Download Post-Graduate Planning Folder 2008-2009: A Resource Guide for Parents and Students and more Study notes Algebra in PDF only on Docsity!
The PUHSD makes available these resources as a service to our students and parents. Because the information enclosed is provided by the US Government, post-secondary educational institutions, providers of financial aid, and other outside agencies, this information is subject to change without notification. Students and parents are advised to check each resource for accuracy. This folder was originally developed by counselors in the Mesa Public Schools and has been adapted with their permission.
Post-Graduate Planning
Folder
A Resource Guide
for Parents and Students
School-to-Work
Post-Secondary Education:
Admissions and Academics
Scholarships and Financial Aid
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
Core Course Competency Requirements -
Students must have a 2.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in each subject area. Students who have a defi- ciency combination in math and laboratory sci- ence will not meet admission standards to Ari- zona universities.
English and Math Placement -
Arizona universities use a variety of methods to determine class placement. Each may use a com- bination of ACT/SAT scores, AP exam scores, and their own placement exams. A student may find it advantageous to complete a summer program prior to the freshman year in college in order to access university-level classes. Each student MUST check with the Arizona uni- versity s/he will attend in order to determine ap- propriate class placement and then follow the guidelines given.
ENGLISH Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12.............................4 years
MATHEMATICS Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II and advanced math for which Algebra II (our Algebra 3-4) is a prerequisite................4 years
SCIENCE (lab) Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Integrated Sciences, Anatomy + Physiology and A.P. classes............................................3 years
FOREIGN LANGUAGE ...........................2 years (same language)
FINE ARTS Art, Music, Dance, Drama/Theater............1 year
SOCIAL STUDIES ..................................2 years
The Arizona State Universities -
Admission of Students to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona A student must meet the class rank, test score or GPA requirement, plus the core course com- petency requirements, according to the follow- ing: Freshmen-Arizona Residents Class Rank ..................................Top Quarter -OR- Composite Score ........ACT 22 or SAT 1040 -OR- GPA (4.0 = A) ..........................................3.0* in the 16 core courses *Arizona residents who do not meet the re- quirements described above but rank in the second quarter of their graduating class, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 - 2.99 (4.0 = A), and have no more than 1 deficiency in any 2 core courses may be admitted with conditions, but it is not guaranteed. Students with a combination MATH/SCIENCE deficiency are not admissible.
Community Colleges Admission of Students -
Admission to a community college in Arizona may be granted to any person who meets one of the following criteria:
- Is a graduate of a high school which is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined by the United States Office of Educa- tion or approved by a State Board of Education or other appropriate state educational agency.
- Has a high school certificate of equivalency.
- Is 18 years of age or older and demon- strates evidence of potential success in the com- munity college.
- Is a transfer student in good standing from another college or university. Note that the ASSET/Accuplacer or other Place- ment exam will be given at the respective commu- nity college campus to determine English, math, and reading placement for entering freshmen.
Out-of-State Colleges and Universities
Admission to colleges and universities varies as widely as do the campuses themselves. A student’s academic record (courses taken and grades in those courses) is the most important component in the process, followed by SAT or ACT test scores, recommendations , an es- say , and in highly selective colleges, class rank and interviews. Extracurricular activities and community service also play an important part in the admissions process. When considering colleges and universities, it is important to study brochures, catalogs, and viewbooks. Looking at a college’s website is not a substitute for a cam- pus visit. Important: Any student interested in out- of-state colleges and universities should research the schools being considered and apply early (September/October) in the se- nior year.
Guide for College-Bound Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors
Freshman Year:
* Develop a 4+4 Plan with appropriate courses to meet goals. Meet with your parents and your
counselor for this purpose after winter break. Excelling in “core courses” increases your chances of
scoring well on college entrance exams. Your classes should match your goals!
* Complete a career assessment such as Choices Planner or AZCIS.
* Participate in extra-curricular activities, clubs or events, sports, and summer programs that will
enrich your experiences and life. Seek leadership and creative opportunities.
* Use the Internet to research colleges and areas of interest. Develop a professional e-mail address.
* You will receive a written portfolio to keep during your 4+4 planning conference with your parents
and counselor. You will thus have a place to keep records of test scores, honors and awards, lists of
activities and employment, plus college and career plans and a current copy of your transcript.
* Maintain a strong Grade Point Average. Develop good study habits and a study group of college-
bound and goal-oriented friends.
* Beware of anything that costs money, whether it is a way to pay for college or a recognition book.
* Consider summer activities that include volunteer work. 1-800-volunteer.org is a good place to
start. Click on “Find a Volunteer Center”, select “Arizona” and then the appropriate site. Students
should also consider volunteering at their elementary/middle school during the summer.
Sophomore Year:
*Review your schedule to make sure you are taking the right courses, concentrating on courses that
prepare you for your field of interest.
* Take the PSAT/PLAN to assess your readiness for college entrance exams.
* Review your Choices Planner or AZCIS online portfolio with your counselor and parents to stay on
track.
* Maintain participation and leadership in extra-curricular and volunteer activities.
* Add to your written portfolio to keep it updated. Discuss your progress with your parents.
* Seek summer enrichment programs to increase your academic skills and/or your life experiences.
Look at those available through colleges and universities.
Junior Year:
*Review your schedule and Grade Point Average with your parents and counselor at the beginning
of the school year to stay on track.
* Review your Choices Planner or AZCIS online portfolio to update and add information. Have your
career goals changed?
* Take the PSAT when your school offers it (October 15 or October 18) as preparation for the ACT or
SAT to be taken at the end of the junior year or beginning of the senior year.
* Seek information about colleges online and at libraries. Take advantage of college visits.
* Attend college fairs and presentations by representatives. Attend the Greater Phoenix National
College Fair on September 14 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention
Center with your parents.
* Read all college-related literature mailed to you. Beware of
anything that costs you money!
* Sign up to take the ACT or SAT in May or (preferably) June; registration
forms are in the counseling office, or you may register online.
* Talk with adults who work in your areas of interest. Find out where
they attended college and ask questions about their college
and career paths.
SENIORS: SEE THE SENIOR YEAR CHECKLIST FOR
COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS IN THIS GUIDE.
M ost colleges and universities will accept either the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores for college
entrance. Students should consult college catalogs carefully for specific test requirements. Some colleges require SAT Subject Tests as well as SAT or ACT scores. Turn this sheet OVER for SAT information.
Method Of Scoring:
The American College Test (ACT)
Test Fee: $31.00 Late Fee: $20. Writing test is optional. Fee = $15.00 A student taking the Writing Test would pay $46.00 total. Score Range: 2-12 points Test Purpose: Measures academic achievement in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The test con- tains analytical and problem-solving exercises and is somewhat like the curriculum most college-bound students have had. Test Content and Scoring: 25% - English - Usage/mechanics: Punctuation, grammar and usage; sentence structure rhetorical skills: strategies, orga- nization, style. Score is numerical: 1-36. 25% - Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Trigonometry; may use calculator. Score is numerical: 1-36. 25% - Reading: Arts and Literature, Prose Fiction, Humanities, Social Studies. Score is numerical: 1-36. 25% - Science Reasoning: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical Science. Score is numerical: 1-36.
Scores are based on number of right answers. There is no penalty for guessing. ACT Composite Score: 1-36 (average of 4 test scores)
2008-2009 Test Dates Regular Registration Postmark Deadlines
September 13, 2008 August 12, 2008 October 25, 2008 September 19, 2008 December 13, 2008 November 7, 2008 February 7, 2009 January 6, 2009 April 4, 2009 February 27, 2009 June 13, 2009 May 8, 2009
UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE TEST INFORMATION
COLLEGE COSTS AT ARIZONA INSTITUTIONS
2008 - 2009 School Year (2 semesters)
Tuition/Fees Room/Board Books/Supplies
Community Colleges $71/hour N/A $ 800 Arizona State University $5659/year $8000-11000 $ Grand Canyon University $7740 $8000-11000 $ (4-year private institution) Northern Arizona University $5446 $6700-9200 $ 890 University of Arizona $5531 $7800 $
The above does not include personal expenses or transportation. Tuition costs are based on 12 or more credit hours per semester.
Students and parents should understand that these estimates are based on provided information. Students and parents must make choices regarding the type of housing and meal plan desired. Real costs are based on these choices.
Book and supply fees can change considerably, depending on the student’s major and courses. Tuition Waivers: Check with each college or university individually, as deadlines for admission and reply change! Some deadlines are well before the end of first semester!
PERSONAL STATEMENT/ SCHOLARSHIP RESUME
1. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT!!!
2.Write the first draft of a Personal Statement.
3.Correct mistakes as it is being written.
4.Re-read and edit the Personal Statement after a day or so to give perspective.
5.Make corrections in sentence construction, grammar, punctuation and spelling.
6.Ask a trusted English teacher to read and evaluate the Personal Statement.
7.A Personal Statement should always be typed.
8.Below is a suggested format for a Personal Statement essay. Please note the inclusion of related facts in each separate paragraph. 1st Paragraph - (Introduction of self and family) State place within the family - only child, oldest, youngest or in between so many brothers and sisters. Discuss the family situation in terms of members of family, economic situations, family employment, family struggles. 2nd Paragraph - (Discussion of school and community) Describe high school(s) attended, experiences and activities. Discuss community activities. In both cases, the important thing is to discuss what has been learned. 3rd Paragraph - (Discussion of college and career aspirations) Discuss the reasons for attending college and why proposed careers have been chosen. Discuss areas of strength and interest. Discuss any influential people. 4th Paragraph - (Discussion of academic record) Discuss academic progress, any hardships along the way, particularly difficult or challenging classes and how challenges have been addressed. 5th Paragraph - (Discussion of extra-curricular activities) Discuss school activities, sports, positions of leadership, and what has been learned. 6th Paragraph - (Summary and statement of future plans) Bring essay together with a concise summary, and be sure to discuss future plans.
9.Be sure to keep a copy to edit for future use.
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2008-2009 DATES TO REMEMBER
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS
Greater Phoenix National College Fair Sunday, September 14 12 noon-4 p.m. Phoenix Convention Center This event is free and open to students of all grade levels plus their parents. The National Association of College Admission Counselors sponsors this event, where over 50 colleges from around the country come to speak with interested students and families. This is an excellent way to learn about out-of-state colleges. See www.nacacnet.org for more information regarding the Fair. The “events calendar” will lead the reader to the “College Fairs”.
Historically Black College and University Fair Wednesday, September 24 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Phoenix College This event allows college-bound students to meet with representatives from many of the Historically Black Colleges and Univer- sities throughout the country and is usually the only time these particular schools recruit in the Phoenix area. Students from our district schools with appropriate interests, Grade Point Averages, and desire will attend in a focused field trip format. Parents are absolutely welcome to attend as well.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund Thursday, October 16 evening Maryvale HS auditorium This event is for parents and students at Carl Hayden, Maryvale, Trevor Browne, and Alhambra High Schools and is an informa- tional session about college and scholarships. Presentations are in both English and Spanish. Students and parents from the westside schools named above will receive invitations in the mail in the fall.
College Depot opens winter, 2008 Burton Barr Library, 2nd floor This section of the Library will be open to students, parents, and anyone who wants career and college information. Trained personnel will be on staff to assist, answer questions, guide, and provide resources. This is FREE to the public and an excellent way to get information outside the school environment.
College Goal Saturday Saturday, February 7 2-4 p.m. Estrella Mountain Community College South Mountain Community College College Goal Sunday Sunday, February 8 2-4 p.m. Glendale Community College Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix College These free events are open to students and parents who wish to get college and financial aid information.
Colleges and universities visit high school campuses. Check with the school counseling office to see the schedule. If a school of interest is not going to visit the high school, students and parents are welcome to call or e-mail the college to schedule a tour. See the Choosing a College Campus/Tours pages of this Guide for more information about making the most out of a tour.
SCHOLARSHIP SOURCES AND SCAMS
SOURCES FOR SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
The Counseling Office at most high schools provides any or all of the following: *a Scholarship Bulletin Board *a Scholarship Newsletter that is either published or written online *a place for copies of scholarship applications it receives throughout the school year. Increasingly, applications are online, and thus no paper applications may be sent to the school. Other reputable sources of scholarships and related information include, but are not limited to: *community or faith-based organizations to which the family belongs or with which the family has a relationship *organizations that honor a student’s talent in a specific area like art or dance or volleyball *employers of parents/guardians: check with the human resource, benefits, or personnel office *the university or college the student will attend: many times information is sent directly to the student or is available only through the college on its website. Colleges are HUGE sources of scholarships! *any number of websites, but students must be wary of where information will be going on the Internet once it is given to websites
SCAMS or YOU ARE WASTING YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Students and parents are being scammed if a company or scholarship “source” promotes its offerings with *”The scholarship is guaranteed.”: No one can guarantee anything; this is a lie. *”You cannot get this information anywhere else.”: Legitimate scholarship information is available through public sources. *”I need your credit card or bank account number for this scholarship.”: This is a common method to get money out of parents’ or students’ accounts in the future without permission. This is a commonly-used scam! *”We will do all the work.”: The student still has to fill out applications, write essays, and attend to the requirements. It is not possible for anyone else to do the work. *”The scholarship will cost money.”: Always use free resources. *”You have been selected” or “You are a finalist.”: Companies have access to huge databases: they are trying to make students and families feel special and thus market a number of products. There is no scholarship advantage to buying any of these books or products. ***** ”We save money by not having an address.”: Legitimate scholarship sources have contact information and a physical address. *”Come to --hotel room on Sunday afternoon.”: Be wary that these free seminars or interviews may be sales pitches for expensive and unnecessary products.
CHECK WITH THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT INFORMATION YOU HAVE RECEIVED!
WRITING THE COLLEGE ESSAY
When a college essay is required as a part of the admissions process, it is important to give serious effort to its composition. Probably no other piece of admissions criteria receives as much attention or generates as much discussion.
Here is the opportunity to reveal intelligence, a sense of humor, maturity, sincerity, enthusiasm, and writing ability.
Areas of Evaluation - in general, colleges look for:
1.Skill in using standard written English 2.Depth of insight as reflected in content, substance and ability to reflect true feelings or opinions about a subject 3.Creativity and uniqueness evidencing fresh and original viewpoints. Plagiarism is always and absolutely unaccept- able.
Essay Directions - be careful to address what the directions request, which may be one or more of the following:
1.Discuss something which has significantly contributed to personal growth. 2.Assess uniqueness as an individual; tell something not learned from other application information. 3.Address particular opinions or feelings on a specific topic. 4.Reflect on goals and aspirations and how an education received at that college will fulfill those.
Tips for Composing the Essay - using these will help develop an essay which conveys those unique personal qualifica-
tions.
- DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO WRITE! THIS IS SO OBVIOUS! 2.Make lists of personal qualities, (particularly those applicable to this college), aspirations and goals, activities, honors and awards, personal or academic challenges, persons or course(s) which have been influential in determining career goals or aspirations, and any specific strengths of the college that will be beneficial. In other words, why are the student and the college a good match for each other? 3.Write a draft, making sure to address the particular directions for discussion. 4.Put the draft aside for 24 hours and read again. 5.Make corrections in sentence construction, grammar, punctuation and spelling. Reading the essay aloud will help determine parts that do not flow smoothly or make sense. 6.Ask a trusted English teacher to read and evaluate the paper. 7.Rewrite and revise. Put the essay aside again and repeat the process. 8.Type and save. Proofread for any errors. Make it look as perfect as possible. 9.Save the computer copy in a place of access.
- Follow instructions for mailing the essay and application package and do so on time!
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay-skills/index.html is the College Board site where students may get advice about writing essays for college admission. (Continued on back)
Sample Essay Questions from Colleges and Universities
Some colleges and universities either require essays as part of the application package OR allow students to write essays or submit other information as desired. The other information may be an art project, a research paper, or electronic submission.
The following is a compilation of essay topics used by some colleges. These are presented only as samples of the kinds of questions you may be asked to address.
* Discuss a person, other than a member of your family, who has influenced you.
*What particular book, play, poem, film, dance performance, musical composition or piece of visual art has affected you deeply in the past three years? Describe your reaction.
*Share with us your concept of an ideal education. Feel free to be as inventive and wide-ranging as you like and to include examples from personal experiences.
*Imagine that you are the editor of a major national news magazine. What would you choose as the cover story for the January, 2009 issue? Why did you make this choice? What would be the essence of this story?
*If you could automatically and irrevocably change one fact or facet in the development of human history, what would that change be? Why did you make this choice?
*What distinguishes you from other applicants? You may wish to write about your experiences, achievements, and goals. You might, for example, discuss an important life experience and what you learned from it. Describe unusual circumstances, challenges, or hardships you have faced.
*If you had only $10 to spend on a day’s adventure, where would you go, what would you do, and with whom?
*What experience changed your life immeasurably? Why?
*Discuss the academic experience that has meant the most to you (course, project, paper, event).
*Describe a scientific problem, research problem, or academic issue in any field of study which you would like to pursue in college or later.
SENIOR YEAR CHECKLIST FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS
_____ Review senior year classes with your counselor. Are you ready for a community college? university? family consider- ations? Have you met the requirements for admission into a university? If not, what is your realistic choice? _____ Register early to take the SAT (www.collegeboard.com) or ACT (www.act.org). You may get an application from the counseling office or apply online. Practice is essential! _____Take the ASSET/COMPASS/Accuplacer if applicable. This is a reading, English, and math test required for class placement at the Maricopa community colleges. It is free, but its results will determine if you may take college-level courses or if you will need to take remedial classes to improve your skills and prepare you for college-level classes. Remedial classes cost the same as college-credit classes and are not transferrable to a university. _____ Attend presentations by college representatives. Make appointments in the counseling office to see these representa tives on campus. Make sure you give contact information at College Day and whenever you meet with these folk. _____ Encourage your parents to attend the fall and winter meetings offered to parents of seniors. Counselors prepare these sessions carefully and need to include your parents in these discussions about your future. ASK your counselor! _____ Apply to the colleges you wish to attend. Pay attention to deadlines and required forms. Neatness and completeness are critical. Note the admission fees to the three state universities. Note “priority” deadlines, especially for merit-based scholarships. Fee waivers are available on a limited basis. Ask your counselor or the university’s admissions representative for more information. _____ Start asking for letters of recommendation. Use the Scholarship Resume sheet. Whom do you ask? ..Teachers in whose classes you worked hard, excelled, and demonstrated energetic study habits and the desire to learn. Perhaps you did a special project of which you and the teacher were really proud. ..Teachers in a particular subject area of study. Math and science teachers are extremely appropriate for engineering scholar- ships, for example. ..Former or current employers who can attest to your personal integrity and work habits. ..Individuals who can and will write letters using good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You will be judged by the q u a l i t y of the recommendations. _____ Apply for scholarships, and pay attention to their deadlines. Applications are available on an ongoing basis throughout the school year. _____ Obtain the FAFSA form from the counseling office in January, if paper copies are available. The federal government is strongly encouraging parents to do this online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Make sure your parents attend the high school’s Financial Aid/FAFSA Workshop for Parents after winter break. Determine your costs and EFC. _____ Fill out the forms, mail, and respond to ALL requests for information or response. _____ Ask your college financial aid office if their website has a cost estimator; many now offer this service. _____ Housing??? Most on-campus housing requires a deposit, and most colleges do not have enough space for all students. First come, first served! _____ Confirm your acceptance to college. _____ Seek advisement and register for classes. Take advantage of any special dates available for you to do this! _____ Send immunization records. _____ Pay fees as required. _____ Ask the credentials specialist who handles transcripts to send your final transcript to the college you will attend. She has transcript request forms you may use throughout the year and for the mailing of the final transcript.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
*Assessments and related terms: ACT: the American College Test ONE of these two exams will be required by most four-year colleges or universities for *SAT: the Scholastic Aptitude Test placement and/or admission. These exams are on Saturday mornings; choose a location close to your home! *CEEB codes: each high school has a College Entrance Examination Board number. A student will designate this number when completing ACT or SAT applications so that the information is returned to the proper high school. PUHSD codes are:
Alhambra: 030263 Betty Fairfax: 030133 Bioscience: 030645 Franklin: coming soon Bostrom: 030268 Carl Hayden: 030277 Trevor Browne: 030313 Maryvale: 030282 Camelback: 030275 Metro Tech: 030308 Central: 030278 North: 030285 Cesar Chavez: 030192 South Mountain: 030310 Cyber: 030597
Advanced Placement: courses and tests designed by the College Board. AP courses are rigorous and offered in specific subject areas, and the AP tests are graded on a 5 (highest) to 1 (lowest) scale. Scores of 3 or above may allow the student to receive college credit or exemption from college courses. Each college and university handles this differently, so the student must check. Credit by examination: a program through which some colleges grant credit based on the results of the ACT, SAT, or CLEP (College- Level Examination Program), or other exam. The CLEP is sometimes used by students to earn college credit for subject material they have learned outside of school, such as proficiency in Spanish.
*ASSET/Accuplacer/COMPASS/CELSA: placement exams used by the Maricopa County Community College District to determine readiness for college level classes *TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): an exam sometimes used by colleges and universities to help students demonstrate English language proficiency, particularly if the student has recently arrived from a non-English-speaking country
*Types of degrees and colleges and related terms: Associate Degree: a two-year degree, usually from a community or junior college *Bachelor’s Degree: a four-year degree, usually from a university or four-year college *Master’s Degree: an advanced degree beyond the Bachelor’s degree *PhD./Doctorate: an advanced degree beyond the Master’s degree
*Community College: a two-year public institution (see the Community College/School-to-Work Programs page for more information) ^Most community colleges offer an Honors program, in which students may receive an enriched educational experience. These programs are excellent experiences for the student who plans to transfer to a university. ^Each student who attends a community college needs to determine a course of study in order to best utilize the opportunities. Some programs are certificate or license programs, meant to increase employability skills as quickly as possible. Other programs are Associate Degree programs, which take longer. ^A student who wishes to transfer to a university needs to make sure that the community college credits earned, and thus courses, will indeed transfer so that the Bachelor’s Degree can be completed at the university. ^Each community college student needs to speak with his academic advisor on a regular basis to keep on track. *College: generally a four-year institution, but the term is also used by other post-secondary schools differently accredited *University: generally a four-year institution, but the term is also used by other post-secondary schools differently accredited ^ Arizona university competency requirements : those high school classes required for admission to Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or Northern Arizona University
*Private vocational/trade school/proprietary school (for-profit school): usually licensed by a trade or vocational school organization to teach specific job skills. Private vocational or trade schools do not charge public college prices, and the credits earned are generally not transferrable to a community college or university. CHECK about this issue!
*Apprenticeship program: usually sponsored by a union or trade association, these programs include professional training and supervised employment. www.azwaca.org is an excellent resource!
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*Financial Aid terms: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): federal financial aid form that should be completed by all college-bound graduating seniors and parents/guardians who have a Social Security Number. The results will be used by colleges and some scholarship- granting agencies. *Expected Family Contribution (EFC): the amount of money a family (student and parents) is expected to provide towards a student’s college education according to FAFSA results. The family will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) and will be asked to check the information for accuracy before submission to the colleges of choice. *Grant: money for college which does not need to be paid back, usually based on financial need. The Pell Grant is the first of several federal grants for which students may apply. *College Work Study: employment on campus, based on financial need and availability of funds and jobs. Usually CWS jobs are convenient because the student is already on campus, and hours can change each semester as the student’s class schedule changes. *Loan: money for college which does need to be paid back: ask if re-payment is deferred *Scholarship: money for college earned by being selected after completing the application process (usually an application form, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement) for an organization or college. Usually guidelines and expectations for renewal are included. A merit-based scholarship is one based on the worthiness of the student, usually a reflection of grades and/or achievements--NOT based on financial need or financial considerations. A scholarship for first-generation students is one for students whose parents did not graduate from college. The student is then the first generation to attend college. The student’s sisters and brothers (who may or may not have attended college or graduated from college) are also considered first-generation. *CSS Profile form: a form required by some colleges as a supplement to the FAFSA
*Other terms: Acceptance: candidate will be allowed to attend; most colleges notify students by a published date. The student should reply whether or not he will attend, as acceptance may be withdrawn if the student does not accept by the given date. The student may not be accepted, but may be denied admission or put on a wait list. The student who wishes to appeal the college’s decision must follow the college’s appeal process. *Accreditation: recognition of a college or university by any of the regional or national accrediting bodies indicating that the institution as a whole has been judged to be meeting its objectives. There are different accreditation organizations for different kinds of post- secondary schools. *Application: formal submission of a request, accompanied by required forms and materials, for admission to a college or university *Class rank : the numerical rank of Grade Point Averages starting with “1” of all students within a graduating class. A class rank may also be expressed as a percentile. *GPA: Grade Point Average--may be weighted, meaning that “A’s”, “B’s”, and “C’s” in Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate courses are given an extra grade point (an “A” = 5 points), or unweighted , meaning that all courses are counted equally (an “A” = 4 points). Courses such as student assistant or student tutoring are not included in the Grade Point Average in the PUHSD. The total GPA is determined by totaling the number of grade points in all classes that count and then dividing by the total number of those classes in which grades were earned. *College calendars: ^Traditional semester: two approximately equal semesters ^Early semester: two semesters, the first being completed before winter break ^Quarter: three equal terms of about twelve weeks each ^Trimester: calendar year divided into three equal semesters, the third semester replacing summer school ^4-1-4: two equal terms of about sixteen weeks each, with a four-week interim term *Major/minor: the areas of study in which a college student chooses to specialize. During the junior and senior years in college, these areas will be the primary focus. *NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): a standards-based organization which specifies academic requirements for students who apply to Division I and II schools. Each high school submits its own list of core courses for review and can be seen by going to www.ncaaclearinghouse.com and entering the high school’s CEEB code. *Pre-requisite: a class/course/requirement that must be completed before enrolling in the desired course. Sometimes documenta- tion or an instructor signature or approval is required. *School profile: a 1- or 2-page document produced by the high school that is sent by request with transcripts as part of the application package. It usually describes the school and community and also gives information regarding average ACT/SAT scores, the number of graduates who go to college, and the rigor of the school’s curriculum. *Transcript: the record of high school or college courses and grades. A PUHSD transcript will reflect AIMS scores. An official high school transcript may be required for college or scholarship application and requires the signature and stamp of the high school credentials specialist. An unofficial transcript can be printed out by a student’s counselor and given to the student or parents. Tuition: the basic cost to attend a college or university. Tuition only covers the cost of attending classes; it does not include books, parking, dorm costs, meals, personal expenses, or anything else. A tuition waiver is the elimination or reduction of all or part of the college’s tuition costs. The eligibility is usually determined by the individual college or university. See the Arizona Department of Education website regarding tuition waivers based on AIMS scores: www.ade.az.gov/asd/tuitionwaiver
COMPARISON WORKSHEET/CHOOSING A CAMPUS
COLLEGE NAME
LOCATION (distance from home)
- Arizona
- Southwestern
- Pacific Coast
- Eastern
- Midwest SIZE
- student enrollment
- physical size of campus ENVIRONMENT
- Type of school (2 yr., 4 yr., technical, specialized)
- school setting (urban, rural, suburban)
- Iocation & size of nearest city
- co-ed, male, female
- religious affiliation ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- deadline
- tests required
- average test scores, GPA, rank
- special requirements
- notification ACADEMICS
- programs of study (your major offered?)
- internships
- special requirements
- accreditation
- student-faculty ratio/class size COLLEGE EXPENSES
- tuition, room & board
- estimated total budget
- application fee, deposits FINANCIAL AID/FINANCIAL PLANS
- deadline
- required forms
- % receiving aid
- scholarships
- no aid required
- partial aid required
- complete or nearly complete aid required HOUSING
- residence hall requirement
- types and sizes (campus dorm, fraternity or sorority, off-campus)
- availability
- food plans FACILITIES
- academic
- recreational
- other ACTIVITIES
- clubs, organizations
- Greek life
- athletics, intramurals
- other CAMPUS VISITS/ORIENTATIONS
- dates, contact person
- special opportunities PROBABLE COLLEGE MAJOR
- Iiberal arts
- interdisciplinary or general studies
- specialized (ex: business, nursing)
- pre-professional (ex: education, medicine, law)
- other BASIS OF COLLEGE CHOICE
- primarily mine
- mine and parents
- contrary to my preference
- contrary to my parents’ preference
(over)
