What You Need to Know...
College Selection...Scholarships...Financial Aid ...Career Planning

2006-7 Edition

Foreword | Counseling and Guidance Services | College Planning Calendar | Where and How to Obtain College Selection Information

Making a College Choice | Admission Requirements | College Entrance Tests | College Testing Schedule

How to Process an Application to College or Vocational School | Making Your Campus Visit Beneficial|

General Scholarship Information | Specific Scholarship Information | Companies in the Metro Area That Offer Scholarships | Financial Aid|

What Kind of State and Federal Aid Can I Get? | Career Planning | Making a Transition From High School | Glossary of College Terms

 Foreword

 To Students,

 You have many career and educational options. After you graduate from high school you can get a job, go to a four-year college, a community college, a career or technical school, get an apprenticeship, or join the military. Determining just which of these options is best for you can be difficult.

 This guide will provide you with information that will be helpful as you plan your post-high school options. If you take the time to investigate and evaluate your options, you will be able to plan a future that is not only promising and bright, but one that is also filled with direction and purpose.

 To Parents,

 This guide was written for the high school student. It is important, however, that you read it also. For many students, trying to figure out what to do after high school is confusing. High school students need the help and guidance of their parents. They need you to help them evaluate their career and educational options, and they need your support and encouragement as they plan and prepare for their future.

 Please do not hesitate to call your son or daughter’s guidance counselor if you have questions or if you wish to set up an appointment.

Counseling and Guidance Services

 HHS Counseling Department - Counselors

Counselor Name
E-mail Address
Ilene Frommer
ifrommer@husd.com
Ever Flores
Mark Wayne
mwayne@husd.com

HHS Registrar
Becky Bebber
Secretary
Martha Vera

College Planning Calendar 

Deciding on the right college is an activity that should be done over a period of time with considerable thought and effort. During the senior year especially, it is desirable to set up an organized system for all the weekly newsletters, specific college materials, applications (both college and scholarship) and other information. The following action-oriented calendar can help you.

Junior Year:

Fall: 

____ Register for and take Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)- in October.
.........(Registration takes place in the Counseling Center starting the last week in September)

 ____ Meet with college representatives as they visit your school.

 ____ Determine whether your high school courses are meeting college admission requirements.

 ____ Attend college planning meetings with parents.

 ____ Discuss college plans with parents, including financial needs, estimated costs, etc.

 ____ Write to colleges requesting catalogs and check web sites.


 Winter:

____ Set up your Naviance account to start your college portfolio.

 ____ Utilize resources in Guidance Office.

 ____ Register for the American College Test (ACT) and/or Scholastic Aptitude Test, SAT I and SAT II.

See section on college entrance tests for more specific information.

Spring: 

____ Investigate potential summer experiences, including work, summer school, special workshops,

and college bound programs.

____ Take the appropriate college entrance exam(s), the ACT or SAT subject tests and SAT reasoning tests.

 ____ Begin scholarship search.

 ____ Select appropriate senior year courses to meet college requirements.

____ Attend the College Fair at Sonoma State.

 Summer:

____ Visit colleges of your choice.

 
Senior Year:

Fall:

 ____ Schedule a conference with your counselor.

This may include some general plans or an outline for your senior year.

 ____ Determine how your college expenses will be paid, what funds are available.

This is important because it will impact upon your college selection and applications.

 ____ Register for appropriate college entrance tests. This may be an initial test for some or retakes for others.

Keep in mind that some select colleges request SAT subject tests. (See the section on college entrance tests for more specific information.)

 ____ Review scholarship options and applications that have Fall due dates.

Enlist the help of your parents by providing the weekly copy of Guidance News to them.

 ____ Visit colleges you might want to attend.

 ____ Meet with college representatives as they visit your high school.

 ____ Obtain college applications in the Guidance Office or via Internet.

 ____ Select teachers to write your college and scholarship recommendations.

Try to provide teachers and counselors ten days to two weeks prior to the deadline date.

 Winter:

 ____ Obtain financial aid information from your counselor or EducationQuest Foundation.

 ____ Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) financial need analysis

form as soon after January 1 as possible.

 ____ Obtain scholarship applications each week in the counseling office. Read the Guidance News each week.

 ____ Remind your parents to attend the Financial Aid Planning and Information Night. You should attend also.

 Spring:

 ____ Visit schools if your college decision has not been made.

 ____ Continue to apply for scholarships as they become available. January, February, and March

are the peak scholarship application months.

 ____ Register for AP or CLEP tests if applicable.

 ____ Reply promptly to colleges. Be sure to meet acceptance deadlines.

 ____ Decide on the college to attend. Be sure to let other schools know that you will not attend.

 ____ Report to the Guidance Office all scholarships you have been offered, even if you are not accepting them.

 

Where and How To Obtain College Selection Information

 Your High School Counselor

 Experts agree that most people can benefit greatly by some form of further education and/or training after high school. Counselors are here to assist students and parents in the decision-making process. We seek to provide students and parents with the best college and career information available to aid in making the most intelligent decisions. In addition to course planning, students are given information about gathering college data, college testing, and alternatives to four-year colleges.

Recommended Web Sites

FinAid - has everything you need to know about the financial aid process

FastWeb - Scholarship search....sign up, fill in their profile questions and they'll fill your mailbox with appropriate aps

Embark.com - Good college planning/search site

Peterson's.com - One of the originals in college planning

The College Board - State of the art college planning and search site, with online SAT Registration

Princeton Review - College search, on-line applications, scholarship help and more

College View - career, college and financial aid information

ACT - register for the ACT, college and financial aid search

My College Options - a free college search site that matches your interests with colleges that fit those interests

University of Texas - list of universities and community colleges by state

Mapping Your Future - assistance for parents and students for planning for a career or college

College Net - this site claims to find you the right college and then gives you an online application, also has a free scholarship search program.

Nelnet - college planning guides, best college deals, scholarship and loan info

General College References

 Multiple listing catalogs, such as The College Handbook by the College Board, Barron’s, Peterson’s Guides, and Lovejoy’s are all excellent sources of condensed college information. College handbooks are available for checkout or can be purchased at local bookstores. Some other resources available in the counseling center are listed below:

 The Gourman Report (Rates, Colleges)

National Directory of College Athletics

American Trade School Directory

Insiders Guide to Colleges

Selective Guide to Colleges

A Guide to Colleges

A Guide to Colleges for Learning Disabled Students

The Best Buys in College Education

Rugg’s Recommendations on Colleges

The College Handbook

Information on a Specific College 

If a student is seriously interested in a particular college, a call or letter to that school’s Office of Admission requesting an application packet, including information on housing, financial aid, scholarships, etc., is in order. Ask to be put on their mailing list. Most colleges also have web sites where you can register your interest.

 Other than a personal visit, college catalogs, pamphlets, college video, and web sites provide excellent basic information about colleges. The Counseling Center maintains current catalogs on several hundred colleges and universities, and many video cassettes for students to use during their free periods. Files on art schools, nursing schools, vocational schools, scholarships and financial aid, and summer programs are also kept current.

 Computer Assisted College Selection

Naviance Family Connection is designed to serve the needs of students and parents searching for 2- or 4-year colleges. Students will have a personal profile, be able to view and add colleges to their college application lists, indicate their interest level for each college selected, view profile statistics (in the future), compare personal scores and gpa to school averages, view college overlaps, check application deadlines, etc. Students can access ACT, SAT testing information and scholarship information in Naviance. The program is accessible to all HHS students on any computer in school or at home and is password protected. Juniors will be trained on this web-based program. If you need a password, see your counselor.

College Fair

 Over 100 college representatives assemble at the Sonoma State College Fair which is held each spring. Juniors and their parents are encouraged to participate. The representatives are eager to promote their schools and answer any questions.

College Applications for Admission

Applications can be obtained from the college, web sites or from the counseling center. Many colleges will send an application if you sent them your ACT scores.

More and more colleges prefer on-line applications. Some will even waive application fees in return for on-line applications. Try to determine the best method of application for your school. See your counselor with any questions. A REMINDER: Your transcript cannot be sent on-line. Come in to the counseling department to request a transcript.

 Attention NCAA Division I and II Student-Athletes

 Student-athletes who wish to participate in NCAA Division I or Division II sports in college MUST BE CERTIFIED by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse which will analyze your academic information to determine if you meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements. The three steps for being certified are clearly explained in a booklet entitled “Making Sure You Are Eligible to Participate in College Sports.” Obtain a copy of this booklet (available in the counseling department) early in the first semester of your senior year. Don’t delay this process—if you are uncertain about participation in Division I or II it is best to complete this process anyway. This process does NOT bind you to participate; however, it is a necessary procedure should you elect to participate. Failure to be certified may affect visitations to colleges regarding athletics, and college coaches may be reluctant to make commitments to athletes who have not completed the NCAA Initial-Eligibility certification. You may register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Be sure to print two copies for your high school and bring them to your counselor. Failure to do so may make you ineligible for NCAA activities. Also, make sure to list the Clearinghouse (9999) on your ACT choices for reports sent. For more information visit: https://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/NCAA/common/index.html

Making a College Choice

Making a college choice can be like making other important decisions that challenge you. Until you find a place to begin, a method to organize the task into smaller pieces, a way to put a great deal of information into a meaningful package, it may seem almost impossible to make a good decision.

Begin by identifying what your reasons are for going to college.

What do you hope to gain?

What learning opportunities do you need?

What are your goals?

What are your career ambitions?

How will college help you achieve these goals and ambitions?

The next step is to relate these goals to factors you can use as you search for colleges that meet your needs.

Factors to consider:

1. Type of college

• Two-or four-year college?

• Residential or commuter?

• Large or small?

• College or university?

2. Location

• What area(s) of the country can you realistically consider?

• What about the relation between location and costs?

• Are specific interests and goals tied to a specific location?

3. Admissions selectivity

• What are the application procedures?
a. What tests are required?

b. Are there any deadlines?

c. What high school course preparation is needed?

• Are you eligible for admission?

• What academic demands can you expect to find?

4. Costs

• How much will it cost?

• What kind of financial aid is available?

• How do you apply for financial aid?

5. Majors and study programs available

• Does the school offer the major you want?

• If you are undecided, does the school offer you the chance to explore areas of your interest?

• Does the school have any kind of internship program? exchange programs? study abroad?

6. Social life

• What is the campus atmosphere like?

• What extracurricular activities are available?

After you have developed a list of colleges to consider, begin to form a detailed and complete picture of each college. This will be helpful in identifying those that best fit your needs.

 

College Entrance Tests

Almost all colleges require tests for admission. Others may use the results for placement purposes in certain courses or programs. Registration packets for all tests are available in the counseling office.

 Types of Tests and Which Test to Take

 ACT (American College Test) is used by a large majority of colleges in the country.

 SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is used more extensively by East Coast, West Coast, some southern colleges, and the military academies. Some selective admission colleges may request the SAT II’s which are specific tests in a certain curriculum area. If you are not sure about the appropriate test, ask your counselor or refer to the specific college catalog or a general college handbook which will provide test information.

 Important Notes:

 1. Research has shown the SCORES INCREASE IN A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF CASES WHEN A STUDENT RETAKES THE TEST A SECOND OR EVEN A THIRD TIME. Colleges and scholarship sources will use your highest set of scores; therefore, there is nothing to lose by retaking the test.

 2. The home field or home court is always an advantage. Register early to make it possible to schedule testing at your home high school.

General Test Schedule Recommendations for ACT and SAT

 Seniors - If you have not taken the ACT (or the SAT if you plan to attend an SAT college), register for the October date. Those who already have at least one test score should consider October through December as retake dates. Senior testing after December is too late for most purposes.

 Juniors - You are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT in October, and the ACT or SAT in the spring.

Always plan ahead to avoid test date conflicts with sports, band, debate, etc.! The tests are only offered on the dates listed on the next page.

 Tests Used to Obtain College Credit

 The Advanced Placement (AP) tests are offered each May for students who wish to participate in a college credit option. These tests are scored 1-5, with 5 high. Colleges vary greatly on scores needed to gain credit and on the amount of credit allowed. Before you take these tests, you should obtain the AP credit information from the college you plan to attend.

 

2006-2007 College Testing Schedule

SAT Dates

ACT Dates

 High School Code Number:

The HHS code number is 051160.

 Prospective athletes are reminded to code 9999 to have their results sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse.

 Helpful Testing Hints:

  • Enroll in a test preparation course. These will give you some exposure to the type of test questions, how the questions are structured, whether guessing is penalized or not, and other useful information.
  • Use the test preparation books provided in the application packet.
  • Use computerized test preparation programs available in the counseling office to sharpen your skills.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.
  • Eat breakfast.

How to Process an Application to College or Vocational School

Unless you are sure you want to attend one specific college, it may be to your advantage to apply to several. It may cost a small fee to apply, but more options will be available! When you decide on the colleges to which you wish to apply, follow the simple steps below.

 Five Easy Steps:

 STEP 1: Complete the college application form. If the application requires teacher or counselor recommendations, arrange for those immediately (see important note on teacher recommendations below).

 STEP 2: Write a check for the application fee if a fee is required. Do not use cash for the application fee!

 STEP 3: Complete a “Release of Information” form which is available in the counseling office. This gives the school permission to send your high school transcripts (grades and test scores) to the college. List all colleges you think you will consider. Failure to do this means that you will have to come into the counseling offices and add any colleges considered later.

 STEP 4: Pay Your “ONE TIME” $5.00 Transcript Fee! Important Note Regarding Transcript Fees: A student requesting a transcript for college or any other post high school purposes must pay a fee of $5.00 before the transcript is sent. This is a one time fee and will include any reasonable number of requests per student.

 STEP 5: Bring all items in step 1 - 4 to your counselor. Be sure the address of the college admissions office is on your application form. An official transcript will be placed in the envelope and all material will be mailed to the college. This process reduces the chances of registration material being lost or misfiled.

 Important Note About Teacher or Counselor Recommendations:

If teacher recommendations are needed, contact a teacher you have this year or one that you had last year at least one week (and preferably two weeks) in advance of any deadlines. It is not to your advantage to have any written recommendations done under time pressure. Providing the teacher with information about yourself can enhance the recommendation. Give them a copy of your resume.

 Final Transcripts:

 Most colleges, vocational schools, armed services, and some employers require a final transcript to be sent to them. This is an important procedure the last few days of your senior year. Each high school will provide directives on final transcripts in mid-May. Failure to follow procedures will cause you grief in the summer or during the fall semester!

Online Applications: Students applying online need to notify the counseling office so transcripts can be sent to the respective colleges.

 

Making Your Campus Visit Beneficial

 Before The Visit:

  • Contact the college at least one to two weeks in advance to schedule a date and time. The college’s admissions office can arrange for you to talk to an admissions counselor and take a campus tour. Many admissions offices also are willing to set up housing, classes or other appointments. Some offer to make overnight arrangements for visiting students. Selective colleges may require more advance notice since they may schedule an interview with an admissions officer.
  • Plan your visit. You should try to visit the campus when classes are in session. You can get a better idea of what a college is like if you visit when students and faculty are there.
  • Read the college’s catalogs and brochures. This will provide general information, so you don’t waste time on these questions during your visit.
  • Prepare a list of specific questions. This may sound like a lot of work, but remember - you are visiting to find out as much as you can about the school (refer to College Selection section to help develop questions).
  • If possible, bring an unofficial copy of your high school transcript and know your PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores. There may be other things you wish to bring with you, such as a portfolio or an instrument for an audition.
  • Bring your parents. Parents often have questions of their own and may want to make the visit with you. Remember, they care about you and have an interest in what you do, AND they may be paying the tuition, room and board!
  • If you have access to the Internet, visit the home pages of colleges for current information.

 The Visit:

  • Be on time. If you will be late or have to postpone your visit, you should call the college as a courtesy.
  • Talk with as many people as you can. Meeting a variety of people will give you a more complete picture of what a college is really like. This is why staying overnight and attending classes is highly recommended.
  • Try to work some free time into your schedule. Use this time to wander around, perhaps drop into the campus snack bar, talk to students.

 After The Visit:

  • On your way home, while your thoughts are still fresh, jot down some of your impressions of the college.
  • If questions come up after the visit, don’t hesitate to contact the people you have met.
  • Send thank-you notes to those with whom you had appointments.

 

General Scholarship Information

The painful cost of college education may be most easily soothed in three primary ways: federal grants, loans and scholarships. Since financial aid packages are uncertain and are not announced until May of the senior year, it is best to focus attention upon scholarships throughout the senior year and not rely on financial aid.

How to Steer Clear of Scholarship Fraud:

 • If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Spend the time, not the money.

• Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships.

• Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship.

• If you’re suspicious of an offer, it’s usually with good reason.

Students and families who suspect that scholarship program might be a fraud should contact their school’s guidance counselor or financial aid office and/or the following resources:

 • FTC Consumer Response Center: www.ftc.gov or call (202)FTC-HELP

• National Fraud Information Center: www.fraud.org or call (800)876-7060

• Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org or call (703)276-0100

• State Attorney General Office: Check for listing in your state

 Scholarship Types

 Academic or merit-based scholarships are rewards for having certain abilities or talents. Examples include high grades and class rank, test scores at certain levels, or a demonstrated talent in art, music, athletics, drama, or other areas.

 Need-based scholarships frequently have some criteria relative to abilities or talents above; however, the selection may be primarily based upon the financial need of the student.

 Four Major Sources of Scholarships

• Colleges and Universities (Best source)

• Civic, place of worship, parent-teacher, and other community groups

• Corporations, labor unions and professional organizations

• Military

 Note: Never assume that college scholarship applications are automatic. Check with your counselor, or the college scholarship and financial office for application information. Sources of Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

 Sources of Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

Healdsburg Scholarship: Scholarship Handbook
FinAid: www.finaid.org
Fastweb:
www.fastweb.com

 

Specific Scholarship Information

 The scholarship listings which follow are purposely skeletal in nature. Students and parents are encouraged to review more detailed scholarship listings in the weekly guidance newsletters issued by the counseling office. Additional copies are available in the Counseling Office and are also posted regularly on the HHS web site. Students are strongly encouraged to take the newsletters home, and parents are encouraged to ask for them in order to fulfill their role described below.

 Parental Role in the Scholarship Process

 Parents can aid in the scholarship process by providing encouragement or taking action for their student in at least four areas: (1) reviewing the scholarship offerings each week in the weekly Guidance Newsletter which your senior brings home; (2) obtaining application forms; (3) urging the student to complete and return the application; and (4) Meeting Scholarship Due Dates. Some students have demanding loads their senior year. It is permissible for parents to actively assist with general information sections of a scholarship application.

 Obtaining Scholarship Applications

 Scholarship application forms are available in the Career Center. Each senior will receive his/her own scholarship handbook.

 Some scholarship applications do not circulate through the guidance offices - especially those unique to individual colleges. It will be necessary for the student or parent to write or call for these scholarship applications. The references in the general scholarship section will help with addresses or phone numbers.

 Please be aware that THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE INFORMATION WILL BE THE SAME EACH YEAR. SCHOLARSHIPS LISTED IN THE HANDBOOK ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN ALL INCLUSIVE LIST.

 

Financial Aid

How Do I Know If I Qualify? Or Want to Apply?

 Determining financial aid eligibility is not easy. The financial aid application forms are fairly comprehensive and take considerable time to process.

 The critical decision about applying for financial aid, however, should be based upon this statement - WHEN IN DOUBT- APPLY!!

How To Apply for Financial Aid

 In November of the senior year obtain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This single form will put you into consideration for FEDERAL financial aid, and to some extent for other aid available from colleges. There may be some rare instances when certain colleges will request a supplemental form in addition to the FAFSA. If a supplemental form is used, the college will supply the form.

During December and January, complete the FAFSA. DO NOT MAIL IT TO THE PROCESSING CENTER BEFORE JANUARY 1. If you do not finalize your tax information until late March, it may be desirable to use estimated tax information. Do NOT wait until mid-March or April to process a financial aid application if you want maximum aid. Late applications are the number one reason for receiving a reduced financial aid package or, quite frequently, receiving NO aid at all. (The FAFSA is also available on line at http://www.educationquest.org/.

 As you finish your financial aid application, you will have the option of indicating which colleges are to receive the analysis. Provide the analysis to all colleges you still have in consideration, because it is difficult to add colleges later. Be sure parents and the student sign the form in the proper places.

 Approximately eight to ten weeks after you send in your application, you will receive an acknowledgment notice. At this time, you may correct any errors or make changes in the schools you selected to receive the data.

 If you have not sent admissions applications to the colleges to which financial aid information is being provided, you must do so now. COLLEGES WILL NOT BEGIN ANY FINANCIAL AID CONSIDERATIONS FOR A STUDENT UNLESS THEY HAVE AN APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION ON FILE!

Approximately eight to ten weeks after you send in your application, you will receive the Student Aid Report (S.A.R.). Save this form (all pages) since you may need to submit it to the college of your choice.

 If you have any unusual or unique financial situations, or if you wish to appeal the financial aid decision, your best contact is the financial aid department of the college you wish to attend. College financial aid directors have some discretion and options for the financial aid awarded by their institution.

 

What Kind of State and Federal Financial Aid Can I Get?

Grants (funds that do not need to be paid back)

Federal Pell Grant is the grant that provides assistance to the neediest college students. Students must be citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled at least half time. Grants range from $200 to $3,000. Renewal is based upon continued eligibility as determined by a federal eligibility formula and maintenance of satisfactory academic performance. It is necessary to apply each year for the Pell Grant via the FAFSA.

 Federal

Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant is awarded to students with high financial need. The citizenship requirement is the same as Pell Grant. Grants range from $100 to $4,000. Renewal standards are similar to the Pell Grant. Each college determines the amount of the grant based on students’ need and availability of money.

 Federal College Work Study

Part of your financial aid package may include work study. The hourly pay will be at least minimum wage. Your hours will vary; however, they will usually range between five to twenty hours per week. In most cases, the jobs are arranged for and secured by the college. You may have some choice in the job you select; however, underclassmen have less choice than college juniors and seniors.

 Low Interest Loans

 The Federal Perkins Loan may be part of a campus-based financial aid package. The amount of this low interest (five percent) loan varies with each college. You need to repay this loan; however, no interest accrues on the loan while you are in college. Your repayment period does not begin until nine months after you graduate, leave college, or drop below half time. You may borrow $3,000 yearly and a total of $15,000 as an undergraduate.

 A second loan program called the Federal Stafford Loan may not automatically be part of the initial college financial aid package. The Federal Stafford Loan has two segments—(1) “subsidized” which means that the federal government pays the interest and therefore subsidizes or supports the loan while in college and (2) “unsubsidized” which means that you will be immediately responsible for the interest payments. Both are relatively low-interest loans. Interest rates on these loans change annually.

 The Federal Stafford Loan may require a separate application. If you qualify for the Stafford Loan you will be notified via your financial aid package from the college. Refer questions to your intended college regarding application procedures.

 PLUS Loans

 Parents who do not have a bad credit history can borrow a PLUS Loan to pay the education expenses of a child who is a dependent student enrolled at least half time in an eligible program at an eligible school.

Tax Relief

Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997

 Up to a $1,500 “HOPE Scholarship” tax credit. Under the “HOPE” Scholarship” tax credit, students will receive a 100% tax credit for the first $1,000 of tuition and required fees and a 50% credit on the second $1,000. This credit is available for tuition and required fees less grants, scholarships, and other tax-free educational assistance.

 This credit is phased out for joint filers who have between $80,000-$100,000 adjusted gross income, and for single filers who have between $40,000-$50,000 adjusted gross income. The credit can be claimed in two years for students who are in their first two years of college or vocational school and who are enrolled on at least a half-time basis in a degree or certificate program for any portion of the year. The taxpayer can claim a credit for his or her own tuition expense or for the expenses of a spouse or dependent children.

 The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. This tax credit is designed for adults who want to go back to school, change careers, or take a course or two to upgrade their skills and to college juniors, seniors, graduate, and professional degree students. A family will receive a 20% tax credit for the first $5,000 of tuition and fees paid each year through 2002, and for the first $10,000 thereafter.

 Parents and grandparents can create education IRAs and make penalty-free withdrawals from other IRAs for their own higher education expenses or those of their spouse, child, or even grandchild. In addition, for each child under age 18, families may deposit $500 per year into an Education IRA in the child’s name. Earnings in the Education IRA will accumulate tax-free and no taxes will be due upon withdrawal if the money is used to pay for post-secondary tuition.

Other Aid Programs

 Parents and students are encouraged to investigate other resources for financial assistance. This may require contact with other federal, state, and other agencies, such as Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and others.

 ROTC Scholarships

The Reserve Officer Training Corps of the Army, Air Force and Navy (including the Marine option) offer an excellent scholarship program to the college-bound student willing to make a commitment to several years of active duty with the military after college. The ROTC scholarship provides an opportunity to attend a civilian college or university while studying officer training as part of the total undergraduate program. The scholarships may be for two to four years. After the first year, the student may choose to discontinue the scholarship without any obligations or pay backs of any kind.

 The scholarship pays full tuition (in most cases), fees and textbooks. In addition, the student receives a $150 monthly allowance during the school year. The student has a choice of majors, primarily in engineering, selected technical fields, and nursing. He/she must plan to attend a college or university with the appropriate ROTC program and enroll in this program. After college, the young man/woman receives an officer’s commission.

 Early application for an ROTC scholarship is critical, either at the end of the junior year or by early in the senior year. The application process is detailed and takes somewhat more time than most scholarships; however, the scholarship is quite lucrative.

 Active Military Service

 Active service personnel can contribute to their own college fund and receive a considerable amount in benefits to help defray college costs.

 Tuition Assistance Plans

 Students who do not want to commit to a full time active military involvement may want to investigate the opportunities for college tuition assistance by the Army Reserve (or other Reserve components), California (or other state) Air Guard Programs.

 The Army “Star” program is especially attractive for students interested in the health medical related areas. Army Reserve centers or Army Recruiting offices have more information.

 

 Career Planning

Parents Influence Career Choices

 Students consistently rank their parents ahead of teachers and counselors as having the most influence on their career decisions. It takes time to listen to each other, but remember, parents are influencing one of their child’s most important decisions — that of choosing a career. Parents, you can assist your child by:

• encouraging him/her to participate in career activities available through the school and community.

• becoming actively involved in career exploration (but refrain from doing all the work.)

 Career Resources

 The HHS Career Center contains a wealth of useful career information; most of the material can be checked out for use at home by both parent and student. Career resources include:

  • Computer Software for career searches and information
  • Access to World Wide Web and book marked career sites
  • General Reference books, e.g. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dictionary of Occupational Titles
  • Interesting and readable books highlighting specific careers
  • Interest Inventories
  • College and Vocational School Information
  • Self-Help material
  • Military Service Information
  • Parent Lending Library
  • Study Aids

Also ask about....

  • Apprenticeships, job shadowing and internships
  • Career Exploration Days
  • Bi-monthly Career Speakers
  • Technology Fairs
  • Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
  • Military recruiter visits

Service Academy Appointments

Making a Transition From High School

During the Senior Year

“Senioritis” is a very real malady, characterized by the inability to make decisions and meet deadlines, disinterest in school and decline in academic achievements. Here are a few ideas to help parents and students enjoy the end of a high school career while preparing for the next steps.

• Try a new hobby, sport, club or volunteer activity.

• Stay organized to meet important deadlines.

• Keep an optimistic outlook about the college admission process.

• Develop a good attitude toward your studies; try to see the reasons for taking each course.

• Set realistic and ambitious goals.

 The First Year Away from Home

 It’s completely normal for college freshmen to be awed, and even frightened, by their new life-style and it’s just as normal for that alienation to snowball into some degree of loneliness and even homesickness. Most homesickness stems from a simple lack of readiness to be independent. The most common traps and what you can do to prevent tripping over them:

  • Inability to manage finances, including budgeting, writing checks and overusing credit cards — Learn to manage money while in high school. Parents, allow your child to make more financial decisions for themselves. Caution them about indebtedness but give them responsibility for a portion of their educational expenses.
     
  •  Anticipation for a fresh start, yet comfort for the familiar — Parents, don’t be too eager to convert your child’s bedroom for some other use, but if they come home frequently, encourage them to stay on campus and get involved in activities. Recognize that the first year of college is an adjustment for parents as well.
     
  • Difficulty managing time — Be realistic about what you can accomplish, eliminate dead time and do difficult tasks when you have the most energy.
     
  • Poor health habits — Make time to exercise, avoid late night snacks and get a good night’s sleep.

 

Glossary of College Terms

 Academic Probation

  • Trial period for student not making satisfactory academic progress, usually caused by a deficient grade point average.

Advanced Standing:

  • Credit or advanced placement for freshmen who have done previous high-level high school or college work or scored high on advanced placement tests.

Associate Degree:

  • Degree granted for completion of a course of study, usually two to three years at a community college or junior college.

Audit:

  • Attending a course without getting credit for it.

Baccalaureate Degree:

  • Bachelor’s degree awarded for completion of an undergraduate curriculum, usually four years in length.

Bachelor of Arts:

  • Academic degree conferred on those completing undergraduate study, usually lasting four years, in liberal arts or humanities.

Bachelor of Science:

  • Academic degree conferred on those completing undergraduate study, usually lasting four years, in the sciences.

Bursar:

  • College or University collector of various payments (tuition, etc.)

College Work Study:

  • A federal financial aid program providing on and off campus employment.
  • Credit Hour: A three-credit course usually represents three credit hours per week or three one-hour classes. The system of assigning a given number of credits to a college course.

Credit Hour:

  • At three-credit course usually represents three credit hours per week or three one-hour classes. The system of assigning a given number of credits to a college course.

Dean:

  • A senior administrative officer of a college or university; examples are Dean of Students and Dean of Admissions.

Deferred Admission:

  • Accepted student delays entering college in order to study, travel, or work.

Doctorate:

  • Highest academic degree awarded by a college or university of advanced graduate study.

Early Decision:

  • A student applies to first-choice college early in their senior year and agrees to withdraw all other applications to enroll at that college if accepted.

Early Action:

  • Used primarily in highly selective colleges. Same time table as early decision, but allows accepted candidates until May1 to accept or decline offer of admission.

Financial Aid Director:

  • The person in charge of determining monetary assistance for college expense. This person usually has some discretion to adjust a financial aid package or make other decisions relative to a student’s financial aid.

Full-time Student:

  • A student who enrolls in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Humanities:

  • Courses concerned with thought and human relations, philosophy, literature, classical languages, and the fine arts.

Liberal Arts:

  • Courses in humanities, social sciences, and the abstract sciences as opposed to technical or professional subjects.

Major:

  • Subject in which a student takes the greatest concentration of courses.

Master’s Degree:

  • Degree conferred for completion of a program of postgraduate work, usually lasting for one or two years.

Matriculate:

  • To enroll in a degree program or be accepted as a candidate for a degree.

Minor:

  • Subject in which a student takes the second greatest concentration of courses.

Registrar:

  • University official who keeps records of enrollment and academic standings.

Rolling Admission:

  • Policy adopted by colleges under which students can be accepted throughout the school year rather than only in the spring.

Seminar:

  • Courses in which a small group of students, headed by a professor, engage in research and discussion.

Syllabus:

  • Outlines of a course.

Trimesters:

  • Three approximately equal periods of three to four months in the school year.

Undergraduate:

  • A student who is attending college who has not yet earned a degree.
 

Foreword|Counseling and Guidance Services | College Planning Calendar | Where and How to Obtain College Selection Information|

Making a College Choice | College Entrance Tests | College Testing Schedule|

How to Process an Application to College or Vocational School | Making Your Campus Visit Beneficial|

General Scholarship Information | Specific Scholarship Information | |Financial Aid|

What Kind of State and Federal Aid Can I Get? | Career Planning | Making a Transition From High School | Glossary of College Terms


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