Senior Meeting 2015-2016

Welcome to Senior Year!

Counselor ContactGraduation RequirementsThe College Admission ProcessFinancial Aid and ScholarshipsCollege and Career ActivitiesConsidering Christian Schools

This meeting will cover:

Counselor Contact

Lydia Kiefer

Office: 919-303-2560 ext. 248

Cell: 919-259-2535 (emergencies only)

lkiefer@carychristianschool.org

Graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, M.Ed in School Counseling

Bachelor’s Degree from UNC in Music

No emails from me yet? Please let me know!

Graduation Requirements

Minimum of 24 credits required for

graduation:

English, 4 credits

American Literature, *Classical Literature,

Medieval Literature, *European Literature

Mathematics, 4 credits

Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, *Statistics,

Pre-Calculus, *Calculus

Science, 4 credits

Human Biology, *Environmental Biology,

*Chemistry, *Physics

Foreign Language, 3 credits

Spanish I, *Spanish II, Greek I, Greek II

History/Social Studies, 4 credits

*United States History and Government,

*European History, *Medieval History, *Rhetoric

I, Rhetoric II

Bible, 2 credits

Systematic Theology, Apologetics

(Bible credits are sometimes waved to

accommodate transfer students.)

Physical Education, 1 credit

PE elective, Sports season, Cheerleading, Other

approved activity

Fine Arts, 1 credit

Drawing, Drama, Band, Chorus, Studio Art etc.

*AP Exam counted towards an advanced (ADV) weighted scale on transcripts.

The Admissions Process

What you will need for a typical admissions package:

Application and fee ($20 - $75 or more)

2-3 Recommendation letters

Counselor Recommendation

Application essay/Personal statement

Official Transcript (Sent from CCS thru Naviance)

SAT/ACT scores (Sent from College Board or ACT)

Resume (sometimes)

Additional requirements Interviews

TOEFL scores for international students

Application and Fee

The Common Application

https://www.commonapp.org

Link to your Naviance account

Online application accepted by more than 500 schools

Can submit to multiple schools at one time

Allows for online recommendation letters

Will post supplements for each university

Some supplements may still be posted on university websites

Transcripts/Test scores must still be sent to each school

Allows fees to be paid by credit card online

Application and Fee

If your university/college does not accept the common application:

Applications will be available on the university’s admissions page. Usually they can be filled out online.

Recommendations will need to be collected and mailed if the school does not use an online system such as Naviance.

Transcripts/Test scores must be sent to each school.

Fees can usually be paid online.

Fee waivers may be available if application fees are deemed to cause financial hardship on your family.

Recommendation letters

Request recommendations from your teachers via Naviance NOW and remind them if you sent requests over the summer.

Speak to teachers in person FIRST.

If you need a paper recommendation, let them know at least two weeks in advance. Give them specific instructions on where/when to send it and include a stamped, addressed envelope.

You do not need to request a counselor recommendation if you are sending an online request through an online application system.

If you are requesting a paper recommendation from the counseling office, please follow the same instructions listed above for teacher recommendations.

Application essay/Personal statement

The common application requires its own essays and short responses, but you may also be required to write supplemental essays for individual schools.

Go to the website for advice on writing application essays.

Do not hesitate to bring essays to me for review.

Application essay/Personal statement

Application essays and personal statements should be NARRATIVE.

Creativity

Essays should stand out. How many essays do admissions officers read every year?

Parents – Stay far away from the application essay.

Suggested Reading

100 Successful College Application Essays compiled and edited by The Harvard Independent

The largest collection of successful college application essays available in one volume. These are the essays that helped their authors gain admission to Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Wellesley, Colby, and other outstanding schools-followed by invaluable comments by experts in admissions, placement, and college counseling at some of the best learning institutions around the country.

Acceptance: A Legendary Guidance Counselor Helps Seven Kids

Find the Right Colleges---And Find Themselves

By David L. Marcus

Transcript and SAT/ACT scores

Submit your transcript requests through Naviance.

Turn transcript corrections into the counseling office; we will check records and make the changes as needed.

Highest SAT/ACT scores will be recorded on your transcript, but colleges want scores reported directly from the ACT and College Board.

To test or not to test again?

Interviews

Some colleges/universities/scholarship committees require or suggest interviews.

If an interview is suggested, schedule an interview!

Interview tips:

Dress professionally and sit up straight.

Make eye contact and smile.

Offer your hand and a polite greeting.

Be yourself.

Practice giving articulate responses to common questions.

Deadlines

Early application deadlines usually fall between October 15th and November 15th, but check your university’s website to be sure. Early application responses usually arrive mid-December.

Regular application deadlines usually fall between January 1st and February 15th.

Regular application responses will be sent out beginning March 15th.

“Rolling admissions” means a college accepts and responds to applications as they arrive. However, apply as soon as possible! Spots can fill up quickly.

So when do I apply?

When your application is at its STRONGEST

Test scores are finalized

Your GPA is where you want it

Your essays are well-written and edited

What about early action? (ONLY if you are ready)

Reduce stress of waiting

Time to re-assess if needed

Meet Jane

Has researched colleges extensively.

Has found a college that is a strong match academically, socially and geographically.

Meets or exceeds the admission profile for the college for SAT® scores, GPA and class rank.

Has an academic record that has been consistently solid over time.

This is Jane.

See Jane complete her college applications early!

NC State

Middle 50% of High school Academics Mid range Average

Weighted GPA 4.23 - 4.67 4.44

Unweighted GPA 3.53 - 3.88 3.68

Rank in Class Top 4% to Top 19% 13%

SAT Critical Reading and Math 1180 - 1320 1251

SAT Critical Reading, Math and Writing 1730 - 1940 1836

ACT Composite 27 - 31 29

Jane has a 550 in math and a 580 in CR, and a 570 in Writing. GPA = 4.5

Jane’s scores are slightly below average for NC State though her GPA is above average.

According to the College of Engineering, average SAT scores fall in the 1220-1420 range (two part). Jane is again below the average.

Jane should apply for the regular deadline

NC State might also be a reach school for Jane. She should apply, but she will need some alternatives in case it doesn’t work out.

Jane Again…

Jane decides to apply for UNC Charlotte.

Jane’s scores are above average and thought not entirely in the top 25%, she is very close.

Average SAT math scores are around a 600. Jane is close. She may want to study and test again.

Jane could apply for the early deadline, but she needs to be prepared for a deferral.

UNC Charlotte is a good fit for Jane academically and she stands a good chance of being admitted.

Another Example. . .

Jet’s highest SAT scores are a 520 in Math, 620 in CR, and a 600 in Writing. He has an unweighted GPA of 3.85.

Jet wants to attend Appalachian State University and study Education.

This is Jet.

See Jet complete his college applications early!

Jet has a 520 in Math, 620 in CR, and a 600 in Writing

Jet’s scores are in the top 25% for CR and Writing. His math score puts him in the low category. His GPA is well above average.

Because Jet is not planning to study a math/science field, Jet should go ahead and apply early action.

Appalachian State would be an excellent fit for Jet academically, and he stands a good chance of admission.

And on a side note . . .

Because of Jet and Jane’s SAT scores and GPAs, both would be eligible for numerous scholarship awards from private schools!

Campbell University: $5,000 - $20,000 a year

Wingate University: $10,000 - $20,000 a year

Geneva College: $12,000 – $15,000 a year

These are base scholarship examples. Chances are these two young people would also be invited to compete for additional funds at scholarship days on campus.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

FAFSA

CSS profile

Institutional aid/Scholarships

Outside Scholarships

Everyone, regardless of need, should submit a FAFSA. Some merit-based scholarships require it.

You may start submitting the FAFSA January 1st, but you will need your tax return to complete it.

The FAFSA will calculate your EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) for college based on your family’s income from January 1st, 2015 – December 31st, 2015.

You can predict your EFC by using this tool: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/paying-your-share/expected-family-contribution-calculator

Ways to lower your EFC: Limit a student’s income or money in a student’s name

Talk to a reputable financial advisor

Preparing for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

CSS Profile

Used mostly for scholarship assessments to distribute money not associated with federal aid.

See https://profileonline.collegeboard.comfor participating universities and scholarship programs

Online application will be available starting October 1st, 2015. You do not have to wait on your tax return.

Institutional aid/Scholarships

Many universities/colleges make assessments for financial aid and scholarships automatically when the student’s application is submitted. Others require separate forms for scholarships or for certain prestigious scholarships.

Do not be scared away by sticker price!

Check your university’s admissions and financial aid webpage for detailed requirements.

Call the university’s financial aid office if something is unclear.

If your preferred scholarship requires endorsement, please turn in an endorsement request form to the counseling office as soon as possible. Some scholarships limit the number of students which a school can endorse.

College and Career Activities

Appointment Times

Appointments are available throughout the school year. It is helpful to know in advance what you would like to discuss in the meeting. The counseling office handles transcripts, graduation checks, college applications, and college and career advising. For individual class scheduling, please contact the front desk.

Senior Classroom Guidance

August 28th, from 8am-11am. Essays and college applications!!

Rodney Godwin’s College Presentation: 7pm, September 1st, Auditorium

College and Career Activities (Cont.)

College Application Help Sessions/Essay Sessions

Several workdays are scheduled for students to work in the common area with the assistance of a counselor on their college applications.

College and Career Week

September 16th-23rd: Sign up to meet with college reps and parents

Other Events

Please be aware that other events may be added to the college and career calendar throughout the year. Look for handouts and email notifications of these new events as well as an updated spring calendar.

Parent Question: What should my student be doing right now?

Filling in the common application and other school applications.

Writing the common app essay and/or another essay for a college application.

Recommendation requests and reminders.

Checking college websites to find out when applications open. Most are already open or will open by September 1st.

Striving to have all applications complete BEFORE they leave for the service trip.

From the College Board. . .

September–October

Download or request early decision or early action applications from your top-choice colleges and begin working on them.

Request letters of recommendation from your teachers, your counselor or other references.

Complete and submit any early admission applications that are due in October by the college deadline.

Take a college admission test if necessary. (You must take the SAT before November, for example, for your scores to be available in time for most early decision and early action programs.)

Register for CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, if necessary. Follow up with your references to make sure they have

written their letters of recommendation.

From the College Board. . .

November

Submit any early applications due in November by the college deadline.

Follow up with any remaining references to make sure they have written and sent their letters of recommendation.

Complete and submit regular-decision applications. (If you’re not accepted through an early admission program, you’ll be glad you have a backup plan.)

File the CSS/Financial Aid Profile and all other required financial aid forms.

Review all requirements and deadlines for financial aid applications and get all your documentation ready to send when requested.

December–January

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (Need taxes)

If necessary, compare offers and decide which school to attend.

Some general application advice. . .

Make sure you have all your important numbers gathered. Social Security Number (memorize this), school code (340602), phone numbers, addresses and previous addresses, counselor’s contact information, GPA, test scores, etc.

Deal with social media and email address issues now. Try to keep usernames and passwords consistent and write all of them

down on a small notepad that lives next to your computer spot. In a single word document, copy and paste all of your essay topics. This

way, whenever you get an idea, you can record it under that topic. Complete one application at a time rather than trying to them all in

stages. Be aware of Honors College and Merit Aid deadlines. Write them down. Research further testing requirements/recommendations for your

schools. Use your counselor!

And Remember. . . .

As Believers, all of our life ought to reflect submission to His Lordship and glory to God for the fact that He has pursued us, saved us and has great purpose for us. Thanks be to God.

What does this have to do with our schooling and specifically our higher educational pursuits?

Consider Christian Colleges

A Few Points to Think About:

1. There are real and significant differences in the missions of Christian colleges as compared to the missions of non-Christian colleges.

*Christian Colleges tend to have missions that. . .

--support the development of faith and curiosity about

one’s beliefs

--encourage the hiring of faculty who are believers and

are interested in the development of students as

Christians

-- focus on preparation to serve God through a spiritual calling rather than solely on career development

Consider Christian Colleges

2. The investment yields big returns.

This is not like buying a car where the value of your investment immediately begins to depreciate. This investment, unlike any other, increases in value. In some cases, there is only a minimal difference in total debt at graduation between those attending a private college versus other institutions..

http://www.cic.edu/News-and-Publications/Independent-Newsletter/Fall-2012/Pages/Student-Debt.aspx

*Also consider that most Christian universities have a wide variety of scholarships available, most of which students do not

even have to fill out a separate application for!

How to Find Authentic Christian Colleges

•Helpful Organizations: •National American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (http://www.naccap.org/)•Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (https://www.cccu.org/)

Most Importantly

Don’t let college applications control you

Perspective: College is the means, not the end

Stress, anxiety, feelings of helplessness? These are not good things to live with!

Dealing with Senior Year Stress

Change how you view your coursework. Find meaning and purpose in all activities.

Everyone hits a wall - When facing challenges, keep going. Every struggle is an opportunity to learn.

Be the Agenda Master! Schedule your time wisely and set priorities. Make lists. Don’t procrastinate.

Study smarter rather than harder or longer, “How to Become a Straight A Student” by Cal Newport

If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your teachers and your counselor Know how your body reacts to stress: See your counselor for

resources Set aside time for yourself. Ask yourself: Can I do anything about this? If the answer is no, relax.

Be content with what you can give. PRAY!

Whether you choose a state school, a private school, or a private Christian school, make sure it is the right fit for

you. Explore all options

and keep an open mind!