School for Advanced Studies
College Bound Newsletter
November 2014
In This Issue

SAS College Bound

MIAMI NATIONAL
COLLEGE FAIR

Important Dates and
Deadlines

Checking out if an
institution is
accredited

How Much Will a
College Expect You to
Pay?

Which Colleges Claim
to Meet Students' Full
Financial Need?

6 Need-Blind Schools
That Meet 100% of
Demonstrated Need for
International Students

The Best Colleges For
Financial Aid

School Costs and Net
Price

Financial Aid 101

Video Overview of how
the Financial Aid
System Works

2014 – 2015 SAT AND
ACT TEST DATES

FSU Summer Bridge
Program

Connectedu is HERE –
it’s time to get
registered!

Career Exploration
“I have an open door policy.
That means that if the door is
open – “come on in” you are
welcome anytime.”
SAS College Bound
SENIORS, each year we have had a tradition of recognizing students when they are accepted to th
of their choice. Your success (and photo at some SAS sites) is highlighted on a poster sign that we
the SAS office. This year is no different. You should all be very proud of your accomplishments and
letting SAS share in your joy and accomplishments. All you need to do is make a copy of your acce
letter and turn it into your SAS counselor.
MIAMI NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR
Sunday, February 22, 2015 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Doubletree Miami Mart Airport Hotel & Convention Center, 777 NW 72nd Ave., Miami 33
Important Dates and Deadlines
December 1, 2014: (Seniors)
SAS Class of 2015, as of December 1, 2014, seniors may apply for the Bright Futures Scholarship
important important programs available through the Florida Office of Student Financial Aid. All SAS
are required to apply by a deadline date announced by your SAS counselor. Even students who pla
attend a school outside of Florida should apply.
Beginning January 1, 2015: (Seniors)
FINANCIAL AID - FAFSAs for the 2014-2015 academic year can be filed beginning January 1, 201
going to www.fafsa.ed.gov . We highly recommend that your parents finish their 2014 Federal Inco
as soon as possible so the FAFSA can be filed as soon as possible. Estimating can also be used a
option.
SAT / ACT Testing: (Juniors)
Juniors can now begin to request SAT/ACT fee waivers for second semester testing. Please see yo
Counselor at Homestead, North and Wolfson. At Kendall, see Mr. Coats for SAT/ACT test fee waiv
All juniors should finish their SAT/ACT testing by the end of their junior year!!!!! … just ask
senior why? Take time to plan out your testing dates and follow through.
Checking out if an institution is accredited
Have you ever wanted to know if the college you are interested is accredited? The accrediting orga
identified in this website are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Recognition by CHEA affirms that the standards and processes of the accrediting organization are
with the academic quality, improvement and accountability expectations that CHEA has established
including the eligibility standard that the majority of institutions or programs each accredits are degr
granting.
To learn more, go to the following website: http://www.chea.org/Directories/regional.asp.
How Much Will a College Expect You to Pay?
By: Lynn O'Shaughnessy
The College Solution Newsletter
Blogger l Author l Speaker l Consultant
You can't possibly answer that question unless you know what your Estimated Family Contributio
is.
College Searches
College Board - BIGFUTURE
ACT - College Search Engine
Knowledge for College:
Art and Design Colleges:
College Accreditation:
An EFC is the amount of money, at a minimum, that a college will expect you to pay for one year of
child's college education. Often times you will have to pay more than your stated EFC unless you're
an elite school with excellent financial aid packages.
Your EFC will be expressed as a dollar amount. A low-income family could have an EFC that's as l
There is no ceiling as to how high the EFC can be for wealthy families. The highest I've ever seen w
$108,000 for a family where the father was a CEO. Obviously, $108,000 is way above the price of o
costs at any college.
Colleges that change lives
How To Obtain Your EFC
Florida Health Careers:
Getting advance notice is better than waiting until your child receives his or her financial aid packag
spring of her senior year in high school. I think families should obtain their EFC as early as a child's
year in high school. Here are two calculators that you can use to obtain your EFC.
Colleges in the UK:
Virtual College Tours:
College Confidential
College View
Occupational Outlook
Handbook
The common Application:
College Board's EFC Calculator
FinAid's EFC Calculator
Here is some of the information that you'll need to use the calculators:





Number of children in college.
Marital status of parents.
Adjusted gross income.
Non-retirement investments.
Income taxes paid for most recent calendar year.
Which Colleges Claim to Meet Students' Full Financ
Need?
Just three public schools met 100 percent of demonstrated financial need in 2013according to U.S. News data.
By Susannah Snider Sept. 15, 2014 | 8:30 a.m. EDT
TESTING
Here are some websites that
provide SAT and ACT
preparation
Number2.com
Williams College, ranked No. 1 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, was one of the schools that m
percent of demonstrated financial need, according to data reported to U.S. News.
To gauge the affordability of a college or university, the sticker price is a good place to start. But sa
students should dig deeper. One data point to unearth is the average percent of financial need met
universities cover more of the tuition bill than ever before, they're devoting most of that money to he
students without the resources to pay full price.
Max the Test
Princeton Review
State University Minimums:
SAT:
Math: 460 / Verbal: 460 /
writing: 440
ACT: 19 Reading
19 Math
Schools that meet 100 percent of need can use a combination of loans, scholarships, grants and w
to fill the gap between the cost of attendance – tuition, fees, room, board and other expenses – and
the expected family contribution, a number determined by the information you provide on the Free A
for Federal Student Aid, including tax data, assets and family size. Of the 1,137 colleges and unive
submitted financial need data to U.S. News, just 62 of them cover full need. Many of these schools
with about one-third placing in the top 10 in their categories.
To read more about colleges that meet 100% need – click here:
Colleges that meet 100% of financial need
Schools That Meet 100% of Demonstrated Need wit
Loans
by Hope Brinn on September 2, 2012
Financial fit is an incredibly important concern for all students in the college process. Most schools
scholarships and financial aid, but not always enough to make the school affordable. There are a n
schools, however, that commit to meeting 100% of all admitted students’ demonstrated financial ne
NCAA INFORMATION
NCAA online:


NCAA Clearinghouse
initial eligibility
NCAA Sports by Type
and Division
*****************
*****************
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.
But what does that mean? This means that if College X looks at Sally’s financial information and de
that her family can afford to pay $20,000 that year for college, that the school will meet the differenc
financial aid. A school that costs $50,000 a year but doesn’t meet 100% of demonstrated need may
that Sally’s family can afford to pay $20,000 but the school only offers $20,000 in grants, scholarsh
loans, which leaves Sally’s family with an unmet need of $10,000.
To read more about colleges that meet full need without loans, please go to:
Schools That Meet 100% of Demonstrated Need without Loan
100% of Need without Loans for All
Incomes
100% of Need without Loans for Some
Incomes
Amherst College
Bowdoin College
Claremont McKenna College
Colby College
Columbia University
Davidson College
Harvard University
Haverford College
Pomona College
Princeton University
Stanford University
Swarthmore College
University of Pennsylvania
Vanderbilt University
Washington and Lee University
Yale University
Brown University - <$100,000
Connecticut College - <$50,000
Cornell University – <$75,000
Dartmouth College - <$100,000
Duke University – <$40,000
Lafayette College - <$50,000
Lehigh University - <$50,000
MIT - <$75,000
Northwestern University - Pell Grant Recipients
Rice University - <$80,000
Vassar College - <$60,000
University of Chicago - <$75,000
University of Virginia - <200% of Federal Poverty
Line
Washington University in Saint Louis - <$60,000
Wellesley College - <$60,000
Wesleyan University - <$40,000
Top 6 Need-blind Colleges in US for International Student
Financial aid for international students can be classified into two categories – Need-based and Merit-based aid
need-based aid is awarded proportional to your family's financial need, that is the difference between the cost
and your ability to pay. Merit-based aid is awarded based on your merit (academic or otherwise) and does not
family income. Some colleges that award need-based aid award up to your full demonstrated need, whilst othe
gap that you must cover with loans or borrow from relatives.
Need-blind colleges do not consider your financial situation when deciding admission. These colleges are rare
need-blind policy generally requires the institution to back the policy with a sufficient source of funding or endo
Also, many schools which are need-blind to US citizens or permanent residents do not extend the same policy
or international students. Furthermore, need-blind admission does not necessarily mean the college meets the
demonstrated financial need of all its admitted students. Some need-blind schools may admit students with a f
package that does not cover their full financial need, leaving a “gap”, which the students must cover with priva
borrow from relatives, or otherwise not attend.
There are only SIX schools in the U.S. that are need-blind and meet full-need of international students:
“I can send my application
as soon as I’m finished.”
Before you seal the envelope
or click “Send” on your
computer, double- and triplecheck that you have included
all necessary materials.
1) Amherst College - more on Amherst College
2) Dartmouth College - more on Dartmouth College
3) Harvard University - more on Harvard University
4) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - more on MIT
5) Princeton University - more on Princeton University
Follow-up in two weeks to
verify that all mailed
materials have been
received.
6) Yale University - more on Yale University
“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
error
The Best Colleges For Financial Aid
Updated: 05/25/11 09:01 AM ET Updated: 05/25/11 07:35 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
Although many colleges and universities nationwide are struggling financially, a handful are sticking
commitment to meet students' full financial needs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News explains that "financial need" is the difference between tuition cost and a student's expe
family contribution as calculated by FAFSA or the institution itself. That discrepancy is then made u
colleges who claim to meet full need through grants and loans.
Of the 1,700 schools reviewed by U.S. News, only 63 colleges are able to meet students' full financ
- last year, 66 made the cut.
Below, check out ten institutions that fully meet demonstrated student need, and click over to U.S. N
the full list.
You must go to the Registrar’s
Office to request copies of
your
Transcripts to be sent to those
Colleges you applied to.
The Best Colleges For Financial Aid
School Costs and Net Price
School costs can be one of the most important factors in choosing potential colleges or career scho
costs can vary significantly from school to school. While the cost of college includes tuition and fees
includes equipment, travel, and more. Learn about what is included in the cost of college and ways
college costs.
You’ll want to make sure that the cost of your school is reasonable compared to your earning poten
future career. In other words, you want to make sure that you can earn enough money to cover any
loan payments you may need to make, along with living expenses, after you graduate.
Any school that participates in the federal student aid programs is required to provide information
cost of attendance and to offer a net price calculator on its website. This calculator will give you a
how much a program may cost after subtracting any financial aid. The average net price to attend t
is determined by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance for the institution’s largest program.
Financial Aid 101
Financial aid carries with it responsibilities that college-bound students must manage throughout co
beyond. Students and families should take the time to learn about their financial aid options before
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 stepby-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


Scholarships - Students usually do not have to pay back scholarships, which award mone
academic achievement, athletic ability, special talents, and more. Scholarships are often av
through public service organizations, like the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, and the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), through religious institutions
businesses.
Grants - Grant programs may be federal, state, or school-sponsored. Students may receiv
and state grants based on financial need, and they may receive school-sponsored grants b
financial need or merit. Students should check with the schools they're interested in attendi
more information on school-sponsored grants.
Work-study - Schools can provide students with on- or off-campus employment to help pa
college costs. Students also gain career-related, hands-on work experience.
Student loans - Borrowers must repay loans with interest. Several types of loans are avail
o Federal Perkins Loans and Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based, governme
subsidized loans. The government pays the interest that accrues on these loans wh
students are in-school at least half-time and during their grace period. However, if t
was disbursed between July 1, 2012 and July 1, 2014, the student is responsible fo
the interest that accrues during their grace period.
o Direct Unsubsidized Loans are calculated based on your student's cost of attend
minus other financial aid he/she receives. Interest begins accruing on unsubsidized
from the date of disbursement. Your student is responsible for all interest that accru
these loans. Any unpaid interest that remains at the end of the student's grace peri
capitalized (added to the principal balance) before repayment begins.
o Parent PLUS Loans are federally guaranteed loans for parents who want to help p
their student's education. Parents can borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus a
financial aid awarded to the student.
o Private Education Loans are available through financial institutions like banks or
unions. They typically have higher interest rates, more fees, and less flexible repay
options than federal student loans. Loan terms and limits on Private Education Loa
substantially by lender. Students should consider these loans only if they need add
funds after obtaining aid through scholarships, grants, and federal loans.
College Issues:
















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
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
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 Federa
Aid. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to
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 an
aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whethe
qualify for their aid.
View accessible version (wmv) (16.1 mb)
(This is a MUST view to understand financial aid)
2014 – 2015 SAT AND ACT PROGRAM
TEST DATES
REGISTRATION DATES
NATIONAL TEST
DATES
TEST
REGULAR
POSTMARK
LA
POSTM
*************************
DEADLINE
2014
December 6
December 13
Career Articles &
Advice
2015
Finding a Job
January 24
Creating Your Résumé February 7
Creating Your Cover
March 14
Letter
April 18
Acing the Interview
May 2
Internships
June 6
Volunteer Work
Career-Changing Tips June 13
DEAD
Careers and Majors













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





In-Demand Careers
Fastest-Growing
Careers
Highest Paying
Careers
Most New Careers
Careers with Most
Military Veterans
*************************
SAT I & II
ACT
November 6
November 7
November 24
November 21
SAT I & II
ACT
SAT I
ACT
SAT I & II
SAT I & II
ACT
December 29
January 9
February 13
March 13
April 6
May 8
May 8
January 13
January 16
March 3
March 27
April 21
May 27
May 22
Florida State University Summer Bridge Program
The Summer Bridge Program (SBP) is an alternative admission program for first-generation college
and students who are disadvantaged by economic or educational circumstances. This high school t
bridge program is designed to help ease students’ adjustment to college life and build a foundation
academic success. Students will be required to apply for financial aid, and those with financial nee
100% of their need for the summer term met from non-loan sources.
Students admitted to FSU through the C.A.R.E. Summer Bridge Program will participate in a seven
program in which they will:
 Live in campus housing with other participants, staff and upper class students who will serv
counselors and guides during the summer
 Receive comprehensive orientation to campus and academic requirements
 Take institutional placement tests (if needed)
 Take freshman level or preparatory level classes of up to 7 credit hours (based on placeme
college entrance test scores)
 Get to meet key university faculty, staff and administrators
 When student participants return in the fall, they are adjusted to student life and well acqua
the campus and important university personnel. In addition, they have developed good stud
and time management skills.
Qualifications for SBP
Students selected for the Summer Bridge Program must be first-generation college students from f
disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated a strong desire to succeed. In addition, applic
must:
 Must be a first-generation college student at time of enrollment (neither parent has a bache
degree)
 Must be a Florida resident
 Must be socioeconomically disadvantaged (as determined by the FAFSA and financial
documentation)
 Must have a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA, and a minimum 19 ACT composite score or 1330
total score.
 All applicants taking the ACT must also submit the ACT Writing Test.
 All CARE applicants must submit an official high school transcript AND complete the SSAR
reported Student Academic Record).
Students must apply for financial aid by completing the 2014-2015 Free Application for Fed
Student Aid (FAFSA) which can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. All students admitte
must be eligible for the Pell Grant during summer and fall/spring terms. The 2014-2015 FAF
supporting financial documentation ARE REQUIRED and must be submitted when applying
CARE Summer Bridge Program.
SATISFYING THESE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSIO
Academic Profile of 2014 Accepted CARE Students
The academic profile of the middle 50 percent of freshmen accepted to SBP in 2014 was:
 3.40-3.90 High School GPA (weighted)
 SAT: 1500-1680
 ACT: 21-24
To learn more about the FSU Summer Bridge Program, Please go to: http://www.care.fsu.edu/Su
Bridge-Program
Connectedu is HERE – it’s time to get registered!
Create Your Connect! Account Today:
1. Go to www.dadeschools.net
2. Sign into your STUDENT PORTAL
3. Click on “ Apps / Services / Sites “
4. Select “ CONNECTEDU “
5. Select “I’m a Student” and click
6. Enter Your:
- First Name
- Last Name
- State
- School
- Student ID (School ID number)
- Graduation Year
- Date of Birth
7. Click and complete the profile information and create a Username and Password.
- Your Username must be your email address
With Connect! You Can:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Research over 4,300 colleges by location, type and study area
Develop a personalized college plan and monitor student process
Investigate career interests
Stay informed about college and career events such as college visits
Utilize interactive tools to learn about financial aid and scholarships
Use the Super APP feature to save time, complete college applications, and submit docum
requirements electronically
7. Keep track of college application deadlines
8. Receive important messages and information from counselors
Career Exploration
Great web resources from students.gov
You may have noticed that the information in our "Career Spotlight section" comes from the Occupa
Outlook Handbook from the Department of Labor - a great place to learn about all kinds of careers.
not the only great resource on students.gov that can help you learn about careers in the fields that
you. Here are a few other random selections from the "Explore careers" section:
Career Voyages - Start exploring career options and be in demand by knowing about high-growth
better wages and a brighter future! Career Voyages is the result of collaboration between the U.S.
Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education. http://www.bls.gov/k12/