College Planning Presentation

Tuesday, October 7, College Night, 6:30 p.m., BSHS Commons Wednesday, January 28, Financial Aid Program, 7 p.m., BSSHSSenior Academic Awards Night, May 7, 7 – 9 p.m., PAC

IMPORTANT SENIOR DATES

Which college? How do I choose? 88% of high school students who are attending college, go to college in

their home state.

83% of Blue Springs High School students attend college after graduation.

34% of Blue Springs High School students attend a 2 year community college.

47% of Blue Springs High School student go directly to a 4 year college or university.

Types of Colleges

Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements

Four year Degrees offered: Bachelors and beyond

Provides: A well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study.

State: Typically around $15,000/year

Private: Typically more than $20,000/year

•SAT or ACT•GPA•Class rank•Essay•Extracurricular activities•Letters of recommendation•Transcripts

College ComparisonsUniversity of Missouri: Apply by Dec. 1 24 or higher on ACT

Tuition/RB/Supplies $24.704 per year*

University of Central Missouri: 21 or higher on ACTTuition/RB $14,229 per year*Rental plan for books

Northwest Missouri State: 21 or higher on ACTTuition/RB $16,943 per year*Books and Laptop included in fees

Missouri Western: ACT subscores: 19 English 19 Read 20 Math

Tuition/RB $13,240 per year*Books can be rented or purchased

Washington Univ. Highly selective $60,355/year* *These dollar figures are approximations. Please consult the admissions offices at these colleges for the most accurate information.

Types of Colleges

Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements

Two year Degrees offered: Associates

Provides: A way to ease into college / take general college classes for credit.Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits.

Typically around $4,000/year

Open-door admission policy

About College Admission Tests

• ACT– Widely accepted – Consists of four tests: English, Math, Reading, Science, and

Writing– Writing component is optional– Top composite score is 36 average score is 21.

• SAT– Predominantly used by east and west coast schools– Consists of three tests: Verbal, Math, Writing– Each test is scored on a scale of 200-800

2014-15 ACT Test DatesTest Date Registration Deadline Late Fee RequiredSept. 13 August 8 Aug. 9- Aug. 22Oct. 25 Sept. 19 Sept. 20-Oct. 3Dec. 13 Nov. 7 Nov. 8-21Feb. 7 Jan. 9 Jan. 10-16April 18 March 13 March 14-27June 13 May 8 May 9-22 Standard test fee : $38.00 To register, go to:ACT Plus Writing: $54.50 www.actstudent.org

What information do college admission officers review?

•Grades / Overall GPA•Strength of high school course selections•Admission Test Score•Essay (Some Colleges Require This)•Teacher and counselor recommendations•Class rank•Student’s demonstrated interest•Personal accomplishments•Personality characteristics•Courses in progress Senior year

Making the Decision AboutWhere to Apply

• Attend College Fairs• Meet w/ Admissions Reps • Surf the Internet (View Course Equivalencies/Transfer

Credit, Take Virtual Tours, Request Information)• Visit Various Campuses• Apply to Several Colleges/Universities• Apply by Deadline Dates

College Information – Where to go

•The web is your best source when starting to explore colleges. •Colleges have websites where you can get a campus overview, cost of attending, possible automatic scholarships, admission requirements.•Contact information and applications can be found on the individual sites.•Colleges now recommend online applications.•A list of helpful websites can be found on OUR district website: www.bssd.net

How to Finance College

Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

• Scholarships: Money that is awarded based on established criteria and is not repaid

• Grants: Money that is awarded, often based on need, and is not repaid

• Loans: Money that must be repaid.

Merit ScholarshipMerit scholarships are where the money is.• There is more than $11 billion in merit scholarships

available to students from colleges• Not just for “A” students• Many awards emphasize leadership or school involvement• Nearly all colleges offer merit aid scholarships• The amount of awarded money varies greatly from school

to school• Many awards can be renewed each year

FACT

• Blue Springs High School class of 2014 earned over $6.3 million dollars in scholarship money.

Make your scholarship applications competitive!

• Type your applications when possible.• Print neatly.• Sign your name legibly.• If you write a paragraph or essay, ask someone to proofread.• Include all documents and follow directions.• Make sure you meet the qualifications for the scholarship. • Do not use unusual paper, binders, colored paper, etc. in an

effort to set yourself apart. You will set yourself apart and possibly be eliminated!

• Have a resume that you can attach to applications that highlights your accomplishments.

Federal Money

• FAFSA: Money Based on Need• Loans/Grants/Workstudy• Apply after Jan. 1 Senior Year• Two Important Sites:

– www.fafsa.ed.gov – www.pin.ed.gov

• Estimated Family Contribution• Student Aid Report• FAFSA Frenzy events held in the KC area

State Programs

• Department of Higher Education (DHE)– www.dhe.mo.gov– 800-473-6757– Bright Flight

• 31+ACT • $3,000/year for up to 5 years (or completion of bachelor’s degree• Contact for a free informational packet

• Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE)– www.dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/scholarships

Scholarship Resources

• Fastweb.com - Private scholarships

• Studentaid.ed.gov - The federal government’s website about paying for college

• MeritAid.com - $11 billion in merit scholarships

• Cappex.com - Scholarship matching

• finaid.org - Free student resource for learning about all types of financial aid

Our Favorite Type of Money!

Next Steps

Next Steps for StudentsIn School Stay focused on academics Do not lighten your academic load for senior year Meet with your school counselor Stay involved in school activities

Standardized Testing Prepare for and register for ACT / SAT tests Register for AP tests as appropriate

College Exploration Explore colleges on the Web Visit colleges if you can Meet with college representatives Attend college fairs

Feel free to contact any of the Blue Springs High School

Counselors if you have additional questions.

Mrs. Kathy MorgasonMrs. Linda Williams

Mrs. Karin FinleyMrs. Kelly Frey

Mrs. Megan Callanan

*Resources taken from the following:-Cappex-MU College Planning 101-ACT Organization