Getting Ready for College. Mesa Public Schools Native American Education Program

Transcription

1 Getting Ready for College Mesa Public Schools Native American Education Program

2 COLLEGE TERMS: Admission Requirement: Specific information required to be accepted at a college or university. Agricultural, Technical and Specialized Colleges: Specialized school emphasizing specific careers. American College Testing Program (ACT): A widely used college entrance examination. Associate Degree: A degree awarded by two-year community colleges upon program completion. Bachelor s Degree: A degree awarded by colleges and universities upon program completion. Catalog: A catalog issues by an institution with information related to admissions, financial aid, and course curriculum. College: An institution of learning beyond high school, which offers curriculum leading to degrees. College Fair: An organized event with representatives from various educational institutions. Community or Junior Colleges: Educational institutions of higher learning offering certificate and associate degrees. Competitive Admissions: Admission policies with minimum qualifications, that assur e competitive applicants. Curriculum Guide (Syllabus): A detailed course plan with course goals, objectives, assignments, and deadlines. Doctorate Degree: A degr ee beyond a master s with an emphasis on new knowledge and theor etical perspectives. Early Action: Admission allowing high school seniors early application to select colleges and universities. Fee Waiver Request: A written request not to pay admission, entrance examination, or registration fees. Liberal Arts Colleges: Colleges offering a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Master s Degree: A graduate degree earned after earning an undergraduate or bachelor s degree. Orientation Program: An introductory program designed to help students become familiar with a new educational setting. Professional Degree: Highly specialized degrees such as law and medical degrees. Scholastic Aptitude Testing Program (SAT): A standardized aptitude test for college admission. Transcript: A record of a student s academic courses and grades, which is maintained by the school registrar. University: An educational institution of higher learning offering degrees and research facilities.

3 Applying for College: 1. After selecting your choice of school(s), abide by their application process. Typically, you can request an application or submit an application online. 2. If required, also submit personal essay. 3. Turn in official high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores to college or university. 4. Call school and make sure all materials were received before deadline. 5. Complete FAFSA with your parents for financial aid. Importance of the Essay: How important is my essay in the admissions decision? The essay is your chance to set yourself apart from other applicants. It gives the admissions officer reasons to back your candidacy. It is the way you can enhance your application by showcasing your writing skills. There is no more important skill that the ability to express your ideas clearly and in an engaging manner. Who will read and evaluate my essay? Typically an admissions officer will read your essay and write an evaluation. Some schools will review your essay by circulating your file among members of an admissions committee comprised several individuals, including admissions officials, faculty members, and possibly current students. How do schools evaluate my essay? Some institutions use a multiple-scoring system in which each essay receives separate scores for content, style and mechanics. Other schools take a more holistic approach, relying on written comments by evaluations as well as dialogue among members of the admissions committee. Top 10 Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications Apply only if you are eligible. Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully. Complete the application in full. If a question does not apply to you, note that on the application. Do not leave a question blank. Follow directions. Provide everything that is required. Neatness counts. Always type your application, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly. Write and essay that makes a strong impression. The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Watch all deadlines. Impose your own deadline that is at least two weeks prior to the official deadline. Make sure your application gets where it needs to go. Put your name (and Social Security number, if applicable) on all pages of the application. Keep a back-up file in case anything goes wrong. Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet. Give it a final once-over. Proofread the entire application carefully. Ask a friend, teacher, or parent to proofread it as well. Ask for help if you need it. Call the institution to get more information. It is also important to make sure your letters of recommendation are addressed to the organization whose scholarship you are applying for, and that they are current.

4 College Entrance Exams SAT ACT Preferred By Score Reporting Highest Math Level Private schools, schools on the east and west coasts; more colleges prefer the SAT Reports all scores to the colleges you pick including the results of and early practice testing Algebra/basic geometry; test booklet provides formulas Public schools, schools in the middle of the country Reports only the score from the test date you pick to the colleges you have chosen. You can choose to give colleges only your best scores. Trigonometry; test booklet has formulas Skills Most Tested Vocabulary and reading; math Grammar and reading, math Penalty for Wrong Answers Yes No Style Tricky, with misleading information Mostly straightforward Offered Seven times a year Six times a year When to Register At least six weeks before test date At least four weeks before test date For More Information Additional Tips and Resources: Make sure you take the required test for the schools you are applying for There are practice exams that are available online Highly recommend buying the preparation manual for the exam and using that as a study tool Some high schools offer exam prep courses (fees may apply) Take the exam as many time as you want, until you achieve the score you desire You don t need to be a senior in high school to take the exam, the earlier the better There are test fees for the SAT and ACT, some schools and programs offer fee waivers Once you are ready to take the test, make sure you get a good nights sleep and eat a hearty breakfast Be on time to the testing site and bring your pencils, photo I.D., and calculator Testing time is anywhere between 4 to 5 hours long Results take about 4 weeks to process and made available to you

5 Important Testing Dates SAT Test Dates and Registration Test Date Registration Deadline October 11, 2014 September 10,2014 November 8, 2014 October 8, 2014 December 6, 2014 November 6, 2014 January 24, 2015 December 29, 2014 March 14, 2015 February 13, 2015 May 2, 2015 April 6, 2015 June 6, 2015 May 8, 2015 Test fee $52.50 *extra fees can include subject tests that may be required by your college or late fees. Register online at ACT Test Dates and Registration Test Date Registration Deadline September 13, 2014 August 8, 2014 October, 25, 2014 September 19, 2014 December 13, 2014 November 7, 2014 February 7, 2015 January 9, 2015 April 18, 2015 March 13, 2015 June 13, 2015 May 8, 2015 Test fee $38.00 ($54.50 w/writing Test) *extra fees can include the writing test that some colleges require, change or late fees. Register online at If you are unable to pay for the test fee or college application fee, please contact your counselor and they can help with fee waivers

6 Federal Student Aid Program Type of Aid Program Details Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Federal Work Study Grant: does not have to be repaid Available almost exclusively to undergraduates; all eligible students will receive the Federal Pell Grant amounts they qualify for Grant: does not have to be repaid For undergraduate with exceptional financial need; priority given to Federal Pell Grant recipients; funds depend on availability at school Money is earned while attending school; does not have to be repaid For undergraduate and graduate students; program encourages community service work and work related to course work. Jobs can be on or off campus; students are paid at least minimum wage Federal Perkins Loan Loan: must be repaid Loans at 5% interest for both undergraduate and graduate students; payment is owed to the school that made the loan Subsidized FFEL or DIRECT Stafford Loan Unsubsidized FFEL or Direct Stafford Loan Federal Student Aid at a Glance Loan: must be repaid; must be at least a half-time student Loan: must be repaid; must be at least a half-time student Subsidized; U.S. Department of Education pays interest while borrower is in school and during the grace and deferment periods.; must demonstrate financial need Unsubsidized; Borrower is responsible for interest during the life of the loan; financial need is not a requirement FFEL or Direct PLUS Loan Loan: must be repaid Available to parents of dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time Breaking Myths about Financial Aid MYTHS: my parents make too much money so I won t qualify for financial aid only students with good grades get financial aid you have to be a minority to get financial aid the form is too hard to fill out REALITY: There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grades are not taken into consideration for FAFSA Race is not a factor for FAFSA The form is easier than ever to complete. Fill out an application online at or call FED-AID for more help. Your high school counselor can also provide assistance.

7 Summer and Scholarship Resources The following is a list of additional resources for summer and scholarship opportunities, please visit our website for more links at SUMMER/SCHOOL YEAR: Hoop of Learning Northern Arizona University Nizhoni Academy nz/ College Horizons Idyllwild Arts Academy Math-Science Honors Program Med~Start Summer Program Volunteer: Attend Summer programs: community.asu.edu/summer SCHOLARSHIPS: American Indian Education Foundation American Indian Services Association of American Indian Affairs Catching the Dream American Indian College Fund collegefund.org/scholarships Indian Health Services Navajo Nation Scholarship Arizona State Scholarships Arizona Community Foundation Arizona State University Math-Science Honors Program Gates Millennium Scholarship Preparation for ACT and SAT Test Harvard Low Income Free Tuition Nina Mason Pulliam Scholarship

8 Scholarship Info & Deadlines Tribal Scholarships Eligibility Requirements: Be an enrolled member of an American Indian tribe that is eligible for federal funding provided by the United States Government through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Be accepted for admission to an accredited institution of higher education Demonstrate financial need as determined by FAFSA and financial aid office of the educational institution of attendance. Where can a student find scholarship information? An application may be obtained from the education office of the tribe which you are affiliated or possess membership. Navajo Nation June/November 2014 (928) Chief Manuelito June/November 2014 Salt River Scholarship June 30, 2014 (480) Ft. McDowell Scholarship One month prior (480) Colorado River Scholarship June/October 2014 (800) Tohono O odham Scholarship Two months prior (520) Pasqua Yaqui Scholarship June 2014 (520) Hopi Scholarship July 1, 2014 (928) Gila River Scholarship June 2014 (520) Ak-Chin Scholarship June 2014 (520) San Carlos Apache Scholarship June 2014 (928) American Indian Education Foundation May 2014 Association of American Indian Affairs Spring 2014 Catching the Dream March/April/Sept Indian Health Services March 2014 Gates Millennium January 2014 There are many other scholarships that are available and these are some of the common ones for Native American students. All of the scholarships require an extensive amount of your time and commitment. Many supporting documents are needed such as CIB, high school transcripts, Financial Aid Analysis, application, recommendation letters, personal essays, parent s financial information, acceptance letter, course schedule, FAFSA and much more. Please make sure that you have enough time beforehand to work on the application process and submit it in a timely fashion. I encourage that you make copies of your completed application before you mail it out. In addition, apply to as many scholarships as possible. This includes outside private scholarships, tribal, as well as scholarships available through your college which has a separate application only limited to student s enrolled in your college. If your tribe is not listed or have any other questions please contact NAEP at or flsecody@mpsaz.org

9 Getting Started. Ready, Set, Go! Now that you have a better picture of what the college process requires, it often seems intimidating to get started. Here is a list of documents that you should gather and keep on file in a folder for future jobs, internships, college and scholarship applications. It will help you stay organized and provide easy access to your high school documents. Always remember to make extra copies for yourself when you mail anything out to colleges or to scholarship organizations because things do sometimes get lost or misplaced. Essays: A folder to keep your personal statements that you write for college applications, scholarship applications and internships. Awards: A folder to keep your high school achievements on file for future references towards your resume, college and scholarship applications. Volunteer: A section to keep track of what organizations you have volunteered for. It also tracks any on or off campus events that you participated in. Clubs/Sports: A place to maintain information on any extracurricular activity you were a member of throughout high school for your resume and applications. Recommendation Letters: An area to hold your recommendation letters that you get from your teachers, counselors, or other mentors that you will need for college and scholarship applications. Resume: A folder to file drafts and final versions of your resume for college and scholarship applications, as well as for any internships or job positions that you may want to apply for. Internships & Summer Programs: A section designated for maintaining any information of potential internships that interest you throughout high school or even after when you are in college. College Information: An area to keep track of all brochures and packets of information from possible college/career choices. College Applications: A place to keep all applications that you submitted to your school choices. Scholarships: A section to maintain all applications and information regarding financial assistance.

10 College Preparation Timeline Beginning Phase: Make a list of top ten colleges you would like to attend. Attend and participate in college and career fairs. Meet with your counselor to discuss your plans for college. Develop your skills; volunteer your time and talents in your community. Identify your interests, abilities, and aptitudes. Earn good grades, challenge yourself and take advance placement courses if offered. Get involved in school and community activities. Be organized and manage your time well. Understand how your GPA is calculated on your academic transcript. Create a timetable for admission and scholarship deadlines. Middle Phase: Prepare for and take the ACT/SAT exams. Re-test if necessary. Request application fee waivers from colleges if necessary. Complete all application prior to deadlines. Apply early to at least 3 colleges of your choice. Confirm that the schools received all your completed materials (application, essay, transcripts, test scores, etc). Make copies of all applications and paperwork you submit to schools and organizations. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Apply for tribal and other scholarships. Final Phase: Visit the campus and attend new student orientations. Get academic advising before registering for classes. Establish a relationship with the campus American Indian support services center or students center. Establish a relationship with your professors and advisors. Keep tabs on your scholarship requirements and make sure you renew or submit your information every semester. Keep up your grades for a good GPA. Stay on track towards your degree. Apply for internships and other programs. Stay active with campus activities. Native American Education Program 1025 N. Country Club Dr. Mesa, AZ (480) NAEP High School Liaisons dktoya@mpsaz.org or Other Helpful Sites: &