HHS Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships

Presentation

ACT Can score a 1-36 (Average

of 4 sections—Math, Science, Reading, English)

No penalty for guessing

SAT I Can score 200-800 on

each of three sections (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing)

1 point is given for correct answers. 1/3-1/5 point is taken away for wrong answers.

*Studies show that out of the students who have taken both the ACT and SAT I, 1/3 of the students score better on the ACT, 1/3 score better on the SAT, and the other 1/3 score the equivalent on both tests.

Ex. 24 ACT/1170 SAT

ACT vs. SAT I

Complete all applications online, if possible. ◦ Most students waive their right to view their letters of

recommendation or other information from those who contribute to the application. It’s a good idea to do this, because colleges will not view the recommendations with validity if they know that the student has had or will have access to that info.

◦ Gather letters of recommendation, resume, or any other information the application asks for and submit separately if applying online/together if applying on paper.

Send your transcript to the school. (Fill out the transcript request in the guidance office)

Complete the scholarship application (if separate and/or applicable).

College will mail you their decision, what to do next, etc.

-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Application Steps and Tips

Very few students win a completely free ride◦ Of students enrolled full-time at a 4-year college

0.3% get enough grants to cover the full COA 1.0% get enough grants to cover 90% or more of the COA 3.4% get enough grants to cover 75% or more of the COA 14.3% get enough grants to cover 50% or more of the COA

◦ Of students winning scholarships, more than two-thirds (69.1%) received less than $2,500

More students at 4-year colleges win scholarships◦ 8.3% of students at 4-year colleges win scholarships◦ 2.6% of students at 2-year colleges win scholarships

-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Who Wins Scholarships?

It’s a numbers game◦ Even among talented students, who wins involves a bit

of luck, not just skill◦ To win more scholarships, apply to more scholarships,

but only if you qualify You can’t win if you don’t apply

◦ One in four students never applies for financial aid It gets easier after your first 6 applications

◦ Essays can be reused and tailored to each new application

Don’t miss deadlines-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Tips to Win Scholarships-from

Prioritize your applications by deadline and the expected value of the scholarship

Use a calendar and checklist to get organized Create an accomplishments resume Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals Read and follow the instructions Make your application stand out from the crowd Ask to be nominated Practice on a copy of the application form-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Tips on Winning Scholarships

Ask the teacher whether she can write you a great letter of recommendation

The recommendation should be relevant to the scholarship sponsor’s goal

Provide the recommender with a copy of your accomplishments resume

Provide the recommender with a SASE and all required forms

Thank the recommender for writing the letter

-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Tips for Recommendation Letters

Answer the essay question orally and transcribe the recording

Use an outline to organize your thoughts Give examples and be specific Personalize your essay and be passionate Write about something of interest to you Talk about your impact on other people Proofread a printed copy of the essay for

spelling and grammar errors-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Tips for Writing Essays for Scholarships

Use a professional email address, such as firstname.lastname@gmail.com

Clean up the content of your Facebook account, removing inappropriate and immature material

Google your name to see what shows up Make a photocopy of your application before

mailing it Send the application by certified mail, return

receipt requested or with delivery confirmation If rejected, ask for the reviewer comments-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Other Scholarship Tips

Scholarships in our own backyard vs. nationwide scholarships

Service clubs—Rotary, Civitan, Kiwanis, American Legion, etc.

Scholarships from religious organizations Money from your worker’s union Talk to your employer (student and parent) Scholarships from extracurricular activities

(Boy Scouts, FBLA, Key Club, etc.)

Outside of Schools Scholarship Searches

Your college financial aid office Your department of study at the college you

choose. Search the newspaper for past winners of

scholarships. The internet (www.fastweb.com,

www.scholarships.com, etc.) Big businesses Professional associations

Scholarships

Scholarship books Use your ethnicity or a disability Use your leadership and/or community

service Contests Military

Job vs. Scholarship Searching20 hour part-time job$160=$8/hour

20 hour scholarship search$1000 scholarship=$50/hour

Scholarships

Missing deadlines Failing to proofread the application Failing to follow directions (essay length, number

of recommendations) Omitting required information Applying for an award when you don’t qualify Failing to apply for an award for which you are

eligible Failing to tailor the application to the sponsor Writing a boring essay-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Most Common Application Mistakes

1. Spout off on social media.2. Lie on your application.3. Neglect standardized test prep.4. Be frivolous about grades.5. Don’t devote time to your application essay.6. Don’t take the admissions interview seriously.7. Sit on your couch and do nothing.8. Skate through your senior year after applying.9. Use a tasteless email address.10. Ignore deadlines.Suzanne Schaffer, http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/11/21/top-10-ways-ruin-college-admissions-chances/

Top 10 Ways to Ruin Your College Admissions Chances

More Information http://hartselle.hcs.schoolinsites.com/ --Click on

Guidance for information on scholarships and on links and calendar for more information and reminders.

www.alcareerinfo.org Career Planning, Scholarships/Financial Aid, and other info for students and parents.

Saving for college (PACT, ESA’s, and 529 Plans) North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence—

256-350-6478 Stay organized and motivated!

If you have to pay money to get money, it is probably a scam

Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships or to apply for a scholarship

Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship

Do not give out personal information like bank account numbers, credit card numbers or Social Security numbers

Beware of the unclaimed aid myth-Mark Kantrowitz, FastWeb

Scholarship Scams

College Characteristics Academics Size Atmosphere Cost Location Student Body Type

Factors to Consider When Choosing a College

Seniors could have started applying Sept 2014

100% online Will accept a weighted GPA 1st round of acceptance letters will be

mailed Oct. 15.

Auburn Univ. Admissions

Last year the regular decision minimums in the fall were around a 24 ACT/1170 SAT and a 3.25 GPA.

Some admission decisions will be deferred—this is not a denial of admission. All deferred admissions will get a final answer by Feb. 15.

Writing portion of the ACT is required. Will take the highest ACT regardless of when

the writing portion was taken. ACT scores must be sent from ACT and will

not be accepted off of the back of the transcript.

Auburn Univ. Admissions

December 1st deadline—Application for admission serves as scholarship application--not separate

Spirit of Auburn Scholarships1. Presidential—32-36 ACT (1400-1600 SAT) score and a 3.5

GPA—covers tuition for four years and a $1000 technology stipend.

2. Founders—30-31 ACT (1330-1390 SAT) score and a 3.5 GPA—covers tuition for four years

3. University—28-29 ACT (1250-1320 SAT) score and a 3.5 GPA --$3,000 per year for 4 years

4. Auburn Spirit Foundation/Legacy Scholarships—26 ACT/1170 SAT and 3.5 GPA for students who are first generation college students or have a parent who is an Alumni of Auburn--$6000 over 4 years

Auburn Scholarship Info

Could have started applying August Apply online or pdf version is available Writing portion of the ACT is required. Will take the highest ACT regardless of when

the writing portion was taken. ACT score must be sent through ACT.

Univ. of Alabama Admissions

Last year a 3.0 GPA and 21 ACT/1000 SAT score was generally accepted for admission

Will accept a weighted GPA if printed on the transcript

Some admission letters are being sent out as soon as the application is complete

Univ. of Alabama Admissions

Capstone Scholar—3.5 GPA and a 27 ACT/1210 SAT--$3500/year for 4 years

Collegiate Scholar—3.5 GPA and a 28 ACT/1250-1320 SAT--$4000/year for 4 years

Foundation in Excellence—3.5 GPA and a 29 ACT/1290 SAT--$4913 or half-tuition for 4 yrs

Presidential Scholar—3.5 GPA and a 30-36 ACT/1330-1600 SAT—In-state tuition for 4 years

Academic Elite—Member of Univ. Fellows, 3.8 GPA and a 32-36/1400-1600 SAT—Tuition for 4 years, $8500 per year for 4 years and Ipad

Univ. of Alabama Scholarships

Generally speaking, UAB admits students with at least a 20 ACT/950 SAT and a 2.25 GPA.

Presidential Scholarships, Presidential Recognition Awards, and Endowed Scholarships

From $7,000 to full tuition (up to 15 credit hours per term), required fees, and on-campus housing

Based on academic achievement (33-36 ACT and at least 3.0 GPA) and submission of the supplemental scholarship application sent to you if you were admitted to UAB by December 1. (Mailing begins on a rolling basis in mid-October.) These scholarships are highly competitive and limited in number.

UAB Admissions and Scholarships

UAB Scholarships In-State

Scholarshipsfor 2014-2015

Annual AmountRequired

Test Score Required GPA

Presidential Recognition,Presidential, andEndowed Scholarships(supplemental application required)

Tuition and fees 33-36 ACT

3.5 GPA or higherGolden Excellence $7,500 30-32 ACT

Collegiate Honors $5,500 27-29 ACT

UAB Breakthrough $3,000 24-26 ACT

UAB Academic Achievement

$2,000 20-23 ACT

Collegiate Honors $5,500 30-36 ACT3.0-3.49 GPA

UAB Academic Achievement

$2,000 24-29 ACT

Generally speaking, UAH admits students with at least a 20 ACT/970 SAT and a 2.9 GPA. However, they have a sliding scale for GPA as the ACT score goes up.

Scholarships

UAH Admissions and Scholarship

In general, admission standards are an 18 ACT score (or ranked in the top 50% of the senior class) and a 2.0 in core subject areas.

UNA Admissions and Scholarships

Full admission starts at a 20 ACT Students with a 22 ACT are automatically

qualified for scholarships. Students with a 26 ACT are automatically

qualified for a full-tuition scholarship and book stipendfor up to four years.

Students with a 30 ACT are automatically qualified for a full-tuition, room and board scholarship for four years.

Jacksonville State University Admissions and Scholarships

Require you to have graduated from high school for admission. An ACT score is not required for admission—However, if you score a

20 on the Math/English portions, you will not be required to take the COMPASS placement test to determine which Math/English class where you start in the fall of your Freshman year.

Last year, a 27 ACT score and a 3.0 GPA was a full-tuition scholarship at Calhoun and Wallace State

Many other scholarship opportunities exist at the community college level with lower ACT requirements than at 4-year colleges.

Tuition rates at community colleges are cheaper than 4-year universities.

Once students complete a couple of years of community college (usually around 48 hours), four-year schools offer admission and scholarships based on the GPA at the community college and not your high school GPA/ACT score.

Community College info

Opportunities in Technology Fields/Career Tech 65% of the projected jobs of the future will require

a two-year technical education. 20% will require a four-year degree. 15% will require no formal training at a post-secondary school.

However—65% of graduates pursue four-year degrees and 20% pursue two-year technical degrees.

Healthcare Careers Process Technology

Machine Tool Technology Welding

Industrial Maintenance HVAC

Aerospace/AviationTechnology Design/Drafting

Automation/Electrical Tech Robotics

Wallace State Community College Technical Degrees/Certificates Agriculture Production/Horticulture Auto Body Repair Auto Mechanics Automotive Manufacturing Technology Aviation Flight Technology Commercial Foods Commercial Sewing Diesel Mechanics Drafting and Design Technology Electronic Technology Heating and Air Conditioning Precision Machining/CNC/Tool and Die/Plastics Upholstery/Interior Refinishing Welding

Auburn University—$29,000 Univ. of Alabama—$26,000 UAB—$23,000 UAH—$24,000 UNA—$19,000 Troy University—$22,000 Jacksonville State—$20,000 Calhoun Community College—$8,000 Wallace State Community College--$8,000

Public—Approx. Cost of Attendance per year in 2014-15

1. Go to a school you can afford.2. Search for scholarships like crazy and take

advantage of financial aid and grants if possible.

3. Generate income—Studies show that an average college student working 20 hours/week can pay for an in-state public school education.

4. Save like crazy before school and while working in the summers during school.

5. Live frugally—Sacrifice for 4 years so that you can live the next 40 uncommonly.

-Rachel Cruze, @rachelcruze

Paying for School without Student Loans

Financial Aid

A: The first step in the financial aid process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov.

Q: WHERE DO I BEGIN?

A: FAFSA completion starts the application process for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, Federal Parent PLUS Loans, Federal Work Study, Supplemental Grants and some scholarships depending on the organization. - Even if you know you won’t qualify for a grant, you never know when you might need extra help.

Q: WHY DO I NEED A FAFSA?

A: The FAFSA becomes available for the upcoming school year in January. - File as soon as your (student)/parents taxes are completed. The earlier you complete the FAFSA the more likely you are to receive additional funding that may be available.

Q: WHEN DO I START?

A: The earlier you complete the FAFSA the more likely you are to receive additional funding that may be available. - Some schools receive additional federal, state and/or institutional grants that have very limited funding. These grants may be given to students on a first come, first serve basis for those who qualify.

Q: WHY DO I NEED TO START SO EARLY?

A: You and your parent must have the following information: Social Security Number (can be found on your Social Security

card) Driver's license (if any) 2013 Federal Income Tax Returns (if you haven't completed

returns for 2013, bring 2012 federal tax returns, W-2 forms, and records of other money earned during the year): IRS PIN Number(s)IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040Telefile, foreign tax return, or tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia.

Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA?

Records of untaxed income: Social Security Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , Food

StampsWelfare Veterans' benefits

Current bank statements Current business and investment mortgage

information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records

Documentation that you are a U.S. permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen

Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA? (cont’d)

A: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, Federal Parent PLUS Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Work Study and Supplemental Grants.

- Federal Pell Grants, Federal Subsidized Student Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Supplemental Grants and Federal Work Study aid are need based aid.

- Federal Unsubsidized Student Loans and Parent PLUS Loans and are not need based aid.

- Please note that all students are not eligible for need based aid.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF AID CAN I QUALIFY FOR BY COMPLETING THE FAFSA?

A: A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded usually only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant.) Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.

Q: WHAT IS A FEDERAL PELL GRANT?

A: A federal student loan allows students and their parents to borrow money to help pay for college through loan programs supported by the federal government. Student loans, unlike grants and work-study, are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest, just like car loans and home mortgages. You cannot have these loans canceled because you didn't like the education you received, didn't get a job in your field of study or because you're having financial difficulty. Loans are legal obligations, so before you take out a student loan, think about the amount you'll have to repay over the years. They usually have low interest rates and offer attractive repayment terms, benefits and options. Generally, repayment of a federal loan does not begin until after the student leaves school. Federal student loans can be used to pay school expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies and transportation.

Q: WHAT IS A FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN?

A: Federal Stafford Subsidized Loans provide low interest rates and are available to students who demonstrate financial need based on income and other information provided on the FAFSA. A credit check is not required to receive these loans. The federal government pays the interest on these loans until six months after the student is no longer enrolled in school at least half time.

- Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loans provide low interest rates and are available to all students regardless of financial need (although the FAFSA still must be filed). A credit check is not required to receive these loans. The student is responsible for the interest, which may be paid while the student is in school or accrued and then added to the principal balance when the student enters repayment, which occurs six months after the student is no longer enrolled in school at least half time.

Q: WHAT ARE THE TWO TYPES OF FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS?

A: Federal Perkins Loans are made through participating schools to undergraduate, graduate and professional degree students.

- Offered to students who demonstrate financial need.

- Made to students enrolled full-time or part-time.

- Repaid to your school.

Q: WHAT IS A FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN?

A: Federal Parent PLUS Loans are low interest loans that parents can obtain to help pay the cost of education for their children. These loans are available for parents on behalf of the student once the FAFSA has been completed and the financial aid file completed. PLUS loans require a credit check and, in some instances, an eligible cosigner. Repayment of PLUS loans begins following the final disbursement for the year. Additional paperwork may be required. 

Q: WHAT IS A PARENT PLUS LOAN?

A: The federal work study program is federally funded and is available to qualified students who demonstrate financial need. Students are employed on campus approximately 15 hours per week at minimum wage and are paid monthly. Funds for this program are limited and a limited number of FWSP community service opportunities are available through our office.

Q: WHAT IS FEDERAL WORK STUDY?

A: The FAFSA doesn’t pay for anything, your financial aid package/award shows what funds have been offered to you.

- In most cases, no, your financial aid package will not cover all of your expenses. Federal Student Aid is not designed to pay for everything. It is a supplement to help you/your parents with educational costs.

Q: WILL MY FAFSA PAY FOR EVERYTHING?

A: You and your parent must each have a PIN number that will be used every year that you file a FAFSA.

- It will also be used to sign your Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling if you accept a loan.

- The PIN site is www.pin.ed.gov.

Q: HOW DO I SIGN MY FAFSA?

A: Electronically, but you must list your school’s code on the FAFSA.

- If you do not know the code, there is a drop down box for you to search for and choose your school to be added to your FAFSA.

Q: HOW IS MY FAFSA SENT TO THE SCHOOL THAT I WANT TO ATTEND?

www.fsapubs.org www.fafsa.gov www.pin.ed.gov www.nslds.ed.gov www.dlservicer.ed.gov www.fsa4counselors.ed.gov www.nasfaa.org www.fastweb.com www.finaid.ucsb.edu/FAFSASimplification/

index.html www.studentaid.ed.gov

RESOURCES

Kenny Lopez ◦ Kenneth.lopez@hcs.k12.al.us◦ 256-751-5616

Questions?