Senior Parent MeetingAugust 31, 2015

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Senior Meeting Agenda

• Meet Your Counselor

• Transcript

• Military Options

• Career Readiness

• College Information

• Family Connections

• Testing

• NCAA Eligibility

• Scholarships

• Financial Aid

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NFHS Guidance Department

Mrs. Williams A-De

Dr. Russell Df-Ki

Mrs. Underwood Kj-Re

Mrs. Dreher Rf-Z

9th gradeMrs. Huitt A-N

Mrs. Scroggs O-Z

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CR

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GPA

Class Rank

Graduation Distinctions

• Diploma of Distinction

• Academic Honors Award

• Honor Graduate

• Major Completer

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Joining the Military?

• Take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)– Test will be given October

14th @ NFHS - No fee– Registration Deadline –

October 2nd

• Contact a Recruiter• Recruiters may be available during

lunch

• Websites– www.todaysmilitary.com– www.military.com

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Questions to Ask the Recruiter

• When do I take the ASVAB?– Be prepared and score as high as possible– Recruiters may give you a practice test – You can buy a study guide for the ASVAB

• How soon will I leave for training?– Joining entails qualifying by testing and taking a physical– After qualifying you pick your job and swear-in– Discuss when you are available to leave

• When will I get my job assigned?– Make sure you understand what job you have been assigned – Know when you are leaving for basic training

• What documents do I need to start the recruiting process?– Government issued ID– Social Security Card– High school diploma– Birth certificate

• Do you need my complete medical and legal history?– Complete medical history– Legal infractions – traffic tickets, misdemeanors, felonies, etc.

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Post 9/11 GI Bill Tuition Assistance

• http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill

• http://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/tuition-assistance-ta-program-overview.html

• http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill/tuition-top-up-program.html

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Entering the Workforce?• Secure a position before the end of the school year

– Create Resume – Complete Applications– Interview Preparation

• Websites– www.bls.gov/ooh– www.acinet.org– www.myfuture.com– www.careerbuilder.com– www.monster.com– www.quintcareers.com– www.jobcorps.gov

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Going to College?

• Select 3-5 schools you would like to attend– Type of School: 4-YR, 2-YR, Technical, Vocational– Research admission requirements, campus size,

majors offered, extracurricular activities

• Campus Visits/Open Houses– Seniors are allowed 2 college visit days– Must bring a letter to Attendance stating you were

there for a visit within 5 days of the absence to be excused

• Take SAT/ACT/COMPASS (as needed)– Fee Waivers

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Types of Colleges

• Technical Colleges– Ex: York Tech, Midlands

Tech, Tri-County Tech

• 2-YR Colleges– Ex: USC Lancaster,

Spartanburg Methodist

• 4-YR Colleges– Ex: USC Columbia, Clemson,

Winthrop

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2-YR/Technical College Admission

• COMPASS Placement Test– Offered @ York Tech Monday-Saturday

• Check website for schedule http://yorktech.edu/assess/asset.php

– No Fee • Fee charged to send scores to

another college

• SAT/ACT may be required

• Transfer Programs– Articulation Agreements

• www.sctrac.org

– Possible Transfer Issues

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4-YR College Admission

• Specific courses required

– 3 lab sciences (physical science is not a lab science), 2-3 units of foreign language, 1 unit of fine arts; CP level course work

• SAT/ACT

• GPA/Class Rank

• Bridge Programs

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Can You Get In Where You Fit In???

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Admission Statistics Average weighted GPA: 4.29 Average SAT: 1253 (1600 scale) SAT Mid-Range: 1170-1330 Average ACT: 28 ACT Mid-Range: 27-31 Consider Writing in Admissions Decision: No, but required

Admission Statistics Weighted GPA Mid-Range: 3.59-4.41 SAT Mid-Range: 1130-1280 (1600 scale) ACT Mid-Range: 25-29 Writing score considered: in holistic review

Resource: College Admissions Statistics

http://nfhs.fort-mill.k12.sc.us/group_profile_view.aspx?id=ee977d6b-4841-4494-acba-86e350175515

SAT/ACT• SAT Registration & Test Dates - www.collegeboard.org

– Critical Reading, Math, Writing– Fee = $54.50– Highest Score = 1600 Critical Reading & Math (2400 including Writing)

• Super Scoring – Will match highest Critical Reading & Math score from different test dates (400-1600 scale starting 3/2016)

– ¼ point deducted for wrong answers- until March 2016– Subject Tests – May be required by some schools – Fee = $26.00+$18.00

• Measures level of achievement in a particular subject area

• ACT Registration & Test Dates – www.actstudent.org– English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Writing

• Take the writing section at least once

– Fee = $56.50 ($39.50 w/o Writing)– Highest Score = 36 not including Writing– No points deducted for wrong answers

• Registration deadlines are usually 4-6 weeks prior to the test date• Practice Questions/Tests are available on these websites• Students with an IEP/504 Plan may request accommodations… see your counselor• SAT/ACT Score Comparison Chart – available on the Guidance website

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National Center for Fair & Open Testing

• Some colleges/universities either do not use or deemphasize the use of standardized tests (SAT/ACT) to admit students

• In some cases SAT/ACT scores may be required but used for placement purposes or to conduct research studies, not for admission purposes

• For a complete listing of participating colleges/universities, visit www.fairtest.org

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Recommendations

• Request Recommendations Early!!– At least 2-3 weeks in advance

• Provide Teacher/Counselor with Necessary Information – School/Organization Name

– Reason for the Recommendation (admissions, scholarship, etc.)

– Deadline (Mailed or Returned to Student)

– Provide a Stamped/Addressed Envelope (if needed)

• Student Profile/Resume (Guidance webpage)

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College Application Process

• Complete and submit APPLICATIONS– Online applications are preferred– Check Deadlines (Application vs. Credentials)

• Early Decision, Early Action, Early Notification

– Essays & Recommendations

• Use Family Connections to Request Transcript– Family Connections transcript request– Guidance Counselor Evaluation Forms– Allow at least a week for processing!

• Send TEST SCORES• Scores should be sent directly from the testing center to the

college/university admissions office

• Final Transcript Request– Forms will be distributed in May

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Use the AT&T Method!

Out-of-State College for In-State Tuition

• The Academic Common Market administered by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), allows for SC residents who are enrolled in specific programs at a public out-of-state college/university to attend for in-state tuition

• Eligible programs are those which are not offered in South Carolina or your home state

• For more information on participating colleges and available programs, visit http://www.sreb.org/page/1304/academic_common_market.html

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Tips for Applying to Colleges

• Apply to at least 3 colleges

• Apply Early

– Don’t wait on updated SAT/ACT scores

– Housing preference is based on the date application is submitted for some schools

• Verify receipt of application, transcript, test scores with the college/university-for initial submission and final transcripts

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After Applying

• Continue to excel in your classes

• Mid-Year Reports– Some schools may require

a mid-year transcript or report card… contact your counselor if this is needed

• Communication– Schools may communicate

with you via email or another communication system… be sure to check these regularly so you don’t miss important information!

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NCAA Eligibility

• Students must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, www.eligibilitycenter.org– Fee is $75 – Students on Free/Reduced Lunch may

receive a fee waiver… See Dr. Russell

• Students must complete 16 core courses to be eligible - English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language

• Required Core GPA and SAT/ACT are based on a sliding scale

• Test scores must be sent directly from SAT/ACT to the NCAA• Enter code 9999 on the form when you register for

these tests

• A final transcript must be sent at the end of your senior year… be sure to indicate NCAA on the Final Transcript Request form in May

• Students must register with NCAA BEFOREtaking official college visits for athletics

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State Scholarshipswww.che.sc.gov

Palmetto Fellows merit based scholarship for the most academically talented seniors to receive up to $6,700 for their freshman year at any of the eligible 4-year institutions

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Rank in the top 6% at the end of the 10th, 11th , or 12th grade year

2. Earn a 1200 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT

3. Earn a 3.5 cumulative GPA (based on the SC UGP)

TWO opportunities to apply: (Counselor Driven Application Process)

Early Award: Mid-October- December 15th

Late Award: Mid-April-June 15th

*Due to the stringent deadlines, we must adhere to the dates determined by the Commission on Higher Education23

State Scholarshipswww.che.sc.gov

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4-Year Institution Eligibility

Must have 2 of 3 to qualify

• 3.0 Cumulative GPA (based on the SC UGP) upon high school graduation• Award amount is the cost of tuition plus a $300 book allowance

• 3.0 Cumulative GPA on the SC UGP• Score 1100 SAT on SAT or 24 Composite Score on ACT• Rank in the top 30% of the graduating class• Award amount is up to $5000 toward the cost of tuition

LIFE Scholarship merit based scholarship administered by each participating institution to encourage students to attend school in South Carolina

Palmetto Fellows/Life Scholarship

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Up to an additional

$2,500

Must be enrolled in an eligible major at

their home institution

Starts the student’s 2nd academic year (6

semesters) at a 4-year institution only

State Scholarshipswww.che.sc.gov

HOPE Scholarship4 year institution one-time award in the freshmen year for students who

DO NOT QUALIFY for Palmetto Fellows or LIFE Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria:• Cumulative 3.0 Final GPA on the SC Uniform Grading Scale• Award Amount - $2,800 & $150 book allowance

Lottery Tuition Assistance Program• Only available at Technical Schools• No minimum GPA or test score required• Must complete FAFSA • Award Amount – Up to the cost of tuition… varies by academic year

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Scholarship Notification

Submit a copy of any scholarship award letters to your guidance counselor

This information is used to calculate total scholarship money earned for the graduating class

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Scholarship Search: Resources

• Family Connections Announcements– Scholarship Email Announcements

– Links to scholarship search websites

• Prospective College/University– Contact your prospective school’s financial aid

office or academic department about available scholarships

– Most schools will automatically consider you for scholarships when your application is considered for admission.

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Scholarship Search: Resources

• Foundations, Sororities/Fraternities, Faith-Based Organizations/Church

• Ethnicity-Based Organizations (i.e. NAACP, Hispanic College Fund)

• Your Parent’s Employer• Corporations (i.e. Coca Cola, Target, Best Buy, Buick)• Internet

– www.bigfuture.collegboard.org/scholarship-search– www.fastweb.com– www.scholarships.com– www.scholarshipexperts.com– www.sctuitiongrants.org

Beware of services that charge a fee and other scams (www.studentaid.ed.gov/types/scams)

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FAFSA

• Complete as soon after January 1st of the senior year as possible – Online applications are preferred and are

generally processed faster – www.fafsa.ed.gov

• Parents’ (and student’s if they worked) completed tax returns are needed

• FSA ID Required to Sign FAFSA Electronically– Both student and a parent will need an FSA ID,

visit https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

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Dates to Remember

• September 30, 2015 – Jostens Senior Meeting

• October 1, 2015 – College Application Day

• October 1, 2015 – Thomas Larkin Scholarship Information Session

• October 19, 2015– College Fair, Winthrop University, 6-8pm• January 2016 – Start FAFSA Application

• January 28, 2016 – FAFSA Demo and Q & A Parent Session

• May 21, 2016– NFHS GRADUATION

Check the NFHS & Guidance websites for important dates regularly

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Family Connections Demo

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THANK YOU!

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