SENIOR SEMINAR

1. SENIOR SEMINAR SOUTHERN NASH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES

2. Post Secondary Options • Four-year university or college • Public universities (ex. UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, NC A&T, NCCU, ECU) • Private Independent schools (ex. NC Wesleyan, Barton College, Meredith) • Two year Community Colleges (ex. Nash Community) • Military Services • Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Reserves • Employment Selective Service All young men, with very few exceptions, are required to register with the Selective Service within 30 days of turning 18. Registration is a federal law. You may register online at www.sss.gov.

3. Minimum Course Requirements • UNC System Requirements GPA 2.5 SAT Critical Reading/Math 800 ACT Composite of 17

4. Senior Planning • Talk to your parents/guardians and consider: • Their plans/expectations vs. Your plans/expectations • Utilize The College Foundation of NC to explore everything you need to know about college: www.cfnc.org • ACT NOW!!! • PAY ATTENTION TO: • School Announcements • School Website – www.nrms.k12.nc.us • Student Services – access from school website • Remind 101-text @snse to 678-381-8399

5. Making Choices about Colleges • Get to know YOURSELF • What are my goals? • Where do I see myself? • What extracurricular activities would I like to continue/pursue? • Consider college characteristics • Majors and educational programs • Location and size and COST • Talk to others who have attended the college • College Visits • Attend Open House events or a campus activity • Call to request a tour OR take a virtual tour • Two college visit days as a senior. These days do not count against exam exemptions.

6. College Application Process • Step 1 – Make a choice of at least three schools • Safe school • “Middle of the road” school • Dream school • Step 2 - Check the requirements for admission • Check the minimum GPA requirement • Take appropriate entrance exams (SAT, ACT, Placement tests) • Step 3 - Complete college applications • www.cfnc.org • Directly through the schools’ websites • Paper application • Step 4 – Submission of Application Materials • Application Fees • Transcripts • Letters of recommendations (Check on deadlines for application)

7. Transcripts and recommendation letters • Submitting Transcripts • Electronically through www.cfnc.org – transcript manager • You need student # • SAT/ACT scores must be sent directly from College Board or ACT site • Expect delays • Request from counselor • Recommendation letters • Request in advance – give at least 2 weeks notice • From who? • Core teachers & counselor • Coaches • Employers • *Check the application* • Counselor’s page? • You must provide this to your counselor

8. Community College Programs College Transfer Program • 2 years of basic courses • English, math, science, social studies, etc. • Earn one of 2 degrees: • Associates in Arts (A.A.) • Associates in Science (A.S.) • Transfer to four-year college at end of 2 years • Major course work taken at the college/university • Check for school specific transfer agreements, such as the PAC Program Two Year Degree Programs • 2 years of career specific courses • Earn career specific degree, such as: • Radiography • Automotive Technology • Computer Programming • These programs are for students who plan to earn a two-year degree and then enter the workforce • Credits may not transfer to four-year college

9. $$ Paying for college $$ Financial Aid • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) • Everyone should complete the online application • FAFSA available January 1, 2014 • 2013 - W2 Tax Information required • Types of aid: • Loans (must be paid back) • Grants (do not have to be paid back – need based) • Work Study • Financial Aid night at SNHS December 5, 2013 at 6:00pm • FAFSA Day : TBD – Late Winter 2014– register at www.cfnc.org.fafsaday • Financial Aid Counselor

10. $$ Paying for college $$ Scholarships • Scholarship applications are an ongoing process • You have to apply – scholarships do not come to you!! • Where can I find scholarships? • School website and daily memo • Student Services blackboard page • Directly on the college/university website • www.cfnc.org and www.fastweb.com • Outside organizations: church, employers, civic organizations • Scholarships do not have to be paid back and can be: • Need based / merit based

11. NCAA Clearinghouse • If you plan on playing sports in college, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. • $60 registration fee • http://eligibilitycenter.org • It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to ensure they have met all eligibility requirements.

12. Senior Information…….. • Senior Sponsors: Mrs. Crystal Kennedy • Questions about all senior activities/dues • Senior Dues – • $20.00 • Graduation/Ceremony Dates • Graduation: June 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. • Tickets will be given out at graduation practice • # of Tickets will be announced closer to graduation. • Doors will be locked at 8:45

13. Honor Cords • Honor Graduate • 3.25 Weighted • National Technical Honor Society • Overall GPA of 3.0 in all CTE courses • At least five CTE courses • Must complete a cluster • NC Scholars • GPA of 3.5 unweighted • With Rigorous coursework

14. Important Dates to Remember College Fair October 21, 2013 CTE Showcase @ NCC October 22, 2013 6:00-8:00 pm College Application Week November 18-22, 2013 Financial Aid Workshop December 5, 2013 @ 6:00 pm

15. CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2014