Transcript Steps to College Search Success

College Planning Presentation
IMPORTANT SENIOR
DATES
 Tuesday, October 7, College
Night, 6:30 p.m., BSHS Commons
 Wednesday, January 28,
Financial Aid Program, 7 p.m.,
BSSHS
 Senior Academic Awards Night,
May 7, 7 – 9 p.m., PAC
Which college? How do I choose?
 88% of high school students who are attending college, go to college in
their home state.
 83% of Blue Springs High School students attend college after graduation.
 34% of Blue Springs High School students attend a 2 year community
college.
 47% of Blue Springs High School student go directly to a 4 year college or
university.
Types of Colleges
Type
Description
Tuition
Admission
Requirements
Four year
Degrees offered:
Bachelors and beyond
State: Typically
around
$15,000/year
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Provides: A well-rounded
college experience that
includes an academic area
of study.
Private:
Typically more
than
$20,000/year
SAT or ACT
GPA
Class rank
Essay
Extracurricular
activities
• Letters of
recommendation
• Transcripts
College Comparisons
University of Missouri:
Apply by Dec. 1
Tuition/RB/Supplies
University of Central Missouri:
Tuition/RB
Rental plan for books
24 or higher on ACT
$24.704 per year*
21 or higher on ACT
$14,229 per year*
Northwest Missouri State:
21 or higher on ACT
Tuition/RB
$16,943 per year*
Books and Laptop included in fees
Missouri Western:
ACT subscores: 19 English
19 Read
20 Math
Tuition/RB
$13,240 per year*
Books can be rented or purchased
Washington Univ.
Highly selective
$60,355/year*
*These dollar figures are approximations. Please consult the admissions offices
at these colleges for the most accurate information.
Types of Colleges
Type
Description
Tuition
Two year
Degrees offered: Associates Typically around
$4,000/year
Provides: A way to ease into
college / take general
college classes for credit.
Typically have agreements
with four year colleges to
transfer credits.
Admission
Requirements
Open-door
admission policy
About College Admission Tests
• ACT
– Widely accepted
– Consists of four tests: English, Math, Reading, Science,
and Writing
– Writing component is optional
– Top composite score is 36 average score is 21.
• SAT
– Predominantly used by east and west coast schools
– Consists of three tests: Verbal, Math, Writing
– Each test is scored on a scale of 200-800
2014-15 ACT Test Dates
Test Date
Sept. 13
Oct. 25
Dec. 13
Feb. 7
April 18
June 13
Registration Deadline
August 8
Sept. 19
Nov. 7
Jan. 9
March 13
May 8
Standard test fee : $38.00
ACT Plus Writing: $54.50
Late Fee Required
Aug. 9- Aug. 22
Sept. 20-Oct. 3
Nov. 8-21
Jan. 10-16
March 14-27
May 9-22
To register, go to:
www.actstudent.org
What information do college
admission officers review?
•Grades / Overall GPA
•Strength of high school course selections
•Admission Test Score
•Essay (Some Colleges Require This)
•Teacher and counselor recommendations
•Class rank
•Student’s demonstrated interest
•Personal accomplishments
•Personality characteristics
•Courses in progress Senior year
Making the Decision About
Where to Apply
• Attend College Fairs
• Meet w/ Admissions Reps
• Surf the Internet (View Course Equivalencies/Transfer
Credit, Take Virtual Tours, Request Information)
• Visit Various Campuses
• Apply to Several Colleges/Universities
• Apply by Deadline Dates
College Information – Where to go
•The web is your best source when starting to explore
colleges.
•Colleges have websites where you can get a campus
overview, cost of attending, possible automatic
scholarships, admission requirements.
•Contact information and applications can be found on
the individual sites.
•Colleges now recommend online applications.
•A list of helpful websites can be found on OUR district
website: www.bssd.net
How to Finance College
Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
• Scholarships: Money that is awarded
based on established criteria and is not
repaid
• Grants: Money that is awarded, often
based on need, and is not repaid
• Loans: Money that must be repaid.
Merit Scholarship
Merit scholarships are where the money is.
• There is more than $11 billion in merit scholarships
available to students from colleges
• Not just for “A” students
• Many awards emphasize leadership or school involvement
• Nearly all colleges offer merit aid scholarships
• The amount of awarded money varies greatly from school
to school
• Many awards can be renewed each year
FACT
• Blue Springs High School
class of 2014 earned over
$6.3 million dollars in
scholarship money.
Make your scholarship applications competitive!
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Type your applications when possible.
Print neatly.
Sign your name legibly.
If you write a paragraph or essay, ask someone to proofread.
Include all documents and follow directions.
Make sure you meet the qualifications for the scholarship.
Do not use unusual paper, binders, colored paper, etc. in an
effort to set yourself apart. You will set yourself apart and
possibly be eliminated!
• Have a resume that you can attach to applications that
highlights your accomplishments.
Federal Money
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FAFSA: Money Based on Need
Loans/Grants/Workstudy
Apply after Jan. 1 Senior Year
Two Important Sites:
– www.fafsa.ed.gov
– www.pin.ed.gov
• Estimated Family Contribution
• Student Aid Report
• FAFSA Frenzy events held in the KC area
State Programs
• Department of Higher Education (DHE)
– www.dhe.mo.gov
– 800-473-6757
– Bright Flight
• 31+ACT
• $3,000/year for up to 5 years (or completion of bachelor’s degree
• Contact for a free informational packet
• Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
(DESE)
– www.dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/scholarships
Scholarship Resources
• Fastweb.com - Private scholarships
• Studentaid.ed.gov - The federal government’s website
about paying for college
• MeritAid.com - $11 billion in merit scholarships
• Cappex.com - Scholarship matching
• finaid.org - Free student resource for learning about all
types of financial aid
Our Favorite Type of Money!
Next Steps
Next Steps for Students
In School
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Stay focused on academics
Do not lighten your academic load for senior year
Meet with your school counselor
Stay involved in school activities
Standardized Testing
 Prepare for and register for ACT / SAT tests
 Register for AP tests as appropriate
College Exploration
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Explore colleges on the Web
Visit colleges if you can
Meet with college representatives
Attend college fairs
Feel free to contact any of the Blue
Springs High School Counselors if you
have additional questions.
Mrs. Kathy Morgason
Mrs. Linda Williams
Mrs. Karin Finley
Mrs. Kelly Frey
Mrs. Megan Callanan
*Resources taken from the following:
-Cappex
-MU College Planning 101
-ACT Organization