September FOR FAMILIES OF 11th GRADE STUDENTS Welcome to Junior Year! Junior year is very important because for most students and families, it’s when college planning activities kick into high gear. This fall, your child can prepare for education beyond high school by taking the PSAT. It is a good idea for students to take it even if they're not sure they want to go to a four-year college. The PSAT assesses academic skills and gives students the chance to practice for the SAT. PSAT scores can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Your child’s path after high school could include a four-year college, a two-year college, a CTE (technical college), military, or entering the workforce. To pursue those options, your teen should prepare to take an entrance exam. No matter what path your child chooses, it will likely require at least one entrance exam. Talk to the guidance counselor to learn more about which test your child should take, when, and how to get a fee waiver if necessary. The SAT and ACT are the main entrance exams for four-year colleges. The PSAT is the practice test for the SAT. Students will begin to register for and take other postsecondary exams junior year, depending on which postsecondary path they choose, juniors may take other postsecondary exams as well. Students can learn more about each of these exams and the registration processes at the following Internet sites: Four-year colleges: SAT, SAT Subject Tests: and ACT: Two-year colleges: ACCUPLACER: Military: Free test preparation is available on each of the tests’ websites. Test fees may be waived for students who meet income eligibility guidelines. Talk to a guidance counselor to see if your junior is eligible for fee waivers. Research indicates that “hope is a better predictor of college success and graduation than GPA and test scores.” Source: Brandon Busteed, Executive Director, Gallup Education
April FOR FAMILIES OF 11th GRADE STUDENTS Campus Visits Visiting colleges can help your child find their best college fit. All colleges have admission offices that can help you plan your visit. Or find out if the high school has organized any group tours of nearby colleges. If possible, you can plan your own visit to a college campus. Take these important first steps: Contact the college admissions office the college's website or by email or phone to get details and make a reservation. Talk to the high school counselor about joining an organized tour of campuses you might not get to visit otherwise. Campus visits can vary, but most will include the following: An information session. An admission representative talks to you about the college before the campus tour. A campus tour. These are usually led by current students. You’ll see the main parts of the campus and have a chance to ask questions. Additional opportunities. At many colleges, you can also arrange to do the following: attend a class, eat in the dining hall, and/or meet with a professor, an admission officer, and/or a financial aid officer. Before your visit: Explore the college’s website and review any materials the college has sent you. Make a list of questions to ask both staff and students. You can use the as a starting point. Get a map of the college campus and where the admission office is. This will help ensure that you're on time for your visit. When you're to go, pack a notebook and a camera so you can record your impressions. Source: Research shows that furthering your education sets people on a path that leads to higher earnings, having access to healthier foods, and living in safer neighborhoods. Source:
MYTH: The cost of college is so high it’s not even an option anymore! REALITY: If students want to go to college, they are living in the state! Washington is number one nationally for students receiving undergraduate financial aid. 157,000 students with financial need received $1.9 billion in assistance in 2014-15. This does not include students receiving scholarships and loans without need-based aid. Source: Student Checklist thinking about your applications. Generally, colleges will have their applications online by the beginning of August. Work on the essay before you return to school. Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering attending. If you can, visit the schools that interest you most. Contact colleges to request information and applications for admission. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines. Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular college’s early decision or early action program. Be sure to learn about the program deadlines and requirements. Use the FAFSA4caster financial aid estimator and compare your results to the actual costs at the colleges to which you will apply. Family Checklist Take a look at your financial situation and learn about ways to help pay for college. Get the facts about what college costs. You may be surprised by how affordable higher education can be. Start by reading . Explore financial aid options. include grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study programs that can help pay for college costs. Find out more about how . Sources: , ,