Transcript Senior Seminar

SENIOR YEAR
Planning for
LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL!!
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To help you understand the college search, selection,
and application process.
COLLEGE is ANY EDUCATION
BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL!
Where do I start?
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There are plenty of resources available, but
YOU are your BEST resource!
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You know:
 what energizes you
 what kind of school would be the best fit
 your interests, hopes, goals, dreams
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You need to be the one leading the process!
You also need to involve parents/guardians
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Naviance and MCIS-Online College Planning Tools
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Counselors
College and Career Center
Parents, teachers, friends, siblings
MEF College Fairs
College and Military representative visits at PIHS
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7/21/2015
Timeline- September-October
 STAY
STRONG with grades!
 College Entrance Exams- take/re-take ACT or SAT and
make sure to have scores sent from test center…
 Begin Applications-Look for the “Application
CHECKLIST” and meet priority deadlines!
 Complete Letter of Recommendation Request Form-Ask
teachers to write letters if needed, allowing 3 weeks.
 Make High School Activities Resume, if needed
 Write, revise, EDIT college essays and personal
statements, if needed
 Request transcripts
Technical School
Learn particular skills and knowledge leading to a
specific job. Length of Programs-3 months to 2
years.
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Learn a specific trade
Fast track to a career
Skill based
No housing available
Job outlook strong
May be limited to
specific careers
Community College
Provide students with the first 2 years of general course work
required by a 4 year college/university OR career-specific training
in 2 years or less.
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Learn skills for some careers
Earn an Associate Degree
Lower cost tuition
Flexible schedule
Many adults on campus
Typically, no dorms and limited “college freshman”
experience
College or University
Private or Public Colleges and Universities.
Comprehensive colleges and universities offering
programs leading to Bachelor’s Degrees and beyond.
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Earn a Bachelor Degree
Many on-campus housing options
Many freshmen programs
Liberal Arts education
Opportunities for advancement
4 Year MN College/University
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4 year public MN STATE Universities/Colleges (i.e,
Mankato, Winona, Bemidji, Moorhead, St. Cloud, etc. )
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On-campus housing available-APPLY separately for housing
Selective admission: automatic admission for students above
the 50th percentile rank and/or 21or better on the ACT, plus
completion of all core requirements and early submission of
application
You may be considered even if you do not meet these general
guidelines if you have a strong GPA and rigorous coursework
Consider PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION such as a
personal statement and letter of recommendation
4 Year University of MN
U of MN Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, Crookston
 UW Wisconsin System similar
 On-campus housing available-apply early!!
 U of M Twin Cities has become highly selective;
important priority deadline is DECEMBER 15th!!
 Selective admission based on holistic review:
 ACT or SAT scores, GPA, class rank, college prep
coursework completed, outside activities, volunteering,
awards/honors
 Consider adding letter(s) of recommendation,
personal statement to application
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Private College/University
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4 year private Liberal Arts Colleges (i.e. U of St.
Thomas, Augsburg, St. Mary’s U, Notre Dame U,
Stanford, Northwestern, St. Olaf, Gustavus)
 on-campus
housing available and often mandatory
 financial aid options MAY be more numerous
 Generally, more highly selective admission, based
on holistic review:
 ACT
scores, GPA, class rank, rigorous coursework
completed, outside activities, volunteering,
awards/honors
 Application process may be more involved/lengthy
Consider College Characteristics to
Narrow your Final List
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Type of school
Academic
program/majors
available
Admission policy
Cost
Financial Aid Options
Location
Size
Diversity
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Reputation
Affiliation
Campus Activities
Type of community
Program for students with
disabilities
Gender ratio
Athletic programs
Reciprocity
Essays- What do colleges look for?
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Creativity, sincerity, and genuineness
Ability to write AND edit an essay
Motivation, initiative, and enthusiasm for learning
Any experience with diverse cultures
Volunteerism- Interest and concern for other
Participation in Activities-ANYthing in which you have an
interest
Leadership - Formal or informal, in or out of school
Your passion(s)
Ability to overcome obstacles or learning from mistakes
Visits
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Visit/RE-visit college campuses in person if possible.
Arrange formal visit, find out when schools hold “preview
days”
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Tour, workshops, parent seminars, free stuff, fee waived? ask
Stay overnight if possible
Better when classes are in session-ED MN week-end!
Register on-line for a visit on Undergraduate Admissions
page or call
VISIT COLLEGE representatives HERE at PIHS!
Virtual Tours on-line – see college websites
7/21/2015
Timeline…October-November
 STAY
STRONG with your grades!!
 Submit public college applications-some have PRIORITY
deadlines in late fall…
 Complete and submit all application forms for private
college/universities(WATCH DEADLINES!)
 THANK the writers of your letters of recommendation!
 Fill out Transcript Request Form
 Search and apply for Scholarships
 Wait for your letters from Admission’s Offices!
Admission Terminology
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Early Decision – Commonly due in Oct. or Nov., notification in
December. Binding and agree to withdraw all other apps. Only
apply ED if you are sure it is your 1st choice college.
Early Action/Single Choice - Early deadline, early notification.
Student doesn’t have to decide until regular admission date.
Priority Deadline- Much stronger chance of acceptance if
deadline is met.
Regular Admissions - Considers all students who have their
application in by the deadline.
Rolling Admissions - Continuous review and acceptance of
applicants until class fills.
7/21/2015
Admission depends upon:
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Level of academic rigor
Grades in all course work including sr. year
Standardized admission tests-ACT or SAT
Class rank
Involvement in activities, volunteer experience
Essay, personal statement
Personal interview, if required or recommended
Colleges need to create a balanced class
Demonstrated interest; calls, e-mails, campus visits
7/21/2015
Timeline…January-February
Financial Aid and Scholarships
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Four categories of Financial Aid
 Scholarship-You find and apply, sometimes colleges
automatically award based on GPA, ACT, SAT
 Grants-Government guidelines, based on income
 Loans-student and/or parent
 Work Study-on campus jobs
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-EVERYONE
who wants to apply for ANY financial aid/scholarships must
do it! Attend Financial Aid Presentation in January!
Parents AND students-Plan to complete taxes for 2014
EARLY –like January 31st of 2015!!
Fill out financial aid form for your college!
Timeline….March-May
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Review Financial Aid package(s)
LOCAL PIHS area scholarship applications available
Make a decision, notify the college you plan attend
BEFORE May 1st!
Turn in housing deposits/financial aid agreements
Notify colleges who have admitted you if you are not
planning to attend as a courtesy to others.
Apply for reciprocity if attending a public college in
Wisconsin, North or South Dakota.
Reciprocity
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Reciprocal agreements reduce non-resident tuition
prices at Public Colleges
MN students pay a significantly reduced tuition
rate in these states
To apply, go to www.getreadyforcollege.org
Cooperating states include: Wisconsin, South
Dakota, and North Dakota; Iowa has a very
limited number of colleges with reciprocity.
Apply for reciprocity tuition reduction after you
are admitted and have made a decision to
matriculate