Career Planning Scholarship Information We have a new website! Visit http://bit.ly/1bubcbD to check out important information and to see a complete list and calendar of the scholarships we have on file.
Sometimes I think it is a good idea for families to have a timeline chart. Below is a “financial fit” timeline chart for parents of seniors. Ten Steps to managing your college costs without excessive debt!
Before January 1st of Senior Year Step 1 – Make sure your son or daughter pursues independent scholarships (view seminar in scholarships section) Step 2 - Learn your EFC in advance (FAFSA4caster link at lower right of website) and how to interpret it (view seminar in strategies section and read article in blog) Step 3 – Calculate your personal affordability range (view seminar in strategies section and read article in blog) Step 4 – Find college options where the net cost matches your range (view all of the seminars in the strategies section, especially the Magic 8). Step 4 is very detailed and requires the most time. Students and parent need to be on the same page…perhaps watching the 25 minute student classroom session together would help. Step 5 – Obtain a PIN (see link at lower right of website) for one parent and a PIN for the student applicant Then after January 1 Step 6 – File the FAFSA (link on lower right) listing all the schools where the student has applied…..(an audio version of the correct way to file the 2011-2012 FAFSA will appear on the home page of the website by January 1st – use it to file correctly) Step 7 – Determine whether you are eligible to appeal (view seminar in Financial Aid Process section) Step 8 – Await award letters, and once they arrive; make sure that they are legitimate awards without misleading information (view seminar in the paying for college section) Step 9 - Analyze all of the awards to see if any of the schools’ have net costs that fit your affordability range Step 10 – If you will have to borrow to fund college, analyze the 10 loan options (view seminar in the paying for college section)
Make your final decision by May 1st! |
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Career
Cruising:
The Student Services Department would like to introduce Career Cruising as our main Individualized Career Portfolio (ICP) for our students from 09-12th grade. With Career Cruising's exceptional assessment tools, detailed occupation profiles, and comprehensive post-secondary education information, you move seamlessly through the career exploration and planning process. At the same time, you have access to the real-time information and statistics you need to track your students' progress and achievement. To access the site, visit www.careercruising.com and login using the following credentials – Username: plano Password: careers The program features: » Exceptional Interest Assessment » In-depth Occupation Profiles » Multimedia Informational Interviews » Comprehensive College, University, and Financial Aid Information » Engaging Career Portfolio Tool Explore Colleges and Universities It is recommended by the Student Services Department for the Juniors to Go to Career Cruising and Explore Colleges and Universities & to set up numerous College/University visits throughout Junior year and the summer before Senior year. Career Cruising provides comprehensive information on thousands of 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges, and career and technical schools across the country. The school profiles include: » School overview (including type, location, setting, website) » Admission requirements and contact information » Estimated expenses » Enrollment and freshman profile » Details on libraries, housing, and other facilities » Clubs and social organizations » Intercollegiate athletics, intramural sports, and athletic scholarships » Majors offered High School Planning Timeline: https://secure.whatsnextillinois.org/Home/_default.aspx The High School Planning Timeline can help you get ready for high school and have a successful high school experience. Follow the steps in the timeline throughout the school year. You can print the timeline page and use it as a checklist or a reminder. All the steps you need to follow for high school planning, college planning and financial aid planning are shown for each grade. In this section, the high school planning steps are highlighted. Steps for alternate pathways after high school are also included. There's lots to do. Stay on track. College Searches: U.S. College Search: Browse colleges by name, location or program eLearners: Search for a college by location, program and athletics College Net - Hosts official forms for many colleges and universities including admission forms, housing forms, etc. College Plan - Information on college selection. Admission, financial aid, etc. Peterson - Details on every US accredited college Princeton Review - Information and statistics on over 1200 four-year colleges. |
Financial Aid Sites:
Scholarship Sites:
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