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STMA- Class of 2023

Senior SNAP

Planning Meeting

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Welcome Seniors!

You’ve made it, but there is still LOTS of work to do!!

When it comes to college/career planning it’s important to keep your options open.

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You

Made It!

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

4-Year College

or

University

Gap

Year

2-Year Tech/Comm College

Work

Force

Trade School

or

Apprenticeship

Military

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STMA School Counseling Team

Left to right:

Mrs. Kinsey Essler (Ri-Z)

Mrs. Rachel Dayton (Le-Rh)

Mrs. Angela Narducci (A-E)

Ms. Mary Poss (Admin Asst/Registrar)

Ms. Anne Price (F-La)

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STMA Student Snapshot

Taken from STMA 2022-2023 School Profile

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College and Career

Planning

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Senior Timeline

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September

Check ACT and SAT registration deadlines
Review college applications for early admittance incentives and deadlines
Apply to technical programs
Attend virtual college representative meetings
Check out the Minnesota Career Information System for college and occupation information, login with Clever.

October

Fill out the FAFSA
Fall Break- schedule college visits during the break
Make sure you have taken or registered for the ACT or SAT if needed
Check early college application deadlines
Ask for recommendation letter two weeks before the deadline
Review and complete your community service

November - January

Check college application deadlines and finalize plans
Apply for scholarships

February - May

Review college acceptances and make a final decision, reply promptly to college
Watch for local scholarship deadlines
Complete senior survey
Make sure credits are on track for graduation
Make sure your community service hours are complete

June

Request a FINAL TRANSCRIPT to be sent to your college via Parchment

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GET ORGANIZED!!

Transcript -Course History, GPA, Rank, Class Size

ACT/SAT/AP Scores

Letters of recommendation

Application Fee/Fee Waiver

Resume - Work experience, volunteer hrs, honors/awards received

Essay or writing sample

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High school transcript

Unofficial transcript

official transcript

Available on ParentVUE and StudentVUE. Look under the Documents tab to see unofficial transcript.

Note: Transcripts will be updated approximately one week after the end of each trimester, so it is important to make sure you are viewing the latest version by paying close attention to the Upload Date.

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Go to Parchment website.
Create an account using your personal email address (STMA email is closed after you graduate)..
Have credit card available to make payments.
Request official transcript to be sent to each school you applied for. (Counselors do NOT send transcripts).
NOTE: Prior to graduation, you must request that a final transcript to be sent to the school you will attending in the fall.

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ACT/SAT/AP Scores

It is the student’s responsibility to request test scores. Counselors do not have copies of scores.
Many colleges and programs are still test optional (1800+). Visit Fairtest.org to verify.
Some scholarships might still require ACT scores.

For ACT Scores:

Go to ACT website.
Login using your credentials you used to register for the exam.
Select school(s) to send scores.
Have credit card payment ready.

For SAT/AP Scores:

Go to College Board website.
Login using your credentials you used to register for the exam.
Select school(s) to send scores.
Have credit card payment ready.

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Letters of Recommendation

Contact Teachers/Counselor directly if you need a letter of recommendation

Only ask if you need a letter.
Pick someone who knows you well and thinks highly of you.
Complete the PURPLE Request for Letter of Recommendation Form in the Guidance Office or download the form here.
Once complete, make multiple copies to distribute.
Make sure to give them at least 2 weeks to complete your letter.

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Application Fee/Fee Waivers

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Students should be prepared to pay an application fee for some schools. Payment is generally credit card only.
Students on free and reduced lunch program are eligible for fee waivers.
Families for whom the application fees are a hardship may also be eligible for fee waivers.
See your school counselor for more information

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REsume

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Students should be prepared with their resume or a list of the following.

Activities they participated in 9-12 grade.
Employment (where, when and contact information)
Volunteer opportunities served.
Honors or awards received.
Athletics participation 9-12 (Varsity/JV)
Any leadership positions held.

Note: Summer before 9th grade counts.

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Essay or Writing Sample

Not all colleges require an essay or writing sample.
Utilize your teachers, counselors and other adults to help review and give you feedback.
Look for resources and help online.

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College application Process

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Responsibilities

Student

Deciding on final list of colleges
Setting up online accounts for applications
Ordering transcripts through Parchment
Ordering test scores
Sending letter of recommendations
Completing applications
Completing the FAFSA
Knowing deadlines

School Counselor

Recommending schools
Helping to finalize the list
Understanding application requirements/deadlines
Completing school report forms
Submitting recommendations (if required)
Assisting in helping students and families understand the FAFSA

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Parents

Completing the parent portion of the FAFSA

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Create a SMART list of Post-Secondary Options

Final List should include a combination of:

dream/reach schools
target/match schools
Highly likely schools
Financial & proximity school

Complete the online application

Institutional Online Application
Common Application
Coalition Application

Send your high school transcript through

Parchment

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College Application Steps

4. Contact Teachers/Counselor directly if

you need a letter of recommendation or

secondary school report.

5. Request that ACT/SAT send your scores

to the colleges directly

6. Fill out the FAFSA

7. Search and apply for Scholarships

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College Admission guidelines

Open Enrollment

(Community Colleges, Technical Colleges)

No specific high school coursework is required; however, students should take the most difficult classes they can succeed in to prepare for college-level courses.
Testing provided by the college
No specific class rank or GPA required

Moderately Selective

(UND, Bethel, UMD, NDSU, St. Scholastica, MN State Universities)

Some Honors/AP classes helpful

3-4 years of all core subjects
2 years of foreign language may be required, more can be helpful
ACT composite of 21 or higher OR class rank in top 50%

Selective

(Gustavus, Beloit, UW-LaCrosse, UW-Eau Claire, St. Ben’s/St. John’s, St. Thomas) Honors/AP classes helpful

3-4 years of all core subjects
2-4 years of foreign language
Involvement in extracurricular activities
ACT composite of 23 or higher
Class rank in top 50%

College Degrees

Certificate

Under-graduate certificates may be awarded for successful completion of a specialized program of study. Undergraduate program of study shall include 9 to 44 semester credits.

Diploma

Program Completion. Intended for employability. Diplomas may be awarded for successful completion of a program intended to provide students with employment skills. A diploma shall include 45 to 72 semester credits. A diploma program shall include a minimum of fifteen percent of the total semester credits in general studies. At least 75 percent of the total semester credits shall be program-related occupational or technical education.

A.A.S. (Associate of Applied Science)

Earned after two years (60-72 credits) at a Technical or Community College. Twenty-five percent of the program will be communication, speech, humanities, physical sciences, arts and social science taken at a two or four year college to provide a broad general education component in addition to the technical skills.

B.A or B.S. (Bachelor of Arts or Science)

Earned after four years (about 120-128 credits) at a college or university. These degrees may be in the liberal arts with a broad array of jobs that can follow or in specific degree areas leading to a specific job. Some specific jobs require further experience to become a licensed or registered professional such as an architect or physical therapist. One third of the credits are general education.

M.A. or M.S. (Master of Art or Science)

Earned after 30-54 credits beyond a B.A. or B.S. degree. These degrees are from a “Graduate Program” at a college or university. Usually, a research thesis is required for completion. Some professions require a master’s Degree to enter. These credits indicate mastery of specified knowledge and skills substantially beyond those required by a baccalaureate in the field.

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

This allows one to use the title “Doctor” and is earned after about two to three years of post-graduate work. It is research related usually requiring a major study called a dissertation.

M.D., D.D.S., J.D. (Professional Titles)

These are professional titles used by medical doctors, dentists, and lawyers respectively. They require a total college background of six years or more along with extensive internship and licensing requirements.

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Very Selective

(Macalester, UW-Madison, U of M-TC, St. Olaf, Lawrence)

Honors/AP classes highly recommended

4 years of all core subjects
4-5 years of a foreign language
Some require 1 year of fine arts
Active involvement in extracurricular activities
ACT composite of 26 or higher
Class rank in top 20%

Extremely Selective

(Harvard, Stanford, Amherst, Pomona, Carleton)

Honors/AP coursework required

4 years of all core subjects—English, Social Studies, Math, and Science
4-5 years of a foreign language
Some require 1 year of fine arts
Leadership in extracurricular activities
Volunteer/community service
ACT composite of 30 or higher
Class rank in top 10%

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EARLY ACTION - An admission plan used primarily by highly selective colleges. Under early action, you follow an accelerated application process and usually apply by November 1. You will be notified of a decision by mid-December, but, if you are accepted, you do not have to let the institution know of your decision until May 1.
EARLY DECISION - An admission plan offered to well-qualified applicants who are definitely committed to their choice of college. Applicants will be notified of the acceptance or refusal in December. Acceptance under early decision requires you to withdraw applications at other colleges.
REGULAR ADMISSION - The application process that requires application materials to be submitted no later than the specified deadline date printed in the college catalog or on the application form. Students typically receive responses in March.
ROLLING ADMISSION - The admission plan in which a completed application is acted on as soon as it is received. Students are admitted on a continuing basis.
OPEN ADMISSION - An admission policy that accepts students without regard to the criteria of grade point average and test scores.

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EArly Decision vs. Early Action

Link to a video explaining the difference between Early Decision & Early Action

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College Degrees

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Certificate

Under-graduate certificates may be awarded for successful completion of a specialized program of study. Undergraduate program of study shall include 9 to 44 semester credits.

Diploma

Program Completion. Intended for employability. Diplomas may be awarded for successful completion of a program intended to provide students with employment skills. A diploma shall include 45 to 72 semester credits. A diploma program shall include a minimum of fifteen percent of the total semester credits in general studies. At least 75 percent of the total semester credits shall be program-related occupational or technical education.

A.A.S. (Associate of Applied Science)

Earned after two years (60-72 credits) at a Technical or Community College. Twenty-five percent of the program will be communication, speech, humanities, physical sciences, arts and social science taken at a two or four year college to provide a broad general education component in addition to the technical skills.

B.A or B.S. (Bachelor of Arts or Science)

Earned after four years (about 120-128 credits) at a college or university. These degrees may be in the liberal arts with a broad array of jobs that can follow or in specific degree areas leading to a specific job. Some specific jobs require further experience to become a licensed or registered professional such as an architect or physical therapist. One third of the credits are general education.

M.A. or M.S. (Master of Art or Science)

Earned after 30-54 credits beyond a B.A. or B.S. degree. These degrees are from a “Graduate Program” at a college or university. Usually, a research thesis is required for completion. Some professions require a master’s Degree to enter. These credits indicate mastery of specified knowledge and skills substantially beyond those required by a baccalaureate in the field.

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

This allows one to use the title “Doctor” and is earned after about two to three years of post-graduate work. It is research related usually requiring a major study called a dissertation.

M.D., D.D.S., J.D. (Professional Titles)

These are professional titles used by medical doctors, dentists, and lawyers respectively. They require a total college background of six years or more along with extensive internship and licensing requirements.

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Financial Aid & Scholarships

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Please use the resources below to help you navigate the Financial Aid (FAFSA) process. If you have specific questions regarding the financial aid process, please reach out to a College Financial Aid Counselor or the Financial Aid help center.

FAFSA Application

When you scroll to the bottom of the FAFSA site, you’ll find “Complete the Form” and “Find FAFSA Help” which has a number of specific tips about the FAFSA process.

Additional FAFSA resources (videos, graphics, fact sheets, etc.)

FAFSA YouTube Channel

Understanding Aid

Explore how financial aid works, learn about the types of aid, and find out if you are eligible.

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Scholarship Resources

STMA website - Guidance tab: Scholarships & Financial Aid

Local Scholarships - Local Scholarships for the class of 2023 will be posted and open in March 2023. All seniors and senior parents will receive this information directly.

National Scholarship Opportunities

Link to current national scholarships

Scholarship Search Engines

NOTE: Be aware of scholarship scams on the internet, email and snail mail. You should

NEVER have to pay for anything. Scholarships and grants are FREE!!

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Resources/Extras

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Events

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Senior College and Career Planning Information Night

Monday, October 17th at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) during parent teacher conferences. We invite parents to come and learn more about how they can help their senior plan for the future.

College Knowledge Month

Free College Applications in October! College Knowledge Month is a statewide initiative with the goal of providing every graduating high school senior with the preparation, opportunity, and support needed to apply to college. Many Minnesota postsecondary institutions waive application fees during College Knowledge Month. The list of colleges can be found he re. The first session will be on Tuesday, October 25 and the second session is Wednesday, October 26th.

SNAP with the Counselors

Counselors will be hosting two sessions in the Career Center to help students with applications (Common App) & sending transcripts. Watch your email and listen to the KBNG daily announcements for additional dates!!

NACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS

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Cap and Gown

The link for your cap and gown order was emailed to you and your parents.

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https://www.gradsmn.org/stma

The form needs to be completed by December 15th, 2022.

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Reach out to your counselor if you need additional information

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THANKS!

Any questions?

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