COLLEGE 101 SEMINARS

C E N T R A L I A H

I GH S

C H O O L

Seminars are funded by a Guidance and Counseling iGrant from OSPI

INTRODUCTION5 events; 4 parents and students, 1 student onlyChoosing a College: Oct 16-7PMSAT & ACT Prep: Oct 30-7PMCollege Fair, Portland, OR: November 1 College Essays, Applications & Scholarships: Nov 13-7PM FAFSA in Detail: Dec 11-6:00 PM-ClassitoriumEvents are iGrant Funded by OSPIGoal: learn and enhance understanding of the college process

from preparation to admission.Ask questions any time.Feedback at events will be important for improvement.

TONIGHT’S AGENDA: ESSAYS, APPS & SCHOLARSHIPS• Hear from Julie Johnson, Centralia College

Foundation• Look at college application basics.• Look at college essay prompts.• Learn the basics of a well written college

personal statement.• Visit scholarship search engines & web pages.• Look at CHS Dollars for Scholarships sample

application.

COLLEGE APPLICATION BASICS• Requirements: make sure you qualify for admission.• See admissions>requirements for undergraduates.• Core Classes, SAT Scores, GPA.

• Remember timelines & set reminders!• Priority deadlines for Acceptance, Housing, Financial Aid, Scholarships

• Have personal, academic and family information ready and at your fingertips• Tax information, letters of recommendation contact information, school

(academic and personal=Transcripts and awards) information. • Open up a folder on your computer and start adding information; save

and back up.• Use your resources:• Counselors, Career Center, or Call Directly to Admissions Office

• Apply for three to four colleges: Solid, Reach, Dream

REQUIREMENTS- CHECK EACH INSTITUTION4 Y E A R U N I V E R S I T Y ( G E N E R A L )

High School Graduation Requirements, plus:

Extra year of math, science, English.

Foreign lang- 2-3 yearsHigh SAT ScoreGood GPAStrong Senior Year

2 Y E A R C O L L E G E

High School Graduation Requirements, plus

Classes in your field of study.

Early application.Trending upward. . .

See our website for 2 year, 4 year & NCAA entrance comparisons: http://www.centralia.k12.wa.us/Page/293

TIMELINES AND REMINDERS• Notebook• Personal information, recommenders,

• iPhone App• College Application Organizer- Ken Friedman

• See Peterson’s, College Net for Overall yearly timeline:• http://www.petersons.com/; http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/app

• Gather information early and edit it.• Work with needed people early:• Recommenders• Registrar for transcripts• Counselor• Admissions & financial aid staff at the college you are applying to

APPLY TO FOURApply for three to four colleges: Solid, Reach, Dream

Solid: pretty sure I am going here and I can get in.

Reach: I would like to go here, but I think it is a reach for me to do so.

Dream: I am a pretty convinced I cannot go here, but I will apply and dream a little!

COLLEGE ENTRANCE ESSAYSPersonal Essay or Statement types:• The “You” Question:• Example: "The University of Vermont values a diverse student body.

What contributions might you make to our campus community outside of academic achievement?"

• The “Why Us” [College] Question:• Example: "How did you become interested in American University?"

• The Creative Question:• Example: "Sharing intellectual interests is an important aspect of

university life. Describe an experience or idea that you find intellectually exciting, and explain why."

COLLEGE ENTRANCE ESSAYS 2See paper for pitfalls and ideas about the 3 types of essays:• Get an essay reviewer: • Parent or family member• Trusted teacher, usually in the English department• Counselor• Admissions professional

• Allow time for feedback• Don’t take feedback too personally• Re-write if you think you need to.

SCHOLARSHIPS• Our CHS Website: http://www.centralia.k12.wa.us/Page/2237• The WashBoard.org: http://www.thewashboard.org/login.aspx • Dollars for Scholars at Centralia High School: http://

www.centralia.k12.wa.us/Page/298• Let’s take a look at DFS application on paper.

• A few search Engines:• http://www.centralia.k12.wa.us/Page/2238 Our Web page with Links• http://www.college-scholarships.com/ College scholarships• http://www.gocollege.com/ Go College• http://www.finaid.org/ Financial Aid• There are many, many more. Beware of scams!

QUESTIONS?Jim Parker, Counselor jparker@centralia.wednet.edu 360-827-6309Matt Whitmire, Counselor mwhitmire@centralia.wednet.edu 360-827-6308Deb Everley, Counselor deverley@centralia.wednet.edu 360-827-6273Josh Lowe, Administration jlowe@centralia.wednet.edu 360-330-7605

FEEDBACKPlease fill out evaluation form to help us do better. Leave on table or turn it in to one of us.

Thank you for coming!

See you on December 11 @ 6PM (note time change!!!!)

FAFSA in Detail Presented by Centralia College