Hello and Welcome to our

Roosevelt College Knowledge Night

A college information and planning night for class of 2025 Senior students and their families

People to Know!

• Counselors

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• Mark Heyman s
• Salado Hasan
• Sandra Kroger

• CCC Coordinators
• Doyen Kulee (Monday and Tuesdays)
• TBD

• Gear Up Counselor
• Stephanie Bender
• Jonna Cardena

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Agenda

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• Changes This Year
• Timeline
• Admissions 101
• Paying for College
• Questions

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Changes in the College Process

• Many colleges continue to practice Test Optional admissions. This means that many colleges will not require an ACT score be submitted within a students’ application.

Since the Pandemic:

• Have a conversation with one of your CCC Coordinators to figure out if [re]taking the ACT makes sense for your plan

• Student Vaccination Status: Some colleges might require students to receive a COVID 19 vaccination in order to enroll for on campus classes.

• Decrease in students considering college… but college degrees still seen as a pathway to increasing earning potential

Changes in the College Process

• In lieu of the Supreme Court ruling striking down affirmative action and “race-based admissions practices,” many MN colleges are…

For the coming application season:

• Doubling down on their commitments to diverse and multicultural campuses

• Inviting students to write about the ways in which their identity might impact their time / experiences on campus.

• FAFSA - getting simpler; opening later

• This year, FAFSA will open in Dec. as a result of changes made after the passing of the FAFSA Simplification Act

• Bye-bye Naviance; Hello, Xello

• Xello is our district’s new post - sec planning tool. This platform will be used to request transcripts and letters or rec

Application Timeline: This Year

Seniors: Now-Nov

Juniors: This Year

• Start (or keep) developing your list of colleges / programs

• Use Xello to track your list by ”❤”ing colleges you’re interested in

• Begin applying with the goal to have your top apps completed by Jan

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• Start researching and applying for scholarships & create your FSA ID

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• Begin developing a list of colleges / programs you might consider, come next year

• Familiarize yourself with Xello, college search websites, and websites providing info about other post-sec plans [Apprenticeship, Military, Gap Year]

• Connect with a College Access Program to get support with your future plans

• Maintain a GPA that will give you a breadth of options Senior Year

• Focus on First Quarter

• Specific questions about your process should be addressed during 1-on-1s with CCC staff OR asked directly to institutions’ admissions staff.

• Address “unknowns” as they come up; “bite off what you can chew”

Application Timeline

Senior Year Timeline

Your post-secondary planning is a very individual process. Make sure to connect with a CCC Coordinator to talk through your unique process.

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Create FSA ID on FAFSA.gov

Quarter 1

Work on and complete FAFSA / MN Dream Act

Complete Direct Admit survey

(survey will be sent to students’ school email

Begin / Continue Post-Sec Research

Quarter 2

Create FSA ID on FAFSA.gov

Review FA Award Letters

Quarter 3

Research & Apply for Scholarships

Continue submitting College & Program applications

Quarter 4

Create FSA ID

Work on and complete FAFSA / MN Dream Act

Make Final Decisions

Pay your Senior Dues

Pay enrollment & housing deposits

Senior Salute &

Senior Recognition Ceremony

Graduation! Congrats Class of 2025

Feb

ADMISSIONS 101 & The College Decision Process

Program Research & Direct Admissions

Submitting Applications

Making Connections: Virtual Visits and Research Resources

Program Research: Things to Consider...

When we say “college,” what do we mean . . . ?

How to Start Your College List

Program Research: Things to Consider...

Schools with academic standards you comfortably meet. You meet the criteria of students the school typically accepts.

Schools that you could safely assume you’d be accepted to

Schools that typically accept students with academic qualities that might be a bit above yours.

Program Research: Things to Consider...

• Is diversity important on campus?

Match

Fit

• Is prestige an important factor?

• What is the graduation rate? (How many years?)

• What is the retention rate?

• Is there a Greek system? What is that?

• What is Student Life like?

• Do you prefer a rural or urban setting?

• Are calendar and climate important?

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• What sort of GPA makes me likely for admittance?

• What test(s) does the institution require? What scores do I need on those tests?

The qualities a college is looking for in its applicants (numbers)

The qualities you are looking for in a college

Program Research: Things to Consider...

Get to know the different programs and colleges by doing visits (in person OR virtual)!

• Almost all colleges have tours and visits through their websites

• Admissions reps also set up visits just for RHS students - you can get all of your individual questions answered during these rep visits

• You can also set up a visit of your preferred type (virtual or in-person) with an admissions person directly through the colleges’ website

• Access these visits by checking the CCC Corner. Then, sign up on Xello by logging in, going to the “Colleges”, and finding “College Visits” in the drop-down.

Colleges & Universities

Types of Admission (cont.)

• Rolling Admissions: Applications reviewed as received and decisions are 1st come 1st serve until spots fill.

(Community & Tech Colleges; Some 4 Year Colleges [ex. MNSCU schools)

• Open Admissions: With a high school diploma or GED students are typically admitted.

(Community & Tech colleges; Some 4 Year Colleges)

Colleges & Universities

Types of Admission

• Regular Admissions: Most common, all applications reviewed & decisions made at the same time.

(Most 4 Year Colleges)

• Early Admissions: Only 4 Year Colleges / Universities

Early Decision: You agree to attend this school if accepted, and you can’t accept enrollment to any other college or university.

Early Action: You are not bound to attend if accepted and you can apply early action to more than one university

Community & Tech Colleges

Associate’s Degrees (AS or AA)

Primary factors for admission selection:

• Require a HS diploma or GED
• Accuplacer test or Multiple Measures for Course Placement
• No ACT/SAT required (can be used in lieu of the accuplacer if a high score)
• Transfer to 4 year college - MnTC, MnCAP, Auggie Plan

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Cost Ex:

Tuition: $5,000 - $6,000 a year, Books/Supplies: $1000

4 Year Colleges

Bachelor’s Degrees (BS or BA)

Primary factors for admission selection:

• GPA / rank
• ACT / SAT score (most are test-optional)
• Rigorous Coursework

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Secondary factors:

• Involvement: school activities/community service
• Personal essay
• Letters of recommendation
• Special talents

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What is Direct Admissions?

Every student is “college material”

What is Direct Admissions?

Every student is “college material”

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• Alexandria Tech & Comm College
• Anoka Technical College
• Anoka-Ramsey Comm College
• Central Lakes College
• Century College
• Dakota County Tech College
• Fond du Lac Tribal & Comm College
• Hennepin Tech College
• Inver Hills Community College
• Lake Superior College
• Minneapolis College
• MN North College
• MN State College Southeast
• MN State Comm & Tech College
• MN West Comm & Tech College

• Normandale College
• North Hennepin Comm College
• Northland Comm and Tech College
• Northwest Tech College
• Northwestern Health Sciences University
• Pine Technical and Community College
• Red Lake Nation College
• Ridgewater College
• Riverland Comm College
• Rochester Comm and Tech College
• Saint Paul College
• South Central College
• St. Cloud Tech & Comm College
• White Earth Tribal and CommCollege

Direct Admissions

• Bethel University (Online)�
• Dunwoody College of Technology�
• St. Cloud State University �
• The College of St. Scholastica

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Direct Admissions

• Bemidji State University�
• Concordia University St. Paul�
• Metropolitan State University

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• Southwest Minnesota State University

Direct Admissions

• Bethany Lutheran College�
• Hamline University�
• Minnesota State University Moorhead�
• Saint Mary's University of Minnesota�
• University of Minnesota Crookston�
• Winona State University

Direct Admissions

• Augsburg University�
• Bethel University�
• College of Saint Benedict�
• Concordia College�
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design

• Minnesota State University, Mankato�
• Saint John's University�
• St. Catherine University�
• University of Minnesota Duluth�
• University of Minnesota Morris

Direct Admissions

• Gustavus Adolphus College�
• University of Minnesota Rochester�
• University of St. Thomas

Direct Admissions

Final thoughts

• Students still need to apply to the colleges they’re interested in !
• Apply to colleges you are interested in; research the ones you might not have heard of

Direct Admissions

• Don’t be limited by your letter
• Students can still apply to schools outside of their Tier

• Meet with your counselor to discuss options and get support in applying from the CCC

Program Research(?): CCC Corner

Your Post-Sec Planning Hub

Interested in researching other plans? Have more questions about the College Application Process? Check out the CCC Corner! Make sure to Bookmark the page so you can check back frequently for updates!

Tips for Submitting Apps:

Once Your Research is Wrapped. . .

• For 4 year colleges, we recommend you submit 3-8 applications, for 2 year colleges, 2-3 colleges to keep your options open

• Write down your deadlines! Keep a spreadsheet or use the tracking document in your Senior Green Folder so you know when you need to submit things

• Consider how different post-secondary options can overlap/intertwine
• You might apply to a gap year program, but also need to apply to college and defer your enrollment for a year
• You could choose to join the military while also enrolling in a college

Types of Financial Aid?

Money that usually doesn’t need to be paid back. Often need-based or merit based, and typically awarded from government agencies

Money that is awarded based on merit, and sometimes on need. Will typically require an application.

Borrowed money that needs to be paid back. Typically comes from gov. agencies but can come from private banks.

Money accrued via students’ work experience. Can take the form of workstudy or money saved from a previously or currently held job.

Paying For College: Financial Aid

FAFSA - What’s Changing for this Year?

Application has been simplified

• ​

Expanded Pell grant eligibility:

• The income thresholds used to determine Pell Grant eligibility have been expanded, allowing more students from moderate-income families to qualify for the grant.

SAI replaces EFC:

• This change better represents that this is an eligibility index for awarding financial aid, not a reflection of what a family can or will pay for a college education. However, this is more than a name change — the calculation itself is also being updated in the following ways:=
• The Income Protection Allowance (IPA) will increase. The IPA protects a portion of income and assets (to cover basic living expenses) from being considered in the formula to determine the SAI.
• The number of family members in college won’t be considered in the SAI. In the past, if multiple family members were enrolled in college, the EFC was split between them, increasing aid eligibility.
• Family farms and small businesses will be considered. Families will now be required to report the net worth of their farms or businesses, and this can influence the SAI.

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1) FAFSA has been simplified… ! But opens later!

2) Everyone needs an FSA ID

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• The passing of the FAFSA Simplification Act has made it possible for more people to do the FAFSA, with fewer steps.�
• Tax info is pulled automatically from the IRS for a safe, secure, and confidential process!

• Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs have been expanded to allow caregivers without SSNs access to the FAFSA form!

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• These IDs must be made by both the student and one of their contributors (parent / caregiver) to start the FAFSA and consent for the release of information.

Paying For College: Financial Aid

FAFSA - What’s Changing for this Year? (cont.)

Application has been simplified

• ​

Expanded Pell grant eligibility:

• The income thresholds used to determine Pell Grant eligibility have been expanded, allowing more students from moderate-income families to qualify for the grant.

SAI replaces EFC:

• This change better represents that this is an eligibility index for awarding financial aid, not a reflection of what a family can or will pay for a college education. However, this is more than a name change — the calculation itself is also being updated in the following ways:=
• The Income Protection Allowance (IPA) will increase. The IPA protects a portion of income and assets (to cover basic living expenses) from being considered in the formula to determine the SAI.
• The number of family members in college won’t be considered in the SAI. In the past, if multiple family members were enrolled in college, the EFC was split between them, increasing aid eligibility.
• Family farms and small businesses will be considered. Families will now be required to report the net worth of their farms or businesses, and this can influence the SAI.

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3) Expanded Pell Grant Eligibility

4) New terms; New formulas

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• Income thresholds used to determine Pell Grant eligibility have been expanded, allowing more students from moderate-income families to qualify for the grant.

• Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs have been expanded to allow caregivers without SSNs access to the FAFSA form!

Paying For College:

Estimated Financial Aid Timeline-

Dec: FAFSA/MN Dream Act Opens

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March-April: Receive full financial aid award

Dec-March: Receive admission decision and merit scholarships

May: Accept, decline, or appeal award

September: Start college—yay!

Ongoing: update the FAFSA every year to keep receiving aid

Fall: Create an FSA ID account to prepare

Paying For College: Financial Aid

FAFSA

Who can apply?

• US Citizens, Permanent Residents, Eligible noncitizen (refugee, asylee, etc)

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How to apply?

• Complete online FAFSA application
• Grants - Pell, FSEOG, State
• Work Study
• Loans - direct (Stafford)
• Subsidized, 6.53 % interest
• Unsubsidized, 6.53 % interest

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Paying For College: Financial Aid

MN Dream Act

Who can apply?

• Noncitizen students who are ineligible for FAFSA
• Attend MN high school for at least 3 years
• Graduate from a MN high school or earn MN GED

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How to apply?

• MN Office of Higher Ed Website
• MN State grant
• Childcare grant
• DACA students can get state Work Study

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Paying For College: Financial Aid

Scholarships

Scholarships

• Institutional (from the colleges students apply to)
• Local Private and National Private (from private orgs, businesses, and donors)
• Roosevelt High School Foundation Scholarships

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Resources: Where to begin your scholarship search

1. CCC Google Site
2. CCC & Counselors
3. Scholarships sites like Fastweb.com

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Paying For College: Financial Aid

Scholarships (cont.)

Process

NEW

OLD

Formula Changes

NEW

OLD

Terminology

OLD

NEW

Paying For College: Financial Aid

Financial Aid Timeline

Fall:

• Create your FSA ID or your account for the MN Dream Act

Rolling throughout the year:

• Scholarship Applications & Award Notifications (institutional & private)
• Verification: If selected, the college will request more information before processing
• Some rolling Financial Aid Award Letters

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Spring:

• most Financial Aid Award Letters

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Paying For College: Putting it all together

Assessing your Aid

Financial Aid Award Letters will be distributed AFTER a student has been accepted to the colleges they’ve applied to. Most FA Award letters reflect the follow aid:

• Institutional scholarships and/or grants

• this is “free money” provided directly from the college based on a students’ academic and personal profile (merit-based), or their indicated financial need (need-based)

• Federal loans (need-based)

• Federal / state grants (need-based)

• these monies must be “accepted” by the student inside the FA portal of the school a student attends. Just because you are given loans does not mean you need to accept them, or accept the full amount!

• this is also “free money” that only needs to be paid back if students drop below certain course credit thresholds

Paying For College: Putting it all together

Assessing your Aid

Financial Aid Award Letters will not show:

• Private scholarships received by the student

• Money a student or family contributes from a college savings or earnings accrued

• this is the “free money” students acquire by completing scholarship apps for privately sourced scholarships (e.g. RHS Foundation Scholarship, Page Grant, Wallin Foundation, etc.)

Paying For College: Putting it all together

Assessing your Aid

$51,075

+ $2,400

$53,475 = Total Cost of attendance

$53,475

- $38,172

$15,303 = left to cover with private scholarships or personal contribution

Tips for Financial Considerations

Things to Consider

• Have conversation between child and parents/guardian regarding how much help can family contribute.

• Also, it’s good to have a conversation regarding how much your child is willing to go into debt.
• Rule of thumb is not go into more debt than what you think your income will be after college.

• College Savings 529 Plan
• Earnings are tax deferred

Seniors! Not sure how to pay for college?

Learn more about the FAFSA and the changes regarding student aid this year!

The Career & College Center (CCC) will be present at conferences this Fall! You are welcome to stop by the CCC during conferences to learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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Three sessions that you can choose to attend:

Tuesday, October 17^th at 4:30 PM in room 161

Wednesday, October 18^th at 11:00 AM in room 207

Wednesday, October 18^th at 1:00 PM in room 207

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Feel free to bring other college and

career related questions to these sessions!

Questions?

We are here to help! We are also happy to set up individual appointments if you would like more one-on-one help!

Thank you for attending our

College Knowledge Evening

RHS Counselors of Record:

Janessa Brackett <janessa.brackett@mpls.k12.mn.us>

Mark Heymans <mark.heymans@mpls.k12.mn.us>

Salado Hasan <salado.hasan@mpls.k12.mn.us>

Sandra Kroger <sandra.kroger@mpls.k12.mn.us>

RHS CCC Staff

Mae Yang | Eric A. Rodgers

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RHS GET READY Counselor

Stephanie Bender <stephanie.bender@mpls.k12.mn.us>

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mae.yang@mpls.k12.mn.us

eric.rodgers@mpls.k12.mn.us