4-Year College Information Session

1. 4-Year CollegeInformation Session FVHS Class of 2014

2. Know yourself and your reasons for wanting to go to college • Consider College Characteristics • List, compare, and visit colleges • Take the SAT/ACT spring of Junior Year, and re-take fall of Senior Year • CFNC.org can be a helpful resource! Making Choices about College

3. Career Exploration • College Planning – virtual tours • Apply to College - online applications • Paying for College – scholarships, financial aid information College Foundation of NC

4. 4 units of English • 4 units of Math, including 1 unit beyond Algebra II • 2 units of History, 1 unit of US History • Biology, a Physical Science, 1 lab Science • Minimum 2 credits of a second language • SAT or ACT • Minimum: GPA 2.5, SAT 800 or ACT 17 • It is strongly recommended that students take a math during their senior year. UNC Admissions Requirements

5. Private and independent colleges sometimes have more flexible entrance requirements. Check with individual schools for specifics. • Don’t let cost deter you from considering a private or independent college. They usually give great financial aid packages!!! Private and Independent Colleges and Universities

6. Make a list of Colleges and application DEADLINES • Complete application(s) through www.cfnc.org for In-State schools or through the school website for Out-of-State schools • Send transcripts and SAT/ACT scores • Complete student “Brag” Sheet for recommendations • Consider teachers, coaches, and/or counselors, etc. to write recommendation letters – when making the request, please allow writer at least TWO WEEKS to complete the letter. Your lack of planning does not equal our emergency! Application Process

7. Your lack of planning does not equal our emergency! Please Remember!

8. Rigor of Course Work • Grade Point Average (GPA) • Class Rank • SAT and/or ACT scores • Extracurricular/Leadership Activities!!! • Recommendations, essays, and interviews Also consider: Social Networking Sites – watch what you post! Professional Email Address! What Do Admissions Counselors Consider?

9. Free online undergraduate application used by over 400 colleges & universities across the nation • http://www.commonapp.org • Examples: Boston College, Belmont University, Brown University, Carnegie Mellon, College of William & Mary, Cornell, Davidson, Duke University, Miami University, New York University Common Application

10. College Application Week is November 18th – 22nd • College Application Day for FVHS is: Wednesday, November 20th from 8am - 2pm On the 20th, seniors will be scheduled time to get assistance in completing applications – parents are welcome to come in, as well. College Application Week

11. If you are currently enrolled student, please choose from one of the options below:1. Transcript Requests - In-State - Students must complete Authorization for Release of Records and return to Student Services.  Please include name(s) and address of college.  Students will NOT request transcripts through CFNC until further notice.2. Transcript Requests - Out of State - Request through the link on the Student Services website. Transcripts can be requested and delivered through this system to any college or university in the country. The first 3 transcripts are free and each additional transcript is $5. Transcripts that are mailed usually arrive within 7 days. • http://fvhsstudentservices.weebly.com/transcripts.html How to Send Transcripts

12. Due to the transition to PowerSchool, please make note of the following:→Do NOT request transcripts through CFNC until further notice →At this time, transcripts requested will list the GPA and class rank as of the end of the 2012-2013 school year. →Along with the transcript, we will send a copy of the student’s current schedule.  →A list of classes taken over the summer will be included as well but will not be calculated into the student’s GPA or class rank. Additional Info about Transcripts

13. 4-Year Colleges require either the SAT or ACT test scores for admission decisions • Students must send scores to colleges electronically: www.collegeboard.org – to send SAT scores www.actstudent.org – to send ACT scores • The ACT test scores from the test you took for free during your junior year DO COUNT and CAN be sent to colleges! Testing

14. Financial Aid Night in January • Mrs. Tori Sharpe, a Financial Aid Counselor, will be available for appointments beginning in November to assist with the process. • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be filled out after Jan. 1st when tax information is available. Complete application online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov • Watch Priority Deadline – usually March 1st, but may vary by individual college • Mid-Year Grads: Complete FAFSA now! Financial Aid Information

15. February 22, 2014 High School seniors and their families will have the opportunity to get help completing and electronically submitting their FAFSA form. Go to www.cfnc.org/FAFSADay for details *Students must register through www.CFNC.org for this event. FAFSA Day

16. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has established a central eligibility center to certify athletic eligibility to Division I and II institutions (Division III institutions do not require NCAA eligibility). Students who intend to participate with or without a scholarship as a freshman in college must register with and be certified as eligible by the NCAA Eligibility Center. • www.eligibilitycenter.org   • Wake Co. Schools NCAA info website: www.wcpss.net/athletics/eligibility_requirements.html NCAA Information

17. When choosing courses, make sure to include some courses that are NCAA Approved Core courses • Take the SAT or ACT and have your scores sent to the NCAA eligibility center (Code is 9999) • Have your final transcript sent to the NCAA in June. • For more information, see your counselor or Mr. Swann, the Career Development Coordinator NCAA Info for Seniors

18. Scholarship Info Night – September 30 • FVHS Scholarship Bulletin - Available online monthly on the FVHS website www.//fvhs.wcpss.net • The scholarship bulletin may be emailed to parents and students if you provide email information and put “Scholarships” in the subject line • Additional online search sites available Scholarships

19. Need-Based - determined by income using the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov). • Merit-Based - visit College Websites for their specific merit scholarship information • Community Scholarships – criteria set by sponsoring organization • Athletic Scholarships – Division I or II athletes must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net) Types of Scholarships

20. GPA: 4.0++ • Class Rank: top 5%-10% of their class • SAT Scores: 1350+ (Reading & Math only) • ACT Scores: 30+ • Courses Taken: the most challenging available Honors, Advance Placement, College • Extracurricular Activities: Depth & breadth – depth is more important; consistency is valued; community service and LEADERSHIP is valued by scholarship selection committees! What Do Merit Winners Look Like?

21. Meet all Deadlines – start early! • Neat and complete – you are trying to impress the readers • Request letters of recommendation early • Have others proofread your personal statement • Show off your individual talents, interests and strengths – use specific examples Scholarship Tips

22. September 30 – Scholarship Night • October 1 – Mid-Year Graduation Deadline • October 2 - College Essay Writing Workshop • November 14 (tentative) – ASVAB • November 20 – College Application Day • January 1 – FAFSA available • February 22 – FAFSA Day • May 23 (tentative) – Senior Night • May 24 (tentative) – Senior Day • May 30 – Graduation Rehearsal • June 6 – Graduation!  Important Dates

23. One last thing… Please complete the Senior Survey before you head back to class! Senior Survey