Grand Canyon SchoolGuidance Presentation

Honor Roll and Principal’s List

• Honor Roll: students who earn between 3.25 and 3.75 unweighted GPA each quarter• Principal’s List: students who earn between 3.76 and 4.00 unweighted

GPA each quarter

Class rankings

• Your class rank is determined after GPA is calculated at the end of each semester

Seniors

• It is your responsibility to make sure you are on track for the diploma option that meets your academic and career goals.• Do you have enough credits to graduate? If not, make an

appointment to see Mr. Landes right away

Graduation

• You must pass AIMS writing, reading and math to graduate.• You must be here 90% of the time• You must have your ECAP completed each semester• You must have the appropriate number of credit hours for each

subject area

COURSE CR GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12English

4

Math(to include Algebra 1 and three years of advanced math)

4

Science3

Social Studies3

Career & Technical Education1

Fine Arts1

Physical Education1

Electives

7

TOTAL24

College Admissions

• Seniors will need to send an official transcript when applying to colleges, universities, community colleges, and often for scholarship applications.• You can request a transcript from Mrs. Velazquez in the front office.• Some universities have their own online transcript request service.• Once you know where you will attend school in the fall, you must

then send a final transcript.• Be advised: Pay attention to application deadlines and allow at least

two weeks for a trancript request to be processed.

What will you do after graduation?

• Community college• In-state university• Out-of-state university• Work• Military• Technical/vocational school

Community College

• 35% of high school students attend community college after graduating from high school. Most students are familiar with Coconino Community College, however this is just one of many in the state.• Many students will attend the community colleges to gain their AA 2

year degree in a specific trade or skill, or they will take classes that will transfer to one of our In State Universities (ASU, UofA, NAU).• Contact your community college advisor to discuss your future goals,

and find out how your classes will transfer to different Universities.

Do credits from community college transfer to the universities? Most do in-state!• https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Admin_CEG• The Course Equivalency Guide (CEG) shows how courses transfer from

community college to ASU, NAU and U of A. Be aware that the transferability of a course does not indicate how the course will apply to meet requirements for specific bachelor's degrees. For help understanding the CEG, consult CEG Help. The last update of the CEG was on 9 Sep 9 2014, and is updated weekly.• ASU, UA, and NAU have partnered with community colleges to help

students easily transition from community college to their university.

Steps for community college:• Visit a campus• Apply to the college (check deadlines on their websites, but usually at

end of senior year)• Apply for financial aid and/or scholarships• Request your high school transcript or GED scores and college

transcript• Complete placement testing• Meet with an academic advisor at the college• Register and pay for your classes• Register for and pay for a new student orientation session

Arizona State University• Apply by 1 December 2014 for merit-based scholarship consideration• https://students.asu.edu/freshman/requirements• Applicants must also meet at least ONE of the following:• Top 25% in high school graduating class• 3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = "A")• ACT 22 (24 nonresidents)*• SAT Reasoning 1040 (1110 nonresidents)*

ASU important dates:• Nov. 1, 2014 – VIP admission date: Complete your application for admission by this date (including

official high school transcripts and application fee) to receive these select benefits: expedited admission and scholarship decisions, priority access to Orientation and housing registration, and exclusive event invites and campus visit offers.

• Jan. 1, 2015 – Submit your FAFSA: Starting Jan. 1 you can file your FAFSA with ASU (school code 001081) to find out what financial aid you might be eligible for. Students may submit the FAFSA to ASU prior to applying and admission to the university; however, only students admitted into ASU degree-seeking programs will be reviewed for and offered financial aid.

• Feb. 1, 2015 – Priority admission date: Complete your application for admission by this date to ensure you're considered for the maximum scholarship opportunities. Late applicants will be considered for university admission and financial aid, but ASU programs with higher admission standards will give priority consideration to applications submitted by this date.

• March 1, 2015 – FAFSA priority deadline: File your FAFSA to ASU by this date to maximize the amount of financial aid you could qualify for. Eligible students who apply by this date have a greater chance of receiving need-based aid. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA even if the priority filing date has passed.

• May 1, 2015 – Enrollment deposit date: Submit your enrollment deposit to ASU to become an official Sun Devil and secure your spot in our fall 2015 incoming class. After you submit your enrollment deposit, you can register for your Orientation date and submit your campus housing preferences.

ASU application steps:• Complete an undergraduate admission application. ASU prefers that you apply online.• Submit the nonrefundable application fee. The application fee is not a processing fee, as

it is required of all students and is nonrefundable under any circumstances.• Arizona residents - $50• Non-residents - $65

• Have your ACT or SAT scores sent directly to ASU from ACT or College Board. ACT or SAT scores are required for merit scholarship consideration and for ASU course placement. It is also required for some majors and can be helpful in the general admission process.

• Applicants must request transcripts from each educational institution attended. Official transcripts must be mailed or sent electronically directly to Admission Services by the records office of the issuing institution. Transcripts delivered by hand will only be accepted if they are sealed in the original high school envelope. ASU does not accept transcripts transmitted by fax. High school transcripts must show GPA and date of graduation. ASU requires an English translation of all foreign-language transcripts.

• ASU will review your application file once you have submitted all materials.

ASU scholarships

• https://scholarships.asu.edu/?destination=scholarships/search• There are currently 111 scholarships available in this search filter• https://scholarships.asu.edu/estimator• This calculator is a lot of fun!

Barrett the Honors College

• Barrett, The Honors College, offers academically high-achieving, well-rounded students unique opportunities designed to maximize their time at Arizona State University. The Barrett student body reflects intellectual and social interests covering the entire spectrum of degree programs available at the four metropolitan Phoenix campuses of ASU. • http://barretthonors.asu.edu/admissions/high-school-students/

ASU Financial Aid and scholarship info:• https://students.asu.edu/financialaid?destination=node/15568

Apply to ASU

• https://webapp4.asu.edu/uga_admissionsapp/

Northern Arizona University

• Apply ASAP for merit-based scholarships• http://nau.edu/admissions/• Strongly encourage you to apply online. It allows you to self-report your academic information

instead of having to request that your high school send us your most recent transcript.• If you choose to complete the paper application:

• you will need to ask your high school to send us an official copy of your most recent transcript• submit a $25 application fee• send your official ACT and/or SAT scores for scholarship consideration

• You will be offered admission if you have a 3.0 or higher core GPA* and have no deficiencies in the required college preparatory courses.

• You will be considered for admission if you have a 2.5 core GPA* and have no more than one deficiency in any two areas in the college preparatory courses. If you have a combination of a math and lab science deficiency, you are not admissible.

Apply to NAU

• http://nau.edu/admissions/

University of Arizona

• Apply ASAP for merit-based scholarship consideration• Admissions requirements vary:• http://admissions.arizona.edu/freshmen/entrance-requirements-and-guidelin

es

U of A scholarships:

• https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-aid/scholarships

Scholarship search engines:

• https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-aid/scholarships/free-scholarship-search-engines• NOT just for U of A, but everywhere in the country!

Apply to U of A

• https://admissions.arizona.edu/ONLINEAPPLICATION/ola/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fonlineapplication%2fola%2f

College steps:

• Now:• update/create resume• Search scholarships (

https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-aid/scholarships/free-scholarship-search-engines• Research colleges and majors (college websites)• Attend college rep presentations (check GCS calendar)• Do NOT miss Landes’s presentations

College steps:

• Coming up:• Take ACT (10/25, 12/13, 2/7) and/or SAT (10/11, 11/8, 12/6, 1/24)• Check admissions deadlines to colleges (their websites)• Letters of recommendation (teachers, coaches, community leaders)• Plan essay topics (if needed) – Landes has great examples• Apply to colleges (their websites)• Official transcripts sent (contact college admissions offices for deadlines)

Apply to college:

• Later:• Apply for FAFSA – www.fafsa.ed.gov• Attend Financial Aid Night – December 2• Spring 2015 – apply for college housing• Spring 2015 – schedule orientation/advisement

Remember, for ALL colleges:

• Establish relationship with admissions counselor• Application• Transcript• Test Scores• Scholarships and Financial Aid• Watch for Deadlines!

Reminders for In-State Universities:

• Arizona has three state universities: Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University. In addition, Grand Canyon University and Embry Riddle are two private universities.• We recommend that seniors apply to the state universities by December 1st. • In addition to completing the online application, you must also submit an official

transcript and official SAT/ACT scores. U of A also requires essays.• Once you apply, you will be considered for admission as well as merit-based monetary

awards.• After applying, you will receive instructions for creating a User ID. You will use this to

monitor your account and register for classes.• For more information, visit our College/University page for direct links to the online

application, scholarships and financial aid.

Reminders for Out-of-State Universities:• Each college and university will have a unique application process. Go directly to the school's website for

specific admission requirements, application deadlines, and application directions.• Competitive schools usually require letters of recommendation and essays in addition to the application,

transcript and ACT/SAT test scores. In some cases, these schools may also require SAT Subject tests in addition to the SAT/ACT scores. Pay close attention to each school's requirements and deadlines!

• Many competitive campuses allow you to apply using the Common Application. The benefit to you is that one application can be used for several colleges. Beware: sometimes the specific college/university will require supplemental materials above and beyond the Common Application.

• If an application has a Secondary School Report, you must ask your counselor to complete this. Please give your counselor at least two weeks notice.

• If needing a letter of recommendation, please provide your recommender an updated resume and at least two weeks notice.

• Explore the Out of State College page to find out how to apply, write a personal statement, and more.

SAT and ACT

• Colleges and universities require that you submit either an SAT or ACT test score. Check with your university to see if they have a preference.• You can take these tests as often as you want to get the best score

possible. The better your score, the better your chances of being admitted and receiving scholarships.• Check out the SAT/ACT page to find test dates (links on our school

calendar), register for the test(s) and prepare to do your best.• When you register, you can have your scores sent to four universities

for free. Take advantage of this!

Out of State Colleges:

• To qualify for IN-state tuition, you usually have to established residency there for the year prior to admission; otherwise, you pay OUT of state tuition• Essays are usually a BIG deal for out of state applicants – WHY should

they pick YOU instead of their own students and dedicated taxpayers?• Apply online• Pay attention to deadlines – they are absolutely unforgiving• Send SAT/ACT scores there – sometimes worth the investment

College Fair:http://www.fusd1.org/Page/4317

Thursday, 2 October 2014, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in Flagstaff High School dome

FAFSA• Federal Student Aid ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded financial assistance

for education beyond high school by providing money for college to students and families. The amount and type of Federal Student Aid a student receives will be different from one student to the next, depending on the family's need. Federal Student Aid may be in the form of loans which must be repaid, grants which are not paid back, and federal work-study which gives you an opportunity to work on campus.

• In order to be eligible for federal student aid, a family must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as the FAFSA). The FAFSA is a form that is prepared annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid (including the Pell Grant, Federal student loans and Federal Work-Study).

• Step One:

• Apply for your Federal Student Aid PIN (https://pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp) – DO THIS NOW!! DO NOT WAIT!!

• The best time to apply for your PIN is prior to January 1.

• Be sure to keep a record of your PIN in a safe place.

FAFSAStep Two:

• Complete the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)• The best time to complete the FAFSA is by February 15 of your senior year.• The FAFSA requires information from your parent/guardian income tax returns. If tax return

has not been filed by February 15, then you should use the estimate from last year's tax return. Once the income tax returns has been filed then you will need to update the FAFSA application.

• TIP: Apply ASAP! The sooner, the better as there are a limited amount of funds that the government has to give to students applying for Financial Aid. The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the closer you will be to the front of the line when they begin to hand out money.

• Simply put: All students need to submit a FAFSA application. The FAFSA looks at your family's finances, and then the government may offer you either student loans (which you will need to pay back), grants (which you do not have to pay back), or possibly work study (which gives you an opportunity to work on campus). Even if you or your family has money to pay for college, the colleges often insist that you complete the FAFSA.

College-Bound Student Athletes

There are 3 types of colleges/universities with athletic programs

1. NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association• Division I, Division II, Division III• The NCAA requires students to qualify through

the NCAA Eligibility Center for Division I and II. NCAA – www.ncaa.org• NCAA Eligibility Center – www.eligibilitycenter.org

2. NAIA – National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics• NAIA – www.naia.org• NAIA Eligbility Center - www.PlayNAIA.org

3. Junior or Community Colleges• NJCAA – www.njcaa.org• AACA – www.aacc.nche.edu

World of Work• Prepare to enter the world of work! How can you get the best job,

earn the most money, and be happy with the job you apply for? Follow these tips that will help you get a job in the area you want!oCreate a ResumeoCreate a Cover LetteroResearch the MarketoApply! Apply! Apply!oNot sure what you want to do? Take an Interest Inventory to find out what

jobs are associated with your interests.o We will be doing some work with AZCIS each semester this year, though you can check it

out at https://azcis.intocareers.org/materials/portal/home.html

United States Service Academy Information• There are five Service Academies in the United States. If you are interested in attending the Air

Force, Naval, Military, Merchant Marine, or Coast Guard Academy, please see the counselor by February of your Junior year.

• The application process brings in the spring of your Junior year. These are CRITICAL steps in the process:

1. Register to take either the ACT or SAT exams in the spring of your junior year. Give yourself time to retake these tests if your scores need to be improved.2. Make sure your schedule reflects classes that demonstrate a challenging college preparatory curriculum. Performing well in an Advanced Placement class will help prepare you for the rigorous academics offered at the academies. Be sure to take a minimum of:

• (4) English - College Prep Writing, Literature, AP classes• (4) Math – Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trig, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus• (4) Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP Classes• (3) Social Studies – World History, American History, Government, Economics, AP classes• (2) World Languages• (1) Computer Science

• Academies are looking for individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, as well as athletic ability, leadership and community service. The profile of a typical cadet includes the following composites:

60% Academic – High school performance, grades, and SAT/ACT scores20% Extracurricular – Athletic participation, leadership positions (scouts, school clubs, class officer), public/community involvement and work experience20% Admissions Panel – Faculty/staff review and Admissions Liaison Officer interview

Military Enlistment:• ARMY - http://www.goarmy.com• AIRFORCE - http://www.airforce.com/• MARINES - http://www.marines.com• NAVY - http://www.navy.com/navy/

ROTC Websites• Army ROTC – www.goarmy.com/rotc• Airforce ROTC – www.afrotc.com• Navy ROTC – www.nrotc.navy.mil

Career and Technical Schools

• A trade school (also known as vocational school or career college) is a school where students are taught the skills needed to perform a particular job.

• Information Technology, Automotives, Cosmetology, and Culinary Arts are just a few types of skills that individuals learn at a trade school.

Link to information on trade schools:

• http://www.trade-schools.net/locations/arizona-schools-directory.asp

General notes:

• Check school website for info on upcoming events• PSAT will be Wednesday, October 15 from 8am to noon and is free

and mandatory for sophomores, optional and $20 for juniors (register with Mrs. Velazquez and pay there)• Get involved in your school! Connect with teachers and organizations

and athletics