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22225001117600Gulf Shores High School00Gulf Shores High School373380431800College Planning Guide00College Planning Guide365760365760003009900203200Contents00Contents482600533400Introduction3Post High School Options4 Four-Year Colleges5 Two- Year Colleges6 Technical Colleges and specialty Schools7 The Military8Self Reflection9What Colleges Are Looking For10Timeline for Researching, Choosing and Applying to College11 Freshman Year11 Sophomore Year11 Junior Year12 Senior Year 13-14Financing Your Education15 College/University Merit Scholarships College/University Financial Aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Outside Scholarships Scholarship Scams Glossary Introduction3Post High School Options4 Four-Year Colleges5 Two- Year Colleges6 Technical Colleges and specialty Schools7 The Military8Self Reflection9What Colleges Are Looking For10Timeline for Researching, Choosing and Applying to College11 Freshman Year11 Sophomore Year11 Junior Year12 Senior Year 13-14Financing Your Education15 College/University Merit Scholarships College/University Financial Aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Outside Scholarships Scholarship Scams Glossary 469900762000IntroductionThis guide has been designed to provide important information to assist students and parents with the post High School planning process. There are numerous options to choose from, and knowing yourself well is the key to making appropriate choices. Therefore, throughout this guide, you will hopefully find not only the answers to many of your questions regarding post high school planning, but also tools that help you gain further insight into what path after high school is best for you. Also, keep in mind that most of you have participated in one or more of our career academies, which should provide you with ideas for future careers and educational paths and information regarding your abilities and interests. Furthermore, consider what you have learned about yourself in your classes, high school activities, jobs, etc. From experiences like these, you gain knowledge regarding your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your likes and dislikes. All of this valuable data about yourself will help you make appropriate choices for your future.Your counselor is here to assist you in putting a plan in place that will allow you to obtain your goals. What becomes of your future is up to you! For most of you, this is the first opportunity you have had to make significant decisions that can have great impact on the rest of your life.Take advantage of the information in this booklet, meet with your counselor, and get excited about the next great adventure in your life. We wish you a fulfilling and prosperous life beyond GSHS!GSHS CounselorsGuidance and Counseling DepartmentGulf Shores High School600 East 15th AveGulf Shores, Alabama 3654200IntroductionThis guide has been designed to provide important information to assist students and parents with the post High School planning process. There are numerous options to choose from, and knowing yourself well is the key to making appropriate choices. Therefore, throughout this guide, you will hopefully find not only the answers to many of your questions regarding post high school planning, but also tools that help you gain further insight into what path after high school is best for you. Also, keep in mind that most of you have participated in one or more of our career academies, which should provide you with ideas for future careers and educational paths and information regarding your abilities and interests. Furthermore, consider what you have learned about yourself in your classes, high school activities, jobs, etc. From experiences like these, you gain knowledge regarding your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your likes and dislikes. All of this valuable data about yourself will help you make appropriate choices for your future.Your counselor is here to assist you in putting a plan in place that will allow you to obtain your goals. What becomes of your future is up to you! For most of you, this is the first opportunity you have had to make significant decisions that can have great impact on the rest of your life.Take advantage of the information in this booklet, meet with your counselor, and get excited about the next great adventure in your life. We wish you a fulfilling and prosperous life beyond GSHS!GSHS CounselorsGuidance and Counseling DepartmentGulf Shores High School600 East 15th AveGulf Shores, Alabama 365423683006688455There are so many options for you after high school. They include, but are not limited to, the following:A four-year college (public or private)A two-year college (public or private)A technical college (public or private)A specialty schoolThe military (National Guard, reserve, regular enlistment, ROTC, or a service academy)00There are so many options for you after high school. They include, but are not limited to, the following:A four-year college (public or private)A two-year college (public or private)A technical college (public or private)A specialty schoolThe military (National Guard, reserve, regular enlistment, ROTC, or a service academy)3683005486400Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.00Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.2997200876300Post High School Options00Post High School Options363220685800004737106858000036385547498000050800048133000040055804521200A few examples of four-year colleges in Alabama:The University of AlabamaThe University of Alabama BirminghamThe University of Alabama HuntsvilleAuburn UniversityTroy UniversityThe University of South AlabamaThe University of North AlabamaThe University of West AlabamaThe University of MontevalloSamford UniversityUniversity of MobileSpringhill CollegeBirmingham Southern CollegeJacksonville State00A few examples of four-year colleges in Alabama:The University of AlabamaThe University of Alabama BirminghamThe University of Alabama HuntsvilleAuburn UniversityTroy UniversityThe University of South AlabamaThe University of North AlabamaThe University of West AlabamaThe University of MontevalloSamford UniversityUniversity of MobileSpringhill CollegeBirmingham Southern CollegeJacksonville State4005580685800Four-Year Universities are located in every state and are either public (which means they are partly supported by taxes and are therefore generally less expensive than private colleges) or private (which are not supported by taxes). Both offer a wide variety of programs and vary in size. There are more than 3000 colleges/universities in the United States.0Four-Year Universities are located in every state and are either public (which means they are partly supported by taxes and are therefore generally less expensive than private colleges) or private (which are not supported by taxes). Both offer a wide variety of programs and vary in size. There are more than 3000 colleges/universities in the United States.5854707823200Four-Year University00Four-Year University364490748284000367030685800004005580685800Two-Year Colleges are located in every state and are either public or private. The most common two-year college is the public community college. Two-year colleges offer two -year degrees and the opportunity to transfer to a four-year university. The community college is usually the least expensive and most convenient option for students wanting to pursue a college education. Students who desire this option, yet who want to earn a 4- year degree, can complete their last two years by transferring their community college credits to a four-year institution that agrees to accept them. Under the STARS agreement, the 4 -year universities in the state of Alabama take the credits from any Alabama community college.00Two-Year Colleges are located in every state and are either public or private. The most common two-year college is the public community college. Two-year colleges offer two -year degrees and the opportunity to transfer to a four-year university. The community college is usually the least expensive and most convenient option for students wanting to pursue a college education. Students who desire this option, yet who want to earn a 4- year degree, can complete their last two years by transferring their community college credits to a four-year institution that agrees to accept them. Under the STARS agreement, the 4 -year universities in the state of Alabama take the credits from any Alabama community college.40233605270500A few examples of two-year colleges in Alabama:Faulkner State Community College (soon to be known as Coastal Alabama Community College)Bishop State Community CollegeJefferson Davis Community CollegeEnterprise State Community CollegeLawson State Community CollegeGeorge C. Wallace State Community CollegeShelton State Community CollegeSouthern Union Community CollegePensacola State College00A few examples of two-year colleges in Alabama:Faulkner State Community College (soon to be known as Coastal Alabama Community College)Bishop State Community CollegeJefferson Davis Community CollegeEnterprise State Community CollegeLawson State Community CollegeGeorge C. Wallace State Community CollegeShelton State Community CollegeSouthern Union Community CollegePensacola State College5854704699000Some 2 year colleges also offer training for a specific occupation like welding, LPN and Industrial Maintenance.00Some 2 year colleges also offer training for a specific occupation like welding, LPN and Industrial Maintenance.363220698500005854707772400Two-Year College00Two-Year College3632207670800003657601600200Technical Schools offer training for a specific occupation and usually do not offer general coursework such as English, Social Studies or Humanities. Usually completed in two years with the student being ready to enter the job market.Examples include:Universal Technical InstituteFortis CollegeRemington CollegeVirginia CollegeGeorge Stone Technical CenterReid State00Technical Schools offer training for a specific occupation and usually do not offer general coursework such as English, Social Studies or Humanities. Usually completed in two years with the student being ready to enter the job market.Examples include:Universal Technical InstituteFortis CollegeRemington CollegeVirginia CollegeGeorge Stone Technical CenterReid State41148001511300Specialty Schools are used to quickly gain skills and enter the job market. Examples include:Genesis College in DaphneRondale Overstreet Cosmetology KineticsBlue Cliff Career College CosmetologyEstheticianMassage Therapy* Cosmetology, Barber and Nail InstructorEscambia Bay Marine Institute*Marine Technologist CulinardSuccess doesn’t happen to you it happens because of you.00Specialty Schools are used to quickly gain skills and enter the job market. Examples include:Genesis College in DaphneRondale Overstreet Cosmetology KineticsBlue Cliff Career College CosmetologyEstheticianMassage Therapy* Cosmetology, Barber and Nail InstructorEscambia Bay Marine Institute*Marine Technologist CulinardSuccess doesn’t happen to you it happens because of you.40132002153920001280160617220000365760838200Technical Colleges and Specialty Schools 00Technical Colleges and Specialty Schools 10414007010400365760685800003657608006080003657608051800003657601828800The Service Academies, which require a fairly extensive application process, include the following:*United States Air Force AcademyColorado Springs, Colorado*United States Coast Guard AcademyNew London, Connecticut*United States Merchant Marine AcademyKing Point, NY*United States Military AcademyWest Point, NY*United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis, MarylandEach year, Congressman Bradley Byrne holds Academy Night in Mobile in October for interested students to speak to Academy representatives. This is a good opportunity to speak with the admission representatives.You can start the application process after junior year.00The Service Academies, which require a fairly extensive application process, include the following:*United States Air Force AcademyColorado Springs, Colorado*United States Coast Guard AcademyNew London, Connecticut*United States Merchant Marine AcademyKing Point, NY*United States Military AcademyWest Point, NY*United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis, MarylandEach year, Congressman Bradley Byrne holds Academy Night in Mobile in October for interested students to speak to Academy representatives. This is a good opportunity to speak with the admission representatives.You can start the application process after junior year.3657601225550Military Academies00Military Academies34290001225550The military offers a variety of training opportunities and requires a service commitment in return. In addition to regular enlistment, students who want to pursue a college degree before they complete their service commitment can apply for a ROTC program or a service academy. ROTC scholarships allow students to complete their education at a civilian college at the same time they are training to become a commissioned officer in a branch of the armed services. Many college campuses offer ROTC programs.ROTC ProgramsROTC scholarships allow students to complete their education at a civilian college at the same time they are training to become a commissioned officer in a branch of the armed services. Many college campuses offer ROTC programssArmy ROTC ROTC Force ROTC ROTC 00The military offers a variety of training opportunities and requires a service commitment in return. In addition to regular enlistment, students who want to pursue a college degree before they complete their service commitment can apply for a ROTC program or a service academy. ROTC scholarships allow students to complete their education at a civilian college at the same time they are training to become a commissioned officer in a branch of the armed services. Many college campuses offer ROTC programs.ROTC ProgramsROTC scholarships allow students to complete their education at a civilian college at the same time they are training to become a commissioned officer in a branch of the armed services. Many college campuses offer ROTC programssArmy ROTC ROTC Force ROTC ROTC 36576096520000365760457200Military Service00Military Service3345180173990000822960754380000365760682624137160228600Self Reflection00Self Reflection402336086106000365760861060Who are you? Finding the right plan for you requires an understanding of your values, skills, and interests. One factor you should consider is how your learning style matches the educational institutions that your are considering attending. If you prefer courses that relate directly to a particular career, and/or a more hands on approach to education, you may want to consider beginning your education at a community college or technical school. Community colleges can ease the transition from high school to university. If you have enjoyed your high school classes and you have been successful academically and your career interests require a four-year university degree, you are wise to look at a variety of four-year universities. The following questions may help you consider your readiness for attending a four-year university.ACT/SAT scores + Grade Point Average = MeritMarket your merit to capitalize on scholarship offersAsk yourself!Is your academic record and ACT/SAT score better than average? Do you have effective study skills?Do you enjoy academic work?Do you read and write well?Why are you pursuing college? To further you education or because all of your friends are going?How have you prepared for college academic work? Have you taken the most challenging coursework in high school?How do you know that you are ready to live independently? Do you study/homework without parental supervision? Do you manage your own money?Once you decide about the type of institution, consider the following factors: Availability of your majorSelectivity and admissions requirementsSize and location of school, distance from home, transportationCost and availability of merit scholarships and institutional aidCampus/community safety and securityFacilities and equipmentQuality of the faculty and size of classesHow many freshmen return for their sophomore year?Who teaches the classes, full-time faculty or others?What types of students receive merit scholarships?00Who are you? Finding the right plan for you requires an understanding of your values, skills, and interests. One factor you should consider is how your learning style matches the educational institutions that your are considering attending. If you prefer courses that relate directly to a particular career, and/or a more hands on approach to education, you may want to consider beginning your education at a community college or technical school. Community colleges can ease the transition from high school to university. If you have enjoyed your high school classes and you have been successful academically and your career interests require a four-year university degree, you are wise to look at a variety of four-year universities. The following questions may help you consider your readiness for attending a four-year university.ACT/SAT scores + Grade Point Average = MeritMarket your merit to capitalize on scholarship offersAsk yourself!Is your academic record and ACT/SAT score better than average? Do you have effective study skills?Do you enjoy academic work?Do you read and write well?Why are you pursuing college? To further you education or because all of your friends are going?How have you prepared for college academic work? Have you taken the most challenging coursework in high school?How do you know that you are ready to live independently? Do you study/homework without parental supervision? Do you manage your own money?Once you decide about the type of institution, consider the following factors: Availability of your majorSelectivity and admissions requirementsSize and location of school, distance from home, transportationCost and availability of merit scholarships and institutional aidCampus/community safety and securityFacilities and equipmentQuality of the faculty and size of classesHow many freshmen return for their sophomore year?Who teaches the classes, full-time faculty or others?What types of students receive merit scholarships?31115008968740Children need to be taught how to think not what to think….Margaret Mead00Children need to be taught how to think not what to think….Margaret Mead365760685800495300800100What Colleges Are Looking ForEvery college has its own criteria for selecting from the thousands of applicants they receive each year.The list below contains primarily what will be included for most schools evaluation information.Academic Record – GPA, class rank, rigor of classes on transcript. Test scores – Standardized tests are part of the application at most colleges. All accept either ACT or SATExtracurricular Activities – private schools are more concerned about your extracurricular activities than a public supported school. And they look favorably upon an academically based activity as opposed to a social activity.Letter of recommendation – Not every school wants them. Do not send them if they were not requested. They are used to get a more personalized picture of you that does not show in an application.Honors and Awards – If you have a special skill or talent, make sure you capitalize on it. If you can connect it to your future career endeavor, it will impress.Essays or personal statements – Some applications will require one or the other. They are looking for insight into the way you view issues, answer prompts or tell us about yourself essays. Write to stand out from the rest. Use real examples but don’t write about things that are negative about you. Don’t just restate things on your resume. Avoid controversial issues. Never let your parents write your essays. Readers will always know.Interviews – not all schools will request an interview. Scholarship organizations many times will have the interview as part of the scoring process before they award funds. Private colleges, ROTC scholarship applications and military academies will always ask that you interview. Sometimes it will be alumni that represent the college in the interview. Be ready for the prompt, do you have any questions, at the end of the interview.00What Colleges Are Looking ForEvery college has its own criteria for selecting from the thousands of applicants they receive each year.The list below contains primarily what will be included for most schools evaluation information.Academic Record – GPA, class rank, rigor of classes on transcript. Test scores – Standardized tests are part of the application at most colleges. All accept either ACT or SATExtracurricular Activities – private schools are more concerned about your extracurricular activities than a public supported school. And they look favorably upon an academically based activity as opposed to a social activity.Letter of recommendation – Not every school wants them. Do not send them if they were not requested. They are used to get a more personalized picture of you that does not show in an application.Honors and Awards – If you have a special skill or talent, make sure you capitalize on it. If you can connect it to your future career endeavor, it will impress.Essays or personal statements – Some applications will require one or the other. They are looking for insight into the way you view issues, answer prompts or tell us about yourself essays. Write to stand out from the rest. Use real examples but don’t write about things that are negative about you. Don’t just restate things on your resume. Avoid controversial issues. Never let your parents write your essays. Readers will always know.Interviews – not all schools will request an interview. Scholarship organizations many times will have the interview as part of the scoring process before they award funds. Private colleges, ROTC scholarship applications and military academies will always ask that you interview. Sometimes it will be alumni that represent the college in the interview. Be ready for the prompt, do you have any questions, at the end of the interview.5975355797550020904203543300Sophomore Year review your 4 year plan and make adjustments. Select your career academy with your future in mind.Consider your interests, abilities, and values as you explore career and educational options.Extracurricular and leadership activities are important, so become involved. Remember that you should seek leadership opportunities not just become a member of a club or sport.Keep a list of all your honors, awards, activities, volunteer work and jobs. You will need this list when creating your resume next year.Know what is on your transcript. Take challenging courses. By December of this year, you are halfway through with the GPA that colleges will see for admission decisions.You will take the ASPIRE test (pre ACT) in April. Your scores will help you identify areas that need improvement before you take the ACT next year.During spring registration for junior classes, consider AP and/or dual enrollment classes.Talk to your parents about college. Topics like tuition, location and college major can be discussed before your junior year.Look for community service activities or job shadowing opportunities especially in the summer. Summer Scrubs at the hospital is an example of a summer opportunity.00Sophomore Year review your 4 year plan and make adjustments. Select your career academy with your future in mind.Consider your interests, abilities, and values as you explore career and educational options.Extracurricular and leadership activities are important, so become involved. Remember that you should seek leadership opportunities not just become a member of a club or sport.Keep a list of all your honors, awards, activities, volunteer work and jobs. You will need this list when creating your resume next year.Know what is on your transcript. Take challenging courses. By December of this year, you are halfway through with the GPA that colleges will see for admission decisions.You will take the ASPIRE test (pre ACT) in April. Your scores will help you identify areas that need improvement before you take the ACT next year.During spring registration for junior classes, consider AP and/or dual enrollment classes.Talk to your parents about college. Topics like tuition, location and college major can be discussed before your junior year.Look for community service activities or job shadowing opportunities especially in the summer. Summer Scrubs at the hospital is an example of a summer opportunity.21666201308100Freshmen Year meet with your counselor to review your 4-year plan.Get involved in high school activities.Take challenging courses.Begin with the end in mind.00Freshmen Year meet with your counselor to review your 4-year plan.Get involved in high school activities.Take challenging courses.Begin with the end in mind.36576099060000363220365760Timeline00Timeline63754015246350023291801600200Junior Year take the PSAT/National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test in the fall. It is necessary for anyone wishing National Merit Recognition. Begin your resume. Start your post high school planning by meeting with your counselor and reviewing your strengths and interests, your academic plan and your current academic record. Make sure you have all the necessary courses for college admission.Take the ACT in the fall. You will also have the opportunity to take the state administered ACT in the spring on campus. The spring test will include the writing component. Our high school code (CEEB Code) is 011-334. This code assures that GSHS will receive your scores.Build a list of colleges that meet your criteria and note their admission requirements.Keep focusing on academics. Grades and attendance are important.In the spring, colleges coming to campus are looking for juniors. Attend the junior spring assemblies to meet the recruiters.If you plan to participate in a sport in college, complete the online NCAA Clearinghouse form online at . Your counselor will load your transcript to the site for you.Register for rigorous senior courses.Visit colleges you are interested in during spring semester and summer.You can begin the college application process as soon as they open. Some open in summer and others wait until September 1.Colleges want a 6-semester transcript. That means that the GPA you earn at the end of your junior year is the one you will use on college applications. Senior year is important for grades, but you will not impact your GPA again until you graduate and all your college applications will be finished.00Junior Year take the PSAT/National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test in the fall. It is necessary for anyone wishing National Merit Recognition. Begin your resume. Start your post high school planning by meeting with your counselor and reviewing your strengths and interests, your academic plan and your current academic record. Make sure you have all the necessary courses for college admission.Take the ACT in the fall. You will also have the opportunity to take the state administered ACT in the spring on campus. The spring test will include the writing component. Our high school code (CEEB Code) is 011-334. This code assures that GSHS will receive your scores.Build a list of colleges that meet your criteria and note their admission requirements.Keep focusing on academics. Grades and attendance are important.In the spring, colleges coming to campus are looking for juniors. Attend the junior spring assemblies to meet the recruiters.If you plan to participate in a sport in college, complete the online NCAA Clearinghouse form online at . Your counselor will load your transcript to the site for you.Register for rigorous senior courses.Visit colleges you are interested in during spring semester and summer.You can begin the college application process as soon as they open. Some open in summer and others wait until September 1.Colleges want a 6-semester transcript. That means that the GPA you earn at the end of your junior year is the one you will use on college applications. Senior year is important for grades, but you will not impact your GPA again until you graduate and all your college applications will be finished.4826006616700If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Doesn’t ChangeYou00If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Doesn’t ChangeYou482600273050000363220607060Timeline00Timeline3657601193800002409190266700Senior Year Fall Begin college applications noting deadlines for admission and merit-based scholarships for each. If writing essays, let a teacher proof them. Complete applications and write essays yourself. Watch email for admission decisions.Applications for admission and scholarships must be accurate so proofread.Consider the common application if available for your selected college. One application for many schools but it is mainly private colleges that participate. .Attend the College and Career Day at Coastal Alabama Community College as part of the senior field trip. Attend the College Planning presentation led by your counselor and encourage your parents to attend the night session for parents.Meet with your counselor to talk about the college application process.Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after October 1. .Organize your college files and keep track of applications sent and scholarship deadlines so you do not miss deadlines. Keep track of passwords for websites, college portals and online applications.Put final touches on your resume. See Teachers, counselors or administrators about recommendations. Give them a resume and 3 weeks to complete the recommendation.Retake the ACT/SAT in September and/or October. List the colleges you are considering on ACT registration and scores will automatically send or have scores sent through ACT. There is a fee for this service.Check the scholarship portal at gs- under academics and choose guidance and counseling. Visit for more outside scholarship opportunities.Go to to create an account for sending electronic transcripts to your colleges after you complete the online applications.October 1 is the date that the FAFSA opens up for submission to apply for the Pell Grant for financially needy families. Schedule fall visits to your selected colleges one more time. Be sure to attend special Saturday events for high school students or by invitation only events that you received from the college. 00Senior Year Fall Begin college applications noting deadlines for admission and merit-based scholarships for each. If writing essays, let a teacher proof them. Complete applications and write essays yourself. Watch email for admission decisions.Applications for admission and scholarships must be accurate so proofread.Consider the common application if available for your selected college. One application for many schools but it is mainly private colleges that participate. .Attend the College and Career Day at Coastal Alabama Community College as part of the senior field trip. Attend the College Planning presentation led by your counselor and encourage your parents to attend the night session for parents.Meet with your counselor to talk about the college application process.Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after October 1. .Organize your college files and keep track of applications sent and scholarship deadlines so you do not miss deadlines. Keep track of passwords for websites, college portals and online applications.Put final touches on your resume. See Teachers, counselors or administrators about recommendations. Give them a resume and 3 weeks to complete the recommendation.Retake the ACT/SAT in September and/or October. List the colleges you are considering on ACT registration and scores will automatically send or have scores sent through ACT. There is a fee for this service.Check the scholarship portal at gs- under academics and choose guidance and counseling. Visit for more outside scholarship opportunities.Go to to create an account for sending electronic transcripts to your colleges after you complete the online applications.October 1 is the date that the FAFSA opens up for submission to apply for the Pell Grant for financially needy families. Schedule fall visits to your selected colleges one more time. Be sure to attend special Saturday events for high school students or by invitation only events that you received from the college. 36576064135000444500365760SpringMake final campus visits if needed.Keep you grades up. It matters.Wait on Award letters to be received and compare college offers.Select your destination college.Submit enrollment deposit when prompted.Submit housing deposit when prompted.Notify colleges of your decision not to attend especially if you confirmed a scholarship earlier and changed your mind about attending.Request your final transcript through Parchment in late May to go to the college you plan to attend. If you are receiving dual enrollment credits from a college, you will need to send your final transcript to the college (through Parchment). Then they will release your college transcript to be sent, upon your request, to your destination college. 00SpringMake final campus visits if needed.Keep you grades up. It matters.Wait on Award letters to be received and compare college offers.Select your destination college.Submit enrollment deposit when prompted.Submit housing deposit when prompted.Notify colleges of your decision not to attend especially if you confirmed a scholarship earlier and changed your mind about attending.Request your final transcript through Parchment in late May to go to the college you plan to attend. If you are receiving dual enrollment credits from a college, you will need to send your final transcript to the college (through Parchment). Then they will release your college transcript to be sent, upon your request, to your destination college. 1181100600710000365760469900Financing Your EducationThe colleges themselves award most of the money available for college. This could be in the form of merit scholarships, departmental scholarships and/or need-based money. Some schools have their scholarship application as a separate portal. Many times you have to get an invitation to a website to access it. Other schools will simply evaluate you directly from your admission application and award based off a pre set tier of standards. Do your homework on the path for your selected college. Inquire about departmental scholarships and if they have a separate application. If your family is financially needy, you should apply for need-based financial aid. Sometimes you may qualify because of the high cost of attendance or the number of children in the family even though it looks like parents have a good income. Let them decide. If your family situation changes, you can always go to the financial office and bring proof of the income change. They can make the necessary changes in the FAFSA to reflect the new information and you may receive some aid.FAFSA – HYPERLINK "" to apply for a pell grant. You will also need to create an FSA ID to confirm your identity and sign documents electronically. fsaid..Don’t exclude private colleges because of cost. Many times they are more generous to the financially needy due to resources not always available to public colleges. Outside scholarships are announced through the academic portal on our school’s webpage. They can be from private organizations, local business, education foundations or other groups interested in giving back to the students in their community. They may or may not include a financial need component. Some may require an essay or a talent. Make sure you research the place of employment of either parent to see if they have a scholarship for children of employees. If you attend a college that is affiliated with your religious denomination, there is usually a scholarship. is the best place to search other than our website for scholarships. It is aligned with cappex, a college/scholarship search engine and is useful for locating helpful information in addition to scholarships.All scholarship searching should be free. Never pay. There are services that will do the searching for you for a fee. They may make other promises as well. You can do these searches effectively on your own. Even if some are legitimate, it may not be worth the risk.You should receive an award letter in the spring of your senior year for each of your colleges. You will see a combination of grants, scholarships, loans and/or work-study aid in the package. You should compare them to see which is the more economical. Add the amount you are receiving in local scholarship money to get a more accurate picture.Financial Aid Linksstudentaid.finaid/scams.htmlDual EnrollmentAP Exams00Financing Your EducationThe colleges themselves award most of the money available for college. This could be in the form of merit scholarships, departmental scholarships and/or need-based money. Some schools have their scholarship application as a separate portal. Many times you have to get an invitation to a website to access it. Other schools will simply evaluate you directly from your admission application and award based off a pre set tier of standards. Do your homework on the path for your selected college. Inquire about departmental scholarships and if they have a separate application. If your family is financially needy, you should apply for need-based financial aid. Sometimes you may qualify because of the high cost of attendance or the number of children in the family even though it looks like parents have a good income. Let them decide. If your family situation changes, you can always go to the financial office and bring proof of the income change. They can make the necessary changes in the FAFSA to reflect the new information and you may receive some aid.FAFSA – HYPERLINK "" to apply for a pell grant. You will also need to create an FSA ID to confirm your identity and sign documents electronically. fsaid..Don’t exclude private colleges because of cost. Many times they are more generous to the financially needy due to resources not always available to public colleges. Outside scholarships are announced through the academic portal on our school’s webpage. They can be from private organizations, local business, education foundations or other groups interested in giving back to the students in their community. They may or may not include a financial need component. Some may require an essay or a talent. Make sure you research the place of employment of either parent to see if they have a scholarship for children of employees. If you attend a college that is affiliated with your religious denomination, there is usually a scholarship. is the best place to search other than our website for scholarships. It is aligned with cappex, a college/scholarship search engine and is useful for locating helpful information in addition to scholarships.All scholarship searching should be free. Never pay. There are services that will do the searching for you for a fee. They may make other promises as well. You can do these searches effectively on your own. Even if some are legitimate, it may not be worth the risk.You should receive an award letter in the spring of your senior year for each of your colleges. You will see a combination of grants, scholarships, loans and/or work-study aid in the package. You should compare them to see which is the more economical. Add the amount you are receiving in local scholarship money to get a more accurate picture.Financial Aid Linksstudentaid.finaid/scams.htmlDual EnrollmentAP Exams365760444500GlossaryCSS Profile – A financial aid form used by some private colleges in addition to the FAFSA to analyze a family’s expected contribution toward college expensessCandidate Reply Date/National Reply Date – The date (May 1) by which accepted applicants must nofify colleges of their intention to enroll by submitting a non-refundable deposit.Deferral – A college’s postponement of a decision on a student’s early action or early decision application until it has seen its full applicant pool and received more of the student’s grades.Early Action – A non-binding early admission program available at some colleges. Students apply early (usually October or November) and receive an early response.Early Decision – A binding early admission program available at some colleges. A student may submit an early decision application to only one school. If offered admission, he or she must withdraw all other (regular) applications immediately.FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Financial aid application that must be submitted by students who are applying for financial aid from federal government. It cannot be filed until October 1 of the student’s senior year of high school. It will tell you the tax return year it will be asking for as validation of need.Fee Waiver – ACT/SAT waiver of test fee for students on free/reduced lunch. The same students that qualify for test fee waiver may qualify for a college application fee waiver. See your counselor.Financial Aid – Any award to the student in the form of a scholarship, grant, loan, and/or work study job.Grants – Aid that has no requirement to be repaid. High School Code or CEEB Code – All high schools have their own code. Gulf Shores High School’s code is 011-334Merit Scholarships – Money awarded based on academic performance (ACT/GPA), talent, leadership or volunteer activities. Does not have to be repaid.Need-Based Financial Aid – Determined by calculating the total cost of attending a specific college, minus the family’s expected contribution. The FAFSA is used to determine EFC (expected family contribution)Rolling Admission – The admission policy that accepts students on a continual basis, as they receive applications.Wait List – A college’s list of applicants who narrowly missed being admitted and who may be offered admission, depending on the actual number of students who accept its offers of admission by May 1. 00GlossaryCSS Profile – A financial aid form used by some private colleges in addition to the FAFSA to analyze a family’s expected contribution toward college expensessCandidate Reply Date/National Reply Date – The date (May 1) by which accepted applicants must nofify colleges of their intention to enroll by submitting a non-refundable deposit.Deferral – A college’s postponement of a decision on a student’s early action or early decision application until it has seen its full applicant pool and received more of the student’s grades.Early Action – A non-binding early admission program available at some colleges. Students apply early (usually October or November) and receive an early response.Early Decision – A binding early admission program available at some colleges. A student may submit an early decision application to only one school. If offered admission, he or she must withdraw all other (regular) applications immediately.FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Financial aid application that must be submitted by students who are applying for financial aid from federal government. It cannot be filed until October 1 of the student’s senior year of high school. It will tell you the tax return year it will be asking for as validation of need.Fee Waiver – ACT/SAT waiver of test fee for students on free/reduced lunch. The same students that qualify for test fee waiver may qualify for a college application fee waiver. See your counselor.Financial Aid – Any award to the student in the form of a scholarship, grant, loan, and/or work study job.Grants – Aid that has no requirement to be repaid. High School Code or CEEB Code – All high schools have their own code. Gulf Shores High School’s code is 011-334Merit Scholarships – Money awarded based on academic performance (ACT/GPA), talent, leadership or volunteer activities. Does not have to be repaid.Need-Based Financial Aid – Determined by calculating the total cost of attending a specific college, minus the family’s expected contribution. The FAFSA is used to determine EFC (expected family contribution)Rolling Admission – The admission policy that accepts students on a continual basis, as they receive applications.Wait List – A college’s list of applicants who narrowly missed being admitted and who may be offered admission, depending on the actual number of students who accept its offers of admission by May 1. ................
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