Career, College and Financial Aid Options By: Mrs. Helen
Thrasher West Limestone High School Counselor
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The Options Post-Secondary Education 4-year Colleges and
Universities 2-year Colleges (Community) Technical and Professional
Schools Military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard,
National Guard) Work Force Apprenticeships
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Work Force Options www.gobuildalabama.com To learn about
Alabama construction trades for nonresidential building
construction and their pay scale 19% growth rate is projected
Apprenticeships and programs available at community colleges Pipe
fitters, welders, steel workers, boilermakers, electricians,
carpenters, masons, sheet metal workers
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Career Research Kuder Navigator is a site that students can
access to take assessments to determine interests, skills and
values. They will need to set up an account at
www.kudernavigator.com. The activation code is N955985EQJ. The
Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov) offers insight into
thousands of different careers.
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Thinking About Four Year Schools
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Thinking About 2 Year Schools
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Choosing a College or University Things to Consider: Cost Size
Location Rural/Urban, In State/Out of State Campus Social
Activities Academics Major? Class Size? Religion Sports Special
Programs Honors Programs, Internships, Co-ops, Study Abroad
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Choosing a College Be Realistic Narrow Your List VISIT the
Schools You are Interested in Attending Make Sure You Meet the
Application Deadlines!!! For universities, apply in the fall of
your senior year.
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Suggestions for College Visits: Research a college before you
go check out their website thoroughly Talk to students on campus
Eat in one of the dining halls Tour the dorms Ask about class
sizes, activities, safety Talk to professors in the discipline you
are interested in majoring in Talk to people in financial aid
Follow-up with a thank you note
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Some Examples of Technical and Professional Schools : Culinary
Schools Nashville Auto-Diesel College The Art Institutes Virginia
College Trade Schools There are also certificate programs available
at community colleges in various trades.
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What Are Universities Looking For? Academic Record Grade Point
Average (GPA), Difficulty of Classes, Class Rank Testing Scores ACT
or SAT Extracurricular Activities, Awards/Honors, Community
Service, Employment Sometimes Letters of Recommendation, Essays,
Interviews
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Academic Record Rigor of Curriculum Universities are looking
for college prep courses: English, Math (bare minimum is Alg. I,
Alg. II, Geometry), Science (prefer lab courses in advanced science
classes), Social Studies, Foreign Languages. They like to see
advanced courses because they are better preparation for college.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Quality Points (4.0 Scale)
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Testing Scores ACT and SAT are college entrance exams designed
to test readiness for college. You must take college prep classes
to prepare for them! Classes such as: Alg. II and beyond,
Chemistry, English, Social Studies. Advanced classes and AP provide
better preparation. Please see me before you register.
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SOMETHING NEW! Some universities are now requiring that ACT
scores be sent directly from ACT. If you need score reports sent,
go to www.actstudent.org for details.
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Calhoun Community College Admission: rolling admission, no
application fee. Entrance Exam: ACT is not required, but
recommended. Reading: minimum 15 to be exempt from reading course;
English: minimum 20, in order to enroll in EG 101, Math: minimum
20, in order to enroll in MTH 110 or MTH 112. You may take a free
placement test (COMPASS) at Calhoun to determine English and math
placement in classes.
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University of North Alabama Admission: For Unconditional
Admission, students need ACT of 18, 2.0 GPA on Core Classes (4
English, 2 Math, 2 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Additional)
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University of Alabama in Huntsville Admission: Sliding Scale
Based on Core GPA and ACT (3.0 GPA + 20 ACT, 2.0 GPA + 25 ACT).
Average ACT is 25 and Average GPA is 3.54. Must have 4 English, 3
Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 3 Science, 4 Social Studies, 6
Electives.
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University of Alabama - Birmingham Admissions: ACT 20 Minimum
2.25 GPA in Academic Core Classes Including: 4 English, 3 Science,
3 Social Studies, 3 Math (Alg. I and higher), 1 Foreign Language, 3
Additional Academic Courses.
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University of Alabama Admission: Evaluated Based on ACT (must
include Writing), GPA, and High School Course Load. ACT 21 and GPA
3.0 Mentioned in Literature. Require: 4 English, 4 Social Sciences,
3 Math (Alg. I, Alg. II and Geometry), 1 Foreign Language, 3
Science, 5 Additional Units.
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University of Alabama Preview Days Nov. 11 Feb. 3 (juniors and
seniors) Feb. 20(juniors and seniors) You may schedule a family
campus tour at www.gobama.ua.edu/visits. Tours may be scheduled
Monday Saturday. www.gobama.ua.edu/visits
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Auburn University Base Admissions on ACT (with Writing), GPA
and Classes Taken, Essays Must have: 4 English, 3 Social Studies, 3
Math (Alg. I, Alg. II, Geometry), 2 Science. Recommended:
Additional Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language. Average
GPA is 3.79 Average ACT is 26.
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Birmingham-Southern College Admission: Based on Course
Selection, Grades, Essay, ACT or SAT Scores and School
Recommendation Must Have 16 Units Including: 4 English, 2 Foreign
Language, History, Math (Alg. I, Alg. II and Above), Natural
Science, Social Science
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Alabama A&M University Admission: Must have 18 ACT, 2.0 GPA
Dean Scholarship Up to $4,000 +$250 for books and supplies 3.0 GPA,
21 ACT Provost Scholarship Up to $5,000 +$500 for books/supplies
3.25 GPA, 24 ACT Presidential Scholarship Full Tuition + $1,000
books 3.5 GPA, 26 ACT
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Troy University Admission: 20 ACT, 2.0 GPA Scholarships 27 ACT,
3.5 GPA Full Tuition; 31 ACT, 3.7 GPA Tuition plus Room and Board;
Leadership scholarships start with 22 ACT, 3.0 GPA
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University of Montevallo December 1 Scholarship Deadlines
start. Some of their deadlines vary. Scholarships start with 25
ACT, 3.25 GPA See brochure for more complete details.
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Mississippi State University Admission: 4 English, 3 Math (Alg.
I, Alg. II, Geometry), 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Advanced
Electives (Foreign Language, Science or Math), Computer. 16 ACT,
2.5 GPA on Core Classes
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Other Universities: University of Montevallo ACT 20, 2.5 GPA
University of South Alabama ACT 20 ACT, 2.0 GPA, 16 Core Units
University of West Alabama ACT 19, 2.0 GPA Samford University No
set score (Avg. ACT 26, GPA 3.7) Jacksonville State 20 ACT
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Student Athletes: To play at a Division I or Division II
school, athletes must meet requirements set forth by the NCAA. 2.0
GPA in 16 core academic courses plus the required ACT or SAT score
Students must register with NCAA Clearinghouse. Online form at
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
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ACT Testing Dates: September 8 Register by Aug 17 October 27
Register by Sept 21 December 8 Register by Nov 2 February 9
Register by Jan 11 April 13 Register by March 8 June 8 Register by
May 3
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Types of Financial Aid: Grants These are typically need-based
and do not have to be repaid. Examples: Pell, FSEOG, SMART, TEACH,
ACG. Scholarships These are typically based on merit and do not
have to be repaid. Examples: Academic, Athletic, Leadership.
Work-Study Students work for the university on a part-time basis.
Loans These are lower interest loans by the federal government
PLUS, Stafford, Perkins.
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MORE ON GRANTS PELL and FSEOG Grants Based on your familys
income TEACH Grant For students who plan to teach in public schools
who serve students from low-income families SMART Grant Based on
need, 3 rd and 4 th year of college in certain fields Academic
Competiveness Grant Based on need, Advanced classes completed
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MORE ON LOANS Federal Student Loans offer borrowers lower
interest rates and have more flexible repayment terms and options.
Federal Perkins Loan college is lender, interest 5%, depends on
need Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan govt. is lender, interest
4.5%, depends on need, no interest while in college Direct
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan govt. is lender, interest 6.8%, interest
charged while in college
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MORE ON LOANS Direct Plus Loans for Parents borrower is
responsible for all interest, 7.9% interest, no negative credit
history, govt. is the lender. A fact sheet on loans is available in
the Guidance foyer.
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Financial Information For more information, go online to:
www.studentaid.ed.gov www.studentaid.ed.gov This is an excellent
website with lots of information on financing your college
education.
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FAFSA Forms: To receive any type of financial aid, students
must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This may be filled out online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. www.fafsa.ed.gov
For Seniors, it is based on family income for 2012. A pin number
must be obtained at www.pin.ed.gov.www.pin.ed.gov A Student Aid
Report showing Expected Family Contribution to College will be sent
to you. A report will also be sent to the colleges you choose.
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FASFA Information Grant money is distributed according to need
and is given out on a first come, first serve basis. It is
important to fill out your FAFSA forms before March 1 st for many
schools. You must fill out FAFSA before you can receive scholarship
money from schools.
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Free Help with FAFSA Forms: Counselors with the North Alabama
Center for Educational Excellence are available to help parents
with FAFSA forms. The office is located in the QuadPlex (corner of
Hobbs St. and Thomas St.) The number is (256) 233-1220. There is no
cost for this service.
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ROTC Scholarships for Military Minded Students: Army ROTC 19
ACT, 2.5 GPA. Jan. 1 Deadline. NROTC Scholarships require an ACT
score of 22 in Math and English. Air Force ROTC Scholarships
require a 24 Composite ACT, GPA 3.0, Class Rank of Top 40%. Marines
ROTC: 22 ACT
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Academic Scholarships: Different schools have different
requirements. It pays to do your research online and check out the
websites of the schools you are interested in applying to. You must
meet the deadlines! Dont forget to consider some of the smaller
schools. They offer good scholarships as well. Some schools have
you fill out separate scholarship applications. Some departments
give out scholarships and you must fill out separate
applications.
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UAH Academic Scholarships: UAH Deadline is Dec. 1. Separate
Scholarship Application. UAH will allow students to continue taking
the ACT in the spring to try and increase their score. UAH
scholarships start with 25 ACT and 3.0 GPA. As scores go up, the
amount of the scholarships go up. Fact Sheet is available in
guidance.
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UNA Academic Scholarships: Deadline is Feb. 1. Scholarships
start with 3.0 GPA on core curriculum and 25 ACT. 25 ACT =
$3,000/year 26-27 ACT = $4,000/year 28 ACT = $5,000/year 29-31 ACT
= $8,000/year 32 ACT = $8,000/year + Room 33-36 ACT = $8,000/year+
Room + Books
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University of Alabama Academic Scholarships Deadline is Dec. 1.
Must fill out scholarship application in MyBama
(http://mybama.ua.edu). Scholarships start with 27 ACT and 3.5 GPA
- $1,500/year 28-29 ACT, 3.5 GPA - $3,500/year 30-36 ACT, 3.5 GPA
Full Tuition First Generation Scholarships - new
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Auburn University Academic Scholarships Spirit of Auburn
Scholarships Deadline is Dec. 1. 28-29 ACT and 3.5 or higher GPA =
$2,500/year 30-31 ACT and 3.5 GPA = Full Tuition 32-36 ACT and 3.5
GPA = Full Tuition, $1,000 technology allowance, invitation to
University Honors College Foundation, Legacy and Achievement 26 ACT
and 3.5 GPA
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UAB Scholarships December 1 Deadline UAB Scholarships start
with 24 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $1,000 24 ACT, 3.5+ GPA - $2,500 25-27 ACT,
3.5+ GPA - $3,000 28-32 ACT, 3.3+ GPA - $6,000 33+ACT, 3.0+ GPA
Full Tuition + (highly competitive)
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Mississippi State Scholarships Scholarship Deadline Dec. 1
Scholarships start with 24 ACT, 3.0 GPA, Excellent leadership and
service activities
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University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Admission Requirements are
going up in 2012. (Core 4 every year, Math through Trig, 2 Foreign
Language credits, 1 Fine Art credit), 20 ACT, 2.5 GPA Separate
scholarship application Deadlines vary Scholarships for
out-of-state students start with 26 ACT, 3.0 GPA - $2,000/year
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University of South Alabama Scholarships start with 24 ACT, 3.0
GPA - $3,500/year 28-29 ACT, 3.5 GPA - $5,000/year 30-31ACT, 3.5
GPA - $8,000/year 32 ACT, 3.5 GPA - $9,000/year 33+, 3.5 GPA -
$11,000/year Dec. 1 - Deadline
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Jacksonville State University Deadline is March 1. Apply for
academic scholarships online Begin with 22 ACT 26 ACT = Full
tuition + books 30 ACT = Full tuition + room/board Leadership
scholarships (paper application) 20 ACT, 2.5 GPA
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Troy University 27 ACT, 3.5 GPA Full Tuition 31 ACT, 3.7 GPA
(60 awarded) Full Tuition, Room and Board Leadership Scholarships
start with 22 ACT, 3.0 GPA Separate scholarship application
Deadlines vary with different scholarships. See website for more
details.
Leadership Scholarships: Many of the smaller schools offer good
leadership scholarships with a little bit lower ACT score required.
For example: UNA Minimum 18 ACT, Core Curriculum GPA 2.75, Resume
required. From $1,200/year to $8,000. Troy 22 ACT, 3.0 GPA. Girls
State Representative Scholarship. University of West Alabama Gives
scholarships to those who held leadership positions in high school
such as SCA President, Sr. Class President, Yearbook Editor, etc.
$1,500-$2,500/year.
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Community College Scholarships Many community colleges offer a
variety of scholarships. Deadline for Calhoun is March 1.
Scholarship application at www.calhoun.edu. Calhoun offers
Foundation Scholarships, Athletic Scholarships, Fine Arts
Scholarships, Many Leadership Scholarships for Those Active in
Calhouns Student Government Association, College Literary Magazine,
Warhawks, etc.
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Calhoun Scholarships There is a separate scholarship
application (available online). ACT 26 and up One year scholarship
of full tuition and fees Must complete FAFSA by March 1. Also need:
transcript, essay, letters of reference (optional)
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Wallace State Community College You may take the COMPASS
placement test instead of the ACT to attend Wallace State. Separate
scholarship application Feb. 15 Deadline Academic Scholarships are
based on ACT (21+) scores, GPA (3.0+), Essays and Letters of
Recommendation. Fact Sheet available in College and Career
Room.
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Local Scholarships Local scholarship information is typically
sent out in the spring. Watch the West Limestone guidance website,
check in the guidance foyer, listen to morning announcements,
follow guidance on Twitter and FaceBook.
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More Information: Come and visit the Guidance Department. I
will be glad to help you look up materials. We have handouts and
fact sheets for different colleges and scholarships, as well as
reference books. I will be glad to work with you on learning to
navigate college websites. The best advice is to explore
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College and Career Guides These are full of great information
but they wont be of use to you unless you read them! There are
forms in guidance for College Visitation Days and Transcript
Requests. There are also sample resumes. For some applications, you
need to include a resume. To help in writing letters of
recommendation, teachers and counselors need a copy of your
resume.
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STI Now This is a great way of keeping up with your
grades.
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Great Websites!!! For information on careers, go to
www.bls.gov. Scroll down to Featured Publications and click on
Occupational Outlook Handbook. Detailed information on a multitude
of careers.www.bls.gov www.alstudentaid.com Check out these
publications Affording Higher Education, Getting In and Planning
Your Future. www.alstudentaid.com
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Good Websites: www.getin2college.com Their handbook has a lot
of useful tips. www.getin2college.com www.mapping-your-future.org
This has a lot of helpful information. www.mapping-your-future.org
College Searches www.petersons.com, www.collegeboard.com,
www.princetonreview.comwww.petersons.com www.collegeboard.com
www.princetonreview.com Financial Aid
www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov
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Final Thoughts: If you have applied and been accepted to more
than 1 college, let the ones that you will not be attending know
before May 1. That will open a spot for another student. Let Mrs.
OConnell know when you need transcripts sent. Forms are available
in the guidance office. Let Mrs. Craig know when you need to take a
college visitation day. Juniors are allowed 1 day. Seniors are
allowed 2. Forms are available from Mrs. OConnell
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The Last Word: I enjoy working with you at West Limestone High
School. I am willing to meet with you and your parents after hours
if needed. Please feel free to call for an appointment. You are my
priority. I will be glad to help you prepare for your future in any
way I can. Mrs. Thrasher