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College Planning: A Roadmap for Georgia Students

Presented by Nicholas Miller, LPC, EdS, NCSC

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Agenda / Topics

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  • 9th Grade College Planning
  • 10th Grade College Planning
  • 11th Grade College Planning
  • 12th Grade College Planning
  • FAFSA
  • Need Money for College
  • ACT
  • SAT
  • Four-Year College
  • Two-Year College

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9th Grade College Planning

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  • Create your GAfutures account: https://www.gafutures.org/
  • Explore careers and majors using GAfutures tools.
  • Meet with your counselor and plan rigorous coursework.
  • Begin tracking extracurriculars, awards, and service.
  • Talk with family about saving for college (529 Plan).

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9th Grade College Planning

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10th Grade College Planning

  • Continue monitoring your HOPE GPA on GAfutures.
  • Attend college fairs (e.g., PROBE tours).
  • Explore Dual Enrollment opportunities.
  • Take the PSAT or practice ACT/SAT tests.
  • Research colleges and majors that interest you.

10th Grade College Planning

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11th Grade College Planning

  • Take the SAT or ACT: https://www.collegeboard.org / https://www.act.org
  • Visit colleges and narrow your list of choices.
  • Strengthen academic rigor with AP or Dual Enrollment.
  • Begin college essays and resume drafts.
  • Discuss financial aid and scholarships with family.
  • 11th Grade College Planning

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12th Grade College Planning

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  • Apply to colleges early using GAfutures’ Apply to College Month.
  • Submit FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/
  • Send transcripts and test scores to colleges.
  • Review financial aid offers and compare costs.
  • Finalize your decision and celebrate your success!
  • 12th Grade College Planning

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FAFSA – Federal Student Aid

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  • Apply here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  • FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
  • Use it to apply for grants, loans, and work-study.
  • Opens Oct 1 each year — complete early!
  • Use IRS Data Retrieval Tool for accuracy.

FAFSA

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Need Money for College

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  • Explore GAfutures for HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships: https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/
  • Use GSFAPP to apply for Georgia state aid.
  • Search scholarships on GAfutures and local listings.
  • Compare net cost (tuition minus financial aid).
  • Avoid loans when possible — start with grants/scholarships.

Need Money for College

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ACT – College Admissions Test

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  • Register at https://www.act.org/
  • Covers English, Math, Reading, and Science.
  • Writing test is optional but recommended for some colleges.
  • Scores accepted by all Georgia colleges.
  • Use practice materials and retake to improve.

ACT

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SAT – College Admissions Test

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  • Register at https://www.collegeboard.org/
  • Covers Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.
  • Free practice through Khan Academy.
  • Accepted by all Georgia colleges and universities.
  • Submit scores directly to GAfutures or colleges.

SAT

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Four-Year College Pathways

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  • Leads to a bachelor’s degree (typically 4 years).
  • Broader academic programs and career options.
  • Often offers residential campus life.
  • Check majors, size, cost, and culture before applying.
  • Explore Georgia’s four-year universities via GAfutures.

Four Year College

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Two-Year College Pathways

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  • Earn an associate degree or technical certification.
  • More affordable entry point; easy transfer to universities.
  • Georgia’s technical and community colleges provide strong options.
  • Check articulation (transfer) agreements.
  • Explore: https://www.gafutures.org/college-planning/college-decision-guide/

Two Year College

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Key Takeaways

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  • Start college planning early — every grade matters.
  • Use GAfutures for HOPE GPA, scholarships, and applications.
  • Submit FAFSA early for maximum aid.
  • Compare financial aid packages carefully.
  • Explore both two-year and four-year pathways.