LIMESTONE COUNTY



[pic]

2010-11 SENIOR GUIDE BOOK

LIMESTONE COUNTY CAREER TECHNICAL CENTER

505 East Sanderfer Road Athens, AL 35611 Phone: 256-233-6463

Fax: 256-233-6667

Stan Davis, Director

Gayle Black, Counselor

Senior Year College Planning Calendar

During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. This year is filled with admission applications, scholarship essays, financial aid information, and the need to meet deadlines. Throughout your senior year, continue to build your resume by achieving academic success, as well as participating in extra curricular activities. Colleges are very interested in well-rounded students.

The college preparation that takes place during your senior year is filled with a lot of details and paperwork. It is very important that you involve your parents with this process. It is also very important that you pay attention to deadlines and do not miss them.

August

• Review your career plans and decide which type of postsecondary school is best for you: technical school, junior college, 4-yr college or university.

• List your top college choices. Choose at least three colleges to apply for with one being a sure thing.

• Request admissions information and school catalogs.

• Go on college visits

• Obtain registration materials and test dates for the ACT and/or SAT.

• Compare costs of each school that interests you.

• Visit web sites for information about career, college, and financial aid.

• Prepare your resume.

September

• Mark your calendar with registration, admissions and financial aid deadlines and fees.

• Determine if the schools that interest you have online admission applications. If not, request them by mail now.

• Meet with school representatives who visit your high school.

• Look at virtual tours of college campuses online.

• Attend College/Career Days.

• If you haven’t already taken the ACT and/or SAT, register for the test. Last ACT Test considered for December 1 deadlines is the October test.

• Attend college planning and/or financial aid information nights and college fairs.

• Ask employers, teachers, and guidance counselors for letters of recommendation to accompany your admissions and/or scholarship applications.

October

• Take the ACT and/or SAT.

• Work on your admission/scholarship essays.

• Attend any college planning and/or financial aid info nights.

• Visit your top school choices. If possible, make appointments with faculty, staff and students.

• Complete applications for every scholarship for which you may be eligible.

• Meet with your guidance counselor to develop a college admission and financial aid application plan.

• Make a folder for each of your college choices.

• Contact the schools’ financial aid offices to determine if they require any special forms.

• Finalize portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talent if required for admission.

November

• Complete admissions applications by their deadlines.

• Continue to attend college planning and/or financial aid info nights.

• If necessary, register to retake the ACT and/or SAT.

• Request financial aid forms and applications. Double check the deadlines for submission.

• Follow up to ensure your employers, teachers and counselors send letters of recommendation.

December

• Sign up for a PIN, to complete your FAFSA online. (Also let your parents know that they will need a PIN.) fafsa.

• Finalize admission applications.

• Urge your parents to file their taxes as soon as possible after January 1. This will ease the financial aid process.

• Research and apply for other financial aid, including grants and scholarships.

• Watch for early admissions notices.

January

• As soon as possible after January 1 and when tax forms are complete (they don’t have to be filed until April 15; you can use estimates), complete your FAFSA online (or go to FederalStudentAid. to download a PDF version of the FAFSA). Keep copies of all documents, including your PIN, in a file.

• Check high school web sites and bulletin boards for scholarships you may be eligible to apply for.

• February 1 or March 1 is scholarship deadline at most junior colleges. Check deadlines for schools you are interested in.

February

• Be mindful of deadlines. Always submit information on time.

• Watch for the e-mail notice indicating your Student Aid Report (SAR) is ready.

• Review your SAR for errors and make any corrections as indicated.

March

• Check with the financial aid offices to ensure your paperwork is complete. Submit tax forms if they request them.

• Narrow your school choices and make campus visits.

• Be on the lookout for acceptance letter

April

• Compare financial aid award letters.

• Make your final school decision and mail deposits, as required, and return financial aid award letters.

• Notify the schools you have chosen NOT to attend.

• Plan for registration, orientation and housing and mark your calendar for important dates.

May

• Be aware of any summer orientation sessions that you must attend at the school in which you will enroll and make plans accordingly

• Follow up with your high school to ensure the counselor forwards your final school transcripts to the college

• Send “thank you notes” to everyone who helped you plan and prepare for college

• Notify colleges of acceptance or decline of scholarships.

• Send deposits

• If you are attending a junior college in the state of Alabama, it is your responsibility to ask for articulated credit if you are eligible. Make sure you have a copy of your instructor’s recommendation form to take with you when you register.

Advice for Parents

Yes, there are things you can do to help your senior prepare for continuing their education after high school.

• It is important to attend financial aid presentations and career day functions WITH your student. Many of these events will be held in the evenings and on weekends. If you don’t know when they’re scheduled, contact your son or daughter’s high school counselor.

• Ask them monthly, “Have you been searching websites? What are you working on and what scholarships have you applied for?”

• Sit down with your student and prepare a list of what he/she is looking for in a college and help them sort through the information they receive from the different institutions to decide which ones offer what’s on the list.

• Complete applications with the student.

• In November, register for a PIN so you can assist your student with financial aid forms.

• In January or February, you will need to help your student complete the FAFSA. Your PIN will help speed up the process.

• In March, the award notices will start coming in. Look at the financing carefully and contact the schools with any questions. Make comparisons.

• Go on trips with your student to as many of his or her top school choices as possible. A visit to the campus is invaluable to making a decision.

• Hug them, send them on their way, BUT don’t change the locks – they’ll be back!

Reprinted from collegeprep/seniorcalendar.htm

HELPFUL WEB SITES FOR CAREER RESEARCH

• (Students will have to remember login and password )

•

• (scroll down to publications. Occupational Outlook Handbook)

• and

•

Web Sites for Financial Aid and Scholarship Information

• fafsa.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• KFC

Web Sites for Job Search

• joblink.

Web Sites for College Entrance Exams

•

•

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES FOR SPECIFIC COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES

(Check web sites for specifics.)

Auburn University: December 1, 2010 is priority deadline

Jacksonville State University: February 1, 2010

Mississippi State: December 1, 2010, for distinguished scholarships and February 1, 2011 for academic scholarships

Samford University: December 1, 2010

University of Alabama: December 1, 2010 is priority deadline

UAB: November 01, 2010

UAH: December 1, 2010 is priority deadline

UNA: February 1, 2011

USA: Priority deadline December 15, 2010

Wallace State Community College: February 15, 2011

Calhoun Community College: March 1, 2011

NorthWest Shoals Community College: March 5, 2011

Scholarships and Programs

Seniors:  Please remember when submitting college applications this fall to complete any additional scholarship applications that may be required. Almost every college or university has scholarship opportunities based on GPA, ACT score, academics, or leadership. Please make sure that you complete a scholarship application if you are eligible for any of these.

Some scholarships that are currently available are listed below. Please check with the counselor’s office during the school year for others.

NCAA Scholarships:  All rising seniors interested in registering for athletic scholarships must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at the following address:  .  The NCAA guide for college bound student athletes is available, including coursework, GPA, and ACT score requirements.  All college bound athletes need to review this information each year of high school to ensure compliance and eligibility.

Berea College: Berea College offers 100 percent tuition aid to admitted students demonstrating financial need.  

Scholarship Offers: Search is free, meet the scholarship deadlines.  See for more information.

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation:  The JFK Library Foundation invites U.S. high school students to write an original essay on the political courage of a U.S. elected official.  For contest information, registration, and to submit your essay online, visit the Profile in Courage Award Program at .  The first place winner receives $5000, second place receives $1000, and up to five finalists receive $500 each in scholarship money.  The winner will also receive an expense-paid trip to Boston.

The United Negro College Fund:  Many scholarship opportunities are available for students here.  Please visit to apply online.

Better Business Bureau of North Alabama 2009 Torch Awards Scholarship: $1000 scholarships will be awarded to junior or seniors. The criteria for the award includes: Leadership 20%, Community Service 20%, Academic 10%, Essay 50%. 

Oh, The Places You'll Go Scholarship: Recognizes a high school senior who understands and values the limitless possibilities that education can offer with a first place $5,000 scholarship. Visit to print out an application.

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: Awarding scholarships to motivated, dedicated, involved high school seniors. For additional information go to coca-. Deadline: October 31.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Applications must be completed by November 2, 2010. For more information go to .

Juniors and Seniors need to visit the colleges they are thinking of

attending to see if the college is a good fit!

Contact the college to schedule a tour. Tours are usually given M-F and sometimes a Saturday tour can be arranged.

Several colleges and universities will have preview days. Check the college web site frequently for dates of these.

Preview Days

UAH Open Houses

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Saturday, April 16, 2011

UAB Night in Huntsville

Thursday, October 28

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Sparkman High School

UAB Open House

October 2, 2010

November 6, 2010

Make reservations online at aub.edu/uabday

Troy University Visit Schedule

September 25, 2010

October 16, 2010

November 6, 2010

January 22, 2011

February 26, 2011

March 26, 2011

April 16, 2011

Trojan Days at Troy University

October 16, 2010

March 26, 2011

Bethel University in McKenzie, TN

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Saturday, November 6, 2010

January 22, 2011

February 18-19, 2011

Tuskegee University Open House

October 30, 2010

Calhoun Community College

Campus tours Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 306-2870

Wallace State Community College

Campus tours Tuesdays 9:00 – 1:00 – Fridays 9:00 a.m.

Space is limited to 10 per group. Call 256-352-8031 to make an appointment. Campus visits will meet in the James C. Bailey Center.

University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa

University Days

Friday, October 22, 2010

Thursday, November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day)

Friday, February 4, 2011

Monday, February 21, 2011

You can schedule a guided tour 11:30 Mon- Fri



Auburn University

Go to auburn.edu/admissions/visit/ to schedule a tour Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m, 11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.

Saturday tours are also available in the fall

War Eagle Days are by invitation only

State Colleges or Schools that offer programs for degrees in the following technical areas:

Lawson State Technical College in Birmingham, AL –

Offers Associate of Applied Science Degrees (A.A.S.) (Ford, GM and Toyota) Automotive Service Technology – Also the following:

• Accounting

• Aviation Maintenance

• Building Construction

• Computer Science

• Drafting & Design

• Electronic Engineering

• Horticulture

• Industrial Electronics

• Office Administration

Lawson State Technical College in Birmingham, AL –

Offers Associate of Occupational Technologies Degree Programs (A.O.T.) in

• Automotive Mechanics

• Auto Body Repair

• Diesel Mechanics

• Commercial Art

• Dental Assisting

• Graphics and Prepress

• Communications

• Welding

Northwest-Shoals Junior College in Muscle Shoals, Alabama –

Offers Associate in Occupational Technology Degrees in

• Automotive Collision Repair

• Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology

• Carpentry/Cabinetmaking

• Cosmetology

• Electrical Technology

• Machine Shop Technology

• Welding

Associate in Applied Science Degree

• Industrial Systems Technology –Air Conditioning & Ref Option

• Electrical Option and Mechanical Option

Calhoun Community College

Associate of Applied Science Degrees

• Advanced Electronics

• Manufacturing

• Aerospace Technology

• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

• Computer Graphics

• Computer Information Systems

• Design Drafting Technology

• Electrical Technology

• Machine Tool Technology

Wallace State Community College

Associate of Applied Sceince Degrees

• Electronics Technology

• Machine Tool Technology

• Design Drafting Technology

• Automotive Manufacturing Technology

• Aviation/Flight Technology

• Culinary Arts

Certificate Programs are also offered at the above listed schools.

Some Private Technical Schools Offering Technical Training

• Wyotech

• Nashville Auto-Diesel College

• UTI

• Virginia College

• Tulsa Welding School

• Lincoln College of Technology

TESTING

The next national ACT test date is October 23, 2010. The late registration period, with an additional fee, is September 18 through October 1. Register online today at .

Other test dates during the 2010-11 school year are:

December 11, 2010

February 12, 2011

April 9, 2011

June 11, 2011.

Registration deadlines for these dates are about five weeks before the test date.

An optional writing test is available in addition to the multiple-choice achievement test. Go to writing to learn more about the writing test, including the colleges that require it.

The ACT student website can help with test prep, including many free tools. Sample questions are available, along with Preparing for the ACT, a booklet with a complete practice test, scoring key, writing prompt and sample essays. Plus, the ACT student website has test-day tips, a list of what to bring to the test location and approved calculators for use on the Math test.

You can also sign up for ACT Online Prep, the only test prep program developed exclusively by ACT test development professionals. It is $19.95 for a full year’s use. For any questions about the ACT test, visit .

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN????

Class Rank: A rating which compares your cumulative grade point average to other members of your class. Class rank is often used as a basis for college admission and scholarship determination.

GPA – stands for Grade Point Average. This number determines class rank and is an issues in college admissions and scholarships. GPA is a 4 point scale based on a student’s grade in a class. Advanced courses are weighted because they are more difficult.

Transcript – this is a record of a student’s high school academic career. It includes each course taken and the grade earned in each course. This starts in the 9th grade and continues through graduation. This is the document sent to colleges, scholarship organizations, employers, etc. to verify a student’s high school record. This must be requested from the counselor at your high school.

Admission Requirements: Many colleges and universities outline specific requirements such as high school grade point average, standardized test scores, high school courses, etc. that students must meet to be considered for admission.

Letter of Recommendation: A letter from someone who knows you well, usually a teacher, principal, counselor, employer or advisor. Whoever you choose to ask for this letter should be someone who will give you a good recommendation. They should address your academic potential and probability of success. You should ask for it well in advance of needing it and give them a copy of your resume.

Resume: A resume is a quick thumbnail sketch of who you are and what you have accomplished. It is a good way for you to highlight the things your target schools consider important. It helps you keep all of your activities in mind when you write your essay and it helps those who are writing your recommendations to mention important things about you. There are many styles of resumes.

Essay: Most undergraduate schools require a personal statement or essay as part of the application. It is perhaps the most important part of the application but also the most difficult and time-consuming. The required length varies by college. Be sure to follow the rules and stay within the required word count. Schools want to get an idea of what kind of person you are and how you think.

Standardized Admission Tests

ACT TEST: It is a standardized group of tests administered by ACT and required or recommended by many colleges as part of the admission process. The tests measure educational development in English, math, reading, and science reasoning and are given at specified test centers throughout the year. Athens High School is the test center that is closest to us. The test score may be considered along with other factors for admission to a college or for scholarship consideration. Most colleges and universities in the U.S. accept it. There is an optional writing test and more schools are requiring it now so be sure to check with the school you are making application.

SAT TEST: A standardized admission test published by the College Entrance Examination Board. This test concentrates on verbal, mathematical, and writing qualities and is given through the academic year at test centers. Huntsville is the nearest test center to us. This test is the test of choice in East and West coast schools.

Different Degrees

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE: The degree granted by colleges after students complete a two-year, full-time program of required courses or its part-time equivalent. These degrees are offered by many types of colleges, including junior colleges, technical colleges and colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE: The degree granted by a college after students have satisfactorily completed a four or five-year, full-time program of required courses or its part-time equivalent.

MASTER’S DEGREE: An advanced college degree earned after a bachelor’s degree, usually taking two years for a full-time student to complete.

DOCTORATE: The highest university degree, also called a doctorate or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). Physicians receive a Medical Doctorate (M.D.) while lawyers receive a Juris Doctorate. (J.D.)

CERTIFICATE: A credential given to students for completing a specified list of courses. Usually 60 or fewer credits. Its purpose is to certify that a student has developed expertise in a certain area. It may stand-alone or may be part of a degree program.

College Terms

COURSE LOAD: The number of credit hours a student takes in each semester. In most schools 12 credit hours are the minimum to be considered a full-time student. The average course load per semester is 16 credit hours.

CREDIT: A system of measuring students’ progress toward a diploma or a degree. For a semester, three hours of credit one college class is common.

CREDIT HOUR: A unit of academic credit that often represents one hour of class time per week for a period of study (semester, quarter, etc.)

OPEN ADMISSION POLICY: Admission policy where anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent can take classes.

COMPETITIVE ADMISSION POLICY: An admission policy in which a college admits only students who meet certain requirements.

CONDITIONAL ADMISSION: An admission policy colleges use to admit students who have not met all the admission requirements. To remain, these students must fulfill specified requirements before or during their enrollment.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION: A program in which a college student combines employment and study in a related career field. Students are paid for their work and gain practical experience in their major.

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: Education after high school at a public, independent, technical, community or junior college or university.

DISTANCE EDUCATION: Classes taught via satellite or local television, through the internet, by videotape or CD and by correspondence.

PREREQUISITE: Beginning class that prepares a student for a more difficult class.

Financial Aid Terms

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – The form used to file for financial aid for colleges. The application collects household and financial information used by the federal government to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to postsecondary education costs.

FINANCIAL NEED: The difference between the cost of education and what the family of the applicant can reasonably be expected to contribute.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The amount that a student’s family is expected to contribute toward the student’s cost of attendance. The EFC is used to determine whether a student is eligible for federal student aid.

Grants: Gift-aid and do not have to be repaid unless an overpayment has resulted due to the student withdrawing from school before the planned end of the period of enrollment

Loans: Must be repaid with interest.

Subsidized Loan: Based on financial need. The Federal government pays the borrower’s accrued interest during some the time students are in school.

Unsubsidized Loan: Is not need based; the borrower is responsible for accrued interest throughout the life of the loan.

Work-Study: Provides income (which does not have to be re-paid) through part-time employment.

Federal Pell Grant: Does not have to be paid back and is the largest possible Federal Grant. The amount of the grant is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the cost of attendance. The less money the family is assumed able to pay for school the higher the grant awards is; a student with a zero EFC – no family contribution is expected – has the most need and may be eligible to receive the largest possible Federal Pell Grant award. For 2008-09, the maximum yearly Federal Pell Grant was $4,731 and the maximum Pell-eligible EFC was 4041.

[pic]

What will you do after high school???

If you are considering attending a four-year college or university, or two-year college, technical school after high school, you will find it helpful to:

• Make a list of the schools that interest you

• Gather info on the schools, pay attention to deadlines.

• Register to take the ACT as soon as possible.

• Visit the campus.

• Apply for financial assistance (FAFSA)

• Make your decision.

If you are considering serving in the Armed Forces after high school, you need to:

• Visit with friends, neighbors and relatives who have served in various branches of the Armed Forces.

• Evaluate any physical limitations that might prevent you from serving.

• Compare military training opportunities with civilian occupations.

• Arrange with your counselor to visit with various military recruiters.

• Compare benefits, tours of duty, training and promotion opportunities of military programs.

If you are considering direct employment after high school:

• Explore your special abilities and interests with your counselor.

• Collect and study materials about writing resumes and letters of applications.

• Consider whether you want to move away from your home region.

• Visit with individuals working in various occupations that may be of interest to you.

• Become familiar with major employers in the areas where you are interested in working.

“Life is 10% what happens to you and

90% what you do with what happens to you.”

Anonymous

COLLEGE ADMISSION

Open Admission – Admission to the college is granted to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).

Competitive Admission – Admission to the college only to students who meet certain requirements.

The top four factors in college admission are:

• Grades in college prep courses

• Standardized admission tests (ACT, SAT)

• Grades in all courses

• Class rank

• “Tip” factors such as essays, extracurricular activities, counselor recommendations, and teacher recommendation

The College process is not a science, and it is not always fair.

Very Important

1. Demonstrated interest is a factor at many selective colleges (contacts, visit, research)

2. The date of your application is important – the earlier the better.

3. Finish high school with stronger grades than when you started.

Apply to colleges in the following areas:

1. Your “Reach” schools – your top school choices may be long shots: Choose one or two

2. Schools which are “Realistic” – these schools offer what you would like to take, and you fit with their admission requirements: Choose two or three

3. “Safety” schools – they have what you want, your chances for admission are very good, and you know you would be able to live with, and enjoy this choice.

Choose one or two.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE

College Characteristics

• Academics – Majors offered; student-faculty ratio; typical class size; special requirements

• Size – Enrollment and campus size

• Atmosphere – Personal or impersonal handling of student questions and concerns; an academic or less serious mood among the students and their approach to responsibilities.

• Cost – Tuition, room and board, estimated total budget; application fee and deposits

• Location – distance from home

• Student Body Type – co-ed, male or female student body; religious affiliation

PUBLIC – APPROX. COST OF ATTENDANCE PER YEAR

• Auburn University - $21,776

• Univ. of Alabama - $19,284

• UAB - $19,163

• UAH - $17,369

• UNA - $14,726

• Troy University - $15,000

• Jacksonville State - $17,718

• Calhoun Community College - $2,736

• Wallace State Community College - $2,736

ARTICULATED CREDIT

Statewide articulation agreements allow postsecondary students to receive college credit (articulation credit) for career technical education courses completed in secondary grades. Students are responsible for taking the Recommendation for Articulation Request to the Admissions Office. Instructors should give those forms to the student upon completion of the courses. Those programs with courses approved for Statewide Articulation are:

• HVACR

• Collision Repair

• Automotive Repair

• Information Systems

• Design Drafting

• Electricity

• Precision Machining

• Carpentry

• Cosmetology

In addition, several other programs have articulation agreements with Calhoun Community College:

• Health Care

• Graphic Arts

Articulation credit must be requested by the student no later than 16 months of high school graduation. The student must have earned a letter grade of “B” or higher in the secondary course(s) for which articulation is being sought.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download