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Proud Knight Staff Members

Ms. Bueno (English): Aiken University HS (2006), Metro State University (2013)

Dr. Burnette (AP): Madison Central HS (1997), Jackson State University (2002)

Mr. Butler (Band): Giles HS (1994), Virginia Tech (1999)

Ms. Cueto (Math): Providence Day School (2014), UNC Wilmington (2018)

Mrs. Donelson (Science): Costa Mesa HS (1985), Midwestern State Univ. (2005)

Ms. Fernandez (Dean): Monroe HS, UNCC

Mr. Hall (CTE): Lincoln College Prep Academy (1995), Tennessee State/Truman State

Mr. Haruska (Math): St. Louis HS (2004), Central Michigan University (2008)

Mr. Holmes (PE): Statesville HS (2008), Methodist University (2013)

Mrs. Johnson (EC): North Augusta HS (1979), Univ. of South Carolina (1984)

Mrs. Marquez (History): North Henderson HS (2002), UNC & App State (2006)

Mrs. McCourt (Counselor): Long Island City HS (1996), Bernard Baruch College (2001)

Mr. McCutcheon (Science): Richwood HS (1989), West Virginia Univ. Institute (1996)

Mrs. Montgomery (PE): Point Pleasant HS (1990), NC State (1995), Virginia Tech (1997)

Mrs. Nowacky (English): Kaiserslautern American HS (1992), UNC Greensboro (1996)

Dr. Rao (Science): New Loudes- India (1994), Mumbai University- India (1997 & 1999)

Mrs. Rochester (Math): Garinger HS (1986), App State (1990)

Mrs. Rorie (Science): Harding University HS (2006), Virginia Commonwealth (2010)

Ms. Schnurbusch (History): West Johnston HS (2010), UNCC (2014)

Mrs. Wigfall (History): Northwest School of the Arts (2006), UNC Wilmington (2010)

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Definition

The general rule is that first generation college students come from families where neither parent/guardian earned a four-year degree.

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First Generation College Student Challenges

Guilt Over Upward Mobility Potential

Many students deal with an acute feeling of guilt

Lack of Financial Aid Understanding

Students often deal with all the applications themselves

Inability to Visit Multiple Campuses

Many first-gen students end up applying to only one school due to travel problems

Students are Intimidated by College Costs

Don’t let the high price tag stop you from applying to dream schools

Students are Afraid to Seek Out Help

Many teeneragers don’t know how to apply and are afraid to ask for help

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First Generation College Student Solutions

Lack of Financial Aid Understanding

Working with your high school counselor

Checking out online tutorials from government agencies, including the Office of the U.S. Department of Education and attending financial aid night at AK.

Inability to Visit Multiple Campuses

Many schools offer virtual campus tours now

Students are Intimidated by College Costs

Federal Aid, Grants, Scholarships

Students are Afraid to Seek Out Help

Online resources offering step-by-step assistance on college planning. For example, the ACT organization has a comprehensive resource guide covering this topic. Freshman and Senior appointments provide step by step to dos for college planning and applications.

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Visiting the campus

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Visiting the

campus

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Tips prior to visiting

Starting creating your college list during your freshman year. You can list these schools under Colleges I’m Thinking About in Naviance.

This is a working draft and can always be changed

Each year windle down your list till it has 4-5 colleges by the summer of your junior year
Ideal time to visit a campus is during your junior year (not during a time college students are on break - Spring Break is a great time since many colleges are in session)

You get a true feel when you are amongst students on campus

Make sure to call ahead a book a campus visit time

You can ask to sit in a freshman level course for your ideal major to get a good feel for the class
Some college will let you spend the weekend with a student, if interested ask the Admissions department
Always eat in the cafeteria to see how the food tastes, during your freshman year, that is your primary food option

Create a calendar or excel spreadsheet to keep all the admission and scholarship dates handy and in order. This is in Naviance if you use it.
There is a resume builder on Naviance that we encourage students to utilize.

1. Click on the About Me tab

2. Click My Stuff and then you will see the Resume in the drop down menu.

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Questions to Ask a Tour Guide/Admissions Counselor

What required courses do I have to take?
When do I have to select a major?
Can I pursue a double-major, or a minor?
Is on-campus housing guaranteed? Do most students live on campus?
What do most graduates do after attending (place college name here) (graduate : * school, employment)?
When are your admission deadlines?
Do I have to take SAT subject tests?
What kinds of extracurricular are available? How much time do students spend on extracurricular activities? "
What athletic opportunities will I have? (club, intramural, JV, Varsity sports)
What is the social scene like here?
How big are most classes?
Do we get to pick our own roommates? How many people are in the room?
What are the meal plan-options?
Do students typically hold jobs on campus?
What options does financial aid give me? Do you have merit-based or need-based scholarships? Sports scholarships?

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Questions to Ask a Tour Guide/Admissions Counselor

16. Can I study abroad? Where?

17. What summer opportunities will I have?

18. Will I get an interview during the admissions process?

19. Do you have pre-professional tracks, (pre-law, pre-business, pre-med, etc?) Or do I you have a liberal arts curriculum?

20. Will there be a job fair on campus jobs post graduation?

21. Will there be someone to help me locate a job after I graduate?

22. What are your favorite things about (enter college name here)? What is one thing you would change?

**Make sure to bring a pen and paper/notebook to write down the answers to each of these questions and get the names of the people you spoke with. When you return home, send an email or a written note thanking them for their time**

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Early Action- Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date. “Non Binding” - Students do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1.

Early Decision- Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date. Plans are “binding” - a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college.

Regular Decision- Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.

Rolling Decision- Colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they are received versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline. Schools will continue to evaluate applications until they've filled all the slots for their incoming class.

Denied- This unfortunately means you weren't accepted.

Waitlisted- You're not in yet, but you've been placed on a waitlist in case an opening becomes available.

Deferred- Rather than rejecting good-fit students with strong profiles, applications are instead deferred to the regular round where they'll be reviewed again within the context of the regular applicant pool, as if they hadn't been reviewed previously.

College Application Terminology

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Application Deadlines

Fates vary widely by college in general.

Early Action is October - November, while regular decision is November - March.

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How to Apply

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

How to Apply

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Your classes

Highlight classes where you did well or had special project

Your Activities

Clubs, sports, extracurricular
Leadership roles important.
Progression is good also

Community activities and service

Leadership and passion

Can use Naviance resume builder under About Me - My Stuff

Prepare Your Resume

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FREE College Application Week

Happens each October.

If your child qualifies for Free/Reduced lunch, you can use application fee waivers at any time to apply without cost.

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Common

App

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Common App

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Using Common App

An undergraduate application that applicants may use to apply to more than 800 member colleges and universities in 49 states, as well as in Canada, China, Japan, and many European countries.

Syncs with Naviance allowing teachers and counselors to send documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendations.

www.Commonapp.org

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Naviance

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Naviance

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College and Career Planning Tool

Naviance - new way to log in

All AKHS students have a Naviance account.

Sign into your NC ED Cloud account
Click on the Clever App
Click on Naviance once in the Clever App

What is Naviance used for?

College Exploration-College data, College Match, College organizer

Self Discovery-Personality Inventories, Strength Explorer

Career Exploration- Career Interest Profiler, Career Pathways, Career Data

Naviance 101 and Activities Page

https://sites.google.com/cms.k12.nc.us/akhsstudentservices/naviance

Using Naviance

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College Websites

& CFNC

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Websites & CFNC

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College Websites and CFNC

Best place to get all the information on a college

Admissions Requirements
Majors
Admission Rep Contacts
Information about the area
Campus Life
Athletics

Apply

Some schools will allow you to apply through their website
Lays out the process clearly

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)

Similar to Naviance, but ran by the State
Apply to schools, career exploration, financial aid

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May 1, the National Candidates Reply Date, is the deadline for formally notifying one college you will accept its offer of admission -- and paying a nonrefundable deposit.

If a student applies through a binding agreement of Early Decision, the deposit is due at an earlier date.
Although May 1st is the common date, this can still vary by school.

Last Day to Pay your deposit to the college of your choice!

Deposit is usually between $500 and $1,000

College Acceptance Day

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Writing an

Essay

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Writing an Essay

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Hook the reader in the first sentence.

Use concrete details – who, what, when, where.

Unsuccessful scholarships essays sometimes resemble laundry list of awards, accomplishments and activities - Not

personalized

Reader should KNOW YOU when finished.

Judges may have hundreds to read – yours must stand out!

**Not all colleges require an essay**

Essay Tips

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Teacher Recommendations

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Teacher Recs

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*Not all colleges require a recommendation letter. Make sure to check before asking a teacher!

Use people who know you. (Not your parents or family members)

– Ex. Band instructor, coach, scout leader, employer

Give these people your resume and if possible.

Give plenty of advance notice to writers of recommendation letters.

Always thank the person with a note or at least acknowledge with an e-mail!

Check college requirements: Some require one teacher, one community member, etc.

Request in Naviance

Recommendation Letters

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Interviewing

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Interviewing

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*Most schools do not require or use interviews*

Interviewing Tips (Getting goosebumps and feeling nervous is normal)

1. Be prepared (Official copy of transcript with first semester senior grades, awareness of any special program you are applying to get into, some knowledge of current news, etc.).

2. Arrive ahead of time for your appointment (10 minutes before scheduled interview time).

3. Walk in with a confident air (self-assurance) and give a firm, dry handshake (a firm handshake suggests confidence).

4. Keep hands or fingers away from the mouth while talking (hands or fingers close to the mouth – sign of insecurity - sign of helping words out of the mouth).

5. Present yourself so that people will want to look at you and listen to you.

Interviewing Tips

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6. Be aware of your body language.

a. Keep good eye contact.

b. Address all members of panel when answering a question.

c. Avoid looking at ceiling or floor.

d. Avoid rolling eyes

e. Avoid swinging or rocking legs (distracting).

f. Establish a comfortable position on chair (good posture). Sit up straight.

g. *Wait for invitation to be seated.*

7. Use breathing techniques to control nervousness.

8. Remember that it's OK to ask for clarification of questions.

9. It is OK to say “I don't know, but if I were..."

10. Thank interview team at conclusion of interview and give firm handshake as sign of appreciation.

Interviewing Tips

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1. Be very neat and well-groomed. Remember nails.

2. Choose cool or warm colors that accentuate your personality and features.

3. Avoid loud, bright colors (distracting).

4. Be careful of distracting prints. Preferably solid colors (i.e. black, navy, red, or green).

5. Do not wear mini skirts.

6. Never wear jeans for an interview.

7. Avoid plunging necklines and tight fitting sweaters or other apparel.

8. Coordinate accessories with your outfit.

9. Avoid the use of a lot of perfume or a very heavy fragrance of perfume (it can be offensive and some people are allergic).

10. Avoid external piercings (nose, eyebrow, tongue)

Guidelines for Apparel

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1. Tell us a little about yourself.

2. Why do you want to come to ___ University/College?

3. Who has had the greatest influence over your life? And why?

4. Give three reasons why you want to attend the college of your choice.

5. What has been the greatest crisis in your life thus far?

6. Tell me about the best teacher you have had in school and why you think he or she was the best.

7. If you could change today's society, what change would you most want to bring about?

8. What current events most affect society today?

9. Describe your leadership skills and tell us about a time when you had to use them.

10. What do you see as your strengths / weaknesses?

Sample Interview Questions

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Communication: Verbal vs. Non-Verbal

93% of what we communicate to others is non-verbal.

Voice, tone, use, style, facial/body movements

The first eight seconds of an interview composes the interviewer's image of an interview.

Preparing for the interview

1. Learn as much about the area and object of your interview.

2. Know as much as possible about the people who will interview you.

3. Don't flaunt your preparation.

4. Don't ask a question for the sake of asking/trying to impress.

Interviewing Skills

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Key Areas for a Successful Interview

1. Voice Control

Pauses and Smiles/Laughter

2. Phrasing Key Statements

3. Enthusiasm, Honesty, Truthfulness, Consistency, Candor

4. Questions and Answers

a. Listen to the question

b. Ask for clarification, if needed

c. Thinking Pause – after the interviewer's question

5. Physical Presence

a. Greet with a firm handshake

b. Keep feet on the floor or cross at the ankles

c. Don't fidget with your hands. Keep on table or in lap

d. Posture – upright, occasionally shift, so as not to appear stiff

Interviewing Skills

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Handling Fear and Nervousness with Confidence

1. Relax

Getting nervous is a symptom of the challenge of the

problem

Practice muscle relaxation techniques

2. Recognize the things that tend to make you lack confidence.

Interviewing Skills

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Preparing for the Answers to the Questions

1. Organize your points

Example: “Why do you believe in America?”

- Tell them what you are going to tell them, in other words, state your major point of the answer: "I believe in America!”

- Tell them...support your point: "I believe in America because of

- Tell them what you have told them by recapping your point: “...and that is why I believe in America."

2. Occasionally refer to interviewer's name as you begin to answer a question.

3. Thank them at the end for their time and opportunity.

4. Expect questions about interests, hobbies, clubs, or jobs, or be prepared to tell how these experiences have prepared you.

Interviewing Skills

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Costs

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

FASFA

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Costs

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Money available to families to help them pay for educational expenses.

What are types of Financial Aid?

1. Free money (Need-based & Merit-based)

a. Scholarships

b. Grants

2. Self help

a. Loans

b. Employment

c. Work study

What is Financial Aid?

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Cost of Attendance (COA)

- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

What is Financial Aid?

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Equal Access to education no matter your financial means

Examples of Need Based Scholarships:

Davidson Trust--Full paid scholarship to Davidson
Covenant--Full paid scholarship to UNC-Chapel Hill
Pack Promise--Financial assistance to attend NC State
NC State Alumni Endowed Scholars--Financial assistance to NC State

Purpose of Needs Based Aid

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Even with financial aid, families almost always are expected to contribute some money.
This dollar amount is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). It is determined by FAFSA.

Number that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid a student will receive.

Cost of Attendance - EFC = Need

The EFC is not the amount of money a family will have to pay for college. Nor is it the amount of federal aid the student receives.

How Colleges Calculate Need

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Direct costs (pay to the school)

- Tuition & Fees

- Room & Board

Indirect costs (costs associated with attending school)

- Books & Supplies

- Transportation

- Miscellaneous personal expenses (ex. Meal plans)

Direct and indirect costs combined into cost of attendance

Vary widely from college to college

What is Cost of Attendance? (COA)

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Two components

- Parent contribution

- Student contribution

Calculated using FAFSA data and a federal formula. Main components are:

- Family size

- # in college

- Students income/assets

- Parents income/assets

Amount the family can reasonably be expected to contribute

- Stays the same regardless of college choice

Colleges use EFC to award financial aid

www.fafsadcaster.ed.goy

What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

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Every student applying for financial aid must complete the FAFSA on the web at fafsa.gov.

A link to create an FSA ID can be found on this website. Students, parents, and borrowers of federal student loans are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. The FSA ID is used to confirm the student's identity when accessing financial aid information and electronically signing federal student aid documents.

FAFSA provides online help, uses skip logic to streamline the completion process, and allows the family to edit their information. Families also have the option to complete their FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which ensures a more accurate submission and quicker turnaround, A PDF version of the FAFSA IS available in Spanish as well as English.

Using FAFSA

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Opens October 1st each year, apply early!

https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Apply your senior year of high school and every year of college.

Complete and file FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Some schools also have a CSS Profile and/or other supplemental information required by the college to which you are applying (this is usually for private schools)

All colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website.

How Do I File for Financial Aid?

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Apply for the Student & Parent PIN #

You can do this part ahead of time
https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

Complete as quickly as possible after October 1st of senior year (use estimated incomes and then amend after filing tax returns) Will receive Student Aid Report (SAR) via email in 3-5 days

Can always amend FAFSA; will result in amended Student Aid Report (SAR)

FAFSA Timeline

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Federal Government Programs State Government Programs

Institutional Programs Community Programs National Programs

– www.fastweb.com

- www.finaid.org

- www.studentaid.ed.gov

- www.collegeboard.com

- www.gocollege.com

Always look at the college/university Financial Aid website for specific opportunities that are associated with that college

Sources of Financial Aid

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Independent schools do have a higher cover cost however, they also have a lot more money to offer students

Once you know your “Expected Family Contribution" you can talk with Financial Advisors from the college about how to cover the “GAP.”

Don’t Rule out Independent

“Private” Schools

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When colleges send out financial aid award letters, students should compare awards carefully to determine their net cost (often called “net price") to attend each college.

Tools to compare award letters

College Board's Compare Your Aid Awards tool (bigfuture.collegeboard.org)
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college/)

A financial aid package will often consist of:

→ Grants → Loans → Work-Study → Scholarships

How is Financial Aid Awarded?

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How is Financial Aid Awarded?

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Military Funds Education

Military Reserves: $4,500 a year for education
Military Student Loan Repayment: pays back up to $50,000 of education loans
Military College Fund: pays up to $70,000 for college
Each military branch has specific program opportunities. Make sure to talk to your local recruiter.

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They can be over a long period of time, typically 10 years
Salaries tend to increase with experience and/or longevity.
Typical payments can range from $25 to $400 a month depending on your salary and debt.
Education loans have much lower interest rates and some don't increase interest until you are employed.
Some helping professions assist in paying off loans (nursing, teaching, social work, etc.)

Payment Plans Can be Manageable

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Higher salary for career

More comfortable living
Family needs

Job Stability stronger
Special knowledge in area of choice
College Experience
Builds Credit

Education debt= good credit debt
Credit Card debt= bad credit debt

Why Take on any Debt?

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The questions and answers that follow provide information about student financial aid for undocumented students (sometimes referred to as "Dreamers”), as well as information for a specific subgroup of undocumented students who have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Are undocumented or DACA students eligible for federal student aid?

No. Undocumented students, including DACA students and Dreamers, are not eligible for federal student aid. However, they may be eligible for state or college financial aid. Most states and colleges use information collected on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine aid eligibility. If a student has a Social Security number, they may complete the FAFSA. Even if a student has a Social Security number, counselors should check with the college or career school financial aid office to see whether completing the FAFSA is the way to apply for state and college aid.

Are undocumented or DACA students eligible for in-state tuition?

It depends. In some states, undocumented students, or specifically DACA students, are eligible to receive in-state tuition.

Financial Aid and Undocumented Students

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3. Is a Social Security number required to complete the FAFSA?

Yes. A Social Security number is necessary to complete the FAFSA. A Social Security number is also required to apply for a FSA ID, which can be used to electronically sign the FAFSA. Most undocumented students are not eligible for a Social Security number; thus, they cannot complete the FAFSA. However, DACA students with Social Security numbers can complete the FAFSA. Ştill, even if a student has a Social Security number, counselors should check with the college or career school financial aid office to see whether completing the FAFSA is the way to apply for state and college aid.

4. Does a parent's citizenship status affect eligibility for federal student aid?

No. Parents' citizenship status does not affect eligibility for federal student aid. In fact, the FAFSA doesn't even ask about parental citizenship status.

5. In order to complete the FAFSA, do parents need Social Security numbers?

No. Because parents' citizenship does not affect the ability of the student to complete the FAFSA, they do not need Social Security numbers. If a student's parents do not have Social Security numbers, they must enter 000-00-0000 when the FAFSA asks for parents' Social Security numbers. If parents do not have Social Security numbers, they must print out the signature page from the online FAFSA so that they can sign it and send it in.

Financial Aid and Undocumented Students

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6. On the FAFSA, how do students answer the question that reads, "Are you a U.S. citizen?"

DACA students must answer that question by selecting the option "No, I am not a citizen or eligible noncitizen."

7. On the FAFSA, how do students answer the question that reads, "What is your state of legal residence?"

The state of legal residence is their true, fixed, and permanent home. The fact that they are DACA students does not affect how they should answer this question for purposes of completing the FAFSA. Note that each state determines legal residency differently. School counselors should contact the respective college or career school financial aid office for assistance with state of legal residence qualifications.

8. On the FAFSA, how do students answer the question that reads, "What is your parents' state of legal residence?"

The parents' answer should reflect their true, fixed, and permanent home. Parents' legal immigration status does not affect how they should answer this question for purposes of completing the FAFSA. Again, each state determines legal residency differently, and school counselors should contact the respective college or career school financial aid office for more assistance.

Financial Aid and Undocumented Students

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9. On the FAFSA, how do students submit their tax information?

If they are completing the FAFSA online and they filed their income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), they may be able to access the information through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. If they did not file an income tax return with the IRS, they enter the requested financial information manually on the FAFSA website.

10. On the FAFSA, how do parents submit their tax information?

If they are completing the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov and they filed their income tax returns with the IRS and meet certain requirements such as having Social Security numbers, they may be able to access their tax information through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. If the parents did not file their income tax returns with the IRS, they can enter the requested information manually on the FAFSA website.

Financial Aid and Undocumented Students

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RDS process

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

RDS

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For tuition purposes, all students seeking to earn college credit are classified as either in-state or out-of-state. This classification, known as your residence status, is determined by the Residency Determination Service (RDS).

Determines if you are eligible for in-state tuition rates at public NC universities.

In general, you must live in NC for 12 months to be a resident for tuition purposes.

NCResidency.CFNC.org

NC Residency Determination Services

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NCAA

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

NCAA

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Create an account: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/ (Required for Division I or II)

Steps to complete:

Complete the Application

Pay the fee ($90 or a fee waiver)

Request your transcript to be uploaded

ACT/SAT code: 9999 (this way your scores will be sent directly to the schools for you)

AK Contact: Mary C. Sartwell maryc.sartwell@cms.k12.nc.us

NAIA schools Link: https://www.naia.org/landing/index

Great resource to view NAIA vs NCAA: https://www.naia.org/why-naia/naia-vs-ncaa/index

NCAA Eligibility

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Scholarships

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

Scholarships

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There are many types of Scholarships - Merit, Need or BOTH!

Merit Based Scholarship Examples

SAT/ACT scores – Many of these are for early applicants – due in the fall of senior year
Race/Gender/Disability
Community Service
Talent, Sport, ROTC
Specific Career Goal
Characteristic

Need based scholarships For students with financial need.

Both For students who have need but also have merit characteristic

Types of Scholarships

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Scholarship may ask for EFC (Expected Family Contribution) or SAR (Student Aid Report)

Students get this information by completing FAFSA

Parent and students current assets and previous year's income. Some sponsors have their own forms to determine need. Need may be subjective according to scholarship sponsors

Guidelines.

Example: One sponsor may want family income to be less than $50,000.00, another $20,000.00 and yet another, $100,000.00

Need Based Scholarships

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Federal Pell Grant (FAFSA) EFC less than $5000

Federal Supplemental Grant (FSEOG) (FAFSA)
Federal Work Study (FAFSA)
Federal Direct Loans

Subsidized Stafford Loan - 3.86% (Need based - FAFSA)
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan - 3.86% (Anyone can get)
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
6.41% TEACH Grant (Merit based), For students who know they want to teach certain subjects – Otherwise becomes loan

Federal Student Financial Aid Programs - Grants and Loans

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Forgivable loan to qualified students who are committed to working in North Carolina in identified critical employment

shortage professions

– Due April 1!

Current target employment areas

– Teaching – Nursing – Allied Health - Medicine

→ More information and applications at CFNC.org/FELS

Merit Based Aid - Forgivable Education Loans for Service

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UNC Need-Based Grant - FAFSA

Community College Grant - FAFSA

Need-Based Scholarship for Students Attending Private Institutions FAFSA – EFC less than $15,000

NC Education Lottery Scholarship will be available at public campuses only FAFSA - EFC less than $5,000

NC Need Based Financial Aid

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There is NO single site for scholarships!

NEVER pay for scholarship information!

– Local websites, newsletters, local email lists

- Private scholarships

- Local and regional

- College/University you plan to attend – Ask for these!

– College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)

– Collegeboard.com, FAFSA.gov

– Use social media – Facebook, Twitter, Networking

– Fastweb.com, Capex.com, Scholarships.com

- https://myscholly.com/ (showcased on Shark Tank!)

- Naviance

- Additional information can be found on AK’s Student Services site.

Scholarship Tips

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National Scholarship Search Engines

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Many have Spring deadlines

Check Naviance frequently.

Check with you parent's employer
Religious organizations you attend
Civic Organizations – Raritan's, Kiwanis, etc.
Community Foundations
Booster Clubs
Alumni Associations

Local Scholarships

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Read and follow directions, eligibility and deadlines!!
Check your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure –
then check it again – then have someone else check it!
Do not rely on “spell check”
Complete application in full. If question doesn't apply, note on application.
Type neatly, double-space lines, leave margins.
If your scholarship involves an interview:
- Look up sample questions
Manners and grammar also count when calling or emailing.

Preparing Your Scholarship Application

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Apply for small awards as well as larger awards

Small Awards can pay big dividends

If a student spends 80 hours applying for scholarships and wins $5000, that's $62.50 per hour!

Other Tips

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Tips

Visiting the Campus

How to Apply

Common App

Naviance

Websites & CFNC

Writing an Essay

Teacher Recs

Interviewing

Costs

RDS

NCAA

�Scholarships

Tips

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Food for thought

Hopefully, your child will get into a top-choice school. But sometimes deciding which college to attend is not obvious. Help your child weigh the variables, such as financial aid, size, distance from home, etc. Another visit may be in order. Remind your child there is no perfect school.

Denied/waitlisted

Being denied or waitlisted is a common and natural outcome of applying to college. Your child may take it very hard. But schools have many reasons for denial. It should not be taken as a personal judgment. Help your child focus on the acceptances in hand and the ones that may be on the way.

College Application Decisions

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Freshmen:

https://sites.google.com/cms.k12.nc.us/akhsstudentservices/freshmen-information

Pick the right mix of classes. Make sure you're enrolled in the appropriate college-prep or tech-prep classes and that you're taking key core requirements, such as English, math, science, history, and a foreign language.
Make the grade.. Get off to a good start with your grades because they will impact your GPA and class rank. Although college seems like a long way off right now, grades really do count toward college admission and scholarships.

College Planning Timeline

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Sophomore:

https://sites.google.com/cms.k12.nc.us/akhsstudentservices/sophomore-information

All 10th graders will take the PSAT at school.
Stay involved with your extracurricular activities and work toward leadership positions in the activities you like best. Become involved in community service and other volunteer activities.
Stay on track with your classes and grades. Even if your grades haven't been stellar so far, it's never too late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend.

College Planning Timeline

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Junior:

https://sites.google.com/cms.k12.nc.us/akhsstudentservices/junior-information

Evaluate your education options. Decide whether you want to pursue full-time employment, further education or training (such as a vocational-technical school, career college, or two-year or four-year college), or a military career.
Make a college list. Determine your most important criteria (for example, size, location, cost, academic majors, or special programs).
Figure out when you'll be taking tests like the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests, and mark the dates on your calendar. Spring during your Junior year is optimal for these tests.
Make sure you're meeting any special requirements. If you want to play Division I or II sports in college start the certification process and check with your counselor to make sure you're taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements.
Start a scholarship search.
Visit colleges. Take a tour and speak with the admissions and financial aid staff. You may also be able to talk to students
If some classes are in session. If you have an interview, be sure to send a thank-you letter to the interviewer once you return home.
Take the PSAT for National Merit Scholarship Program.

College Planning Timeline

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Senior:

https://sites.google.com/cms.k12.nc.us/akhsstudentservices/senior-information

Sign up for your Senior appointment!
Continue to visit schools. Fall is a great time to look at colleges because classes are in session and you are better able to talk with students and professors and maybe sit in on a class or two.
Register for and take the ACT, SAT, or SAT Subject Tests as necessary. Be sure you have requested that your test scores be sent to the colleges of your choice.
Ask for letters of recommendation.. Give recommendation forms to the teachers you have chosen at least two weeks before you need their letter. Discuss your goals and ambitions with your teachers so they'll be more prepared to write about you.
Complete applications. Finish the application forms for the schools you're interested in. Plan to get all this done before winter break, so you won't be rushing to make deadlines.
Continue your scholarship search. Ask colleges about what scholarships you may qualify for. The downtime after applications have been sent is a great time to focus on financial aid
Submit financial aid forms (FAFSA) No matter what
Your family's income level is, the FAFSA is your main priority for financial aid purposes because it will determine how much you're expected to pay. Don't send the forms until after January 1, because they can't be processed before then.
Congratulations! You've finished high school and are about to embark on an exciting new phase.

Good luck!

College Planning Timeline