College Bound Newsletter
December 2013 / Volume 7, Number 3
In This Issue
· SAS’s College Bound
· Important Dates and Deadlines
· School Costs and Net Price
· Financial Aid 101
· Video Overview of how the Financial Aid System Works
· Using FAFSA Against Students
· 2013 – 2014 SAT AND ACT TEST DATES
· SAT / ACT Test Fee Waivers
· ACT vs. SAT
· Connectedu is HERE – it’s time to get registered!
· So You Want to be a Doctor?
College Searches
College Board - BIGFUTURE
ACT - College Search Engine
Knowledge for College:
Art and Design Colleges:
College Accreditation:
Colleges that change lives
Florida Health Careers:
Colleges in the UK:
Virtual College Tours:
College Confidential
College View
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The common Application:
TESTING
Here are some websites that provide SAT and ACT preparation
Number2.com
Max the Test
Princeton Review
State University Minimums:
SAT:
Math: 460 / Verbal: 460 / writing: 440
ACT: 19 Reading
19 Math
NCAA INFORMATION
NCAA online:
· NCAA Clearinghouse initial eligibility
· NCAA Sports by Type and Division
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Common Application Errors
“I’ll start the application next week.” Don’t run out of time to complete the application. Give yourself at least two weeks to find mistakes.“I already ran a spell-check on my computer.” Words can be spelled correctly but used incorrectly. Ask a counselor, teacher or family member to proof read the application to catch any errors or poor phrasing.
“One copy is enough.” Print out any online forms and keep copies of all paperwork.
“I can send my application
as soon as I’m finished.” Before you seal the envelope
or click “Send” on your computer, double- and triple-check that you have included
all necessary materials.
Follow-up in two weeks to verify that all mailed
materials have been received.
“I assume this is right.” If you’re confused by a question or any part of the application, ask someone. A quick call to
the admissions office can save you from making an embarrassing error
You must see the SAS Registrar to request copies of your
Transcripts to be sent to those Colleges you applied to.
College Planning Timelines
Whether you are coming in as a new freshman, a transfer student or a returning student, a lot of moving parts go into planning for college. Stay on track, up-to-date and organized by following a step-by-step college planning timeline suited to your current status.
Timelines:
· 9th/10th Grade College Planning Timeline· 11th Grade College Planning Timeline
· 12th Grade College Planning Timeline
College Issues:
· College Articles & Advice
· Planning For College
· Taking College Entrance Exams
· Choosing a College
· The College Application Process
· Paying For College
· Paying for Two-Year Colleges and Trade Schools
· Campus Life
· Going to Graduate School
· Checklist: Testing Tips
· Checklist: Campus Visit
· Checklist: Writing a College Essay
· Checklist: College Interview
· Checklist: Financial Aid Application
· Checklist: Off to College
· Checklist: Managing Academics
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Careers and Majors
· Career Articles & Advice· Finding a Job
· Creating Your Résumé
· Creating Your Cover Letter
· Acing the Interview
· Internships
· Volunteer Work
· Career-Changing Tips
· Résumé Builder
· Résumé Examples
· Checklist: Tips for Successfully Wrapping up an Interview
· Checklist: Job Search
· Checklist: Building a Career Network
Careers - Top Careers
In Demand Careers
· In-Demand Careers
· Fastest-Growing Careers
· Highest Paying Careers
· Most New Careers
· Careers with Most Military Veterans
/ SAS’s College Bound
SENIORS,each year we have had a tradition of recognizing students when they are accepted to and commit to the college or university of their choice. This year is no different. You should all be very proud of your accomplishments and join in by letting all of us here at SAS share in your joy and accomplishments. All you need to do is make a copy of your acceptance letter and give it to your SAS counselor.
Important Dates and Deadlines
December 1, 2013: (Seniors)
Registration for Florida Bright Futures
This is a reminder that at this time you can now register for Florida Bright Futures. The direct link to the registration is:
Click Here > Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application (Please use Microsoft Internet Explorer browser version 6.3 or higher for best results)
Please register before the end of this month.
Beginning January 1, 2014: (Seniors)
FINANCIAL AID - FAFSAs for the 2014-2015 academic year can be filed beginning January 1, 2014 by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov . I highly recommend that your parents finish their 2013 Federal Income Tax as soon as possible. I will be talking to all seniors through their Govt./Econ classes starting in early December..
SAT / ACT Testing: (Juniors)
See your SAS counselor to receive test fee waivers if you are on free or reduced price lunch.
Register by December 27 for the SAT and Subject Tests on January 25 and by January 10th for for the ACT on February 8th .
We would like all juniors to finish their SAT/ACT testing by the end of their junior year!!!!! … just ask a senior why? Take
time to plan out your testing dates and follow through.
School Costs and Net Price
School costs can be one of the most important factors in choosing potential colleges or career schools—and costs can vary significantly from school to school. While the cost of college includes tuition and fees, it also includes equipment, travel, and more. Learn about what is included in the cost of college and ways to reduce college costs.
You’ll want to make sure that the cost of your school is reasonable compared to your earning potential in your future career. In other words, you want to make sure that you can earn enough money to cover any student loan payments you may need to make, along with living expenses, after you graduate.
Any school that participates in the federal student aid programs is required to provide information on its cost of attendance and to offer a net price calculator on its website. This calculator will give you an idea of how much a program may cost after subtracting any financial aid. The average net price to attend the school is determined by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance for the institution’s largest program.
Financial Aid 101
Financial aid carries with it responsibilities that college-bound students must manage throughout college and beyond. Students and families should take the time to learn about their financial aid options before signing on the dotted line.
There are four types of aid that can create a financial aid package:
· Scholarships - Students usually do not have to pay back scholarships, which award money for academic achievement, athletic ability, special talents, and more. Scholarships are often available through public service organizations, like the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), through religious institutions and local businesses.
· Grants - Grant programs may be federal, state, or school-sponsored. Students may receive federal and state grants based on financial need, and they may receive school-sponsored grants based on financial need or merit. Students should check with the schools they're interested in attending for more information on school-sponsored grants.
· Work-study - Schools can provide students with on- or off-campus employment to help pay for college costs. Students also gain career-related, hands-on work experience.
· Student loans - Borrowers must repay loans with interest. Several types of loans are available:
o Federal Perkins Loans and Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based, government-subsidized loans. The government pays the interest that accrues on these loans while students are in-school at least half-time and during their grace period. However, if the loan was disbursed between July 1, 2012 and July 1, 2014, the student is responsible for paying the interest that accrues during their grace period.
o Direct Unsubsidized Loans are calculated based on your student's cost of attendance, minus other financial aid he/she receives. Interest begins accruing on unsubsidized loans from the date of disbursement. Your student is responsible for all interest that accrues on these loans. Any unpaid interest that remains at the end of the student's grace period will be capitalized (added to the principal balance) before repayment begins.
o Parent PLUS Loans are federally guaranteed loans for parents who want to help pay for their student's education. Parents can borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus any financial aid awarded to the student.
o Private Education Loans are available through financial institutions like banks or credit unions. They typically have higher interest rates, more fees, and less flexible repayment options than federal student loans. Loan terms and limits on Private Education Loans vary substantially by lender. Students should consider these loans only if they need additional funds after obtaining aid through scholarships, grants, and federal loans.
Video Overview of how the Financial Aid System Works
To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSASM or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
View accessible version (wmv) (16.1 mb)
(This is a MUST view to understand financial aid)
Using FAFSA Against Students
October 28, 2013
By
Ry Rivard
Some colleges are denying admission and perhaps reducing financial aid to students based on a single, non-financial, non-academic question that students submit to the federal government on their applications for student aid.
Millions of high school students and their parents probably have no idea this happens after they fill out the ubiquitous Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form, known as the FAFSA, is used by nearly every American who needs help paying for college.
It turns out students’ pleas for help are now being systematically used against them by some colleges.
Read more: Using FAFSA Against Students
Inside Higher Ed
Thanks to,
Maria Sahwell, MS
College Assistance Advisor
Miami Beach Senior High School
A special scholarship opportunity: free rent at college!
The Southern Scholarship Foundation awards rent-free housing to a select number of students who have been accepted and will attend Florida State University, Florida A&M University, the University of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Santa Fe College or Tallahassee Community College. Recipients live in a home-like environment, share household duties and work together to plan budgets, prepare meals, clean and study together. To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need, a minimum 3.0 GPA, outstanding character and motivation. Priority deadline for fall 2014 admissions is March 1, 2014. For complete eligibility requirements and application, visit www.southernscholarship.org.
2013 – 2014 SAT AND ACT PROGRAM TEST DATES
REGISTRATION DATES
nATIONAL TEST DATES / tEST / REGULAR
Postmark Deadline / LATE
POSTMARK DEADLINE
2014
January 25 / SAT I & II / December 27 / January 10
February 8 / ACT / January 10 / January 24
March 8 / SAT I / February 7 / February 21
April 12 / ACT / March 7 / March 21
May 3 / SAT I & II / April 4 / April 18
June 7 / SAT I & II / May 9 / May 23
June 14 / ACT / May 9 / May 23
SAT / ACT Test Fee Waivers
If you are currently on free or reduced lunch you qualify for the following.Please remember that you must reapply each year, at the start of the school year to remain eligible.
2 ACT test waivers TOTAL
2 SAT test fee waivers TOTAL
When you become seniors you can receive:
4 College Board - College Application Fee Waivers
4 ACT – College Application Fee Waivers
Waivers can be used only once.
SAT waivers CANNOT be used after the regular deadline.
ACT waivers CAN be used after the regular deadline, but you must pay the late fee.
LOST WAIVERS WILL NOT BE REPLACED
To receive a waiver, see your SAS counselor or Mr. Coats if you attend SAS Kendall.
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The deadline to register for the January 26th SAT is Friday, December 28th. You will have plenty of time to register! The deadline to register for the February 9th ACT is Friday, January 11th .
Please take a moment to plan out your testing schedule (see the following SAT/ACT SCHEDULE)
Remember
Our high school codes are (SAS Kendall 101179, SAS Homestead 102147, SAS North 101143, and SAS Wolfson 101006)
This code must be on all SAT/ACT test registrations. Without it, we will not get copies of your scores and, the State of Florida will not get copies of your score.
This creates problem with the Florida Bright Futures evaluation.
To ensure your success,
Begin your SAT/ACT Testing EARLY and remember to study!!!!!
ACT vs. SAT
By: Lynn O'ShaughnessyThe College Solution Newsletter
Blogger l Author l Speaker l Consultant
When deciding whether to take the ACT or SAT, you need to keep in mind that the tests require different types of skills.
Teens who do well on the ACT tend to:
· Read quickly.
· Process information swiftly.
· Have great memories
· Do well in Science.
Teens who do well on the SAT tend to have these characteristics:
· Possess strong vocabulary.
· Avid readers.
· Enjoy test-taking strategies.
· Like puzzles.
The ACT test is more straightforward than the SAT, but teenagers have less time to complete it. For instance, the ACT asks 40 reading questions and gives student just 35 minutes to answer. The SAT has 54 reading questions, but allows students 70 minutes to answer.
Because the SAT test contains lots of smoke screens, students who enjoy puzzles can do better.
Learn more about the standardized tests by reading: