HHS Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships Presentation

1. HHS Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships Presentation September 3, 2013

2. Diploma types and your admission options • Advanced Diploma—considered a college-prep curriculum, which will meet the admission minimums at most colleges. • Regular Diploma—will meet admission minimums at many four-year colleges and community colleges. The big difference is with the level of math and foreign language requirements for some schools. 1 year of foreign language is required at UA and preferred at AU. Both schools require that you take at least Algebra 2.

3. ACT vs. SAT I *Studies show that out of the students who have taken both the ACT and SAT I, 1/3 of the students score better on the ACT, 1/3 score better on the SAT, and the other 1/3 score the equivalent on both tests. Ex. 24 ACT/1170 SAT ACT • Can score a 1-36 (Average of 4 sections—Math, Science, Reading, English) • No penalty for guessing SAT I • Can score 200-800 on each of three sections (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing) • 1 point is given for correct answers. 1/3-1/5 point is taken away for wrong answers.

4. Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Admission • Early Decision is a binding agreement with a school. If you are admitted, this should be the school you attend. • Consider if you could afford the school if you got in but had no scholarships • Getting an acceptance in Early Decision and not going to the school is a “black eye” for you and HHS, and it can determine whether future students are admitted Early Decision from here.

5. Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Admission • Early Action—is an early admission decision that is not binding. • Regular Decision—is a traditional admission decision that is not binding.

6. Application Steps and Tips • Complete all applications online, if possible. • Most students waive their right to view their letters of recommendation or other information from those who contribute to the application. It’s a good idea to do this, because colleges will not view the recommendations with validity if they know that the student has had or will have access to that info. • Gather letters of recommendation, resume, or any other information the application asks for and submit separately if applying online/together if applying on paper. • Send your transcript to the school. (Fill out the transcript request in the guidance office) • Complete the scholarship application (if separate and/or applicable). • College will mail you their decision, what to do next, etc.

7. Auburn Univ. Admissions • Seniors could have started applying August 2013 • 100% online • Will accept a weighted GPA • 1st round of acceptance letters will be mailed Oct. 15.

8. Auburn Univ. Admissions • Last year the regular decision minimums in the fall were around a 24 ACT/1170 SAT and a 3.25 GPA. • Some admission decisions will be deferred—this is not a denial of admission. All deferred admissions will get a final answer by Feb. 15. • Writing portion of the ACT is required. • Will take the highest ACT regardless of when the writing portion was taken. • ACT scores must be sent from ACT this year and will not be accepted off of the back of the transcript.

9. Auburn Scholarship Info • December 1st deadline—Application for admission serves as scholarship application--not separate • Spirit of Auburn Scholarships • Presidential—32-36 ACT (1400-1600 SAT) score and a 3.5 GPA—covers tuition for four years and a $1000 technology stipend. • Founders—30-31 ACT (1330-1390 SAT) score and a 3.5 GPA—covers tuition for four years • University—28-29 ACT (1250-1320 SAT) score and a 3.5 GPA --$3,000 per year for 4 years • Auburn Spirit Foundation/Legacy Scholarships—26 ACT/1170 SAT and 3.5 GPA for students who are first generation college students or have a parent who is an Alumni of Auburn--$6000 over 4 years

10. Univ. of Alabama Admissions • Could have started applying August • Apply online or pdf version is available • No essay questions on application • Writing portion of the ACT is required. • Will take the highest ACT regardless of when the writing portion was taken.

11. Univ. of Alabama Admissions • Last year a 3.0 GPA and 21 ACT/1000 SAT score was generally accepted for admission • Will accept a weighted GPA if printed on the transcript • Some admission letters are being sent out as soon as the application is complete

12. Univ. of Alabama Scholarships • Capstone Scholar—3.5 GPA and a 27 ACT/1210 SAT--$3500/year for 4 years • Collegiate Scholar—3.5 GPA and a 28 ACT/1250-1320 SAT--$4000/year for 4 years • Foundation in Excellence—3.5 GPA and a 29 ACT/1290 SAT--$4725 or half-tuition for 4 yrs • Presidential Scholar—3.5 GPA and a 30-36 ACT/1330-1600 SAT—In-state tuition for 4 years • Academic Elite—Member of Univ. Fellows, 3.8 GPA and a 32-36/1400-1600 SAT—Tuition for 4 years, $8500 per year for 4 years and Ipad

13. UAB Admissions and Scholarships • Generally speaking, UAB admits students with at least a 20 ACT/950 SAT and a 2.25 GPA. • Presidential Scholarships, Presidential Recognition Awards, and Endowed Scholarships • From $7,000 to full tuition (up to 15 credit hours per term), required fees, and on-campus housing • Based on academic achievement (33-36 ACT and at least 3.0 GPA) and submission of the supplemental scholarship application sent to you if you were admitted to UAB by December 1. (Mailing begins on a rolling basis in mid-October.) These scholarships are highly competitive and limited in number.

14. UAB Admissions and Scholarships • Golden Excellence Scholarship • $7,000 • Based on academic achievement (30-32 ACT and at least 3.5 GPA) • Collegiate Honors Scholarship • $5,500 • Based on academic achievement (27-29 ACT and at least 3.5 GPA) • UAB Breakthrough Scholarship • $3,000 • Based on academic achievement (24 ACT and at least 3.5 GPA) • UAB Academic Achievement Scholarship • $2,000 • Based on academic achievement (20-23 ACT and at least 3.5 GPA) • Students receiving UAB merit-based scholarships are required to live on campus for their first year of enrollment.

15. UAH Admissions and Scholarship • Generally speaking, UAH admits students with at least a 20 ACT/970 SAT and a 2.9 GPA. However, they have a sliding scale for GPA as the ACT score goes up. • Scholarships

16. UNA Admissions and Scholarships • In general, admission standards are an 18 ACT score (or ranked in the top 50% of the senior class) and a 2.0 in core subject areas. • Academic Scholarships include the following: Minimum 3.0 GPA on High School Core Curriculum 30-36 ACT………..........................$6,500 to $8,000/year 29 ACT…………….………….... ……….$6,500/Year 28 ACT…………………………………….. $5,500/Year 27 ACT…………………………………….$5,000/year 26 ACT…………………..……………. $4,500/Year 25 ACT……………….…………………….. $3,500/Year 24 ACT (Provost Scholarship)………$2,000/year (based on activities and limited in number) • Leadership Scholarships—These scholarships are based on extracurricular activities and leadership. • Other scholarships are available as well.

17. Jacksonville State University Admissions and Scholarships • Full admission starts at a 20 ACT • Students with a 22 ACT are automatically qualified for scholarships. • Students with a 26 ACT are automatically qualified for a full-tuition scholarship and book stipendfor up to four years. • Students with a 30 ACT are automatically qualified for a full-tuition, room and board scholarship for four years.

18. Other University Scholarship Info Departmental Scholarships • Sometimes have a separate scholarship application • Check the department website or call them to obtain info • In general, they require at least a 28 ACT and 3.25 GPA Honors Department Scholarships • Check your school of interest for requirements and scholarship opportunities

19. Public—Approx. Cost of Attendance per year in 2013-14 • Auburn University—$28,098 • Univ. of Alabama—$24,060 • UAB—$21,228 • UAH—$22,966 • UNA—$18,000 • Troy University—$21,732 • Jacksonville State—$19,072 • Calhoun Community College—$9,480 • Wallace State Community College--$9,480

20. Community College info • Require you to have graduated from high school for admission. • An ACT score is not required for admission—However, if you score a 20 on the Math/English portions, you will not be required to take the COMPASS placement test to determine which Math/English class where you start in the fall of your Freshman year. • Last year, a 27 ACT score and a 3.0 GPA was a full-tuition scholarship at Calhoun and Wallace State • Many other scholarship opportunities exist at the community college level with lower ACT requirements than at 4-year colleges. • Tuition rates at community colleges are cheaper than 4-year universities. • Once students complete a couple of years of community college (usually around 48 hours), four-year schools offer admission and scholarships based on the GPA at the community college and not your high school GPA/ACT score.

21. Opportunities in Technology Fields/Career Tech 65% of the projected jobs of the future will require a two-year technical education. 20% will require a four-year degree. 15% will require no formal training at a post-secondary school. However—65% of graduates pursue four-year degrees and 20% pursue two-year technical degrees.

22. Healthcare Careers Process Technology Machine Tool Technology Welding Industrial Maintenance HVAC Aerospace Technology Design/Drafting Automation/Electrical Tech

23. Wallace State Community College Technical Degrees/Certificates Agriculture Production/Horticulture Auto Body Repair Auto Mechanics Automotive Manufacturing Technology Aviation Flight Technology Commercial Foods Commercial Sewing Diesel Mechanics Drafting and Design Technology Electronic Technology Heating and Air Conditioning Precision Machining/CNC/Tool and Die/Plastics Upholstery/Interior Refinishing Welding

24. Factors to Consider When Choosing a College College Characteristics • Academics • Size • Atmosphere • Cost • Location • Student Body Type

25. Outside of Schools Scholarship Searches • Scholarships in our own backyard vs. nationwide scholarships • Service clubs—Rotary, Civitan, Kiwanis, American Legion, etc. • Scholarships from religious organizations • Money from your worker’s union • Talk to your employer (student and parent) • Scholarships from extracurricular activities (Boy Scouts, FBLA, Key Club, etc.)

26. Scholarships • Your college financial aid office • Your department of study at the college you choose. • Search the newspaper for past winners of scholarships. • The internet (www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com, etc.) • Big businesses • Professional associations

27. Scholarships • Scholarship books • Use your ethnicity or a disability • Use your leadership and/or community service • Contests • Military Job vs. Scholarship Searching 20 hour part-time job$160=$8/hour 20 hour scholarship search$1000 scholarship=$50/hour

28. More Information http://hartselle.hcs.schoolinsites.com/ --Click on Guidance for information on scholarships and on links and calendar for more information and reminders. Resumes Scholarship Scams Saving for college (PACT, ESA’s, and 529 Plans) North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence—256-350-6478 Stay organized and motivated!

29. Financial Aid

30. Q: WHERE DO I BEGIN? A: The first step in the financial aid process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov.

31. Q: WHY DO I NEED A FAFSA? A: FAFSA completion starts the application process for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, Federal Parent PLUS Loans, Federal Work Study, Supplemental Grants and some scholarships depending on the organization. - Even if you know you won’t qualify for a grant, you never know when you might need extra help.

32. Q: WHEN DO I START? A: The FAFSA becomes available for the upcoming school year in January. - File as soon as your (student)/parents taxes are completed. The earlier you complete the FAFSA the more likely you are to receive additional funding that may be available.

33. Q: WHY DO I NEED TO START SO EARLY? A: The earlier you complete the FAFSA the more likely you are to receive additional funding that may be available. - Some schools receive additional federal, state and/or institutional grants that have very limited funding. These grants may be given to students on a first come, first serve basis for those who qualify.

34. Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA? A: You and your parent must have the following information: • Social Security Number (can be found on your Social Security card) • Driver's license (if any) • 2013 Federal Income Tax Returns (if you haven't completed returns for 2013, bring 2012 federal tax returns, W-2 forms, and records of other money earned during the year): • IRS PIN Number(s) • IRS Form 1040, • 1040A, • 1040EZ, • 1040Telefile, • foreign tax return, or • tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia.

35. Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA? (cont’d) • Records of untaxed income for 2013: • Social Security • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , Food Stamps • Welfare • Veterans' benefits • Current bank statements • Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records • Documentation that you are a U.S. permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen

36. Q: WHAT TYPES OF AID CAN I QUALIFY FOR BY COMPLETING THE FAFSA? A: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, Federal Parent PLUS Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Work Study and Supplemental Grants. - Federal Pell Grants, Federal Subsidized Student Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Supplemental Grants and Federal Work Study aid are need based aid. - Federal Unsubsidized Student Loans and Parent PLUS Loans and are not need based aid. - Please note that all students are not eligible for need based aid.

37. Q: WHAT IS A FEDERAL PELL GRANT? A: A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded usually only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant.) Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.

38. Q: WHAT IS A FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN? A: A federal student loan allows students and their parents to borrow money to help pay for college through loan programs supported by the federal government. Student loans, unlike grants and work-study, are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest, just like car loans and home mortgages. You cannot have these loans canceled because you didn't like the education you received, didn't get a job in your field of study or because you're having financial difficulty. Loans are legal obligations, so before you take out a student loan, think about the amount you'll have to repay over the years. They usually have low interest rates and offer attractive repayment terms, benefits and options. Generally, repayment of a federal loan does not begin until after the student leaves school. Federal student loans can be used to pay school expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies and transportation.

39. Q: WHAT IS A FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN? The Annual Loan Limits (combined maximum for subsidized and unsubsidized) under the Federal Loan Programs: -For undergraduate dependent students include a maximum aggregate loan eligibility of $31,000 and award amounts for each academic year up to $5500 (freshmen), $6500 (sophomores) and $7500 (juniors and seniors).  -For undergraduate independent students a maximum aggregate loan eligibility of $57,500 and award amounts for each academic year up to $9,500 (freshmen), $10,500 (sophomores) and $12,500 (juniors and seniors). -For graduate/professional students a maximum aggregate loan eligibility (including undergraduate loans) is $138,500. -Two types of federal student loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized

40. Q: WHAT ARE THE TWO TYPES OF FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS? A: Federal Stafford Subsidized Loans provide low interest rates and are available to students who demonstrate financial need based on income and other information provided on the FAFSA. A credit check is not required to receive these loans. The federal government pays the interest on these loans until six months after the student is no longer enrolled in school at least half time. - Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loans provide low interest rates and are available to all students regardless of financial need (although the FAFSA still must be filed). A credit check is not required to receive these loans. The student is responsible for the interest, which may be paid while the student is in school or accrued and then added to the principal balance when the student enters repayment, which occurs six months after the student is no longer enrolled in school at least half time.

41. Q: WHAT IS A FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN? A: Federal Perkins Loans are made through participating schools to undergraduate, graduate and professional degree students. - Offered to students who demonstrate financial need. - Made to students enrolled full-time or part-time. - Repaid to your school.

42. Q: WHAT IS A PARENT PLUS LOAN? A: Federal Parent PLUS Loans are low interest loans that parents can obtain to help pay the cost of education for their children. These loans are available for parents on behalf of the student once the FAFSA has been completed and the financial aid file completed. PLUS loans require a credit check and, in some instances, an eligible cosigner. Repayment of PLUS loans begins following the final disbursement for the year. Additional paperwork may be required. 

43. Q: WHAT IS FEDERAL WORK STUDY? A: The federal work study program is federally funded and is available to qualified students who demonstrate financial need. Students are employed on campus approximately 15 hours per week at minimum wage and are paid monthly. Funds for this program are limited and a limited number of FWSP community service opportunities are available through our office.

44. Q: WILL MY FAFSA PAY FOR EVERYTHING? A: The FAFSA doesn’t pay for anything, your financial aid package/award shows what funds have been offered to you. - In most cases, no, your financial aid package will not cover all of your expenses. Federal Student Aid is not designed to pay for everything. It is a supplement to help you/your parents with educational costs.

45. Q: WHOSE INFORMATION DO I USE ON THE FAFSA? A: The FAFSA states that you must use your biological parent(s) who you lived with more during the past 12 months. If did not live with one more than the other, give answers about the parent(s) who provided more financial support during during the previous year. - If your biological parent is remarried, you must use the step parent’s information too even if they do not provide you with any support. BUT…..

46. Q: I LIVE WITH MY MOM AND MY DAD CLAIMS ME ON HIS TAXES? A: It does NOT matter who claimed you on their taxes. The rule is to provide the information for the parent(s) who you lived with the most or who provided more financial support. BUT…..

47. Q: WHAT IF MY GRANDMOTHER/RELATIVE IS MY PARENT? I’M ADOPTED? A: Grandparents, foster parents, legal guardians, aunts and uncles are NOT considered your parents on the FAFSA unless they have legally adopted you through the court system.

48. Q:WHAT IF SOMEONE BESIDES MY PARENT CLAIMED ME ON THEIR TAXES? A: It does not matter who claimed you, you must list your biological parent(s) on the FAFSA.

49. Q: HOW DO I SIGN MY FAFSA? A: You and your parent must each have a PIN number that will be used every year that you file a FAFSA. - It will also be used to sign your Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling if you accept a loan. - The PIN site is www.pin.ed.gov.

50. Q: HOW IS MY FAFSA SENT TO THE SCHOOL THAT I WANT TO ATTEND? A: Electronically, but you must list your school’s code on the FAFSA. - If you do not know the code, there is a drop down box for you to search for and choose your school to be added to your FAFSA.