GHS Class of 2010 Juniors’ Parents and

StudentsCollege & Career Preparation

Presentation

Tues Oct 28 & Wed Nov 5, 2008

www.actstudent.org

• National test sites - 6 Saturday’s yearly• Dates offered & deadlines for registration• GHS code is 142-015 (also known as SAT/CEEB/HS

code)• Option to indicate up to 4 colleges to send scores

free at ACT registration - or pay later• Most colleges take best scores from multiple testing

dates• Test practice available at actstudent.org • Apply “test-optional” with interview & writing sample

method at some institutions

Prairie State Achievement Exam

• 2-day test - Wed/Thur April 22 & 23• Wed - ACT - 5 sub tests - English, Reading,

Math, Science, Writing (Writing optional @ national sites)

• ACT composite - average of first 4 sub tests• Thur - 3 sub tests - ISBE-developed science

test, WorkKeys reading for information, & WK Applied Mathematics

• Possible senior privileges

PSAE Continued

• The 2-day test is required for an Illinois public high school diploma - no charge

• Students are automatically registered by GHS

• Taking the ACT at a national test site is optional & in addition to the required PSAE

• Students may indicate college, career, & degree choices to assist with college selection

• Optional ACT prep workshops are listed on the GHS counseling web site

Illinois State Scholars

• Based on a mathematical formula determined by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)

• Combination of ACT composite & high school class rank after 6 semesters

• ISAC determines the State Scholar recipients• Not a monetary award

NCAA

• National Collegiate Athletic Association• Clearinghouse link available on the GHS

counseling site - $60 to apply• Request that the GHS counseling office

send your 6th semester transcript in the fall of your senior year to the NCAA clearinghouse

• Request that ACT send scores to NCAA

Collegezone.com

• This is a reputable site for ALL your needs

• Career, college, & financial aid planning

• Illinois mentor

• Financial aid - fastweb.com

Transcripts

• Request your 6th semester be sent for college applications in the fall - except BHC requires 8th sem. only (in June)

• Some colleges require a 7th semester update in January

• Students make requests in the guidance office that transcripts be sent

• Signature required & stamped envelope

Common Application?

• This method is used by some colleges.• The student and counselor send everything

electronically.• Students send an email message to their

counselor asking to have the information (including transcript) sent electronically.

• The college’s online application will indicate if you need to use this method. By using this method students do not need to sign off on a transcript request or provide any postage.

Grade Point Average & Rank

• Rank in class is determined by GPA & may change after each semester

• For acceptance to some colleges, the higher the rank, the lower the ACT may be and the higher the ACT, the lower the rank may be

• Colleges may rescind their acceptance based on senior year grades and course changes/drops

• BHC - top 10% - possible free tuition

College Requirements

• Meeting or exceeding minimum college requirements does not guarantee admittance

• May need more courses in math, science, social studies, fine arts, & foreign language

• Acceptance to a college does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program at all colleges

College Selection Procedure

• Narrow down choices - use the web & make college visits - take a tour - Make an appointment to talk to the professors & students pursuing your same field of interest - Stay overnight in dorm

• Use “List of ?’s to ask reps” - (on our web site)• Open house/Discover/Preview Days• Research colleges’ requirements & procedures…

GPA, rank, personal statement, placement tests, auditions, “college-specific” scholarships

• Guarantee 4yr BA degree plan?• Guarantee tuition &/or room & board freeze?

A Good “Fit” for You

• Campus location (rural/urban)• Size - overall population & class size• Same ACT/Intellect - be challenged but not

overwhelmed• Strong program for your major/degree?• Career planning office?• Resume assistance?• % job placement for your profession?• % graduate program placement ? Where?

College Application Continued

• Application fee sometimes waived for making a campus tour with qualifying GPA/Rank- ASK!

• Fee may be waived or reduced for submitting application online - online may be required

• Print “counselor page” & bring to GHS counselor• Print hard copies to keep for your records• Be certain your complete name appears on every

page… application & essay• GPA/Rank requirements may increase after early

application deadlines• Possible perks for early application

Transfer Credits

• Check web sites at WIU, NIU, etc… for “transfer students” tab then click on the Black Hawk Community College link

• Ask your advisor about 2 + 2 program

• Credits may/may not be accepted depending on your chosen degree

• Acceptance depends on achievement at prior college, not ACT or high school GPA

Tuition

• Often “Pay by the hour”

• Most classes are 3 hour classes, lab classes 4

• Typical full-time load is 12 to 15 hours per semester - Don’t come up short senior year!

• Multiply the # of hours by the rate

• Financial aid may be awarded only for full-time

• Students may be required to be full-time to stay on parent’s health/auto insurance coverage

FAFSA

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• Required for grants, loans, work study

• On-line application -student & parent pin #’s

• Never pay for financial aid

• January 2009 & 2010 parent presentations

• File using 2009 1040 tax forms in Feb 2010

• Indicate up to 10 colleges to send info

• Some colleges require copies of 1040’s too

Major/Degree Program

• Use the college’s web site to look up the required course sequence

• What is required? -- Certificate, AS, BA/BS, MA/MS, Doctorate

• Campus advisors to assist

• BA/BS can be earned in 4 years if you stick to your degree plan

Scholarships

• National - fastweb.com & GHS counseling site• Area - IL/IA, Henry County & counseling site• Local - GHS seniors only - Feb 2010 on GHS

counseling web site for the class of 2010• Check with your local bank/credit union, church

affiliations, community organizations• College specific - ask about their process• Watch for deadlines, type or print neatly, be sure

your name is on each page, check & re-check for neatness and completion, make copies to keep

GHS Counseling Office

• College representatives at GHS 2nd semester and next fall - sign up in the counseling office a day ahead

• List of questions to ask during campus tours• College Handbook & Book of Majors• Individual college “view books”• Financial aid brochures, booklets• Degree/Career planning assistance

GHS Counseling Web Site

• Alphabetical division of students assigned to 3 GHS counselors with links to their e-mail

• Monthly newsletters• ACT/PSAT/AP information & links• College search/admissions, lists of reps coming

to GHS, direct links to college homepages, FAFSA, and others

• Senior year timeline• Career links• Scholarships

Senior Year

• Counselors will visit senior English classes in the fall with general, updated information

• BHC “College Night” in October - almost 100 college reps in one location!

• Students are encouraged to visit their counselor individually with questions and for assistance

• Ask a GHS faculty member to proof your essays - give plenty of advance notice!

Now - Junior Year

• Use your PLAN/ACT scores, the internet and the GHS guidance counselors/reference materials to help narrow your search

• Make arrangements to visit campuses and speak to admissions officers, students, & faculty - Nov. 7th thru 10th - 4 day weekend

• Visit with college representatives coming to GHS during 2nd semester

• Use the “Careers” tab on the guidance web site to explore occupations