief and informative  Utilize a resume for summer employment, volunteer work, job shadowing and internships, college applications, and scholarship applications.  Provide resume to those adults writing recommendation letters.

 Resume templates are available in Microsoft Word and http://www.aie.org/finding-a-career/

Career Interest Inventories

   

www.collegetoolkit.com

 http://careers.collegetoolkit.com/career/main.aspx

www.collegeboard.com

 https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore careers/careers/reading-career-profiles

www.petersons.com

www.MichiganCAP.org

NCAA Clearinghouse

 Inform your counselor if playing a sport in college is a possibility  See Mr. Tuck for application process and high school course requirements  Begin the certification process for NCAA ELIGIBILITY at the end of your Junior year if you are planning to enroll in a Division I or Division II college  NCAA Eligibility is determined by the number of college prep Core Curriculum classes you have taken, G.P.A. in Core Classes, and ACT or SAT scores  To register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, go online to www.eligibilitycenter.org and click the link to enter as an NCAA College-Bound Student-Athlete. To create an account, either click on the "New Account" button at the top right of the screen or the cell phone on the left side of the screen.

 The registration fee is $75

College Timeline – 1

st

semester

            

September & October

Research and narrow down your school choices Complete and submit applications and additional materials Request letters of recommendation Take the ACT/SAT if you have not done so already or take again to improve your score

Apply for Scholarships

November

Be sure college applications and additional materials have been submitted Continue applying for scholarships

December

Continue applying for scholarships

January

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be completed from January 1 st to March 1st

College Timeline – 2

nd

semester

        

February

Attend College Goal Sunday to receive professional assistance completing FAFSA

March

Those attending Delta in fall can sign up for classes at the end of March

January - May

Maintain a strong GPA.

 Admission offers are subject to cancellation if your final course work does not meet admission requirements.

After receiving offer of admission to desired school, complete housing applications and orientation materials Sign up for orientation date (Orientation is MANDATORY for many schools)

College, Here I Come!

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”

-Nora Roberts College 101 Power Point available on John Glenn Counseling website