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Class of 2013Welcome to your

SENIOR CONFERENCE

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Presented by the Cass Tech HS Guidance and Counseling Department:Ms. Harris, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Moffitt, Ms. Redditt, Mr. Rogers, Ms. Sanders, Ms. Sims

and Mrs. Stroughter, Assistant Principal

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Today's conference is posted online at:teacherweb.com/MI/

CassTechnicalHighSchool/GuidanceandCounseling

Click on the link for "Senior Conference"

Seniors please study the procedures at your leisure. You are responsible to know and follow

all procedures precisely.

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SENIOR CONFERENCE TOPICS Senior Calendar College Selection Procedure to visit with a college recruiter Procedure for submitting College Application (Paper) Procedure for submitting College Application (Web) Early Admissions - Early Decision - Early Response Letters of Recommendation "On- The-Spot" College Application Procedure College Scholarships Financial Aid SAT/ACT Senior Year Budget Graduation Requirements Career Planning NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse Fee Waiver Procedure for College Apps and/or SAT or ACT

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SENIOR CALENDAR 2012-2013 ONGOING ACTIVITIES

EARN GOOD GRADES CHECK THE COLLEGE RECRUITER SCHEDULE (ONLINE)CHECK THE SCHOLARSHIP NEWSLETTER (ONLINE) AND APPLY EDIT YOUR LIST OF COLLEGE CHOICES COMPLETE COLLEGE APPLICATIONS AND SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIPS IF YOU QUALIFY, SIGN UP FOR "ON- THE-SPOT" ADMISSIONSTALK ABOUT POST HIGH SCHOOL PLANSBRING PROOF OF SCHOLARSHIPS EARNED ( ie. College Award Letters) TO YOUR COUNSELOR

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SEPTEMBER 2012

Register to take or retake the ACT and or SAT if necessary. Check Test Date Schedule for Deadlines.

Attend Senior Conference with parents/guardians on September 26th.

Meet with your counselor for Counseling Group Senior Conference (CGSC) and carefully complete and return all paperwork.

Study your transcript (given to you in CGSC folder) and report any error immediately to your counselor.

Complete college applications following CT Procedures, paying close attention to deadlines (especially for Early Decision or Early Action or Early Response)

Get off to a strong start academically.

(Oct 2012 through June 2013 will be discussed in the counselor session)

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COLLEGE SELECTION There are many places waiting for you and will be a "good fit" for you. There are 2,190 colleges and 1,653 community colleges in the United States. There are 60 colleges and 33 community colleges in Michigan. So,

Find a strong correlation between ...

-your academic record and - admission requirements - your intellectual interests and - the degree programs available - your personality and - the college setting

You accomplish this by doing research and by asking questions

Do not consider cost initially!

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COLLEGE SELECTION Continued

Important things to consider when choosing a college: •majors and minors offered •public vs private •population (HBCU or not)/Gender (males/females/ratio?) •size (small = less than 2K, medium = 2K - 15K, large = more than 15k, or no preference) •location (city or state or region or no preference) •distance from home •cost to the family •student population (gender? ethnicity?) •housing •athletics •activities and special programs •'gut' feelings

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An excellent website to focus in on colleges is

www.collegeboard.com Click on

"Find your match"

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Questions to ask when meeting with College Recruiters

•What is the academic profile of the average entering freshman? •What support services are there for students who are undecided on a major? •What is the average size of freshman level courses? •What percentage of students receive financial aid? •What percentage of freshman return for their sophomore year? •What percentage of students graduate within four years? five years? •What are the graduate school or job placement statistics for your major? •What support and/or special interests student groups are available?

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How Do Colleges Accept or Reject Applicants?

• Grades/Overall GPA (many schools recalculate the GPA using core academics only ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Global Language);

• Rank (where you stand in your class; e.g. 128 out of 517);

• The rigor of your academic coursework, including courses you are taking this year;

• Standardized test score (ACT or SAT);

• First senior report card (they also study all senior grades on final transcript after a student has been admitted to see if they still should be admitted. Many schools require a mid-year (January) grade report);

• The quality of writing in your essay (if required);

• Recommendations

• Uniqueness (extracurricular activities, special interests, aptitudes, recognitions/awards)

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Procedure for College Recruiter Visitation

1. Decide whom you want to visit (see list posted on teacherweb.) 2. Secure a pass from the Counseling Department. 3. Have your pass signed by your teacher then report to 216.4. Show your pass to the secretary in the guidance office before

you enter the career center.

*If the bell rings and you need more time you must go to your next class and get another pass and return.

Do not get yourself in trouble with your teacher by assuming you can miss class to talk with a recruiter. Ask for a pass!

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Procedure for Submitting A College Application (Paper Version)

1. Get college application (college website) and request a transcript from docufide.

2. Complete the application and all requirements per the application. 3. Submit the application to your counselor 4. Get the application back from your counselor per your counselor's

process (which will be explained in your counselor session). 5. Mail the completed application and a check or money order

(for the application fee) to the college or university. Transcripts are free but must be submitted through Docufide.

Mail your application at least 5-7days before the application deadline. Allow at least 6 weeks to hear back from the college.

Seniors must request a final transcript be sent to the college they will attend. This request is made through Docufide and must occur before senior finals in June. There is no cost for this transcript.

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Procedure for Submitting A WEB-BASED College Application

(We encourage students to apply electronically)

1. Have a credit card ready. Go to the college website. 2. Click on the link to complete your application online and follow all instructions. Often you will be asked to register first. This sign on and password is usually good for one year.

3. If there is a counselor page that must be mailed, then print this page and submit it to your counselor, along with the CT Transcript Request Form.

4. Follow the process for submitting a Transcript Request through Docufide the same day because the college will be looking for it in order to complete your online application.

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WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Do not: •Mail application without a check, money order or fee wavier enclosed.•Apply online without requesting a transcript •Bring partially completed applications to your counselor (unless you need help completing) •Drop off your application to your counselor and not return to pick it up. •Apply past the deadlines •Have anything mailed to Cass Tech on your behalf!!!

Reminder: The last day to submit college apps before Christmas break is Dec. 12, 2012. We will resume on Jan. 7, 2013

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Early Decision (ED) - Early Admissions (EA) - Early Response (U of M)

Fact: Approximately 400 colleges out of the 2,200 four year colleges in the U.S. offer an early plan. U-M calls theirs “Early Response”

ED applicants • Apply early (usually by November 1) to first-choice college • Receive an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by December) • Agree to attend the college if accepted and offered a financial aid package that is considered adequate by the family • May only apply to one college for early decision • May apply to other colleges under regular admission • Must withdraw all other applications when accepted by ED Usually must give a nonrefundable deposit by March

EA –ER applicants • Apply early • Receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February) Do not have to commit to

an EA college • May apply to other colleges under regular admission plans • Must give the college a decision no later than the May 1 national response date

Applying to an ED or EA plan is most appropriate for a student who: Have researched colleges extensively Is absolutely sure that the college she is applying to early is a first choice Has found a school that is a strong match academically, socially, geographically etc. Meets or exceeds the admission profile for the school for ACT/SAT scores, GPA, and class rank Has an academic record that has been consistently solid over time

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LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

First, find out if the schools to which you are applying require letters of recommendation. Some do many do not.

If a school does not require recommendation letters you may still include them with your application.

The most influential letters come from teachers who have worked directly with you everyday for a semester or two. They can write specifically about your academic work.

Remember, each teacher/counselor has their own process

Give the writer a week or two to complete

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On-Site College Admissions Procedure

Pre-Qualifications • 2.9 or higher overall GPA • A recorded SAT or ACT score

Procedure: 1. Find out what colleges are coming for "On-Site" by looking on the monthly flyer. 2. Complete a college application electronically, forward any counselor or administrative recommendations to your counselor, request a transcript through Docufide and see Ms. Johnson for your appointment time.

3. Check the front door of the counseling suite or teacherweb.com for your appointment time (usually posted at least three days before the interviews).

4. Come at your appointed time dressed appropriately for an interview.

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COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

CT Counselors post all scholarships we receive at: teacherweb.com/MI/CassTechnicaIHighSchool/GuidanceandCounseling

Paper copies are kept in the career room file cabinet. Hundreds of other scholarship applications (which do not come directly to

Cass) can be secured through various companies, clubs, organizations, or churches. The internet is often a good way to find out about such scholarships.

If you are awarded a scholarship, then please bring the proof to your counselor.

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College Scholarships

Most are often awarded directly from the college after the student is accepted, has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and has signed a letter of intent to attend or paid the housing deposit. This occurs in the spring (April/May).

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College Scholarships A "word to the wise"

Several For Profit companies offer scholarship search services for a fee ($30 - $700).

It is suggested you thoroughly investigate any search service before submitting a fee.

Protect yourself from becoming the victim of a scholarship scam.

You should never have to pay for scholarship information.

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College Scholarships Most student aid comes in the form of federal education loans and grants from colleges.

Most libraries have a number of books about financial aid, including scholarship guides. They also may have information on local scholarships.

Look into large national scholarships such as Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Gates Millennium, Intel Science, Coca-Cola, and Robert Byrd.

Remember, organizations of all types and sizes sponsor scholarships.

Many large companies offer scholarships or tuition programs for children of employees.

Employers like fast food chains, department stores, and supermarkets often give scholarships.

Awards related to student employment can come from unexpected sources. For example, there are a number of excellent scholarships for golf caddies.

Many free scholarship search companies collects information on hundreds of awards and compares your characteristics with scholarship restrictions. Based on your answers to a questionnaire, you will receive a list of possible scholarships. It is up to you to decide which ones you will try for.

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FINANCIAL AID Apply online at fafsa.ed/gov for a student and parent pin NOW.Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after Jan 1 and before Feb. 15th• The FAFSA is completed online.

Financial Aid Night is December 5, 2012 at 6 PM

Last year's financial aid presentation is still posted at: teacherweb.com/MI/C assTechnicalHighSchool/GuidanceandCounseling

CSS/Financial Aid ProfileSome colleges/universities and scholarship programs (approx 600 of them) use the information collected on the Collegeboard CSS PROFILE to help them award nonfederal student aid funds. For example, the University of Michigan requires the Profile. Cost == $9 registration fee (done online) and $16 for each college to receive your info. Learn more at www.Collegeboard.com

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SAT/ACT First time test takers or those retesting should complete a paper registration packet (Guidance Office) or register online (credit card needed)ASAP.

IMPORTANT FACT: If you have qualified for a free or reduced lunch you qualify for a free ACT (2 times) and free SAT (2 times). Each time you use a waiver for the ACT or the SAT you qualify for three college application fees to be waived!

Register online at www.act.org or www.collegeboard.com

The Cass Tech High School code (also called the CEEB Code) is 230850 The NCAA code is 9999

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SENIOR YEAR EXPENSES

•College application fees: •Senior dues•Homecoming Dance:•Pictures •Senior Ice Breaker •Prom •Class Ring •Senior Pinning

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CHOOSING A COLLEGE MAJOR /CAREER

Your Career Lab is Room 216

If you have time in school use the lab or the media center to research information about careers, colleges, majors, scholarships, financial aid, ACT/SAT, and job Opportunities.

Explore the sites suggested on the College and Career Related Internet Sites sheet in your senior packet.

Discuss your plans with others; your parents, your counselor, your grandparents, etc.

Complete an interest inventory.

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NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse

To practice, play and get an athletic scholarship at a division one (D1) or division two (D2) school you need to:

Graduate from high school

Complete a minimum of 14 core courses (D2) or 16 core courses (D1),

Have a minimum GPA in those core courses,

And have a qualifying test score on either the ACT or SAT

(Use code "9999" when registering for the ACT or SAT)

See Ms. Sims for more info.

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NCAA What do I do first?

Register with the Clearinghouse by going to www.eligibilitycenter.org

For a list of the approved CT core courses go to https://www.eligibilitycenter.org/ncaa/NCAA/student/index_student.html (School code = 230850)

For information on your Clearinghouse status For questions about whether your transcript, student release form, etc. were received, or about when you will be cleared, call the automated system at 877/861-3003 (toll free in the USA) or 319/339-3003. (You will need your Personal Identification Number [PIN] and Social Security number.)

Customer Service: 877/262-1492 (toll free in the USA)

All students playing a D1 or D2 sport should see Ms. Sims for help.

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NCAA

There is a $60 fee to register with NCAA (yes, everybody seems to want your money!), but do not pay anyone to help you with the clearinghouse.

CT counselors are well trained to help you for free!!

If you received a fee waiver for the ACT or the SAT then your NCAA registration fee of $60 is also waived! Check the box that indicates you have received a ACT or SAT fee waiver (if you have) and tell your counselor to send the verification to the NCAA.

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FEE WAIVER PROCEDURE How to secure a waiver for the cost of taking the ACT, and or SAT, and or College Application Fees :

1. Complete a “Supplemental Services Survey". Surveys are in the counseling suite. Ask the secretary.

2. Return the completed Survey to the Office of Student Affairs and wait one week for the survey to be processed.

3.Your name must be on the school approved verification roster before you can receive a fee waiver.

4. Only 2 SAT and ACT waivers per student can be obtained in a school year.

Note: There is a limited supply of waivers. First come first served.

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Test Date Registration Deadline

(Late Fee Required)

Sept. 8, 2012 Aug. 17, 2012 Aug. 18-24, 2012

Oct. 27, 2012** Sept. 21, 2011 Sept. 22–Oct. 5, 2011

Dec. 8, 2012** Nov. 2, 2012 Nov. 3 – 16, 2012

Feb. 9, 2013 Jan. 11, 2013 Jan. 12 – 18, 2013Apr. 13, 2013** Mar. 8, 2013 Mar. 9 – 22, 2013Jun. 8, 2013** May 3, 2013 May 4 – 17, 2013

ACT Test Dates (**indicates offered at Cass Technical HS)

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U.S. SAT Test DatesU.S. deadlines apply for students testing in the United States, U.S. territories and U.S. commonwealths.

Test Date Registration Deadline

(Late Fee Required)

Oct. 6, 2012 Sept. 7, 2012 Sept. 8-21 (mail)Sept. 8-24 (online)

Nov. 3, 2012** Oct 4, 2012 Oct. 5-19, 2012

Dec. 1, 2012 Nov. 1, 2012 Nov. 2- 16, 2012

Jan. 26, 2013 Dec. 28, 2012 Dec. 29-Jan.11, 2013

March 9, 2013 Feb. 8, 2013 Feb. 9-22, 2013

May 4, 2013June 1, 2013**

April 5, 2013May 2, 2013

April 6-19, 2013May 3-17, 2013