School for Advanced Studies
College Bound Newsletter
January 2015
In This Issue


The
Miami National College Fair
Important Dates and
Deadlines

Mid-Year College Grade
Reports

Florida’s Tuition Wavier
Program

Timeline For Juniors – Mr.
Roddy’s Wish List?

Financial Aid 101

Video Overview of how the
Financial Aid System Works

Information Needed to
Complete Your FAFSA

Financial Aid Audio/Video
Resources
“I have an open door policy. That
means that if the door is open –
“come on in” you are welcome
anytime.”
Volume 8, Number 4
The Miami National College Fair
150+ colleges and universities from around the country!
Sunday, February 22nd , 2015
Noon-4 p.m. • Doubletree Miami Mart/Airport Hotel
& Exhibition Center
777 N.W. 72 Ave.
Just off S.R. 836 and Milam Dairy Road
FREE Admission and FREE Information Sessions
Parking fee: $5.00
For more information, call
305-995-1739
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or visit www.nacacnet.org
If you have a disability that requires accommodation, you may call the number listed
above or call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 305-995-2400.
**PRE-REGISTRATION**
Requesting information from multiple colleges/universities at the College Fair just g
easier. By pre-registering, students can print a bar-coded confirmation to be used a
the fair as an electronic ID. No more filling out information cards!
Pre-register at:
www.gotomyncf.com
.
Online registration is available now!!!
Sponsored by
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
National Association for College Admission Counseling
College Searches
College Board - BIGFUTURE
ACT - College Search Engine
Knowledge for College:
Art and Design Colleges:
College Accreditation:
Colleges that change lives
Important Dates and Deadlines
December 1, 2014: (Seniors)
Florida Health Careers:
Colleges in the UK:
Virtual College Tours:
College Confidential
College View
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The common Application:
Seniors, I have sent you an e-mail notifying you that the Florida Office of Student Financial
Aid has activated their website. The email I sent you has the link that connects you directly
the site where you can register for Bright Futures and other scholarships, grants, loans and
work study programs offered by the state of Florida. Please register before the end of the fi
semester
The direct link to the registration is: Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application
(Please use Microsoft Internet Explorer browser version 6.3 or higher for best results)
Beginning January 1, 2015: (Seniors)
FINANCIAL AID - FAFSAs for the 2015-2016 academic year can be filed beginning Januar
1, 2015 by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov . I highly recommend that your parents finish their
2014 Federal Income Tax as soon as possible. If you are not able to complete your 2014
Federal Income Taxes before the priority deadline to file the FAFSA at your college – then
recommend that you do a FAFSA estimate using your parents 2013 Federal Income Tax
returns. I will be talking to all seniors through their Govt./Econ classes starting this week.
Applying for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Attending College
Beginning Summer 2015
Then Fall 2015
Beginning Fall 2015
TESTING
Here are some websites that provide
SAT and ACT preparation
Number2.com
Max the Test
Princeton Review
Use FAFSA Form
2014– 2015 FAFSA
2015– 2016 FAFSA
2015– 206 FAFSA
Use IRS Income Tax From
2013 Available right now
2014 Available January 1
2014 Available January 1
Each college sets its own deadline regarding financial aid, but it is in your best interest to fil
the FAFSA (and any other required forms) as early as possible. Colleges have a finite
amount of money budgeted for financial aid. Students who file later risk receiving less a
as colleges approach their budget limits.
The early bird gets the money--don't delay filing. The ideal way to complete the FAFSA is
with numbers taken from your completed federal income tax return. Unfortunately, few
taxpayers complete their income tax by February (which is when some colleges have their
priority financial aid deadlines). If you have the discipline and the information to complete
your tax return early (even if you don't actually send the return to the IRS until April 15), you
can cut out a few steps in the process.
State University Minimums:
SAT:
Math: 460 / Verbal: 460 / writing: 440
ACT: 19 Reading
19 Math
2014 – 2015 SAT AND ACT PROGRAM
TEST DATES
REGISTRATION DATES
NATIONAL TEST
DATES
2015
March 14
April 18
May 2
June 6
June 13
NCAA INFORMATION
NCAA online:

NCAA Clearinghouse initial
eligibility
TEST
SAT I
ACT
SAT I & II
SAT I & II
ACT
REGULAR
POSTMARK
DEADLINE
February 13
March 13
April 6
May 8
May 8
LATE
POSTMARK
DEADLINE
March 3
March 27
April 21
May 27
May 22
(Juniors)
We would like all juniors to finish their SAT/ACT testing by the end of their junior yea
just ask a senior why? Take time to plan out your testing dates and follow through.
Mid-Year College Grade Reports

NCAA Sports by Type and
Division
*****************
This is the time when a number of colleges request a mid-year report of your grades. Some
colleges provide their own report form that is to be filled out by your guidance counselor.
Others may merely request an updated transcript. My suggestion to you is that you check
with the admissions department of the college you have applied to and inquire as to the nee
for this report.
In addition, it is wise for those students who have yet to be accepted and know that they are
on the borderline academically to also send an updated grade report. Your case for
acceptance may be boosted if you send them a copy of your first semester grades along w
an additional letter of recommendation. This action may truly help to push you over the edg
Grades should be updated by the second week of February. There are two ways available
request grade reports:
1. Request a transcript to be sent through the Registrar’s office. Transcript request
forms are found in the registrar’s office. Please write on the form that this is for a
mid-year transcript. Transcripts will be sent out by the registrar as soon as updati
has been completed. Also note that it is better to send a paper transcript
because it will show all your mid-year grades.
2. You can also request a grade by filling out a counselor request form. On it, please
specify that you need a mid-year college grade report as requested by your college
Common Application Errors
“I’ll start the application next week.”
Don’t run out of time to complete the
application. Give yourself at least two
weeks to find mistakes.
“I already ran a spell-check on my
computer.” Words can be spelled
correctly but used incorrectly. Ask a
counselor, teacher or family member to
proof read the application to catch any
errors or poor phrasing.
“One copy is enough.” Print out any
online forms and keep copies of all
paperwork.
“I can send my application
as soon as I’m finished.” Before you
seal the envelope
or click “Send” on your computer,
double- and triple-check that you have
included
all necessary materials.
Follow-up in two weeks to verify that
all mailed
materials have been received.
“I assume this is right.” If you’re
confused by a question or any part of the
application, ask someone. A quick call to
the admissions office can save you from
making an embarrassing
If you have any questions, please contact your SAS counselor.
Florida’s Tuition Wavier Program
Children who exit foster care by themselves at age 18, are in the custody of a relative at ag
18, or are adopted from the Department of Children and Families after May 5, 1997 are
eligible for Florida’s tuition wavier program. This program is valid at Florida’s public
universities, public community colleges and public vocational schools until the child is age 2
The students are exempt from paying tuition and fees, including lab fees. No money change
hands; eligible students are simply not charged these fees. For further information contact
the local post-adoption services counselor, contact information is at
http://www.adoptflorida.org/contactPACounselor.shtml.
Youth may also be eligible for the Road to Independence if they were adopted at age 16 or
17 and are enrolled in a post-secondary school. Frequently Asked Question about the
program can be found on pages 9-13 on this web
page, http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/
indliving/docs/faqs.pdf
Timeline For Juniors
1. BEGIN YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH EARLY (like…right now!!!) Beyond the obvious, get
know what GPA and SAT/ACT score will give you your best chance of being accepted. Mak
a table of application requirements (essays, recommendation letters, community service,
SAT II requirements and so on)
2. TEST EARLY: complete all your SAT/ACT testing by the end of your junior year. Pl
out a strategy as to which tests and what dates to register for. Allow for time to either take a
test preparation class or work with a tutor if you find yourself scoring below what you need t
get into your dream college.
3. APPLY EARLY: Students applying in September, October and November have a better
chance than those applying in late December, January, February and March (slim chance).
Achieving your target GPA and Test scores by the end of your junior year will also allow yo
to take advantage of Early Decision and Early Action deadlines in October and November.
4. BEING ACCEPTED EARLY: By applying early, you may be accepted early. Just think
how nice it would be to go you your family parties and dinners in December and tell everyon
that you have already been accepted to college!!!
5. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID EARLY: By being accepted early, you can apply for
financial aid (FAFSA) early – beginning January 1 of your senior year. “The early bird gets
the worm” is so true when it comes to financial aid. MONEY RUNS OUT!!!!!
error
You must go to the SAS Registrar’s
Office to request copies of your
Transcripts to be sent to those
Colleges you applied to.
6. EVALUATE YOUR AWARD LETTERS: If you apply for financial aid early, you will
receive your financial aid award letter early. You will now be able to sit down with your
parents and go over with them the financial “bottom line” of your final college selection.
7. YOUR FINAL CHOICE…AND THE WINNER IT!!!: This whole process boils down to the
day you select “the winner”. Most colleges would like an answer from you by May 1 st.
Remember not only should you notify the college that you’ll be attending “that you’re cumin
but it is also courteous to notify those colleges that you are declining. A nice courteous and
thoughtful letter on your part may very well open up a slot for another
well deserving student.
And so begins another wonderful and exciting journey in your life……….
Financial Aid 101
Financial aid carries with it responsibilities that college-bound students must manage
throughout college and beyond. Students and families should take the time to learn about
their financial aid options before signing on the dotted line.
There are four types of aid that can create a financial aid package:
College Planning Timelines

Whether you are coming in as a new
freshman, a transfer student or a
returning student, a lot of moving
parts go into planning for college.
Stay on track, up-to-date and
organized by following a step-by-step
college planning timeline suited to
your current status.

Timelines:




9th/10th Grade College Planning
Timeline
11th Grade College Planning
Timeline
12th Grade College Planning
Timeline
College Issues:

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
College Articles & Advice
Planning For College
Taking College Entrance Exams
Choosing a College
The College Application Process
Paying For College
Paying for Two-Year Colleges
and Trade Schools

Scholarships - Students usually do not have to pay back scholarships, which awa
money for academic achievement, athletic ability, special talents, and more.
Scholarships are often available through public service organizations, like the Lions
Club, the Rotary Club, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colore
People (NAACP), through religious institutions and local businesses.
Grants - Grant programs may be federal, state, or school-sponsored. Students ma
receive federal and state grants based on financial need, and they may receive
school-sponsored grants based on financial need or merit. Students should check
with the schools they're interested in attending for more information on schoolsponsored grants.
Work-study - Schools can provide students with on- or off-campus employment to
help pay for college costs. Students also gain career-related, hands-on work
experience.
Student loans - Borrowers must repay loans with interest. Several types of loans
are available:
o Federal Perkins Loans and Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based,
government-subsidized loans. The government pays the interest that
accrues on these loans while students are in-school at least half-time and
during their grace period.
o Direct Unsubsidized Loans are calculated based on your student's cost o
attendance, minus other financial aid he/she receives. Interest begins
accruing on unsubsidized loans from the date of disbursement. Your stude
is responsible for all interest that accrues on these loans. Any unpaid intere
that remains at the end of the student's grace period will be capitalized
(added to the principal balance) before repayment begins.
o Parent PLUS Loans are federally guaranteed loans for parents who want
help pay for their student's education. Parents can borrow up to the cost of
attendance, minus any financial aid awarded to the student.
o Private Education Loans are available through financial institutions like
banks or credit unions. They typically have higher interest rates, more fees

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Campus Life
Going to Graduate School
Checklist: Testing Tips
Checklist: Campus Visit
Checklist: Writing a College
Essay
Checklist: College Interview
Checklist: Financial Aid
Application
Checklist: Off to College
Checklist: Managing Academics
*************************
Careers and Majors
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Career Articles & Advice
Finding a Job
1.
Creating Your Résumé
Creating Your Cover Letter
Acing the Interview
Internships
Volunteer Work
Career-Changing Tips
Résumé Builder
Résumé Examples
Checklist: Tips for
Successfully Wrapping up an
Interview
Checklist: Job Search
Checklist: Building a Career
Network
Careers - Top Careers
In Demand Careers


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

and less flexible repayment options than federal student loans. Loan terms
and limits on Private Education Loans vary substantially by lender. Student
should consider these loans only if they need additional funds after obtainin
aid through scholarships, grants, and federal loans.
Video Overview of how the Financial Aid System
Works
To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSASM or Free Application for
Federal Student Aid. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, an
it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.
In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for
state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA
information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA - Financial Aid Office
(This is a MUST view to understand financial aid)
Information Needed to Complete Your FAFSA

Your Social Security number;

Your parents’ Social Security # if you are providing parent
information;

Your driver's license number if you have one;

Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a U.S. citizen;

Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2
information, for yourself and spouse, if you are married, and for
In-Demand Careers
Fastest-Growing Careers
Highest Paying Careers
Most New Careers
Careers with Most Military
Veterans
your parents if you are providing parent information. If you have
not yet filed an income tax return for the previous calendar year,
complete and submit the FAFSA using estimated tax information.
Use income records for the calendar year prior to the academic
year for which you are applying: For instance, if you are planning
*************************
to attend school in the fall, you will need income information from
the previous calendar year.

Information on savings, investments, and business and farm
assets for yourself (and for your parents if you are providing parent
information).

Finally, information on untaxed income, such as child support
received, interest income, and veterans non-education benefits for
you and for your parents if you are providing parent information.
FAFSA Online Help https://fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm
FAFSA4caster
https://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/estimate
Financial Aid Audio/Video Resources
The most important thing is to begin to understand your eligibility for the various types of
financial aid. This understanding will become very key in the near future if you are negotiati
with your school’s financial aid office.
Resource: http://studentaid.ed.gov/resources
Resource
English
Spanish
College Preparation Checklist
PDF
Coming soon
Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal
Student Aid
PDF
Coming soon
Funding Your Education: Audio Highlights
Audio
Comparing Colleges
PDF
Available only in
English
Financial Aid Process Video
Video
Video
Financial Aid Process Graphic
Image
Image
Types of Federal Student Aid Video
Video
Video
Types of Federal Student Aid Graphic
Image
Image
Responsible Borrowing Video
Video
Video
Myths About Financial Aid Video
Video
Video
Career Search
Web Page
Web Page
College Search
Web Page
Web Page
Scholarship Search
Web Page
Web Page
Glossary
Web Page
Coming soon
2015–16 Do You Need Money for College? Federal
Student Aid at a Glance
PDF
PDF
Federal Student Grant Programs
PDF
PDF
Federal Student Loan Programs
PDF
PDF
Information for International Students
PDF
Coming soon
PDF
PDF
PDF
Coming soon
Educational and Training Vouchers for Current and
Former Foster Care Youth
Why Go to College?
Choosing a Career
Coming soon
PDF
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM) Information
Get detailed information and help on completing the FAFSA
Resource
English
Spanish
PDF
PDF
2015–16 FAFSA on the Web Work sheet
PDF
PDF
2015–16 Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA)
PDF
PDF
2015–16 Completing the FAFSA
Eligibility for Federal Student Aid Graphic
Image
Image
FAFSA Overview Video
Video
Video
How to Fill Out the FAFSA Video
Video
Video
FAFSA: Determining Dependency Status Video
Video
Video
FAFSA Dependency Status Graphic
Image
Image
After the FAFSA: What Happens Next
Video
Video
Online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Web Page
Web Page
Federal School Code Search
Web Page
Web Page
Steps to Federal Student Aid
PDF
Coming
soon
What Is a Federal Student Aid PIN?
PDF
Coming
soon
What Information Do I Need for the FAFSA?
PDF
Coming
soon
Am I Dependent or Independent?
PDF
Coming
soon
Who Is My "Parent" When I Fill Out the FAFSA?
PDF
Coming
soon
Myths About Financial Aid
PDF
Coming
soon
Reporting Same-sex Marriage on the FAFSA
PDF
Coming
soon
Loan Information
Learn about federal student loans—what they are, how to get them, and wh
to get them. Understand your options for repaying a federal student loan.
Resource
English
Spanish
Direct Loan Basics for Students
PDF
Coming
soon
Direct Loan Basics for Parents
PDF
Coming
soon
Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and
Manage Your Debt
PDF
PDF
Repayment: What to Expect
Video
Video
Repayment: How to Manage Your Student Loans
Video
Video
Federal Student Loan Programs
PDF
PDF
Why Get a Federal Student Loan?
PDF
Coming
soon
Got a Federal Student Loan? Be a Responsible
Borrower!
PDF
Coming
soon
Income-Based Repayment Plan
PDF
PDF
Student Loans: Avoiding Deceptive Offers
PDF