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Choosing the Right College

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Start preparations for 'other' admission requirements. July-August ... Millions of dollars go unclaimed each year. It's just like applying to college ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Choosing the Right College


1
Choosing the Right College
2
Agenda
  • The right college for you
  • Factors to consider
  • College preparation programs
  • College application timeline

3
Getting Started
  • The right college for you
  • Degree programs
  • Associates
  • Trade and Vocational
  • Transfer programs
  • Bachelors
  • Masters, Ph.D., Specialized degrees

4
Choosing a College
  • Factors to consider
  • Program
  • School size
  • Class size
  • Location

5
Choosing a College
  • Factors to consider
  • Campus culture
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Affiliations
  • Cost of attendance

6
College Preparation Programs
  • Advanced Placement Classes (AP)
  • Concurrent-enrollment programs
  • IBOs Diploma Programme
  • Technical Preparation Programs

7
Your Starter List
8
Application Timeline (Juniors)
  • August
  • Ensure that you will graduate
  • October
  • Take PSAT/NMSQT
  • List college entrance requirements
  • Meet with guidance counselor
  • Consider attending college fairs

9
Application Timeline (Juniors)
  • January-June
  • SAT/ACT
  • Achievement test
  • Start preparations for other admission
    requirements
  • July-August
  • Request information from colleges
  • Work on your resume

10
Application Timeline (Seniors)
  • September
  • Review plans with guidance counselor
  • Retake SAT/ACT (if necessary)
  • Make a final list of colleges
  • Plan for college admissions deadlines
  • Note any early decision deadlines

11
Application Timeline (Seniors)
  • October
  • Visit colleges
  • Request informational multimedia
  • Start drafts of admissions essays
  • Request high school transcripts

12
Application Timeline (Seniors)
  • November
  • Identify references
  • Finalize other admissions requirements
  • Get feedback on your admissions essays
  • Schedule admissions interviews

13
Application Timeline (Seniors)
  • December
  • Follow up with your references
  • Complete revisions of applications essays
  • Mail/submit applications before holiday break
  • Commit to keeping your grades up
  • May
  • Take Advanced Placement tests

14
College Entrance Exams
  • PSAT/NMSQT
  • Junior year
  • Rehearsal for the SAT
  • High score may qualify for scholarships
  • Measures reading, math writing skills
  • More information www.collegeboard.com/testing

15
College Entrance Exams
  • SAT Reasoning
  • Math, critical reading, writing
  • Measures conceptual thinking rather than facts
  • Scoring scale is 200-800 for each section
  • Practice questions available at
    www.collegeboard.com

16
College Entrance Exams
  • SAT subject tests
  • Multiple choice
  • Measures knowledge of particular subjects
  • 22 subject tests available
  • Many colleges may require one or more

17
College Entrance Exams
  • The ACT
  • 215 questions, multiple choice
  • Directly related to what you learned in High
    School
  • Score ranges from 1-36
  • Optional writing test available

18
College Testing Dates
19
Your College Applications
  • Deadlines
  • Postmark or arrival?
  • Many colleges accept online applications
  • Read the directions carefully
  • Ability to follow directions correctly is part of
    many colleges acceptance criteria

20
Your College Applications
  • Transcripts
  • Official transcript for each college applied to
  • Many acceptances contingent on maintaining GPA
  • Most require a final high school transcript

21
Your College Applications
  • References
  • Usually from teachers, other adults and peers
  • Allow plenty of time
  • Give as much information as possible
  • Write thank you notes to your references and let
    them know when you get accepted
  • Include stamped, pre-addressed envelope

22
Your College Applications
  • Admissions essays
  • Stay on topic
  • Essays should be error free
  • Dont exceed the word limit
  • Be yourself

23
Your College Applications
  • Other evidence of talent
  • Portfolio
  • Audition tapes
  • Writing samples
  • Contact specific program for more information

24
The Financial Aid Process
25
Agenda
  • Your college costs
  • The FAFSA and you
  • Types of federal aid
  • Oregon Opportunity Grant
  • The final decision
  • Understanding your award letter

26
Your College Costs
  • Cost of attendance
  • Tuition and fees
  • Room and board
  • Books and supplies
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation

27
Your College Costs
  • May also consider
  • Allowance for dependent care
  • Loan fees
  • Costs related to disability
  • Reasonable costs for study abroad

28
About the FAFSA
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid
  • Determines eligibility for federal and most state
    programs
  • Schools may require additional forms as well
  • File early to meet priority deadline
  • Paper or electronic versions available

29
About the FAFSA
  • Online version
  • Available on January 1, 2008
  • Generally easier than paper version
  • Faster results, less errors
  • Must have PIN to sign electronically
  • FAFSA online worksheet is available
  • Paper version available in November
  • Make sure that you have 08-09 version
  • 1 (800) 4-FED-AID

30
Preparing for the FAFSA
  • Gather documents (both parents and students)
  • Income tax returns
  • W-2 forms and other income
  • Benefits records from state and federal agencies
  • Current bank statements
  • Mortgage information

31
Financial Aid Flow Chart
32
Tips for Success
  • Make all financial aid deadlines
  • Sign the FAFSA when completed
  • List all colleges that you are applying to
  • Its okay to estimate your financial information
  • Retain a copy of your completed FAFSA

33
FAFSA is Completed
  • Student receives Student Aid Report (SAR)
  • Correct any errors and return
  • SAR contains Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

34
EFC Determines Financial Aid Award
  • Cost of attendance EFC financial need
  • Financial Aid office meets need with aid package

35
Types of Financial Aid
  • Gift aid
  • Federal grant programs
  • Other types of federal Aid
  • Federal Work study
  • Federal Loan Programs
  • Must be repaid, with interest

36
Major Federal Grant Programs
  • Pell Grant
  • Need based
  • Awards depend on program funding, cost of
    attendance and expected family contribution
  • Up to 4310 available

37
Major Federal Grant Programs
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
    Grant (FSEOG)
  • Need based
  • Must have received Pell Grant
  • Awards between 100-4000

38
Major Federal Grant Programs
  • Academic Competitiveness Grant Program (Federal)
  • 1st or 2nd year student
  • Have completed rigorous high school program
  • 750 1st year
  • 1300 2nd year

39
Major Federal Grant Programs
  • SMART Grant
  • Enrolled full-time in bachelors or grad degree
    program that includes at least 3 years of study
    at a 4 year college
  • Must major in sciences math or crucial foreign
    language
  • At least 3.0 cumulative G.P.A
  • Award up to 4000

40
Oregon Opportunity Grant
  • 2008-2009
  • 107 million in Governors budget (2007-2009)
  • Shared financial responsibility
  • Managed by Oregon Student Assistance Commission
    (OSAC)
  • Partners with
  • Students and their families
  • Federal Government
  • State of Oregon

41
Oregon Opportunity Grant
Cost of Attendance - Tuition Fees - Books,
supplies tools - Modest living expenses
State Share
Step 4
Federal Share
Step 3
Family Share
Step 2
Student Share
Step 1
42
Oregon Opportunity Grant
  • Shared responsibility Student
  • Personal Savings (savings account, 529 plan,
    etc.)
  • Work (15 hr/wk for 48 wks at Oregon minimum wage)
  • Loans
  • Scholarships or other gift aid

43
Oregon Opportunity Grant
  • Estimated Student Share for 2008-09
  • Community College students equal to earnings
    from a part-time job (15 hr/wk for 48 wks at OR
    minimum wage approximately 5200)
  • For students at 4-year public or private
    independent college/university equal to
    earnings from a part-time job PLUS a modest loan
    (approximately 7950 5200 work 2750 loan)

44
Oregon Opportunity Grant
  • Increased income limits
  • 60,000 family of 4 with 1 dependent in college
  • 35,000 independent student, no dependents
  • 60,000 independent student in a family of 4
    (including children)

45
Federal Work Study
  • To qualify
  • US Citizen, high need, at least half time
    undergrad or graduate student
  • Getting the money
  • Work part time
  • Earn at least minimum wage

46
Federal Loan Programs
  • Perkins Loans
  • Student borrower
  • Need based
  • Undergrads borrow up to 4000 annually
  • 10 year repayment period
  • Deferment options available while enrolled
  • In school interest paid by federal government

47
Federal Loan Programs
  • Stafford Loans
  • Subsidized Stafford Loan
  • Student borrower
  • Need based
  • Dependent students can borrow up 3500 for first
    year
  • 10 year repayment period
  • Deferment options available while enrolled
  • In school interest paid by federal government

48
Federal Loan Programs
  • Stafford Loans
  • Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
  • Student borrower
  • Dependent students can borrow up 3500 for first
    year
  • 10 year repayment period
  • Deferment options available while enrolled
  • Interest accrues from time of disbursement

49
Federal Loan Programs
  • PLUS Loan
  • Parent borrower
  • Fixed interest rate of 8.5 FFEL, 7.9 DL
  • Repayment begins 60 days after last disbursement
  • Credit based
  • Can borrow up to cost of attendance minus other
    financial aid

50
Understanding Your Award Letter
  • Read your award letter carefully
  • Look for instructions for next steps
  • Keep your college aware of changing financial
    issues
  • Meet all deadlines

51
Understanding Your Award Letter
  • Award letter
  • Lists types of aid
  • Accept or decline
  • Shows budget
  • Sign and return

52
Understanding Your Award Letter
  • What if its not enough?
  • Research private scholarships
  • Consider any potential employer benefits
  • Check into college tuition payment plans
  • Make college aware of special circumstances

53
Completing and Filing the FAFSA
54
Agenda
  • The FAFSA and U
  • Getting started
  • Completing the FAFSA
  • Next steps
  • Tips for Success

55
The FAFSA and U
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid
  • Determines eligibility for federal and most state
    programs
  • Paper or electronic versions available
  • For Fall 2008, apply after January 1, 2008

56
The FAFSA and U
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid
  • File early to meet priority deadline
  • Check with the college you plan to attend
  • Schools may require other forms
  • FAFSA may also qualify you for additional types
    of financial aid

57
The FAFSA and U
  • Federal Methodology
  • Used to determine your Expected Family
    Contribution (EFC)
  • Students income
  • Parents income
  • Some net assets
  • FAFSA4caster can give EFC estimate
  • www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov

58
Getting Started
  • Apply for a PIN
  • www.pin.ed.gov
  • Parents and students will have separate PINs
  • Takes 1-3 days with valid email address

59
Getting Started
www.pin.ed.gov
60
FAFSA-Ringing in the New Year
  • FAFSA on the web worksheet
  • Income tax forms (OK to estimate)
  • W-2 forms and other income records
  • Current bank statements
  • Mortgage information
  • Benefits records from federal and state agencies
  • Drivers license number (student)

61
Completing the FAFSA Section 1
  • Student information
  • Mostly identifying information
  • Best to request other types of aid
  • Drug offense question
  • Requires separate worksheet if youve been
    convicted

62
Completing the FAFSA Section 2
  • Dependent versus independent status
  • Will be 24 by December 31
  • Veteran of U.S. Armed Forces
  • Currently on active duty
  • Orphan or ward of the court
  • Have legal dependents other than spouse
  • Married
  • Graduate/professional student

63
Completing the FAFSA Section 3
  • Parental information
  • Complete only if student is dependent
  • If divorced, use information from parent with
    whom student lives the most
  • Complete parent section of FAFSA worksheets A-C

64
Completing the FAFSA Section 4
  • Student finances
  • Financial information as of date you file FAFSA
  • Complete student section of FAFSA worksheet A-C

65
Completing the FAFSA Section 5
  • List schools to receive information
  • Enter each six digit federal school code (found
    at fafsa.ed.gov)
  • Up to six codes on the online version four on
    the paper version

66
Completing the FAFSA Section 6
  • Sign the form
  • Use PIN for electronic version
  • Use pen with black ink for paper version

67
Next Steps
  • Make corrections on Student Aid Report (SAR)
  • Look for Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

68
Next Steps
  • Watch for additional information requests
  • Financial aid office may request verification of
    reported information
  • Communicate special circumstances to financial
    aid office

69
Tips for Success
  • Meet all financial aid deadlines
  • Sign the FAFSA appropriately
  • List all colleges applied to
  • Consider completing electronic FAFSA instead

70
Tips for Success
  • Do not delay filling out the FAFSA
  • OK to estimate financial information
  • Look forward to a renewal FAFSA in 2009

71
Resources
  • www.studentaid.ed.gov (live chat available)
  • Federal student aid information center
  • 800.4FED.AID
  • Friendly Financial Aid Professionals
  • High School Guidance Counselors

72
Scholarship Searches and Scams
73
Agenda
  • Dispelling myths
  • OSAC scholarship program
  • Other scholarship resources
  • Successful scholarship candidates
  • Scholarship applications
  • Watch for scams
  • Tips to remember
  • Scholarships and financial aid

74
Dispelling Myths
  • You need a very high G.P.A.
  • You need lots of extracurricular activities
  • Youre a great student, theyll find you
  • Millions of dollars go unclaimed each year
  • Its just like applying to college
  • The competition is too intense

75
Merit Based Scholarships
  • Money given to students that doesnt have be
    repaid
  • Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC)
  • Colleges/Universities
  • Religious/Civic groups
  • Community Organizations
  • Individuals/Corporations
  • Foundations
  • Employers

76
OSAC Scholarship Program
  • The Oregon Application
  • Students may apply for several public and private
    financial aid sources with one application
  • Approximately 7,000 students apply each year
  • More than 3,400 receive private scholarships
    through OSAC
  • Over 370 organizations offer scholarships
  • www.getcollegefunds.org

77
OSAC Scholarship Program
  • Also available
  • Scholarship and financial aid application
    training and competition workshops also offered
    statewide
  • The Oregon Opportunity grant is available by
    filling out the Free Application for Federal
    Student Aid (FAFSA)

78
OSAC Scholarship Program
  • OSAC scholarship application
  • Available in September (print and online)
  • 85 apply online
  • February 15 Early Bird Scholarship deadline
  • March 1 final deadline

79
Targeted Programs administered by OSAC
  • Robert C. Byrd Federal Honors Scholarship
  • Chafee Education and Training Scholarship for
    former foster youth
  • National Guard Tuition Program

80
Targeted Programs administered by OSAC
  • Rural Health Services, bringing professionals to
    rural communities
  • Nursing Services loan repayment program,
    addressing critical nursing services areas
  • JOBS Plus for former trainees

81
ASPIRE Program
  • Helps students access education and training
    beyond high school
  • Partners with high schools to build sustainable
    communities of volunteer mentors
  • Helps foster culture of achievement in Oregon
    high schools
  • Provides scholarship and financial aid information

82
OSAC and the ASPIRE Program
83
Other Scholarship Resources
  • High school counselor
  • May have a list of local competitions
  • Check with other area high schools
  • College/University
  • Check within your major
  • Financial aid office

84
Other Scholarship Resources
  • Internet
  • Most popular way to search for scholarships
  • Search engines require you to complete profile
  • Watch for scams
  • Several sites available including Fastweb,
    College Board, and Scholarships.com

85
Other Scholarship Resources
  • Family and friends
  • Check with area employers and organizations
    youve been involved with
  • Public library
  • Several volumes of scholarship listings

86
Successful Scholarship Candidates
  • Request application with plenty of time
  • Show how qualified
  • Match values to awarding organization
  • Meet deadlines
  • Turn in error-free applications
  • Apply for many different scholarships

87
Successful Scholarship Candidates
  • Follow all application directions
  • Watch out for the fine print
  • Keep copies of completed applications
  • Help reference writers
  • Are thankful and gracious

88
Scholarship Applications
  • May need to provide
  • Essays/personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Examples of work in specific study area/portfolio
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Transcripts
  • Interview

89
Scholarship Application Packet
  • Essays and personal statement
  • Show, dont tell
  • Recycle writing appropriately
  • Have others proofread
  • Focus on potential
  • Ask for help if you need it

90
Scholarship Application Packet
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Provide criteria
  • Request personalized recommendation
  • Provide resume and copy of recommendation form
  • Provide stamped envelope
  • Keep in touch

91
Scholarship Application Packet
  • ACT/SAT Scores and transcripts
  • Request in time to meet deadlines
  • Confirm that information has been sent
  • Official or unofficial transcript?
  • Take standardized tests in time to meet deadlines

92
Scholarship Application Packet
  • Interviews
  • Can be a major source of stress
  • Be prepared for most common questions
  • Think of it as a conversation
  • Remember the basics
  • Be on time
  • Dress appropriately

93
Scholarship Application Packet
  • Portfolio
  • May include writing samples, artwork, audition
    tapes
  • Many committees request electronic versions
  • Provide postage if you want it returned

94
Watch for Scams
  • If it sounds too good to be true
  • Beware of promises that are unrealistic
  • Youre guaranteed to win or your money back
  • Scholarships are competitive

95
Watch for Scams
  • Come to a free seminar with a trained financial
    aid consultant
  • May try to sell you other financial products
  • The scholarship will cost some money
  • Always investigate the sponsor

96
Watch for Scams
  • You cant get this information anywhere else
  • Legitimate scholarship providers want to award
    their scholarships
  • Just give us your credit card number and well
    get started
  • Investigate organizations carefully

97
Watch for Scams
  • You are a finalist (for a scholarship you never
    applied for)
  • Most scholarships sponsors contact in response to
    inquiries
  • Well do all the work for you
  • You must provide all the work or the application
    is fraudulent

98
Tips to Remember
  • Scam mailings often sound/look official
  • If you win, you will always receive notice via
    mail
  • Watch out for 900 area code telephone numbers
  • Always walk away from high pressure sales
  • Be wary of endorsements

99
When You Win
  • What to expect
  • Congratulations letter
  • High profile scholarships may include follow ups
  • Check may be sent to you or your college
  • May need to send transcripts and proof of
    enrollment
  • Fulfill obligations

100
Your Financial Aid Package
  • Schools may adjust your financial aid award
  • Check with your college/university

101
Thank You!
  • Questions?
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