AGENDAoWords of WisdomoChoosing a collegeoSAT/ACToThe Application ProcessoPaying for collegeoParent tips/Next stepsoQuestions

Words of Wisdom

Relax…You will get in.

70% of colleges accept an average of 70% of their applicants.

Source: Cappex.com

Words of Wisdom

You don’t need to go far away.

88% of high school students go to college in their home state.

Source: Cappex.com

Words of Wisdom

If you don’t have a major, it’s OK.

General StudiesLiberal ArtsDesign your own program of study

Choosing a College

oDetermine priorities (size, location, total cost, campus resources, etc.)

oResearch majorsoSchedule campus visitsoTalk to current or former college students

SAT/ACT & Other SAT/ACT & Other College Entrance ExamsCollege Entrance Exams

oSAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)-Accepted at the majority of four-year colleges and universities-Consists of three tests: Critical Reading, Math, Writing-Each test is scored on a scale of 200-800-Measures how well a student performs on the test

oACT (American College Test)-Accepted at ALL four-year colleges and universities-Consists of four tests: English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (Optional)-Top composite score is 36-Based on high school curriculum

oAccuplacer – -Placement test -Primarily used for admission to Montgomery College and other smaller schools -Consists of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics

oASVAB -Similar to a career interest inventory (to determine interests, skills, abilities) -Used for recruitment into the military or to determine career path -Given in March

What’s the Difference?What’s the Difference?

The The ApplicationApplication

ProcessProcess

Forms to be familiar with…..

1. Yellow transcript request form2. Secondary School / Counselor report3. Student and parent brag sheets4. Resume and /or activity sheet5. Letters of recommendation6. Mid-year report7. Final transcript

1) Get organized!2) Select colleges/universities of interest (between 5-7)3) Complete applications (online preferred method)

***PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO APPLICATION DATES/DEADLINES***

4) Prepare for and take the SAT (www.collegeboard.com) and/or ACT (www.actstudent.org) 5) Request transcripts to be sent6) Obtain letters of recommendation7) Apply for financial aid

In General…In General…

From the experts…From the experts…

At Sherwood…At Sherwood…

Paying for College

o Scholarships (merit, community service, program of study)

o Grants (Federal Pell)o Federal Work Studyo Loans (Government,

banks)o Money saved from

workingo Any money given by

family or friends*Scholarships and grants

do not have to be paid back

Types of Financial Types of Financial AidAid

Financial Aid Financial Aid ResourcesResources

owww.fafsa.ed.gov – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. A PIN number is required for both student and parent to apply: www.pin.ed.gov ***DO NOT COMPLETE until after January

1, 2012***Deadline for Maryland residents – March

1, 2012oFastweb.com – Private scholarshipso Studentaid.ed.gov – The federal government’s website about paying for collegeoMeritaid.com - $11 billion in merit scholarshipsoCappex.com – Scholarship matchingoFinaid.org – Free student resource for learning about all types of financial aid

A Word about Merit Scholarships… 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 average merit scholarship is $5,000 Many awards can be renewed year after year

Source: Cappex.com

Are you a Are you a helicopter parent?helicopter parent?

10 Tips for Parents…1. Be in the "back seat" - and not the driver –

of the college search process2. Help your student understand

the college search process3. Be aware of deadlines and fees due4. Be open to dialogue and responsive to questions5. Be realistic and non-judgmental6. Don’t compare your student with others (ex. “Why can’t

you be like_________...”7. Don’t overemphasize your own alma maters8. Know that things have changed since your college days9. Don’t dwell on disappointments (ex. rejection letter)10.Celebrate successes!

In School Do not lighten your academic load for senior year!!! Keep up your grades!!! AP courses are courses. The expectation is

that students are to remain in the class for both semesters. Talk with college admissions counselors before making

changes to your schedule. Meet with your school counselor/career center advisor Stay involved in school activities

Standardized Testing Prepare for and register for SAT/ACT tests Register for AP tests as appropriate

College Exploration Use the Family Connection program to find colleges Visit colleges if you can Attend college fairs Meet with college representatives (sign up in the career

center!)

Senior Meetings- TBD

Senior Commitment – September

Senior Parent Night – Early/Mid-September

Financial Aid Night – January 2012

QUESTIONS?