Education Planning

Foreword / College Planning Calendar / Where and How to Obtain College Selection Information / Making a College Choice / College Application for Admission / NCAA / College Entrance Tests / Types of Tests / SAT-ACT Test Schedule / College Credit Tests / Testing Hints / How to Process an Application to College or Vocational School / Teacher and Counselor Information / Making Your Campus Visit Beneficial / Scholarship Fraud / General Scholarship Information / Four major scholarship sources / Sources of Financial Aid / Specific Scholarship Information / Parental Role / Financial Aid / What kind of Aid can I get / Other Aid / Career Planning / Making a Transition From High School

To Students,
You have many career and educational options. After you graduate from high school you can get enter the workforce, go to a four-year university/college, attend a community college or a career/ technical school, get an apprenticeship, or join the military. Determining just which of these options is best for you can be difficult.
This guide will provide you with information that will be helpful as you plan your post-high school options. If you take the time to investigate and evaluate your options, you will be able to plan a future that is not only promising and bright, but one that is also filled with direction and purpose.

Deciding on the right college is an activity that should be done over a period of time with considerable thought and effort. During the senior year especially, it is desirable to set up an organized system for all the weekly newsletters, specific college materials, applications (both college and scholarship) and other information. The following action-oriented calendar can help you.

In addition to the information below, you can plan your future virtually with a wonderful DOE site: http://www.facts.org/ -- A central web resource for planning and managing your higher education experience. It is Florida’s official college advising web site. You can apply to Florida schools, learn about career planning, academic tracks, view college catalogs, and the list continues. We also recommend http://mapping-your-future.org/ and http://www.floridanext.com for future planning.

____ Utilize resources in Guidance Office / What’s Next? Room.

____ Select appropriate senior year courses to meet college requirements. This is VERY important! Colleges look at the strength of your senior schedule!!!

____ Visit colleges of your choice.

____ Remind your parents to attend the Financial Aid Planning and Information Night in January. You should attend also.

Not sure if a four year school is what you had in mind?
Please visit our career page

The world wide web is the number one resource for quick information, but if you prefer the old fashioned book, multiple listing catalogs such as The College Handbook by the College Board, Barron’s, Peterson’s Guides, and Lovejoy’s are all excellent sources of condensed college information. College handbooks are available for checkout from the What’s Next? Room, from your counselor, or can be purchased at local bookstores. Some other resources we suggest are listed below:
American Trade School Directory
Insiders Guide to Colleges
A Guide to Colleges
A Guide to Colleges for Learning Disabled Students
The Best Buys in College Education

If a student is seriously interested in a particular college, a call or letter to that school’s Office of Admission requesting an application packet, including information on housing, financial aid, scholarships, etc., is in order. Ask to be put on their mailing list. Most of this information can be obtained via the web as well. The What's Next? Room supplies this information for most Florida colleges and universities and various out of state schools as well.
Other than a personal visit, college catalogs, pamphlets, college videos, and web sites provide excellent basic information about colleges. Many of these things are already in the What’s Next? Room and can be checked out during either lunch shift. The What’s Next? Room has current catalogs on several hundred colleges and universities, and many videocassettes for students to view. There is a computer in there that can be used to search for information as well. Files on community colleges, art schools, nursing schools, vocational schools, scholarships and financial aid, and summer programs are also kept current.

What do you hope to gain?

What learning opportunities do you need?

What are your goals?

What are your career ambitions?

How will college help you achieve these goals and ambitions?

1. Type of college
   • Two-or four-year college?
   • Residential or commuter?
   • Large or small?
   • Large or small?
2. Location
   • What area(s) of the country can you realistically consider?
   • What about the relation between location and costs?
   • Are specific interests and goals tied to a specific location?
3. Admissions Selectivity
   • What are the application procedures?
     1. What tests are required?
     2. Are there any deadlines?
     3. What high school course preparation is needed?
   • Are you eligible for admission?
   • What academic demands can you expect to find?
4. Costs
   • How much will it cost?
   • What kind of financial aid is available?
   • How do you apply for financial aid?
5. Majors and study programs available
   • Does the school offer the major you want?
   • If you are undecided, does the school offer you the chance to explore areas of your interest?
   • Does the school have any kind of internship program?
6. Social Life
   • What is the campus atmosphere like?
   • What extracurricular activities are available?
     

DIVISION I 2005 THROUGH 2007
If you enroll in a Division I college between 2005 and 2007 and want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship, you must meet the following academic standards.

• Graduate from High School
• Complete the 14 core courses listed below;
• Present a minimum required grade-point average in your core courses; and
• Achieve a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches your core-course grade-point average.

14 Required Core Courses

• Four years of English;
• Two years of mathematics (algebra I or higher level);
• Two years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered by your high school);
• One extra year of English, mathematics, or natural/physical science.
• Two years of social science; and
• Three years of extra core courses (from any category including foriegn language, nondoctrinal religion, or philosophy.)

NOTE: Computer science courses can be used only if your high school grants graduation credit in mathematics or natural/physical science and the courses appear on your high-school's core-course list as a math or science course.

You will be a nonqualifier if you do not meet the academic requirements listed above. As a nonqualifier, you;

• May not participate in athletics competition or practice during your first year in college.
• May receive financial aid based only on need (not athletic based financial aid) in your first year in college; and
• May play only three seasons (to earn a fourth season you must graduate before your fifth year of college).
  

• Research has shown the SCORES INCREASE IN A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF CASES WHEN A STUDENT RETAKES THE TEST A SECOND OR EVEN A THIRD TIME. Colleges and scholarship sources will use your highest set of scores; therefore, there is nothing to lose by retaking the test.
• The home field or home court is always an advantage. Register early and online to make it possible to schedule testing at your home high school.
  

• Prepare!!!! There are prep courses for standardized tests that will give you some exposure to the type of test questions, how the questions are structured, whether guessing is penalized or not, and other useful information. There are many free prep courses that can be found (limited availability), online course, and books that can be used to help prepare. See the testing section of our web site or your counselor for more information.
• Use the test preparation books provided in the application packet.
• Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast.
  

Unless you are sure you want to attend one specific college, it may be to your advantage to apply to several. It may cost a small fee to apply, but more options will be available! When you decide on the colleges to which you wish to apply, follow the simple steps below.

If teacher recommendations are needed, contact a teacher you have this year or one that you had last year at least one week (and preferably two weeks) in advance of any deadlines. It is not to your advantage to have any written recommendations done under time pressure. Providing the teacher and/or counselor with information about yourself can enhance the recommendation. There is a “senior profile” form in guidance that you should fill out and give the person you are asking to write you a recommendation to help the person write a thorough, excellent one.

Most colleges, vocational schools, armed services, and some employers require a final transcript to be sent to them. This is an important procedure the last few days of your senior year. Guidance will send out your final transcript free of charge. Just remember to come in and let us know where to send it!

• Contact the college at least one to two weeks in advance to schedule a date and time. The college’s admissions office can arrange for you to talk to an admissions counselor and take a campus tour. Many admissions offices also are willing to set up housing, classes or other appointments. Some offer to make overnight arrangements for visiting students. Selective colleges may require more advance notice since they may schedule an interview with an admissions officer.
• Plan your visit. You should try to visit the campus when classes are in session. You can get a better idea of what a college is like if you visit when students and faculty are there.
• Read the college’s catalogs and brochures. This will provide general information, so you don’t waste time on these questions during your visit.
• Prepare a list of specific questions. This may sound like a lot of work, but remember - you are visiting to find out as much as you can about the school (refer to College Selection section to help develop questions).
• If possible, bring an unofficial copy of your high school transcript and know your PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores. There may be other things you wish to bring with you, such as a portfolio or an instrument for an audition.
• Bring your parents. Parents often have questions of their own and may want to make the visit with you. Remember, they care about you and have an interest in what you do, AND they may be paying the tuition, room and board!
• If you have access to the Internet, visit the home pages of colleges for current information.

• Be on time. If you will be late or have to postpone your visit, you should call the college as a courtesy.
• Talk with as many people as you can. Meeting a variety of people will give you a more complete picture of what a college is really like. This is why staying overnight and attending classes is highly recommended.
• Try to work some free time into your schedule. Use this time to wander around, perhaps drop into the campus snack bar, and talk to students.

• On your way home, while your thoughts are still fresh, jot down some of your impressions of the college.
• If questions come up after the visit, don’t hesitate to contact the people you have met.
• Send thank-you notes to those with whom you had appointments.

• If you must pay money to get money, it is most likely a scam.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Spend the time, not the money.
• Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships.
• Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship.
• If you’re suspicious of an offer, it’s usually with good reason. Students and families who suspect that scholarship program might be a fraud should contact their school’s guidance counselor or financial aid office and/or the following resources:
• FTC Consumer Response Center: www.ftc.gov or call (202)FTC-HELP
• National Fraud Information Center: www.fraud.org or call (800)876-7060
• Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org or call (703)276-0100
• State Attorney General Office: Check for listing.
  

• Colleges and Universities (Best source)
• Civic, church, parent-teacher, and other community groups
• Corporations, labor unions and professional organizations
• Military

1. Reviewing the scholarship offerings Guidance Newsletter which your senior brings home.
2. Urging the student to complete and return the application.
3. Meeting Scholarship Due Dates.
   

Determining financial aid eligibility is not easy. The financial aid application forms are fairly comprehensive and take considerable time to process. There will be a workshop in January at Apopka High School to help you with this process. You may also visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information. Also see internet options to determine financial aid eligibility. The critical decision about applying for financial aid, however, should be based upon this statement - WHEN IN DOUBT- APPLY!!

In December of the senior year obtain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This single form will put you into consideration for FEDERAL financial aid, and to some extent for other aid available from colleges. There may be some rare instances when certain colleges will request a supplemental form in addition to the FAFSA. If a supplemental form is used, the college will supply the form. paper applications are very limited so it is best to apply online. In January, complete the FAFSA only if you MUST do a paper application. DO NOT MAIL IT TO THE PROCESSING CENTER BEFORE JANUARY 1. If you do not finalize your tax information until late March, it may be desirable to use estimated tax information. Do NOT wait until mid-March or April to process a financial aid application if you want maximum aid. Late applications are the number one reason for receiving a reduced financial aid amount or, quite frequently, receiving NO aid at all. As you finish your financial aid application, you will have the option of indicating which colleges are to receive the analysis. Provide the analysis to all colleges you still have in consideration, because it is difficult to add colleges later. Be sure parents and the student sign the form in the proper places. Approximately six to eight weeks after you send in your application, you will receive an acknowledgment notice. At this time, you may correct any errors or make changes in the schools you selected to receive the data. If you have not sent admissions applications to the colleges to which financial aid information is being provided, you must do so now. COLLEGES WILL NOT BEGIN ANY FINANCIAL AID CONSIDERATIONS FOR A STUDENT UNLESS THEY HAVE AN APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION ON FILE! Approximately eight to ten weeks after you send in your application, you will receive the Student Aid Report (S.A.R.). Save this form (all pages) since you may need to submit it to the college of your choice. If you have any unusual or unique financial situations, or if you wish to appeal the financial aid decision, your best contact is the financial aid department of the college you wish to attend. College financial aid directors have some discretion and options for the financial aid awarded by their institution.

Funds that do not need to be paid back

Is the grant that provides assistance to the most needy college students. Students must be citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled at least half time. Grants range from $200 to $3,000. Renewal is based upon continued eligibility as determined by a federal eligibility formula and maintenance of satisfactory academic performance. It is necessary to apply each year for the Pell Grant via the FAFSA.

Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant is awarded to students with high financial need. The citizenship requirement is the same as Pell Grant. Grants range from $100 to $4,000. Renewal standards are similar to the Pell Grant. Each college determines the amount of the grant based on students’ need and availability of money.

Part of your financial aid package may include work study. The hourly pay will be at least minimum wage. Your hours will vary; however, they will usually range between five to twenty hours per week. In most cases, the jobs are arranged for and secured by the college. You may have some choice in the job you select; however, underclassmen have less choice than college juniors and seniors.

1. “subsidized” which means that the federal government pays the interest and therefore subsidizes or supports the loan while in college and
2. “unsubsidized” which means that you will be immediately responsible for the interest payments.

Both are relatively low-interest loans. Interest rates on these loans change annually. The Federal Stafford Loan may require a separate application. If you qualify for the Stafford Loan you will be notified via your financial aid package from the college. Refer questions to your intended college regarding application procedures.

Parents who do not have a bad credit history can borrow a PLUS Loan to pay the education expenses of a child who is a dependent student enrolled at least half time in an eligible program at an eligible school.

Up to a $1,500 “HOPE Scholarship” tax credit. Under the “HOPE” Scholarship” tax credit, students will receive a 100% tax credit for the first $1,000 of tuition and required fees and a 50% credit on the second $1,000. This credit is available for tuition and required fees less grants, scholarships, and other tax-free educational assistance.
This credit is phased out for joint filers who have between $80,000-$100,000 adjusted gross income, and for single filers who have between $40,000-$50,000 adjusted gross income. The credit can be claimed in two years for students who are in their first two years of college or vocational school and who are enrolled on at least a half-time basis in a degree or certificate program for any portion of the year. The taxpayer can claim a credit for his or her own tuition expense or for the expenses of a spouse or dependent children.

This tax credit is designed for adults who want to go back to school, change careers, or take a course or two to upgrade their skills and to college juniors, seniors, graduate, and professional degree students. A family will receive a 20% tax credit for the first $5,000 of tuition and fees paid each year through 2002, and for the first $10,000 thereafter.

Parents and students are encouraged to investigate other resources for financial assistance. This may require contact with other federal, state, and other agencies, such as Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and others.

The Reserve Officer Training Corps of the Army, Air Force and Navy (including the Marine option) offer an excellent scholarship program to the college-bound student willing to make a commitment to several years of active duty with the military after college. The ROTC scholarship provides an opportunity to attend a civilian college or university while studying officer training as part of the total undergraduate program. The scholarships may be for two to four years. After the first year, the student may choose to discontinue the scholarship without any obligations or pay backs of any kind.
The scholarship pays full tuition (in most cases), fees and textbooks. In addition, the student receives a monthly allowance during the school year. The student has a choice of majors, primarily in engineering, selected technical fields, and nursing. He/she must plan to attend a college or university with the appropriate ROTC program and enroll in this program. After college, the young man/woman receives an officer’s commission. Early application for an ROTC scholarship is critical, either at the end of the junior year or by October 1 of the senior year. The application process is detailed and takes somewhat more time than most scholarships; however, the scholarship is quite lucrative.

Active service personnel can contribute to their own college fund and receive a considerable amount in benefits to help defray college costs.

• Encouraging him/her to participate in career activities available through the school and community
• Becoming actively involved in career exploration (but refrain from doing all the work.)
• Visit the Darter web site and do Bridges, an interest inventory, with your child to start figuring out where your child’s interest lie and what direction to start looking as far as career goals.
  

• Try a new hobby, sport, club or volunteer activity
• Stay organized to meet important deadlines.
• Keep an optimistic outlook about the college admission process.
• Develop a good attitude toward your studies; try to see the reasons for taking each course.
• Set realistic and ambitious goals.