Post-Secondary Planning

Today’s Agenda

• Student Services Contacts
• Post-secondary options
• College Information
• Workforce information
• Trade school information
• Military information
• Resources

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Student Services Secretary

Mrs. Morris

pammorris@smsd.org

Registrar

Mrs. Viera

anneviera@smsd.org

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Student Services Department

Options after high school

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College

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1-year certificate programs

2-year associate’s degree

4-year bachelor’s degree

Trades

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Apprenticeships

Unions

Additional training (certificate programs)

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Workforce

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Continue in current job? Research promotion opportunities.

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Use job search engines to find a career, not just a job.

Military

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6 Branches; Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force

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Speak with a recruiter to learn more.

Be Opportunity Ready

Most post-secondary options require similar planning

Get started the summer before senior year!

• Use your YouScience and Xello results to research career options.
• Create a resume including academics, work experience, volunteer activities, interests and passions.
• Complete an ACT/SAT if desired/required.
• Check and clean up your social media accounts.
• Colleges, employers, and the military can research you too!
• Communicate
• Reach out to reps, recruiters, employers via email, phone or in person.
• Check your email regularly.
• Set up your voicemail and check it!

Use your resources

READ YOUR EMAILS!

• Take advantage of district events at North and other schools.
• Sign up for field trips with our college adviser.
• Meet with college and military representatives at North.
• Attend the Career Fairs at the CAA.
• Attend the Shawnee Mission College Clinic October 9th at Shawnee Mission East.
• Talk with employers, parents, friends and family about their careers.

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COLLEGE

-Things to consider

Location & Size

How far away do you want to be from home?

How many students do you want in your classes/on campus?

Cost & Financial Aid

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Compare actual cost of attendance with financial aid. Is it affordable?

Academic & Admissions Policies

Do you meet admissions requirements? Will attending this school set you up for success?

Campus Appeal & Support Services

Do you enjoy the campus?

Are there support services (social-emotional, academic, diversity and inclusion)?

Extracurricular Activities

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Does the school have activities of interest to you? Can you create your own club/activity?

Steps to college….

Step 1: Preparation

Explore your college options

• Research colleges through Xello, Big Future or specific college websites.
• Create a list of your top colleges choices.
• Search social media for outside perspectives on schools of interest.
• Visit
• Sign up for an in-person campus tour on college websites or by contacting college reps.
• Take a virtual tour on colleges’ websites or at https://www.youvisit.com/
• Send questions to admissions reps.
• Sign up for admissions rep visits at North.

Senior year, gather your resources

• Download a copy of your unofficial transcript before starting applications.
• Gather tax documents for you and your parent or legal guardian before completing the FAFSA.

Step 2: Download your unofficial transcript

• Log into Skyward.
• Go to Grade Cards and Academic Awards.
• Locate your unofficial transcript.
• Click View.
• Download and save a copy to your computer.

Step 3:

College Application Process

Know your Deadlines

• Colleges have different deadlines.
• Honors programs may be earlier.

Apply Early

• Better scholarship opportunities
• Learn your admissions status earlier

Application Process

1. Apply & pay fee. Most applications are online.
1. Reach out to your academic counselor if you think you might qualify for a fee waiver.
2. Click this link for directions to request a transcript through Xello.
3. If required, request letters of recommendation from your academic counselor/teachers. Write your personal statement or required essays.
• Give your counselor or other recommender at least 3 weeks before the deadline.

Resources

• College websites
• Common App
• SendEdu

Application Process…continued

• Apply on individual college websites or the Common Application.
• Individual college application are generally less complicated.
• The Common Application requires more work upfront but may save time if students are applying to several colleges.
• Apply by Priority Deadlines to qualify for institutional scholarship money.
• Selective college applications
• Apply early if students have visited many colleges, completed extensive research, and have strong academic history.
• Early Action–earlier deadline, earlier notification of admissions decision, usually non-binding and non-restrictive—but read the fine print!
• Early Decision–reserved for your number one college choice–early notification of admission decision, binding (student must immediately withdraw all other applications upon acceptance)

Qualified Admissions

Set of admissions standards created by KBOR (Kansas Board of Regents) in cooperation with six state universities in Kansas for automatic admissions.

• Emporia State
• Fort Hays State
• Kansas State
• Pittsburg State
• The University of Kansas
• Wichita State

Students may still be admitted even if standards have not all been met.

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College Financial Aid: FAFSA

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Assistance)

• Application opens in December 2024. All college-bound students/families must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for financial aid.
• Parents/legal guardians and students create an FSA ID.
• You will complete the FAFSA every year you plan to enroll in college.
• You will use the same username and password. Keep this information where you can find it.
• Both students and parents/legal guardians will need tax information from 2023 taxes.
• FAFSA will provide a SAI–Student Aid Index (formerly SAR–Student Aid Report). You will share this information with all colleges to which you apply.

Contact our college adviser, for FAFSA assistance!

****The FAFSA application can be translated into multiple languages.****

Scholarships

• Visit with the SMN College Adviser about multiple scholarship opportunities.
• Set up an account on Niche, Big Future, Fast Web…..etc
• Greater Kansas City Scholarship Foundation
• Hispanic Development Fund
• Shawnee Mission North scholarships
• University specific scholarships
• Scholarships from parents’ or student’s places of employment

Show me the money!!! (FAFSA completion required)

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Grants

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Grants are FREE money!

How are grants awarded?

• Federal programs–Pell
• State programs–KBOR– (various grants)
• Individual colleges–(various grants)

Scholarships

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Scholarships are FREE money!

How are scholarships awarded?

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• Student must apply to colleges or specific applications.
• Funds come from individual colleges, SMN,

scholarship websites.

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Loans

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• Loans must be paid back once students stop attending college.
• Students’ FAFSA Student Aid Report identifies qualification for loan type and amount.
• Loan types include subsidized, unsubsidized and plus loans.
• Talk with financial aid offices where you apply to learn more OR click here.

Trades

• Create a resume.
• Research training options. You can start with this short list of Trades and Training.
• Determine requirements and documentation needed to apply or enroll.
• Apply and follow up with phone or email communication.

Workforce

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Do you already have a job?

• Are there opportunities for advancement?
• Speak with your manager/boss to learn more.
• Would attending a training program or junior college give you greater opportunities at your workplace?
• Research education options.

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Do you need to find a job?

• Identify your skills and interests.
• Speak with your teachers, coaches, friends and family to get their input on possible careers.

Research career options:

• Visit local businesses to ask about employment opportunities.
• Use job search websites to discover options in the Kansas City area.

Indeed

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Monster Jobs

Military Service

Research

• Determine which branch fits your life and career goals.
• Communicate with recruiters when they visit North and/or online.
• Complete any requirements for your commitment
• Educational testing ASVAB
• Health and Fitness

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Benefits

• No cost training
• Medical and dental insurance
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Tuition assistance possible when service is completed.

6 Branches

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• General Military Service Information
• Army
• Marines
• Navy
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• Space Force

Additional Resources

District Career Expo at the CAA Date TBD

District College Clinic at SM East Wednesday, October 9th 6:30-8:30pm

District FAFSA completion night

Bring documents listed in this link to district FAFSA event TBD

District Scholarship Night at SM West

October 2024

FAFSA help with the Johnson County Library, dates TBD

Johnson County Library will host an in-person class titled "Step-by-Step through FAFSA" dates TBD https://jocolibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/64cbf9035919183600064a87

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Student Services Canvas tile

Student Services website

FAFSA , ACT , SAT

Hispanic Development Fund Application Opens December 1, 2024

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation apply now

How to Make a Resume in 2022 | Beginner's Guide

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How To Write A Resume | Monster.com