College Planning Overview for Parents COLLEGE IS... any education or training beyond high school
FHS Counseling Team • Ms. Walker - A-Di • Ms. Usanase - Do-Je • Ms. Belko –Ji-Mo • Mr. Pfau - Mu-Se • Ms. Newman - Sh-Z • Ms. Chambers – Counseling Secretary and Registrar
How can I best help my student? ● Clarify parameters for college search with student: ○ Type-Tech., Community, 4yr Public or Private, Location, Size, Cost ● Understand the basic differences of various college options ● Understand college search and selection process ○ BUT…LET THE STUDENT do the work: set up college visits, register for the ACT, make contacts with college representatives, complete forms, write essays, etc. ● Understand basic timeline for application process ● Resources: Parents, School Counselors, Admissions Reps, Teachers, Naviance, National and Local College Fairs
College Search and Selection ● College search tools to help with the search process • Naviance SuperMatch • Collegeboard.org • College Navigator ● Consider colleges with reciprocity or reduced tuition for MN students ( -ex. Midwest Exchange Program - see MN Dept of Ed.)
Technical Schools ● Learn particular skills and knowledge leading to a specific job. (graphic design technology, welding technology, nanoscience technology, railroad conductor technology, etc.) • Length of Programs-3 months to 2 years. • May be a waiting list for high-interest programs so apply early! • Some programs for careers with a high level of pay
Community Colleges ● Offer a variety of courses that lead to a 2 year degree or general coursework for a transfer to a 4 year college or University. ● Majors/degrees available for some careers – Earn an associate degree (EMS, Aviation, Computer Programmer, etc.) – Apply early for programs that are high interest (Dental Hygiene, Nursing) ● Lower tuition ● Transfer to a 4 yr college/university (MNTC) ● No housing/dorm lif e on campus
Application Process for Community and Technical Colleges ● Open Admissions - High School Diploma ○ Transcript required ○ Application fee ● Accuplacer - Placement Test (may accept ACT) ○ Determines eligibility for courses ○ Computer based- on college campus ○ Practice available on Collegeboard website ● Highly selective programs may require additional application materials
4 Year College or University ● Comprehensive public or private colleges/universities offer programs leading to bachelor’s degrees and beyond ○ Typically require ACT/SAT ○ Application fees ○ Complete some general studies courses ○ Declare a specific major ○ Complete courses to earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree ○ On campus housing options
4 Year MN College/University ● 4 year public MN STATE Colleges/Universities (i.e, Mankato, Winona, Bemidji, Moorhead, St. Cloud, etc. ) Automatic admission guideline- ● top half of class ○ ACT score of 21+ ○ completion of all core requirements (see website) ○ application submitted early Fall ○
4 Year MN College/University-cont’d ● Student considered for admission if automatic guidelines not met, but: student has a strong GPA, strong college prep classes, and additional supporting documents, and academic progression ● Consider PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION with application: ○ personal statement/letter of application ○ letter(s) of recommendation ○ explanation of any extenuating circumstances
4 Year University of MN System ● U of MN-Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston, and Rochester – U of MN,Twin Cities-usually 2 priority deadlines : Nov 1st=January response, Dec 15th=March response – 7 different admitting colleges within the U of MN TC, some with VERY selective admission guidelines based on holistic review: • ACT/SAT scores, GPA, rigor in college prep coursework, activities, service/volunteering • ADD letter(s) of recommendation, personal statement to application ● UW-Wisconsin System similar- APPLY EARLY
Private Colleges/Universities ● 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 may be mandatory ○ Generally more highly selective admission process ○ Application process may be more involved/lengthy ○ Include letter(s) of recommendation, personal letter of explanation if g.p.a. and test scores fall below college average
Hints for Competitive College Applications ● Look for the “Application CHECKLIST” all attached forms, and meet priority deadlines! ● Demonstrate interest, start the visit process early ● Grade reports requested after tri.1 and tri.2 ● Put extra thought/extra time into essay questions ● Must notify colleges with any course changes ● May require early estimation of finances/CSS profile ● Honors programs/dorms ● Consider Common Application IF applying to several
College Visits ● Visit/RE-visit college campuses in person if possible. ● Arrange formal visit, find out when schools hold “preview days” in Spring/Summer – tour, workshops, parent seminars, free stuff, fee waived? ask – Stay overnight if possible ● Better when classes are in session-MN Ed week-end! ● Register for a visit online-Undergrad. Admissions ● VISIT COLLEGE representatives HERE at FHS!-watch monitors, Naviance and Schoology for visits ● Virtual Tours online – see college websites
Timeline - Spring of Junior Year • Begin or Continue College Search Process • Consider ACT or SAT in JUNE ... – IF time to prepare and practice for score improvement – PLATO ACT Prep available to all students • Counselors can give log in information – Register for June 10 th ACT on ACT Website – May 5th registration deadline ● SAT also offered in June-Consider PSAT score to predict SAT score range-register on Collegeboard.org
Timeline- Summer Before Senior Year ● Do college research and decide which campuses you would like to visit ● Visit college campuses while vacationing! ● Volunteer experience/part-time jobs –stay involved ● Make a high school activities resume-Naviance ● Review college application requirements/deadlines ● Begin formulating and writing college application essays, if required ● Consider a personal statement
Timeline - September and October ● STAY STRONG with grades! ● College Entrance Exams- retake ACT/SAT if needed and make sure score is on transcript ● Send scores directly to colleges via ACT Website, if needed ● Narrow your college choices ● APPLY ● Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)- Available October 1st ○ EVERYONE who wants to apply for ANY financial aid/scholarships must do it!
Timeline - October thru December ● National College Fair- Mpls. Convention Center (09/27-09/28) ● Complete and submit all application forms for college/universities (WATCH DEADLINES!) ● Look for any SEPARATE financial aid/housing forms ● Search and apply for scholarships ● Early Action/Early Decision=Early deadlines! • Finances – August – April: Continue to apply for scholarships. – October – January: Attend financial aid events. – January: Complete FAFSA application worksheet.
Timeline- January and February Financial Aid & Scholarships • Receive S.A.R. (Student Aid Report), review financial aid packages • Fill out financial aid/scholarship forms for your college • Continue to apply for other scholarships
Timeline- March, April, May • FHS Local Scholarship applications available • Turn in housing deposits/financial aid agreements • Make a decision, notify the college you plan to attend BEFORE May 1 st ! • 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.
Scholarship Search and Selection Process Different Types of Scholarships- ● Institutional-college websites, financial aid/scholarship site ○ some colleges consider student with app. for admission, others have separate applications ○ National ○ State-MN Office of Higher Education website ○ Local ○ Employment/organization membership-various opportunities ○ Church ○ Alumni referral ○ Specialty ○ Diversity-First generation, students of color, interest in diversity ● Look for criteria, specific application process, and deadlines ● Many scholarships listed in Naviance
Naviance Introduction
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