College Admissions &

Financial Aid 101

Mrs. Davis12th Grade Counselor

What are you looking for?

• Location– How far do you want to go

from home?

• Environment– Number of students– Rural, small town, big city

• Type of School– Public or private– Community college– Religious affiliation– Coed, all male or all female

• Admissions– High school courses required– Test scores– GPA– Rank in class

• Academic Programs– Majors– Class size– Student-faculty ratio

• Campus Life– Extracurricular activities– Facilities– Clubs and organizations

Narrow your choices.

• www.careercruising.com/ssp• Attend the meetings with college reps. who

come to SHS. (see my website for dates and to sign-up)

• Attend local college fairs. – October 20th, 25th, and 27th

• Schedule visits to tour the campus.• Research, research, research.

How many?1-2

Reach Schools(they present an

admissions challenge, but you would like to go there)

2-4Target Schools

(you have a 75% chance of getting in and they are close to what you

are looking for)

1-2Safe Schools

(you are confident you can get in and you can afford to go there)

No more than 8!

Now…Get Organized!

• Create a folder for each school.– On the outside of the folder, write a list of required

application components and the deadline.• Use your agenda book.– Deadlines are SUPER important. Make sure you use a

calendar to keep track of when things are due.• Make copies of everything you submit and don’t throw

away anything you receive.• Check your email.– Schools frequently send updates about your application via

email.

When should I apply?

Regular Decision:

Submit by a specific dateRolling Admission:

Apply early & get a decision

Early Action:Non-binding, priority filing period

Early Decision:BINDING!

ANSWER:

Admissions Tests

ACTwww.act.org

• Duration: 3 hours 25 min.• 4 Sections: English, reading,

math, science & optional writing.

• Scoring: Composite 1-36 (avg. of 4 tests); each subject is scored 1-36.

• No penalty for wrong answers.

SATwww.collegeboard.com

• Duration: 3 hours 45 min.• 10 Sections: 3 reading, 3 math,

3 writing & 1 experimental.• Scoring: Total 600-2400 (add

scores from 3 areas); each subj. is scored 200-800.

• ¼ point penalty for each wrong answer.

Both tests are accepted by most colleges. If you have not taken either of these, register for one today!

TEST SCORES MUST BE SENT BY THE TESTING COMPANY.

Intercollegiate Athletics

• All potential athletes must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse after their junior year. To do so, visit www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.

• A certain number of core courses are required for Division I and II schools.

• A final transcript must be sent to the clearinghouse after graduation. Be sure to submit the release form to the guidance office prior to graduation.

Final thoughts about applications…• Follow directions and read ALL instructions.• Applications are accepted by the colleges in

separate pieces at separate times.• Transcript requests: all requests must be in writing,

with the address and the necessary counselor form.

• Letter of Recommendation Request: request must be in writing and I must have your Student Profile (See the letter of recommendation request form on my website) on file.– Remember…schools prefer letters from teachers,

coaches etc.

What is financial aid?2 Basic Types

Need-Based(demonstrate financial need)

Grants (not repaid)Work-Study (PT job to help with cost)

Perkins LoanSubsidized Direct Stafford Loan (no interest while in school)

Private ScholarshipsDelaware Scholarship Incentive Program

Merit-Based(skills, ability, interests or involvement)

SEED (Del. Tech & UD Associates)Inspire (DSU)

Federal TEACH Grant

Other : • Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan (interest begins when loan is made) • Unsubsidized Federal PLUS Loan for parents• Tax credits

FAFSASTEP 1

Gather Information

• Apply for your PIN (both you and your parents must get a PIN) www.pin.ed.gov

• Social Security Number; bank statements; mortgage and investment records; 2011 student and parent federal tax return; 2011 untaxed income reports; 2011 W2 forms and other record of money earned.

STEP 2Complete the FAFSA

• On the web: www.fafsa.ed.gov• Once finished, print the summary page and the “Submission

Confirmation” page.

STEP 3Review your SAR

• This is proof that your FAFSA was received. You should receive your electronic SAR in 1-3 days.

• Report errors IMMEDIATELY to your financial aid office and make corrections online.

AFTER JAN. 1ST

I still need more…

• APPLY, APPLY, APPLY. Every year money goes unused because students didn’t apply for it.

• Where else to look:– Scholarship search www.careercruising.com/ssp– Delaware Scholarship Compendium– SHS Guidance website (Scholarship Bulletin)

• LISTEN to the announcements.• Scholarship bookshelf in the guidance office.

Anything we get, we will put there. Check back frequently because information is always changing.

A glimpse of the future.

Somewhere in the future a student is going to come to

you and say that they didn’t pay attention today and they need to talk to

you about college admissions and financial

aid!

If this happens to you, don’t worry. This

presentation will be on my

website next week!

WWW.SHSSENIORS.SHUTTERFLY.COM