Seminars are funded by a Guidance and Counseling iGrant from OSPI
INTRODUCTION
5 events; 4 parents and students, 1 student only
Choosing a College: Oct 16-7PM
SAT & ACT Prep: Oct 30-7PM
College Fair, Portland, OR: November 1
 College Essays, Applications & Scholarships: Nov 13-7PM
 FAFSA in Detail: Dec 11-6:00 PM-Classitorium
Events are iGrant Funded by OSPI
Goal: learn and enhance understanding of the college process from
preparation to admission.
Ask questions any time.
Feedback at events will be important for improvement.
TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
ESSAYS, APPS & SCHOLARSHIPS
• Hear from Julie Johnson, Centralia College Foundation
• Look at college application basics.
• Look at college essay prompts.
• Learn the basics of a well written college personal
statement.
• Visit scholarship search engines & web pages.
• Look at CHS Dollars for Scholarships sample application.
COLLEGE APPLICATION BASICS
•
Requirements: make sure you qualify for admission.
• See admissions>requirements for undergraduates.
• Core Classes, SAT Scores, GPA.
•
Remember timelines & set reminders!
• Priority deadlines for Acceptance, Housing, Financial Aid, Scholarships
•
Have personal, academic and family information ready and at your
fingertips
• Tax information, letters of recommendation contact information, school
(academic and personal=Transcripts and awards) information.
• Open up a folder on your computer and start adding information; save
and back up.
Use your resources:
• Counselors, Career Center, or Call Directly to Admissions Office
• Apply for three to four colleges: Solid, Reach, Dream
•
REQUIREMENTS- CHECK EACH INSTITUTION
4 YEAR
UNIVERSITY(GENERAL)
2 YEAR COLLEGE
High School Graduation
Requirements, plus:
High School Graduation
Requirements, plus
Extra year of math,
science, English.
Classes in your field of
study.
Foreign lang- 2-3 years
Early application.
High SAT Score
Trending upward. . .
Good GPA
Strong Senior Year
See our website for 2 year, 4 year & NCAA entrance comparisons:
http://www.centralia.k12.wa.us/Page/293
TIMELINES AND REMINDERS
•
Notebook
• Personal information, recommenders,
•
iPhone App
• College Application Organizer- Ken Friedman
•
See Peterson’s, College Net for Overall yearly timeline:
• http://www.petersons.com/; http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/app
•
•
Gather information early and edit it.
Work with needed people early:
• Recommenders
• Registrar for transcripts
• Counselor
• Admissions & financial aid staff at the college you are applying to
APPLY TO FOUR
Apply for three to four colleges: Solid, Reach, Dream
Solid: pretty sure I am going here and I can
get in.
Reach: I would like to go here, but I think it is
a reach for me to do so.
Dream: I am a pretty convinced I cannot go
here, but I will apply and dream a little!
COLLEGE ENTRANCE ESSAYS
Personal Essay or Statement types:
•
The “You” Question:
• Example: "The University of Vermont values a diverse student body.
What contributions might you make to our campus community outside
of academic achievement?"
•
The “Why Us” [College] Question:
• Example: "How did you become interested in American University?"
•
The Creative Question:
• Example: "Sharing intellectual interests is an important aspect of
university life. Describe an experience or idea that you find
intellectually exciting, and explain why."
COLLEGE ENTRANCE ESSAYS 2
See paper for pitfalls and ideas about the 3 types of essays:
Get an essay reviewer:
• Parent or family member
• Trusted teacher, usually in the English department
• Counselor
• Admissions professional
• Allow time for feedback
• Don’t take feedback too personally
• Re-write if you think you need to.
•
SCHOLARSHIPS
•
Our CHS Website: http://www.centralia.k12.wa.us/Page/2237
• The WashBoard.org: http://www.thewashboard.org/login.aspx
• Dollars for Scholars at Centralia High School:
http://www.centralia.k12.wa.us/Page/298
• Let’s take a look at DFS application on paper.
• A few search Engines:
• http://www.centralia.k12.wa.us/Page/2238 Our Web page with Links
• http://www.college-scholarships.com/ College scholarships
• http://www.gocollege.com/ Go College
• http://www.finaid.org/ Financial Aid
• There are many, many more. Beware of scams!
QUESTIONS?
Jim Parker, Counselor
 jparker@centralia.wednet.edu
 360-827-6309
Matt Whitmire, Counselor
 mwhitmire@centralia.wednet.edu
 360-827-6308
Deb Everley, Counselor
 deverley@centralia.wednet.edu
 360-827-6273
Josh Lowe, Administration
 jlowe@centralia.wednet.edu
 360-330-7605
FEEDBACK
Please fill out evaluation form to help us do better.
 Leave on table or turn it in to one of us.
Thank you for coming!
See you on December 11 @ 6PM (note time change!!!!)
 FAFSA in Detail
 Presented by Centralia College