COLLEGE PLANNING - CLASS OF 2021

COLLEGE PLANNING – CLASS OF 2021

Thank you to the students who responded to the College Planning Survey posted in the Class of 2021
Schoology page. The information below addresses the most common questions/concerns. In addition, there
are links to key websites and other materials on the last page of this packet.

WHEN DO I APPLY TO COLLEGE?
Most college applications to 4-year colleges/universities should be completed September-October of senior
year. Each college sets their own deadline, so you need to make sure you read their instructions carefully and
understand when you need to have the application completed and submitted. Colleges like SCF and MTI have
different deadlines/timelines.

HOW DO I TO APPLY TO COLLEGE?
Applications are online. Go to the college website, look for the “Admission/Apply” tab. First – and most
important – read the instructions! Each application is different and each college may ask for different
information.

WHAT IS ON AN APPLICATION?
Attached is an overview of the three main parts of an application. But remember, this is general – each college
may ask for different items.

On the application, the colleges will ask for your contact information, personal information, your senior year
class schedule, self-reported SAT and/or ACT scores, any college credits earned (AP or DE), some will ask about
honors and awards, extracurricular activities, an essay, etc. Then, you must pay an application fee, send
official high school transcripts and official SAT/ACT test scores.

HOW MANY COLLEGES SHOULD I APPLY TO?
Excellent question! Generally speaking, students interested in 4-year college/universities should apply to
between 4-6 colleges. (some students apply to more – that’s up to you). Why? Because you want to have
options. The colleges/universities cannot accept all the students who apply.

Students interested in starting at a 2-year college (like SCF) or who are interested in technical colleges (like
MTC) may decide to apply to just one or two of those types of schools. Again, it’s always good to have options.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE ACCEPTED? WHAT GRADES ARE THE COLLEGES USING? IS IT HARD TO
BE ACCEPTED?
The requirements are different for each college. So, it’s your responsibility to research the schools you are
interested in to see what is required; the colleges then review applications and make admission decisions.
Since you are applying in at the beginning of Senior year, the transcripts you send will have your semester
grades for 9th, 10th and 11th grades. (Some colleges will ask that you send first semester senior year grades in
MHS College and Career Center May 2020

January if they are still making their decisions.) They are reviewing all of your high school grades. Some
colleges may only look at academic classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies and World Language); others
may look at all of your coursework.
Acceptance rates are different for each college/university. You can find that information on their websites.
Some schools are what we call “highly selective” – meaning they accept less than 10% of the students who
apply. Others may accept 30%-40% of the students who apply, and others 60%-70%. It all depends on the
individual college/university and the number of applications they receive. The packet of information you
received in your US History class when I visited in November had a list of the 12 public universities in Florida
and their mid-range statistics on GPA, SAT and ACT scores for the students accepted last year. These are not
the requirements to be accepted but gives you an idea of past acceptance statistics.
Two year colleges (like SCF) and technical colleges (like MTC) are different. The only requirement to be
accepted is to have graduated from high school. There may be additional requirements for specific majors, like
nursing or law enforcement, but generally speaking, you will be accepted to those types of colleges if you
graduate from high school with a standard diploma.

WHAT CLASSES SHOULD I TAKE SENIOR YEAR TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE?
Colleges want students who have continued to take academic courses during their senior year. Most 4-year
colleges/universities want to see students who take more than just the minimums – so additional English,
Math, Science or Social Studies classes are encouraged. More rigorous classes – honors, AP, Dual Enrollment –
also help prepare you for college.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE SAT/ACT? WHAT ABOUT TESTS BEING CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS? WILL
COLLEGES STILL BE EXPECTING SCORES? WHAT ARE THE SAT/ACT REQUIREMENTS FOR COLLEGES?
Juniors should have taken or be taking them NOW. Most students take these tests 2-3 times. This was a key
action step discussed when I visited your US History classes in November. Some of you may have taken tests
before Spring Break and were planning to test again before summer. And then, Coronavirus happened, and
tests were cancelled. Since that has happened, SAT and ACT have changed test dates. Students should
register RIGHT NOW for available tests – even if the tests are not until August/September. If you take the
tests at the beginning of senior year, you should have your scores in time for college deadlines. Check
previous Schoology posts about SAT/ACT and visit the SAT and ACT websites for test dates/online registration.

The Coronavirus has changed a lot of things, including how some colleges will handle SAT/ACT scores. Dozens
of colleges across the country have already announced that scores will be “optional” for current juniors to
include with their applications. So, this goes back to you doing the research for the colleges you are interested
in to see how they are handling SAT/ACT.
Each college may set minimum SAT/ACT test scores (or even sub section scores). That information will be on
the college website.

WHAT ARE GOOD COLLEGE ESSAY TOPICS? WHAT ARE SOME COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS?
Some colleges/universities ask that students write an essay or personal statement as part of the application.
The essay is a way for the schools to get to know you as a person beyond grades and test scores – what
MHS College and Career Center May 2020

motivates you, what you are passionate about, what has impacted you and the way you think. Most are about
500 words, so about a page. The colleges will provide essay prompts for you to respond to. You can write
about anything – a sports injury, a beloved grandmother, a mission trip, a volunteer activity, a hobby, etc. – as
long as what you write about is how it made you the person you are, how it impacted your life or way of
thinking, what it meant to you, what you learned from it, etc. and that it answers the essay prompt. At the
end of this packet are some websites that may help guide you as you write your essay.

I AM CONCERENED ABOUT COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS - HOW WILL NOT HAVING HOURS IMPACT
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES? HOW CAN I GET COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?
Colleges do not have a specific requirement for community service (Florida Bright Futures does – more about
that below). But on many applications, colleges will ask for things you’ve been involved with outside of school.
It’s the quality of your involvement, not the quantity of things you did. Many colleges and scholarship
organizations consider your activities – clubs, sports, work, community service, etc. when making decisions.

Even with many organizations closed to volunteering in person, think outside of the box on ways to still help
others and get involved. The College and Career page of the MHS website has some ideas for you to consider.
Remember there is a procedure to have your community service hours approved and documented by your
guidance counselor. The information and forms are on the MHS website.

HOW DO I GET FINANCIAL AID TO HELP PAY FOR COLLEGE? HOW DOES IT WORK? WILL THE CORONAVIRUS
IMPACT FINANCIAL AID?
There are four main sources of financial aid that may help your family cover the cost of college. (Check the
“Paying for College” video I posted on the Class of 2021 Schoology page.) You apply for financial aid in the fall
of Senior year. The Federal Financial Aid is the most important. It’s called FAFSA and you can apply beginning
October 1st of senior year. It is based on your families income (not grades/test scores). Florida financial aid is
for students who will attend college in Florida. Bright Futures is one of the many scholarships the state offers.
The application opens October 1st of Senior year. You must meet the GPA, test score and community service
requirements for Bright Futures. Institutional Aid is money the colleges may offer you once they review your
application and offer you admission. And private scholarships – organizations or companies that offer
scholarships to students based on whatever criteria they set. They select who receives the scholarship – it may
be one student, it may be more. Watch the video I posted on the Class of 2021 Schoology page about private
scholarships.

This is a topic that we will cover in more detail at the beginning of Senior year. At this point it’s hard to say if
the Coronavirus will have any impact on financial aid. That’s something that will continue to unfold over the
next few months.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO TO COLLEGE?
Costs vary from college to college. That information is on college websites. They should all post an estimated
Cost of Attendance, which includes the tuition and fees to pay for classes, cost of the residence halls, meal
plan, books and supplies and miscellaneous expenses. Private colleges or colleges out-of-state may cost more.
If you attend a local college and live at home, it may cost less. The cost of a particular college and your family’s
ability to pay for it should be part of your consideration when researching colleges.
MHS College and Career Center May 2020

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
How does the 2 + 2 program work? The 2 + 2 program is when students begin college at a state college like
SCF. They attend for 2 years/complete the AA degree and then apply/transfer to a university to complete the
last 2 years of the bachelor’s degree. If you plan to follow this path, as a senior you apply to just the 2-year
college - you do not apply to the university/apply to transfer until you are about to complete the AA degree.

Will MHS have any college tours? We have taken students on field trips to MTC in the past and tentatively
plan to do that again next year. We do not have tours of other colleges, but we do have a College Fair in the
fall. Plans for that are also tentative – we are awaiting more information and decisions on the impact of the
Coronavirus.
Do Dual Enrollment credits transfer? Most colleges and universities in the state will accept Dual Enrollment
credits. You would need to confirm that policy with the college you want to attend.
How do I choose a college major/how do I know what colleges are best for my major? Choosing what to study
in college is a very personal decision based on your career goals, what you enjoy doing or what you are really
good at doing. There is great information on the College Board Big Future site and the My Career Shines site.
Links are provided on the last page. What college is “best” for your major is a difficult question. What does
“best” mean to you? There are college rankings you can consider. On the college websites look for information
about that major – is it accredited? What are their certification exam pass rates for majors that require
certification (like nursing)? Ask the colleges about their program and internship opportunities. All of that can
help you decide what is “best” for you.

What should I do this summer to make sure I’m ready to apply to colleges in the fall? Here is what I
suggest:
    1. Take the SAT/ACT or get registered to take them August/September 2020. And use the
       summer to prepare for the tests – there is free online practice available to students.
    2. Research colleges online (and in person if they are open) to understand their admission
       process, application requirements, etc. Does the college have what you want to study? How do
       you fit academically? Is it too big/too small? Many are holding virtual tours and information
       sessions. See previous post in Schoology.
    3. Make a list of colleges you are interested in and know deadlines so you’ll be ready to at the
       beginning of senior year.
    4. Volunteer and prepare your resume – a document of your extracurricular activities, volunteer
       work, jobs, sports, honors and awards, etc.
    5. Start drafting your college essay – jot down topics you might like to write about.

MHS College and Career Center May 2020

APPLYING TO COLLEGE
A complete application consists of several documents – the application and application fee, transcripts and test scores. All
must be received by the colleges before they can make an admission decision.
               READ DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY – every school does things just a little differently!

1. The Application
Most colleges and universities require applications be submitted online. To begin an application, go to the college’s
website and click on “admissions” to learn about what is required and to access the application.

The applications may all be formatted differently, but generally ask for the same information, including personal
information, what classes you are taking your senior year, all school, community and volunteer activities, self-reported
SAT/ACT test scores and, sometimes, an essay. Read the directions carefully! Review your application before
you submit it. Check for spelling and grammar errors.

Students must also pay an application fee (usually around $40 per application). The application is not complete until this
fee has been paid. Once an application has been submitted, the college will provide information on how to check your
application status. It is important that you check your status to be sure all materials have been received.

2. Transcripts
You must have your official high school transcript sent to each college to which you are applying.* Your transcripts will
be sent by the Registrar directly to the colleges that you request. Your transcript includes all your high school courses,
grades, test scores and volunteer hours.

Transcripts are ordered and paid for online. How to order:
    Go to the MHS website, click on the “Academics” tab and click “Registrar”; link is on the right side of the page
    Follow the instructions to pay the $3 fee and input the address of the college(s)
    See the Registrar’s office if you have any questions (2nd floor by Guidance)

To request a hard copy of your transcripts for yourself or to send with a scholarship application, follow these same steps.
Hard copies will be available for pick up in 48 hours.

You must send a final transcript in May to the college you will attend. Orders for your final transcript will be taken in
May of your senior year.

        Volunteer Service Hours
        Volunteer service hours are included on your transcript. Check to ensure your hours have been recorded.
        FERPA
        Due to the Family Education and Privacy Act, once a student is 18 years of age, a transcript, graduation diploma,
        and all information can only be obtained by the student. A student must provide a written release for the parent to
        pick up a diploma, transcript or any other information pertaining to the student.

3. Test Scores
Students must have official score reports from SAT and/or ACT sent to each college to which they are applying. To send
your scores, log on to your SAT or ACT account and follow the links to send scores. If you have registered to take these
tests this fall, you can have your scores sent directly to the colleges by including that information on the test registration
form.

* UF, FSU and many other state universities now use a student self-reported academic record form – see their websites
                                            for details and instructions

MHS College and Career Center May 2020

LINKS/RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PLAN FOR COLLEGE
Class of 2021 Schoology Page – log in and review information previously posted related to college planning:
             o   Types of colleges/college degrees – March 11th
             o   SAT/ACT updates – March 26th, April 16th, May 15th
             o   College Majors – April 9th
             o   Virtual College Tours/Info Sessions – April 21st
             o   Private Scholarships – April 28th
             o   Paying for College – May 20th

MHS College and Career Center – https://www.manateeschools.net/domain/3113
             o   Volunteer Ideas
             o   Financial Aid Information
             o   Checklists for Juniors and Seniors
             o   Copy of handout given in US History Classes (Nov. 2019)

Big Future – College Search/College Planning - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
College Board (SAT) – www.collegeboard.org
ACT – www.actstudent.org
Khan Academy – free SAT prep - https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
ACT Academy – free ACT prep - https://academy.act.org/
Essay Tips - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays
                 https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/application-essay-topics
                 (If you want to spend a little money, this book has some good tips/advice: Fiske
                 Real College Essays That Work - by Edward Fiske, Jane Mallison, Dave Hatcher,
                 Bruce Hammond)
College Majors on Big Future - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers
My Florida Shines – career exploration and self-assessments that may help you decide a major/career -
https://www.floridashines.org/find-a-career/plan-your-future
MHS Community Service Procedures and forms - https://www.manateeschools.net/domain/3062
Florida Bright Futures – requirements and details -
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPBFMAIN/SAPBFMAIN
State College of Florida - https://www.scf.edu/
Manatee Technical College - https://www.manateetech.edu/

MHS College and Career Center May 2020